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August 28, 2010

No. 2 Meridian upends No. 10 Wayne County

By Daniel Rigdon / Sports Writer The Meridian Star The Meridian Star Sat Aug 28, 2010, 06:00 AM CDT

WAYNESBORO —     It is said that defense wins championships.

   If that is the case than No. 2 ranked Meridian High is well on its way in 2010 as it shut down a potent No. 10 Wayne County offense allowing just 95 total yards at War Eagle Field on Friday night in an impressive 26-6 win.

   That is 205 yards allowed in the Wildcats first two games. Total.

   The 'Cats (2-0) went to work early as defensive back DeAngelo Ford picked off Wayne County quarterback Jarvis Chambers on the first play of scrimmage and returned it from midfield all the way down to the War Eagle 20-yard line.

   Five plays after the pick, Wildcats' running back Kenya Roberts, who had a standout game, punched in to the end zone from 1 yard out. That would be the first of four trips to pay dirt for Roberts on the night. Meridian's two-point conversion attempt was no good and the score stood 6-0 three minutes into the contest.

   Again the 'Cat defense would force a turnover on the War Eagles' next possession as Jodase Rhone demolished Chambers to get the first sack of the night and force the fumble that was recovered deep in Wayne territory.

   “They played hard,” said Meridian coach Larry Weems of his defense. “They played very physical all night.”

   MHS again put the load on Roberts as he hit holes up the middle and gained chunks of yardage over a nine-play span before finally rumbling into the end zone on a second-and-goal to put Meridian High up 13-0.

   However, Wayne County (1-1) would finally manage to gain some momentum as it opened up the second quarter driving 75 yards thanks to a few untimely Wildcat penalties. The War Eagles pulled to within a touchdown when running back Rasharid Bowman scored from 1 yard out.

   “I think we got tired late in that second quarter and let that drive happen,” added Weems. “We gave up two third down plays when we had a chance to get off the field and penalties hurt us too.”

   Unfortunately for WCHS, that would be the last time it managed to get deep into Meridian territory.

   After an errant exchange on the snap by Wayne gave the 'Cats the ball back late in the half at its 18 yard line, MHS capitalized yet again on the turnover when Roberts found the end zone again with 18 seconds left in the first half.

   That would give the Wildcats' defense, a unit that looked like men among boys throughout the night, all the momentum it needed. The War Eagles would only manage to get three first downs in the entire half.

   Roberts, who added his last touchdown of the night with three minutes left, carried the ball 28 times for 93 yards and the four scores. MHS quarterback Antionne Adkins rushed 14 times for 95 yards, while completing 5-of-9 passes for 59 yards.

   “You know they (Wayne County) can play defense too now,” said Weems. “They knew we were going to run it and they brought it. But anytime you can hang 26 points on Wayne County you have to feel like you really did something because they got great athletes and can play.

   "It was a good effort from all our kids and all are plays may not have worked tonight but that's what we are trying to do to get better as a team.”

   Meridian will be back at Ray Stadium next Friday night when it takes on rival Starkville.

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