21 second-quarter points keys Faith Academy win over UMS-Wright

Faith Academy dominates with a 21-13 victory over UMS-Wright in a crucial Class 5A, Region 1 matchup.

The Bulldogs make a late push, but Faith’s Jaeden Simmons secures the win with an interception in the end zone.

“They came back on us last season, that’s the way they do, but I’m proud of the guys and the way they finished,” said Faith Academy coach Jack French.

Down 3-0, the Rams explode with three consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter.

Back-to-back explosive touchdowns ignite Faith Academy’s offense.

Jarrett Daughtry’s quick pass to Jacori Stabler turns into a 46-yard score, while Simmons breaks free for a 52-yard touchdown run.

“They’ve got some incredible athletes and we missed some tackles they turned into big plays,” said UMS-Wright coach Terry Curtis.

Simmons leads the Rams with 127 rushing yards in the first half.

Ty Goodwill adds a 6-yard rushing touchdown to give Faith a 21-3 halftime lead.

Lott rushes for 78 yards in the second half, including a 6-yard touchdown run for UMS-Wright’s opening drive.

Lott’s blocked kick keeps the Bulldogs within reach of a touchdown.

“Joe played his heart out for sure,” said Curtis.

Star of the game: Simmons registers 166 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards, and the game-clinching interception.

Play of the game: Simmons’ interception in the end zone secures the victory for Faith. “It was a big win for the team,” Simmons said.

Stat sheet: Jake Jaye records 6 carries for 10 yards in the first half, but misses the second half due to injury. James Hollon steps up with 40 rushing yards on 7 carries. Kingston Phan adds two field goals for UMS-Wright. Jacori Stabler contributes 32 rushing yards for Faith.

By the numbers: Faith Academy throws only 1 pass in the second half. Joe Lott has 7 rushing touchdowns this season. The Rams boast a 3-0 record in one-score games.

Did you know: This marks the first time Faith Academy defeats UMS-Wright at Rams field during the regular season, ending a three-game losing streak.

Coachspeak: “The two scores late in the second quarter were big for us,” French commented.

“We outscored them 10-0 in the second half, played hard and gave great effort, but came up short,” Curtis said.

They said it: “The second half message was we knew we could make a run, we stayed confident. It’s tough to come back down 21-3 though,” Lott remarked.

Next week: Faith Academy (6-3,5-2) plays at Leflore, while UMS-Wright (5-4,4-3) faces Williamson at Ladd-Peebles stadium on Thursday.