Winona High School standout JaTyler Moore got the opportunity to play one final high school football game last week, when he helped the West defeated the East 26-0 in the Northeast Mississippi Football Coaches Association All-Star game played at Booneville last Wednesday.
Moore, Tanner Knight of Eupora and Urriah Shephard of Houston took turns playing quarterback for the West, with each one playing every third series.
"I took three quarterbacks because all three of those kids were very worthy," said Choctaw County head football coach Ben Ashley, who coached the West. The West ran a Wing-T offense which was a different look for all of the quarterbacks. "They are just not used to taking the snap from center and that's a big change.
"I took him (Moore) because I knew if we got into a desperate situation and needed to move the ball and needed to move to the spread that he would be that guy. I knew we could just snap it directly to him and let him go."
Ashley said Moore's big-play ability is what sets him apart. "It's his ability to make things happen when things break down."
He said that during last week's game the West was facing a third and 15 and Moore came up with one of his trademark plays. "He completed a pass to Al Dumas (of Eupora) when there wasn't much there. He was able to keep the play alive and got us a big first down.
"He is as quick as a hiccup."
Moore had an outstanding senior season for the WHS Tigers, leading them to the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship Game.
Moore passed for 2,-35 yards and 28 touchdowns his senior season, while connecting on 169-of-301 passes. He was also a lethal weapon with his legs for the Tigers, rushing for 795 yards while scoring 14 additional touchdowns.
