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TROJANS PLAY HARD BUT LOSE SEASON OPENER
The effort and preparation was evident as the Trojans had 20 first downs to 15 for Lawrence County, but mistakes by Magee and big plays from the visitors cost the Trojans in their 40-22 non-conference loss. The Trojan Offense didn’t let rain affect them on the opening drive as they took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards for a touchdown when sophomore, Dee Newsome, hauled in a 25 yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Tyrique McAfee. The junior quarterback was 16-21 with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception for the night. The 2 point conversion failed and the Trojans led 6-0.
The Trojan Defense would force a punt on the Cougars first possession, but the Cougars would convert a fake punt into a Touchdown. The PAT was blocked and the score was tied at 6. The Trojans would cough up the ball on their next possession at their own 20. The Cougars would make them pay and led 12-6 after the failed PAT. The Trojans would again turn the ball over on an interception at the 50 yard line and Lawrence County would cash in again. The PAT was good and Lawrence County led 19-6 in the second quarter.
The Trojans would put together an impressive drive on their next possession. A key play in the drive was a beautiful option pitch to junior running back, Jadarius Payne, who rumbled to the 5 yard line and would score on the next play. A pass from McAfee to Dee Newsome would convert the 2 point try and the Trojans had cut the lead to 19-14 which would remain the score until the first half horn sounded.
Canaan Collins would kickoff for the Trojans to begin the second half but Quitten Brown, the speedy running back/return specialist for the Cougars, would return the kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. The PAT was no good and the Cougars led 25-14 out of the gate.
The Trojan Offense would respond with another impressive drive, but the turning point of the game occurred when the Trojans fumbled headed for the end zone and the Cougars recovered at the 5 yard line. The very next play, Lawrence County would break through the line and appeared to be headed for the end zone. On the hustle play of the night, Ben Warren would run down the speedy Cougar tailback at the 5 yard line but the Defense was unable to hold on the next play and trailed 33-14 after the successful two point conversion. Unable to overcome the huge momentum shift, the Cougars would tack on another touchdown to lead 40-14.
To the Trojans credit, they did not give up and junior receiver, R.J. Hopkins, was a recipient of a touchdown pass from McAfee in the fourth quarter. Payne added the 2 point conversion and the score was 40-22.
The Trojans had plenty of bright points to build on including the offensive line helping the two headed running attack of Jadarius Payne and Cortez Hubbard account for 145 yards. Anyone watching the game knows that the 2015 edition of the Magee Trojans have much potential. They will continue to get better every week and have the opportunity in their 3 game stretch against non-conference opponents. Next up is Salem High School this Thursday night in Tylertown at 7:00 p.m.
Kudos to the fans who came out in the rain and supported the young men who wear the Red & Gray. There was a good crowd considering the weather. The cheerleaders and student section did a great job and the band would come out in their ponchos to help cheer on their team. The band delivered an outstanding halftime performance.
It is evident when you looked around Friday night that the administration and staff want to help the students of Magee High School be successful. They want the Trojan family to come together and make Magee High School one of the best around. It is also evident that there are great students at Magee High School.
Come support the Red & Gray this Thursday night at Salem. GO TROJANS!
Photos by: Rishanna Russell
