Football Recap: Levi Gooch's Menacing Defense Leads North Pontotoc over New Albany + How To Watch

Drew Winfun

Passing Touchdowns

10/03/25 vs New Albany	3
09/26/25 @ Kossuth	3
09/12/25 @ Alcorn Central	4
09/05/25 vs Nettleton	4

North Pontotoc extended their home winning streak to three games thanks to a huge performance from Drew Winfun. The Vikings managed a 26-22 win over the New Albany Bulldogs on Friday thanks in part to Winfun, who threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns while completing 72% of his passes, and also rushed for 119 yards and one TD. He is on a roll when it comes to passing touchdowns, as he's now passed for three or more in each of the last four games he's played.

Dee Slaughter was Winfun's top target, picking up 128 receiving yards and a pair of scores. Slaughter's longest reception was for an incredible 84 yards.

One reason for the win was North Pontotoc's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. New Albany's QB won't forget Levi Gooch anytime soon given he sacked him twice.

When it comes to explaining why New Albany lost, don't look at Braden Shettles. Despite the final result, he rushed for 18 yards and a pair of TDs, and also threw for 137 yards on 11 of 20 attempts.

North Pontotoc's victory bumped their record up to 5-0. As for New Albany, they moved to 4-2 with that loss, which also ended their three-game winning streak.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. North Pontotoc will head out to challenge Corinth at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for New Albany, they will venture away from home to take on Ripley at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.