Rockets advance to 6A quarterfinals

Neshoba Central moved onto the MHSAA 6A quarterfinals with a 28-22 home win over Lake Cormorant on Friday night, advancing to their sixth straight state quarterfinals.

Mekhi Gaddis carried the load offensively in this one for the Rockets, totalling 206 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries, along with two catches for ten yards receiving.

Defensively, Zach Ruffin made a major impact, totalling three tackles and a massive interception for Neshoba Central in the win.

The Rockets will now turn their attention to a road matchup against one of the state’s top teams in Grenada. The Chargers currently sit at 11-1 and finished first in Region 1-6A, with their only loss on the season coming against the defending 7A state champions, Oak Grove.

Looking at the offensive matchup between the two teams, Neshoba Central is averaging just over 22 points per game, while Grenada is averaging 35 points per game on the season.

On the defensive side, Neshoba Central is holding opposing offenses to 19.2 points per game, while Grenada is holding teams to 13.3 points per game.

Mekhi Gaddis has been dominant all season long for Neshoba Central at the running back position, totalling 1,726 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing, along with 99 yards receiving on the season. Gaddis will need to have another huge night in this matchup for Neshoba Central to come out with a win in this one.

For Grenada, players to watch include quarterback Brayden Trusty, who has 1,496 yards and 14 touchdowns passing on the season, and running back McCaleb Taylor, who has 2,205 yards and 33 touchdowns rushing on the year.

The two programs have two common opponents this season, Callaway and Lake Cormorant. Neshoba Central defeated Callaway 33-14 and Lake Cormorant 28-22, while Grenada beat Callaway 35-0 and Lake Cormorant 27-21.

Friday’s matchup will be at Grenada, with kickoff set for 7 PM. The winner will play the winner of South Panola and Warren Central in the MHSAA 6A semifinals.