Last Friday’s 56-30 victory over Marvell Academy was an impressive outing for the North Sunflower Academy Rebels football team.
However, the challenges continue this Friday night.
For along with Homecoming, there is a formidable opponent in the form of the 4-3 Delta Academy Raiders up next for the now 3-3. 1-0 Rebels.
With only four regular season games remaining to be played, the Rebels are hoping to keep the momentum earned during their current two game win streak intact.
Intent on playing the Homecoming and streak spoiler, however, is a strong Delta Academy squad from Marks which is coming to the NSA campus for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
This second of three consecutive home dates will see the Rebels taking on a Raiders squad which owns a four game win streak.
While last Friday night saw the Rebels earn their decision over visiting Marvell (AR) Academy, the District 1-2A Delta Academy squad was pummeling Columbus Christian School by a 48-14 margin.
Turning their season around after dropping their first three games of the season, Delta Academy appears to have found their offensive stride and in an impressive fashion.
The Raiders are averaging over 47 points per game during their current four game win streak.
Historically, Delta Academy owns a three game win streak over NSA; a run which includes last year’s 44-22 decision over the Rebels.
The Raiders would complete last season with a second round appearance in the playoffs and a 6-6 record.
In last week’s 26-point win over Marvell Academy, the Rebels used quarterback Jacob Henley’s memorable night to help claim the game.
The senior ended his night’s play by having a hand in 36 of NSA’s points scored.
In addition to throwing three touchdown passes, Henley ran for another pair while also converting three of the Rebels’ two point conversion attempts.
Despite spotting the Eagles an early 6-0 lead, the Rebels forcefully responded and owned a 14-8 first quarter lead.
That response began with a 50 yard TD pass from Henley to Junior Washington.
Moments later, Henley then eluded tacklers and raced 65 yards for the Rebels second score of the game.
By halftime, the Rebels had taken over the game as they took a 28-16 lead to the dressing room.
In the second half, a third period scoring flurry enabled NSA to own a 50-22 lead as the game entered the final quarter of play.
Beginning this scoring frenzy was Nick Billhofer, as the junior stripped the ball from an Eagles runner and then raced 20 yards for the touchdown.
This TD was quickly followed by another pair of touchdowns as freshman D.D. Williams’ nine yard scoring run preceded a 90 yard scoring toss from Henley to sophomore Corey Coleman.
North Sunflower Academy posted its final points of the night in the fourth period when Billhofer and Coleman connected on a 40 yard touchdown pass.
Offensively in the game, Henley completed nine passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns.
His primary receivers were Washington with four receptions for 112 yards, while Coleman’s three catches netted 132 and pair of touchdowns.
The Rebels rushing attack was paced by Henley (5 rushes, 98 yards) and Williams (5 rushes, 37 yards),
