Knights host Louisville Friday in state title game
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024
- Kayden Peoples (7) finds a hole in the defense take the quarterback keeper downfield to help set up a West Lauderdale touchdown. Photo by Jason Dyess
West Lauderdale gets to do something that hasn’t been done in school history on Friday night.
Host a MHSAA North State Championship game.
The Knights get to do just that as host two-time defending Class 4A state champion Louisville at “The Kingdom” on Friday night with a berth to the Class 4A state title game on the line.
“Proud of the situation we’re in and proud of the opportunity for the kids, the school and the community. It’s a special time,” said West Lauderdale coach Brock Clay. “It’s two teams that are very familiar with each other. Louisville is a very respected program with a lot of great coaches and a great team.”
This will be a matchup of two run-heavy teams.
West Lauderdale (10-3) offensively is averaging 34.3 points per game and will once again lean on very potent rushing attack that is averaging 269.7 yards per game anchored by quarterback Kayden Peoples (965 yards passing, 8 touchdowns; 1,232 yards rushing, 26 touchdowns) and running back Travion Mosley (1,810 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns). Ashton Ratcliff and Chase Gathings are the top targets at receiver for the Knights.
With tears in eyes, Coach Brock Clay addresses his team after they win a last second Hail Mary pass over Shannon 26-23 Friday night. The nights will host Louisville in the North State Championship game for the first time in school history Friday night. Photo by Jason Dyess
Linebacker Jack Davidson leads the West Lauderdale defense that gives up 22.4 points per game.
“In games like this at this point of the year is we got to limit mistakes and take care of the ball,” Clay said. “Both teams run the ball 75% of the time, so hopefully it will be a worthy of a North State Championship ball game.”
The Wildcats (12-1) offensively are averaging 34.6 points per game and will lean on a ground game that is averaging 253.9 yards per game led by quarterback Xavier Hunt (1,151 yards passing, 12 touchdowns; 450 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns) along with running backs Xzarion Haynes (786 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns) and promising freshman Zaiden Jernigan (1,386 yards rushing, 21 touchdowns). Louisville does average 111.7 yards passing with Kameron Triplett (576 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns). The always stout Wildcat defense is only giving up 12.2 points per game led by linebackers Corxavier Colemand and TayQuon McKinney along with defensive tackle Travon McDonald.
“Louisville is big, fast and physical, so they’re going to do what they do. They’re definitely going to be bigger and more athletic,” Clay said. “You can’t limit what they do but try to contain it. We got to be more physical as can be and have to play perfect at this time of year.”
