Water Valley to get a ‘tough test’ in Calhoun City

Published 6:48 am Thursday, September 14, 2017

Water Valley has won three straight games. Calhoun City has won three straight games over the Blue Devils.

Something will have to give on Friday night.

Water Valley (3-1) travels down to the ‘Boneyard’ to take on Calhoun City (7 p.m., 105.5 FM).

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After a dominating three-game home stand which saw Water Valley score 141 points against Coffeeville, J.Z. George and Bruce.

The scoring could be hard to come by this week for the Blue Devils.

In their three wins this season, Calhoun City (3-1) has allowed their opponents to score a total of 33 points. In the past three meetings between the two schools, Water Valley has only scored 19 points against the Wildcat defense, including a shutout last season at home.

“Calhoun City over the last 10 years or so has been one of the most consistent programs in Mississippi,” Water Valley head coach Brad Embry said. “You look at them, it’s hard to find a weakness. They’ve got depth. They’ve got speed.”

Perry Liles’ squad is lighting up scoreboards in the early part of the season. The Wildcats are averaging 43.5 points a game. Through the first four games the Water Valley’s defense is holding opponents to less than a touchdown (6.7 points/game).

Calhoun City is doing most of their damage on the ground with a two running back attack. Senior Keshun Parker and junior Treshon Cooper have combined for 829 yards and nine touchdowns. Parker has rushed for over 100 yards in three games.

Through the air, the Wildcats have not been as potent. Senior JoJo Gray has thrown for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper has also played under center and thrown for 98 yards and two scores.

“It’s going to be a tough test but that’s what we need,” Embry said. “Over the last three weeks we’ve had to try to slow down our scoring in the second or third quarter. I don’t think that’s a problem coming up this week. It’s going to be great competition. We need to play a great team. We don’t need to play another game where it’s basically over at the half.”