Wayne County holds off West Jones, 10-6

The start of the Shelton Gandy era nearly turned into a night of regrets. Poor clock management on offense handed West Jones the ball deep within Wayne County territory and 11. 6 seconds on the clock to spare. 

Defense was the theme for both teams Friday night as the two rivals opened the MHSAA 2018 football season in Soso. But it was Wayne County’s defense that kept West Jones from pulling an upset as its two attempts to reach the end zone fell incomplete, and the Shelton Gandy era began with a 10-6 War Eagle win. 

Gandy was named head football coach at Wayne County in the offseason after its former head coach Todd Mangum retired. 

Watch the video below to hear head coach Shelton Gandy’s post-game comments and highlights: https://youtu.be/uQ5Con5To-0

Two field goals by West Jones kicker and Ole Miss commit Walker Thompson – a 27-yard shot late in the third quarter and a 36-yard boot early in the fourth – put Wayne County in comeback mode. 

After a big kickoff return by Kelnevious Walley put the Wayne County near midfield, the offense found some rhythm, even converting on fourth and four with a six-yard gain to keep the ball moving in the right direction. Several plays later, quarterback Zhakerreun Wesley rushed in the end zone from three-yards out to give Wayne County the lead – and eventually the win. It was the only offensive touchdown on the night. 

Wayne County’s only other score was a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter. It turned out to be the only score by either team in the first half. 

Neither squad managed a lot of offensive yards. Wayne County ended the night with 127, while West Jones totaled just 84 yards.

Shelton was proud of the way his team held West Jones to no third-down conversions in 12 attempts. 

West Jones fumbled the ball six times, recovering all but one. But its trouble holding on the ball kept them behind the chains most of the game.

Wayne County (1-0) will host Oak Grove at home next Friday night. West Jones (0-1) stays home once again to face county rivals, Northeast Jones. 

Kickoffs are slated for 7 p.m.