By Stan Beall
The Star Herald
WINONA —
The Kosciusko Whippets traveled to Winona Friday night and lost a heartbreaker to the Tigers, 27-20.
The Whippets are now 2-4 as they enter region play Friday night.
Winona was led by running back Patrick Purnell who accumulated 192 yards rushing on just 20 carries.
It was Purnell who carried the load for the Tigers in the second half, and his touchdown run late in the fourth quarter broke the backs of the Whippets and the 20-20 tie.
“The guys played extremely hard and fought all the way to the end,” said Whippet head coach Tyler Peterson. “We just got into a situation late in the game where you’ve got to make plays. We had them on fourth and nine on that last scoring drive and let them convert for a first down.”
The Whippets just couldn’t make the key plays late in the game.
A wide-open receiver was missed on a throw late in the fourth quarter and they failed to convert on a third down and two situation.
The Whippets were led offensively by Jabri Selmon who had 119 yards on just 17 carries with two touchdown runs of 28 and eight yards.
Deavolon Edwards had 13 carries for 74 yards, Jerrell Jackson had 14 yards on two carries and Jamari Roby had nine yards on one carry and 36 yards on three receptions including a 23-yard touchdown catch and Daquan Forrest had six yards on one reception. Rajheem Jamison filled in for starting quarterback Tim Wade, who was out with a foot injury, and was able to complete 6-17 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively the Whippets were led by Daquan Tolar who had seven solo tackles and Kendric Riley who had five solo tackles of his own.
Harrison Griffin, Mitchell Myer and Orlando Hill each had four solo tackles with Myer having three assists and Hill with an assist and a fumble recovery.
“I thought Rajheem (Jamison) managed the game really well,” added Peterson. “He kept the chains moving and made a big throw here and there, we really didn’t miss much at the quarterback position. He competed and gave us a shot.”
The Whippets will open Region 4-4A play on the road at Noxubee County Friday night with kickoff set at 7:30 p.m.
