By Brad Crowe
The wait is over. Coach Chad Collums and the Raleigh Lions traveled to Northwest Rankin High School on Friday for a jamboree matchup against the Pelahatchie Chiefs to get a taste of game-like situations before next week’s season-opener. The teams played two quarters of scrimmage, resulting in a 12-6 victory for the Lions.
The first score of the evening came on Raleigh’s second drive. Junior running back Chris Mathis found the edge and broke a long run down to the three-yard line. Moments later, senior Kris Moncrief broke the plain for six points. In the second quarter, junior Jaylonn Langston broke loose for a 12-yard run for a touchdown that turned out to be the last score of the evening, sealing the win.
“We got to get a lot of guys in there and get their feet wet,” said Coach Chad Collums. “We got an opportunity to see the things we’re not good at, and the things we just need to continue improving with. I feel like this game right here did nothing but help us prepare for the season.”
Now that the dress rehearsal is complete, the Lions have their sights set on next week’s regular season opener against their cross-county rivals, the Mize Bulldogs. The community is encouraged to come out to the game and support the team as they begin a promising season to kick off the Coach Collums Era of Lions football.
