WESSON — Copiah-Lincoln avenged last year’s one-point playoff loss Thursday night, riding a second-half surge behind quarterback Jaylen Pettway to a 17-16 victory over sixth-ranked Northwest at R.L. Stone Stadium.
The Wolves (2-1) overcame a first-half deficit after being outgained 234-30 in total yardage.
“We only had like 14 plays in the first half, so we had to play better offensively and give our defense a chance,” Copiah-Lincoln coach Micah Davis said. “We had some trick plays up our sleeve, and we hit them when it counted and I’m really proud of them. After the loss to start the year I’ve challenged the guys and they’ve responded well. I’m pumped up for them.”
Northwest took a 2-0 lead with 4:07 left in the first quarter when a snap sailed over the Copiah-Lincoln punter’s head and rolled out of the end zone for a safety. The Rangers extended the lead to 9-0 with 1:17 remaining in the quarter on Macaleb Taylor’s 3-yard touchdown run.
Daniel Watkins scooped up a fumble and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 9-7 with 10:57 left in the first half.
The score stayed that way until Ty Jones kicked a 45-yard field goal with 6:04 left in the third quarter, giving Copiah-Lincoln a 10-9 lead.
Northwest capitalized on another errant punt snap as Neko Fann found Philip Swann for a 20-yard touchdown pass and a 16-10 lead with 14:04 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Copiah-Lincoln answered on its next possession with a trick play. Pettway connected with Jack Davidson on a 33-yard touchdown pass for a 17-16 lead with 13:42 left.
Pettway finished with 142 passing yards and the touchdown, all in the second half.
Northwest (1-2) had two more chances to regain the lead but missed a 38-yard field goal with 8:41 remaining and turned the ball over on downs at the Copiah-Lincoln 41-yard line with 4:34 left. The Wolves ran out the clock. That missed field goal was just one of three missed field goal attempts by the Rangers.
“I’m so proud of the guys. The defense played their tails off all night and did a great job,” Davis said. “Their kicker missed three field goals and that ended up being the difference in the game. Jaylen came in, did a great job, and converted that big third down that sealed the game for us. Next week begins division play and our guys know how big that game is.”
Fann completed the night with 282 passing yards and a touchdown.
“Too many missed opportunities,” Northwest coach Benjy Parker said.
