Last week’s open date has brought an unexpected new opportunity to the Gentry High Rams football team.
After the 1 -8 Gentry squad’s playoff hopes appeared to be dashed early last week, this Friday’s home-field clash with Rosa Fort High of Tunica has suddenly opened the door for the Rams to earn a postseason berth.
This new opportunity was made available after the 7-3 Rosa Fort Lions were upset by Yazoo City High 30-26 last Friday night. This loss, coupled with a possible Gentry High victory this Friday night, would give both the Rams and the Lions identical 1-3 records in Region 3-4A play.
The task will be formidable for the Rams this week, however, despite the Lions unexpected loss to the now 2-7 Yazoo City High squad last Friday night.
Prior to that upset loss, Rosa Fort High had only suffered losses to top-ranked Greenwood High and powerful North Panola High of Sardis.
Offensively, the Lions bring a 26.3 points per game scoring average to the Gentry High field.
Defensively, over the course of their seven games won this season, Rosa Fort has given up an average of only 7.5 points per outing. Their defensive efforts were highlighted by the Lions’ 14-6 victory earned two weeks ago over Clarksdale High School.
“I would really like to see this squad have the fun of reaching post-season action,” said Gentry Head Coach Mario Young, “Especially our seniors.”
If the Rams can pull off a victory over the Lions in this Friday’s 7 p.m. match-up, the next step for Coach Young’s squad would be a November 8 playoff game against Region 4-4A’s No. 1 seed.
Likely playoff opponents emerging from Region 4 include Louisville High, West Lauderdale High of Collinsville, Choctaw Central High of Philadelphia, and Kosciusko High School.
Currently. Louisville High is the frontrunner in that region, and should the Wildcats claim their regional championship, they will serve as the winner of this Friday’s Gentry – Rosa Fort game’s initial playoff foe.
