Warriors off to historic start of season

Choctaw Central is off to their first 4-0 start since 2009 after defeating Lake 19-14 on Friday night.

While it has been one of the better starts in program history and it has already been a complete turnaround from last season’s 0-10 campaign, the Warriors are not satisfied and want to take the next step.

“I think the biggest turnaround for us from last year is experience,” Choctaw Central Head Coach Edward Routh said. “A lot of younger guys got playing time for us last year and that experience has helped them develop as players to get ready for this year.”

The Warriors have been led this season by one of the state’s most dynamic players in quarterback Keyshawn Ben.

“He has been on our radar since he was a freshman on the track team, we just realized that this kid has speed and that’s not something we’ve had out here in a long time,” Routh said. “He’s got really good football IQ, loves the game, and is just a dynamic player for us.”

In Friday’s matchup against Lake, Ben totalled 255 yards and two touchdowns combined through the air and on the ground.

Ben’s totals on the year are 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns through passing, rushing, and receiving in only four games.

Keyshawn Ben’s younger brother, Tyereke, has been one of his favorite targets throughout the season and has contributed to this Choctaw Central team in a big way as well.

“Those two have a natural bond, they’re inseparable,” Routh said. “They feed off of eachother and have great chemistry, which works out really well for us.”

The Choctaw Central defense has also stepped up in a big way this year and will look to enhance their play even more as the Warriors get closer to region play.

“Our defense has really been waking up over the last couple of weeks,” Routh said. “They are what kept us in the game Friday against Lake and we have some guys that are really stepping up and playing lights out right now.”

The Warriors will have some tough region matchups ahead against teams such as West Lauderdale and Northeast Lauderdale.

“We are going to have to find some consistency on the offensive line going into region play,” Routh said. “We’re big up front and have shown some flashes, we just have to find some consistency with that.”

Choctaw Central will be back in action Thursday on the road against Bay Springs.