Knights look to stop season-ending streak against Houston
Published 1:00 am Thursday, November 14, 2024
- The West Lauderdale Knights defense makes a goal line stop Friday night as they defeat Ripley 49-28 on Nov. 9. Photo by Jason Dyess
By Brandon Shields
West Lauderdale has a chance to do something they haven’t had a chance to do very often: get revenge.
The Knights have a chance at getting some payback as they welcome Houston to “The Kingdom” on Friday night in the second round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs.
The Hilltoppers have ended the Knights season each of the last two seasons.
“Obviously we’ve played them the last two years and the last team we’ve played the last two years, but at least this time they have to come here, and we don’t travel,” said West Lauderdale coach Brock Clay. “The message this week is this is the team that’s ended our season the last two years and hopefully being at home it’ll be in our advantage.”
West Lauderdale (8-3) offensively is averaging 35.9 points per game and will once again lean on very potent rushing attack that is averaging 266.4 yards per game anchored by quarterback Kayden Peoples (807 yards passing, 6 touchdowns; 1,067 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns) and running back Travion Mosley (1,479 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns). Ashton Ratcliff and Chase Gathings are the top targets at receiver for the Knights.
“Offensively we got to do what we do best, run the ball and control the clock,” Clay said. “This is two run-heavy teams that have been successful, so the team that doesn’t turnover the ball over or makes the least amount of mistakes will win the game.”
West Lauderdale head coach, Brock Clay, looks on as the Knights defeat Ripley 49-28 in playoff football action Nov. 9. Photo by Jason Dyess
Linebacker Jack Davidson leads the West Lauderdale defense that gives up 23.7 points per game.
Houston (8-2) is more balanced on offense this season than in years pass averaging 32.8 points, 183.4 yards rushing, and 168 yards passing that is led by quarterback TaKoda Harrell (1,506 yards passing, 15 touchdowns) along with running backs KhaMarion Starks (773 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns), Jacobe Pratt and Christopher Parker with receiver Jayden Knox being the top target on the outside.
Linebackers Ja’kamoron Chandler and Nick Pulliam along with defensive back Marquise Wofford anchor a Houston defense that gives up 20 points per game.
“Houston changes formations just about every play and they do it a lot and very successful at it,” Clay said. “Big focus this week is getting lined up right to those formations and we got to tackle well.”
