Up 37-0 at the half at Russell Christian, Porters Chapel Academy started working towards Friday night’s game against Tri-County (5-1).

The Eagles (3-4 overall, 2-1 MAIS-District 5-A) came out passing behind quarterback Colby Rushing. He hit 8-of-11 passes, including three touchdowns as PCA went to romp, 63-0. Rushing finished 10-of-16 for 107 yards, his best outing of the season.

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PCA hosts Tri-County

“I felt a whole lot better in the second (half). I was frustrated by the interception in the first half but then I calmed down. We were able to work a lot on our passing game. It was real fun. This should pump us up for

Tri-County,” Rushing said.

The reworked passing game could come in handy for the Eagles. Tri-County reeled off five straight wins before losing 34-7 last week against a good Class AA squad from Canton. The Rebel defense had posted three shutouts during their five-game win streak, including a 14-0 win over Newton County, a team PCA must beat on Oct. 23 in order to advance to the MAIS Academy A playoffs.

Tri-County is already playoff-bound and Friday’s game at PCA will represent a good test for the Eagles said coach Bill Fleming.

“Tri-County mirrors us in many ways. They have pretty good size upfront. They like to line up in the I (formation) and then run traps, but they will also use a three-step passing game,” Fleming said.

Tri-County is led by tailback Kyle Walker. He broke off an 83-yard touchdown run early in the Canton game for the Rebels’ lone score.

“The tailback is really good. On the second play of the game, he went over 80 yards. They also have a big fullback,” Fleming said.

The Eagles come in as healthy as they’ve been all season. Jeff Hearn and Jay Wiley are the only two walking wounded.

“Jeff Hearn hurt his knee in the second quarter at Russell. He practiced Monday and even though it nags him, he’ll play,” Fleming said.

Wiley, who had an ACL tear three weeks ago, suited up and played against Russell at corner.

Wiley had been the Eagles’ top rusher and leading tackler from a linebacker spot.

“The corner is where I started out, so I’m fine with it,” Wiley said.

He’ll postpone knee surgery until after the season.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com