News Summary
In a remarkable display of talent, Damarius Yates, running back for Kemper County, tied the state record by scoring eight touchdowns in a thrilling game that ended 70-44. His performance not only led the Wildcats to a significant victory but also contributed to setting a school record of 627 rushing yards. With this victory, Kemper County has shown resilience, improving its season record to 3-5 after a tough start. Yates, who has rushed for 1,304 yards this season, is committed to Ole Miss and is recognized as a top high school prospect.
Kemper County, Mississippi – On October 17, 2025, Kemper County’s running back, Damarius Yates, made history by scoring a state record-tying eight touchdowns during a thrilling 70-44 victory against their opponents. This remarkable feat not only highlights Yates’ exceptional talent but also led the Kemper County Wildcats to score 70 points, marking the second-best score in the school’s history.
During the game, Yates rushed 29 times for an impressive total of 448 yards. His performance contributed to the team’s unprecedented achievement of setting a school record with 627 rushing yards and totaling an impressive 706 yards overall. With this victory, Kemper County improved its season record to 3-5, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround after starting the season with an 0-4 record, having won three of their last four games.
This season, Yates has rushed for a staggering 1,304 yards and has scored 18 touchdowns, averaging 10.3 yards per carry across eight games. Over his three varsity seasons, Yates has accumulated 3,784 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, maintaining that same average of 10.3 yards per carry. Additionally, Yates has demonstrated his versatility as a player with 61 career receptions, accounting for 977 yards and another 10 touchdowns in the passing game.
Diving deeper into Yates’ future, he is committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and is recognized as a highly-ranked athlete within the nation. According to Rivals Industry Ranking, he has been ranked as the No. 114 overall prospect nationally, the No. 10 running back, and the No. 7 player in Mississippi. His commitment to Ole Miss highlights his potential as a future star in college football.
This victory has invigorated the team and fans alike, marking a significant milestone not only for Yates but also for the entire Kemper County Wildcats program. The team’s ability to set new records during a season where they initially struggled reflects their resilience and determination. As the season progresses, the Wildcats will aim to build on this momentum and continue their ascent by leveraging Yates’ remarkable skills on the field.
Looking at the broader context, Yates’ performance serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication, positioning him as one of the top high school players in the state. His achievements continue to capture the attention of scouts and fans, fostering excitement about his future contributions both at the collegiate level and beyond. The Wildcats’ scoring power, showcased by their record-breaking offense, illustrates a promising shift for the team as they strive for success in the upcoming games.
As the football season unfolds, all eyes will be on Yates and the Wildcats as they aim to capitalize on this momentous victory and push towards a winning streak that could redefine their season.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi High School Football Scores
- Wikipedia: Mississippi High School Football
- SI: Mississippi High School Football Final Scores
- Google Search: Mississippi High School Football
- On3: Ole Miss RB Commit Sets Rushing Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi High School Football
- High School Football America: Scores and Schedules
- Google News: Mississippi High School Football News
- WLOX: South Mississippi High School Ends Tailgating

Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.


