Rockets open region play Friday vs. Holmes Central
The Neshoba Central Rockets will open Region 2-5A play Friday night when they host rival Holmes County Central.
The Rockets enter the game with a 27-20 record while Holmes come in a 1-1. Last year, the two teams battled back and forth with the Rockets taking a 27-20 victory on their way to a region championship.
The Rockets battled Class 2A powerhouse Scott Central for four tough quarters as they pounded out a 27-16 victory last Friday night.
The Rockets kicked off, held Scott Central to four downs, and took over on Rebel 41-yard line. Three plays later, Rocket quarterback Eli Anderson passed to Jarquez Hunter. The ball was deflected but Hunter came up with the ball and turned it into a 24-yard touchdown pass play. Hunter Bavetta kicked the extra point and the Rockets led 7-0.
That would be the only score of the first quarter. Anderson went back to the air in the second quarter and connected with Dagan Martin on a 9-yard pass play. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets led 14-0 with 9:37 left in the second quarter.
The Rebels battled back to take the lead. Scott Central took the ensuing kickoff and drove 55 yards for a touchdown. Trevor Wash connected with Devin Burks on an 18-yard TD pass play. The Rebels ran in the two-point conversion and the Rockets led 14-8 with 6:04 left in the half.
The Rebels picked off an interception to set up their next score on the Neshoba Central 29-yard line. Jalen Wells carried the back into the end zone on 15-yard run. The pass for two was good and the Rebels led 16-14 with 1:41 left in the second quarter.
The Rockets quickly retook the lead. Following a good kickoff return, Anderson connected with Martin on a 46-yard pass play. The try for two failed and the Rockets carried a 20-16 lead into the locker room at the half.
Hunter scored the only touchdown of the second half on a short run in the third quarter. Bavetta kicked the extra point and the Rockets held on for the win.
The Rebels stand at 2-1 and will host Raleigh next week.