By Staff
From special reports/The Meridian star
Nov, 17, 2001
MAGNOLIA South Pike picked off five interceptions Friday night as the Eagles eliminated the Quitman High Panthers 20-0 here in the second round of the State 4A Playoffs.
Quitman finished the season with a 9-3 record, while the 10-2 Eagles advance to the third round at Northeast Jones.
South Pike had the edge in statistics. The Eagles had 15 first downs while limiting Quitman to four. The Eagles rushed for 183 yards on 50 carries, and completed three-of-eight passes for 24 yards to post 207 total yards on offense. Quitman had 58 yards on 20 carries, and completed two of 11 passes for 10 yards.
After a scoreless first half, a the Eagles set up their first touchdown with an interception. South Pike rolled 72 yards in six plays, with John Lowery hitting paydirt on a four-yard rush. Fred Jones passed to Jessie Burton for the two-point conversion to give the Eagles an 8-0 lead.
Another interception gave South Pike the ball on the Quitman 14. Three plays later, Jonathan Brumfield passed 20 yards to Chad Forrest for a touchdown. The extra point try failed and Quitman trailed 14-0.
The final score of the game came in the third quarter when Brandon Britton intercepted a pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. The try for two failed.