The Wilkinson County High School Wildcats got several big plays from their defense as they defeated defending the MHSAA Class 3A state champion Kemper County Wildcats 15-8 Friday night.

Even though Wilkinson County went into this game looking to avenge last year’s 36-16 loss in the second round of the Class 3A South State Playoffs, the Kemper County team it faced Friday night did not resemble the one the visiting Wildcats played last year.

However, the host Wildcats (0-6) still had their chances to come away with their first win of the season.

“They had some opportunities. But we stepped up (defensively) when we needed to,” Wilkinson County head coach Kenneth Brown said. “Had a couple of picks. Had a couple of fumble recoveries, and at crucial times. They were one play away form winning it, but we held on.”

The visiting Wildcats led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams scored a touchdown and two-point conversion in the second quarter, giving Wilkinson County a 15-8 lead at the half. Neither team was able to get into the end zone in the second half.

“We’ve still got work to do. A lot of penalties called. We’ve just got to learn to win instead of shooting ourselves in the foot. And, we did some of that,” Brown said. “But we’ll take a win. The defense played well.”

Wilkinson County (2-3) hosts Franklin County for homecoming in the MHSAA Region 7-3A opener for both teams. Kickoff next Friday is set for 7 p.m.