Chargers trip up the Tigers on cool night
ACKERMAN – After back-to-back big division wins, the Choctaw County Chargers were looking to keep the momentum going against the visiting Ripley Tigers.
On a cool night at Dale Davidson Field, the Chargers did just that as they beat the Tigers 20-6.
Choctaw County outgained the Tigers 266 yards to 190, but was led by its stifling defense who scored a touchdown of its own courtesy of a “pick six” by senior cornerback Ques Mcneal.
Ripley was a non-division opponent for the Chargers, and now the focus for head coach Jeff Roberts shifts to next week.
“We have a huge game next week so this week was mainly about continuing our progression as a team, coming out of it healthy, and letting some young guys get some experience,” Roberts said.
Choctaw County did just that by jumping out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. The Chargers offense executed a balanced attack against the Tigers, tallying 139 yards on the ground and another 127 through the air.
Sophomore running back
Antonio Kennedy had 91 rushing yards and added a 12-yard touchdown catch against Ripley. Senior quarterback Tylan Carter had 127 passing yards with a 4-yard rushing touchdown to go along with it.
The Chargers defense held strong against the Tigers, and forced a couple turnovers to ultimately take control of the game. An interception returned for a touchdown by Mcneal, and a big fumble forced by freshman linebacker Jae’din Thames highlighted the night for the Chargers’ defense.
Looking forward to next week, the Chargers will travel to Noxubee County with a chance to clinch back to back division championships.
That is not the only motivating force going into next week’s game as the Chargers’ season was ended last year in the North State championship game by Noxubee County.
“They are very similar to the Noxubee team we faced last year, they did not graduate
many guys,” Roberts said. “We know they are going to be tough, but we are ready to go and contend for a division championship.”
After another solid performance against Ripley, Choctaw County will look to continue their momentum and grab a second straight division championship next week.