By Andrew Abadie

Hattiesburg American

Forrest County AHS suffered from offensive inefficiency Friday against Poplarville, one of the state’s top teams.

Couple that with the Hornets’ stout running back tandem of Austin Bolton and Roosevelt Raine, and it made for a disastrous recipe, as the visitors defeated the Aggies 31-0 at Henley Field. 

Before FCAHS (5-3, 1-1 in Region 7-4A) could blink, it was facing an uphill climb. On the first play of the game, Bolton broke off a 51-yard touchdown run.

The Hornets’ (7-0, 2-0) defense took advantage of what FCAHS coach Jeff Stockstill referred to as a lack of execution as they registered a safety on a botched snap to go up 9-0. Later, Raine pounded in another touchdown for Poplarville on fourth-and-goal which gave Poplarville a 17-0 halftime lead.

The Hornets tacked on a pair of second-half scores – an 18-yard touchdown pass from Antonio Barnes and an 18-yard scoring dash from Barnes – to polish off the Aggies.

“Too many mistakes against a good football team that I didn’t like,” Stockstill said.  “Effort is not a problem, it’s execution. Simple as that.”

What it means

The Aggie offense only managed six first downs and was plagued by penalties along with a pair of turnovers that led to Hornet touchdowns. The penalties forced FCAHS to throw, which played right into Poplarville’s hands, as quarterback Evan Clark threw 2-of-11 for 21 yards.

The Aggies’ struggles offensively put their defense in tight spots throughout the game which made things doubly difficult.  FCAHS held its own on defense, holding Bolton (more than 1,200 yards in six games) to just 130 yards. However, the Aggies wore down as the game went on.

Unsung Hero

FCAHS running back Nathan Whitley was a key component in what success the Aggie offense could find against Poplarville.  Whitley accounted for approximately 100 yards.

“Nathan is a good football player,” said Stockstill. “He gave us a good effort were just not good enough on that side of the ball.”

Player of the Game

Bolton and Raine shared the spotlight as they were crucial in wearing down FCAHS’ defenseThe duo combined for more than 170 yards and two touchdowns.