By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Kevin Martin was Troup’s leading tackler the past two seasons, and he’s off to a fast start as he looks to do it again.

Martin, a senior linebacker, had 11 tackles in last week’s season-opening 32-0 victory over Ridgeland.

That was part of a suffocating defensive effort for Troup’s defense, which didn’t allowed a point in a preseason game against Northside-Columbus, or the road game against Ridgeland.

Martin made his presence felt early on.

After Troup faked a punt in its own territory moments into the game, Ridgeland had the ball on the 15-yard line.

A Ridgeland ball-carrier appeared headed toward the end zone, but Martin raced across the field and tackled him just short of the goal line.

The Panthers ended up going for it on fourth down and they were stuffed at the 1-yard line, and Martin was in on the touchdown-saving tackle.

Troup linebacker Jatavian Smith was second on the team against Ridgeland with seven tackles.

Another defensive standout was Alonzo Ogletree, who had a pair of interceptions.

His first pick came early in the game when it was still a contest.

Ridgeland had the ball deep in Troup territory when Ogletree intercepted a pass at the 33-yard line.

Ogletree’s second interception came late in the third quarter.

Following a Troup touchdown that pushed the lead to 22-0, Ogletree picked off a pass in Ridgeland territory.

That led to a field goal by Helsyn Martinez.

DYNAMIC HUDSON: During the preseason game against

Northside-Columbus, Kobe Hudson showed off his strong arm by throwing for more than 200 yards in the first half.

In the regular-season opener against Ridgeland, the full package was released, and it was impressive.

Hudson completed 13-of-25 passes for 191 yards with a pair of touchdowns, and he also ran for 81 yards with a touchdown.

In the first half, Hudson threw touchdown passes to Jamari Thrash and Trea Mitchell.

Hudson threw a screen pass to Hudson that turned into a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Later in the quarter it was Mitchell’s turn.

He caught a screen pass from Hudson at the 30-yard line, and he beat Ridgeland’s defense to the end zone for the touchdown.

Mitchell was Troup’s leading receiver with three catches for 77 yards.

In the second half, Hudson did it with his legs.

Hudson took the snap, surveyed the defense, and decided to run.

Five Ridgeland defenders had a chance to bring Hudson down at the line of scrimmage, but they all swung and missed.

Hudson stayed on his feet and took off for a 47-yard touchdown run.

TOUCHDOWN MAKER: For Jamari Thrash, putting the ball in the end zone is nothing new.

During his memorable junior season, Thrash had nearly 1,500 receiving yards with 18 touchdowns.

So it was no surprise to see him celebrating a touchdown during Friday’s game against Ridgeland.

In the first quarter, Thrash caught a short pass from Hudson, and he turned that into a 23-yard touchdown.

Thrash caught the ball at the 20-yard line, eluded a tackle attempt, and raced down the right sideline into the end zone.

Thrash nearly scored two other touchdowns.

Late in the first half, it looked like he’d caught a ball in the end zone, but the referee on the spot ruled that he stepped out of bounds.

In the second half, Thrash caught a punt at the 40-yard line, and he weaved and raced his way to the end zone.

A Troup player was called for an illegal block at the 1-yard line, though, so the touchdown didn’t stand.

RUNNING STRONG: Tyree Carlisle made the most of his seven carries.

Carlisle ran for 42 yards, an average of six yards per carry, and he had a touchdown run.

In the second half, Carlisle took a handoff from Kobe Hudson, and he dove into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.

Troup had a balanced attack.

The Tigers ran for 221 yards, and Hudson threw for 191 yards giving the team more than 400 yards of offense.

PERFECT NIGHT: Helsyn Martinez attempted four kicks, and he made them all.

Martinez converted all four of his extra-point attempts, and he also made a short field goal in the first half.