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photo by Marcus Frazier
Natchez High School’s Rico Richardson, along with NHS defensive lineman Kevochie Pollard, brace themselves for a tackle from Franklin County High School’s Jordan Hunt Friday evening.
Penalties plague Natchez in 21-19 loss
Published Monday, September 22, 2008
NATCHEZ — Friday night football in the Natchez area included a host of questionable penalty calls that caused local teams to struggle.
At Natchez High, for example, the Bulldogs were penalized 24 times for 191 yards, 18 of which came in the second half. Opponent Franklin County was charged with five flags for 45 yards.
“We weren’t very happy with the penalties at all. No one can be,” said Natchez coach Lance Reed. “Watching the film, we felt like some were kind of questionable, but some were definitely good calls. I definitely felt like something wasn’t very right about as many penalties as they called.”
But Reed did not use the number of flags as an excuse for their 21-19 loss to the other Bulldogs. He blamed it mostly on turnovers — including two lost fumbles and two interceptions — and the great second-half play of Franklin County.
“Momentum is a big thing in football,” he said. “The penalties and some stuff you just can’t control, but you can’t go out and cry about the refs. It’s important that you take responsibility for the mistakes that happen. It forced us back to doing the little things, which is what we’ve talked about all along.”
Natchez had an early lead as quarterback Javon Washington connected with Rico Richardson for a 41-yard score in the Bulldogs’ first play. They had two chances to extend the lead but turned it over on downs both times, although they did score again to end the half.
Richardson opened the third quarter with a 77-yard kickoff return, but a failed two-point conversion seemed to turn the tide of the game.
Franklin County scored on their first drive and then again five minutes later as Natchez failed on a fake punt attempt from midfield.
“It was a bad call on my part that put us in real bad field position,” Reed said. “I signaled in the wrong signal, and I took full responsibility on that one.”
The Bulldogs scored immediate with an 18-yard run, then a fumble by Richardson in Natchez’ end zone gave them the ball right back. They scored in just six plays.
Franklin County coach Trent Hammond said this team did not change anything for the second half.
“In the first half we played with absolutely no emotion. We didn’t hit, we didn’t block. We just didn’t make plays in first half,” he said. “We just talked about playing the way were capable of playing. We had not played the way we did in the first three weeks.”
Hammond said he learned some promising things about his team under fire, noting that a 19-point deficit is a scary place to be.
He said the penalties had nothing to do with the win.
“We can do some things to put ourselves back in the ballgame. Anytime you play from that kind of deficit, you learn — not so much about where you want to be at the beginning because no one wants to be down by 19 points — but you learn something about your team as far as character and the desire to win.”
Franklin County running back Jordan Hunt went down with a knee injury early in the game, and Hammond had no further update on the injury Saturday.
Cathedral also struggled with some penalty calls in its 31-28 homecoming loss to St. Aloysius.
There were at least three missed facemasking plays that should have been called on St. Al, and only of about three horse-collar tackles was noticed.
But Cathedral coach Craig Beesley’s biggest concern came at a crucial time at the end of the game, as the Green Wave had just taken a four-point lead with 1:17 left.
After a botched kickoff, St. Aloysius drove the ball to the 11-yard line. Flashes quarterback Chris Lewis was being tackled and either fumbled the ball or threw it to the ground. The Green Wave picked it up, but the referees called an incomplete pass, bringing up fourth-down and 10, where St. Aloysius scored to win the game.
I am still concerned about what I thought was intentional grounding in the series before,” Beesley said. “That could have been a big break that goes our way. It’s frustrating for the kids there, as hard as they worked in the second half.
The Wave had come from a 21-7 deficit at halftime to go ahead 28-24.
“We just tried to hold on in the first half. They totally took it to us — the whole first half was in their favor. Then for us to come back and tie it up going into fourth quarter, we thought we could have had a couple breaks.”
But another questionable call, this time by Beesley, could have made a difference in the game as well. Cathedral had possession at the end of the second quarter, and instead of kicking a field goal on the 10-yard line on fourth down, they opted for a pass, which was intercepted.
