11/4/2009 6:00:00 PM Neshoba Central eyes shot at playoffs
By STEVE SWOGETINSKY Sports Editor
It may be a long shot, but Neshoba Central has played its way back into position to possibly make the State Class 5A football playoffs.
The Rockets' 27-0 win over Lanier Friday night on a muddy field in Jackson evened Neshoba Central's record at 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the district. The Rockets' final game of the regular season will be against Pearl which is tied for first in the Region 2-5A standings with Ridgeland as both stand at 5-1 in region play.
Neshoba Central is tied with Canton and Provine at 3-3 in the standings. Both hold wins over Neshoba Central. But if the Rockets win their game with Pearl, Canton loses to Lanier, and Provine loses to Ridgeland, then Neshoba Central makes the playoffs with the better record.
"The only thing we need to worry about is winning our game," Neshoba Central coach Chuck Friend said. "We have really played well in the last two games and have put ourselves in this position. Now we have to take care of our business and see what happens."
The Rockets took care of business against Lanier. O'Neal McCarthy scored three touchdowns on runs of five, 20 and 50 yards. Quarterback Josh Stewart scored a touchdown on a five yard run.
"We were playing under some tough conditions," Friend said. "I thought our defense had a good night. I think we held them to negative yards. And the offensive line blocked well.
"Pearl has a good team. They beat Callaway (33-20) and I think they threw one pass the entire night. They have thrown more earlier this season but they are basically a running team."
Pearl comes into the game with a 7-3 record. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
