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By Coach Winston Mullins
The Simpson Cougars faced off with Jackson Prep Friday night in Jackson. Prep kicked off to Simpson to open the game. The Cougars drove the ball down to the Prep 38 yard line but a fumble ended the Cougar drive. Prep wasted little time getting on the board as Jake Lange connected with Mason Nichols from 19 yards out, Louie Gatlin added the PAT and with 5:48 to go in the first quarter Prep led 7-0. Simpson’s next drive also resulted in a fumble recovered by Prep at the Simpson 45 yard line. Prep took one play to extend their lead on a Matt Jones 45 yard run, Louie Gatlin tacked on the PAT and with 2:31 to go in the first quarter Prep led 14-0. Simpson’s next drive resulted in a three and out and a Payton Keith punt, Prep fumbled the punt and Preston Franklin recovered at the Simpson 40 yard line. The score at the end of the first quarter was Prep 14 Simpson 0. Simpson was forced to punt and after a good return by Prep they started their drive at their 48 yard line. Prep took seven plays to drive 52 yards with William Deas scoring on a 12 yard run, Louie Gatlin added the PAT and with 5:59 left in the half Prep led 21-0. Simpson’s next drive resulted in a turnover on downs in Cougar territory. Bennett Johnson connected with Matt Jones from 28 yards out, Louie Gatlin’s PAT was good and with 2:26 left in the half Prep led 34-0. Simpson’s next drive resulted in a three and out and a punt. Prep ran out the half with the score Prep 34 Simpson 0. Simpson kicked off to start the second half. Prep drove 61 yards in 11 plays capped off by a Matt Jones 19 yard touchdown run, Louie Gatlin added the PAT and with 6:49 to go in the third quarter Prep led 41-0. Simpson’s next drive was stopped when Prep intercepted a Simpson pass at the Simpson 45 yard line. Prep drove 36 yards in seven plays with Mason Kimball scoring from 3 yards out, Louie Gatlin added the PAT and with 11:40 left in the game Prep led 48-0. Simpson had a three and out and were forced to punt. Prep ran out the clock and claimed the 48-0 victory.
The Cougars were led offensively in the rushing game by Caleb Garner with 13 carries for 56 yards and Michael Winstead 7 carries for 48 yards. In the passing game Mason Kennedy was 1 for 1 for 9 yards and Brentley Berry was 1-4 for 9 yards. Michael Winstead had two catches for 18 yards. The Cougars were led on defense by Caleb Garner with 8 total tackles, Jordan Taylor 7 total tackles, Caden Coulson, Vance Smith, Jr., and Barrett Thompson 6 total tackles each. The Cougars had one turnover a fumble recovery by Preston Franklin.
In team stats Simpson had 122 yards of total offense, 104 rushing yards, 18 passing yards, and picked up 5 first downs. Prep had 411 yards of total offense, 243 rushing yards, 168 passing yards, and picked up 19 first downs.
Simpson will travel to Copiah Academy in Gallman on Friday, September 6, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. This will be the thirty-sixth meeting between Simpson and Copiah. Simpson holds a 25-9-1 series lead and won last year 27-13 in the regular season and 35-13 in the playoffs. The Junior High Cougars lost to JA last week 21-12, and the 7th and 8th grade tied 6-6. The JH Cougars will travel to Leake Academy in Madden on Thursday, September 5, with the 7th and 8th grade game starting at 6:00 p.m. and the 8th and 9th grade game to follow.
Photos courtesy of Fans of SCA Facebook page