West Marion has had a rough start to the 2023 season, but the Trojans look to turn the tide by getting one in the win column Friday at Sumrall.
The Bobcats (2-1) have proved to have an offense capable of scoring points, as Sumrall is averaging 35 points per game. Sumrall started the season with a 37-20 victory against South Jones, and it went on the road to knock off West Harrison 26-21. The Bobcats are coming off of their only loss of the season, as they fell in a 51-42 shootout against Seminary – the team where West Marion head coach Mason Woodrow served as offensive coordinator prior to his arrival in Foxworth.
“First of all, they’re extremely well coached,” Woodrow said of Sumrall. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Shannon White – in my opinion, one of the best coaches in the state of Mississippi and has been for a long time.”
The Sumrall offense is led by quarterback Landon Hawkins, who has accrued 962 passing yards through three games with nine touchdown passes against four interceptions. His top two targets are Jacyree Washington and Jonathan Nelson, who each have at least 12 receptions and 200 receiving yards on the season.
Defensively, the Bobcats play hard and are well-coached, according to Woodrow.
“Chris Fortenberry does a really good job with their defense. They’re going to fly to the ball and be solid,” Woodrow said. “They’re just a well-coached team with enough talent to be pretty good. We’re going to have to try to prevent big plays in the passing game because they’re really good at throwing it around.”
Kickoff between the Trojans and the Bobcats is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Sumrall.
