Faith Academy exploded for 21 second quarter points on the way to a 21-13 victory over UMS-Wright in a key Class 5A, Region 1 matchup.

Faith held off a late drive by the Bulldogs, Jaeden Simmons intercepting Joe Lott in the end zone with just over a minute remaining to secure the victory.

“They came back on us last season, that’s the way they do, but I’m proud of the guys and the way they finished, ” said Faith Academy coach Jack French, who recalled last season when Faith led 20-7 at halftime before two second half scores gave the Bulldogs a 21-20 victory.

The Rams scored on three straight drives in the second quarter after trailing 3-0.

Back-to-back explosive touchdowns for Faith sparked the offense.

Jacori Stabler took a quick pass from Jarrett Daughtry and turned it into a 46-yard score and Simmons broke loose on a 52-yard touchdown run.

“They’ve got some athletes and we missed some tackles they turned into big plays, ” said UMS-Wright coach Terry Curtis.

Simmons rushed for 127 yards in the first half to lead the Rams on the ground.

Ty Goodwill added a 6-yard rushing touchdown with under a minute remaining to give Faith a 21-3 lead at halftime.

Lott did all he could for the Bulldogs, especially in the second half, rushing for 78 yards in the half, including a 6-yard touchdown run on UMS-Wright’s opening drive of the second half.

Lott blocked a kick with three minutes to go in the game to keep the Bulldogs within a touchdown.

“Joe played his heart out for sure,” said Curtis.

Star of the game: Simmons had 166 yards rushing, 12 yards receiving, and the interception on defense.

Play of the game: Simmons interception in the end zone sealed it for Faith. Lott had back-to-back first downs for UMS-Wright before throwing an interception, his second of the game. “I was able to look up and get under the ball and make a play, it was a big win for the team,” Simmons said.

Stat sheet: Jake Jaye had six carries for 10 yards in the first half, but did not play in the second half due to injury. James Hollon rushed 40 yards on seven carries in the second half filling in for Jaye. “James picked it up and ran hard for us in the second half and did what he was supposed to”, Curtis said. Kingston Phan added a pair of field goals for UMS-Wright. Jacori Stabler added 32 yards rushing for Faith.

By the numbers: 1 — Pass attempts in the second half by Faith Academy. 7 — rushing touchdowns on the season for Joe Lott. 3-0 —The Rams record this season in one score games.

Did you know: This was the first time that Faith Academy beat UMS-Wright at Rams field during the regular season, losing the previous three games.

Coachspeak: The two scores late in the second quarter were big for us. —French.

We outscored them 10-0 in the second half, played hard and gave great effort, but came up short. — Curtis.

They said it: Second half message was we knew we could make a run, we stayed confident, it’s tough to come back down 21-3 though. — Lott.

Next week: Faith Academy (6-3,5-2) plays at Leflore while UMS-Wright (5-4,4-3) travels to Ladd-Peebles stadium to take on Williamson on Thursday.