West Harrison (3-1) rallied to put up 28 points in the second quarter, and the Hurricanes’ defense shut out Bay High (1-3) in the final three quarters on their way to a 42-7 win on Friday night.
The Hurricanes’ big-play offense was on full display in the second quarter as quarterback Brady Martin connected with receiver Jahmad McGowan for a 45-yard score. Tyson Johnson would add a 70-yard run for a score, and Jeremy Jones would add a rushing score.
Jordan Stapleton had a huge night for the Hurricanes with 122 rushing yards on twelve carries and a touchdown, He would also add 47 yards on a reception. He was coming off an even bigger night the previous week rushing for 172 yards and a touchdown in a 28-12 win over East Marion.
“Jordan had another huge night,” said Hurricanes’ coach Quincy Patrick. “We’ve got a lot of great kids and great assistants who stayed with the game plan.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys, I’m talking about football experience, not their grade level, who are steadily improving, which is a great sign,” said Patrick. “I’m excited where we are as a team right now. Those guys are answering the bell.”
Trey Harris rushed for 74 yards on 7 carries and a 2-point conversion carry. Jones rushed for 49 yards on ten carries and two touchdowns. Johnson added 70 yards on his touchdown carry. Kaiden Miller added 33 yards on five carries.
Martin finished the night completing three of four passes for 136 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers scored on the game’s opening drive as quarterback Xander Ladner connected with Hayden Hardy from twelve yards out. The key play of the drive was a 46-yard pass from Ladner to Avery Harris two plays before the touchdown.
But once again, the Tigers were plagued by turnovers, three fumbles and an interception, and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve got to grow some young guys and get our playmakers to be more consistent,” said Tigers coach Jeremy Turcotte. “We run a play one time and gain twelve yards; we run it again and lose yards. On defense, we make a tackle for loss on one play and give up a big play for a touchdown on the next play. We’re just very inconsistent right now.
Both teams close out their non-district schedules next Friday as West Harrison hosts Moss Point (1-3; Bay High travels to Carriere to take on winless Pearl River Central. The Tigers were coming off their only win of the season after a 60-41 decision over home-standing Long Beach last week. West Harrison’s only loss came in a 27-21 defeat on the road at Sumrall in week two.
