This is the current scenario for the Gentry High School Rams football team.
There are two regular season games remaining to be played on their schedule.
Both games are Region 3-4A matchups.
There is an open date between those two games.
The Rams must win one of those contests in order to earn a 4A playoff berth.
With that said, at least on paper it appears the best opportunity for the 1-7, 0-2 Rams to clinch a playoff berth will occur this Friday at Yazoo City High School.
For at 7 p.m. the Rams will take on a winless (0-7, 0-1) Indians squad whose defense allows a per-game average of over 46 points per contest.
However, if the Rams are to win this game, an offensive reversal will need to take place.
For over the course of the past four weeks the Rams have been mired in the throes of a four game scoreless streak.
This string of shutouts was extended following last Friday’s 35-0 home-field loss to Clarksdale High School.
As for Yazoo City, Gentry Head Coach Mario Young noted “They are a decent team and they always play hard. Plus, it is their Homecoming, so I know they will come out ready to play.”
Historically, last season Yazoo City handed the Rams a 28-0 loss which aided the Indians in accumulating a 7-4 record. That 2018 season ended for the Indians in the first round of the playoffs.
In these two teams’ past history since 2004, Yazoo City also owns a 6-3 series advantage over the Rams.
In last Friday’s regional loss to Clarksdale High (5-3, 2-0), the Rams fell prey to the Wildcats’ relentless running attack and stifling defense.
Posting 400 yards of offense, this Clarksdale High effort was paced by the 328 yards earned on 35 rushes into the line.
While holding the Rams scoreless, the Wildcats took a 21-0 lead to the dressing room at halftime before cruising on to their victory.
During the Rams’ offensive efforts, 24 rushes netted 138 yards on the night.
Tyler Edwards paced this attack as his 13 carries accumulated 68 yards while Joshujuan Townsend added another 35 yards with his five rushes.
Through the air, Towsend completed one of six attempts as a 21-yarder was pulled in by Adrian Liggins.
Defensively, the Rams were led by Edwards and Zacarius Fair, as both posted five solo tackles and four assists.
Adding four solos and five assists was Eric McGowan while Michael Beckworth turned in a four solo, three assist night of play.
