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Football JournalFootball Journal2011

High school previews Friday, Aug. 19, 2011

Smithvilleon the

reboundAfter tornado,football teamwill take fieldto continue

a community’shealing.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

See Page 3

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2 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011 FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011 DAILY JOURNAL

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SPORTS EDITOR: John L. PittsCOVER DESIGN: C. Todd ShermanINSIDE PAGE DESIGN: John L. Pitts, RobbieRobertson (individual team pages from a conceptby Brad Locke)HIGH SCHOOL STAFF: JohnWilbert, Gene PhelpsEDITING: John L. Pitts, Robbie Robertson andother members of the Journal staffWRITING: Daily Journal and Journal Publishingstaff writers and special contributorsPHOTOS: Daily Journal and Journal Publishingstaff photographers and special contributors

Football Journal2011

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TEAMINDEX|

Aberdeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Alcorn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Amory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Baldwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Belmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Benton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Biggersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Booneville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Calhoun Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Calhoun City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Corinth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15East Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Falkner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Hatley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Holly Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Houlka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20H.W. Byers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Itawamba AHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Kossuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Mantachie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Marshall Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Mooreville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Nettleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28New Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29North Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Oak Hill Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Okolona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Potts Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Ripley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Saltillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Smithville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39South Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Starkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Starkville Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 41Thrasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Tishomingo County . . . . . . . . . . . 43Tupelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Tupelo Christian Prep . . . . . . . . . . 46Union County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Vardaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Walnut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47West Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

WE NEED YOUR HELP ON FRIDAYSCoaches in the Journal circulation area, please

call in your scores promptly on game nights.We can’t be at every game, so we must rely

on coaches and scorekeepers to call the Journal(678-1601) as soon as possible after games arecomplete. If you’re on the road outside the area,call toll-free (1-800-270-2612, ext. 601).Be prepared to give scoring information, in-

cluding score by quarters, names of all scoringplayers – on both teams – and the distance andtype of each scoring play.

JOYCE BROCK/SOUTHERN ADVOCATEBenton County head coach Jimmy Risen, joined by school superintendent Patrick Washington, showsoff one of the new helmets for their team, nicknamed the Buccaneers, which begins play this fall.

Herewe are again, with an-other high school FootballJournal, just in time for thestart of the 2011 season.This tabloid edition is theresult of weeks of effort by theJournal staff through the sum-mer and preseason to bringyou the latest updates on theschools in our coverage area.Change is often a theme atthis time of year in highschool football – new coaches,new starting players, teams innew regions – but we hopeour preview coverage providesa little bit of consistency fromyear to year.It’ll indeed be a challengefor the teams inNortheastMississippi to top the 2010season. Lafayette andWestPoint brought homeMHSAAstate titles, while Aberdeenand Calhoun City reachedchampionship games.We’re working on a streak ofat least one state championfromour circulation area forthree years in a row.Canwemake it four? Staytuned.

JohnL. Pitts

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LETTERFROM|

THEEDITOR

Notes: Jumpertown is not fielding a team thisfall. ... We’ll preview the combined New Site-Wheelerteam if it’s ready for its Aug. 26 opener.

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ALSO INSIDE|

Preseason rankings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Top 10 players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5State champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242010 standings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34New football regions . . . . . . . . . . 36

It’s kickofftime again!


DAILY JOURNAL FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011 FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011 | 3

INSIDE: Team profile, 39.

SMITHVILLE – Christmascomes on Aug. 26 forSmithville High Schoolrunning back J.T. Pitts.

The daymarks the first ath-letic event on the school’s tor-nado-ravaged campus since theEF-5 twister roared through theMonroe County townApril 27.Pitts and his Seminoles team-mates are playing their firsthome game that night againstMonroe County rival Hatley ontheir own 100-yard field – onewith new lights, scoreboard,stands, pressbox and goalposts.“It’s going to be like Christ-masmorning and I knowwhatgift I’m opening first,” said Pitts,a state champion powerlifter.“Only this will be 10 times

greater than that.“I can’t wait for Fri-day nights and foot-ball in Smithville.”Smithville headcoach BubbaTackerwondered fourmonths ago if theSeminoles would beplaying football oncampus this season.About the only thingsremaining followingthe stormwere thetwo stone teepees inthe south end zone,whichwere erected years ago astributes to former players whodied in auto accidents.“I was thinking, ‘Who do Ineed to call?’ he said. “Should Icall Itawamba and see if we canplay our games there? Do I

need to checkwithour other countyschools and see aboutplaying there?”It wasn’t until lateMay, when approxi-mately 100 volunteersjoined forces to cleanupwhat was left ofSmithville’s stadium,thatTacker thought a2011 home kickoffwas possible.“Our field was like ajunkyard,” he said.“We picked up rocks,

nails, metal pieces ... a ceilingfan.We had to get it cleaned upsowe could start rebuilding.“Things just kind of wentfrom there.”Tacker, 36, was born andraised a Smithville Seminole

and bleeds his school’s colors –maroon andwhite. He playedthere and came back from col-lege to begin his coaching ca-reer there. His wife, Candy, is aSmithville native, too.“This (tornado) was devastat-ing to us,” said the coach,whose home is outside of townand escaped damage. “Mywifelost the house she grew up in.“This is a special place. I loveit and not sure I could leave it.”

LARGE CROWD EXPECTEDTacker believes the team’shome opener – it opens theseason on the road at Hamilton–will draw one of the program’slargest crowds.“Sports are big here,” he said.“Every time I go somewhere,folks askme if we’re going to

play up here.“For us to play that Fridaynight at home is going to bevery special tome, alongwitheverybody else from aroundhere.”J.T. Pitts is just thankful no-body connectedwith the foot-ball program suffered the lossof a relative in the deadlystorm.“We’re lucky, lucky that we’rehere to play football,” he said.“There was a timewhen I didn’tknowwhat in theworld wouldhappen. Now I see it all comingtogether.“We’re all going to feel proudputting on our Seminole uni-forms (Aug. 26).We knowwe’rerepresenting this community.”

[email protected]

Football will help Smithville get back to normal

GENEPHELPS

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALSmithville football players walk past signs of damage after a recent practice. “Our field was like a junkyard” after the April 27 tornado, head coach Bubba Tacker said.



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There is no doubt NortheastMississippi loves high schoolsports and there’s a websitethat loves it just asmuch:NeMissPreps.com.NeMissPreps.com is the on-line source for all news and in-formation about NortheastMississippi high school sports.“We’re excited aboutYear 2 ofNeMissPreps.com,” Journal In-teractive Online EditorToddVinyard said. “We feel like thissite offers a great place to showcase the outstanding highschool student athletes andteamswe have inNortheastMississippi.”The site features articles andphotos from all Journal, Inc.products and offers players andfans a chance to contribute bycreating free accounts.Here are three reasons whyyou should create an account:

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NeMissPreps.comset for second season

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PRESEASON|

RANKINGS

LARGE SCHOOLS(Classes 4A/5A/6A)

School 2010 Final1. Lafayette 16-0 12. Tupelo 7-4 T43.West Point 14-1 24. Starkville 5-6 T45. Shannon 9-4 NR

CLASS 3A1. Aberdeen 14-2 12. Kossuth 5-7 NR3. Ripley 2-9 NR4. Mooreville 7-4 NR5. (tie) Booneville 5-6 3Nettleton 3-8 NR

SMALL SCHOOLS(Classes 1A/2A)

1. Bruce 4-8 NR2. Okolona 11-3 43. Calhoun City 15-1 14. Baldwyn 7-6 35. Vardaman 9-4 NR

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALBruce’s Wiley Maddox is one of 19 returning starters for the Trojans,giving rise to high hopes for this season.

North Mississippi dominates preseason rankingsThe top four teams in the Clarion Ledger’s preseason high schoolfootball rankings, published last Sunday, are all fromNorthMissis-sippi: South Panola, Lafayette,West Point andOlive Branch.Tupelo will play three of those teams this season, starting with aAug. 19 home game against Lafayette. The GoldenWave visits SouthPanola onOct. 14 and closes the regular season at home againstOlive Branch onNov. 4.Top-ranked teams by class: South Panola (6A),West Point (5A),Lafayette (4A), Aberdeen (3A),West Bolivar (2A, followed by Cal-houn City at No. 2) andDurant (1A).



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TOP10PLAYERSTOWATCH|

RILEY ALEFNEW ALBANY

Position: LB/TESpecs: 6-0, 195Class: SeniorStats: Recorded 141 tackles(68 solo), 4 interceptionsand 2 fumble recoveries in2010.

Résumé: Three-year starterat LB. Started last fourgames of 2010, includingthree playoff games, attight end. ... 2010 MHSAA All-Division 1-4Afirst-team selection. ... Talented baseballplayer. He’s considered a NCAA Division Ibaseball prospect at catcher.

Colleges: None officially showing interest yet,but that could change with a strong season.

Coach says: “He gets us lined up defensivelyand he always makes sure everybody is linedup where they are supposed to. It’s like havinga coach on the field.” – Ron Price

TABARRIUS COFFEYCALHOUN CITY

Position: OT/DTSpecs: 6-5, 320Class: SeniorStats: Recorded 52 tackles(35 solo), 2 sacks, recov-ered 1 fumble and re-turned a fumble 31 yardsin 2010.

Résumé: Ranked as one ofthe best offensive linemanin the state by MississippiGridiron. ... Blocked for an offense that aver-aged 36.7 points, 184.2 rushing yards and185 passing yards per game in 2010. ... 2011MAC All-Star basketball selection. ... Placedthird in the shotput at the 2011 MHSAA Class2A state meet.

Colleges: Interest from Arkansas State, Missis-sippi State and Ole Miss, among others.

Coach says: “He’s going to be a player forsomebody at the next level. For somebodyhe’ll do well.” – Perry Liles

DEMARKUS DENNISLAFAYETTE

Position: RBSpecs: 5-10, 200Class: SeniorStats: Rushed for 2,249yards and 26 TDs on 299carries (7.52 ypc and140.6 ypg) in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 Daily JournalTop 10 All-Area selection.... 2011 Mississippi Grid-iron Preseason All-Statesecond-team selection. ... 2010 MAC Class 4AAll-State first-team offensive selection. ...Rushed for more than 1,000 yards his sopho-more season despite splitting time in thebackfield. ... Can play outside LB. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Memphis and SouthernMiss; receiving a lot of correspondence fromother schools.

Coach says: “Demarkus takes a situation whereyou think you’ll lose five and he’ll turn it into abig play for you. He’s got that elusiveness andability to make something out of nothing.” –Anthony Hart

DEVIN JONESRIPLEY

Position: RBSpecs: 5-11, 200Class: SeniorStats: Rushed for 1,163yards and 10 TDs lastyear, 1,780 yards as asophomore and 995 yardsas a freshman. Picked offfive passes in 2009.

Résumé: Holds the Tigers’freshman rushing record.... Bench presses 325 pounds and squats 600.2010 MHSAA Class 3A’s 220-pound statepowerlifting champ. ... Rated in the 95th per-centile out of all the 2011 Nike Speed, Power,Agility, Reaction and Quickness (SPARQ) com-bine participants in the country. ... Has verticaljump of 31.5 inches. ... Performs in the 4x100and 4x200 relay races and in the discus andlong jump events. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Arkansas, MississippiState, Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Nebraska.

Coach says: “He’s got a lot of power andstrength. ... He’s hard to bring down.” – GradyMcCluskey

JEREMY LIGGINSLAFAYETTE

Position: QBSpecs: 6-4, 265Class: SeniorStats: Completed 83 of 143passes (58 percent) for1,661 yards and 20 TDs in2010. Picked off 6 times.Had 170 carries for 1,186yards (6.98 ypc and 74.13ypg) and 17 TDs.

Résumé: Three-year starterat QB. ... 2010 Daily Journal Top 10 All-Areaselection. ... 2011 Clarion-Ledger DandyDozen selection. ... 2011 Mississippi GridironPreseason All-State first-team selection. ...2010 MAC Class 4A All-State first-team offen-sive selection. ... 2009 Daily Journal All-Areathird-team selection. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, LSU, Missis-sippi State and Ole Miss.

Coach says: “First and foremost, he wants towin ballgames. He doesn’t get caught up onstatistics and honors and those types ofthings.” – Anthony Hart

QUADZING ROGERSMOOREVILLE

Position: OG/DTSpecs: 6-2, 293Class: SeniorStats: Recorded 80 tackles,five sacks, one forcedfumble, three fumble re-coveries and two blockedpunts in 2010. Had 82tackles in 2009.

Résumé: Returning starteron the O-line. Solid two-way player who will line up at offensive guardthis season. ... Experienced at offensive tackle.... Starter on defensive line since freshmanyear. Plays some defensive end. ... Pretty goodbasketball player (averaged 11.6 points pergame in 2010-11). ... 5.1 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from ICC, Mississippi State,Ole Miss and Memphis.

Coach says: “He’s a great run stopper now.Everybody that we play, they make sure theyknow where No. 53 is on the field.” – KevinAustin

ASHTON SHUMPERTTUPELO

Position: RBSpecs: 6-2, 202Class: JuniorStats: Rushed for 1,328yards (averaged 6.38 percarry) and 15 TDs, threw 1TD and had nine recep-tions for 65 yards.

Résumé: 2010 Daily JournalTop 10 All-Area selection.... 2011 Mississippi Grid-iron Preseason All-State first-team selection.... 2010 MAC Class 6A All-state first-team of-fensive selection. ... Experienced at returningkicks. ... Played his freshman year atItawamba AHS.

Colleges: Mississippi State, Ole Miss and justabout everybody else in the country.

Coach says: “He’s gained a step speed-wiseand he doesn’t get tired as quickly as he did.He feels more comfortable with what we’redoing. Last season was a learning process.” –Andy Crotwell, THS offensive coordinator

AUSTIN SHUMPERTITAWAMBA AHS

Position:WR/DBSpecs: 6-1, 184Class: SeniorStats: Caught 39 passes for515 yards (13.21 averageper catch) and 6 TDs in2010. His longest recep-tion was 74 yards, and healso rushed for 1 TD.

Résumé: 2011 MississippiGridiron Preseason All-State second-team defensive selection. ...2010 MAC Class 4A All-State first-team defen-sive selection. ... 2009 Daily Journal All-Area

first-team defensive selection. ... To play freesafety in 2011. ... Lettered in basketball andbaseball. ... Cousin and former teammate ofTupelo High standout Ashton Shumpert. ... 4.540-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, Memphis, Mis-sissippi State, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

Coach says: “He’s got a lot of football savvyabout him. He’s got a lot of the intangibles.He’s got good hands, he runs well, he coverswell and he’s a great one to have in the lockerroom.” – Toby Collums

BODARIUS TAYLORSHANNON

Position: RBSpecs: 5-10, 190Class: SeniorStats: Rushed for 1,289yards (averaged morethan 7.5 yards per carry)and 14 TDs in just sevengames in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 MAC Class4A All-State second-teamoffensive selection. ...Ranked as one of the best running backs inthe state by Mississippi Gridiron. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Delta State and North Al-abama.

Coach says: “Just as strong on the last carry ashe was on the first.” – Chad Cook

CHANNING WARDABERDEEN

Position: DT/TESpecs: 6-4, 258Class: SeniorStats: Recorded 119 tacklesand 13 sacks in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 Daily JournalDefensive Player of theYear. ... 2011 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen se-lection. ... 2011Mississippi Gridiron Pre-season All-State first-team defensive selec-tion. ... 2010 MAC Class 3A defensive player ofthe year. ... Starter since the eighth grade. ...Slated to play some at QB in 2011 in a Wild-cat-type formation. ... 4.4 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, Auburn, Geor-gia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, SouthernMiss and a host of other schools.

Coach says: “He’s gotten a whole lot strongerand he’s put on at least 25 more pounds sincelast year.” – Chris Duncan

Compiled by JohnWilbert

Alef

Coffey

Jones

Liggins

Shumpert

Shumpert

Rogers

Taylor

Ward

Dennis



Good LuckTo All Monroe County

Teams in 2011

Amory • Aberdeen • BaldwynColumbus • Fulton • Ripley • Saltillo

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Wishing All Area SchoolsA Successful 2011 Season!

Congratulations from Have A Great2011 Season!

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Bulldogs fast factsDivision: 2-3A2010 record: 14-2, 5-0 division,reached state championship game

Coach: Chris Duncan (5th year)Starters back: 4 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchDT/TE Channing Ward, Sr.Five-star prospect will be a defensiveend in college but could line upalmost anywhere for the Bulldogs.

QB Josh Williams, Fr.Williams, 14, isn’t old enough to drivebut coaches like his arm and thehead on his shoulders.

NT Jordan Gathings, Sr.Part of the senior-led defensive linethat should be team’s strength.

Aberdeen

BY BRANDON SPECKMONROE JOURNAL

ChanningWardandhis 20-pluscollege football scholarshipofferswill get a lot of headlines this sea-son for Aberdeen.But as he and the Bulldogs tryandget toa third straightClass 3Astate championship game, he’llhave plenty of help alongside hisdefensive tackle spot.Eight starters return fromade-fense that allowedonly 7.6pointsper game during a 14-2 season.Aberdeen coachChris Duncanknows what’s expected of histeam – ranked No. 19 nationallybyMaxpreps – but says it’s a longroad toDecember.“We’re trying to getbetter everyweek and trying to take it onegame at a time.We’re not lookingat the state championship.We’retaking it one day at a time. If I saywe’re not expecting to get backand try towin one, I’d be telling alie,” Duncan said.Sammie Burroughs, JoshuaEwing and Josh Williams aresome of the younger skill guys

trying todevelop, joining last sea-son’s leading receiver AaronMcMillian.Ward and linebackerJustin Lucaswill have roles in thebackfield aswell.Ward scored sixTDs at tight end last season.Victor Hodges graduated andtook his 2,167 yards and 34touchdownswith him.Coaches say five-star prospectWard (6-4, 255) could even seesome time at quarterback.“We’re hoping this is our yearand the third time is the charm,”

said Ward, a U.S. Army Bowlnominee. “Not too many peoplecan say they played here.”When he’s not under center,Aberdeen is looking to a fresh-man to take the snaps.Williamsshowedpoise late in bigwins lastseason and after Aberdeen’s firstsix games of 2011, he’ll be well-tested for sure.CornersCorenoBlanchardandDemarioWilsonhave three yearsas starters and Lucas is drawingcollegiate attentionat linebacker.

