The Sylva-Bay Saints have had a topsy turvy season in 2020, but have fought their way to a third straight district title after a 33-0 victory over Amite School in Liberty, MS.
After multiple lighting delays, and a late drive home head coach Terry Underwood was proud of his Saints. “I’m happy for our kids, our program, our fans. We’ve had an up and down year, but we’ve been able to win the right games. Our kids take a lot of pride in that,” he said.
After multiple lightning delays, around 9 p.m. freshman quarterback Jacob Bowen scored from two yards out with only 3:43 left in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Javion Jones joined the scoring mix with a three-yard touchdown. After two quick scores, the Saints’ offense stalled. They did not score again until late in the third quarter on another Jones touchdown run from 25 yards. He punched in the two-point conversion to put the Saints up by 20.
On the next possession, freshman J.D. Page picked off an errant pass and returned it for 20 yards. That paved the way for a punishing 22-yard scoring rumble by Malaki Page as he tore through arm tackles and trucked a Rebel defender. The defense stepped up again early in the fourth quarter when Javion Jones made the second interception of the game. That turnover led to a great touchdown rush and the final score of the game by senior Eli Blackwell with 10:17 left in the contest.
Sylva-Bay not only finished with a blowout, but their defense pitched its first shutout of the season and sealed the District Championship. That title earned the Saints a first-round bye and they get to play the second round on their home field. “This is something these kids should be very proud of, especially these seniors. They are three-time district champions. Now we have a new season and only two games away from making it to the championship game. That won’t be easy, but again, I’m just really proud of our guys,” Underwood commented.
It is not often that high school coaches get a week to rest, and Underwood plans to use their time off wisely. “We’re gonna use the bye week as a resting period and also to get fundamentally better. The bye-week used in the right way is a really good time to get away from the football grind. It’s a good break for the kids and coaches without the anxiety of the next game," he said.
No doubt Sylva-Bay has life after a rough start to the season, but they will have a giant to slay to advance in the MSAIS playoffs. They will host a juggernaut on November 7. Underwood explained the challenge ahead, “We could have the opportunity to play three-time state champions, Greenville St. Joe. They are a very talented team and a great program. It excites me for the opportunity at our house. They have a great tradition and know-how to win. That’s something I want our program to get used to. Not only to make the playoffs but go win. We are going in with the attitude that we’re gonna beat’em, and we want to encourage everyone to come out and watch a good playoff game.”
