By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Oct. 2, 2002
A game effort against the state's No. 1-ranked team has Meridian High head coach Ed Stanley and his staff optimistic about the second half of the season.
The Wildcats dropped a hard-fought 13-5 decision to top-ranked Wayne County last Friday night at Ray Stadium. The loss makes Meridian 1-4 for the season.
The good news is that the Wildcats' first five opponents are a combined 21-4 on the season. Another tough foe is up next in seventh-ranked Brandon.
Two areas where Stanley says the Wildcats have improved the most in since the start of the season has been defense and the kicking game.
The Wildcat defense helped hold standout Wayne County quarterback Akeem Lofton to just 33 yards rushing. Lofton had entered the game averaging 120 yards per game on the ground.
The Wildcat special team units accounted for all five of Meridian's points against Wayne County. E.J. Hampton blocked a War Eagle punt resulting in a safety and two points.
Later in the fourth quarter, place-kicker Andrew Gambrell made a 26-yard field goal. It is the third straight game Gambrell has been successful with a field goal.
The Wildcat offense, meanwhile, was limited to four pass completions. Anthony Brown had a 23-yarder to Anouk Jackson. Ken Mitts completed three for 46 yards in the drive to set up Gambrell's field goal.