For the second time in three years, Sacred Heart coach Ed Smith has achieved history for the school’s football program.
The Crusaders are now off to their first-ever 5-0 start to the year after defeating Richton 17-0. After two long years, Sacred Heart returns to region play as the Crusaders take on East Marion (1-4).
“We said after Friday’s game that they did something they have never done before, and it feels great,” Smith said. “But on Monday, the preseason is over, and the season starts. It’s like we are starting all over again. That’s the mentality we are taking into this week, that we are 0-0.”
“Our guys are playing with confidence. It’s exciting to be back in a region and playing. It’s the start of a new season. It’s exciting to be playing a district game.”
As successful as Sacred Heart’s offense has been, the Crusader defense has been equally effective as they have held teams to an average of six points per game after posting back-to-back shutout victories. Levi Green leads the defense with 40 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks.
“Our defensive coaches have done a great job,” Smith said. “They are doing a great job of game planning, preparation and getting those guys ready to play hard. If we keep playing defense like that every week, then we’ll have a chance to win every week. We’ll be able to compete. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of it and watch these guys enjoy it.”
In last week’s win, quarterback Kyron Murphy threw his first pick of the season but finished 11 of 20 throwing for 112 yards and a touchdown, while running back DJ Booth ran for 86 yards and a score.
East Marion enters the game on a four-game losing streak, with the Eagles having been outscored 113-25. The losses came against Hazlehurst, West Harrison, Collins, and the most recent, a 44-6 defeat to Heidelberg.
“They have played a tough schedule,” Smith said. “They have played a lot of bigger schools. Looking at them on the field, they are big and physical. They will be the biggest and strongest team we have played all year and maybe the fastest team.
“They have playmakers. You can go down the list of guys that can go down anywhere on the field that can score. We just have to focus on us.”
East Marion was without several players last week and will likely be without leading rusher and starting quarterback Caden Mingo. Mingo has thrown for 240 yards and two touchdowns and run for 154 yards and three scores. In addition, backup quarterback Romello Edwards has missed time due to injury.
“They give you a lot of looks from their offense,” Smith said. “They run the ball. They have a running back that can go to the defense. They’ve had two or three quarterbacks that have played but can run the ball. They will throw the ball enough to keep you honest.
“Defensively, they will give you short stuff underneath. They try not to give up big plays. They are big and strong up front. We have to be able to run the ball. We have to be patient and take what they give us. It may take us a nine, 10, or 12-play drive to move down the field. We just can’t make mistakes.”
Sacred Heart hosts East Marion on Friday, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
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