With his McComb Tigers officially eliminated from the Class 5A state football playoffs, head coach Malcolm Jones is looking for ways to keep his team focused for this week’s season finale at Stone County.
McComb (4-6 overall, 1-5 in Region 3-5A) was ousted from the playoff picture with its 34-6 loss to Brookhaven last Friday night. In that game, receiver Kevontay Dillon’s touchdown reception on the game’s final play prevented the Tigers from being shut out by Brookhaven for the first time since 1979.
“We’re just going through our normal regimen, preparing our offense,” said Jones, finishing his second season as McComb head coach. “This week isn’t an audition for 2011. I just want the guys to go out and finish what they started.”
The season began with plenty of promise for the Tigers, who won their first three games, before losses to North Pike and Region 3-5A powers Picayune, West Jones and Wayne County dropped them below the .500 mark. In all, McComb has lost six of its last seven games.
“I know we’re not as focused as I’d like for us to be this week,” Jones said. “The kids know we don’t have any opportunity to move on.
“You’re dealing with society, kids and human nature,” Jones added. “People tend not to try as hard when there’s nothing to fight for.”
Stone County is in the same boat. The host Tomcats (4-6, 2-4) are out of the playoffs despite their 34-7 win over Forest Hill last week.
The Tigers will face Mississippi Dandy Dozen wide receiver and Mississippi State commitment Darion Arrington. He has 94 catches for 859 yards and 10 scores.
Jones also said running back Devonte Evans would sit out Friday’s game, still suffering from a high ankle sprain.