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Columbus 7:30Aug. 26 Shannon 7:30Sept. 2 at Amory 7:30Sept. 9 at Noxubee County 7:30Sept. 16 West Bolivar 7:30Sept. 23 at Louisville 7:30Sept. 30 Mantachie* 7:30Oct. 7 at Nettleton* 7:00Oct. 14 Mooreville* 7:00Oct. 21 at Water Valley* 7:00Oct. 28 South Pontotoc* 7:00

*–Division 2-3A game

SCOUTING REPORTAberdeen is coming off of back-to-back Class 3A state title appear-ances, losing 10-8 against Forestin December. ... Channing Wardhas narrowed his list of collegeoffers down to LSU, Auburn,Alabama, MSU and Ole Miss, witha Georgia visit planned. ... TheBulldogs have their third offensivecoordinator in three years in MarkBray, 182-91 in 23 years as headcoach at Vardaman. ... Aberdeenoriginally bumped up to 4A beforeLeake consolidation bumpedCarthage up and Aberdeen out.

Bulldogs hope ‘third time is the charm’

Ward

BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNALChris Duncan guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back 3A title games.



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Golden Bears fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 0-11, 0-5 divisionCoach: Jim McCay (1st year)Starters back: 11 offense, 10 defense

Players to watchRG/DL Trey Morphis, Sr.Will be the anchor on both sides of theline. “He has all the tools to be a D-1player,” McCay said.

WR/DB Luke Kiddy, So.Young, but an athletic player who couldsee playing time at any positionother than on the line.

TE/DE Trevor Smith, Sr.Defensive leader for the Golden Bears,recorded 59 tackles his junior year.

Alcorn Central

SCHEDULEAug. 26 at Tishomingo Co. 7:30Sept. 2 Walnut 7:30Sept. 9 Mooreville 7:30Sept. 16 Hatley 7:30Sept. 23 at Corinth 7:30Sept. 30 Booneville* 7:30Oct. 7 at Holly Springs* 7:00Oct. 14 Belmont* 7:00Oct. 21 at Kossuth* 7:00Oct. 28 Ripley* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTAlcorn Central ended last seasonwith 17 players on its roster. Newhead coach Jim McCay wants thatnumber to increase to at least to45 for his team to have true com-petition in practice. ... Cody Russwill handle the kicking duties forthe Golden Bears. He averagednearly 40 yards per kick as a jun-ior. ... Russ is also the team’sleading returning tackler with 77last season, although McCay saidhe doesn’t “like to put my quarter-back on defense.”

BY BLAKE LONGSPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

New Alcorn Central headcoach JimMcCay knows the keyto building a successful pro-gram, and it can be summed upin three words.“Winning would help,”McCay, who comes to AlcornCentral fromCharleston, said. “Ican remember Coach Vance atCharleston would ask the kids‘How do you spell fun?W-I-N.’”McCay is now in charge ofturning around a Golden Bearsprogram that enters the 2011season on an 18-game losingstreak and that hasn’t won a di-vision contest since 2008.“I know for the longest timethey’ve lost,” said McCay. “It’sdetrimental to their psyche.When we change their attitudeby getting them in the weightroom in the offseason and getthembigger, stronger, and fasterthey’ll realize they can do this.”McCay, who missed springtraining with the Golden Bears,believes thebiggest transition in

attitude will take place duringthis upcoming offseason.“Withmebeinghereayearandthe kids getting to knowme andunderstand what I’m about andmyphilosophy,hopefully thatwillruboff on the kids,”McCay said.However with the bulk ofstarters returning from last year’ssquad, Alcorn Central looks tosteal somewins this year.Seniors Trey Morphis andJared Christian will anchor theoffensive line fromtheguardpo-sitions and will be joined by

Trevor Smithat tight end.McCaybelieves all three can play foot-ball at the next level.Cody Russwill return as quar-terback of the Golden Bears,who McCay thinks can “be athreat to both run and throw.”McCayhasbeen impressedwithjunior tailback BraxtonMorris.“Hehas all the tools physicallyto go wherever he wants to go,”said McCay. “We’ve gotta keephim focused and moving in theright direction.”Receivers JoshWoodandLukeKiddybothhavegoodspeedandwill be Russ’s go to threats.Ryan Thompson and CodyDildy lead the linebacking corps.JoshBerry andRusswill see timeat safety while Alex Grimes willmakean impactatdefensiveend.The biggest questionmark forthe Golden Bears entering thisseason is on the defensive line,where depth is an issue.“I know those guys get gassedreal easy,” McCay said. “At aschool this size it’s hard to pla-toon,but that’smygoal in the fu-ture.”

New coachbringswinning attitude

McCay

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Panthers fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 3-9, 1-4 divisionCoach: Trent Hammond (2nd year)Starters back: 7 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchQB Forest Williams, Sr.It’s tough to find a guy who knows aplaybook as well as Williams, whowill have more targets this fall.

WR Dario Robinson, Jr.The playmaker this team has lacked.Stars in basketball but showedlast season he can catch and run.

OL Greg Hadley, Sr.Hadley is the 265-pound offensiveline anchor. On a small team, hewill carry a heavy load.

Amory

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Mooreville 7:30Aug. 26 Nettleton 7:30Sept. 2 Aberdeen 7:30Sept. 9 at New Albany 7:30Sept. 16 at Okolona 7:30Sept. 23 Calhoun City 7:30Sept. 30 Tishomingo County* 7:30Oct. 7 at Corinth* 7:00Oct. 14 Shannon* 7:00Oct. 21 at Itawamba AHS* 7:00Oct. 28 at Pontotoc* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTAmory isn’t very big, especially notfor a team facing a Class 4Aschedule…The current seniorshave won only 12 career games.... The Panthers have only fourkids over 200 pounds, makingtheirs one of the smallest 4A ros-ters in the state. ... If a runninggame emerges, quarterback For-est Williams could have his bestyear. If not, a small line couldmean a long senior season.


Amory is working on a lot ofthings in its second year underhead coach Trent Hammond,maybe none bigger than belief.

“One of the biggest things I’vefaced here at Amory is getting thebelief that we can win,” Ham-mond said. “Last year it waspulling teeth to get the kids topractice and to practice hard.Some Friday nights you couldtell, we just didn’t believe wecould beat this one. That’s beenour biggest test as coaches.”

Hammond says it’s been differ-ent all through the summer full ofscrimmage and seven-on-sevenand that this team is mentally dif-ferent that it was a year ago.

Hammond said the early prac-tices have shown a team more ac-customed to his style.

Small is a big word to describethis team, with only four playerstopping 200 pounds.

“We’re not very big physically.We’re not the fastest team,” Ham-mond said. “But what we have

made a tremendous change in isour kids accept coaching, a realgood attitude.

Slot back Dario Robinson, cor-ner and running back BraxtonPolk and sophomore athlete FredGarth will all aid the effort of try-ing to establish an inside runninggame for QB Forest Williams.

SENIOR LEADERGarth saw some playing time at

quarterback last season and willlikely see the same this season,but Williams, a 6-2, 185-poundsenior is the Panthers’ starter.

“He’s a senior, got a lot of inter-est, top five fastest on our team,throws the ball really well,” Ham-mond said of the signal-caller.“He studies the playbook and un-derstands where everybody is.”

They’ll be times Hammondsays where both will be in thebackfield.

Tanner Poole is another threat,who at 6-4 catches the ball well.

Offensively, the Panthers willhave to replace Ryan Hill, whocaught 77 passes last season as ado-everything player.

Panthers get attitude turned around

BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNALForest Williams returns for hissenior season at quarterback.

Hammond



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Baldwyn’s reputation as a win-ning 2A program scares off po-tential opponents in theBearcats’classification.That’s why third-year headcoachMichaelGray findshimselfscheduling up when it comes tothe pre-division portion of histeam’s schedule.This season’s no different. TheBearcats play 5A Saltillo and 3ABelmont, Booneville, Kossuth,Nettleton and South Pontotocbefore tackling Division 1-2A.“We’ve always had restrictionson teams that will play us,” a for-mer Bearcats quarterback andassistant. “We have to get biggerschools, competitive schools.“I think that’s where that expe-rience comes intoplay.You’renotgoing to get better playing cup-cakes. Losing stinks, but if it helpsyou in October, then we can livewith it.”Baldwyn’s tough scheduleshave taken their toll inGray’s firsttwo seasons at the helm. How-

ever, his seasoned teams haverallied topost a combined9-1di-vision mark and make the play-offs the last two years.This season the offense looksto senior quarterback WalkerWildmon and do-it-all senior

Reggie Patterson, who will playreceiver, defensive back and spotWildmon under center.The key for theBearcatswill betheir experience and depth upfront.Parrish Huddleston, a junior,returns toplayonboth lines.He’llbe joinedon theoffensive sidebythree-year starter at tackle, CodyWolf, two-year starter at guard,Mike Barnett, and junior centerSamGriffin.

‘DEPTH UP FRONT’“For the first time ina long timewe’re going to have depth upfront on both sides of the ball,”Gray said. “Hopefully, they’regoing to shine.”Junior Tre Davis and sopho-more Devonta Gates return atoutside linebacker-defensiveend.Both showed a lot of progress inspring drills, the coach noted.EricWatson, a senior, returns atcornerback.Wolf will handle kickoffs andPatterson the punting duties;MitchellWinstead is back to kickextra points and field goals.

Bearcats toughenupwith bigger foes

Bearcats fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 record: 7-6, 4-1 division, lostsecond in round of playoffs

Coach: Michael Gray (3rd year)Starters back: 7 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchQB Walker Wildmon, Sr.Completed 66 of 119 passes for 770yards, 10 TD, 6 Int.

WR/DB/QB Reggie Patterson, Sr.Second in state in interceptions lastyear with eight.

OL/DL Parrish Huddleston, Jr.Recorded 8.8 tackles per game lastseason.

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Kossuth 7:30Aug. 25 at Booneville 7:30Sept. 1 Saltillo 7:30Sept. 9 at Belmont 7:30Sept. 16 Nettleton 7:30Sept. 23 at South Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 30 Calhoun City* 7:30Oct. 7 at Okolona* 7:00Oct. 14 Bruce* 7:00Oct. 21 at Walnut* 7:00Oct. 28 Hatley* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTCoach Michael Gray’s teams havestarted slow against a toughschedule the last two seasons, buthave rebounded to win the divi-sion title with a combined 9-1record. ... Reggie Patterson aver-aged 38.3 yards per punt last sea-son. ... The Bearcats’ nine seniorswere freshmen on 2008 statechampionship team.

Baldwyn

Gray

SHELBY DANIELVersatile Reggie Pattersonreturns for his senior season.



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Cardinals fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 12-1 (reached quarter-

finals of playoffs), 5-0 divisionCoach: Kerry Moody (10th year)Starters back: 4 offense, 3 defense

Players to watchRB/LB Jordan Powell, Sr.Threat on both sides of the ball,

rushed for over 1,200 yards and14 touchdowns his junior season.

OG/DL Tyler Wooten, Sr.Leader on the offensive and defen-

sive lines, also handles kickoffs.OG/DL Jacob Hughes, Sr.Team’s leading returning tackler with

63 last season.

Belmont

SCHEDULEAug. 26 Mantachie 7:30Sept. 2 Tishomingo County 7:30Sept. 9 Baldwyn 7:30Sept. 16 at Mooreville 7:30Sept. 23 at Red Bay, Ala. 7:30Sept. 30 at Kossuth* 7:30Oct. 7 Ripley* 7:00Oct. 14 at Alcorn Central* 7:00Oct. 21 Holly Springs* 7:00Oct. 28 at Booneville* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTBelmont saw its season come to an

end in the state quarterfinals forthe second year in a row in 2010,falling 37-14 to eventual staterunner-up Aberdeen. ... Belmontcompleted the regular season un-defeated last season and won thefirst division championship inschool history. ... Head coachKerry Moody’s goal for this year issimple, “Be the best we can be.”


Belmont has reached the Class3A state quarterfinals the pasttwo years before seeing its sea-sons come to an end.While the immediate successof goingdeep in theplayoffs is ev-ident, the long-term payoff willbegin to be seen this season.Cardinals head coach KerryMoodybelieves theextrapracticetime and reps his backups re-ceived during Belmont’s playoffruns will pay dividends.“Over the last two years we’vegained an extra two months offootball practice,” Moody noted.“The longer you play the longeryou get to practice.”Those backups will becomestarters this season after the Car-dinals lost 13 seniors, includingtwo1,000-plus yard rushers, fromlast year’s school record 12 winseason.“We’re gonna have to havesome kids step up as leaders be-cause a lot of those seniors fromlast year were our leaders,” said

Moody. “But I think we’ll havethat.”The Cardinals will continue torun thedifficult todefendWing-Tformation offensively, which ac-cording toMoodybeginsup frontwith the lineman.While the Car-dinals are still looking to plug afew holes, Moody will look forStephen Moore, Jacob Hughes,TylerWooten, and Casey Inmonto anchor the line.

Moody has been impressedwith junior Collin Harris, whoemerged from spring practice asthe starting quarterback.“What stands out to me aboutCollin is his leadership ability,”saidMoody.“He’s not really a ver-bal leader, but hedoes his job. Allthe good qualities of a goodquarterback, I believe he’s gotthem.”Joining Harris in the backfieldis JordanPowell,who led theCar-dinals in rushing in 2010. As ajunior, Powell averaged nearlynine yards per carry and led theCardinals’ ground game that av-eraged 314 yards per game.Moody feels good about hisrunning backs, which along withPowell will also include Alexan-der Fancher and amix of playingtime between Barry Rogers andByron Southward.Wooten and Hughes look tolead theCardinals’ defensive line,while Powell will also play a keyrole at linebacker.Moodyalso ex-pects to build his linebackingcorps around Jalen Stone andFancher.

Cardinals hopepostseasonworkpays off

Moody

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALJordan Powell led the Cardinalsin rushing last year, averaging al-most nine yards a carry.



Lions fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 6-5, 2-5 divisionCoach: Ronnie Lawson (9th year)Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchRB/DB Darius Carroll, Jr.Recorded 52 tackles and added 2interceptions last season.

RB/LB Darian Barnett, So.Will lead a possible 4-man runningback platoon.

QB/DB Blake Stacy, Jr.Completed 48 percent of his passesfor 871 yards as a sophomore.

Biggersville

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Alcorn Central 7:30Aug. 26 OPENSept. 2 at Union County 7:30Sept. 9 Houlka* 7:30Sept. 16 at TCPS* 7:30Sept. 23 Thrasher* 7:30Sept. 30 at Falkner* 7:30Oct. 7 Smithville* 7:00Oct. 14 at Vardaman* 7:00Oct. 21 OPENOct. 28 at Coldwater* 7:00Nov. 4 at H.W. Byers* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTBiggersville junior quarterback BlakeStacy has been pushed in practiceby up-and-coming Marshall Cook.“That’s helped (Stacy) a lot thisspring and summer with the com-petition,” head coach Ronnie Law-son said. ... The Lions won theirfirst five games and were a per-fect 4-0 in non-division gameslast season. However, a 1-5 finishleft Biggersville for the secondyear in a row with a record of 2-5inside Division 1-1A.


Biggersville did something inthe 2010 campaign that had notbeendone since the early 1990s –finish with a winning record at 6-5. However that’s just anotherstep up the ladder, according toninth-year coachRonnieLawson.“It’s good to have a winningrecord,” Lawson said, “but it’snow time to take the next stepandmake the playoffs.”To make the playoffs the Lionswill have to make it through thenew look 10-team Division 1-1A.With two more division gamesthan was on last year’s schedule,everygameisofequal importance.“There’s no room for errors.They all count,” said Lawson.“We’ve got to keep drilling it intheir head that every week hasplayoff implications with it.”Still, Lawson believes hisschedule works out better with abigger division than with lastyear’s smaller version.“It’s better not necessarily be-cause of easier competition but

because of schools the kids knowsomething about,” Lawson said.“That’s better than driving 100miles to schools they’ve neverheard of.”Replacing last year’s leadingrusher Jonathan Ragin will be ahuge key if the Lions are to breaktheir playoff draught. For that,Biggersville will turn to a trio ofrunningbacks to replaceRagin in2011–DariusCarroll,DarianBar-nett, and Blake Robinson. All

three received minimal playingtime last season.Returning to lead the offensefrombehindcenter is juniorBlakeStacy,whoLawsonsaid is“gettingbetter running the offense.” As asophomore, Stacy passed for justunder 900 yards and added 15TDs through the air.Protecting Stacy will be ChrisBishop and Mark Hamlin, whohave the most experience of anyreturning lineman. Past BishopandHamlin, the Lionswill field avery young and inexperiencedline.MarcusWatsonwill take chargeof the defense at linebacker,while Daniel Simmons looks forplaying time at defensive back.Biggersville’s biggest obstacleto claimingaplayoff spot this up-coming season will be depth.Thus, multiple players will seeplaying time on both sides of theball.“We don’t have very muchdepth anywhere at all,” Lawsonsaid. “We’re gonna have to be inshape and they’re gonna be onthe field constantly.”

Lions looking to take the next step

Lawson

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALQuarterback Blake Stacy is backto direct the Lions’ offense afterthrowing for 871 yards last year.

Buccaneers fast factsDivision: Independent2010 record: Did not playCoach: Jimmy Risen (1st year)Starters back: First year of program

Players to watchDE/TE Dwayne Shegog, Sr.Great size (6-3, 240).QB/CB Tirase Williams, So.Will lead the Buccaneers’ spread-pistol offense.

FB/LB Demarcus Fifer, So.Will play the “Mike” linebacker spot.

Benton County

SCHEDULEAug. 25 at Tish County (JV) TBASept. 2 at Potts Camp 7:30Sept. 9 at Rosa Fort 7:30Sept. 13 at Holly Springs (JV) TBASept. 23 at O’Bannon 7:30Sept. 30 at Union County 7:30Oct. 7 OPENOct. 14 at Sacred Heart 7:00Oct. 21 at New Site 7:00Oct. 28 OPEN

SCOUTING REPORTThe Buccaneers will operate out of a4-3 defense. ... They will run pri-marily a spread-pistol type of-fense. ... Freshman TravagusPeterson (6-1, 189) could be ajack-of-all-trades; he is slated toplay quarterback, tight end andfree safety. ... The team is com-posed of players from the Ashlandand Hickory Flat schools.

