How MRA football's John White didn't let his play suffer with coach Herbert Davis hospitalized
Madison-Ridgeland Academy quarterback John White is playing with a purpose this season. He's playing for his head coach Herbert Davis, who is undergoing kidney dialysis.
The Patriots learned Aug. 10 before their season-opener against Parklane Academy that Davis, who came to the program in 2014, was back in the hospital after contracting an infection during the dialysis treatment.
White, a senior, did not let it affect his performance Friday, as he threw four touchdowns in a 56-14 win over Magnolia Heights at BankPlus Stadium.
Interim coach Danny White said Davis is in ICU and had a procedure performed Thursday. White said it sounded like things went well and Davis could possibly go home Sunday or Monday.
"He (Davis) called me up before the game and said good luck," White said. "Davis told us to focus on the game. "
"It has been tough, and it's been different," White said. "We love Coach Davis and him being out here. He's done a great job of implementing the system to our assistant coaches."
MRA's version of the Cowboys triplets
The MRA offense resembles the triplets of the Dallas Cowboys, as running back Charles Simpson ran for 136 yards and scored two TDs. White was then able to play pitch-and-catch with receiver Case Thomas, who hauled in four passes for 127 yards and scored two touchdowns, as MRA finished with 518 yards of total offense.
White, the Southern Miss commit, kept Magnolia Heights off balance in the passing game by mixing short and deep passes. He finished 14-of-20 for 282 yards and four touchdowns. The only blemish was a first-quarter interception.
"It was a third-and-long," White said. "The play was not there, and it was covered, and I rolled out and I made a decision I should not have made. I should have thrown the ball away."
MRA wants its shot at Jackson Prep
MRA is looking to recapture an MAIS state title after losing to Jackson Prep 21-14 in the Class 6A championship in 2022. For his part to get there, White is hoping to improve on his junior season stats: 3,175 yards and 28 touchdowns in 14 games.
White worked on reading defenses and coverages during offseason. He wants to identify more pre-snap and post-snap and has been working on mental preparation.
"I think about the loss to Jackson Prep every day," White said, "We try to do a good job of not thinking about that too much and just focusing on the game we have that week."
MRA COACH HERBERT DAVIS HOSPITALIZED Madison-Ridgeland Academy football coach Herbert Davis hospitalized, needs kidney transplant
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How MRA football's John White shined in absence of coach Herbert Davis
