The Calhoun City offense appears to be returning to form despite a 31-18 road loss to JZ George Jaguars this past Friday night.
Quarterback JR Jennings had his best performance of the season racking up a season-high 227 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 19-of-31 passing.
Calhoun City (2-4, 0-0 Region 1-2A) entered the JZ George (4-2, 0-0 Region 2-2A) game averaging 105.6 passing yards, but a healthy Jennings could prove a very valuable asset for the Cats heading into region play this week against Baldwyn.
The junior QB connected with five different receivers on the night with Demarius Howard hauling in nine passes for 83 yards and two scores. Aaron Thompson had four receptions for 51 yards while Jase Chandler added three catches for 43 yards.
Jennings also connected with Raheem Roberson for a 30 yard scoring toss on the night.
Avery Hill led the rushing attack with 85 yards on 12 carries while Howard had 44 yards on 10 carries as the Cats totaled 127 yards of their 354 yards of total offense via the ground game.
This week Calhoun City will open Region 1-2A play on the road against the Baldwyn Bearcats.
Baldwyn (0-5, 0-0 Region 1-2A) comes into the game on a five-game losing streak after a 29-6 set back last week to Class 3A Ripley, but the winless record is rather deceiving for fans unfamiliar with the Bearcats season.
In a 14-6 loss to Class 3A Booneville the Bearcats forced six turnovers and stopped the six Booneville drives that started inside Baldwyn territory. In a 9-0 loss to Class 5A they missed four second half scoring opportunities. A pair of first half turnovers proved to be the difference in a 24-12 loss to Class 3A Nettleton.
A few different breaks in those games and the Bearcats could easily be a 3-2 football team.
Breaking down the Bearcats.
Quarterback Tanner Gaines has connected on 34-of-85 passing for 399 yards and three interceptions. Jaylen Irons has nine catches for 82 yards, Channing Penson has 3 catches for 77 yards, Jordan Bowdry has six catches for 72 yards, and Lorenzo Hill has 68 yards on seven receptions.
Tyler Estes has rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries while Antonio Rucker and Gaines have both rushed for a touchdown.
Devin Lindsey leads the defense with 52 tackles and one interception.
Next week the Wildcats will return home and stay inside region play as they play host to the Mantachie Mustangs (2-4, 0-0 Region 1-2A).
