By By Jamie Sullivan/Special to The Star
Sept. 8, 2001
PHILADELPHIA Fullback Luke Smith scored three touchdowns Friday night to lead the Neshoba Central Rockets to a 34-6 victory over Forest.
It was the first win of the season for Neshoba Central and for new head coach Jim Ray, who collected his first win as the Rockets' head coach. Forest fell to 0-2.
Smith put the Rockets on the scoreboard after Forest fumbled a punt. Neshoba Central recovered at the Bearcats 22-yard line. Smith scored three plays later on a 10-yard run. Scott Shurden kicked the extra point and Neshoba Central led 7-0.
Forest quarterback Trey Clark connected with a 33-yard TD pass to Keith Williams early in the second quarter for a Forest score. The extra point try failed and Neshoba Central led 7-6.
Smith scored later in the quarter on a two-yard run. Shurden scored the extra point and Neshoba Central led 14-6 at the half.
Smith scored again in the fourth quarter on a two-yard run. Shurden booted the extra point and Neshoba Central increased its lead to 21-6.
Later in the quarter, defensive back Andrew Robinson intercepted a Forest pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. The extra point try failed and Neshoba Central led 27-6.
The final score of the game came when Randy Dunn ran for 25 yards and a touchdown. Shurden kicked the extra point.
The Rockets, now 1-1 on the season, visits cross-town rival Philadelphia next Friday night. Forest will be at home against Florence.