“The way the game was going, it looked like we weren’t going to get many chances,” he said. “We felt like we needed a touchdown there instead of three points. At that point in the game I would have done the same thing again.”
Jefferson County coach James Herrington was also a bit curious about the reffing Friday night in their 20-12 win against Amite County.
“I take away nothing from what (Amite County) did. They played hard all the way through, they capitalized off our mistakes we made,” he said. “But it was a kind of an iffy game on the calls last night. Our guys were penalized close to 15 times last night in key situations. Yet somehow Amite County seemed to stay mistake-free all the way through four.”
Jefferson County scored all three touchdowns on shaky quarterback Jeffrey Collins, who went just 4-for-24.
Block High school lost its game to Jena, 27-26, on an overturned call on a two-point conversion by the Bears.
Block had scored on its first three offensive plays, but a knee injury to offensive tackle Ethan House changed the momentum of the game.
Comments
Posted by BJ1979 (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As an Alumnus of Jefferson County High who follows just about all of our sporting events I can honestly say dat there are a lot of questionable calls agaist us. Most of the time which happens on our own turf. But that cannot be used as an excuse. There has to be discipline established which will minimize mental mistakes especially when a game is close. That's why its important to put try an opposing team away early that way bad calls will be of less importance. The reality is there are gonna be legitimate calls and bad calls in every game. But to have that self control an discipline is the key to keep from beating ones self like off sides calls,just watch the ball. Personal fouls ,whip them legally. Talk smack after da game if necessary. Let the scoreborad do the talking. Don't help the officials beat you. I hope my Tigers take heed to this. To the Democrat I appreciate the coverage we have been receiving lately.GO TIGERS!!!! 08'
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hammond is obviously lost if he thinks 191 yards worth of penalties and promising field position as a result , didnt have anything to do with Franklin County winning this game. I am just disgusted with this game. As I said before, take this and run with it F.C.
Posted by Dawgs89 (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Obviously the "blaming the refs excuse" has found its way over to Cathedral now. Natchez High loses - blame the refs; Cathedral loses - blame the refs; ACCS loses - blame the refs; Trinity wins - the refs were great! Must be something in the water over there.
Posted by Suthungurl19 (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GO FC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Suthungurl19 where the heck is FC going ? Don't think for a second that this cheating by those pea brain officials isn't coming back to haunt your team later during the season . There are several teams in your district that can completely foul up your season .
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dawgs89 it doesn't make sense to just lie on these teams . I keep up with all sporting events in the immediate Natchez area . I've never read feedback on any of these private schools complaining about losing . I'm sure if they play FC it would be a different story . FC is playing a dangerous game with the use of those cheating officials . It really amazes me that none of them haven't gotten their caps rolled back for this blatant cheating . Get this through your thick skull . Natchez people aren't saying that FC players cheat , only the stinking officials that wandered into Natchez that night . The officials cheated and gave that game away . The kids only played the game . No one is blaming the kids for anything . Only the stinking officials . Get it this time , will you !
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
REDNECK1 it is obvious that you are BRAINDEAD if you keep thinking the refs cheated only NATCHEZ. It was bad calls on both teams. If you insist on blaming someone, blame NATCHEZ coaching staff? Only an idiot would try a fake punt on their own side of the 50. That's what swung the momentum in our favor. And another thing. He changed his whole strategy up in the second half. So mister "THE REFS CHEATED US " do me a favor and watch the game and not the refs, you might understand what's cheating and what's a good nail-bitter and one hell of a game you idiot.
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH!!!!! AND THAT FAKE PUNT WAS ON 4th and 29 .TALK ABOUT BONEHEAD CALL OF THE YEAR ------ TRY BONEHEAD CALL OF THE CENTURY. YOU SURE YOU WASN'T DOWN THERE CALLING PLAYS REDNECK1. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING YOU WOULD TRY.
