West Jones had two options. Run the ball on third-and-ten near midfield with 2:42 left, wasting precious time on the clock for Picayune, or attempt a deep pass and pray for success.
West Jones elected to go with the latter.
“We talked about running the clock or taking a shot,” said West Jones head coach Scott Pierson. “But we felt like with a senior quarterback, who’s been leading us all year, let’s give him a chance.”
The play call proved to be brilliant.
Seeing Picayune's safety playing up, West Jones senior quarterback Alan Follis launched his pass deep, connecting with junior wide receiver Zyquawn Williams, who not only won the 50/50 ball but stumbled into the end zone. The touchdown silenced Picayune's home crowd and sealed a Mustangs win.
On 3rd and 10. TOUCHDOWN MUSTANGS!4Q/2:34- West Jones 35, Picayune 23. pic.twitter.com/IF9IXvNWyi
— James Pugh (@jpughinreallife) November 14, 2020
"The safety on the right side was playing swallow," said Follis. "We decided to take what they were giving us and take a shot. It was great execution by [Williams] over the corner."
"Boy, Follis and Williams made a play," Pierson added. "Williams jumped up and grabbed that ball. I'm proud of that kid."
West Jones beat Picayune 35-23 Friday night to advance in the 5A playoffs.
The Mustangs will host Laurel next Friday night in Round 2.
How the Game Unfolded:
West Jones capitalized on two early Picayune fumbles to go up 14-0 three minutes and 20 seconds into the contest.
"Turnovers have dictated our whole season," said Pierson. "Tonight, [Picayune] was the team with more turnovers. That played a huge role in the game. With those two turnovers right out of the gate, we were able to go with 14 points right there.
“Before the game, I told our team that it would come down to who protected the football. Fortunately, it was us tonight.”
It was all West Jones could manage in the first half as Picayune drew within four, 14-10, before the break.
“The thing that bothered me was the intensity was bigger than any game we’ve played so far,” said Pierson. “And at times, I felt we lose our composure.”
In the third quarter, West Jones used its run game to build a two-score lead (21-10). Marching downfield on designed runs, senior running back Kentrel Pruitt found the holes in Picayune's defense on a 15-yard dash to the end zone.
"Coach Bud Blackledge challenged our run game at the half," said Pierson. "Picayune played five men in the box to take the pass away, so we had to be patient. Kentrel [Pruitt] got hot with the ball, so we continued giving it to him."
Picayune and West Jones traded scores to close out the third quarter. After Picayune pulled with four for a second time, 21-17, Follis connected with Williams from 35 yards out to go up by two scores again, 28-17, with 4:35 remaining in the quarter.
Picayune pulled within a score for a third time, 28-23, with 3:31 left to play on a two-yard run. The two-point play failed.
Follis and Williams threw a dagger into the game less than a minute later from 52-yards out on third and 10.
Senior defensive back Cedric Bender sent the Mustangs into victory formation with an interception on Picayune's last-ditch effort under the two-minute mark.
