Focus will not be a problem for the Ridgeland Titans in our C Spire Game of the Week as they battle Neshoba Central. The Titans (2-1 in region, 5-1 overall) need a victory to keep their goal of winning the region or taking home one of the top spots in the division to host a playoff game. The Rockets (4-0 in region, 4-2 overall) will look to keep their region record perfect and stay in first place.
“We slipped up and didn’t play our best against two weeks ago (against Callaway),” said Ridgeland Head Coach Teddy Dyess. “I really hope it was a wake-up call because our playoff lives are on the line. We can’t afford another slip up if we want to control our own post season destiny.”
The Titans bounced back in a big way after their first loss of the season against Callaway, 41-26 on Sept. 23, as they crushed Wilkinson County 56-8 last Friday night. Sophomore quarterback Garrison Davis was stellar, throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns, no interceptions and had a rushing touchdown. Davis’ favorite target was senior sensation Ayden Williams who caught eight passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Ashton Hobbs led the way on the ground with 10 carries for 100 yards and a score. The offense was without senior receiver Jabraxton Boone, who got the night off to rest his hamstring and a tweaked ankle, and senior running back Ka’mari Payne, who the Titans have moved to defense to play linebacker and strong safety.
“We were fortunate enough to be able to save Jabraxton to give him the week off to get totally healthy. He tells our trainer he now feels and looks the best he has in several weeks.,” said Coach Dyess. “We are blessed to have two up and coming backs in juniors Ashton Hobbs and Marquavian Cuff. Hobbs has really stepped up and allowed us to move Ka’mari to defense. Kudos to Ka’mari as he’s such a good team player and willing to do whatever it takes for us to be successful.”
The offense seems to be clicking as Ridgeland gets ready for the stretch run starting with the Rockets. Quarterback Davis has now surpassed 1,700 yards passing with 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Ayden Williams has rolled up 900 yards for 11 scores. Junior Ricard Powell has emerged as a great complement to Williams with 15 catches for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Powell is averaging 21 yards a catch and really benefits when defensive backs turn their attention to stopping Williams.
“Garrison has really matured, and he is still getting better. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else in the state,” says Dyess. “Ayden is one of the best receivers in the nation. We actually had the University of Tennessee’s Offensive Coordinator come visit just to get a look at him. It’s just awesome for our school and the other metro-area teams to get the exposure to SEC coaches.”
The Rockets have certainly gotten on course since losing their first two games of the season to non-region opponents Olive Branch (a 22-19 loss) and West Lauderdale (a 35-16 loss). They have since rolled off big wins over Forest Hill (51-0), Holmes County Central (23-18), Provine (38-20), and Canton 12-7.
Their defense is stingy, giving up just 10 points per game in region play. The Rockets are led by senior linebacker Beau Holley who leads the team in tackles with 48, 27 of them being solo, and 11 for losses. Not far behind is senior Isiah Dixon, who has 39 tackles, eight being for a loss. Senior Joseph Vargas will also be tough to contain from the defensive line as he leads the team in sacks.
“They are good as anybody in the state, but we have so many weapons. We are becoming a five headed monster,” says Dyess.
Offensively, the name of the game for the Rockets is to run the ball. Neshoba has a budding star in sophomore Mehki Gaddis. He’s not very big at 5’8 170 lbs., but has some nifty moves as he has run for 870 yards on 133 carries and scored seven touchdowns through the first five games. A workhorse for sure. Sophomore quarterback Will Williams doesn’t throw a lot, completing 29 of 60 passes for 330 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. When he does go up top, Williams looks to Charles Stevenson Jr. who leads the team with 17 grabs for 198 yards.
“They are rebuilding, they sent seven players to play college football. They are replacing them and learning. They are running the ball a lot more than passing for the first time in a long time,” said Dyess.
Ridgeland should have a good answer to stopping the run with senior DJ Williams. Big #99 is a run stuffer at 5’10, 300 lbs.
“He is so big and strong and sucks up so many double teams which opens things up for our linebackers,” says Coach Dyess.
If you make teams one dimensional we’ve got a great chance to win. We are gonna put a lot of people in the box because we know they are going to lean on the run.”
The Titans believe they are one of the elite teams in Class 5A and they have a clear focus on what they face Friday night.
“A loss sometimes can be the best thing for you, that loss (to Callaway) has really opened our eyes and made us re-focus on being Ridgeland, “said Dyess.
Ridgeland is ready for the stretch run and diffusing the Rockets will help propel them closer to their goal.
Keys to Victory for Ridgeland:
On offense: Look for Ayden Williams to put up big numbers. Garrison Davis should have plenty of opportunities to find his favorite target downfield. Davis also isn’t scared to pull it down and take off himself. With all the attention on covering the receivers, there should be lanes to take off.
On defense: Plain and simple, stop the run. The Rockets are in a rebuilding mode and don’t look to have the fire power of years past. The defense has a chance to really dominate this contest and really build confidence.
The Series: Ridgeland leads the all-time series 10-7.
Last Meeting: Neshoba Central won 42-35 in 2021.
AT A GLANCE:
Ridgeland Titans
Class/Division: Class: 5A Region 2 (MHSAA)
Record: 4-1 Overall, 2-1 in Region
Head Coach: Teddy Dyess
Assistant Coaches: Caleb Shufelt, Stuart Shaw, Scott Minchew, Elvin Crisp, Cody Upton, Josh Crowder, Tanner Moulder, Terron McIntyre, Jamario Winters.
Neshoba Central Rockets
Record: 4-2 Overall, 4-0 in Region
Head Coach: Patrick Schoolar
Class/Division: Class: 5A Region 2 (MHSAA)
Assistants: Shannon Ruffin, Brian Anderson, Curt Blackburn, Jacob Johnson, David Huffman, Dareyl Carter, Kip Fulton
