Rockets remain undefeated after taking the W at Ridgeland

The Neshoba Central Rockets remained undefeated in region 2-5A standings Friday night as they took a 35-20 victory over Ridgeland in prep football action.

The Rockets now stand at 5-0 in the region standings and 5-2 overall.

Neshoba Central will host Jim Hill this Friday night.

“This was a huge win,” said Coach Patrick Schooler. “We’re starting to see growth in our younger kids. They are getting better. They play hard and don’t give up. We are playing a pretty good brand of football.”

Neshoba Central scored on their first possession when quarterback, Will Williams, completed a 41 yard touchdown pass to Charles Stevenson. John Parker Handcock kicked the extra point and the Rockets led 7-0 with 11:19 left in the first

quarter. Ridgeland responded with a 10 yard touchdown pass and tied the score 7-7 with 10:19 left in the quarter. The Rockets responded with 6:52 left in the quarter when Elijah Ruffin scored a 6 yard rush. Handcock’s kick was good and the

Rockets led 14-7.

Ridgeland scored the only points of the second quarter on a 6 yard rush. At the half, the score was tied 14-14.

Ridgeland took the lead early in the third quarter with a 2 yard rush. The extra point was no good and the Titians led 20-14.

The Rockets answered with 2 touchdowns in the third quarter. First Mehki Gaddis scored on a 24 yard run and then rushed for another touchdown. Handcock scored on both kicks ending the third quarter with the Rickets leading 28-20.

In the fourth quarter Ruffin sealed the deal with a 1 yard run. Handcock’s kick was good ending the game with a score of 35-20.

Neshoba Central finished with 17 first downs. The Rockets rushed for 298 yards and completed 4 of 7 passes for 69 yards, giving them 367 total yards.

Ridgeland had 16 first downs. The Titans rushed for 99 yards and completed 8 of 20 passes with 144 yards, giving them 243 total yards.

The Rockets leading rusher was Gaddis with 27 carries for 150 yards.

Stevenson had 14 carries for 97 yards and 4 catches. Ruffin had 9 carries for 63 yards. Williams accounted for all of the Rockets passing yards.

Jalayias Winters had 1 interception.