BY JOYCE BROCKSOUTHERN ADVOCATE

Benton County will see its firstschool-sponsored football teamtake the field this year.Coach JimmyRisenanda teamof volunteers have been workingsinceearly summer toprepare forthe season.Bybeingresourceful–shoppingaround, working with otherschool districts and more – thecoach and volunteers have pro-vided formostof the team’sneeds.A weight room has been as-sembled on the Ashland schoolcampus, includingall of thebasicnecessary equipment. Their hel-mets, pads and practice jerseyshave already arrived, and uni-forms are on theway.“The volunteers have done anexceptional job,” Risen said,when asked about the help theteam is receiving.Currently, the team does nothave a home field. It practices atAshland High School, on landnear the softball field. Schoolleaders and volunteers are work-

ing to convert the area to aplayable field. They hope to haveit finished by next year.The team consists of playersfrom Hickory Flat AttendanceCenter andAshlandHighSchool.Recruiting began earlier thissummer and the team has beenpracticing for several weeks.

However, as this story is written,the team is still forming,meaningthey’ll enter the seasonwith a lotof youth.Most of theplayershavenever set foot on a football field.“It’s the metamorphosis of ahurry-up team,” Risen said.He’s confident at the skilledpo-sitions of running back and re-ceiver. He also believes he has atalented secondary. He’s not yetsure about the offensive and de-fensive lines.

‘LEARNING EVERY DAY’The teamwill runa4-3defenseand a spread-pistol on offense.“The offensive/defensive linesare a work in progress, becausewe’re dealing with so muchyouth,” said the coach.That said, Risen is proud of hisplayers.“Despite the heat they aredoing well. I am proud of theirenthusiasm and effort. They’relearning every day, and every lit-tle bit helps,” he added.The team will open their sea-son with a junior varsity game atTishomingo County on Aug. 25.

Buccaneers prepare for debut season

JOYCE BROCK | SOUTHERN ADVOCATEDwayne Shegog will providesome senior leadership for thefirst-year program.

Risen



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Blue Devils fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 5-6, 4-1 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach:Mike Mattox (2nd year)Starters back: 2 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchNG Casey Farris, Sr.Recorded 64 tackles (12 for a loss)and 4 sacks in 2010.

MLB Jordan Miller, Jr.Led the Blue Devils in tackles with110 last year.

RB Xzavier Rogers, Jr.Rushed for 831 yards and 13 TDslast season.

Booneville

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Walnut 7:30Aug. 25 Baldwyn 7:30Sept. 2 at Corinth 7:30Sept. 9 at Saltillo 7:30Sept. 16 Tishomingo County 7:30Sept. 23 OPENSept. 30 at Alcorn Central* 7:30Oct. 7 Kossuth* 7:30Oct. 14 Holly Springs* 7:00Oct. 21 at Ripley* 7:00Oct. 28 Belmont* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Blue Devils didn’t play a jam-boree game last week in advanceof their opener at Walnut. ... Longsnapper Boone Tollison could missthe first couple of games due tothree fractures in his left foot. ...WR/DB Tre Welch, a Class 3A All-State selection, graduated in May,as did Division 1-3A OffensivePlayer of the Year, Brendon Pan-nell. ... The Devils definitely put intheir time in the weight room ascoach Mike Mattox has led theschool’s powerlifting program thepast five years.

BY JOHN WILBERTDAILY JOURNAL

Defense. Defense. Defense.MikeMattox andCo.will be re-lying upon their defense untiltheir offense gets going.“Defensively, we were pleasedin the spring,” said Mattox, alongtime Booneville High assis-tant who is entering his secondseason at the helm. “And our de-fense will have to carry us untilour offense comes around.“We got somuch inexperienceon offense.”The BlueDevils’ D looks prettygood on paper. Leading tacklerJordanMillerwillman themiddleof the field at his linebacker spotwhilenoseguardCaseyFarriswillcontrol the line of scrimmage.In the secondary, there’s speedand size in Tracy Billups (6-0,160).“We’re not going to be verybig,”Mattox said abouthis team’soverall defense, “but we’ll get tothe ball pretty well.”Theoffense, on theotherhand,could very well be a work in

progress.TheBlueDevils had twoquarterbacks –DylanHenley andA.J. Grizzard –battling for a start-ing role at thebeginningof camp.“Right now, Henley’s got theedge on A.J. a little bit,” Mattoxsaid during the first week ofcamp.

The O-line should be prettysolid in frontofwhoeverplaysQBfor the Devils. MHSAA All-Divi-sion 1-3A left tackle Ross Smith(6-6, 286) returns, as does guardKurtVolking (6-2, 185).On special teams, kicker andpunterTylerWhite also returns.

STAY HEALTHYButwithonly 39 varsity playersat the start of camp, any injurycoulddrastically limit the successof the BlueDevils this season.“Wecan’t afford any (injuries),”Mattox said. “We’ll probablybring someninth-graders up justfor depth purposes, but we don’thave the luxuryof having70 to 75kids out here.”TheBlueDevilsmay especiallybe thin at running back, withXzavier“Nupie”Rogers being theone returning back with true ex-perience.“I feel like I got stronger duringthe course of the summer,” saidthe 5-foot-3, 124-pound ball car-rier who doubles as a state pow-erlifting champion. “Even if I’mnot, I will have to be.”

BlueDevils will be counting ondefense

Mattox

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALBooneville’s Jordan Miller led theBlue Devils with 110 tackles.



Trojans fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 record: 4-8, 2-3 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach: James Ray (6th year)Starters back: 10 offense, 9 defense

Players to watchWR/DB Shaq Bush, Jr.Team’s leading receiver in 2010.

RB/LB Ted Esom, Sr.Very physical, fast; two-year starter.

OT/DT Wiley Maddox, Sr.Three-year starter with tremendousintelligence and toughness.

Bruce

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Mound Bayou JFK 7:30Aug. 26 at Vardaman 7:30Sept. 2 Coffeeville 7:30Sept. 9 Water Valley 7:30Sept. 16 at Ackerman 7:30Sept. 23 Houston 7:30Sept. 30 at Walnut* 7:30Oct. 7 Hatley* 7:00Oct. 14 at Baldwyn* 7:00Oct. 21 at Okolona* 7:00Oct. 28 Calhoun City* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTExpect Donta Armstrong, the backupQB, to be in theWildcat formationfrom time to time. ...With tremen-dous height and leaping ability atreceiver, Ray says his team “shouldbe able to throw it whenever wewant to.” ... Exceptional basketballplayer Jarvis Tillman, aWR, hasgotten faster. “He’s a 4.6 (40-yarddash) guy,” says Ray. “Last year hewas just feeling his way around. Itwas his first year to play football. Idon’t think he was that fast lastyear. He put in the time in theweight room and got faster.”


Is this year Bruce’s turn tomake it to the MHSAA Class 2Astate championship game?Last year, theTrojans’ top rival,Calhoun City, made it to the titlegame with a veteran-filled team.This season, the Trojans have 19starters back onboth sides of theball and seem poised to have abreakout year.“I hope so,” said Trojans headcoach James Ray. “That’s whatwe’re counting on right now.“We got nothing but juniorsand seniors on the field. We dohave one sophomore on the fieldfor us (in Donta Armstrong), buthe’s pretty good.“We have experienced veter-ans on the field and it’s shown inpractice. We’ve just been fine-tuning our game and not justteaching them how to play thegame. It’s back to the old ways.”And just like the good ol’ daysof stud running back RichardFreelon –OK, it’s only been threeyears since he last suited up for

Bruce – Ray says his club is still arun-oriented one.“We’re still a run-first type ofteam,” said Ray, entering hissixth season at the helm. “Butsince I’ve been here, we’ve nowbeen throwing the ball and

catching it better thanwe’ve everdone it.“We’ll be the most balancedon offense since I’ve been here.When Richard Freelon wasthere, we were run first and runearly.”Getting a bulk of the carriesthis year will be Zay Armstrong,Demetrius Evans and convertedtight endTedEsom.Yes, you readthat last part correctly.“He was a tight end last year,”Ray said of his 6-foot, 200-poundplayer whowas an All-State line-backer in 2010. “He’s gotten somuch faster that we decided tomove him to the backfield.“He still has some learning todo, but byWeek 2 or 3 he’ll havereally learned the position.”Handing off to those guys willbe two-year starterDavis Brown,who is a 6-foot-3, 185-poundjunior.“We’re expectingbig things outof him,” Ray said.And you can expect Brown tobe throwing to big targets JarvisTillman (6-4, 200) and RashadTurner (6-3, 170).

Calhoun Academy

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Sharkey Issaquena 7:30Aug. 26 at Central Academy* 7:30Sept. 2 at Marvell Ark.* 7:30Sept. 9 Kemper Academy* 7:30Sept. 16 at Calvary Christian* 7:30Sept. 23 North Sunflower* 7:30Sept. 30 Delta Academy* 7:30Oct. 7 at Briarfield (La.) 7:30Oct. 14 OPENOct. 21 Russell Christian* 7:30

*–MAIS A game

SCOUTING REPORTInterim coach Gerry Winters gave notimetable for the return of headcoach Sonny Wright. “You and Iboth know it’s going to take awhile,”Winters said.… Startingnose guard Kelby Fleming, a jun-ior, can bench press 360 lbs.…Defending MAIS 8-Man championKemper Academy visits Pittsboroon September 9th.


Thismarks the third seasonof8-man football atCalhounAcademy.While the Cougars have onlyclaimed twowins in their first twoseasons, this fall could be a differ-ent story.A team full of sophomores andjuniors returns six startersonbothsides of the ball with hopes ofcompeting this year in Division 1of theMAIS’s 8-man class.“They’ve learneda lotmore fun-damentals,which is all they lackedlast year,” saidGerryWinters, whowill serve as interim coach whileheadcoachSonnyWright recoversfromheart surgery.“We’veworkedhard on the weights and increas-ing quickness.“With theaddedstrengthandanextra year of maturity, they’re get-ting better everyweek.”Lone senior Storm Laster willanchor what Winters says is themost important side of the ball inthe 8-man game – defense.“You have to be more alert be-cause the endmanon the line can

gooutandcatchapass,” saidWin-ters. “We have to teach the kids topay attention to who’s lined upwhere.”Laster will be one of the team’sleaders andwill be the linebacker.Winters also spoke highly of noseguard Kelby Fleming.“He has tremendous upperbody strength and can control theA-gap,” said Winters, who is also

the basketball and track coach atCalhounAcademy.Fleming’s abilitywill freeupde-fensive ends Corey Bagget andKyle Carter to attack the ball.Offensively, thebackfieldduoofquarterbackHunter Harmon andrunning backDanny JoeNormanreturn for another season. TheCougars do not have a truebackup quarterback this year, soHarmon will have “a lot more onhis shoulders.”“He’s gotten stronger in the off-season and his feet work is somuch better he’s a step quicker,”Winters saidof his junior quarter-back.Receivers Sam Moore and J.T.Washington, both sophomores,provide a threat with their speedand both have decent hands.Sophomore guard CameronBryant and center Rhett Mc-Cormick exciteWinters with theirblocking abilities on the offensiveline.“I’m smiling because we’ve gotthem two more years,” Winterssaid. “They help us a pretty goodbit.”

Young Cougars growingup together

VeteranTrojans aim for breakout season

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNALZay Armstrong is expected toget the bulk of the carries forBruce this season.

Ray

‘With the addedstrength and anextra year ofmaturity, they’regetting better everyweek.’Gerry WintersInterim head coach

Cougars fast factsDivision:MAIS 8-Man Division 12010 record: 2-8, 0-6 divisionCoach: Sonny Wright (2nd year)Starters back: 6 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchRB/DB Danny Joe Norman, Jr.Dual threat with QB Hunter Harmon inthe backfield.

TE/DE Corey Bagget, Jr.Will play a key role on both sides of theball.

RB/DE Kyle Carter, Jr.Defensive leader who will take aim atthe opposing quarterback.



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Wildcats fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 record: 15-1, 5-0 division,

reached state championship gameCoach: Perry Liles (3rd year)Starters back: 6 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchOT/DT Tabarrius Coffey, Sr.Division I talent; exceptional basket-

ball player.OG/DT Rokedrick Mays, Sr.Averaged 3.6 tackles per game in

2010.OG/DE/K Raheem Roberson, Sr.Talented athlete; has lost nearly 20

pounds since last season.

Calhoun City

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Coffeeville 7:30Aug. 26 Houston 7:30Sept. 2 at Water Valley 7:30Sept. 9 Velma Jackson 7:30Sept. 16 Eupora 7:30Sept. 23 at Amory 7:30Sept. 30 at Baldwyn* 7:30Oct. 7 Walnut* 7:00Oct. 14 Okolona* 7:00Oct. 21 at Hatley* 7:00Oct. 28 at Bruce* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTOctavius McKinney, who moved from

Vardaman after last season, prac-ticed with the Wildcats in thespring. “He’s a good, solid player,”said Wildcats coach Perry Liles.“He played safety for them (theRams) as well.” ... Raheem Rober-son is one of Calhoun City’s bestbaseball players, and he alsocompetes in powerlifting. ... Lilesexpects Tabarrius Coffey to be apretty good college player. ... RBAvery Hill is no longer on the Cal-houn City team.


Calhoun City may have lost itsstarting quarterback, runningback andwide receivers from lastyear’s state runner-up squad, butit didn’t lose any of its massivelinemen. In fact, four defensivelinemen who were starters in2010, including 6-foot, 330-pound KarDevinThomas, returnfor the ’11 campaign.Whilemuchof thespotlighthasbeen on these big guys who goboth ways – Tabarrius Coffey,Rokedrick Mays and RaheemRoberson– youcan’t forget aboutoffensive tackleToneyArmstrong,a keyplayerwhoalso factors in atthe defensive end position.All that talent in the trenches iswhy you can expect another suc-cessful season for theWildcats.“Those guys can run,” PerryLiles said about his linemen.“They’rebigbuttheycanmove.Weshouldbeprettysolidonthelines.”While it’s going to be next toimpossible for the Wildcats thisseason to duplicate all of the

yards 2010 Daily Journal Top 10selection J.R. Jennings accountedfor (2,997 passing, 380 rushing)from the quarterback position,they should be able to receiveplenty of production from eitherTae Lawrence orTrey Brownlee.“They are two varsity guys wefeel really comfortable with,”Liles said. “They’re not very tall,but they’re good.”At the beginning of camp, Lilessaid he would have to give

Lawrence a slight nod overBrownlee as the starter.“He could still be a runningback, but he broke his ankle as asophomore and that seemed toslow him down a little bit,” theCalhoun City coach said aboutLawrence, who, as a linebackerlast year, served as the “quarter-backof thedefense,” callingplaysand lining teammates up.Speaking of running backs,sophomores Lavarious VarnadoandCartinMcBride are expectedto get themajority of the carries.The starting receivers areTavionPrimer and JaseChandler.While the defensive line fea-tures some familiar names, thedefensive secondary of theWild-cats will include somenew faces.WithLawrenceandPatrickCrow-ley as the outside backers, CyleHavens, a junior, will be theteam’s newmiddle linebacker.There will be two new startingcornerbacks in Rainer NicholsandTim Jones.Octavius McKinney, a transferfromVardaman, and Primer willman the safety spots.

Wildcats will look for success in trenches

Liles

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALCalhoun City’s Tabarrius Coffeyis considered a solid Division Iprospect for the Wildcats.



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Wildcats fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 4-7, 3-2 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach: Jimmy Mitchell (14th year)Starters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchQB/S Lew Johnson, Sr.Good all-around player who can runwell.

RB/WR/LB Deione Weeks, Sr.Playmaker on both sides of the ball.RB/LB Kendrick Williams, So.Good speed, good power and goodstrength.

Corinth

SCHEDULEAug. 26 at Kossuth 7:30Sept. 2 Booneville 7:30Sept. 9 at Bolivar, Tenn. 7:30Sept. 16 New Albany 7:30Sept. 23 Alcorn Central 7:30Sept. 30 at Itawamba AHS* 7:30Oct. 7 Amory* 7:00Oct. 14 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00Oct. 21 at Pontotoc* 7:00Oct. 28 Shannon* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTLew Johnson is also a pretty goodbaseball player. ... Even with ayoung team last year, the Warriorshung tough with a senior-laden,exceptionally-talented New Albanyteam, being the only team to loseby a touchdown to the Bulldogsduring the Bulldogs’ undefeatedregular season. ... The Warriorshad strong competition in trainingcamp for regular playing time inthe secondary. ... All-State kickerJordan Parker graduated, and re-placing him will be 2009-10 DailyJournal Soccer Player of the YearJohn Mathis.


Even though Corinth will be inanewdivision this year, its oppo-nents are not unfamiliar.“We’ve played everybody inour division before,” Warriorshead coach Jimmy Mitchell saidabout going fromMHSAA’s Divi-sion 1-3A toDivision 1-4A.Even with a level of familiaritywith itsnewdivision, theWarriorscould be in a rude awakeningwhen they take on the likes ofItawamba AHS, Shannon andPontotoc with a sophomore-laden team.“We’ve got a few seniors thisyear,” said Mitchell, who’s enter-ing his 14th season at Corinth.“Butmost of themaregoing tobesophomores again.“Wehadseveral freshmenplay-ing last year. On the defensivefront, we’ll have only one senior(defensive tackle Barry Clark).”But the one thing that holdstrue about theWarriors programyear after year is that it gets tal-ented players to suit up. While

quarterback Lew Johnson maynot be a Parks Frazier type, John-son proved last year to be an ef-fective handler of the offense.“I think we can bemore confi-dent with what we’re doing,”Mitchell said about the offenseunder Johnson’s direction. “Hetook a real beating last year be-cause wewere inexperienced.“A lot of things need to get bet-ter, though. We did get better atthe end of the season and playedwell at times last year, but at othertimes we didn’t.”

