CP Football 13, Silliman 0

Central Private School defensive coordinator stated the Rebels defensive philosophy rather simply after the Rebels shut out the Silliman Institute Wildcats 13-0 to remain undefeated at 5-0 on the season. Coach Smith simply said, "If they don't score then we can't lose." The Rebel defense has given up only seven points in the last three ball games. That single touchdown came with :14 seconds remaining in the ball game one week ago. The Rebel defense also added a new dimension to its repertoire on Friday night. As the offense sputtered, the defense handed it two golden opportunities that were converted into 13 points. Defensive back Kerry Burns intercepted a Trent Hornsby pass and returned it 28 yards to the 12-yard line. One play later, dynamo Bobby Muse bulled into the end zone to put the Rebels in front. Brandt Moore added the PAT and with 6:19 to go in the 1st quarter the Rebels had a 7-0 lead. Burns, who also had a fumble recovery on the evening, said, "I felt like I owed it to my team to make a big play. My friend at school predicted that I would get a pick earlier that day at school. I just went up high and pulled it away from the receiver. Once we get a break, Bobby makes them pay for it." The Rebels would put the game away in the 4th quarter. This time, Seth Smith returned an interception of Trent Hornsby 61 yards to the Silliman 2 yard line. Three plays later, Muse rammed into the end zone for the final score of the evening. The extra point was wide as the final remained Central Private 13 Silliman Institute 0. Seth Smith said,"It feels great to be 5-0, but we need to continue to work because one of our goals is to repeat as district champions. Bobby Muse, who has rushed for 989 yards on the season, said, "They played tough defense but we have to get better. The defense made some huge plays tonight to pull us through." The Rebels return to action on Friday in Natchez when they take on non-district foe Trinity Episcopal. Coach Mike Longmire said,"We have a lot of work to do, especially on offense. We must be mentally ready to go next week."