Yazoo County’s quest for an undefeated season and a state title took another big step forward on Friday night when they hammered Ruleville Central 43-7.
The win brought Yazoo County’s record to 7-0, making it the best start in school history.
The Panthers began the game in a high gear, gashing the Ruleville Central defense on big play after big play.
At the half, the Panthers led 22-7.
Things got no better for Ruleville after the break.
Yazoo County’s offensive onslaught put up 21 more points, and their defense pitched a shutout to make the final score 43-7.
According to Yazoo County head coach Robert Dobbs, the offense finally began as quickly as he hoped.
“We were clicking offensively on Friday night,” Dobbs said. “We had been starting slow in games, so that was a good thing to see. We played with a lot of effort. That’s not to take anything away from Ruleville. They did some things against us that wasn’t on tape. They forced us to adjust, and we did that.”
When the Panthers take the field, they have the belief that they will win every game.
They believe in the coaching staff.
They believe in themselves.
Dobbs believes that their belief separates them from other teams.
“The most important thing for us is that the kids believe in what we’re doing,” Dobbs said. “They believe in our scheme, and they believe in what the coaches tell them. We have 11 brothers out there on the field on offense, defense, and special teams. Our guys are doing what it takes to get it done.”
Kenneth Gainwell had a monstrous game in the win. The senior carried the ball 15 times for 222 yards and five touchdowns. He also went 5-for-9 for 161 yards through the air.
Cherokee Edwards ran the ball nine times for 79 yards.
Devarrio Sanders had a rushing touchdown in the win.
Tredarius Carr was a terror in the win, racking up eight total tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
Dontrell Green hauled in four passes for 141 yards.
Demartell Carter had three total tackles, two of which were for loss, and two sacks.
Alphonso Ray had eight total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack in the win.
Yazoo County’s journey continues against Amanda Elzy on Friday night.
Amanda Elzy dropped to 0-8 on the year after falling 16-12 to Humphreys County in recent action.
Dobbs feels that, despite their record, Amanda Elzy will come in and punch them in the mouth with their physical style.
“Amanda Elzy plays hard,” Dobbs said. “They have some decent size. They have some good-looking athletes. They’ve got a good coach. I think they will have more discipline than last year, and they will be a challenge. They’ll line up in the I-formation and run downhill at us. It’s an old school philosophy.”
Kickoff at Yazoo County is set for 7 p.m.
