On a team loaded with talented players, St. Joseph Catholic School senior Rhoderick Gentry Jr. sometimes does not receive all the accolades that his talent deserves.
But on Friday night, during the Fighting Irish’s 58-23 victory over Central Hinds Academy, Gentry Jr., a senior, made a number of big plays to illustrate that he too merits plenty of the spotlight as well.
Gentry began his fine play early when he scored on a 25-yard touchdown run in the opening series for the Fighting Irish. A few minutes later Gentry. then bolted down the sideline to catch an 83-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mekhi Norris. This score put St. Joe up 22-7 as the Fighting Irish would continue to have an answer every time their opponents from Raymond got within relative striking distance.
“It feels great to be able to help my team out tonight,” Gentry said. “Even though it is fun to break loose for those big plays, it really does not matter who on our team scores. All that matters is that we win.”
The victory for the Irish Friday moved their record to 6-0. St. Joe is seeking its third straight MAIS state championship and has a 17-game active winning streak, which is the longest in the state of Mississippi in either public or private school football.
Gentry Jr. was not the only Irish player to shine in this game. Star seniors Trey Benson and Dillon Johnson each scored on a number of long runs. After scoring on a one-yard run to for the Irish’s second score, Johnson then scored on a 78-yard run and a 53-yard run in the first half.
Between Johnson’s two big first half scores, Fighting Irish freshman C.J. Moore returned a fumble recovery 83 yards to put the Irish up 37-7 with six minutes left until halftime.
A big run by Trey Benson from 54 yards out in the third quarter all but sealed the game.
“We are just going to try to keep getting better every week,” Coach John Baker said. “Our goal is to win the state championship so we have to stay focused and keep working hard.”
