Gazebo Gazette
Even though Long Beach had won two consecutive road games, they could not find the momentum in Leakesville Friday night. Facing a strong Greene County High School nearly two hours from home, the Bearcats (2-2) got behind early and could not overcome the Wildcats, losing the contest 41-21.
Greene County put together a strong defensive scheme and polished a running attack from Wildcats senior running back Santez Campbell in the opening quarter. The lead after the first quarter was 14-0 Greene County Wildcats.
Long Beach threw a touchdown pass with 10:07 left in the half, closing the margin to 14-7, but the Wildcats quickly answered with a two touchdown lead into halftime at 21-7.
With the Wildcats scoring two more touchdowns with 7:37 left in the third and a 34-7 score, the Bearcats began their rally. In the top of the fourth, the Bearcats quarterback Cade Crosby tossed a strike to receiver Jervey Foxworth for a touchdown and a Kai VanCourt extra point, slimming the Greene County lead 34-14. Following this, an onside kick successfully was recovered by Long Beach, which led to another touchdown pass from Crosby to Bearcats receiver Foxworth. Once VanCourt converted the extra point, the lead was cut to 34-21 Greene County.
Unfortunately, this was as close as it would get, with the Wildcats scoring the final touchdown and extra point with 4:30 left in the game to post the final score 41-21.
“We have to be consistent,” said Long Beach Bearcats Head Football Coach Philip Pigott. “We have to practice and prepare consistently.”
Bearcats quarterback Crosby threw for 240 yards, going 20-33, and 3 touchdowns with an interception. Senior Running Back Dennis “D-Train” Andrews recorded 80 yards on 10 carries and receiver Foxworth had 5 receptions for 115 yards with 3 touchdowns.
Long Beach will host the first district game against Pearl River Central next week at 7pm. The Blue Devils were beat at home by St. Stanislaus 63-49 Friday night.
