PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: TAKING A LOOK AT SOME WEEK 3 GRIDIRON NOTABLES

A bye last week didn’t stifle Russell Christian’s Week 1 momentum, as the Warriors’ defense again remained stingy to grab their second win of the season. Philadelphia running back Courtney Smith’s legs helped lead the Tornadoes to a big win over Neshoba Central for the second consecutive year, and Northeast Lauderdale kept its unblemished record intact with an overtime win against Southeast Lauderdale. Here’s a closer look at some Week 3 notables. Strong start First-year Russell Christian coach Chad Eaves and the Warriors moved to 2-0 after beating Ezekiel Academy. The Warriors’ defense allowed just six points in the win and have surrendered only six points this season. Russell Christian travels to Victory Christian Friday. “So proud of my Warriors and the way they battled for this win to start 2-0,” Eaves said. “Our defense has been phenomenal with only allowing six points in two games. We pride ourselves on being physical and aggressive. We have a few players banged up and have to work to get them healthy this week. This game against Ezekiel was closer than the score showed. It was a very physical battle. We now have to look to keep our win streak going as we prepare for our game against Victory Christian Friday.” Right direction Quitman has won two straight since its Week 1 loss at Southeast Lauderdale. The Panthers got a 31-9 road win Friday at West Jones and return home Friday to play Greene County. Quitman last played Greene County in 2014 and earned a 14-13 win. “This team took advantage of an opportunity to make a statement about the kind of season they want to have this year,” Quitman coach Steve Bynum said. “(We’re) not where we want to be yet, but better than we were Week 1 versus Southeast.” Running man Philadelphia (3-0) running back Courtney Smith rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the Tornadoes’ 38-14 win against Neshoba Central Friday. Smith, a senior, has rushed for 100 yards in each of his three games this year and has a team-high eight rushing touchdowns. “He lost about 15 pounds this offseason but didn’t lose any strength,” Tornadoes coach Teddy Dyess said. “And this has made him more explosive.” Free football Fans of four programs were treated to free football Friday as the Northeast Lauderdale-Southeast Lauderdale and Leake Central-West Lauderdale contests went into overtime Friday. The Trojans outlasted the Tigers 14-7 to go 3-0, while the winless Knights dropped a 27-26 decision to the Gators.

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: TAKING A LOOK AT SOME WEEK 3 GRIDIRON NOTABLES

Photo Credit: Quitman Athletics

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