Good teams always find a way to win.
That statement is what best describes Grenada High School’s come-from-behind 27-21 road win over Class 6A, Region 1 opponent Lake Cormorant last week. It was a test that second-year head coach Michael Fair was pleased with as his team responded well to the adversity.
“I thought they (Lake Cormorant) were one of the most talented teams that we have played all season,” Fair said. “They possess a lot of team speed and had a good scheme for us. You could tell they had a couple of weeks to prepare for us. They executed their plan at a high level and really made us work. We had to find a way in all three phases to win the game. As coaches, we made our evaluations on the game and began working on getting better in those areas. The difference in the game was that we made one more play than they did. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way our players responded.”
GHS senior Macaleb Taylor continues to lead the offense for the Chargers with 205 rushes for 1,417 yards and 23 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Brayden Trusty is 58-of-113 for 826 yards and six touchdowns to go with two interceptions.
Defensively, senior linebacker Jahmani Washington leads the way with 74 tackles followed by classmate Jarques Perry, who has 54 tackles to go with 10 sacks and13 tackles for losses.
This week, Region 1 continues when the Chargers entertain Olive Branch for its annual Homecoming contest. The Conquistadors are 1-4 on the season following last week’s 22-14 loss at home to Center Hill.
“Coach (Jason) Russell does a really good job,” Fair said. “He coached offensive line for me at Lafayette for five years and we are close. I watched his girls grow up in the field house with my children. They have some outstanding talent and I think they are better this year than last year on both sides of the football.”
Olive Branch is led offensively by senior tailback Kylan Rhodes (6-foot, 185 pounds), who leads the team with 227 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The Conquistadors alternate quarterbacks between senior Dominic Pupo (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) and freshman Thomas Heffner (6-foot-1, 170 pounds). Heffner is 34-of-61 for 251 yards, while Pupo is 31-of-49 for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
“They have a good young quarterback that is talented to go with the running back,” Fair concluded. “Defensively, they are better than last year and have good players on all three levels. Their record is deceiving and have played better each week. We are going to have to play to win the game.”
Russell likes his team despite the slow start with just one win. His opponents in the first five weeks have a combined record of 19-9 to this point with 6-1 Grenada High School Friday night.
“We have played some really good teams up to this point in the season,” Russell said. “In those games, we have a chance to win at the end with the exception of the DeSoto Central game, which was played in heavy rain from Hurricane Helene. As a team, I feel like we have improved this season. We just have to get over that hump and get some wins.”
Russell also has been pleased with the play of his quarterbacks thus far this season.
“We have a freshman quarterback that doesn’t play like a freshman,” he said. “He splits time with a senior and they are both doing a great job. We have some younger players in a few spots and there is a learning curve. The thing that I’m proud of is the fight they have shown throughout the season.”
Defensively, Olive Branch is using a different scheme with a new defensive coordinator.
“We are young on defense also, but I have seen the grow and continue to improve,” Russell said. “They are also learning a new defensive scheme and are having to be coached up under a new coordinator, and have worked hard. It’s been a process.”
Russell knows the challenge facing his team when they come to Grenada.
“We are playing a great football in Grenada,” Russell concluded. “Michael and I know each other well and I know what kind of coaching his guys are getting. They are going to be prepared for the game; we have a big challenge ahead of us.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with Homecoming ceremonies set for 6:15 p.m.
