Natchez Cathedral quarterback Caleb Upton conducted a course inpassing the football Friday night on William E. “Sambo” SmithField. Upton passed for 438 yards, completing 20 of 39 passes, andthe Green Wave rolled to a 48-34 victory over Loyd Star’sHornets.

Upton, a 5-foot-9, 160-pound junior, had a favorite receiver inclassmate Daniel Huffines who had 10 catches for 200 yards. TheGreenies had 28 carries for 95 rushing yards. They led 27-12 athalftime.

“The first half had too many turnovers,” said Loyd Star coachRandall Huffman. “In the second half we played better and I wasproud to see them keep fighting. We did not quit.”

Loyd Star running back Marquis Hayes led the Hornets offensivelywith 17 carries for 179 yards and three touchdowns. Hayes had a77-yard TD run in the third quarter. Marquis Sims had 8 carries for59 yards and one TD.

Hornet senior quarterback Korey Allen completed 3 out of 8 passesfor 46 yards with two interceptions. Branden Canny led thereceiving crew with 1 catch for 35 yards.

Josh Butler scored one TD for Loyd Star as the Hornets reducedtheir deficit to 34-28 entering the fourth quarter.

Cathedral first-year head coach Ron Rushing was happy to leaveLincoln County with a victory. He said, “Both teams put out a greateffort. It was a shootout. I was very proud of my quarterback. Heplayed great tonight and made a lot of good decisions. DanielHuffines and Caleb Upton were huge leaders tonight.”

Khalil Brice was Cathedral’s leading rusher with 14 carries for 69yards. Defensively the Green Wave recovered two fumbles and madetwo interceptions.

Cathedral is 2-0 and is open this week. They host Enterprise Sept.10.

Loyd Star is winless (0-2) and travels to Richland Friday.