Rockets battle West Point in hard-played game

The Neshoba Central Rockets battled hard but fell just short as they dropped a 34-33 decision to West Point in the second round of the Class 5A state football playoffs.

Neshoba Central finished the season with an 8-4 record. West Point improves to 10-2. They visit Vicksburg Friday night in a game that will decide the Class 5A North State championship.

The Rockets scored first when Mehki Gaddis ran 52 yards for a touchdown. John Parker Hancock kicked the extra point and the Rockets led 7-0 with 8:24 left in the first quarter.

West Point answered touchdown that resulted on a 12-yard run. The extra point was good and the score was tied 7-7 with 5:38 left in the quarter.

The Rockets retook the lead when Beau Holly recovered a fumble and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. Hancock’s kick was good and the score was 14-7 with 1:47 left in the first quarter.

West Point answered on the first play after the kickoff with a 67-yard touchdown pass. The extra point kick was blocked and the Rockets led 14-13. That’s how it stood at the half.

West Point scored twice in the third quarter. The first was on a 72-yard run. The Green Wave went for two and led 21-14 with 11:49 left in the third quarter.

The second score came when West Point scored on a two-yard run. The extra point was good and they led 28-14 with 1:10 left in the quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter. Elijah Ruffin scored on a two-yard run. Hancock’s kick was good and West Point led 28-21 with 11:40 left in the game.

West Point came back with a touchdown of its own on a 45-yard run. The extra point was blocked and the Rockets led 34-21 with 9:21 left in the game.

Neshoba Central rebounded with a pair of touchdowns.

The first came when quarterback Will Williams connected with Ruffin with a 35-yard pass. The extra point was blocked and the Rockets trailed 34-27 led in the game.

Neshoba Central pulled to within one point when Ruffin scored on a three-yard run. The Rockets went for 2 and did not score. West Point held on to take the victory.