By Brad Greer

The North Delta Green Wave will open defense of their District 1-A championship tonight as they travel across the Mississippi River to West Helena, Ark. for a 7:30 date with the Desoto Thunderbirds.

Desoto comes into tonight’s battle with a record of 1-0 on the season, after pounding Bayou Academy 42-7 last Friday in a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff contest which Bayou won 14-12.

The Thunderbirds are ranked No. 4 in the latest Jackson  Clarion-Ledger prep poll. North Delta meanwhile will attempt to rebound from last week’s disappointing 14-12 home loss to Strider. The Wave edged Desoto 14-6 last season in Batesville.

North Delta’s defense dominated Strider the entire game, holding the Rams to 94  yards and three first downs in the game. Sophomore Michael Magee registered a quarterback sack and recovered a fumble to lead the defensive charge. The Green Wave offense  rolled up 246 total yards including 223 on the ground, but hurt themselves with five turnovers and 90 yards in penalties.

Tailback Geri Lamm will look for a repeat performance of last week’s game as the junior rushed for 119 yards on 14 carries and also recovered a fumble on defense. Lamm’s backfield  running mate Tres Brasell added 74 yards on 11 totes to go along with a touchdown.

Wave head coach Lance Thomas said his team has put the loss behind them and is ready for the challenge of tonight’s matchup.

“Our kids handled it well. I was proud of them in the sense of when the game was over with they were hurting inside. There was no laughing, no clowning around in the locker room. They (North Delta) knew deep inside they were  a much better  team than they (Strider) were. It stung to know they lost to them. I do not care what people say. We’ve got a dang good football team,” said Thomas.

Every district game is important, but Thomas stressed tonight’s clash with the Thunderbirds is huge.

“Desoto is a very, very good football team. We watched two weeks ago in the jamboree and they looked solid. They have got some big, powerful, physical  kids, but we’ve had a good week of practice and will be ready to go.”