GOOD HANDSWith Johnson’s experience,Mitchell firmly believes that hisQB can make good decisionswith the football.“He can throw it adequatelyandhe runs itwell,”Mitchell said.“But as an old high school foot-ball coach, Imaywant to tell himthat I’d rather see it in his handsthan in the air.”Another offensive weapon isrunning back KendrickWilliams.“He’s a good athlete,” saidMitchell. “Right now he is pretty

raw since he’s only a sophomore.Although, he really got strongerthis summer in theweight room.”One playmaker on defense thepast couple of seasons won’t bereturning this season. TrevorToomer,who’shada strangleholdon Division 1-3A’s defensiveplayer of the year honors, gradu-ated and thereforewon’t bemak-ing plays from his middlelinebacker spot.So this year’s linebacker corpsin a 5-3 defense looks like this:Kyoshi Agnew, Weeks andWilliams, with either Agnew orWilliams playing on the inside.Even though they are movingup a classification, Mitchell andCo. are more than likely gratefulfor the fact that they will be fac-ing familiar opponents, espe-cially when considering thechallenge of trying to prepare itsrelatively new secondary for anopponent’s offense.Other than Johnson, who willplay safety, theWarriorswill haveto find two more players to stepup and take on regular roles inthe secondary, saysMitchell.

Newdivision, but familiar foes forWarriors

Mitchell



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BY DAVID WHEELERDAILY JOURNAL

“For the kids, it’s just businessas usual.”Easy enough for first-year EastWebsterheadcoachDougWilsonto say. In fact, “easy” is probablynot a word used much currentlyfor several schools throughoutthe South after April 27.That is the day numerous tor-nadoes touched down through-out southern states, includingone that damaged the EastWeb-ster campus.The old Wood Junior Collegecampus in nearby Mathiston isstill being converted intoausablesite for classes.Wilson is conduct-ing practices there also, while atthe same time, trying to help getEastWebster’s football field at thedamaged school in Cumberlandready for the 2011 season.Those are certainly not itemson the normal to-do list for afirst-year head coach, but onethatWilson is copingwith.“We’ve tried to keep it as nor-malaspossible for the team,” said

Wilson, a10-year assistant atEastWebster.“Thekidshaveprobablyadjusted better than I did.“Everyone has been so busy,you didn’t have time to cope. Buteveryone has rolled up theirsleeves.”Wilson was going to have atough enough time just on thefield, with only two starters re-turning on both offense and de-fense from last season’s 13-1squad that went undefeated inDivision 2-2A play.

A trio of seniors perhaps givethe edge to the Wolverines’ de-fense inWilson’s eyes – end/line-backer Brennan Sparks, safetyDarrius Dear and nose guardCharlesGuyton.Wilsonalso likesthe junior class, with linebackersThomas Brooks and Austin Cun-ningham, and end JakeWillamsexpected to help.Offensively,Wilson has to finda quarterback, and junior CodyMcKee seems to have the edgeover sophomore McKinnelyHollinheadand freshmanBradenHarrison. Steadying theoffensiveline should be returning starters,sophomore Colby Williamsonand junior CharlesMosely.Freshmen could populate theoffensivebackfieldwithMarquezReives andDeAngeloLiggins see-ing action, as well as Cody Silver.Dear could provide balance atwide receiver.“We are rebuilding in moreways than one,” said Wilson,whose team will get to officiallyreturn to theirhomecampusAug.19 for ahomeopeneragainstVar-daman.

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Vardaman 7:30Aug. 26 Okolona 7:30Sept. 2 at Weir 7:30Sept. 9 at Caledonia 7:30Sept. 16 at Walnut 7:30Sept. 23 St. Andrews 7:30Sept. 30 Ackerman* 7:30Oct. 7 at J.Z. George* 7:00Oct. 14 at Williams-Sullivan* 7:00Oct. 21 Hamilton* 7:00Oct. 28 at Eupora* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Wolverines are certainly in a re-

building mode, returning a total ofjust four starters on both side ofthe football. ... Also, first-year headcoach Doug Wilson must contendwith the post-tornado situation ofclasses being moved from Mathis-ton to Cumberland, and getting adamaged football complex ready.... Inexperience could plague theEast Webster offense, but Wilsonmight have enough weapons ondefense to keep the Wolverines inthe playoff hunt.

Wolverines fast factsDivision: 2-2A2010 record: 13-1, 5-0 division,

reached playoff quarterfinalsCoach: Doug Wilson (1st year)Starters back: 2 offense, 2 defense

Players to watchDE/LB Brennan Sparks, Sr.Had 85 total tackles on defense last

season.S/WR Darrius Dear, Sr.Injured as a sophomore, sat out as a

junior, might be best athlete on thefield as a senior.

NG Charles Guyton, Sr.Amassed 70 total tackles in 2010,

with two sacks.

East Webster Wolverines rebuilding team, school

Wilson

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALEast Webster’s Brennon Sparksis one of just four returningstarters for the Wolverines.



The potential is there. Notmany people know it and that’sexactly howHamilton coach RayWeeks wants it.With 15 starters back, eight ofthem on offense, Hamilton ishoping to reverse a trend thathashaunted it for two seasons andturn pastmistakes into wins.“We’ve been working on it allsummer, talkingabout finishing,”Hamilton coach RayWeeks said.“Whether it’s finishing the last repin the weight room or finishingthe last sprint,we’vebeenharpingon ‘we’ve got to learn to finish.”‘They know theywere a coupleof plays away fromhaving a goodyear last year. I really don’t haveto remind them.’Weeks says this team remindshim of his second season here, aplayoff team that went 7-3.“The togetherness of them, theenthusiasm for thegame,’ he saidof the 2011 group. ‘Theyhave funat practice. They know what’s atstake, that we’ve got a chance to

do something this year at Hamil-ton. But like everywhere else,you’ve got to get somebreaks andstay healthy.”It’s by nomeans a jab at any ofthepast sevenyears’ teamsbut asa combinedgroup, this grouphasthemost tools tomake a run at adivision title.“We’ve just got so much expe-

rience on the field, more thanwe’ve ever had,”Weeks said.Even the non-starters return-ing have extensive playing time.Depth is always a concern atsmaller school and it is for theLions, though there is depth tospeak of.The Lions used a lot of two-quarterback situations last sea-son with Zarrat Sims and AustinWelch. Sims ismore of a runningthreat and has been named thestarter.Bothhave their advantagesbutWelchmay bemore of a threat atwide receiver and free safety. Hewill be under enter on certaindowns though.A third quarterback, Q. Heard,Sims’ brother,may even see timeat quarterback.Weeks is banking on the addedexperience and maturity to helpthe 2011 teamwith finishing.The Lions watched a momen-tum-swinging kickoff returnagainst them at Smithville lastseason, the same game they gotinside the 5-yard line five timesand failed to score.


Lions fast factsDivision: 2-2A2010 record: 5-6, 2-3 divisionCoach: RayWeeks (8th year)Starters back: 8 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchQB Zarrat Sims, Sr.More of a runner than a passer buthas a backfield duo ready to takethe ball from him.

FS Austin Welch, Sr.Welch is a big target as a receiverand a big body as a safety.Will beQB on many throwing downs.

RB Cojuante McMillian, Sr.McMillian and backfield buddy DeionHoward, a junior, both have 1,000-yard potential.

Hamilton

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Smithville 7:30Aug. 26 Houlka 7:30Sept. 2 at Kossuth 7:30Sept. 9 at Hatley 7:30Sept. 16 at Houston 7:30Sept. 23 Walnut 7:30Sept. 30 Williams-Sullivan* 7:30Oct. 7 Eupora* 7:00Oct. 14 at J.Z. George* 7:00Oct. 21 at East Webster* 7:00Oct. 28 Ackerman* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTHamilton was as good as anyone inthe division last season, betweenthe 20s. Goal line problemsplagued the team. ... Division 2-2AtradedWest Lowndes for WilliamsSullivan, Hamilton’s homecominggame on Sept. 30. ... The Lionspretty much has a two QB systemlast season with Zarrat Sims andAustin Welch.Welch will spendmore focus at strong safety thisseason. ... Momentum can go invery different directions dependingon how the opener against Mon-roe County rival Smithville goes onopening night.

Eagles fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 4-6, 3-4 divisionCoach: Ben Ashley (1st year)Starters back: 5 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchQB Kendrick WilliamsRushed for 382 yards and 3 TDs as ajunior; may be ready for a break-out season.

FB Hunter HopkinsAlong with Williams, he’ll be lookedto for carries and leadership.

OL/DL Clay McCoyThe 6-foot-1, 250-pound Class 1Ashot put champion will form a for-midable front along with fellowsenior Billy Rainer.

Falkner

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Middleton, Tenn. 7:30Aug. 25 Walnut 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 at Vardaman* 7:30Sept. 16 OPENSept. 23 at Coldwater* 7:30Sept. 30 Biggersville* 7:30Oct. 7 at Houlka* 7:00Oct. 14 TCPS* 7:00Oct. 21 at Thrasher* 7:00Oct. 28 H.W. Byers* 7:00Nov. 4 at Smithville *7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Eagles will rely on a physicalrunning game and strong defense.... Nothing too fancy about the Ea-gles’ O this year – look for a lot ofplays out of the I. ... QB KendrickWilliams is a talented athlete (let-tered in football and basketball). ...Do-it-all Will Robertson standoutgraduated in May.

BY KEDRICK STOREYSOUTHERN SENTINEL

Ben Ashley would love the lux-uryof running the spreadoffensewithathletes all over the field.Butsince he can’t, he’s right at homewith the alternative – a physicalrunning game and a stout de-fense.The self-proclaimed“defensiveguy” believes awin is awin, evenif it’s not pretty.“I don’t have a problem win-ning 7-6 every night. I’m not afancy, flashy guy,” Ashley, whobegins his first season at Falkner.Ashleyhas 13yearsof coachingexperience,with stops inEupora,Amory, Aberdeen, South Panolaand most recently Pontotoc,where he served as defensive co-ordinator for two seasons.In his second stint as a headcoach (5-4 at Rebul Academy in2002), Ashley expects the Eaglesto compete right off the bat. He’llstart with an I-formation offensebuilt around senior quarterbackKendrick Williams and seniorfullbackHunter Hopkins.

Williams, the returning leadingrusher, rushed for 382 yards as ajunior. Touches for both him andHopkins were limited with two-time MHSAA Division 1-1APlayer of the YearWill Robertsonrushing 219 times.They combined for 541 yardsand four touchdowns, but withRobertsonoutof thepicture,Ash-ley hopes to getmuchmore from

his senior duo.“Kendrick has a chance to be agood high school quarterbackand Hunter is just a tough 190-pound kid. Because of theyway Ithink those two guys can play,that’s were we will start, ” saidAshley, who also plans to get tail-back production from sopho-more TrayWoody and freshmanJeremy Lawrence.Ashley is concerned with thelack of overall team speed andwill combat the situation with asenior offensive and defensivefront ledbyClayMcCoy andBillyRainer. Ashleybelieves theEaglescan find early success and be inthemix for a playoff berth if theycan stop the run, avoid the bigplay, and control the clock.“On the line of scrimmage Ihave two seniors inClay andBillythat I feel good about. They justlook like football players.” saidAshley. “I think with those two,we can grind on people.We haveto be physical and run the foot-ball – try to control the game.“If you keep pounding people,at somepoint they get tired of it.”

Lions on the cusp of something good

Eagles eager to pound away on foes

Weeks andWelch

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALHamilton running back CojuanteMcMillian could have a hugeseason for the Lions.

Ashley

KEDRICK STOREY/SOUTHERN SENTINELFalkner QB Kendrick Williamsmay be ready for a breakout sea-son for the Eagles.



Tigers fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 record: 5-6, 0-5 divisionCoach: SamWilson (3rd year)Starters back: 4 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchFB/OLB Jared Thompson, Sr.Maybe Hatley’s strongest and fastestplayer, he needs to stay healthy

OL Alex Tubbs, Sr.Tubbs is a three-year starter on theline and at 6-2, 250 pounds is oneof the Tigers’ biggest players.

HB/CB Tyler Edwards, Sr.Edwards was team’s most durableback last season, running for morethan 1,100 yards with 12 TDs.

Hatley

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Union County 7:30Aug. 26 at Smithville 7:30Sept. 2 Mooreville 7:30Sept. 9 Hamilton 7:30Sept. 16 at Alcorn Central 7:30Sept. 23 Mantachie 7:30Sept. 30 Okolona* 7:30Oct. 7 at Bruce* 7:00Oct. 14 Walnut* 7:00Oct. 21 Calhoun City* 7:00Oct. 28 at Baldwyn* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTEntering his third year as head coachat Hatley, SamWilson has led theresurgence of a team that wentfrom 1-19 the two previous yearsto 10-12 the last two. ... Tigersweren’t scheduled to play a Clas-sic game on Aug. 19 until UnionCounty called. It’s a two-year se-ries, both at Hatley. ... Depth is anissue again for Hatley. One injurymeans playing time for freshmen.... Hatley’s last win against Mon-roe County rival Smithville came17 years ago, 1994.


Hatley is looking for some air.The Tigers have established thefact that they can run. Now aftertwo five-win seasonshavepumpedlife back into the program, third-year coachSamWilson ishoping tokeep it going and add a passinggame.“We didn’t throw it well last yearand finally just quit trying,”Wilsonsaid. “We want to be more bal-anced and I think we can be.We’renotgoing tobea fun-and-gunteambut I thinkwecan throwenough toback people up.”A quarterback battle will be de-cided between CalebWalters andAustin McHenry and John Tubbswill be a key if a passing gamehap-pens, a sure-handed receiver withtackle-breaking ability.Walters and McHenry also teamup to handle whatWilson expectsto be a solid special teams group.Walters is consistent with the kick-ing duties andMcHenry will againbe the return guy.Thebiggest challengeonoffense

is replacing hard-running fullbackCodiTaylor andhis 1,200yards and15 touchdowns.Hatley will be Smithville’s firsthome opponent since the April 27tornado, along the more seriousdamage, destroyed the football fa-cilities.With the field back in order, theTigers are walking into an emo-tional opponent, as if this rivalryneeded anymore fire.Hatley has won one gameagainst Smithville since 1987.“We certainly feel for the peoplewho lost homes and things likethat but once you tee it up, thatstuff has to go away,”Wilson said.“It’s a football game.”Outside thequarterback compe-tition, the majority of the otherspots are set, minus a few skill po-sitions still to be determined.JaredThompsonwill be the newstarter at fullback if he can get pasta hamstring problem. Tyler Ed-wardsbringsbackmore than1,100yards and 12TDs as a halfback.Depth is an even bigger concernthis season and the Tigers are attheir thinnest on the line.

Fun-and-runTigers hoping to add air attack

BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNALTyler Edwards rushed formore than 1,100 yards andscored 12 TDs last season.

Hawks fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 1-9, 0-5 divisionCoach: Marcus Autry (2nd year)Starters back: 4 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchRB/DB Eric Hardin, Sr.Second leading rusher from 2010;also started at safety.

QB/DB Jaren King, Sr.Backup at QB last year; started at CBand played some OLB.

RB/DB Peter Thigpen, Sr.Talented, quick safety.

Holly Springs

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Coldwater 7:30Aug. 26 at Kennedy 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 Byhalia 7:30Sept. 16 at Coahoma AHS 7:30Sept. 23 Independence 7:30Sept. 30 at Ripley* 7:30Oct. 7 Alcorn Central* 7:00Oct. 14 at Booneville* 7:00Oct. 21 at Belmont* 7:00Oct. 28 Kossuth* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTWith Corinth moving up to Class 4A,the Hawks were able to slide overto Division 1-3A. ... The Hawks’new division may provide somerole models for them to try to em-ulate. “We’re trying to build astructured program like the Rip-leys and Boonevilles,” Autry said.... Since Autry’s arrival, the pro-gram’s weight room has receivedsome new equipment.


If you’reEricHardin, JarenKingorPeterThigpen, youbetter be inshape.“Those three didn’t come offthe field last year,” said HollySprings head coach MarcusAutry, “and they won’t come offthe field this year, either.”And 2011 could very well beevenmoredifficult on those threeplayers’ bodies.TheHawksmoveinto MHSAA’s Division 1-3A – anultra-competitive division fromtop tobottom–after playingpre-viously in Division 3-3A.“A lot of tradition,” Autry, a for-mer Pontotoc High player, saidaboutDivision1-3A.“Those guysare going to be bigger and fasterthan some of the teams weplayed last year in our division.“We’re excited about playingover there.Holly Springshasoncebeen in that division before.”It’s year two of the Autryregime, so look for the Hawks totry to open up the offense a littlebitmore this season.

“We’re going to try to,” said theHawks head coach. “We’ve al-ways had speed and great ath-letes. We just need to get thestrength program up and run-ning at full speed and be able totrainhard.Theprogram isupandrunning, and we’ve seen in-creases in our testing.”

Offseason training and condi-tioning will ever be so importantwhen you’re facing teams in yourdivision that have played for sev-eral state championships, a laBooneville, or are comingoff a re-cent state semifinals appearance(Belmont).While the Hawks may struggleon the lines, they got plenty ofskill people that most teamswould love to have. Jaren King,last year’s backup to BrandonMcKinney at quarterback, hap-pened to play wide receiver in2010, scoring several touchdownsfor theHawks.Kingwill be leading theoffenseof a teamthatwent just 1-9 a yearago.“I just talked to somebody atColdwater,” Autry said, “and theywent 7-5 last year despite onlyhaving five people in the spring.“We had 55 out in the spring,and we went into fall camp with40 to 45 players. ... A key asset forus is that the kids are dedicated.That’s a big plus coming off a 1-9season and if you are going to bepretty good this year.”

Hawksmoving into ruggeddivision

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALHolly Springs Peter Thigpen isexpected to play on both sidesof the football for the Hawks.

Autry

Wilson



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Wildcats fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 Record: 3-8Head coach: Rob AllenStarters back: 7 offense; 9 defense

Players to watchRB R.J. Johnson, Jr.First 1,000-yard rusher in history ofHoulka football last season.

OG/DT Devhan Fields, Jr.Being counted on as the anchor ofthe offensive line.

LB/WR Ondre Tittle, Sr.One of eight seniors on squad, whohas started every season.

Houlka

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Okolona 7:30Aug. 26 at Hamilton 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 at Biggersville* 7:30Sept. 15 H.W. Byers%* 7:30Sept. 22 TCPS%* 7:30Sept. 30 at Thrasher* 7:30Oct. 6 Falkner%* 7:00Oct. 14 at Smithville* 7:00Oct. 20 Vardaman%* 7:00Oct. 28 OPENNov. 3 Coldwater%* 7:00

*–Division 1-1A game% – Played at Okolona H.S.

