Leading 26-7 late int the first half, it seemed that Senatobia was well on its way to a region-opening victory on Homecoming night.
However, New Albany had something to say about that in the second half, as the Bulldogs battled back from the deficit to outscore the Warriors, 16-6, over the final two quarters. Despite the strong rally, the Warriors ultimately held on for the 34-31 triumph.
New Albany struck first midway through the first quarter, as Bulldogs’ quarterback Braden Shettles kept it himself for an 11-yard score. New Albany followed with a successful point-after attempt, going up 7-0.
Senatobia responded in a big way on the very next possession, as Jay Bonner hit John Bobo on a deep 58-yard touchdown pass. However, the Warriors were unable to convert the point-after attempt and remained behind by one, 7-6.
After an unsuccessful possession for New Albany, the Warriors took full advantage, as Bonner scored from 17 yards out to put Senatobia on top, 12-7.
While the defense continued to cause fits for the Bulldogs’ offense, Senatobia kept the hot streak going on offense, scoring once again on its next possession. This time, it was a short score from Julien Tabor and a successful two-point conversion, allowing the Warriors to widen the gap to 20-7 in the second quarter.
Another late second quarter drive yielded points just before halftime. On fourth and goal, Bonner hit Jabez Burdette on a short touchdown pass, which he stretched across the plane before being knocked out by New Albany. The Warriors failed to convert the two-point attempt, but went ahead 26-7.
Desperate for answers before halftime, New Albany finally found a score in the form of a scrambling touchdown pass from Shettles to Ke’lan Simpson in the back of the end zone. The Bulldogs then converted the two-point attempt, closing the gap to 26-15 at the break.
Early in the third quarter, it seemed that Senatobia would pick up right where it left off. Bonner broke free on a 22-yard run to get the Warriors in the red zone, but the Bulldogs’ defense stopped Senatobia on fourth and goal from the three-yard line, denying points for SHS.
From there, New Albany began its comeback. With the ball on the 48-yard line, Shettles dropped in a long touchdown pass to Kaleb Shumpert. The Bulldogs then converted the two-point attempt, closing the gap once more to 26-23.
Senatobia began a much-needed scoring drive to close out the third quarter. With the possession carrying over into the fourth quarter, Tabor scored from 10 yards out on a pass from Bonner. On the two-point attempt, Bonner connected again with Burdette, helping put SHS ahead 34-23.
With the clock running down, Shettles hooked up with Shumpert on a 35-yard touchdown pass and the Bulldogs followed with a two-point conversion, bringing New Albany back within 34-31. However, the ensuing onside kick skipped out of bounds, giving the Warriors the chance to run out the clock and score the victory on Homecoming.
With the win, Senatobia improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in Region 2-4A, while New Albany dropped to 3-2 on the season and 0-1 in region play. SHS will go on the road for the next three weeks, starting with this Friday’s contest at South Pontotoc. The Cougars (2-4, 0-1 Region 2-4A) are coming off a 35-17 loss to rival North Pontotoc.
Kickoff for Friday’s contest is slated for 7 P.M.
In other action:
Independence 20, Holly Springs 8
Homecoming was also kind to Independence on Friday evening, as the Wildcats battled out a 20-8 victory in a defensive-heavy clash.
Independence led the Hawks 8-0 at halftime, thanks to a second quarter touchdown by Keitavious Moore. No other scoring would take place until the fourth quarter, when Holly Springs knotted the game up at 8-8 on a short rushing touchdown.
Special teams helped change things in favor of the Wildcats, as Kelvin Walker scored on a long punt return touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. IHS followed with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Brady Adams to Martavion Green, sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
With the win, Independence moved to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in Region 2-3A. Holly Springs dropped to 3-3 on the season and 0-1 in region play.
Next up for Independence is the final home game of the regular season, a matchup with Rosa Fort for senior night. The Lions (4-2, 1-0 Region 3-2A) are coming off a thrilling 38-26 win against Coahoma County.
Kickoff for this Friday’s matchup between Independence and Rosa Fort is set for 7 P.M.
Falkner 27, Strayhorn 19
A 13-7 first quarter lead evaporated for Strayhorn, as the Mustangs were outscored 20-6 over the remaining three quarters in Friday’s loss to Falkner.
Falkner scored 13 points alone in the second quarter, while Strayhorn’s final touchdown came in the third. Down 20-19 in the fourth, the Mustangs surrendered another Eagles’ touchdown, helping Falkner secure the win.
Strayhorn quarterback Tyson Whitsell rushed for a short touchdown and also hurled a 25-yard touchdown pass.
With the loss, the Mustangs fell to 2-4 on the season, as Falkner improved to 4-2 overall.
Next up for Strayhorn is one final non-region contest against Walnut, scheduled for a 7 P.M. kickoff on Friday. The Wildcats (3-3) are coming off a 33-12 loss to Baldwyn.
