1A State Title Game Recap

A monster ground game led Bay Springs to victory in the 1A state championship over the weekend and held Simmons one win shy of an undefeated, perfect season. Simmons struggled from the opening kick to contain the Bay Springs rushing attack which is headed by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/anthony-ross-4/">Anthony Ross</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ty-jones/">[player_tooltip player_id="106162" first="Ty" last="Jones"]</a> who gashed the defense for nearly 300 yards and 3 TD’s. Trailing 12-8 at the halftime break, Bay Springs regrouped and went on a 24-0 run in the second half to ultimately win 32-12. As good as Ross and Jones were on offense, the defensive unit provided the spark in the 2nd half holding Simmons to 74 yards and 0 points. <strong>Standouts</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ty-jones/">[player_tooltip player_id="106162" first="Ty" last="Jones"]</a> - Fresh off a commitment to Mississippi State, the 2023 prospect rushed 18 times for 73 yards and a 24 yard TD. As is common in the 1A ranks, the ATH played both ways contributing defensively with 5 tackles. As next year rolls around there is no question that Jones will be one of the most sought after recruits in the state. The question remains which side of the ball is the longterm fit for the standout junior. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/anthony-ross-4/">Anthony Ross</a> - Ross gave the Simmons defense the type of trouble that they are not used to. 20 rushes for 219 yards and 2 TD’s paced the Bay Springs offense. Ross has great feel for the game and shows athleticism that is attractive. Expect the exposure from the state championship to follow Ross into the offseason. The duo of Jones and Ross returning next year should scare the daylights out of everyone in 1A. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/vontrez-rush/">[player_tooltip player_id="104163" first="Vontrez" last="Rush"]</a> - Although it wasn’t the dominant rushing performance we are used to, as injuries mounted for Simmons on the offensive end it took a toll on the offense as a whole. Rush was productive with his opportunities and showcased special teams value with a 63 yard punt return TD. As has been the case all year, when Rush touches the football good things happen. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jermaine-edwards/">[player_tooltip player_id="104540" first="Jermaine" last="Edwards"]</a> - If I am a MS JUCO coach I am all over Edwards and praying someone at the next level doesn’t find him. Edwards pops up in every phase of the game with value. Good size and athletic build that translates into a multitude of areas of the game. Vastly under-rated kid.