Hinds hopes wall’ stays sturdy at Pearl River

Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 21, 2000

Something is sure to give tonight when No. 4 Hinds Community College opens the South Division against Pearl River (2-1).

The Wildcats sport the second-best rushing attack in the state, averaging 190 yards and 23 points per game. But they will face a defense that has given up just one touchdown in three games and allows a 16 yards rushing per game.

Pearl River, to have any chance of beating the 3-0 Eagles, must establish a running game. The Wildcats’ passing attack ranks last in the state with 23 yards per game.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

“That should make things interesting,” Hinds coach Gene Murphy said. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

Several calls to Pearl River coach Keith Daniels went unreturned.

Murphy said he is still concerned about his offensive line, which started a pair of Warren County freshman Stephen Montgomery and Eddie London in a 45-3 win over Northeast. He is still trying to find the right combination.

Against a less-than-demanding early schedule the three teams the Eagles have beaten are a combined 3-6 Murphy has been able to let his ailing linemen rest.

That can be attributed to the Eagles’ “Brick Wall” defense.

Hinds, in addition to being first in the state against the run, is third against the pass and first overall, allowing just 95 yards per game.

Four Division I signees, including ex-Vicksburg High star Jason Myers (Miss. State) highlight a dominating defensive line that has not allowed a rushing touchdown.

Former Warren Central punter John Weaver is settling down after the Eagles solidified their long-snapper problems.

University of Tulsa transfer Brock Anderson took over the long-snapping a week ago to much success.

Weaver ranks fourth in the state with a 40-yard punt average.

Ex-Vicksburg High standout Thomas McKnight is off to a slow start as Hinds’ starting tailback.

He averages 71 yards per game and has scored just two touchdowns. Hinds ranks fourth in rushing and third in total offense.