After a week one win over Leake Central, first-year Newton County coach Bobby Bass kept telling his team to be prepared for a physical football game against Neshoba Central.
The Cougars failed to get the message.
The home-standing Rockets used a rugged running game as they jumped out to a 34-0 lead and cruised to a 46-19 win over the Cougars, handing Bass his first loss as head coach.
Bass said he was disappointed in the loss but more importantly in how his team prepared for the game.
“They just outplayed us,” Bass said. “We didn’t tackle well, we didn’t block well. We were nowhere near as close to being as physical as we need to be when we play a physical team like Neshoba. They are a good football team and going to win a lot of football games this year. Their kids played physical and we didn’t respond to it like we should have.”
After County turned the ball over on downs at the Neshoba 28, the Rockets responded with a 10-play, 72-yard drove to take an early 7-0 lead.
“We had too many turnovers and too many missed opportunities,” Bass said. “On the opening drive, we hit the receiver in the facemask and he drops the ball that would have put us first and goal at the 8. We missed too many plays and didn’t do a good job of blocking up front.”
While the Newton County offense was struggling, Neshoba was in full swing, scoring on its next four possessions to take a 34-0 lead late in the second quarter.
County finally got on the board when Rod Davis returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Cole Shimfessel booted the PAT and Neshoba led 34-7 at the half.
Neshoba kicked a 29-yard field goal and scored on a 42-yard run to open up the third quarter and take a 46-7 lead.
County scored twice in the second half as the Cougars went on a 10-play, 68-yard drive with Marcus Wash scoring on a 10-yard run. The Cougars added a late score as Damon Mapp hit Evans on an 8-yard touchdown pass.
“I think for us, it’s learning how to prepare for an opponent,” Bass said. “I don’t know if they mentally understand the preparation it takes for a smash-mouth football game. I’ve got some young kids who didn’t really know what that meant.”
On defense, Skylar Porter led the way with six solo tackles and four assists. Makindal Evans had four solo tackles and three assists. Miguel Evans had three solo tackles and three assists. Noah Cutway had two tackles for loss and one sack while Carlonte Walker had four tackles and one sack.