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PRIDE, I SEE YOU TOO HAVE HATEFRANKLINCOUNTYITTUS . AND THE CURE FOR THAT IS TO JUST FOCUS ON NATCHEZ. I GUESS IF MERIDIAN BEATS YALL / WHAT AM I SAYING? WHEN MERIDIAN BEATS YALL, I GUESS THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAD CALLED THEIR REF SQUAD FROM MEMPHIS TO CHEAT. I GUESS IT'S JUST GETTING TO EXSPENSIVE TO PLAY YALL. DAWG YOU ARE A DING DONG. YOU TALK LIKE YALL ARE THE TOP TEAM IN MISSISSIPPI. MAY I REMIND YOU THAT YOU'RE 5-A. HUUUUUM!!!!!!!!!! WHO ELSE IS IN 5-A. SOUTH PANOLA UNIVERSITY. POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR NATCHEZ.
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mississippime is going off with his country a$$ .
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see what you mean "Pride" . Mississippime is obviously a lunatic . Hey dog ! , it's only a game fool !
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey mississippime ! what's with all the broken english . Did you even finish HS ? Probably was just a dumb country jock playing on a country football team .
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TRON601 YOU'RE NOT DISGUSTED. YOU'RE STUPID. NATCHEZ PLAYERS GOT TIRED. AND ASK ANYONE WHO KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT SPORTS IN GENERAL. WHAT DOES FATIGUE LEADS TO? DING DING DING DING / MENTAL MISTAKES. LOOK THE MORE CLOSE GAMES YOU PLAY. THE BETTER YOUR TEAM WILL BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH TOUGH SITUATIONS. TRUST ME, NATCHEZ WILL BE A BETTER TEAM AFTER THAT GAME- ----- THATS IF IDIOTS LIKE YOU, REDNECK1, AND PRIDE QUIT TALKING NONSENSE. MAN JUST LET IT GO. YOU LOST, NOW LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. DANG , I'M GONNA START CHARGING YOU FOOLS FOR THIS PERFECT ADVICE. NOW GO OUT AND BE SOMEBODY.
Posted by gator (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mississippime don't get caught up in that trash talk these guys are doing . We won the game last week . It's history now . Don't stoop to their level .
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gator who are you to come on here and try to play mediator . You one of those wankle county country bumpkins also . Go fly a cow pie !
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LAST I CHECKED, NATCHEZ IS NO NEW YORK. YOU TWO ARE AS COUNTRY AS I AM. BUT JUST AS DUMB AS A BAG OF HAMMERS. THEY SAY," IF YOU THROW A ROCK AND IT HITS CLOSE ENOUGH, A FOOL WILL HOLLA."
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey mississippimud ! you still here ? Go fly a cow pie yourself .
" dumb as a bag of hammers ? Just as country as you ? I don't think so . You live in the country be proud of where you are from . Country boy will survive !
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pride he might be one of those country pimp types . Man they keep us laughing when they're in the clubs . Country boy is a country pimp , pimping all the country girls . What's with the rope tied around your waist ? Cmon , a belt only costs $30.00 .
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
REDNECK1 TALKING TRASH $ 5.00. PRIDE BACKING HIS EVERY WORD $ 10.00. LISTENING TO YALL CRY LIKE SCHOOL YARD SISSIES. PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HEY YOU A$$ BACKWARDS INBREAD LOWLIFE POKEMON LOVING MYSPACE WORSHIPING GOATCHEESE EATING I AM CORNHOLLIO LOOKING HILLBILLY FRANK SMELLING I TOUCH MYSELF TROUTMOUTH HATERS. AND BY THE WAY I'M BLACK, AND I DON'T WEAR BELTS.
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are definitely representing wankle county mississippimud ! Since you don't wear belts you probably use them for transportation while swinging from tree to tree in wankle county . Dude you're a piece of work !
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey mississippime why don't you go eat a cowpie with that filthy mouth . Don't forget to kiss the cows goodnight !
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey 1redneck don't forget he says he's black and don't wear clothes . Sippimippi how you dress is your own business . But if you venture out of FC please put some clothes on .
Posted by mississippime (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 11:43 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 26, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG ! Mississippime how can I be gay when I'm your father , son ?
Posted by pride (anonymous) on September 26, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on you mississippime . Is that anyway to talk about your dad ? Kids these days have no manners or respect for their elders .
Posted by 1redneck (anonymous) on September 26, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes son , your dad is a white man .
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