NDS has Kirk here this week

North Delta’s Drake Barton scored three touchdowns, but it was not enough to beat the Lee Academy Colts Friday in Clarksdale.

With the 28-21 win, Lee Academy captured the MAIS District 1-4A championship.

North Delta (6-3, 0-1 in district) hosts Kirk Academy (4-5, 0-1) Friday in the final regular season game for both teams. The winner will secure the runners-up spot and a playoff birth.

The Green Wave jumped to a quick 7-0 lead as Barton returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Lee responded with three scores to take a 20-7 lead.

North Delta closed the margin late in the first half as quarterback Ryan Gibson connected with Barton on a 84-yard pass to make the score 20-14 at halftime.

The Colts answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass and successful two-point conversion in the third quarter to extend the home team’s lead to 28-14.

North Delta would not go easily as again Gibson found Barton on a 10-yard scoring pass to make it a one score game at 28-21.

The Wave had one last chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter and force an overtime,  but turned the ball over on downs at the Lee Academy 13-yard line. The Colts then ran out the clock.

North Delta rushed for 125 yards as Jimmy Manues led the way with 72 while Gibson and Jordan Cox added 27 and 26 yards each.

The Green Wave gained 175 yards through the air with Gibson throwing for 131 yards and Cox adding a 44-yard completion.

North Delta out-gained the Colts 300 to 263 on the night.

Cox paced the Green Wave defense with 11 tackles followed by Hawk Aldison with 10 stops. Taylor Rowland added seven tackles.