The upward trajectory since the winless 2014 has continued to this season, too, and the Sumrall Bobcats are heading to the playoffs for the first since 2012. They clinched the berth with a 27-13 over Forrest County AHS last week, and Sumrall coach Shannon White said he was really proud of his team in the second half.
“We knew what was on the line and we talked about it at halftime,” White said. “There wasn’t a whole lot said, but we just talked about it. There was a lot of ra-ra going, but our guys went out and took care of business. That’s what you like to see in a team. Just a team that knew what was in front of them, knew what had to be done and took care of business.”
The win over FCAHS last week was very satisfying for White and his team. Not only did it guarantee Sumrall’s second winning season in 22 years, but they’re already over it and moved on to Greene County. White said Friday night was great for the school, the community and his team, but it’s on to Greene County (9-1, 3-1 in Region 7-4A) for the final regular season game.
“I think we did a good job of letting last week go and moving on to this game,” White said. “I know that’s a lot of coach speak, but that’s how we handled it. We obviously know the playoffs are next week, but the most important game is this week because they have a great team.”
Sumrall (6-4, 2-2) could finish anywhere from the No. 2 seed in the 4A playoffs to fourth. White said his team isn’t worried about what seed or who they’ll play in the first round, because “it’ll get here when it gets here,” White said.
For now, the Bobcats travel to Leaksville for a showdown with the Wildcats.
“They have to be ecstatic down there because they’re coming off a losing season, so I’m sure the excitement there is extremely high,” White said. “That community is 9-1 and it has a chance to finish second in our district. I’m sure their plans are to go deep in the playoffs, so I can’t imagine what the feel is there.”
Greene County’s lone loss came to the district champ, Poplarville, four weeks ago. Since the loss, the Wildcats have averaged 43 points per game in wins over Purvis, FCAHS and Lawrence County. They’re averaging 30 points for the entire season, too.
Senior quarterback Derrick Grice has completed 68 percent (151-of-222) of his passes for 1,623 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also leads the team with 666 rushing yards and 13 scores on 131 rushing attempts. Seniors Keymonte Walker and Tagg Creech have 80 and 79 carries, respectively, and they’ve combined for 662 yards and seven touchdowns.
“They’re a spread team in the real sense,” White said. “They’re empty, no back or one back most of the time. The quarterback can run and he can throw so he’s a dual threat. Their huge up front, they mix the pass and the run well. They’re unpredictable of when they’ll do either.”
Defensively, the Wildcats have 16 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries. Junior Noah Mitchell leads the unit with 115 tackles, and five others have 50-plus tackles. Teams are scoring 21 points per game on Greene County, but it has held eight opponents to less than that number.
Purvis scored the most with 56 points in four overtimes, and Poplarville put up 54 in regulation.
“I think they use their speed really well, I mean, these guys are really aggressive,” White said. “As good as they are on offense, they’re probably even better defensively, so there’s a reason why they’re 9-1. There’s never a 9-1 team without a great defense, so they are that.”
