When Philadelphia High School and West Lowndes took the field in Columbus Friday night, both teams were undefeated.
When the game was over, only the Tornadoes were unbeaten as they to a 48-14 victory over the Panthers. Philadelphia now stands at 4-0 while West Lowndes drops to 3-1.
"We are getting better every week," Philadelphia coach Teddy Dyess said. "Right now, we are taking care of business. I am tickled that we are 4-0 and now we have to keep getting better."
The 4-0 Tornadoes will be back in action Friday when they play host to Kosciusko. The Whippets, which dropped a 37-6 decision to Ridgeland last week, come into the game with a 1-3 record.
"Kosciusko is a fundamentally sound team," Dyess said. "I know we will get their best shot. They have made some mistakes that have been costly. But they could easily be 3-1 as 1-3."
Tyrig Patrick put his team on the scoreboard early as he returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Latimer Smith kicked the extra point and the Tornadoes led 7-0. It was the start of a busy first quarter for the Tornadoes.
"It set the tone for the game," Dyess said. "Anytime you get big play like that, it's a big deal. Tyriq is a great player and we expect him to make big plays."
The Tornadoes quickly struck again as Brandon Willis scored on a one-yard touchdown. Smith kicked the extra point and Philadelphia led 14-0.
Willis struck again as he scored on a 15-yard run. Smith was true on the extra point kick and the Tornadoes led 21-0.
The final score of the first quarter came on a 24-yard run by C.J. Johnson. Again Smith's kick was good and the Tornadoes took a 28-0 lead.
The defense and specialty teams got into the act in the second quarter.
Jeremy Morgan scored on a 10-yard run early in the period. Smith kicked the extra point and the Tornadoes led 35-0.
Then Jeremy Brown picked up a Panther fumble and ran it 18 yards for a touchdown. Smith's kick was good and the Tornadoes led 42-0.
The final points of the game for Philadelphia came when Julian Riddle blocked a punt in the end zone and recovered it for a touchdown. The extra point try was no good.
West Lowndes scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia's reserves to wrap up the game.
The Tornadoes had 271 yards on 37 carries and completed five-of-seven passing attempts for 36 yards, giving them 407 total yards.
Willis was the leading rusher with 123 yards on 16 carries. Morgan added 74 yards on five carries. Lee Smith completed four-of-six passing attempts. Patrick had four catches for 28 yards.
On defense, Johnson led the Tornadoes with nine tackles. Riddle had six tackles and a sack. Andrius Huddleston had five tackles and two interceptions.