SCOUTING REPORTHoulka must answer the question ofwhether decent team speed willbe enough in its first season ofRegion 1-1A play. ... Running backR. J. Johnson and quarterbackMauricus Harris give the Wildcatspotent offensive weapons. ... Ex-perience on defense could be akey in league play.


The Houlka Wildcats footballteam is about to do somethingnew in the 2011 season– even forits brief history.The Wildcats are eligible tochallenge for a stateplayoff berth.“Thekids are real excited,” saidHoulka head coach Rob Allen,who is enteringhis fourth seasonat the school. “This has actuallymademy job a bit easier.”After three seasons as an inde-pendent when the traditionalbasketball school added footballto its athletic program, Houlkawill be joining Division 1-1A forthe upcoming campaign.Butnow,howwillHoulkamakethe post-season? Allen feels thattheWildcats’ defensehas a legupon the situationwith the returnofnine starters.“I feel goodaboutwhat ourde-fense could be,” he said.The Houlka front seven couldbe pretty solid with the return ofsix starters.Theunitwill be ledbyjunior tackle Devhan Fields, sen-

ior linebacker Ondre Tittle, anddefensive ends James Buggs, asophomore, and Jarvis Pulliam, asenior.Seniors Donte Turner andJames Buchanan should providedepth in the defensive backfield,and if senior linebacker BrandonGriffis recovers fromaknee injury,the Wildcats could be mighty

stingy to opposing offenses.Allen feels the Houlka offense,which has seven starters back,also has plenty of tools for such ayoung program.Junior running back R. J. John-son became Houlka’s first-ever1,000-yard rusher last season,andwill surely be counted on again.“I think he did that againstsomebrutal teams,”Allen said.“Itwas a breakout year, and we’rehopinghe’s going tobuildon thatthis year.”No less important for theWild-cats will be junior quarterbackMauricuis Harris, who started allof last season.“He commands the huddle,”Allen said. “And he’s one of themost intelligent kidson the field.”While Houlka gets to competein 1-1A this season, as a newpro-gram, theWildcats stillmust con-tend with not having a homestadiumyet.Groundhasbeense-lected, and some site work hasbegun, but Allen must load upbuses every week, and has fiveThursday home contests sched-uled in Okolona this season.

Wildcats excited about first season in1-1A

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALHoulka quarterback MauricusHarris is back after starting everygame under center last year.

Allen



Hilltoppers fast factsDivision: 4-4A2010 record: 2-9, 1-3 divisionHead coach: Donnie Rodgers (1styear)

Starters back: 8 offense; 8 defense.

Players to watchQB Sharonne Wright, Jr.Suffered season-ending should injurymidway through 2010.

RB/LB Quon Brand, Jr.Recorded 57 total tackles last fallTB/WR Devoris Ivy, Sr.Averaged 9.95 yards per carry inlimited action.

Houston

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at South Pontotoc 7:30Aug. 26 at Calhoun City 7:30Sept. 2 Okolona 7:30Sept. 9 at Ackerman 7:30Sept. 16 Hamilton 7:30Sept. 23 at Bruce 7:30Sept. 30 Louisville* 7:30Oct. 7 at Caledonia* 7:00Oct. 14 Noxubee County* 7:00Oct. 21 Leake Central* 7:00Oct. 28 at Kosciusko* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTHow the Hilltoppers adjust to first-year head coach Donnie Rodgerscould be key. ... Eight startersback on both sides should giveteam an edge in experience. ...The team is dedicating its seasonto Ellyse Mobly, a respectedcheerleader who lost her life in anautomobile accident Aug. 1.


The learning curve can be veryimportant to a first-year headcoach. Count Houston’s DonnieRodgers as a fan of his playerslearning potential.“I’m little old-school, and littlehard-nosed,” Rodgers said.“These kids have bought in towhat we’re trying to do, and havereally worked.“The coaches have workedhard since I’ve got here. I’ve hadto tell them to go home somenights.”That ability to absorb Xs andOswill be vitally important as theHilltoppers try to improveon lastseason’s 2-8mark.Experience couldprove vital aswell for the defense, which re-turns eight starters, and shouldfeature the linebacking unit ofseniors Mike Randle and TaylorStevens and juniors Quon Brandand Cody Kimbrough.Seniors JoshWhite andKantrellMurry shouldprovide anice corefor the defensive backfield, while

senior endLadariusMaywill be akey cog on the line.The Hilltoppers offense suf-fered when a mid-season injurysidelined quarterback SharonneWright, but the junior is healthyand back for another go. BrandandseniorDevoris Ivypose somethreat from the offensive back-field, along with wide receiver

Brennan Pugh.Senior Danny Springer is astout tight end, but could be afactor at tackle eventually.“We’ve got some good skillpeople,” Rodgers said. “We wantto try to run the football, andwe’llthrow when we have, and wewant to be able to throw the balleffectively.”

Lions fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 2-6, 2-2 in North Miss.Independent Conference.

Coach: James Kimbrough (4th year)Starters back: 9 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchFB Dominic Jones, Jr.A power back who led team in TDs in2010.

RB/S/LB Trelorenz Stephens, Jr.Quick to the edge; versatile enoughto play wideout.

TE/DE Ronnie Dennis, So.Led team in catches, sacks andforced fumbles last year.

H.W. Byers

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Potts Camp 7:30Aug. 26 at Strayhorn 7:30Sept. 2 Smithville* 7:30Sept. 9 OPENSept. 15 at Houlka%* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 23 Vardaman* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 30 at TCPS* 7:30Oct. 7 OPENOct. 14 at Thrasher 7:00Oct. 21 Coldwater* 7:00Oct. 27 at Falkner* 7:00Nov. 4 Biggersville* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTTrelorenz Stephens, a slasher-typerunning back, will split carries withFB Dominic Jones, who’ll poundthe rock up in there and has alsogot pretty good speed. Stephens,says his head coach James Kim-brough, can play just about anyposition. ... 2010 was really thefirst season of competitive footballat the high school level for theLions. ... Kimbrough is a firm be-liever in the need for a five-mandefensive front in a gap-controldefense.


Welcome to MHSAA’s Division1-1A, H.W. Byers.In its first full season of varsityball, the Lions will play in one ofthe toughest – if not the toughest– divisions in all of Class 1A. Aprogram that began four yearsago as a junior high programwillsoon be facing the likes ofSmithville andVardaman.“We’ve played some toughteams before,” said Lions headcoach James Kimbrough. “WeplayedOkolonaandHollySpringsto get us ready for division play.“That’s why I’m not worriedabout our schedule (this season),becausewehadmadeour sched-ule really tough togetus ready forthis. ... You know when you wantto get in a division, you gottamake sacrifices or you won’t beready for division games.”With defensive tackle TevinMoore being the lone senior, theLions could very well take theirshare of lumps this year.The defensive side of the ball

may bewhere themajority of theoldest standing members of theLions reside. Xavier Gorman, ajunior, will line up at nose guard,and he’ll be joined on the D-lineby tackles Jhereunt Yarbroughand Moore. Ronnie Dennis andMelvin Harris will be part of a“defensive end committee.”“We’ll kindof switch themout,”Kimbrough said of his defensiveends.“They’re kindof little, smallkids that we’ll run in and out.”The backers will be juniorCourtney Fitchpatrick in the

middle and fellow classmatesDjuanDelaine andDominicJones on the outside.The secondary will consist ofGermaine Glass, TrelorenzStephens, Quantario Stigger andMarquisMoore.While the defensemay have afew upperclassmen, the offensewill be young at a key spot:quarterback. Chance Lykens isslated to be the starter, with An-thony Rubin as the backup.“Wewere young.We plan onopening things up a lotmore thisyear,” Kimbrough said about histeam’s evolving offense. “We’rejust young at the quarterbackposition, though.We got twosophomore quarterbacks.“But we can do a lotmorenow, especially fromwhat we’vesee in the spring and summer.We can do a lotmore becauseour quarterback position got alot better.”TheO-line will be led by Gor-man at center, Dalton PritchardandHarris at the guard posi-tions, andYarbrough andTevinMoore as the tackles.

Lions begin their first season in division play

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALH.W. Byers Trelorenz Stephenscarries the football for the Lions.

Kimbrough

Rodgers brings hard-nosed approach to ’Toppers

Rodgers

FLOYD INGRAM/CHICKASAW JOURNALQB Sharonne Wright is back from last year’s season-ending injury.



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Indians fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 6-6, 3-2, reached firstround of playoffs

Coach: Toby Collums (1st year)Starters back: 7 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchWR/DB Austin Shumpert, Sr.Good athlete who was a 2009 All-Area selection.

QB/DB Shante Rogers, Sr.Saw some time at QB last season.OT Kody Gray, Sr.Will anchor the O-line at 6-0, 265.

Itawamba AHS

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Saltillo 7:30Aug. 26 New Albany 7:30Sept. 2 at Nettleton 7:30Sept. 9 OPENSept. 16 Senatobia 7:30Sept. 23 at Okolona 7:30Sept. 30 Corinth* 7:30Oct. 7 at Shannon* 7:00Oct. 14 Pontotoc* 7:00Oct. 21 Amory* 7:00Oct. 28 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTHead coach Toby Collums said sev-eral players didn’t miss a workoutall summer, meaning they showedup somewhere between 35-40times at the IAHS facilities. “Theywere here every day,” Collumssaid. “So they went through aweight session and a conditioningsession each time.” ... Collumswas pleased with his team’s de-fensive front in a jamboree gamevs. Ripley. ... Collums expectsShannon to once again be the bellcow of the division, with Pontotocright behind them.


Whoever steps into the role ofstarting quarterback has bigshoes to fill.With 6-foot-3, 235-poundMaikhailMiller havinggraduatedand taken his talents toOleMiss,the Indians will be looking forsomeoneelse to assume that rolefor the first time in four years.Tyler Dossett and ShanteRogers spent all of campcompet-ing for the starting job. Dossett’sa junior, Rogers’ a senior.“If one of them doesn’t playquarterback, then he’s going toplay receiver,” said first-yearheadcoach Toby Collums, “becausethey’re both good receivers.“Dossett’s got a little quickerfeet, but Shante’s sneaky fast.He’ll kind of slip up on ya.”So, are there any other signifi-

cant differencesbetween the twoQBs?“I think that’s thedifferencebe-tween them right now: Shante’sgot a little bit more game experi-ence; Dossett’s learning the sys-

tem and learning the position.”Collumswas reluctant tonamea starter during camp. He, how-ever,waswilling to accept any in-sight or input on who should bethe team’s starting running back.“If you got any suggestions orinsight, I’ll take it,” Collums

joked. “We’re searching.”Although he’s a little guy – he’sprobably 5-10, 150 pounds soak-ing wet, says Collums – sopho-more Mike King ran over adefender during a recent prac-tice.“He’s got a chance,” Collumssaid about King starting in thebackfield.Blocking for whoever’s in thebackfield are Kody Gray andDesmond Johnson at the tackleposition,CodyCraneandPrestonCross as the guards, and the cen-ter will be EthanOrr.Orr’s brother, Houston, willplay at tight end. Meanwhile,seniorP.J.Headwill play tight endand some at linebacker.Joining Head on an ever-changing defense will be fellowbackers Reggie White andCharlesMoore.“We’re trying to be able tomake adjustments and give abunch of different looks withoutchanging terminology,” Collumssaid about having his players getaccustomed to changes in theirdefensive system.

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNALTyler Dossett is in a battle withShante Rogers to be startingquarterback for Itawamba.

Indians searching for newquarterback

Collums



Aggies fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 5-7, 2-3 division,reached 1st round of playoffs.

Coach: Brian Kelly (1st year)Starters back: 9 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchQB Jay Vanderford, Sr.Team’s leading playmaker, passedfor over 1,000 yards as a junior.

LB/FB Tyler Pittman, Sr.Offensive and defensive leader,recorded 90 tackles last season.

TE David Gibson, Sr.Looks for an increasing offensive roleduring his senior year.

Kossuth

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Baldwyn 7:30Aug. 26 Corinth 7:30Sept. 2 Hamilton 7:30Sept. 9 at Tishomingo Co. 7:30Sept. 16 OPENSept. 23 Mooreville 7:30Sept. 30 Belmont* 7:30Oct. 7 at Booneville* 7:00Oct. 14 at Ripley* 7:00Oct. 21 Alcorn Central* 7:00Oct. 28 at Holly Springs* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThis is Brian Kelly’s first head coach-ing position. ... Before coming toKossuth, Kelly was a long time as-sistant under Charlie Dampeer atTishomingo County and Pontotoc.... Kelly eyes his team’s two con-secutive powerlifting divisionchampionships as evidence oftheir improved strength. ... Thecrucial issue for the Aggies de-fense: “We have to be able toswarm the ball,” said Kelly. “Wemust stop the running game.”


When Brian Kelly returned tohis alma mater as an assistantcoach two seasons ago, his firstobservation was of the strengthof his players.“When I first arrived back hereour guys were so weak,” Kellyreminisced.Kelly took it upon himself im-mediately to oversee the weighttrainingprogram.Twoyears later,the first year head coach seestremendousprogress inhis team.“They bought into the systemin the weight room and we’vewon some powerlifting champi-onships,” said Kelly. “We’ve alsochanged up our offseason pro-gram and had more competi-tions eachweek.”Progress from the offseason tothe field has been evident. TheAggies jumped from one win inKelly’s first season to five wins in2010 that included a trip to theClass 3A state playoffs.With twenty seniors and abulkof starters returning on both

sides of the ball, Kossuth looks totake the next step and competefor a division title.“The leadership has been un-believable,” said Kelly. “The sen-iors started in the spring andhave carried it over.”Kelly, who replaces Pete Seagoas head coach, will continue torun the veerwith returningquar-

terback Jay Vanderford leadingthe offense.“We want to be a run orientedteam.We’ve got to put the ball inour best playmakers hands,”Kelly said of his senior quarter-back.“He’s gottabeheadsupandwe’ll let himmake decisions.”Vanderford has multipleweapons to go to from behindcenter, including wide receiversHeath Wood and Zack Cooper.Wood led the Aggies with 25 re-ceptions for just under 500 yardshis junior season.The running game will be an-chored by Tyler Pittman, theteam’s leading returning rusher,and Booneville transfer DenzelMiller.Defensively, the Aggies mustimprove up front in what Kellycalled a “weak point” from lastseason. An all-senior line-back-ing corewillmake up for a youngsecondary.Pittman anchors the lineback-ers and was the team’s leadingtackler in 2010. The rising seniorrecorded 17 tackles in Kossuth’sspring game against Ripley.

Aggies’ offseasonworkpays dividends

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALKossuth’s Tyler Pittman is an an-chor on both offense and defense.

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Commodores fast factsDivision: 2-4A2010 record: 16-0, 6-0 division, won4A state championship

Coach: Anthony Hart (7th year)Starters back: 9 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchRB Demarkus Dennis, Sr.Rushed for 2,249 yards and 26 TDsin 2010.

QB Jeremy Liggins, Sr.Accounted for 2,847 yards and 37TDs last year.

LB Jamel Dennis, Sr.Led team in tackles the past twoseasons.

Lafayette

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Tupelo 7:30Aug. 26 at Greenwood 7:30Sept. 2 Oxford 7:30Sept. 10 Evangel Christian% 11 a.m.Sept. 16 at Shannon 7:30Sept. 23 Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 30 Lewisburg* 7:30Oct. 7 at Rosa Fort* 7:00Oct. 14 New Albany* 7:00Oct. 21 at Senatobia* 7:00Oct. 27 North Pontotoc* 7:00

*–Division 2-4A game% – “Battle on the Border,”

Independence Stadium, Shreveport

SCOUTING REPORTExpect to once again see heavydoses of QB Jeremy Liggins andRB Demarkus Dennis in the run-ning game. Liggins and Dennisrushed a combined 469 times for3,435 yards and 43 TDs in 2010.... Going undefeated for a secondstraight season will be extremelydifficult this season with a roadcontest at Class 6A Tupelo and agame in Louisiana againstLouisiana power Evangel Christianon the docket.


So you’re at a high school sta-diumwonderingwhichLafayetteCommodore is Jeremy Liggins?Well, you won’t have to waitvery long to figure it out, becausethe player who is built like anNFL linebacker will be handlinghis team’s offensive snaps and,more than likely, racing down-field with the ball.All 6-4, 265 pounds of him.“Until you play against him,youdon’t knowhowphysical andfast he is and how he leads us onthe football field,” Commodoreshead coach Anthony Hart saidafter his team’s 31-6 2010MHSAAClass 4A state title game victoryover North Pike. “Until you try totackle him and until you try tocatchhim, you really don’t realizewhat he is.”All Liggins did last season, as ajunior, was pass for 1,661 yardsand 20 touchdowns and rush for1,186 and 17more in leading theCommodores to the first ever 16-0 season inMHSAA’s history.

But as anyone who’s ever seena football game knows, it takesmore than one player to be suc-cessful, and you better onceagain watch out for the Com-modores because they got 16starters back, including the dy-namic Liggins.“We have a lot of people re-

turning,” Hart said.Leading rusher DemarkusDennis, a 2,000-plus yard rusher,returns forhis senior year, asdoeskicker Tyler Jackson, who led thestate in scoring for kickers with104 points in 2010.Also returningonoffense is theonly freshman to start underHartat Lafayette, D.K. Buford.“He’s started sinceDay 1,”Hartsaid.“He’s a slot receiverwhowillrun the ball some and catch theball. He’ll have the same dutiesthis year.”The defensive line will be an-chored by big boy D.Q. Reynoldsat the nose, and hewill be joinedon the line by defensive endKeeyon Tyson, who led the teamin sacks last year.BrandonMack is also returningas a cornerback/wide receiver.God forbid if something wereto happen to Liggins, the juniorplayer would then assume thequarterback duties.So is 16-0 again in their future?“We just try to get caught up inus and try to be the best we canbe,” Hart said.

Liggins leadsCommodores in repeat attempt

Hart

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNALLafayette quarterback JeremyLiggins threw for 2,249 yardsand 26 TDs last season.

