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The Simpson County Academy Cougars traveled to Madden, MS to take on the Leake Academy Rebels in a match-up of two AAA teams. However, the game wasn’t the first thing on everybody’s mind.
Earlier in the week, one of Leake’s players became ill and was airlifted to the University Medical Center. Grant Roberson was still in the hospital fighting for his life as the game was about to kickoff. Prior to the game, Roberson’s grandfather walked, in Grant’s place, with his teammates on to the field. A letter was read updating everyone on Grant’s status and thinking the coaches for their life saving assistance and the fans for their prayers.
Signs painted by both cheerleader squads, typically reserved for their own team, shared one simple message: Pray for Grant! As of game time, his condition had improved somewhat but he still has a long way to go. One thing is for sure, he was lifted up in prayer by many people from both Leake and Simpson counties.
The Rebels were emotionally charged and ready to take on the Cougars, playing for themselves but also for their ill teammate. Rivals for many years, the Cougars knew they would have to play one of their better games if they were to prevail.
It didn’t take long for the Cougars to show they were ready. In fact it only took 30 seconds for Matthew Burney to find the end zone. Matthew, on the 4th play of the game, took off for a 46 yard run that ultimately ended in the end zone. In the blink of an eye, the Cougars were up 6-0.
Leake was unfazed by Simpson’s quick score. They put together a methodical drive that lasted over 7 minutes. The Rebels used a combination of running plays, mixed with a few passes, to answer the Cougars score with 6 points of their own after an 8 yard pass completion. The score was tied 6-6.
It was the Cougars turn to put together a drive of their own. Simpson drove the ball down the field, chewing up the remainder of the first quarter clock and in to the second quarter, leaning on its running game, but mixing in the pass as well. Matthew Burney was 2-2 on the drive for 24 yards. The second pass connected with his Brother Aaron for an 11 yard score. It was truly a remarkable catch as Aaron was able to hold on right at the goal line even though he was hit by two Rebels and one Simpson player as the ball arrived.
Leake would answer with another score in the second quarter, on a 4 yard run with just under a minute left in the first half. Their two point conversion was no good, and the Rebels now trailed the Cougars by a score of 13-12.
The game had the feeling of a prizefight, with the two fighters going head-to-head, taking the best shot of their opponent.
That is until Kyle Burney decided to take some of the wind out of their sails. With only 17 seconds left in the half, Kyle took off on a shifty 59 yard run for the Cougars third touchdown of the half and a 20-12 halftime lead. Kyle’s touchdown seemed to take some of the fight out of the Rebels.
The Cougars would go on to score twice more in the second half. Triston Cowan scored in the third quarter on a 4 yard run. Landon Herrington scored on another 4 yard run as well. What had once been a close ballgame, had now become decidedly one-sided. The Cougars led 34-12.
Leake managed to score once more, with just seconds remaining in the game. The points came after the game had been decided. The final horn blew and the Cougars won 34-18.
Matthew Burney finished the game completing 4 of his 6 attempts for 47 yards and 1 touchdown. He added another 94 yards on 11 carries. Kyle Burney rushed for 149 yards on 17 carries for 1 touchdown. Triston Cowan added 48 yards on 5 carries, an impressive 9.6 yards per rush, and 1 touchdown.
Aaron Burney led the receiving core with 26 yards on 2 receptions. Kyle Burney had 1 catch for 15 yards and Cullen Shows had one reception for 8 yards.
Will White was an absolute monster on the field for the Cougar defense. He was credited with 6.5 tackles, 4 solo tackles, 5 assists, 1 sack and 2.5 tackles for a loss. What does not show up on the stat sheet are the multiple times he was disrupting the Leake offense as he broke into their backfield.
Patrick Zila had a good night defensively, recording 6 tackles and 1 sack. Riley runnels had 5.5 tackles and Triston Cowan added 5.
The Cougars improved their record to 4-0 and have recently been ranked the #1 team in MAIS AAA by the Clarion Ledger.
The Cougars travel to Louisville Mississippi to take on the Winston Academy Patriots. The Patriots are coming off a victory against Wayne Academy where they won by a score of 75-40. The victory was the first of the year for Winston, making their record 1-4 on the season. Game time is scheduled for 7 pm.
Pray for Grant!
