Jasmine Steverson
Special to the DD-T
HOLLANDALE — The high school football season has officially commenced as Simmons High School hosted a 5-team jamboree on Friday at Simmons High School.
The Simmons versus Northside competition finished the night with the Gators winning the scrimmage 6-0. The game was highly anticipated because former Simmons head coach Tavares Johnson now leads the newly formed Northside Gators.
Simmons struggled to stop the Northside offense, and the Gators scored on a run with 7 minutes left.
Once Simmons got their turn, there was no sign of the Gators letting up, managing consecutive defensive stops.
The Gators made it nearly impossible for the Blue Devils to convert a first down.
The Simmons Blue Devils will face Amanda Elzy in their season opener this upcoming Friday at home.
South Delta 6, Lefore County 0
In the first matchup of the jamboree South Delta freshman running back Trevon Brown was a force on the ground. Brown scored the first and only touchdown in the scrimmage.
Brown’s touchdown, along with a crucial fumble recovery by the Bulldog defense, turned out to be enough to stave off the Tigers.
Brown had significant help from his fellow running back, senior Sedric Thomas.
Thomas was key in converting downs for the Bulldog offense. South Delta head coach Derrick Hooker said that although Thomas did not start last year, he worked very hard over the summer to be in the position he is in now on the team.
Gentry 6, South Delta 0
Gentry toppled the South Delta Bulldogs 6-0 in a hard fought battle of possession. The Gentry defense proved problematic for the Bulldogs in their initial drive With 6:20 left in the 12-minute long scrimmage, a Rams’ running back Demarcus Moore scored the touchdown that would ensure their victory over the Bulldogs. When asked what to expect of returning senior quarterback Joshujuan Townsend/Coach Mario Young enthusiastically responded, “I expect him to have a 2,500 yard season. He brings versatility, he’s the most experienced, and he’ll be the one to carry his team.”
Leflore County 6, Gentry 0
Though unsuccessful in their first challenge against the South Delta Bulldogs, the Leflore County Tigers’ defense went full throttle against the Gentry Rams and the Tiger offense in kind, overwhelmed the Rams’ defense by way of sophomore quarterback Deandre Smith. On a quarterback keeper with 3 minutes left, Smith rushed into the endzone to give the Tigers the touchdown that would result in a 6-0 win over the Rams.
