Leake Academy wraps up undefeated season
The Leake Academy Rebels wrapped up an undefeated regular season Friday night as they defeated Simpson 30-20.
The Rebels finish with a 9-0 record. They are the top MISA 5A team in the state and have drawn a first round in the playoffs.
“It was the first time we went undefeated in the regular season since 2006,” Coach Brian Pickens said. “I am proud of this team. They have accomplished a lot. They won the district and assured themselves of a first round bye. We wrapped up the No. 1 seed. They have had a great season so far.”
Simpson jumped out to a 10-0 lead. The Cougars kicked a field goal in the first quarter and then scored a touchdown in the second quarter on Carter Cockrell’s two-yard TD run. The extra point was good.
Leake Academy got on the scoreboard when quarterback Rhett Atkinson threw a 59-yard TD pass to Riley Myers. Cole Arthur kicked the extra point and the Rebels trailed 10-7 with 11:39 left in the second quarter.
The Cougars increased their lead to 13-7 with 7:54 left in the second quarter on a 32-yard field.
The Rebels scored on a 34-yard field goal by Cole Arthur to make the score 13-10 with 2:04 left in the half.
Leake Academy then took the lead when Atkinson connected with Thomas Cheatham on a 20-yard TD pass play. Arthur’s kick was true and the Rebels led 17-10
Arthur kicked a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter to give the Rebels a 20-13 lead. Leake Academy picked up another touchdown when Atkinson completed a 75-yard TD pass to Cheatham. Arthur’s kick was good and the Rebels led 27-13.
Simpson scored its final points early in the fourth quarter when Brentley Berry ran into the end zone from one-yard out. The kick was good and the Rebels led 27-20 with 11:56 remaining.
Leake Academy closed out the scoring when Arthur kicked a 28-yard field goal.
Leake Academy finished with 305 total yards on offense and 10 first downs. The Rebels rushed for 140 yards on 26 carries and completed 5-of-10 passes for 165 yards.
Atkinson was the leading rusher for Leake Academy with 53 yards on eight carries. He had all of the Rebels’ passing yards, giving him 198 total yards. Cheatham was the leading receiver with 98 yards on two catches.