By Brad Greer
Even though they are no longer in the same classification, the North Delta-Marshall rivalry on the gridiron is still very much alive and well.

If there is any indication of how the last two meetings between the schools has ended, then tonight’s 7 p.m kickoff in Holly Springs should come down to the wire.

Last season, the Patriots escaped Batesville with a heart stopping  31-28 victory on a Christian Compton 38-yard field with no time remaining. One year earlier, Marshall came away with a 23-21 win on yet another last second field goal to capture the North AA championship after the Green Wave won the regular season meeting 35-27 in Holly Springs.

If North Delta plans on derailing the No. 2 ranked Class A Patriots, the Wave defense better put its running shoes on to slow down a Marshall offense that is averaging a state-best 51 points per game.

Marshall enters the grudge match sporting a 5-1 record with its lone loss coming in week two in a 69-40 slugfest against Magnolia Heights.

The Patriots victories have come against Kirk (70-22), Oak Hill (49-36), Tunica (55-6), West Memphis, Ark. (41-8) and 50-8 over Fayette, Tenn. last week.

The Patriots are led by three-year signal caller Dakota Dailey (6’0”- 185) at quarterback.
Marshall has more offensive weapons than just Dailey at its disposal as senior wide receiver Colt Lindsey (5’11”- 175) and senior running back Devin McGregor (5’9”- 190) balance out the Marshall offense.

Seniors Melvin Harris (5’10”-255) and Hunter Barringer (6’2”-220) lead the Patriot defense.
North Delta meanwhile look to get back on the winning track after dropping a 30-14 verdict to Northpoint Christian last week.

Bailey Ross and Macen McGee caught touchdowns passes from Hays Hudson and Will Kidder to account for the Green Wave scoring.

Junior Ethan Calvert registered a season-high 12 tackles to lead North Delta defense.