Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Friday night it was Simpson Academy matched up against Wayne Academy at Pearl River Community College. Both teams entered the night with a record of 1-0. The Cougars didn’t waste when Carter Cockrell took the opening kickoff back 51 yards to the Jaguars own 34 yard line. The short field possession was capped off with a 5 yard touchdown run by Carter Cockrell. The Cougars made a statement and successfully went for two on a direct snap and run by Aubren Kennedy. Simpson kicked off and the defensed delivered a quick 3 and out forcing Wayne to punt. Simpson would then take over at their 23 yard line. On the next play from scrimmage, Barrett McKenney hit Sawyer Dunn for a 77 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was no good giving us a score of 14-0 Simpson. The dynamic Simpson defense did not disappoint with yet another 3 and out on the next possession for Wayne Academy. Simpson was not done yet. Simpson took the ball with another short field ahead of them at the Jaguars own 27 yard line. The Cougars could not get it going but was able to cap off the drive with a 27 yard field goal by Sawyer Dunn. The first quarter score was Simpson 17 and Wayne 0.
The Cougars came out in the 2nd quarter with a quick 45 yard pass from McKenney to Matt Adcock as he was pulled down at the 6 yard line. Carter Cockrell pokes it for a 6 yard run. PAT was good from Dunn and the Cougars now lead 24-0. Finally in the second quarter, the Cougar defense gave up a first down. They buckled their chin straps and forced a punt after the 3 following plays. The Cougars then take the ball from their own 13 yard line and proceed with a pounding drive. They finished off the drive with a 46 yard touchdown pass from Barrett McKenney to Tyler Stanford. PAT was no good and now the score is 36-0, Simpson. Wayne Academy bounced back with a drive of their own. The drive consisted of 60 yards, finalized with a 35 yard touchdown pass. PAT was good and we now have a score of 36-7. The Cougars got the ball back with 1:36 left on the clock. They swiftly drove the ball 78 yards that was topped off with a 10 yard touchdown pass from McKenney to Bryson Franklin. A mishandled snap forced the Cougars to run it in for a two point conversion. The halftime score is 44-7.
The Cougars came out after halftime led at quarterback by Sophomore, Hayes Berry. They put together a grueling drive due to several good runs by Sophomore, Sam Smith. The drive was capped off by a 12 yard touchdown pass from Hayes Berry to Bryce Williams. Simpson kneeled on the PAT. The score is now 50-7. That held up to be the final.
Offensively, the Cougars posted 295 yards passing and 242 yards rushing. Barrett McKenney was 12-17 for 280 yards with 3 TDs and Hayes Berry was 2-3 for 15 yards and a touchdown. The rushing attach was led by Carter Cockrell with 10 touches for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns and Sam Smith with 8 touches for 54 yards. The receiving core was led Matt Adcock with 4 catches for 96 yards and Sawyer Dunn with 2 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Also catching touchdown passes were Tyler Stanford, Bryce Williams, and Bryson Franklin.
Defensively, the Cougars were led by Braden Duncan with 5.5 tackles and Keaton Boykin with 5 tackles. Simpson Academy Defense also had 3 players with a tackle for a loss in Boykin, Kade Walker, and Kyle Walker. In the secondary, Weston Frye had 1 interception.
Not to go without mentioning, the Offensive line for the Cougars has been absolutely dominating. They have produced 548 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns in the last 2 games. They are led by Crosby Mullins, Lee Easterling, Gavin Barry, Olen Shows, and Garrison Ashley. You don’t go unnoticed!
The Cougars will play again this Friday at 7:00 at Lamar School in Meridian.
Special thanks to Chris Dunn (write up), Kara Polk and Wendy Easterling (photos)
Head Coach: Todd Mangum
Assistant Coaches: Chaucer Funchess, Amie Green, Kelly Greer, Matt Lee,
Randy McIntyre, Winston Mullins, and Gird Warren
Trainer. Jonathan Pierce
Headmaster: Nick Lee
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
