MHS aims to shake off division-opening setback

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September 28, 2012

MHS aims to shake off division-opening setback

By Jamie Wachter / Sports Editor Associated Press Fri Sep 28, 2012, 06:00 AM CDT

MERIDIAN —     Losses in division play don’t happen very often for Meridian High School. Setbacks to open the division schedule are even more rare for the Wildcats.

   However, MHS finds itself trying to rebound from just that when Hattiesburg visits Ray Stadium at 7:30 p.m. today. The Wildcats, who are now ranked No. 7 in the state, fell 54-41 at Natchez a week ago in the Division 3-6A opener.

   That loss was the 4-1 Wildcats’ first loss to the Bulldogs since 1997. It was also the first division-opening defeat for Meridian since 2002, and just the third loss inside division play since Larry Weems took over in 2006.

   Now, though, MHS just has to regroup and avoid an 0-2 start in a division that includes other state heavyweights Brandon, Petal and Oak Grove in addition to the Tigers that suffered their first defeat last week.

   “We just do what we always do, try and get ready to play the next contest,” MHS coach Larry Weems said. “You can’t do anything to change what’s already happened and they’re not taking it back. You just go back to work and get ready for the next challenge.

   “They are all important and they all weigh the same. I think any team that loses two division games in our division will have a hard time making the playoffs. I’m not saying you can’t, just that it will be difficult.”

   If the Wildcats are able to accomplish that, it must start with improvement defensively. After allowing just 39 points in its 4-0 nonconference start, the MHS defense was gouged by Natchez last week. The Bulldogs racked up 469 yards and 26 first downs against the Wildcats as they raced out to a 28-0 lead.

   “We can’t give up 54 points,” Weems said. “We have to make plays, make tackles and get off the field.

   “If we can do a better job of that than we’ve been doing, I think we’ll have a shot.”

   The Tigers will also provide a challenge as they enter with a balanced offensive attack behind senior quarterback Jamal Hatten. Hatten has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 500 yards and three touchdowns. He also leads Hattiesburg with 378 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, while Marquise Walker has added 354 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers have rushed for 975 yards this season.

   “They are a good team, a very good team,” Weems said. “I think it’s the best they’ve had since I’ve been back from Pearl.

   “That’s what I expect from them.”

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