WOODVILLE -The Wilkinson County Wildcats continued a strongdefense of their 1999 Division 6-3A title Friday night as theyhanded the Indians of Hazlehurst a heart-breaking 21-6 defeat

WOODVILLE -The Wilkinson County Wildcats continued a strongdefense of their 1999 Division 6-3A title Friday night as theyhanded the Indians of Hazlehurst a heart-breaking 21-6 defeat.

“We needed this victory to continue our division success,” saidWildcat coach John Moore. “Our younger guys played hard in newspots”

The Wildcats (5-1, 3-0) begin their scoring early in the firstquarter as senior fullback Mark Frederick hit paydirt from 15 yardsout. After a Louis Turner PAT the Wildcats held a 7-0 lead.

The Wildcats continued their scoring march as Gibson hit thegoal line late in the second quarter from nine yards out. AfterGibson missed the PAT the Wildcats lead extended to 13-0.

The Indians got on the board next as senior Damien Garyrecovered a Wildcat fumble off a punt and returned it 52 yards fora touchdown. The two point attempt by Gary fell short by a yard andthe Indians were within seven, 13-6.

The Indians looked to be on a scoring drive early in the finalquarter, but the Wildcat defense stiffened and the Indians wereforced to punt.

The Wildcats took over and went 81 yards on 10 plays, scoringoff an 11-yard run by Frederick for the final margin ofvictory.

“Wilkinson County is one of the better teams in our division,”said Indian head coach Willie Brown. “We had our chances, but wenever could convert.”

Leading the Wildcat defense was Frederick with 10 tackles, 1sack, and a fumble recovery. Freshmen cornerback Carl Cageregistered 7 tackles and 3 deflections.

Wilkinson County next plays Port Gibson at home. Port Gibson iscoming off a disappointing 15-0 loss at the hands of Division 6-3AAmite County. Hazlehurst will host division rival Franklin CountyFriday night at 7:30.