By Steve Swogetinsky / Special to The Star
The Meridian Star
PHILADELPHIA —
The Philadelphia High School Tornadoes remained undefeated Friday night as they took a 42-14 win against Neshoba Central in prep football action.
"We got tested tonight and we responded," Tornado coach Teddy Dyess said. "This is the best we have played this season. Neshoba Central has a fine team and they played tough. But we were able to platoon and I think we wore them down."
Philadelphia improves to 3-0, while Neshoba Central fell to 2-1.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Tornadoes appeared to be driving for their first score of the night. However, a long run by Marquise Mathews was nullified by two penalties including an unsportsmanlike conduct call that pushed Philadelphia back to its own 32-yard line. Three plays later, Jerry Calloway intercepted a pass and the Rockets took over on their own 17-yard line.
The Tornado offense was back on the field two plays later after Caleb Gamblin recovered a fumble. Two plays later, Mathews scored on a on a 4-yard rush. The kick was no good and the Tornadoes led 6-0 with 8:18 left in the second quarter.
Neshoba Central came back with a score of its own when Joseph Willis connected with aTerrance Steele on a 40-yard TD pass play. Caleb Crenshaw booted the extra point and the Rockets led 7-6 with 5:16 left in the half.
Philadelphia took the ensuing kickoff and drove in for a touchdown. Mathews took a pitch and ran 29 yards for the score. C.J, Johnson connected with Tyriq Patrick for the two-point conversion and the Tornadoes led 14-7. That's how it stood at the half.
The Tornadoes put together a couple of quick scores in the third quarter. First Jeremy Morgan scored on a 2-yard rush. Latimer Smith kicked the extra point and the Tornadoes led 21-7 with 7:05 left in the third quarter.
The Tornadoes kicked off and on first down, Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown. Smith's kick was good and the Tornadoes led 28-7 with 6:45 in the third quarter.
Neshoba Central responded five plays later when Martin Wilson broke away from the Tornado defense and ran 51 yards for a touchdown. Crenshaw kicked the extra point and Philadelphia held a 28-14 lead with 4:58 left in the third quarter.
The Tornadoes bounced back, led by 75-yard kickoff return by Johntrell Pickens. Philadelphia pushed the ball down to the 1-yard line and quarterback Lee Smith ran in for the touchdown. Latimer Smith kicked the extra point and Philadelphia led 35-14 with 2:20 left.
The final score of the night came when Mathews ran to the right side and scored on a 1-yard run. Latimer Smith kicked the extra point.
Both teams will be at home on Friday. Philadelphia hosts West Lowndes and Neshoba Central entertains Northeast Lauderdale.
