STARKVILLE — East Webster claimed its first state championship in school history Saturday night, defeating defending champion Heidelberg 28-16 to win the MHSAA Class 2A title at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium.
Lekendrick Potts and Kross Avent led the Wolverines (14-1) to the historic victory.
“Our defense has been unbelievable all year. I’m not sure our defensive coordinator slept all week. Our defense is a group of unbelievable kids who play hard-nosed football and they had a challenge tonight and they answered,” East Webster coach Ron Price said. “The case at East Webster is right across from my classroom, so I see it every day and I’ve dreamed of putting a gold ball in that trophy case and on Monday I get to do that.”
Heidelberg (12-3) struck first when D’Mauhd Gavin scored on a 14-yard run and the Oilers added a two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead with 8:53 left in the first quarter.
East Webster answered when Avent hit Potts for a 42-yard touchdown pass with 2:20 remaining in the opening period, cutting the deficit to 8-7.
The Wolverines took their first lead at 14-8 when Avent connected with Lamarkiz McCurry on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 11:05 left in the second quarter.
Heidelberg regained the advantage at 16-14 on Chase Craft’s 1-yard run and another successful two-point conversion with 3:06 remaining in the first half.
East Webster seized control on the opening drive of the second half. Avent found Potts for a 56-yard touchdown pass with 11:42 left in the third quarter, putting the Wolverines ahead 21-16.
Late in the fourth quarter, East Webster failed to convert on fourth down at the Heidelberg 19-yard line. On the next play, Craft completed a pass to Alrekus Graves, who fumbled at midfield. Mahd Jones recovered for the Wolverines.
East Webster capitalized immediately as Avent ran 28 yards for a touchdown with 1:53 remaining, extending the lead to 28-16.
On Heidelberg’s final possession, Potts intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal the victory. He was named the game’s most valuable player after finishing with seven catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns, plus the game-clinching interception.
“We the quarterback booted to the left side he had to throw it, so just had to make a play. We knew if they were going to play me man-to-man, we were going to take some shots down field,” Potts said. “This feels good to finally bring a state championship back home.”
Avent completed passes for 158 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 52 yards and another score.
“We told the kids all week we needed to be play our hardest 48 minutes and they did what we told them to do. Potts did what he’s been doing all year and is an unbelievable football player and everyone got to see that tonight,” Price said. “I’m so proud for our community. They’ve been starving for a state championship in football and these kids bought into what we’re asking them to do. We’re bringing a state championship home tonight.”
Craft passed for 220 yards and rushed for 53 to lead Heidelberg.
“Hats off to East Webster that made plays and we didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” Heidelberg coach Darry Carter said. “We proud of the kids and communities with what we went through to get this point. Some folks are glad we lost, but we will be back. This is standard.”
