By all appearances, West Jones – a program that suffered back-to-back seasons under .500 – looked to be headed for a third. The 31-8 loss at home in Week 3 to 4A Quitman did not project a favorable season ahead. Even the win that followed in Week 4, an 8-7 win over 2A Bay Springs, wasn’t one to get excited over.
Then came the six straight wins that followed, games that truly counted. The ones that determine who survives a week past the regular season, and who ends the year with just the games scheduled in the offseason.
The first three wins mean the probability of a playoff berth, something missing from the previous two West Jones seasons, was high. The fourth was special and shocking, it came against Laurel, and that doesn’t need an explanation on why it was both shocking and special at the same time.
Two more wins ensued which now brings us to this precise moment, including a 31-20 win over South Jones, arch-rival to the Mustangs.
West Jones faces Brookhaven Friday night in Soso, and it’s more than just the last game of the 2017 regular season. The winner claims the Region 3-5A title, held by Laurel since 2014, and earns the right to host next Friday’s round one playoff contest.
“To be honest, the beauty of it is that was going to do the same thing,” said West Jones head football coach Scott Pierson. “Nothing changes. Fortunately, playing teams like Laurel, South Jones and teams like that prepares us for games like this.
“So, it’s just another game. I know people don’t like to here that, but it is for us. I just want to be sure we play our best, and we prepare [well].”
But how will West Jones fare Friday night in Soso? Pierson said the key matchup to watch is the battle between his team’s defensive front and the offensive line of Brookhaven.
“This is by far the best offensive line that plays 5A ball,” Pierson said. “I believe they have three D1 commits [up front]. Is our defensive line better than their offensive line? To be honest with you, I like my guys better. I do.
“I think that is where the game will be won or lost. And on the other side of the ball, I think their just as good in the box as we are defensively. So again the challenge is going to be up front.”
The most overlooked weapon in Soso is punter and field goal specialist Walker Thompson. The junior kicker averages 40.9 yards a punt and has made 10 of 14 field goal attempts.
“I think [having Walker] is a major advantage,” said Pierson. “Brookhaven has a good one too. They’re probably the first team we’ve played where this matchup might be even. Up until this point, I don’t think we have lost on special teams because of him.
“Now I think they’re things we do that help him, but he is very talented. I’d be willing to put him up against anyone. I’d even say that he is probably one of the best in the state of Mississippi.”
The offense has been in question all season. A lot of that has to do with unsteady quarterback play. Three have played the position so far this season. Who will play at quarterback Friday night?
“Unfortunately, one of our quarterbacks is injury prone,” said Pierson. “So, when he can go we play him. When he is not able to go, we can’t. This Friday night, to be honest with you, I don’t think he is going to be able to go.”
Kickoff Friday night in Soso against Brookhaven is scheduled for 7 p.m.
