MRA makes statement against Oak Grove
MRA made a major statement Friday night, blowing out the defending MHSAA 7A state champions, Oak Grove, by a score of 51-13.
“We have been talking about our potential all year long, but we really haven’t played that well, especially up front,” MRA Head Coach Herbert Davis said. “For us to come in and do what we did tonight was just unbelievable, I just can’t say enough about our kids and our coaching staff.”
The aerial attack has been a winning formula for the Patriots this season and that trend continued in Friday night’s victory with quarterback Samuel Stockett going 22-for-30, with 433 passing yards, and six passing touchdowns.
“It’s a special one for sure,” Stockett said. “It doesn’t happen with great players around you, you can’t score six touchdowns by yourself and these guys played great all night.”
MRA jumped on the Warriors from the start and did not look back, taking a 41-13 lead into the halftime break, with five passing touchdowns from Stockett and a rushing touchdown from Arkansas State commitment DJ Watkins.
Watkins also had a big night for the Patriots, compiling three total touchdowns on the night, one rushing and two receiving.
“Our coaches do a really good job of coming up with a scheme,” Watkins said. “They find matchups that they think I can win and tell me to go exploit it.”
Case Thomas, Will Bizot, and Jake McMillan also had big nights and caught touchdowns for the Patriots in this one, while the Patriot offensive line did not allow a single sack against a formidable Oak Grove offensive line.
“I thought the most outstanding stat we had tonight is that we gave up zero sacks,” Stockett said. “The offensive line played great and our receivers got open all night.”
The defense also put together a stellar performance in this one, holding Oak Grove to 188 total yards and -6 rushing yards.
While this is a MRA team that is on the younger side this matchup is one that will battle-test them for the upcoming gauntlet that is MAIS 6A.
“Win, lose, or draw, this was going to make us better,” Davis said. “As big of a win as this is tonight, our goal is to go and win a championship.”
The Patriots will be off on a bye week next week, before playing in their final non-district game of the season. MRA will then face district opponents Hartfield Academy, Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, and Presbyterian Christian to round out their regular season campaign.