It could be a history making night Friday for the Kirk Academy Raiders football team. Coach Colin Boone’s team has a chance to do something that hasn’t been accomplished in more than two decades – finish a regular season undefeated.
Kirk, sporting a 9-0 overall mark and 4-0 record in Class AAA, District 1, makes the short journey to Batesville to close the 2023 regular season against North Delta School on their home turf. A win over the Green Wave allows the Raiders to go to 10-0 and tie the consecutive win mark achieved by the 2000 team. Despite the chance to make history, Boone has approached the contest as he has the previous nine games.
“It’s an exciting time for our players and our school,” Boone said. “Our guys have a chance to do something special – there is a tendency to go into games like this a little nervous. At the end of the day, you have to approach this game like any other game on the schedule. If you go out and prepare and play hard, you will be where you want to be at the end of the day.”
North Delta comes into the contest with a 5-4 overall mark and 1-3 record in District 1. The Green Wave is under the direction of first-year head coach Will Morgan and started their season 2-0 with wins over Indianola Academy (48-30) and Benton Academy (28-9). The team’s first loss was only a 20-13 setback at Marshall despite six turnovers. The Green Wave has wins over Mississippi High School Activities Association members Strayhorn (10-6) and Potts Camp (38-20). Inside the district, North Delta lost a 14-12 decision to Winona Christian. It’s a team that has shown some bright moments throughout the season.
“North Delta is a very talented, well-coached football team,” Boone said. “Our programs are similar, both being coached by first-year coaches. Our record shows we are further ahead but they have maintained consistency longer than we have over the years. Up front, they may be the best we have seen all season. Their two backs, (Gage) Bryant and (Matt) Johnson, are both dynamic players that can take it the distance at any time.”
Bryant is the leading rusher for the Green Wave with 123 carries for 805 yards and 12 touchdowns. A senior, Johnson has rushed 32 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Johnson paces North Delta with 57 total tackles.
“Both their running backs present problems for our football team,” Boone said. “We have to do a good job of tackling both of them. North Delta has a solid football team from top to bottom and we can’t take them for granted.”
Junior Noah Jackson continues to lead the Kirk Raiders’ offense. As a runner, he has 75 carries for 607 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has 12 catches for 275 yards and four touchdowns, along with an interception returned for a touchdown. Senior quarterback Carter Hathcock is 66-of-105 for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 2 interceptions. Senior receiver Logan Pratt has 21 catches for 412 yards and five touchdowns.
Heading into the contest, the Raiders are second in the power point standings with an average of 27.889. The Top 3 spots are reserved for district champions and seeded by power point standings. Currently, Kirk is leading with an average of 27.899 compared to 27.833 for Greenville Christian. The Raiders will be in the Top 3 – where they fall will be determined after Friday’s action.
“Our players have done a very good job of doing what we ask of them throughout the season,” Boone concluded. “We will go out and see what happens and see where we fall in the bracket. It’s about playing hard and with passion. If we do that, things will take care of themselves.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
