Ferriday utilizes rushing attack to race past Block, 42-6

Published 5:24 pm Thursday, September 8, 2016

Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods said his team was more mentally sound team after an opening loss to Carroll High School last week.

That focus on full display as the Trojans harnessed their size and speed advantages in a 42-6 blowout of Block High School Thursday night.

“We were probably the more physical team this week,” Woods said. “We came in with a mindset that every week we’re going to have a target on our back.”

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Block was on the board first when it recovered a fumbled punt after going three-and-out on its first drive. Bears’ quarterback Zorlan Bowles connected with Elton Mayes on the following play from the 11-yard line to give Block a 6-0 lead.

Ferriday responded on its second drive of the game. Running back Milak Hampton led a 64-yard drive, capped off by a rushing touchdown from quarterback Ronald Williams.

Hampton led the following two-play drive, rushing 25 then 14 yards for the score and a 14-6 Ferriday lead.

The 5-foot-5 Hampton said the read-option that toggles runs between Williams and himself is what makes Ferriday’s offense so threatening.

“I thank God for having the line I have,” Hampton said. “Being a small person, I’m behind the big line and it’s hard to get vision on me.”

After the first quarter, Block was stuffed offensively. The Bears tallied -9 total yards in the first half and -11 total yards overall after a running second-half clock.

“We just didn’t keep attacking. We slacked up,” head coach Bo Sproles said. “After that, how do you plan for size and speed like that. It’s insane.”

Hampton tallied 179 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans, rushing just once in the second half. Williams rushed for 67 yards and was 10-for-18 passing for 74 yards. Defensive tackle

National recruit Dare Rosenthal had two sacks, one solo tackle for loss and blocked a punt. Melvin Jones hauled in an interception.

Sproles said Block had the benefit of cycling in players during the game, which he said will provide valuable depth for late-season play.

“We’re trying to survive to make it to district,” Sproles said. “We’re trying to get in as many guys as we can and give them field experience.”

As for Ferriday, the next test is Vidalia High School in one week. Woods acknowledges the neighboring team’s stout defense and Hampton said the Trojan locker room is already buzzing about the 2016 installment of Trojans versus Vikings.

“We’re talking about (Vidalia) now,” Hampton said.