Choctaw Central qualifies for the state playoffs

The Choctaw Central warriors held off a fourth quarter rally to defeat Leake Central 46-42 in the final game of the regular season Thursday night.

The Warriors improved to 5-4 on the season and have qualified for the State Playoffs. They will play at Clarksdale (8-2) this Friday night.

Choctaw Central led 19-0 at the half powered by 3 touchdown by Keyshawn Ben. Ben scored on a 24 yard rush and 2 two yard rushes. He scored one more touchdown in the third quarter on a 65 run, and the Warriors led 25-6 going into the fourth quarter.

Leake Central scored 36 points in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors never trailed and held on for the victory. Byrdon Wesley scored two touchdowns on a 20 yard run and a 5 yard run and Ben scored on a 3 yard run.

The Warriors finished with 406 total yards. They rushed for 361 yards and passed for 45 yards. Ben finished the night with 254 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Wesley had 46 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Jorgan Vaughn rushed for 38 yards and Jerich Jimmie rushed for 29 yards.

“Ben had a tremendous night.” Said coach Ed Routh. “He is a great kid and always has a smile on his face.

“We don’t have very much depth in our defensive line up. Our defense played well for three quarters, and we just gave out in the final quarter.”