Lafayette Travels to Holmes County for First Round Playoff Game

Judson Scott
Hottytoddy.com Intern
jcscott5@go.olemiss.edu

Lafayette hosts a pre-game meeting at midfield. Photo by Judson Scott. 

The Lafayette Commodores will begin their quest for a 5A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15 when they travel to play Holmes County Central.

The Commodores come into this first-round playoff game after a tough end to the regular season. Lafayette was in need of a victory last Friday to secure a home playoff game. However, they fell to Lake Cormorant by a final score of 20-14.

The team looks to flip things into gear on Friday night. In order to do this, star quarterback Randy Anderson and running back Tyrus Carmichael-Williams must get things going on the ground.

On the season, Anderson has rushed for 1,389 yards and 18 touchdowns while Carmichael-Williams is the second leading rusher with 389 yards and four touchdowns.

The Commodores focus primarily on the running game, averaging 249.4 rushing yards per game that make up the bulk of their offense. The defense for the Commodores has also proven impressive this year with 17 sacks and eight interceptions.

Players like sophomore Mario Wilbourn and senior Demarcus Williams will look to continue their strong defensive play against a Holmes County Central team Friday night.

Wilbourn and Williams are both No. 1 and No. 2 in tackles on the team with 101 and 76 respectively.

The Commodores will arguably face their toughest test with Holmes County Central on Friday.

Holmes County Central comes into their home playoff game Friday night after a successful 8-4 season as well as a 5-2 record within the district.

The Jaguars hold a very balanced offensive attack. The team averaged 183.3 yards per game through the air during the regular season as well as 196.8 rushing yards per game.

Led by senior quarterback Justin Smith—who has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards and accumulated 29 touchdown passes to just six interceptions—it’s safe to say Lafayette will have their hands full.

Holmes County Central also has one of the most prominent defenses in the state of Missississippi. They have accumulated 63 sacks and 15 interceptions in just 12 games during the regular season.

Lafayette’s sturdy offensive line will be tested by the likes of senior linebacker Parviz King and senior linebacker Jodie Williams.

Michael Fair, the head coach for the Commodores, believes his team is growing up quickly and will be prepared for this big football game.

“We have several sophomores starting for us now and a few other guys that are playing positions for the first time,” Fair said. “I feel like we are getting better each day.”

With a win, Lafayette would face the winner of West Point vs. Provine, West Point being the clear favorite in this game.