[08/30/02]Porters Chapel Academy will look to continue its winning ways at home tonight and fend off a team looking for redemption in Academy-AA Central Hinds.

The Eagles (1-0) will bring the “Air Mims” attack against a Cougars (0-1) team that had a hard time dealing with an explosive Manchester offense in a 40-12 loss.

“We thought we had a pretty good ballclub until we walked into the buzzsaw at Manchester,” Central Hinds coach Kenny Granberry said. “They humbled us a bit, but we’re going to come out and play our game.

“But Porters Chapel is not a typical 1A school.”

Eagles coach Bubba Mims is far from overconfident.

“They’ve got good athletes, and played a lot better than the film showed. But they hurt themselves with penalties. They look tough and fast, and they’ll play better than they did against Manchester,” Mims said. “We’re looking for a battle.”

Sixty yards in penalties weren’t the only detriment to the Cougars last week. CHA lost four fumbles and allowed 316 rushing yards. Not great news when playing an Eagles team that likes to run as well as pass.

“Our moving to a two tight end package really helped Wesley (Purvis) get going,” Mims said, speaking of his running back’s 115-yard performance against Tensas. “Our second half plan was to take it right at them with the two power-tight ball game, and it helped us out.”

The second half adjustment came about with the injury to senior Wes Massey, who will be out with a broken ankle for four to six weeks.

Michael Warren will be called on to step in and contribute at the vacant defensive end position, and 6-foot-5 wide receiver Joseph Ivey will be called on to fill in at tight end.

“(Purvis) can really run the ball, and (QB Gerald) Mims, both are impressive. And we haven’t figured out what we’re going to do with Ivey because our corners are 5-foot-7, five-foot-8, and that’s going to give us a dilemma,” Granberry said.

CHA showed they have offensive weapons of their own, posting 228 yards with players like running back Tyler Cole and quarterback Craig Phillips.

“They have great athletes in all positions, and moved the ball well on Manchester,” Mims said. “But their big plays were called back and the penalties hurt them.”

Despite the numbers game, both coaches point to the front line battles as the determining factor in who wins the ballgame.

“Offensive and defensive line is the key to any week. If that is the case, then I think we’ll have a great advantage,” Mims said. “But if they get beat, then we won’t.”