By Brad Greer

With a district showdown against Marshall Academy looming next Friday, the North Delta Green Wave must first set its sights on the task at hand as they travel to Tunica tonight to square off  against Blue Devils in a 7:30 kickoff.

Both teams are coming off impressive wins last week as North Delta opened District 1-AA play with a 34-7 victory over Kirk while Tunica, the No. 3 ranked team in  the latest Academy A poll, blanked MHSAA member Strayhorn 34-0.

The Blue Devils enter tonight’s contest sporting a 3-1 record with victories over Greenville Christian 55-25 and Lee, Ark. 39-0 with the only blemish coming in a 35-28 loss to Marshall.

Tunica is led on offense by senior quarterback Brandon Holmes (6’4” – 179) and a pair junior running backs in Austin Hagstrom (5’10”- 165) and Jake Graves (6’3”- 176). Juniors Sam McGee (6’4”- 220) and Ali Obad (6’0”- 240) anchor the offensive line for the Blue Devils.

Tunica is expected to have its hands full with a North Delta defense that gave up only 91 yards rushing to Kirk last week which included minus six yards in the second half.

Senior Sy Pritchard led the Green Wave defense with eight tackles and a pair of quarterback sacks. Brett Herrington and Bailey Guckert registered six tackles each. Guckert, who saw his first action of the year after breaking his collarbone two days before a season-opening win against Lee Academy, also had two pass break-ups on the night.

On the offensive side of the ball, Kyle Devazier, Carter Gant, Bradley Booth, Hunter Pitcher and Blake Snyder make up the offensive line.

Taylor Morris and quarterback Tyler Pirtle accounted for two touchdowns each in the victory of the Raiders. Morris scored on runs of 12 and one yards while racking up 175 yards rushing on 28 carries.