West Point is viewed as a favorite (if not THE favorite) year in and year out in 5A. The road to Hattiesburg for the 2021 state title matchup is not an easy walk in the park this year though. Check out the preview of this week’s 5A North state semifinal action.
<strong>Vicksburg (8-4) @ West Point (9-0)</strong>
Neither team faced much of a challenge in round one last week. The Gators of Vicksburg knocked off Cleveland Central 25-3 and West Point bested Ridgeland 40-7. Both teams pride themselves on defense. Vicksburg has only given up more than 14 points in a game twice this year. West Point is led by one of the most under-rated LB’s in the state in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keon-cunningham/">[player_tooltip player_id="104463" first="Keon" last="Cunningham"]</a>. The future is bright for Cunningham as he possesses a quick and lean frame that should allow him to play LB or transition to a strong safety role at the next level. The trio of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cameron-young/">[player_tooltip player_id="104153" first="Cameron" last="Young"]</a>, Keshawn Henley and Kahren Daniels have combined for over 2500 rushing yards and 33 TD’s for the Green Wave.
<strong>Lafayette County (11-2) @ Neshoba Central (11-0)</strong>
The 1 seed from Region 2, Neshoba Central squeaked out a nail-biter against Lake Cormorant last weekend, 27-24. The Commodores of Lafayette County hammered Holmes County Central last week and boast one of the best defenses in 5A led by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/mario-wilbourn/">[player_tooltip player_id="104460" first="Mario" last="Wilbourn"]</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dj-burgess-2/">[player_tooltip player_id="104438" first="DJ" last="Burgess"]</a>, both currently committed to Southern Miss. A battle will occur between the talented Lafayette pass rush and Rocket QB <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/eli-anderson-2/">[player_tooltip player_id="112388" first="Eli" last="Anderson"]</a> who somewhat silently put together one of the best seasons in the state. Anderson has enough size to be successful at the FBS level and showcases dual-threat ability with poise as a leader. Arm talent is justified by his stat line completing 64% of passes for 2719 yards and 37 TD’s to 9 INT’s. As national signing day nears Anderson is worthy of a shot from someone with a QB spot to fill. This matchup has potential to be the game of the week in 5A and will be fun to watch.
