By Myra Bean

The North Panola Cougars, though enjoying the win over Kennedy last Friday, have set their sight on “stopping the A-train.”

South Delta of Rolling Fork (Region 4-3A) rolls into town tonight with a 1-1 record with Abberrial Green, aka the A-Train, in tow.

The 5’6”, 175-pound sophomore running back is a dangerous weapon, according to Cougar head coach Clifton Davis Jr.

“We will have to gang tackle him,” Davis said.

Though Green has only scored a two-point conversion in the team’s 16 total points scored this early season, he is the team’s leading rusher with 81 yards. While Green has been covered up by the defense, it has been junior tightend Reginald Brown who has been finding the end zone for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have played some close contests this year. They defeated Lexington-McLain 8-6 August 21 and lost last week to Hollandale-Simmons 15-8.

Senior quarterback Jeremy Barnes, 5’7”, 165 pounds, leads the Bulldog attack completing 11 of 19 passes this year for 101 yards. His leading receiver is sophomore wide receiver Brandon Smith, 5’4”, 140 pounds, followed by Green.

“They are a run-oriented team. They have a big offensive line,” Davis said. “The offense does well in what they do. They don’t stress the pass. They will run a variety of things but primarily we have to protect the run.”

Bulldog senior middle linebacker Jamichael Myles blitzes a lot, according to Davis.

He has already logged 27 tackles, one sack, one interception and blocked one field goal for the team this year. Myles is joined by junior linebacker Robert Seaton and freshman linebacker Brandon Smith.

Smith has 15 total tackles, a pass deflection and a sack for the season so far. Seaton has 14 total tackles and two sacks.

North Panola is led in rushing by senior tailback Vernon Lewis who has scored three touchdowns in 222 yards on 34 carries this season, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

Leading receiver is junior wide receiver Ricky Hunt who has two touchdowns on 192 yards in 18 receptions. He averages 10.7 yards per catch.

Quarterback Quinn Ellis has completed 26 of 48 passes for 298 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed 16 times for 26 yards and three touchdowns.

“We hope to start off sharp at the beginning of the game and we won’t have to do like we did last week,” Davis said. “We look to improve from last week like we did the week before and I think we will be okay.”

North Panola is coming off a 34-6 win over Kennedy, but the score was tied at six at halftime. The Cougars lost the first game of the season to Kingbury of Memphis, 27-26.

Some players not recognized from Friday night were Samtrix Frost and Teon Arnold who teamed up for  a sack. Terrance Myles recovered a fumble. Arnold had a sack for an 11-yard loss. Roynell Keys and Kendrick Callicutt caused a fumble and Calllicutt recovered it.

Kickoff at Cougar Stadium is at 7:30 p.m. Tonight.