WEBB — The West Bolivar Eagles defeated the West Tallahatchie Choctaws 34-26 in a closely contested battle here last Thursday night.
West Bolivar improved to 8-2 while West Tally dropped to 5-5. More importantly, the Eagles improved to 6-1 in Region 3-1A while the Choctaws fell to 4-2 there.
“Our kids played hard,” said WTHS head coach Lorenzo Pimpton, while complaining that their stellar play could not overcome some “very questionable” and “lopsided” officiating calls.
“The officials had a hand in determining the outcome of this game with some of their calls,” said Pimpton. “I can’t just sit back and not say anything. Our kids played well.”
A win would have put the Choctaws in position to clinch the first or second seed this coming week. Now, they need to win one of their final two regular-season games to clinch a postseason berth.
— * —
After falling behind 6-0, the Choctaws scored on a 9-yard Atraviuantay Clark run to tie the game in the first quarter.
In the second period, the Chocs took a 14-6 lead with a 35-yard TD run by Clark and a two-point run by Jesdarius Williams.
The Eagles stormed back to score twice more before the break and carry a 20-14 lead in at the half.
West Bolivar went up 26-14 in the third quarter before quarterback Dontrel Byrd hit Charles Spurlock on a 3-yard scoring pass to tighten the game to 26-20.
The Eagles would score in the fourth quarter to go up 34-20 before the Choctaws’ Ja’quarius McGee intercepted a Leland pass and returned it 45 yards for a pick-six midway through the final period.
— * —
Byrd completed 3-of-5 passes for 32 yards. Clark had one reception for 20 yards, Malique McGee one for 9 and Spurlock one for 3.
Ja’quarius McGee led Choctaw rushers with six carries for 88 yards. Clark had two totes for 44 yards, Jalen Madden six for 28 and Malique McGee three for 13.
Defensively, Dontavius Garner racked up seven tackles, including six individuals. Khylia Thomas had five solos and two assists. Madden, Spurlock, Kevonte Thomas and Williams had five apiece.
Malique McGee, Rodri-quis Simmons, Kevonte Thomas and Garner recorded one sack each in the game.
Ja’quarius McGee had an interception. Malique McGee, Rodriquis Simmons, Spurlock and Kevonte Thomas had one fumble recovery each.
— * —
This Friday (Nov. 1), West Tally plays host to 4-4 Hollandale Simmons at Choctaw Stadium.
“They’ve got a pretty good, young squad,” said Pimpton. “We’re going to continue to play hard and try our best to keep winning. We just hope people will come out and support the kids.”
