Undefeated Neshoba Central team claims first region win
The Neshoba Central Rockets picked up their first Region 2-5A victory of the season Friday night as they rolled over Forest Hill 45-14 in prep football action.
The Rockets now stand at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the Region 2-5A standings. They visit Holmes County Central this Friday night in a key Region 2-5A contest.
Neshoba Central is ranked No. 5 in a state poll of Class 5A teams by Mississippi Scorebook Live.
After a scoreless first quarter, Hunter Bavetta kicked a 35-yard field goal. With 11:05 remaining in the second quarter, the Rockets led 3-0.
Neshoba Central scored on its next possession when quarterback Eli Anderson passed to Bryceton Spencer on a 33-yard TD pass. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets led 10-0 with 8:51 left in the second quarter.
Anderson went back to air on Neshoba Central’s next possession when he connected with Dez McWilliams on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Bavetta’s kick was good and Neshoba Central led 17-0 with 1:50 left in the half.
Forest Hill got on the scoreboard with 12 seconds left in the half on a 21-yard TD play. The Patriots scored on the two-point conversion and Neshoba Central led 17-8 at the half.
Forest Hill scored again with 3:15 left in the third quarter on a four-yard run. The run failed and the Rockets led 17-14.
Neshoba Central scored with five seconds left in the third quarter when Anderson ran the ball in from two yards out. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets led 24-14.
The Rockets got a couple of interceptions in the fourth quarter and put the game away. Jaharon Griffin picked off a pass, giving Neshoba Central possession on the Patriots’ two-yard line. Anderson scored on the next play when he ran it in. Bavetta’s kick was good and Neshoba Central led 31-14 with 10:21 left in the game.
On their next possession, Anderson passed to Ja’Naylon Dupree on a 25-yard TD pass. Bavetta’s kick was good and the Rockets led 38-14 with three minutes left.
On the play following the kickoff, Brayden Reynolds intercepted a pass for the Rockets. Anderson connected with Dupree on a 30-yard TD pass play. Bavetta’s kick was good with 2:27 remaining to the scoring
The Rockets finished with 352 total yards. Anderson had all of Neshoba Central’s 288 passing yards as he completed 16-of-29 passes. The Rockets rushed 15 times for 64 yards. Dupree had seven catches for 91 yards while Dez McWilliams had two catches for 90 yards. Elijah Ruffin caught five passes for 52 yards and Spencer had three catches for 50 yards. Zander Kirkland was the leading rusher with 53 yards on eight carries.
On defense, lineman Maxton Woodard had four quarterback hurries, three tackles and three assists. Kelbee Holmes had seven tackles, one assist and tackle for loss. Elijah Ruffin had one sack and two tackles. Braydon Reynolds had an interception, a tackle and an assist.
Forest Hill falls to 0-3. The Patriots host Wingfield Friday.