The Yazoo County Panthers’ assault on the MHSAA’s 3A division with their 42-7 victory over Booneville in the first round of the playoffs.
The Panthers are 11-0 heading into the second round.
Yazoo County started off the game with a bang with a touchdown by Cherokee Edwards in the opening minutes of the game, giving them a 7-0 lead.
With 5:49 remaining in the first quarter, Kenneth Gainwell connected with Corey Rucker, giving the Panthers their second touchdown of the contest, putting them up 14-0.
After a Yazoo County interception by Alphonso Ray, the Panthers extended their lead to 20-0 with a Kenneth Gainwell 30-yard touchdown run.
Booneville faked a punt deep in their own territory, but they were unsuccessful, giving the Panthers a short field to work with on their ensuing drive. Gainwell made the best of that with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Dontrell Green, making it a 28-0 game.
The final score of the half came in the form of a Kory Gainwell punt return, making it a 35-0 game at the half.
With a quick moving clock in the second half, Booneville finally got on the board with a touchdown, but Yazoo County answered with a long Devarrio Sanders touchdown run, making the final score 42-7.
Despite the big win, Yazoo County head football coach Robert Dobbs has some issues with how his defense performed early.
“The game went as we had hoped for the most part,” Dobbs said. “Our defense made way too many mistakes in the first quarter. We made some adjustments and cleaned it up in the second quarter. I’m proud of our effort, how we adjusted, and how we won the game.”
According to Dobbs, the slow start could be attributed to just how difficult it is for a team to come out firing on all cylinders week in and week out.
He did say, however, that this particular team has been very good at it all season.
“Sometimes it is a challenge to keep up the consistency and intensity from one big game to the next,” Dobbs admitted. “That’s a challenge coaches face. I think our kids have been very good this year at fighting through that challenge and showing up for each and every game.”
Kenneth Gainwell rushed for five times for 72 yards with a touchdown and a fumble. Gainwell also tossed two touchdowns in the win.
Devarrio Sanders took his four carries for 95 yards and a score.
The thunder to Sanders’ lightning, Cherokee Edwards, ran the ball six times for 47 yards and a score.
Dontrell Green caught four passes for 36 yards and a score.
Corey Rucker caught two passes for 24 yards and a score.
Kory Gainwell returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. On defense, Gainwell also had eight total tackles and an interception.
Ben Luckett and Kenderian Dixon each tied with a team-high nine tackles in the victory.
Kelon Dixon recorded seven total tackles, four of which were for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry.
Dyevionte Brown had four total tackles, two of which were for loss in the win.
Yazoo County will look to improve to 12-0 on Friday night when Water Valley visits “The Swamp.”
Water Valley is 8-4 on the season after winning their first-round playoff game against South Pontotoc 50-22.
Dobbs believes the explosive Water Valley offense is at its strongest in the trenches, giving them the ability to mask whatever flaws they may have.
“They’re a good, disciplined team,” Dobbs said. “From watching their film, I feel that their strength is their offensive line. They make contact and do a good job of driving people off the ball.”
Water Valley’s dominance in the trenches doesn’t mean they’re stuck as a running team, however.
Dobbs believes they’re talented in numerous positions, allowing them to be both multiple and dangerous on offense.
“They’re a 50/50 team when it comes to their offense, Dobbs said. “They’re just as comfortable putting the ball in the air as they are running it. They can throw it up to a talented group of wide receivers or run behind those big offensive linemen. They’re going to be coached up well, and they have some talent. It’s going to be a true test for us.”
Kickoff at Yazoo County is set for 7 p.m.
