By Josh Troy, Clarksdale Advocate
09/15/2023
Lee Academy bounced back after a two-game losing streak with a dominant 49-14 victory at home against Delta Streets Academy last Friday. The Colts (2-3) jumped out to a 26-0 lead in the first half.
Senior Montavian Artis and junior Reece Spinks tackled a Lions player on a fourth-down and one conversion attempt. Delta Streets’ inability to convert on the fourth-down play gave Lee possession at the Lions’ 38-yard line. Senior quarterback William Walker rolled to his right to throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to senior Will Moser. Senior Tanner Fava’s PAT gave the Colts a 7-0 lead.
Walker came back with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Redwine to extend Lee’s advantage to 13-0. Walker ran in a touchdown from four yards out, and Fava’s PAT extended the lead to 20-0. Senior Sandy Tillis’ 13-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 26-0.
After the Lions cut Lee’s lead to 26-7, Walker ran for a 31-yard touchdown on a keeper. Junior Darren Williams ran in the 2-point conversion to extend the Colts’ lead to 34-7. Lee led 34-7 at halftime.
The mercy rule went into effect with 10:35 remaining in the third quarter since Lee led 49-14. The mercy rule goes into effect when a team leads by at least 35 points in the second half.
Artis opened the second half with a 68-yard touchdown run, and Fava made the PAT. Artis also ran a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Walker completed a pass to Fava for the 2-point conversion.
The Colts’ previous two losses were 49-18 at Magnolia Heights School and then 43-36 at home against Kirk Academy. Colts coach Rick Johnston was glad his team snapped its two-game losing streak. “It’s good to get a win,” he said. “You always want to come out and get a win, so it’s good.” Lee’s other victory was a 47-12 win at home against Indianola Academy. The Colts opened the season with a 24-21 loss at Pillow Academy.
