Mekhi Norris, the Planters Bank Player of the Week, has done just about everything right for the St. Joseph Catholic School football team this season.
Norris, a junior, has been the quarterback for the Fighting Irish for most of the year and has helped lead St. Joe to a perfect 11-0 record.
This season, Norris has thrown 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
“One of the great things he has done is not force anything,” St. Joseph coach John Baker said. “We knew he had all the talent, but his decision making has been great as well.”
On the ground, Norris has been another dynamic rusher for the Fighting Irish who host Carroll Academy this Friday night in the MAIS Class 3A State Semifinals. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The numbers reveal Norris has rushed for 321 yards and six touchdowns this season, but that only tells half the story.
Norris has made a number of big first down conversions this season when his team needed them most, especially in their big victory over Pillow Academy a few weeks ago. Norris has stepped up to make the big play whenever St. Joe stars Trey Benson or Dillon Johnson needed a breather or were taken out of a play.
On the defensive side of the ball, Norris has also come up big in key moments. During last week’s 42-27 win over Central Holmes Christian, for example, Norris made a key interception in the third quarter to stop a go-ahead Central Holmes’ drive.
Coach Baker said he will need Norris and all of his play makers to have great games this Friday against Carroll Academy. The Rebels come into Greenville Friday with a 10-2 record and have won their first two playoff games by a combined total of 87-6. Carroll Academy defeated Sylva Bay Academy 35-6 last Friday night.
“We are playing a very big and physical team, and I believe they are the best team that we have played this season,” Coach Baker said.
Slowing down the Carroll Academy rushing attack will be crucial for the Irish, Coach Baker said, noting that defensive linemen Brittain Virden, Fred Townsend, Michael Robinson and Devin McCray will need to play extremely well.
“This is a huge week for our defensive tackles,” Coach Baker said.
