By Malik Gardner

PHS sports

Coming in with a two game winning streak, Prentiss High was excited to play on Friday. This would be the last regular season game. They took on the McLaurin Tigers. With a win, Prentiss would clinch a 3^rd seed in the playoffs. They beat McLaurin 30-14.

In the first quarter, Prentiss would get the first possession on the 38. The drive would quickly end with an interception thrown by Donte Ford. Although McLaurin would start with good field position, the Bulldogs’ defense would force them to a 3&out. The Bulldogs would start their next drive on the 48. They would move the ball very effectively resulting in Dorryen Johnson’s four-yard touchdown. The Tigers would come right back with a score on a long run by their running back. The first quarter would end 8-6 in favor of Prentiss.

The second quarter would be a better period for the Bulldogs. McLaurin would be moving the ball well on their drive. The possession was cut short by a costly fumble. The turnover would give Prentiss excellent field position. Dorryen Johnson would run in another touchdown from six yards out. The Bulldogs’ defense forced another punt from McLaurin. With only two minutes on the clock, Prentiss wanted to score before halftime. The drive started on their 40-yard line. Donte Ford hooked up with Cameron Carter on two big plays that put Prentiss on the 17-yard line. On the next play, Donte Ford found Cameron Carter open in the end zone for the score. The quarter would end 22-6, with Prentiss up.

In the 3^rd quarter, both teams were slow and sluggish. McLaurin would control the ball for most of the quarter. On Prentiss’ only possession in the quarter, they turn the ball over on downs. Although the Tigers had the ball so long, the Bulldogs’ defense wouldn’t bend and didn’t give up a single point.

In the 4^th quarter, the Bulldogs were trying to run down the clock. With steady running plays, the Bulldogs worked the clock down to foour before Dorryen Johnson scored his 3^rd touchdown of the game. McLaurin were hoping to make a late game comeback, but the strong Bulldogs’ defense still would not bulge. The game would end 30-14 with Prentiss coming out on top.

The Bulldogs will be going to the playoffs for the first time in several years. Clinching a 3^rd seed, Prentiss will be playing the Forest Bearcats on Friday night in Forest. Coach McNair said, “The guys have worked hard all year and rightfully deserve a chance in the playoffs.” Coach McNair also said, he wants the community to support the young men as they try to make a push in the playoffs.

Stat leaders:

Donte Ford – 4/7 60 yards, TD & 6 rushes, 16 yards & 5 tackles

Cameron Carter – 3 receptions for 58 yards, TD & 12 tackles

Dorryen Johnson – 22 rushes for 132 yards, 3 TD & 5 tackles 1 sack

Martez Brown – 8 rushes for 69 yards & 5 tackles

Deantye Crockett – 9 rushes for 51 yards & 2 tackles

Kevin Hall – 5 tackles