Published: October 10, 2008 03:13 am            

Area prep football previews

Newton County goes for fifth straight shutout

Following Newton County's 34-0 victory at Southeast Lauderdale last week, Cougars' head man Jeff Breland said his bunch played pretty well defensively.

That might just be the understatement of the season thus far.

Not only did Newton County hold Southeast to 150 total yards and pick off four Tiger passes, but the Cougars also posted their fourth consecutive shutout in the process.

Now 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Region 3-5A, Newton County will try to make it five straight goose-eggs for opponents tonight when the Cougars host Carthage.

The Tigers are 2-4 overall and 1-1 in region action, but Breland said they're a typical Pete Lucovich ballclub.

"They've got speed and athleticism," Breland told The Newton Record. "They're a little younger up front than they have been in the past, but they've won two in a row and they have a lot of momentum and confidence right now."

Carthage beat Heidelberg 27-21 last week and topped Clarkdale 26-6 the previous week.

Newton County, meanwhile, hasn't been scored on since a thrilling 31-26 win over MPSA powerhouse Jackson Prep back in Week 2. The Cougars are allowing 7.5 points per game.

Elsewhere in Region 5-3A tonight, Choctaw Central goes to Raleigh while Heidelberg has a non-division matchup at home against Class 4A power Itawamba AHS.

Oilers' quarterback Zachary Jackson has thrown for 711 yards and rushed for 893 this season.



Rockets soaring



Anyone who thought Neshoba Central might tuck and run after the Rockets suffered their first loss of the year two weeks ago was dead wrong.

Veteran coach Chuck Friend and the Rockets stepped out of division play last week, going on the road to roll up a 48-28 win over Winona.

Now Neshoba, 5-1 overall and 1-1 in a rugged Region 4-4A race, has a solid shot at its first winning season in a dozen years. The Rockets host Caledonia tonight, and the Confederates enter the matchup 1-5 overall and 0-3 in region play.

Neshoba was 4-6 two years ago, 5-6 in 2003 and 5-5 in both 1999 and 2000. The Rockets last made the playoffs in 2003.

Region 4-4A leader Noxubee County will step out of division play to tackle defending Class 3A state champion and bitter rival Louisville tonight. The Tigers are 5-0 and have surrendered just seven points all season; while Louisville is expected to get a big shot in the arm with the return of Ole Miss commit Clayton Moore and all-state running back/linebacker/receiver Dennis Thames from injury.

In Region 5-4A action tonight, Quitman will try to stay unbeaten as the Panthers' schedule continues to toughen. QHS and coach John Douglass are 6-0 on the year, getting three touchdowns from Patrick Hearn and two from DeAnthony Pickens in last week's 46-27 win over South Jones.

Also in 5-4A, No. 1 ranked Wayne County (6-0) puts its mark on the line at Northeast Jones. The War Eagles and Quitman are the lone remaining unbeatens in the league.



Other games



Other contests involving area teams tonight have Enterprise visiting Seminary in Region 7-2A. The Bulldogs (5-1) are going for their sixth straight win.

There are three area matchups on tap in Region 5-2A, as Philadelphia entertains Scott Central, Forest goes to Kemper County and Union hosts Newton.

Forest leads the pack at 6-0 and 3-0, while Union and Philly are tied for second with 4-2 and 2-1 records. Scott Central (3-2) and Kemper (1-5) are each 1-1 in the league. Lake (0-6, 0-3) is out of division play this week as the Hornets host Noxapater.

There are four games involving area MPSA teams tonight, as Central Academy returns from its first loss and a bye to host Calhoun Academy in 8-man action; while Newton County Academy visits Alpha Christian in a key District 4-A matchup.

In non-district games, Wayne Academy hosts Simpson Academy while Heidelberg Academy goes to Leake Academy.

        

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