BOGUE CHITTO – Coach Carl Cole has warned his Bogue ChittoBobcats about looking past the Union Yellowjackets. Union (6-5)invades Bogue Chitto (10-1) Friday night for the opening round ofthe Class 1A state playoffs. Kickoff is 7:30 on Troy SmithField.

“We sure can’t overlook Union,” said Cole. “They have lost someclose games to some very good teams; also an overtime game.”

The Jackets finished third in Region 3-1A. This is BogueChitto’s third straight appearance in the state playoffs. TheBobcats were runners-up to Mize (11-0, 9-0) in Region 4-1A.

Bogue Chitto’s 22-18 loss to Mize was its only blemish thisseason. The senior-laden team is led by senior tailback DominiqueAddison (6-0, 210) who has rushed for 1,335 yards and 20 touchdownsthis season. He averages 10.7 yards per carry.

Senior tailback Denard Ferguson (5-10, 165) also has rushed forover 1,000 yards this year. Ferguson has 1,085 yards and 13touchdowns to his credit.

At quarterback, Jacob Leggett (6-0, 182, sr.) has passed for 478yards and 5 touchdowns.

Working in Bogue Chitto’s offensive line are Ace Wallace (6-1,221, sr.) at center, Lindsey Jackson (5-10, 203, sr.) at rightguard, Ernie Johnston 6-6, 300) at right tackle, Anthony Stevenson(6-0, 303, so.) at left guard and Caleb McCaffrey (5-9, 230, jr.)at left tackle.

On defense, the Bobcats have allowed just 8 points per game.Linebacker John Wallace (6-1, 205) leads the team. He has 86.5tackles to his credit.

Sophomore linebacker Todd Davis (5-8, 148) has 64 tackles.Sophomore safety Michael Blackwell (5-11, 168) lead the team with 5interceptions.

Breland Leads Union

Brad Breland is in his first year at Union. He coached atMadison Central for six years, at Pearl two years and Noxapater oneyear.

The Jackets are recognized for t heir strong rushing attack. “Werun the ball alot,” said Breland. “We have a freshman, AnthonyJohnson, who has come on and done a pretty good job for us.

Johnson (6-0, 185), has a lot of speed. Johnson has 850 yardsrushing on 85 carries.

Quaterbacking the Jackets Jody Blount (6-3, 180, jr.). He hasthrown 10 touchdown passes.

Leading Union on defense is strong safety Tony Warren (5-8,165). Union has 12 seniors total, six starting on offense and fiveon defense. Some of them go both ways.

The Jackets started out 0-3, playing some bigger schools. Theylost to Lake 31-30 in overtime.

“Our kids hadn’t had much success,” said Breland. “They didn’tknow how to win”

Lost to Pelahatchie 7-6 and 23-20 to Puckett n the final game ofthe regular season. Puckett won the Region 3-1A title andPelahatchie was runner-up.

“We are getting better,” said Breland. “We will have a tough rowto hoe Friday night. Bogue Chitto is huge.”

Breland and his staff have watched the Bobcats on film. “No. 33(John Wallace) is a big, tough linebacker. and No. 6 (DominiqueAddison) runs hard. Their quarterback (Jacob Leggett) is strong andhe knows what he is doing. They’ve got a big tackle,” in 6-foot-6,300-pound senior Ernie Johnston.