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West Point has lot in common with 2005 title team |
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Friday, 06 November 2009 |
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West Point football players Tommy Keys (19), Justin Bobo (44), Michael Bush (88), Josh Price (45) and DeDerrius Taylor (52) stand on the mud-drenched sideline during the Green Wave's 43-0 win over Lake Cormorant. West Point wil have its final home of the regular season tonight against Hernando. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
By Kenneth Mister
Daily Times Leader
If the West Point football team wins tonight against Hernando, they'll have something in common with, arguably, one of the best Green Wave team's in recent history - lose only one game in the regular season.
West Point lost only one game in 2005 in route to the Class 4A state title. So far, the 2009 Green Wave team is 9-1 with no signs of slowing down. In both 2005 and 2009, West Point lost to rival schools by a narrow margin. In 2005, West Point fell to Starkville 13-9. This year, the Green Wave lost to Shannon 27-20 in the final minutes.
After winning nine straight games, including two shutouts, the Green Wave look to be something special.
"I always knew we had the potential," senior defensive back Jeremy Cannon said. "The big question was how were we going to use it and how were we going to bring it to the table and run with it."
West Point has done exactly that - run with it. The Green Wave's three running backs Xavier Hogan, Jacoby Lee and LaKenderic Thomas have combined for nearly 1,500 yards. As a team, West Point has run for over 2,200 yards.
Despite West Point's success on the field, the Green Wave aren't looking ahead.
"We just want to take one week at a time," West Point head coach Chris Chambless said. "We know our second season is going to start next week and we just want to take it one week at a time. That's definetely everybody's goal when they start out every year."
Dandy Dozen athlete and Mississippi State commit Michael Carr is on the same page.
"We just stay focused and humble and play one game at a time," he said.
Playing one game at a time seems to be working for West Point - especially for their defense. During the last three games, West Point shutout division foe's Clarksdale and Lake Cormorant by a combined score of 70-0.
Although this year's Green Wave defense hasn't put up the exact numbers as in 2005, it does resemble. In 2005, West Point gave up only 87 points through 14 games, including six shutouts (6.2 points per game allowed).
This year, West Point has given up only 128 points (ranking second in Region 1 behind New Hope) through 10 games.
Numbers like that could bring to life Cannon's dreams.
"I'm trying to get a ring before I go and make it Jackson for a state title," he said.
But before West Point can hold up the trophy, they'll have to take care of business in the playoffs, which start next week.
Most likely, West Point will face Canton in the first round, Chambless said. No matter, however, who West Point plays, they'll be ready, Carr said.
"I'm looking forward to playing anybody," Carr said.
Cannon, on the other hand, has a team or two in mind.
"I would want to play Wayne County," he said. "But I wouldn't mind playing Shannon again."
West Point's game tonight against Hernando is senior night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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Win,win,win,see you in Jackson Ms, for the playoff. - Rev Nudennie Moore
GO BIG GREENWAVES! LETS BRING HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP. - Anthony Tallie
I wish u guys the best season - Joshua Lee Go green waves and win, win, and win. - Rev Joe Smith GOOD LUCK WEST POINT SWIM TEAM!!! I hope yall have a great
season this year! Even though I'm not there, I'm cheering ya'll on up here! - Brandon Berry Go Green Wave! Keep up the good work. - Robin Birmingham C/O '96
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