Indians rumble into south state 3A semis

The Class 3A #2 ranked Hazlehurst Indians (11-1) were bitten by the injury bug Friday evening in the first half but were able to dot the scoreboard for 21 points and hold on to beat a tradition rich Collins team in the second round of the playoffs 21-14.
“I thought we played pretty well,” stated first year Indian head coach Randal Montgomery.  “We lost four starters in the first half that affected our play in the second half but we hung in and got the job done.”
Junior running back Demetrius Cain put the Indians on his back for the game rushing 29 times for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns.  The running back’s skills were all that was needed as the Indian defense held off Collins for the win.
Cain scored on a one run yard run to start the game and put the Indians up 6-0.  Demond Tucker kicked the PAT and the Indians led 7-0.  Cain would again find the end zone after a 6 yard run to put the Indians up 13-6 after a Collins score.
The halftime lead was 21-6 as Cain would again score from 7 yards out in a dominating rushing attack from the Indians.  Cain would run the 2 point conversion as well for Hazlehurst.
Collins would only score once in the second half against a fierce Indian defense and the game ended with Hazlehurst prevailing 21-14.
The win sets the stage for a playoff rematch with the #3 ranked class 3A and undefeated Philadelphia Tornadoes in Copiah County next Friday.
 “They are a sound football team,” explained Montgomery.  “They are 13-0 for a reason so we have to run the football and play good defense.”
The battle is set for Friday night at 7:00 p.m.  Head coach Randal Montgomery would like a packed house waiting on the Tornadoes.