Madison-Ridgeland Academy (4-1) has played plenty of big games on its campus, but perhaps none bigger than this Friday night’s game against Oak Grove (2-1). The Warriors are the defending MHSAA 7A State Champions and ranked #8 in the state this week. They were ranked #2 last week before an upset loss to Hattiesburg. The Patriots roll into this one fresh off a 49-13 win on the road over Madison St. Joseph.
These two played for the first time ever last year in an MAIS-MHSAA showdown in the Pine Belt. It was an instant classic with MRA going toe to toe with the #1 ranked Warriors. The game went into overtime tied at 38. Oak Grove scored on its first possession. MRA then answered with a touchdown of its own. Rather than kick the extra point and go to a second OT, Coach Herbert Davis went for two to end it right then and there. Running back Charles Simpson was stopped just short of the goal line and the Warriors prevailed 45-44. The crowd was estimated at close to 4,000 last year at Oak Grove. MRA certainly can’t seat that many, but they are going to be lined up around Patriot Field like it’s the 18th green in the final round of “The Masters.”
“The is the highest ranked, most prolific Mississippi team to ever come into our place. We’ve had out of state teams from Tennessee and Arkansas, but in-state this is the biggest,” said Coach Davis. “It’s exciting and an honor to play these type teams. We had a chance to win it in the end last year at Oak Grove. This year, to have a chance, we have got to have a complete game from everybody.”
Coach Davis will be looking for better play from both his offensive and defensive lines. The Patriots were dominant in their first three games, outscoring their opponents 155-36, against Parklane 42-20, Magnolia Heights 63-10 and Oak Forest 50-6. Week four saw them stumble against a high caliber opponent in Pulaski Academy out of Arkansas 61-36. This week’s game will be a similar test of what they saw against Pulaski.
Offensively the Patriots are perennially known for their passing attack, running the wide-open spread with receiver options all over the field, but Coach Davis is making a point to run the ball as well. Last week against St. Joseph, the Patriots were extremely balanced with 202 yards passing and 171 yards rushing. The backfield has a trio of great options in juniors Jaxon Jenkins, Michael McCrory and senior transfer DJ Watkins. Jaxson has emerged so far as the best of the bunch, leading the team with 250 rushing yards and four touchdowns. McCrory and Watkins have combined for nearly 200 yards and four scores as well.
“Jaxon is one of the most improved players we have and he is still learning the position. He was a part of our state championship relay team so he can get up and go,” said Davis. “We tried to focus on running the ball more (against St. Joe) as they gave us good looks to run against. We love that our backs are versatile and can complement our passing game.”
While the running game provides a nice change of pace, the Patriots success rides on the arm of its quarterback and the hands of the receivers, which Davis is blessed to have great talent. Junior quarterback Samuel Stockett is now at the helm of this offense and has performed brilliantly. Stockett has thrown for 1,187 yards already with 14 touchdowns to just four interceptions. A deeper dive into those stats shows three of those interceptions came in the Pulaski game where he may have forced the ball a bit. His overall numbers against that stout defense were solid though completing 25 of 50 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns.
The onus this week will be on the receivers and their ability to find space with yards after the catch. Davis says they are the strength and have the most experience on the team. Their success determines how successful the offense will be night in and night out. To this point, Stockett has found four reliable stars to get the ball to in Case Thomas, Will Bizot, Jack Polles and AJ Parker. Thomas, as a junior, leads the team in receiving with 350 yards and five touchdowns. Case started as a freshman and is making the most of his third year. Polles brings senior leadership to this group with 129 yards and two scores thus far. Bizot is a junior and Parker a senior transfer have combined for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns to boot. Their numbers will continue to rise as they’ve really only played one full game this year against Pulaski. Because of the other blowouts, none of them have really played into the fourth quarter. It’s been good for two reasons as Coach Davis has been able to play a lot of younger players and also keep these guys fresh as they get ready for this showdown and district play which is right around the corner.
The Oak Grove defense that will roll in to town is stout. The Warriors are led by defensive tackle Andrew Maddox. The 6’4, 290 pound senior, is currently committed to Ole Miss and has offers from the likes of Ohio State and Tennessee. Maddox is slated to play for the Rebels where his brother AJ is a freshman and who was the quarterback that led Oak Grove to last year’s state title. Andrew plays like a man among boys and will be an ultimate test for the Patriots. He is not only a run-stopper but has quickness to chase down the quarterback.
“Their defensive front is phenomenal,” said Coach Davis. “Maddox is being recruited by everybody. We are going to make adjustments up front and try to do some things in pass protection to buys us more time. We are going to find ways to double him whenever possible.”
The Warriors defense has talent all over the field. Seniors Jaylan Moore and Malachi Henderson are wickedly strong linebackers. Senior defensive backs Jamar Pittman and Keesler Jenkins are ball hawks that will lay a lick. Jenkins has already notched two interceptions through the first three games.
The toast of the Oak Grove offense is senior running back Kylin Champagne. He runs faster than he looks at 5’11, 200 pounds. Champagne has 33 carries for 161 yards and two scores in the first three games. He’ll plow you over and outrace you to the endzone. When Champagne needs to chill, the Warriors don’t lose much when they bring in junior running back Martez Blackwell at 5’10, 171 pounds. Oak Grove is breaking in a new quarterback in sophomore Kellen Hall. He’s averaging 200 yards a game and thrown five touchdowns. His go-to target so far has been senior Kaiden Smith who has 16 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns. This offense will be a huge test for the Patriots defense and it probably doesn’t help that Oak Grove is coming off its first loss to the neighboring Hattiesburg Tigers last week.
While most folks don’t expect MRA to win, the Patriots silenced their critics a year ago taking the Warriors to overtime on their home turf.
“Playing those guys is fun. We’re a huge underdog and this will be a great test. It’s exciting and an honor to be able to play this game at home,” said Davis.
7601 Old Canton Road will be the place to be on Friday night. Not everybody is going to get a place to sit, but just like at “The Masters” there will be plenty of folks shoulder to shoulder looking to get a glimpse of a sensational showdown.
Keys to Victory for MRA:
On offense: It will be important for QB Samuel Stockett to do what he does best, hit quick passes and let the receivers do their work. Running the ball will be extremely tough.
On defense: Try to take advantage of a young, inexperienced quarterback in sophomore Kellen Hall. Look for the Pats to do their best to take away the running game of Champagne and Blackwell.
The Series: Oak Grove leads 1-0
Last Match-Up: Oak Grove won 45-44 in OT in 2023.
AT A GLANCE
MRA Patriots:
Class/Division: Class: 6A District 1 (MAIS)
Overall Record: 4-1
Head Coach: Herbert Davis
Assistant Coaches: Danny White, Matt Walker, John Weaver, Kenny Williams
Oak Grove Warriors:
Class: 7A District 3 (MHSAA)
Overall Record: 2-1
Head Coach: Drew Causey
Assistant Coaches: Benjie Merchant, Sam Thomas, Jeff Waits, Marcellus Henderson, Trevon Durr, Kelton Vaughn, Tripp Sumrall, David Capers.
