Bulldogs, Vikings set for division battle

The Bulldogs are on the road this week, looking for another division win, traveling to North Pontotoc on Friday.

Elizabeth Zaremba

Boston Newsome rushed for 171 yards last week against Senatobia, giving him 1,054 total yards on the season.

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Coming off of last week’s win against Senatobia, New Albany is now 10-1 in division play over the last three seasons, and the Bulldogs defeated the Vikings in dramatic fashion, 22-20, last year.
“It’s another big rival for us, and our kids get excited about playing them,” Bulldogs head coach Ron Price said. “We’re both undefeated in district, so that makes it a bigger game for both of us.”
“They have been five wide the last few weeks, and our stats tell us they throw the ball seven out of every 10 plays, so our defensive backs will have their work cut out for them this week. We’re hoping our defensive line will pressure them, and maybe that will help alter their offensive game.”
Vikings’ junior quarterback Trey Jolly has thrown for 1,605 yards so far this year, averaging 229 yards per game with 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Marcus Green leads North Pontotoc both in rushing and receiving with 580 yards on the ground and 326 yards receiving with 12 total touchdowns.
New Albany senior Boston Newsome is not over the 1,000 yard rushing mark after running for 171 yards and a touchdown against the Warriors last week. With 1,054 rushing yards entering Friday’s game, Price said his offense will continue to turn to Newsome.
“Boston had a big night for us last week,” he said.
“We struggled with the shotgun snap and passing the ball, so we wanted to come out and establish the running game. Unfortunately, we turned the ball over several times, so if we can eliminate those turnovers, even with four, he had over 100 yards, but he could have even more if we’re not turning the ball over and we finish drives.”
The Vikings held on for a 15-14 win over Rosa Fort to open division play last week, and the Bulldogs hope for a good defensive showing to slow down an offense otherwise averaging 31 points per game.
“I think their guys are gaining confidence in what they do, and their defense has been pretty sound all year, so offensively, we have to be able to put some points up,” Price said.
Friday’s game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at North Pontotoc.