Kemper County High School has turned into an offensive powerhouse under the guidance of coach Chris Jones.

In his three years at the helm, Jones’ offenses have recorded at least 38 points in 18 separate contests.  

But the former Jackson State and NFL wide receiver is quick to note if the Wildcats are to achieve their ultimate goal of a state championship, they will do so with a strong defense to pair with their potent offensive attack.

“(Defense) is really important if you’re trying to win a championship,” Jones said. “And it always starts up front with defense, and we have a pretty good front, and we’ve got some really good guys in the back end.”

The Kemper County (11-2) defense will face perhaps its most difficult challenge of the year when it squares off against Collins High School Friday for an MHSAA Class 3A quarterfinal tilt.

The Tigers (12-1) beat Wilkinson County High School 46-36 last week, and topped Philadelphia High School 66-43 in the first round two weeks ago.

“They score a lot of points, and they’re real athletic,” Jones said of Collins. “Honestly, they’re probably going to be one of the best offenses we’ve faced this year. We’re going to have our hands full Friday. .. The main thing for us is to go out there and compete at a high level and make them earn everything.”  

The Wildcats’ defense has hit their stride of late, playing perhaps their best ball of the year. Kemper County has held each of its last six opponents to 14 points or less, with each game resulting in a win.

“Every game is like a championship (game for us),” junior defensive tackle Chris McCray said. “You’ve got to win up front; that’s where you win the game.”

McCray has been a staple along the defensive line for the Wildcats the past three seasons, accumulating 85 tackles last season in his squad’s North State runner-up run. Additionally, McCray is one of the older players along the Wildcats’ defensive line as a number of sophomores are relied on as key contributors.

“I try to make sure the younger guys aren’t nervous,” McCray said. “We just have to make sure we go out there and play football. I know if anything happens up front, it will be on me, so I have to make sure those guys are ready.”

However, the 6-foot-2, 270 pounder hit a road bump when he tore his ACL during a pickup basketball game.

“It was an everyday process,” McCray said of his recovery. “It was work, work, work, day and night. I worked on just doing what it takes (to get back to 100 percent).”

McCray missed the first month of Kemper County schedule with the injury, but has since come back to be an integral part of the defense, tallying five tackles, including two for loss in Kemper County’s 26-7 win over Franklin County High School last week.

“He’s like the leader of that pack (the defensive line),” Jones said. “I could see the difference when he came back. He’s a difference-maker, and he’s a game changer.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Collins.

“It feels good to be a part of a winning team,” McCray said. “(Kemper County) was down for a long time. A lot of folks gave up on us. … We’re the underdogs, but we want to be on top, and that’s what we’re working to do.”