By Brad Greer

Nine weeks of football will come down to 48 minutes to settle the runner-up spot in District 1-2A tonight as North Delta plays host to Kirk in the regular season finale for both schools. Kickoff is slated for 7:30.

A North Delta victory will pit the Green Wave against District 3 winner Simpson next week in the first round of the AA State playoffs. Kirk meanwhile would have to win to keep their post-season hopes alive as they head into tonight’s contest with a 1-2 district record and 4-6 overall. Marshall wrapped up the district title with a victory over Indianola two weeks ago and will close out the regular tonight by hosting West Memphis, Ark.

The Green Wave (6-2; 2-1) is coming off a 42-6 thumping of Greenville Christian last Friday while the Raiders fell 14-0 to Leake.  

Kirk started out the season 0-3 with losses to Pillow (40-0),  Clarksdale Lee (34-12), and Magnolia Heights (35-22) before reeling off three straight wins over West Memphis (27-0), Winston (25-13), and Manchester Academy (28-0). The Raiders then dropped a pair of nail-biting district losses to Indianola (20-19) followed by a 14-11 decision to Marshall. Kirk’s other victory was against Oak Hill by the score of 40-0.

North Delta head coach Dan Werner expects a knockdown, drag-out type of game against the Raiders.

“They are a very sound football team on both sides of the ball. They run a power ‘I’ on offense and all three running backs  will get touches, but the  tailback (Will Thimmes) looks to be their best back. He is fast and physical when he gets his hands on the ball. Overall Kirk is a lot better than their record indicates. They have lost two district games by a combined four points so it is going to be a very interesting game to say the least,” said Werner.

In last week’s homecoming win over Greenville Christian, Tres Brasell rushed for 129 yards on 11 carries while scoring two touchdowns. The junior tailback has accounted for 786 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. Sophomore Chris Rodgers is second on the team in rushing with 291 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Derek Shawn leads the Green Wave on offense. Shawn has passed for 589 yards and four touchdowns on the year including three-of-four last week for 42 yards and a touchdown. His main target this year has been junior Bryan Nickle who has reeled in 22 catches for 382 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wideout John Cody Dalrymple is second on the team with two touchdown receptions.