Despite a slow start, the Indians of Yazoo City managed to obliterate Amanda Elzy to the tune of 52-14 to improve their record to 4-2.
Yazoo City’s offense took a little while to get going against the Panthers, as they were unable to score on their first two drives.
But it all came together quickly enough. They scored one touchdown in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead into the second quarter
Things went south for Amanda Elzy in a bad way in the second quarter, where the Indians outscored them 30-8 to take a 36-8 lead into the half.
The Indians added eight more points to their total in the third quarter to extend their lead to 46-8.
In the fourth quarter, Yazoo City outscored Amanda Elzy 8-6 to bring the final score to 52-14.
The Panthers only managed five first downs in the blowout loss.
Although the Indians earned a much-needed win, Yazoo City head coach Timothy Johnson still sees areas where his team could have been better.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Johnson said. “We had some botched snaps. I didn’t love our kickoff coverage. We didn’t execute our fakes properly. We need to be better on the lines. We have room to improve.”
One thing that Johnson wanted to see heading into the game was a more physical brand of football.
To ensure that would be the case, Johnson had his guys practice in a physical way.
“We’re getting a little more physical,” Johnson said. “I had some things I changed in practice. We hit every day now. On Monday-Wednesday, we hit. We’re back on the sled. I’ve found that if we hit in practice, we’ll hit in the games.”
Still, despite Johnson’s high standards and insatiable desire to see his team get better, they all enjoyed the win.
“This is the first time they’ve won more than two games in a season since 2013,” Johnson said. “We’re enjoying the win, particularly since we lost that Port Gibson game. That really left a bad taste in our mouths. I want them to keep that bad taste in their stomachs because I want them to remember it and stay hungry. We’re pleased with the win, though.”
Roncedrick Weekly continued his offensive onslaught against the Panthers, going 16-for-20 through the air for 374 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also added 208 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries.
Rorecoss Willis caught seven of Weekly’s passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Kory Price was right behind Willis with five receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Tommy Washington caught one 65-yard pass.
Jared Waters rushed eight times for 106 yards in the win.
Roderick Knight led the Indians with six total tackles and two sacks on the night.
Talyn McCalster had five total tackles and two sacks.
Javarious Grady had three total tackles, a sack, and an interception in the victory.
Yazoo City has one of their biggest games of the season when they travel to Clarksdale to open conference play against the Wildcats.
Clarksdale is 1-5 on the season after falling to Shannon 28-18 on Friday night.
Johnson believes the game could have a major impact on the future of the season.
“They’re a running team,” Johnson said. “They’re going to try to establish the run. They’re going to man up on against us. We have to stay true to ourselves. We have to stay physical. We have to stay together. If we can go there and win, I think we can win the conference.”
Kickoff at Clarksdale is set for 7 p.m.
