It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Kemper County had no problem doing just that on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 41-22 victory over the Perry Central Bulldogs. Given the Wildcats' advantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi football rankings (they are ranked 49th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 138th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Kemper County had a senior duo take command as Kendetryon Backstrom rushed for 93 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries and Al'Javion Gordon gained 201 total yards and three touchdowns. Backstrom also set a new season high mark in passing yards with 326.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Kemper County was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 224 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 157 rushing yards in eight consecutive games.
Kemper County's win was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 10-1. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 44.6 points per game. As for Perry Central, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.
Kemper County will take on Magee at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Magee will roll in looking for their 11th straight victory, something Kemper County surely won't give up without a fight. Perry Central does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
