Rockets claim third region victory
Eli Anderson passed for four touchdowns and ran for two in Neshoba Central’s 41-12 win over Provine on Friday in Jackson.
The Rockets improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Region 2-5A standings. They will host Canton High School this Friday night for Homecoming. Provine falls to 1-4.
The Rockets scored on their first possession. Provine took the opening kickoff. The Rockets forced them to punt and took over on the Neshoba Central 32-yard line. Anderson completed three in a row with two going to Dez McWilliams for 32 and 10 yards, and the third going to Elijah Ruffin for 24 yards. With a first and goal at the Rams’ 2-yard line, Anderson ran it in for the touchdown. Hunter Bavetta kicked the extra point and the Rockets led 7-0 with 5:55 remaining.
In the second quarter, the Rocket defense stopped Provine at the Neshoba 1-yard line and the Rockets took over on downs. They put together an 11-play scoring drive that ended when Anderson ran it in on a 2-yard run. Bavetta’s kick was good and Neshoba Central led 14-0 with 1:40 left.
The Rockets kicked off and Provine returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. The extra try failed and Neshoba Central led 14-7.
Neshoba Central responded with a seven-play scoring drive. Anderson connected with Bryceton Spencer on a 27-yard TD pass play. Bavetta kicked the extra point and Neshoba Central led 21-6 at the half.
Neshoba Central took the second-half kickoff. Anderson connected with Ja’Naylon Dupree on a 57-yard TD pass play. The kick failed and the Rockets led 27-6 with 9:48 left in the quarter.
The Neshoba Central defense held the Rams to four downs, forcing a punt. Five plays later, Anderson found Dupree again on a 7-yard TD pass play. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets led 34-6 with 7:14 left in the quarter.
Provine scored its second touchdown on an 88-yard TD pass play, The extra point failed and the Rockets led 34-12 with 2:41 left in the third quarter.
In fourth quarter, Anderson connected with Grayson Fulton on a 3-yard TD pass play. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets took the 41-12 victory.