Perhaps all that was needed this season was a driving rain and a wet field.
For last Friday night on their home turf, the now 3-6 North Sunflower Academy Rebels exploded to a 62-24 district victory over Prentiss Christian School, who saw their record fall to an identical 3-6 mark.
In this first ever meeting between these two schools, the Rebels set the tone on the game’s opening kickoff when Jacob Henley sprinted 60 yards to the end zone to give NSA a quick lead.
Matching the deluge of rain falling with a deluge of points, the Rebels then continued to reel off long runs throughout the game.
Impressively, after the visiting Saints scored on their possession, Henley then gathered in the ensuing kickoff and raced 55 yards for another touchdown.
Henley would end his memorable night with five touchdowns, the shortest of which covering 30 yards.
“I cannot explain it,” said NSA Head Coach Jimmy McGregor. “We played extremely well in the rain, the kids were fired up and everything was working. It was fun to watch.”
As for this Friday’s regular season finale, the Rebels will need to be on fire again as a trip to West Helena, Arkansas will find them taking on an 8-1, 2-0 Thunderbirds squad.
“They are a quality ball team,” noted Coach McGregor, “this will be a big test for us.”
The Thunderbirds have had two weeks to prepare for the Rebels after an open date last week.
To date, the Arkansas squad has not tasted defeat to a Mississippi school this season as their only loss occurred in week three when they fell 41-20 to Marvell (AR) Academy.
Owning a prolific offense, the DeSoto Academy team has averaged scoring over 50 points per game in their last five games played.
Meanwhile in NSA’s win last Friday, in addition to his pair of long kickoffs returned for touchdowns, Henley also scored with runs from scrimmage which covered 60, 40, and 30 yards.
Also adding to NSA’s scoring binge were Nick Billhofer (60 yards), Riley Johnson (40 and 12 yards), and Dakota Dawson (10 yards).
