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The Trojans faced a team it had dispatched the past two postseasons. The Jefferson County Tigers were favored by many in the state, but the Trojans came to battle Friday night in Fayette in the second round of MHSAA Class South State Playoffs.
According to Coach Courtney, the Trojans played a pretty clean game on both sides of the ball despite the terrible field conditions. The Trojans had zero turnovers and turned the Tigers over once.
At the end of the first quarter the Tigers led the Trojans 14-7. The Trojans would score in the second quarter and the Defense continued to keep the high scoring Region 7-3A champs in check. The score would be tied at 14 going into halftime.
The third quarter was not kind to the Trojans as the Tigers outscored them 16-6 to take a 30-20 lead. But as we have learned over the last few weeks, the men that wear the Red and Gray will not give up. Magee would score in the 4th to pull within 30-27. A great punt return by Jeremiah Cole appeared to give the Trojans great field position around midfield with a little over 3 minutes left in the game. However, in a puzzling decision the ball was marked back where he had picked it up. The Trojans threat would end with an interception and would end a gutsy season. Jefferson County moves on to face Seminary, a team the Trojans defeated in the last regular season game.
Ken Porter led the rushing attack with 142 yards on 21 carries. With limited touches, Braeden Gregory had 5 carries for 40 yards. With the difficult conditions it was tough on the passing game, but Kendal Middleton was 7 for 16 for 141 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Jeremiah Cole led the receivers with 3 catches for 78 yards and 1 TD.
Interim Coach Chase Courtney, Defense Coordinator, Kermit Milloy, the rest of the coaching staff, and players are commended for fighting through adversity during the 2023 season. Among other things, the Trojans faced a very difficult schedule and injuries that included outstanding sophomore running back, Braeden Gregory, who made it back for the 2nd round playoff game and junior middle linebacker, Delarrius Hayes, whose knee injury kept him out until conference play. The Trojans can celebrate the selection of Offensive and Defensive Tackle, Dylan Harper, to the 2023 Mississippi-Alabama All Star Game. Salute to all the seniors that kept fighting to push the Trojans into the playoffs.
Trojans will return a talented roster on offense in 2024 including QB Kendal Middleton, a receiver trio of Jeremiah Cole, Christian Hubbard and Antonio Floyd and running backs Braeden Gregory and Ken Porter. The Defense will be led by rising senior, Delarrius Hayes, who in only 5 games this year averaged around 16 tackles per game. The Defense also had valuable minutes from many young players who will look to make their mark next year for the Red and Gray.
With the determination that was shown by the Trojans at the end of year, you can bet they will be on a mission in 2024.
MageeNews.com is an online news website covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
