Tupelo Football Remains Undefeated Against Columbus

Emmy Dean, Golden Wave Media Managing Editor|September 17, 2022

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Jaboree Dooley and Fred Adams celebrate a touchdown against the Falcons by dancing.

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Columbus’ cheerleaders come over to Tupelo’s side to join in on some cheers before the end of the game.

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On September 16, the varsity football team drove to Columbus to face off the Falcons and tacked another W on their record to go 4-0 with a final score of 28-6. The game was a new experience for the Wave due to the environment

“We got to play there [and it is] the first time we played on grass [this season],” Head football coach Ty Hardin said before the game. “We just got to be prepared, practice great this week, and play our game, not their game.”

The Wave knew their opponent’s talent despite the Falcon’s 0-3 record. The Falcons previously played Starkville, Southhaven, and Louisville and lost by 28 points against each team.

“They’re going to be fast, they’re gonna be physical. They’re very talented. And they played really three great football teams, three teams that can beat anybody in the state. And so their record didn’t show what they are,” Hardin said.

The Wave dominated their passing game with 194 passing yards compared to the Falcons’ 55 yards. Quarterback Jeremiah Harell was the passing yard leader with 194 yards.

The Wave was very proficient with their rushing game as well. Jaboree Dooley was the rushing leader with 106 net yards. Net yards are all the yards earned by passing, sacks, touchdowns, and interceptions. During the first quarter with 1:19 left, Dooley scored on a handoff from Harrell. Dooley struck again on a handoff from Harell with 6:40 left in the second quarter to make the score 14-0. Dooley and Harell brought the heat towards the end of the second quarter to make the score 28-0.

The Golden Wavedefense excelled throughout the game. The defense held the Falcons to 55 passing yards and delivered several sacks to the Falcons quarterback Shawn Williams. Tupelo tackle leader Tristen Jernigan led the Golden Wave with 2 sacks causing the Falcons to lose 2 yards due to Tackles For Loss (TFL).

This was the 26th meeting between the two teams. The rivalry dates back to 1992 and Tupelo now leads 19-8. This makes the 5th win in a row against the Falcons for the Golden Wave.

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