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Block’s Michael Barber rumbles for an 11-yard touchdown run Thursday night. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Erica Branch cheers on her son during Thursday’s game at Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

April Duncan, and Zorian Bowie watch Block High School’s game Thursday at Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

asmi Duncan holds Lala Drumgoole, 4, and Malaysia Duncan, 2, as they sleep during Thursday’s game in Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Bradarrius Wilkerson dances and cheers on Block High School with Serenity Jordan during Thursday’s game Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Bradarrius Wilkerson dances and cheers on Block High School with Chloe Pennington, 9, and Sierrah Jordan, 5, during Thursday’s game Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Block High School Cheerleaders freshman Annia Thomas and sophomore Shir’Cold Bowman during Thursday’s game Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Block’s T.J. McClung attempts to fend off Northwood’s Jacob Martin during Thursday night’s game. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat

On Tuesday, the town of Jonesville will have a celebration to commemorate its 100th birthday.

The Block High School football team gave Jonesville something else to celebrate just a little bit sooner Thursday night.

Jay Duncan threw three touchdown passes and Michael Barber ran for 105 yards to lift Block past Northwood High School, 34-22.

“This means a lot,” Block coach Bo Sproles said. “Anytime we see improvement in our team, it’s good. Not just getting a win. That’s what I like to see, and we did that tonight. We came out and played hard.”

A 20-0 scoring run bridged between the middle of the third period and the early portion of the fourth proved to be the difference for the Bears (1-6, 1-1).

The spurt was aided by a pair of fumbled kick returns by the Gators (0-7, 0-2), with both turnovers leading directly to Bears scores.

“It feels good to get the first win,” May said. “Coach Sproles does a good job coaching, and we just had to be patient.”

May completed 6 of 10 pass attempts for 137 yards and just one interception.

“I have to give thanks to my teammates,” May said. “If they didn’t catch (the passes), then they wouldn’t count.”
While May provided the air attack, Barber took care of the rushing game, utilizing his bulky frame to pound his way past the century mark and a score.

“If Michael Barber was two inches taller, we’d have every Division I coach in American down here looking at that kid,” Sproles said. “Not only is he a great kid in the classroom — he wins all of our merit awards — he’s football smart. He coaches me to coach these kids. … I want to adopt him, but his folks won’t give him up.”

Senior running back Freddon Butcher chipped in with 125 total yards and scored two touchdowns.

Northwood was led by running back Xavion Francis, who had two touchdown runs of more than 50 yards.
Block outgained Northwood for the game 271 yards to 219.

Block will be back in action Oct. 21 when it travels to Montgomery High School.

“The running game is getting more consistent, and that’s what I like to see,” Sproles said. “It was an all-out effort.”

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