In a game filled with offense, it was Magnolia Heights School’s defense that stood tall in a crucial situation to lift the Chiefs to a thrilling 31-28 homecoming victory Friday, Sept. 26 against Heritage Academy.
Holding a 24-21 lead with 9:01 remaining in the contest, Magnolia Heights (6-0) stuffed the Patriots on a fourth down-play near midfield and used that momentum to seal the deal keeping its undefeated season alive.
Cayden Prestage hooked up with receiver Jake Johnston five minutes later with a 16-yard touchdown pass to propel the Chiefs to a 31-21 lead.
A feisty Heritage Academy squad answered with a one-yard touchdown run with 51 seconds remaining, but Magnolia Heights recovered the ensuing onside kick.
“I’m really proud of the way our guys have worked. They are a tight group that really care about each other and want what’s best for our team,” said MHS Coach Russ Whiteside, who pulled double duty by escorting his daughter Lucy during a halftime homecoming ceremony.
“We’ve been really efficient on the offensive side of the ball with an offensive line that’s made up of mostly seniors, and we are continuing to improve each week on the defensive side.”
MHS led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a one-yard run by Cayden Prestage and 39-yard field goal by Cash Jackson.
The two teams traded leads four times in the third quarter as Heritage Academy’s quarterback threw for one touchdown and rushed for another.
The Chiefs answered in the third period with a 76-yard scoring pass from quarterback Brannan Overstreet to Jake Johnston and one-yard run by Overstreet, who finished with 219 passing yards.
The Chiefs step back into division play Friday, Oct. 3 by hosting Jackson Academy at James E. Cahill Field in Senatobia.