CLASS 6AFirst roundSouth Panola 56, Grenada 0Olive Branch 42, Clinton 12NW Rankin 36, Southaven 33Madison Central 48, Tupelo 10Meridian 22, Ocean Springs 0Gulfport 38, Natchez 27Brandon 28, George County 0Oak Grove 35, Petal 34

QuarterfinalsSouth Panola 24, Olive Branch 13Mad. Central 27, NW Rankin 20Meridian 37, Gulfport 7Oak Grove 37, Brandon 12

SemifinalsSo. Panola 43, Madison Central 7Meridian 34, Oak Grove 0

ChampionshipSouth Panola 28, Meridian 7

CLASS 5AFirst roundWest Point 36, Provine 14Oxford 49, Pearl 14New Hope 46, Callaway 22Ridgeland 31, Lake Cormorant 19West Jones 31, D’Iberville 7Vancleave 34, Picayune 23Wayne County 35, Moss Point 28Brookhaven 23, Long Beach 21

QuarterfinalsWest Point 27, Oxford 12Ridgeland 34, New Hope 27West Jones 25, Vancleave 0Brookhaven 21,Wayne County 14

SemifinalsWest Point 47, Ridgeland 0Brookhaven 27,West Jones 26

ChampionshipWest Point 21, Brookhaven 3

CLASS 4AFirst roundNew Albany 45, Rosa Fort 9Kosciusko 33, Cleveland 10Louisville 32, Elzy 8Lafayette 49, North Pontotoc 7Greenwood 14, Amory 7Shannon 48, Senatobia 26Center Hill 35, Itawamba AHS 21Noxubee County 37, McClain 0Quitman 40, Newton County 14St. Stan 30, Lawrence Co. 21Purvis 30, South Pike 0Mendenhall 25, NE Jones 22North Pike 26, Greene County 22Laurel 41, Florence 16NE Lauderdale 40, Magee 18Forrest County 37, Port Gibson 14

Second roundNew Albany 28, Kosciusko 0

Lafayette 44, Louisville 12Shannon 42, Greenwood 8Noxubee County 12, Center Hill 6St. Stanislaus 28, Quitman 22Mendenhall 27, Purvis 21North Pike 38, Laurel 30Forrest Co. 22, NE Lauderdale 17

QuarterfinalsLafayette 35, New Albany 0Noxubee County 28, Shannon 7Mendenhall 27, St. Stanislaus 21North Pike 13, Forrest County 10

SemifinalsLafayette 20, Noxubee County 0North Pike 20, Mendenhall 0

ChampionshipLafayette 31, North Pike 6

CLASS 3AFirst roundBelmont 43, South Pontotoc 0East Side 38, South Delta 18Leland 18, Palmer 14Aberdeen 50, Kossuth 6Charleston 69, Riverside 6Winona 37, Booneville 21Water Valley 28, Corinth 0Ruleville 30, Leflore County 24Philadelphia 42, Raleigh 20Hazlehurst 32,West Marion 0Franklin County 27, Collins 6

Forest 49, Clarkdale 0Tylertown 63, St. Patrick 0SE Lauderdale 36, Jackson 26Morton 22, Choctaw Central 12Jefferson County 28, Seminary 23

Second RoundBelmont 49, East Side 26Aberdeen 42, Leland 0Winona 28, Charleston 11Water Valley 31, Ruleville 0Hazlehurst 16, Philadelphia 14Forest 43. Franklin County 7Tylertown 31, SE Lauderdale 7Jefferson County 58, Morton 20

QuarterfinalsAberdeen 37, Belmont 14Winona 10,Water Valley 7Forest 30, Hazlehurst 0Tylertown 33, Jefferson Co. 12

SemifinalsAberdeen 28,Winona 0Forest 21, Tylertown 0

ChampionshipForest 10, Aberdeen 8

CLASS 2AFirst roundCalhoun 40, Hamilton 3Simmons 28, Broad Street 26Kennedy 39, Coahoma AHS 12

East Webster 35, Bruce 20Coahoma County 26, O’Bannon 6Baldwyn 58,West Lowndes 24Eupora 26,Walnut 13West Bolivar 52,W. Tallahatchie 0ScottCent. 31, Madison St. Joe 13Mize 27, East Marion 20Lumberton 39, Stringer 14Puckett 39, Pelahatchie 0Taylorsville 33, North Forrest 6Union 47, Loyd Star 14Wesson 42, Newton 8Bassfield 38, Enterprise (Clarke) 0

Second roundCalhoun City 48, Simmons 6East Webster 38, Kennedy 12Cocahoma County 26, Baldwyn 9West Bolivar 14, Eupora 6Mize 21, Scott Central 10Lumberton 44, Puckett 36Taylorsville 33, Union 12Bassfield 46,Wesson 0

QuarterfinalsCalhoun City 23, East Webster 21West Bolivar 28, Coahoma Co. 14Lumberton 52, Mize 14Taylorsville 42, Bassfield 41

SemifinalsCalhoun City 30,West Bolivar 19Lumberton 18, Taylorsville 6

ChampionshipLumberton 26, Calhoun City 24

CLASS 1AFirst roundOkolona 40, Shaw 6Smithville 28, Coffeeville 21Vardaman 42, Montgomery 26Durant 42, Coldwater 0Nanih Waiya 41, Bogue Chitto 7Mount Olive 41, French Camp 13Dexter 43, South Leake 24Cathedral 21, Noxapater 14

QuarterfinalsOkolona 12, Smithville 7Durant 42, Vardaman 0Mount Olive 34, Nanih Waiya 14Dexter 27, Cathedral 16

SemifinalsDurant 38, Okolona 15Mount Olive 19, Dexter 7

ChampionshipMount Olive 20, Durant 14

|

2010MHSAAPLAYOFFSCORES|



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2010Class 6A: South PanolaClass 5A: West PointClass 4A: LafayetteClass 3A: ForestClass 2A: LumbertonClass 1A: Mount Olive

2009Class 6A: South PanolaClass 5A: West PointClass 4A: St. StanislausClass 3A: TylertownClass 2A: BassfieldClass 1A: Mount Olive

2008Class 5A: MeridianClass 4A: Noxubee CountyClass 3A: LouisvilleClass 2A: BaldwynClass 1A: Puckett

2007Class 5A: South PanolaClass 4A: LaurelClass 3A: LouisvilleClass 2A:West BolivarClass 1A: Ray Brooks

2006Class 5A: South PanolaClass 4A:Wayne CountyClass 3A: Franklin CountyClass 2A: East MarionClass 1A: Puckett

2005Class 5A: South PanolaClass 4A:West PointClass 3A: HazlehurstClass 2A: LumbertonClass 1A: Ray Brooks

2004Class 5A: South PanolaClass 4A: BrookhavenClass 3A: SenatobiaClass 2A: LumbertonClass 1A: Mize

TROPHY TIMEThe top three divisions in MHSAA football were

won by teams from north Mississippi last Decem-ber, including two teams from the Daily Journal’scirculation area.Lafayette became the first state high school

football team to go 16-0 as it rolled to the Class 4Acrown, beating North Pike 31-6. It was the firststate title for the Commodores.In Class 5A,West Point successfully defended its

Class 5A crown, beating Brookhaven 21-3 It wasthe seventh state title for the GreenWave, who alsowon in 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 2005.South Panola won its ninth title, beating Merid-

ian 28-7 in the Class 6A championship game.Two other area teams reached the finals. Ab-

erdeen lost 10-8 to Forest in 3A and Lumbertondefeated Calhoun City 26-24 in 2A.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS TODD Lafayette players celebrate 16-0 season and their first state football championship.

West Point players hoist the MHSAA Class 5A trophy for the second year in a row. The Green Wave have won seven state titles.



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Mustangs fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 3-8; 1-4 divisionCoach: Andrew Aldridge (3rd year)Starters back: 4 offense; 5 defense.

Players to watchRB Hunter Holland, Jr.The junior is a newcomer in thebackfield.

FB Mac Grimes, So.Averaged 4.84 yards per carry inlimited carries last season.

WR Jack Nichols, So.Was second on the team last seasonin catches and yards receiving.

Mantachie

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at North Pontotoc 7:30Aug. 26 at Belmont 7:30Sept. 2 New Site 7:30Sept. 9 Union County 7:30Sept. 16 at Potts Camp 7:30Sept. 23 at Hatley 7:30Sept. 30 at Aberdeen* 7:30Oct. 7 Mooreville* 7:00Oct. 14 at South Pontotoc* 7:00Oct. 21 Nettleton* 7:00Oct. 28 Water Valley* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe move from 2A to 3A will be a bigadjustment for the Mustangs. ...How both the offense and defenseadjust to a new offensive schemewill be key. “We’re changing ouroffensive system a little bit be-cause we’re moving to 3A,”Aldridge said.


With the recent MHSAA re-classification, the MantachieMustangs have been bumpedintouncharted territory for the2011 football season–Class 3A.“It’s definitely aneye-openerfor the kids,” said third-yearhead coach Andrew Aldridge.“They know the challenge;they know it’s going to betougher.“And I think they are gettingprepared for it.”Aldridge says he has alreadybeen tweaking his offense inpreparation for the change,and a lot of pressure from anyoffensive updates will fall on afirst-year quarterbacks DustinCarrell or Micah Sparks, bothsophomores. Carrell saw someplaying time at the positionlast season,whileAldridgecallsSparks one of the better ath-letes on the team.A trio of keys to Mantachie’soffensive success will be in thebackfield with junior running

back Hunter Holland, fullbackMac Grimes andwide receiverJack Nichols, both sopho-mores.Apair of seniorswill an-chor the Mustangs’ offensiveline in the form ofWoodyWil-son and JakeDees.

BEAT THE CLOCK“Weneed to take the footballand try to control the clock,”Aldridge said. “We need tocontrol the tempo of thegame.”That control of tempo couldcertainly aid theMantachiede-fense.Keying the stopping abilityof the defense will be the line-backing corps, led by juniorsCole Stephens and Trent Ellis.JuniorCodyChathamwill helpto anchor the defensive back-field.“A lot of these guys haveplayeddefense in thepast, andare finally getting to know oursystem,” Aldridge said. “Pro-tecting the edgeandgettingoffthe field on third down will bekey.”

Mustangs head into dangerous 3A territory

Aldridge

SHELBY DANIELJack Nichols was the Mustangs’second-leading receiver last year.



Patriots fast factsDivision: MAIS 1-AA2010 record: 8-3, 3-1 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach: Barrett Donahoe (1st year)Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchQB Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sr.Playmaker, good decision maker anddeep-ball threat.

RB/LB Chase Ferrell, Sr.A leader who practices hard.OL/DL Kirby Jones, Sr.Monster player in 3-5 scheme.

Marshall Academy

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Magnolia Heights 7:30Aug. 26 Tunica Academy 7:30Sept. 2 at Immanuel Center 7:30Sept. 9 Lee Academy 7:30Sept. 16 Carroll Academy* 7:30Sept. 23 Indianola Academy* 7:30Sept. 30 at North Delta* 7:30Oct. 7 Pillow Academy 7:30Oct. 14 OPENOct. 21 at Potts Camp 7:30Oct. 28 at Kirk Academy* 7:30

*–MAIS AA game

SCOUTING REPORTQB Kevin Fitzpatrick is a great ath-lete. “He’s a phenomenal footballplayer, basketball player and base-ball player,” said Patriots headcoach Barrett Donahoe. ... Dona-hoe said senior center Evan Hick-man has valued experience and“does a good job with snaps.” ...Donahoe said the offense will bemore multiple with its formations.“A lot of our blocking schemes, alot of the stuff that we’re doing isvery similar to that what they’vedone in the past,” said Donahoe.


If you’re a Marshall Academyplayer, don’t expect anyWednes-day practice to be different fromthe previous one.Or any other practice session.“Every Wednesday that we’llpractice, we’ll be doing the samething,” said first-year PatriotscoachBarrettDonahoe.“Becauseif we can’t do it on Wednesday,thenwe’re not going to be able todo it on Friday nights.”So expect the Patriots to befundamentally sound.“And we’re going to stress thatevery day,” Donahoe said. “Ifwe’re not good at something, it’snot going to be for a lack of effortfrom the coaching staff or fromthe players at practice.“So, I think that will hopefullybe one of our strong points.”A team can be fundamentallysound,but if it doesn’t have talentto begin with, then it’s probablynot going to winmany games.Fortunately for Donahoe, hisPatriots seem to be exception-

ally talented. Start with KevinFitzpatrick at quarterback.“I think he’s going to be some-thing that is going to cause a lotof defensive coordinatorsheadaches throughout the year,”Donahoe said.JoiningFitzpatrick in theoffen-sive backfield are Chase Ferrell,Tyler Cook (at the fullback posi-

tion),NeilMurphyandTrey John-son. Cook and Murphy will bothplay linebacker on defense, withMattRappagetting some looks atlinebacker and nose guard – “autility guy,” says Donahoe.The wideouts will be the tal-ented Aaron McAlexander andElgin Lafever.The offensive line is led byBrodyMartin at right tackle.“He’s a junior and he’s comealong very strong,” Donahoesaid.“Froma fundamental stand-point, he’s probably our best of-fensive lineman right now.”On theopposite sidewill bebigol’ J.B.Whisenant.Jake Hurdle, a junior, is slatedto start at right guard, but will bea part of a rotation with seniorJosh Petree.EvanHickmanwill be the start-ing center, while Kirby Jones willline up to his left at guard.“I think Kirby Jones is reallygoing tobeadifferencemaker forus,” Donahoe said. “He’s going tobe somebody that offensive guyswill have a hard time preppin’for.”

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALKevin Fitzpatrick will lead Mar-shall Academy at quarterback.

Donahoe

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SCHEDULEAug. 19 Amory 7:30Aug. 26 Saltillo 7:30Sept. 2 at Hatley 7:30Sept. 9 at Alcorn Central 7:30Sept. 16 Belmont 7:30Sept. 23 at Kossuth 7:30Sept. 30 Water Valley* 7:30Oct. 7 at Mantachie* 7:00Oct. 14 at Aberdeen* 7:30Oct. 21 South Pontotoc* 7:30Oct. 28 at Nettleton* 7:30


SCOUTING REPORTThe Troopers have posted back-to-back winning season underAustin, including a 6-5 finish in2009. ... Team lost 1,000-plusyards in receiving with the gradu-ation of WRs Gary Johnson, Chan-ning Nanney and DrewWheeler. ...RB Josh Johnson rushed for 898yards, scored 9 TD last season. ...Kicker Matthew Pannell is back forhis senior season after connectingon 34 of 36 extra points and 9 of10 field goals. His last-secondfield goal beat Saltillo last year.


Kevin Austin has little doubtthathis2011editionof theMoore-ville Troopers may be his best infive seasons.Problem is, the team’s finalrecordmay not reflect the coach’spreseasonprojections.“Thismaybeourmost talentedteam, but it may not show up inthewins,”saidAustin,whoseteamfinished7-4 last season,but1-4 inits tough division – 2-3A. “Ournon-division schedule’s a lotharder.We’ve addedBelmont andAmory.”Twoof theTroopers’ division ri-vals are powers Aberdeen andWaterValley. Both are consideredto be twoof the state’s best in 3A.Mooreville enters battle withplentyofoffensivebullets, startingwith senior quarterback GriffLoftis, a four-year starter.Hecom-pleted 143 of 278 passes for 2,069yards and 19TDs last season.Austinexpectsbig thingson thefieldandinthehuddle fromLoftis.“He went to the Southern Miss

camp, Samford camp and wonthe quarterback award at theNorth Alabama camp,” the coachnoted. “He’s started since theninth grade, so the game has fi-nally sloweddown for him.“We’ve talkeda lot in theoffsea-sonabouthimbeingsmarterwiththe ball. In the past, he’s tried attimes to do toomuch.”WhenLoftis goes to theair, he’llbe throwingto6-foot-4ErrickDill-

worth and 6-3 Austin Lauderdale.Dillworth caught 46 balls for 700yards and sixTDs.The key member of the back-field is tailback Josh Rogers, whorushed for 898 yards last seasonandaverage5.4yardsacarry.Lookfor the 5-9, 180-pound back to beone of Loftis’ targets.

FORMIDABLE LINEMANQuadzing Rogers, a 6-2, 290two-way lineman, is coming offan 80-tackle junior season.“He’s naturally strong,” Austinsaid. “If he just played defense hewouldbedominating. ICCis look-ing at him as an offensive line-man.”JimmyLaymonswill joinRogersat the other tackle spot. The cen-terandtwoguard positionsareupfor grabs in the fall.On defense, the Troopers cancount on middle linebacker De-vonte Williams, another fourth-year starter.He’ll be joinedbyendJeffreyMartin, outside linebackerBen Johnson and cornerback-safety Channing Mitchell, one ofthe team’s top returning tacklers.

TalentedTroopers tackle tough slate

Troopers fast factsDivision: 2-3A2010 record: 7-4, 1-4 divisionCoach: Kevin Austin (5th year)Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchOL/DL Quadzing Rogers, Sr.Recorded 80 tackles last season andreturns to play G on offense

QB Griff Loftis, Sr.Completed 143 of 278 passes for2,069 yards, 19 TD.

WR Errick Dillworth, Sr.Caught 46 passes for 700 yards, 6TDs, averaged 15.2 yards percatch.

Mooreville

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALMooreville QB Griff Loftis is backafter passing for more than 2,000yards last season.

Austin and son, Owen



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Nettleton has a set of skill guysthat will make opponents won-der how to prepare.If theTigers’ offensive line con-tinues to progress through 2011,that couldbecomeagreater chal-lenge eachweek.The Tigers return a huge set ofskill players, including bruisingback CorbinWhite and lightningcounterpart Patrick Jones,whosesub-4.4 speed wowed this sum-mer at a Mississippi State campand at theTupelo Combine.“They’re getting better and Ibelievewe’re going tobe strongerup front,” Nettleton coach JackClark said of his offensive line.“But they’ve still got a longway togo and have to continue to getbetter every week to compete inthe division.”Clark is able touseWhite’s abil-ity at linebacker as well becausehe has such a crowded backfieldto work with on offense. JavanCurry is sophomore who hasseen timeat runningbackaswell.

“(Patrick) has been fast for awhile, probably a4.4 kidhere thatwe’ve known about. But to goover to that combine and run it,that caught some eyes,” Clarksaid. “I feel like this year all threeof our backs are going to be a lit-

tlemore physical.”Jones could be a wildcat in thebackfield at times. While he’sgood on the edge, he’ll also gettough inside yards.Sophomore quarterbackDakota Cruber will again startand has added an inch or twoover the offseason andpickedup25 pounds to get to 6-0, 170.He’ll still haveOdarius Lowe tothrow it to. The senior receiver isoneofMonroeCounty’s best ath-letes and will see some time atquarterback as well.On theoffensive line,Nettletonreturns two and plays two morethat have significant time. StevenClayton returns at center to leadthe line. Jimmy Fritz returns as ajunior on an undersized line.Defensively, Devante Stand-field is one of two tackles, theother yet to make his way to thefront. At defensive end, therewillbe two new names.It starts with the linebacker forNettleton. JustinDillard startedasa freshman there last season butwas lost toan injuryandplayed inonly two division games.

