By Robert Wilson
Forest Hill senior running back JaMarcus Byrd had an awesome ending to his high school football career.
The 5-foot-5, 160-pound Byrd gained a career-high 281 yards on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead Forest Hill to a 32-25 victory over George County in a MHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 game in the final regular season game this season Friday high at South Jackson Field.
For his outstanding performance, Byrd has been named the Junction Deli/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Football Player of the Week.
Byrd led Forest Hill to its win over George County, which game into the game with four wins this season, three more than Forest Hill.
Byrd finished the season with 1,065 yards and nine TDs on 151 carries, had 81 receiving yards and averaged 37 yards on three kickoff returns.
“JaMarcus capped off his high school career with grit, versatility, and leadership,” Forest Hill coach tony Fell said. “A three-year starter at running back, JaMarcus even stepped up in a big way this season, filling in quarterback for three games due to injury and kept the offense alive with poise and precision. He finished the year with 12 completions in 18 attempts for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Through a tough season filled with adversity, Byrd’s resilience helped lead the team to a memorable final win, one that reflected his heart, toughness, and commitment to the program.”
With the win over George County, Forest Hill broke a seven-game losing streak and finished the season with a 2-9 overall record and a 1-4 region mark. The Patriots’ only other win was a 22-20 decision over Bay Springs.
Byrd is the son of Veronica Byrd. She was in the band at Amite County High. Byrd’s brother is Jesse Jackson and is in the fourth grade at Timberlawn Elementary in Jackson. He plays football for the Jackson Rams United Little League team. Jesse plays center and defensive line.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a football player from Hinds, Madison, or Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate a player by texting Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276.
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
WEEK ONE: Gage Crapps, East Rankin Academy
WEEK TWO: Knolyn Bryce Archie Bailey, Lanier
WEEK THREE: Caleb Unger, MRA
WEEK FOUR: Samuel Stockett, MRA
WEEK FIVE: Waylan King, Callaway
WEEK SIX: Tripp Smith, Madison Central
WEEK SEVEN: Trevon Willis, Velma Jackson
WEEK EIGHT: King White, Germantown
WEEK NINE: Knolyn Bryce Archie Bailey, Lanier
WEEK TEN: Hayden Hunt, Tri-County Academy
WEEK ELEVEN: Jakobi Ratliff, Jim Hill
