Sports - High School

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Moss Point gets an early treat

Tigers remain atop Region 4-5A race with easy victory

D’IBERVILLE — Halloween treats came a day early for Moss Point as the Tigers remained at the top of Region 4-5A with a 42-7 win over D’Iberville on Friday night.

Tigers head coach Lewis Sims said Moss Point did not believe they were getting the respect their program warranted and wanted to make a statement that the Tigers belonged among the best teams in the state.

“We sent a statement tonight that we are ready to play ball,” Sims said.

The Tigers’ win sets up next Friday’s night match-up between Moss Point (8-2, 6-0) and Gautier at Gautier for the region title.

The Warriors (4-6, 4-2) finish the season next week at St. Martin and have a chance for third place in the region.

Moss Point took advantage of a short field to jump on D’Iberville early before returning two interceptions for touchdowns to seal the game.

After a short Warriors’ punt after D’Iberville’s first drive, Moss Point took over at the D’Iberville 41.

Three plays later Joseph Kirkland connected with Jalen Hill on a 22-yard touchdown pass.

A fumble on the Warriors’ ensuing series set the Tigers up at the D’Iberville 27. Behind Joseph Snell and Reginald Mathews, Moss Point steadily advanced to the end zone with Byron James getting the touchdown on a 1-yard plunge.

The Tigers continued their assault in the second quarter as they drove 68 yards in seven plays for their third touchdown in as many possessions. Kirkland finished the drive with a 41-yard scoring strike to Darius Stallworth.

“Getting out front early was big,” Sims said. “It was like putting blood on the water.”

With D’Iberville forced to pass, the Moss Point defense put the game way with Clyde Robinson returning an interception 71 yards to put the Tigers up 28-0 at the half.

Cordeem Raine took an interception back 67 yards for a touchdown to close Moss Point’s scoring.

Robinson also had a 6 yard scoring run to cap the Tigers’ initial drive of the second half.

D’Iberville got on the scoreboard late when Jake Ladner threw a short pass on the right sideline to Greyson Chambless who got behind the Tigers’ secondary for an 81-yard pass play. Chambless finished with four catches for 153 yards to lead the Warriors.

Kirkland was perfect in the first half, completing all five of his passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

He finished 5-of-7 passing. Snell led 10 Moss Point runners with 44 yards on seven carries. James added 37 yards, also on seven carries.

Raine led the Tigers’ defense with five tackles and two interceptions. Bayette Williams added four stops and two sacks.