Tigers fast factsDivision: 2-3A2010 record: 3-8, 0-5 divisionCoach: Jack Clark (4th year)Starters back: 8 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchQB Dakota Cruber, So.Started as a freshman, took a fewlumps and but had a solid offsea-son, added height and weight.

C Steven Clayton, Jr.He touches the ball on every downso what Nettleton’s skill guys ac-complish starts there.

RB Patrick Jones, Sr.He and backfield mate Corbin Whiteare 1-2 punch of power, speed.

Nettleton

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Caledonia 7:30Aug. 26 at Amory 7:30Sept. 2 Itawamba AHS 7:30Sept. 9 at Okolona 7:30Sept. 16 at Baldwyn 7:30Sept. 23 North Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 30 South Pontotoc* 7:30Oct. 7 Aberdeen* 7:00Oct. 14 at Water Valley* 7:00Oct. 21 at Mantachie* 7:00Oct. 28 Mooreville* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTNettleton is somewhat undersized onthe lines but coach Jack Clark ishappy with the continuing pro-gression of his linemen. ... Nettle-ton has a skill set as good asanyone on its schedule and asophomore quarterback whocould have a breakout season. ...Clark’s former team, South Ponto-toc is the Sept. 30 homecomingopponent. ... D.J. Parker will han-dle the kicking duties.

Returning skill players boost Tigers

Clark

BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNALDakota Cruber returns at QB.



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Bulldogs fast factsDivision: 2-4A2010 record: 13-1, 5-0 division,reached quarterfinals of playoffs

Coach: Ron Price (4th year)Starters back: 2 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchTE/LB/P Riley Alef, Sr.Led team in tackles (141) and had 4INTs in 2010.

WR/S/LB Josh Creekmore, Sr.Hardest-working player on the team.OG/DT Cade Simmons, Sr.Started 35 games in his career.

New Albany

SCHEDULEAug. 18 at Ripley 7:00Aug. 26 at Itawamba AHS 7:30Sept. 2 Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 9 Amory 7:30Sept. 16 at Corinth 7:30Sept. 23 Cleveland 7:30Sept. 30 at Senatobia* 7:30Oct. 7 North Pontotoc* 7:00Oct. 14 at Lafayette* 7:00Oct. 21 Rosa Fort* 7:00Oct. 28 Lewisburg* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTQB Marcus Reed transferred to NewAlbany about a week before campstarted. He was at Pontotoc Highlast year. ... Head coach Ron Pricesaid he believes his team will re-ally have to rely on its defenseearly on this season. ... The Bull-dogs have 52 players – in the10th through 12th grades – intheir program.


Don’t discredit this bunch.Yes,NewAlbanygraduated22playersfrom its 2010 club that went 13-1and advanced to the state quar-terfinals, but there’s still plenty oftalent on the Bulldogs roster.“That’s the challenge rightnow– trying to replace that leadershipand that many kids,” said Bull-dogs head coach Ron Price. “Butwe just tell our kids that that’s anopportunity for somebodyelse tostep inandmakeaname forhim-self.“We had a great season lastyear andwe justwant to try to doeven better than that this yearand keep this program going inthat direction, just to let every-body know that New Albany stillhas a football team and a prettygood football team.”There’s some pretty good sen-iors on this year’s team.“Definitely Josh Creekmore,”Price said of his slot receiver/freesafety. “Josh is our team leader. ...He plays offense, defense and

special teams.He’snever going tocome off the field.“He’s got awinningattitude.Hechallenges all of his teammates tobe better.”Added Price, “Riley Alef is rightthere, neck and neck with Josh.He’s our returning middle line-backer. He’ll play tight end for usand will probably punt for us.

He’s just like Josh.”And then there’s veteran Bull-dog Cade Simmons.“He’s started every game sincehis freshman year,” Price said ofhis right guard/defensive tackle.“He’s got a ton of experience.“We’re counting on him to keythat offensive line this year andhelp those guys that are newstarters.He’sgoing to lead theminthe right direction, and we’regoingtoaskCadetoplaysomede-fensive line for us this year, too.”Talented juniors on the defen-sive linefor theBulldogsaredefen-sive tackle Devonte Bradley anddefensive end O.J. Hardin, whoplayed linebacker last season.“We just like his speed and hisability to run to the football,”Price saidofHardin.“He finishedthird in the state in his powerlift-ing group last year.”SpencerDayandMarcusReed,both juniors, will direct the Bull-dogs offense that averaged 34.9points per game in 2010 withTyler Basil under center. Reedhappened to quarterback thePontotocHigh team last year.

Price

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALNew Albany QB Spencer Daywill try to replace Tyler Basil.

Bulldogs gear up for another run in4A



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Vikings fast factsDivision: 2-4A2010 record: 6-5, 2-3 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach: Brian Sutton (2nd year)Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchWR/RB/QB Shemiah Carter, Sr.Can catch, run and throw; can alsobreak big runs returning kicks.

QB/WR Caleb Mills, Sr.Will take lots of snaps at QB, but isalso a talented receiver with theability to catch passes in traffic.

OL/DL Kenyana Heard, So.Young lineman (6-1, 254) is toughand quick.

North Pontotoc

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Mantachie 7:30Aug. 26 Ripley 7:30Sept. 2 at East Oktibbeha 7:30Sept. 9 South Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 16 at Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 23 at Nettleton 7:30Sept. 30 Tunica Rosa Fort* 7:00Oct. 7 at New Albany* 7:00Oct. 14 Senatobia* 7:00Oct. 21 at Lewisburg* 7:00Oct. 27 at Lafayette* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Vikings lost two-year starting QBBrandon Bailey to graduation, andhave been working four players athis position as well as a Wildcatformation using Shemiah Carter. ...After giving up the losing play inthe final two minutes of threegames last season, North hasworked hard to shore up its de-fense. ... North Pontotoc set aschool record with its third-straight winning season in 2010.

BY JAY TIDWELLSPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Mitchell Cunningham sur-prised a lot of teams last season.The muscular running backpounded opposing defenses –often taking two defenders toslowhimdown.Hewas a key fac-tor inNorthPontotoc’s run to theplayoffs inonly its second seasonin Class 4A.He won’t be surprising anyonethis season, but he doesn’t mindthe attention.“They know I’m coming,” saidCunningham (5-foot-11, 210pounds), who won a Class 4Apowerlifting state title in thespring. “I’d rather them bringeverything they had at me andscheme around me, so we canthrow out to one of our guys likeCaleb (Mills) or Shemiah (Carter)and throw the ball around.“If they focus onme toomuch,all the rest of the field will beopen. We’ve got so manyweapons on offense that theycan’t just key onme.”There’s a lot of truth to Cun-

ningham’s confident talk. Carterand Mills lead a sure-handed re-ceiving corps, joinedby returningplayers Adrian Davis, NateMounce andMarcus Green.Head coach Brian Sutton saidhe’sbeenworking fourandsome-times fiveplayers at quarterback,searching for a replacement forall-division QB Brandon Bailey.Mills, Caleb Nelson, Trey Jolly,Davis and Carter have been tak-ing reps under center.

‘MIX IT UP’“We’ve improved in the pasttwo weeks in that area and I’mreal excited,” Sutton said. “Youmay look in the backfield and itwon’t be the same combinationof guys back there.We’re going tomix that up a little bit.”TheVikings have a lot of depthalong the offensive line, runningtwo deep at nearly every slot.Hunter Coleman, Dillon Turner,KenyanaHeard, ChanceEarnest,Brandon Bolin, Chase Owensand Jordan Malone will be someof their blockers.“We’ve got a really good line

this year and a really good run-ning back, and we’re proud toblock for him,” said Turner (6-foot-2, 295 pounds). “It’s going tobea toughschedule, but ifwecanget Mitchell a few yards and ourquarterback a little time,we’ll getthrough the season.”The Vikings return sevenstarters on defense.“Last year, we scored a lot ofpoints but we struggled defen-sively after we lost a few guysearly to injury,” Sutton said.“We’ve worked hard with them.I’m impressed with them.They’ve been lively and they’vebeen alert, and they’re doingwhat they’re supposed to do.”MurphyDaniel andBlakeSulli-van will join the big men on thedefensive front.Austin Bray, Nick Scott, MacMcKnight and Peyton Finch willfill out the linebacking corps, andDarrellHillwill join thedefensivebackfield.An issue for the Vikings in theearly going could be the kickinggame, as they continued in campto find a new kicker.

Vikings preparing for another run

Sutton



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Raiders fast factsDivision: MAIS District 2AA2010 record: 3-7Coach: Benji MerchantStarters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchRB/LB Chance Livingston, Jr.,Two-way player expected to getplenty of carries on offense.

K/RB/LB Reid Posey, Sr.A do-everything player, will splitcarries with Livingston and handlekicking duties.

Oak Hill Academy

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Newton 7:00Aug. 26 at Winston* 7:00Sept. 2 at Indianola 7:30Sept. 9 Manchester* 7:00Sept. 16 at Winona Christian 7:00Sept. 23 at Canton* 7:00Sept. 30 Leake* 7:00Oct. 7 Heritage 7:00Oct. 14 OPENOct. 21 at Kirk 7:30Oct. 28 Immanuel* 7:00

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SCOUTING REPORTIt’s a rebuilding year under first-yearcoach Benji Merchant, who was adefensive coordinator in PanamaCity, Fla., last year. ... The Raiderswill be mostly a running team outof the I-formation and will play abase 5-2 on defense. ... Shut outbut played well in jamboree lastweek against Alabama private-school powers Tuscaloosa andBessimer. ... Plays in largest ClassAA district with six teams includ-ing defending North AA championLeake Academy (Oct. 7) led by for-mer Oak Hill coach Brian Pickens.

BY ROBBIE ROBERTSONDAILY JOURNAL

OakHill coach BenjiMerchantknows a little something aboutwinning and how to build win-ning football programs.Merchant is the son of long-time Mississippi public-schoolcoach Bruce Merchant who wonback-to-back state titles atCollins in 2001 and 2002. Benjiwas a student assistant on the2002 team.His uncle, DougMer-chant,wona state championshipatTaylorsvillebutwaswell knownfor reviving programs at PearlandMorton.But the effort of his father andunclewon’t doa lot tohelphimatWest Point’s Oak Hill Academythis season as he inherits a teamthat has had back-to-back losingseasons and only fields about 25players in a very strong Class AAacademy football division.“This is my first year in acad-emy football,” said Merchant,who comes back to Mississippiafter assistant coaching stints inAlabama and Florida. “We are

having to build from the groundup. Our problem right now is ournumbers, trying to get kids out.We’ve got a good eighth gradegroup, it’s just going to take awhile to get everything going.”With limited numbers and astiff schedule, Merchant alreadysees a tough road ahead. TheRaiders kick the season off withClass ANewton Academy.“We’re putting a lot of empha-sis on this first game,” Merchantsaid. “It’s important to get off to agood start for these seniors. ...Weneed something positive to hap-pen early.”

KEEP IT MOVINGMerchant saidhe is adefensivecoach at heart but will be call theoffensive plays for the Raidersthis season.“We’re an I-formation team,”Merchant said. “I want to keepthe clockmovingand shorten thegame.”On offense, juniors ConnerBaird and Jeb Stevens will splittime at quarterback while juniorChance Livingston and senior

Reid Posey will see time at tail-back. Rotating at fullback will beseniors Chad Moore, Dale Mili-can and RustyTaite.“I expect all of those guys in thebackfield to get carries and time,”Merchant said.“I’mabigbelieverin spreading the wealth andkeeping guys fresh.”Blocking for thosebackswill bejunior center Cooper Orman,sophomore guards Joseph CaskyandBrianMcClellandand seniortackle Max Abner and J.R.Wilbourne. Junior Jacob Dickensis the tight endwhile sophomoreKurt Huffman and senior ClayHenley are the wide receivers.The Raiders will be playingiron-man football with many ofthe same faces onMerchant’s 5-2base defense.At defensive end is Moore andJ.R.Wilbourne while Orman andCasky are the defensive tackleswhile Millican will be the noseguard. Posey and Livingston arethe linebackerswhileHenley andBairdare saftiesandHuffmanandDickens are cornerbacks. Poseywill alsohandle thekickingduties.

New coach tackles rebuilding effort

Merchant



Chieftains fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 Record: 11-3, 6-0 division.Head Coach: Calvin Aldridge.Starters back: 8 offense; 6 defense

Players to watchQB/CB Jordan Ivy, Sr.Rushed for more than 1,500 yardsand passed for 20 touchdowns.

NT Antwain Ivy, Sr.Defensive player of the year in Divi-sion 1-1A in 2010 and state pow-erlifting champion.

OT/DT Malcolm Dickens, Sr.Anchors the offensive and defensivelines.

Okolona

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Houlka 7:30Aug. 26 at East Webster 7:30Sept. 2 at Houston 7:30Sept. 9 Nettleton 7:30Sept. 16 Amory 7:30Sept. 23 Itawamba AHS 7:30Sept. 30 at Hatley* 7:30Oct. 7 Baldwyn* 7:00Oct. 14 at Calhoun City* 7:00Oct. 21 Bruce* 7:00Oct. 28 at Walnut* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTOkolona will be big up front with tal-ented skill people, which is goodfor the team’s move from 1A to2A. ... The Chieftains return 3,000yards of rushing offense from2010. ... NG Antwain Ivy is keystopper for defense.


Okolona plans to rush through2011 and it’s not to imply theChieftains want the season overin a hurry.To the contrary, the Chieftainscould take their own sweet timeeach gamebecause of the poten-tial rushing attack.“We had some dangerousrushers last year,” said Okolonahead coachCalvin Aldridge, whowill be entering his third season.“I realize we’ll be moving up toClass 2A, and we’ve got to playagainst 2A talent.”Aldridge returns 75 percent ofhis rushing offense from 2010,one that amassed almost 4,000yards.That includes senior quarter-back Jordan Ivy (789 yards), jun-ior runningbacks FredWard (881yards) and Everett Brooks (991yards). Throw in junior Kevin El-liot, whose brother Robert playsfor Mississippi State, andOkolona certainly has the poten-tial to threaten many opponents

in its reclassification from 1A to2A this season.“These kids are prettywell sea-

soned,” Aldridge said. “We’ve gotto be able to pass, and when weget in scoring position, we’ve gotto score because we’re not goingtohavemanychancesagainst thegood teams in 2A.”Aldridge points to an almostwho’s-who of 2A playoff teams inrecent years just inOkolona’snewdivision–Baldwyn,CalhounCity,andWalnut. Throw in ItawambaAHS andAmory for non-divisionmatchups, and 6A Grenada in ajamboree, and Okolona will cer-tainly be hard pressed to repeatlast season’s 12-3mark.“They love this,” Aldridge saysof his team. “Every Friday is a biggame, and Okolona has finallywon consistently the last coupleof years, andwe’ll try to keep thatgoing.”Okolona’s defense should con-tribute to that potential success,led by 1-1A defensive player-of-the year as a junior, nose tackleAntwain Ivy. Other impact play-ers could include senior tackleMalcolm Dickens, and lineback-ers Kasey Gathings and NathanBailey.

Chargers fast factsDivision: 1-5A2010 record: 9-4, 5-2 division,reached quarterfinals of playoffs

Coach: Johnny Hill (19th year)Starters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watchRB/LB Mont Dean, Sr.Rushed for 937 yards and 14 TDs in2010.

LB Frank Tatum, Sr.Averaged 5.6 tackles last season.NG Kelvin “K.C.” Lamar, Sr.Had 74 tackles and 2 sacks in 2010.

Oxford

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Grenada 7:30Aug. 26 Charleston 7:30Sept. 2 at Lafayette 7:30Sept. 9 Senatobia 7:30Sept. 16 OPENSept. 23 Center Hill 7:30Sept. 30 at New Hope 7:30Oct. 7 at Lake Cormorant 7:00Oct. 14 Hernando 7:00Oct. 21 at Saltillo 7:00Oct. 28 West Point 7:00Nov. 4 Clarksdale 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTExpect the Chargers to feature a sig-nificant vertical passing game de-spite personnel losses from lastseason. ... Shannon coach ChadCook was in awe of the Chargerscoaching staff at last week’s jam-boree. “I sat there and looked attheir staff, and about every one ofthem boys played college football.And Johnny (Hill) told me that hethinks this is the best staff they’veever had.” ...WR/S Robert Ligginsand DE Darrius Liggins are cousinsof Lafayette QB Jeremy Liggins.


While Guy Cameron Billupsheadlined the Oxford High of-fense last year as a senior quar-terback, look for a 5-foot-7tailback to generate most of thepub this season.Mont Dean, in his first live ac-tion of his senior year, rushedeight times for 65-yards in a two-period jamboree against Shan-non at OleMiss.“Senior-wise,Mont Dean is re-ally what you want,” Chargersheadcoach JohnnyHill saidofhis217-poundback.“He’s solidmus-cle and he’s probably the third orfourth fastest on the team.“He’s a load.”Dean rushed 123 times for ateam-high 937 yards (a 7.62 aver-age per carry!) and 14 touch-downs last season as a junior.With a pretty solid offensiveline blocking for him in the exhi-bition against Shannon, Deanrippedoff four runsof 10ormoreyards, including one for 19 yardsin the second period.

And Shannon is no slouch.CenterCliftonSmith, left guardQue Holman and left tackle Ty-rone Madkins will anchor theChargers O-line, which has sev-eral guys competing for startingpositions on the right side of theline. They will be blocking forquarterbacks Parker AdamsonandWilliam Elliott, who will alsobe handling the long-snappingand punting duties, respectively.

