There is a lot at stake this Friday night when Kirk Academy hosts longtime rival North Delta School for Senior Night.
Coach Justin Purvis’ team is looking to solidify a berth in the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools Class AA State Playoffs. Under the current power-point system, the Raiders are 10th-seeded to play for a Division 2 State title. They still have games left with Regents School of Oxford and Lee Academy, which they can pass in the power points with wins.
Right now, Kirk is focused on playing a North Delta School team that has struggled with a 1-6 mark this season. Friday’s game is the first of three straight district games for the Raiders. Purvis pointed out that the MAIS doesn’t recognize district titles. Everything is about the power points.
“The way the MAIS sets up the postseason you don’t really win a district title,” Purvis said. “We want to win a district title, and we can if we win these last three games.”
North Delta’s lone win was over West Memphis (Ark.) Christian, a 32-20 decision, back in Week 2. The Green Wave has averaged just 10 points per game during their five-game losing streak.
“They are a lot like us being very run-oriented,” Purvis said. “Offensively, they like to run the Wing-T, so we are going to have to be sound defensively and be in the right spots.”
North Delta is led by junior running back Max Hinton, who has 269 yards on 47 carries and three touchdowns. Classmate Gabe Carlisle has 258 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns.
Senior Gage Vance paces the Kirk ground game with 920 yards and 12 touchdowns, one scoring reception and one defensive touchdown. Classmate Linton Carson has passed for more than 500 yards and nine touchdowns. As a runner, he has more than 300 yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, seniors Hayes Horan, Andy Redwine and Hayden Baker have led the Raiders.
Purvis said the week of preparation has been good.
“Our guys have been attentive this week during preparation for North Delta,” Purvis concluded. “They know that we still have something to play for, and I think will be ready to play.”
The game will be the final regular season home game for 11 seniors, along with five cheerleaders. Senior Night activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with kickoff for slated for 7 p.m.
