Rivalry season kicks off

By Ike House

Rivalries are some of the biggest games of the season and North Panola/Rosa Fort ranks as one of the best for fans. 

“Obviously we won’t have to motivate our boys to play in this game,” Head Coach Derek King said. 

Last year’s game was a 48-22 blowout by the Cougars. Dandy Dozen Justin Connor took over the game last season in a spectacular show with 269 rushing yards and three touchdowns. 

The Cougars also passed for 118 yards and two touchdowns. One of the key changes this year for the Cougars will be the transition from three-year starter Jatavious Farmer to freshman quarterback Kenneth Jefferson. 

“I think I will be more comfortable knowing that everybody will be back and we will be 100 percent,” Jefferson said. 

The receiving corps will also be without its leading receivers from a year ago. The Cougars lost five of its six top wide-outs. With Robert Oliver, Darius Thomas, Virgil Jones, Willie Hibbler and Lucious Walls gone, Trai Sanders will be the lone returner in the Cougar receiving corps. 

Joining him on the outside will be converted defensive back Kiron Covington and senior Tim Marshall. 

Part of the offense is experienced with four seniors. 

Last year the Lions only mustered 368 total yards (117 passing and 118 rushing). The Cougar defense will be returning some experience including defensive line standouts Kevin Merrell, Stan Gross and Brandon
Wilbourn.

In the secondary will be Connor and Martavious Lantern. 

“We will have to step up in every way,” Lantern said. 

The defense had 42 tackles and eight tackles for a loss against the Lions last year. They also forced two interceptions, two fumbles and two sacks. 

The Cougars accomplished something they have not done in six years by defeating the Lions. 

“With us breaking that streak last year they (Rosa Fort) want that,” King said. “I’ve seen it on Twitter and Facebook that they are fired up.” 

The Cougars will look to continue their success this year with an experienced defense and a Dandy Dozen running back. 

“I’m ready to see my boys play for four quarters and I know we have a lot of preparation to do,” King added.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. at home tonight.