Opposing Viewpoint: Saltillo's Soper has versatile game

November 7, 2012

The Saltillo Tigers have a quarterback that has put up impressive numbers both on the ground and through the air this season.

Andrew Soper has completed 82 of 183 pass attempts for 1,364 yards and 14 touchdowns with 196 carries for 973 yards rushing and 10 more scores.

He is a player the Starkville Yellowjackets have to deal with as the two teams meet in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs Friday night in Starkville. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

"He's a guy that can run it and throw it," SHS coach Jamie Mitchell said. "We need to do a good job of taking him out of his game and limit his numbers as much as we can,"

One of the main targets for Soper this season has been AJ Hunt, who has 30 catches for 818 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Tigers bring a 7-4 overall record to Yellowjacket Stadium and were the fourth seed out of Region 1 with a 4-3 mark.

Saltillo ended the regular season with wins over Lake Cormorant 17-7 and Hernando 45-28. The losses for the Tigers have come against good teams in Itawamba AHS, Oxford, West Point and Center Hill.