Hill said he plans to use bothquarterbacks in games until onereally stands out.Adamson and Elliott will,nonetheless, have several tal-ented receivers andapretty goodtight end to throw to.“I feel like I got fiveof themthatcan catch it and do somethingwith it,” Hill said.Robert Liggins, a 6-foot-3, 195-poundwideout, provides a phys-ical andspeedypresence. Liggins,runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.Glen Gordon and Stan Ivy arescat backs, while sophomoreConrey Meagher – who will alsoplay defense – is another viablereceiving option.Xavier Pegues will play tightend, and will likely have to gobothways on the lines.While the defensive secondarywill be rather young and inexpe-rienced – Ethan Holmes did re-turn an interception 52 yards fora score in the jamboree gameagainst Shannon – the lineback-ing corps should be pretty solidwith D.J. Blake,Walker Coghlan,FrankTatum andDean.

Chieftains rushing to take on 2A competition

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALOkolona’s Everett Brooks rushedfor 991 yards for the Chieftainslast season.

Aldridge

Hill

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALQB Parker Adamson will be ableto aim at some good targets.

SeniorRB Deanpacks punch forChargers



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Warriors fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 5-6, 1-4 in divisionCoach: Ken Byars (1st year)Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watchQB Rashad Dixon, Jr.Shared time under center last sea-son, but will be the go-to guy thisyear. Very mobile and hits the cor-ners quickly.

RB Deonte Dilworth, Jr.Transferred from South Pontotoc,where he was one of the Cougars’top rushers.

OL Tyler Stallings, Sr.Big lineman who’ll help fill gaps leftby four lost to graduation.

Pontotoc

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Velma Jackson 7:30Aug. 26 at Hernando 7:30Sept. 2 at New Albany 7:30Sept. 9 Ripley 7:30Sept. 16 North Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 23 at Lafayette 7:30Sept. 30 Shannon* 7:30Oct. 7 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00Oct. 14 at Itawamba AHS* 7:00Oct. 21 Corinth* 7:00Oct. 28 Amory* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTWarriors have nine returning starterson defense and new defensive co-ordinator Mike Mahoney, a 38-year coaching veteran, is tossingin a few wrinkles to their 4-3scheme. ... Lost two powerful RBs;newcomer Deonte Dilworth willhelp immediately, and Don Fauverwill be hard to bring down. ...Quarterback Rashad Dixon’s mo-bility and strong arm will open upplay-action. ... Missed playoffs lastyear for first time in three seasonsafter season-ending, double-OTloss to North Pontotoc.


Ken Byars is really good withnumbers.As an assistant coach underCharlieDampeer thepast coupleof seasons, Byars has also taughtmathat Pontotoc.Healsounder-stands the numbers sometimesdon’t tell the whole story.As the Warriors’ new headcoach,Byarshasbeenemphasiz-ing all-out effort rather thancounting wins and losses.“As a coaching staff, one thingwe talk about all the time ismax-imizing their ability,” said Byars,who was promoted to the topspot afterDampeerdeparted thissummer for a position in Al-abama. “If we can get the mostout of every kid that’s on our theteam, no matter what their abil-ity is, if we can get everything outof them,we thinkwins and losseswill take care of themselves.”Withnine returning starters ondefense, the Warriors will bestrong on that side of the ball.They will run out of the 4-3 for-

mation, led in the front by na-tional powerlifting champ De-vonteMontgomery.“We’ve had really good prac-tices, and people are workinghard and getting stronger,” saidMontgomery (5-foot-7, 215pounds),whowas an all-divisionplayer as a junior. “We’ve got agood defensive front. I think wewill hold up through the seasonandwe’ll have a good year.”On offense, the Warriors willprobably settle on one regular

quarterback rather than platoonthe position as they did last sea-son.RashadDixon is the topcan-didate. Don Fauver, ChanceCummings and newcomer De-onteDilworthwill add speedandtoughness in the backfield.“I’m trying to bring energyevery play and get them peppedup,” said Dixon, who will alsoprovidea strong running compo-nent when he’s under center.Shaquille Crayton, ShaquilleGillard and Trey Freeman willprovide big passing targets. DonPittman returns as a starter onthe offensive line and will bejoined by big Tyler Stallings (6-5,260).Byars has a rugged slate for hissquad, including non-divisionmatchups against New Albany,North Pontotoc and Lafayette,the reigning 4A champs.“There’s no so-called breaks inthis schedule,” Byars said. “It’s atough schedule and I don’t mindhaving a tough schedule. All wecan do is maximize what we getout of our kids and get themready to play on Friday nights.”

Warriors counting on all-out effort

Byars

TIM TUTOR | PONTOTOC PROGRESSRashad Dixon will be under cen-ter for the Warriors this season.


REGION 1-6AOverall Region PF PA

South Panola 15 0 7 0 687 117Southaven 9 3 5 2 426 242Olive Branch 8 5 5 2 370 251Tupelo 7 4 4 3 273 284Starkville 5 6 3 4 311 246Horn Lake 2 9 2 5 110 368Columbus 4 7 2 5 189 266DeSoto Central 0 11 0 7 85 41


West Point 14 1 7 0 436 177New Hope 8 5 5 2 379 264Oxford 9 4 5 2 398 235Lake Cormorant 7 5 4 3 292 204Hernando 6 5 4 3 260 229Clarksdale 4 7 2 5 229 257Gentry 3 8 1 6 163 267Saltillo 3 8 0 7 215 388


New Albany 13 1 5 0 489 136Shannon 9 4 4 1 392 306Itawamba AHS 6 6 3 2 295 338North Pontotoc 6 5 2 3 400 330Pontotoc 5 6 1 4 289 256Tishomingo County 1 10 0 5 141 350


Lafayette 16 0 6 0 622 124Center Hill 10 3 5 1 315 198Senatobia 6 5 4 2 259 303Rosa Fort 7 4 3 3 294 248Lewisburg 4 7 2 4 234 254North Panola 1 9 1 5 168 348Byhalia 3 8 0 6 224 347


Noxubee County 13 2 5 0 417 117Louisville 8 5 4 1 261 213Kosciusko 7 6 3 2 329 262Amory 3 9 1 4 175 366Houston 2 9 1 4 206 392Caledonia 1 10 1 4 88 308


Belmont 12 1 5 0 514 152Booneville 5 6 4 1 334 252Corinth 4 7 3 2 104 210Kossuth 5 7 2 3 251 309Ripley 2 9 1 4 146 326Alcorn Central 0 11 0 5 70 427


Aberdeen 14 2 5 0 653 121Water Valley 11 3 4 1 341 174Winona 12 3 3 2 494 280South Pontotoc 4 8 2 3 252 470Mooreville 7 4 1 4 296 230Nettleton 3 8 0 5 213 299


Calhoun City 15 1 5 0 575 174Baldwyn 7 6 4 1 363 336Walnut 8 4 3 2 418 286Bruce 4 8 2 3 279 267Mantachie 3 8 1 4 281 386Hatley 5 6 0 5 349 255


East Webster 13 1 5 0 557 145Eupora 8 4 4 1 302 220West Lowndes 6 5 3 2 246 314Hamilton 5 7 2 3 257 294George 3 8 1 4 187 342Ackerman 1 10 0 5 120 336


Okolona 12 3 7 0 445 201Vardaman 9 4 6 1 298 267Smithville 9 4 5 2 311 230Coldwater 7 5 4 3 265 187Falkner 4 7 3 4 260 307Biggersville 6 5 2 5 258 268Wheeler 2 9 1 6 154 328Thrasher 1 9 0 7 155 413


Cardinals fast factsDivision: MHSAA independent2010 record: 3-2Coach: Shane Stone (3rd year)Starters back: All 22 return

Players to watchRB/DB Jordon Harris, Fr.Expected to be a big part of what theCardinals do.

RB/LB Jamarquis Foster, Jr.Last year’s leading rusher.OT/DT Alex Beard, Jr.Despite a shoulder injury, expectedto anchor the lines.

Potts Camp

SCHEDULEAug. 19 H.W. Byers 7:30Aug. 26 at DeSoto Central 7:30Sept. 2 Benton County 7:30Sept. 9 Strayhorn 7:30Sept. 16 Mantachie 7:30Sept. 23 at Rossville Academy 7:30Sept. 30 at Middleton, Tenn. 7:00Oct. 7 at Immanuel Christian7:00Oct. 14 Union County 7:00Oct. 21 Marshall Academy 7:00Oct. 28 at New Site 7:00

SCOUTING REPORTEven though the Cardinals may havea simplified offense, they aren’tafraid of throwing the footballaround. ... CB Brantley Harris, MLBAntonio Love and DL Jason Nealwill lead the defense. ... Around 30players are in the Potts Camp var-sity program. ... The Cardinalswere hoping to play some homegames this season at a brand newfield behind their school, but mayhave to play all of their 2011games on the road. ... CoachShane Stone was a part of JohnnyHill’s staffs at Tupelo (one year)and Oxford (eight years).


First-year quarterback BenBolden isn’t the only Potts Campplayerwith a lot of learning todo.Try the whole team.“Very few have,” Cardinalshead coach Shane Stone saidabout his current players whohad played football before theygot to the interscholastic ranks.“Sometimes they’re still not sosure on the basic stuff.”But Stone, in his third seasonleading the upstart Cardinalsprogram, remains optimisticabouthis teamas it enters its firstfull varsity season since the pro-gram’s revival in 2009.“I feel like every day there’sprogress,” saidStone,whoplayedcollege football at NorthwestMississippi Community CollegeandSouthwestBaptistUniversity,“because it’s (football) just new toa lot of them. But the more theydo it, themoreconfident theyget,and the better they play.“So, it’s coming around.”Bolden will be directing an of-

fense that will probably be kept“simple,” says Stone“He’s a first-yearplayer startingat quarterback, so he’s got a lot oflearning to do,” said the 39-year-old coach. “But he’s shown signsofmaturity and has taken the of-fense in. He’s got a good under-standing and a good arm.“So far, I’ve been pleased.”And tomake it easier for Stone

onwhichplays to call forhis teamisnoneother than freshman run-ning back JordonHarris.“He can catch it, he can run it,he can throw it,” Stone said of hisnimble player. “He can hit youwhen he’s on defense.“He’s just oneof thoseguys thatyou don’t really have to coach alot; you just put him out thereand tell him togoplay andhecando it. So, he’s a nice guy to haveon the team.”Even though the majority ofStone’s club is inexperienced, allof his offensive starters from ayear ago–andeven thedefensiveones – return for this season.“Wedidn’t haveany seniors lastyear,” he said. “This is the firstyear thatwehavehad seniors.Wedidn’t have any before.“Westartedout the first year (ofthe program) with only ninth-and 10th (-graders) and we justplayed strictly JV. Then last year,juniors could play andweplayedsome varsity and some JV(games).“And now this year it’s all var-sity (games).”

Stone

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALPotts Camp’s Jordon Harrisheads to the end zone for atouchdown against Houlka.

Cardinals set for first varsity season

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Tigers fast factsDivision: 1-3A2010 record: 2-9, 1-4 divisionCoach: Grady McCluskey (2nd year)Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchRB Devin Jones, Sr.Rushed for 1,163 yards and 10 TDsas a junior.

RB/LB Isaac Bails, Sr.In the final two games of 2010, the6-foot-2, 200-pounder surprisedeveryone with 317 yards andthree TDs.

LB Ray Peterson, Sr.Led the team with 137 tackles.

Ripley

SCHEDULEAug. 18 New Albany 7:30Aug. 26 at North Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 2 South Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 9 at Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 16 Union County 7:30Sept. 23 OPENSept. 30 Holly Springs* 7:30Oct. 7 at Belmont* 7:00Oct. 14 Kossuth* 7:00Oct. 21 Booneville* 7:00Oct. 28 at Alcorn Central* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Tigers feature a stable of bigrunning backs weighing in at morethan 200 pounds. ... Tremendouswork in the weight room is ex-pected to pay dividends for theTigers this season. ... Corinth, a di-vision rival of Ripley’s the pastseveral seasons, has moved up toClass 4A. ... RB Devin Jones is aDivision I prospect.


Last year, Ripleyhadanunusu-ally bad season – less than threewins for the first time since the1950s andnoplayoffs for the firsttime in 11 seasons.Second-year coach Grady Mc-Cluskey doesn’t want a repeatperformance.He said maturity and more fa-miliarity with all his players willbe key togetting the traditional 1-3A power back to winning.“I don’t know if I’ve ever had ateam as young as last year, andwhen you’re young it’s tough towin football games, no matterwho you are,” said McCluskeywho wasn’t hired until last July,giving him just over a month toprepare for the 2010 season. “Wetook some lumps, but like I toldthe kids, last year is last year andwehave to forget about it. I knowthem and they know me now.Now they know what’s comingand they’ll be prepared.”The Tigers ended 2010 with awin, improving their scoring out-

put each week over their last fivegames. To build on that momen-tum,McCluskey turned his focusto getting stronger. When he ar-rived, he didn’t have a singleplayerwhocouldbenchpress300pounds, but by the end of thepowerlifting season, he had 10,including a few who could alsosquat more than 500 pounds. Itwasn’t just the physical improve-ment he was looking for. He be-lieves hitting the weightsimprovesplayersmentallyaswell.

BIGGER, STRONGER“We’ve worked hard in theweight room and I think we cando big things,” said McCluskey.“When a kid thinks he’s strong,he’ll play strong. Football is a col-lision sport and the stronger, bet-ter-put-together teams havesuccess.”Success was the buzz word incampandMcCluskeyhopes theycan experience a lot of it in 2011.He said the goals are to have awinning record, compete for thedivision title, and once in theplayoffs, see what happens.

He is confidenthis skilledposi-tions arebetter, including leadingrusher Devin Jones and juniorquarterback Cody James, whoMcCluskey called a “leader.”Earlier this spring, Jones, whorushed for 1,100 yards and10TDslast year, won a stateweightliftingtitle. Alongwith the emergence ofsenior Isaac Bails, who rushed for317 yards in the Tigers’ final twogames, and senior fullback Mon-trell Gray, McCluskey will have astableofbacksover200pounds torun at opposing defenses.“If those guys will run it up inthere every time – 10 to 15 timeseach – they’ll be hard to stop,”saidMcCluskey.The Tigers’ defense could be aalso be a strengthwith the returnof its top tackler, seniorRayPeter-son (137). Sophomore Alec Hob-son (107) was injured in lastweek’s scrimmage.In all, six starters return, in-cluding defensive backs Jonesand John Austin Moore, defen-sive linemen Seth CapplemanandDevonteBarkley, andBails atlinebacker.

Traditional power aims for quick rebound

McCluskey and Jones



SCHEDULEAug. 19 Itawamba AHS 7:30Aug. 26 at Mooreville 7:30Sept. 1 at Baldwyn 7:30Sept. 9 Booneville 7:30Sept. 16 OpenSept. 23 New Hope* 7:30Sept. 30 at Clarksdale* 7:30Oct. 7 Center Hill* 7:00Oct. 14 at West Point* 7:00Oct. 21 Oxford* 7:00Oct. 28 at Hernando* 7:00Nov. 4 Lake Cormorant* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTByrd lost 1,700 yards rushing withthe exit of running back ObrienStewart and Quad Freeman. ...Former Tigers player and Tupeloassistant coach Baylor Dampeerjoined the team as secondarycoach. ... Former offensive linecoach Allen Glenn is the new of-fensive coordinator.

Tigers fast factsDivision: 1-5A2010 Record: 3-8, 0-7 divisionCoach: Pat Byrd (2nd year)Starters back: 4 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchDL Cody Gargus, Sr.Recorded 58 tackles last season atlinebacker.

DL Wesley Ragin, Sr.Recorded 73 tackles last season, had3 fumble recoveries.

QB Chase Watson, Sr.Completed 53 of 145 passes for 710yards, 3 TD, 6 Int.

Saltillo


PatByrdseesaniceblendofex-perience and youth when helooks over the roster of his SaltilloTigers – 25 seniors and juniors, 36sophomores and freshmen.“We’ve got some older guyswho’ve waited their turn,” saidByrd,who is in his second seasonafter a20-plus-year run inAmory.“We’ve got some good youngkids.”Some talented younger Tigersare being counted on to helpalong the offensive line, whereByrd lost four starters. Only sen-ior tackle Brandon Baggett, 6-foot-2, 265 pounds, returns.“We could possibly have threefreshmen play on the offensiveline,” Byrd said. “Our freshmangroup has a lot of strong line-men.”TheTigers do have some expe-rience returning in the backfieldwith senior quarterback ChaseWatson back to take snaps. Hepassed for 710 yards and threetouchdowns last fall.

However, Saltillo lost a com-bined1,700 yardswith the gradu-ationofbacksObrienStewart andQuad Freeman.“Chase (Watson) has got to begood for us,” Byrd cautioned.“Football-wise, he’ll be a juniorbecause he played very little as asophomore.“In the backfield, we actuallylost three tailbacks. Now we’llhave a running back by commit-

tee.We’re going tohave to be ableto run the ball some.”Watson’s top targets will bewide receiver JustinDyeand tightendCody Sullivan.Defensively, twostars returnupfront in senior linemen WesleyRagin and Cody Gargus. Raginrecorded73 tackles andhad threefumble recoveries last seasonwhile Gargus was in on 58 stopsplaying a linebacker spot.At linebacker, junior JustinMoreoshackandsophomoreAlexHill return. In the secondary, sen-ior Deon Robinson becomes afull-time starter alongwith soph-omores Tori Grifford and ColbyHall.R.J. Rye, a sophomore withwhat Byrd terms a “live leg” willhandle the placekicking duties.Gargis is the long snapper andGrifford the punter.The schedule’s not easy whendefending state champion WestPoint, Clarksdale and Oxford areyourDivision 1-5A neighbors.“Ourkidsareworking their tailsoff,” saidByrd,whose teamwas3-8 last year.

Tigers regrouping after somekey losses

Byrd talks to his Tigers

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALSaltillo’s Cody Sullivan showsthe official a touchdown againstNorth Pontotoc last week.

CLASS 1ARegion 1BiggersvilleColdwaterFalknerSmithvilleThrasherVardamanHoulkaTupelo ChristianH.W. Byers

Region 2Drew HunterDurantMcAdamsMontgomeryRay BrooksShawSt. Joe, GreenvilleFrench CampCoffeeville

Region 3West OktibbehaEast OktibbehaEthelNanih WaiyaNoxapaterWeirWest LowndesSebastopolPelahatchie

Region 4Bogue ChittoDexterMt. OliveCathedralSalemUniv. ChristianSt. AloysiusHinds AHSStringerResurrection

CLASS 2ARegion 1WalnutBaldwynBruceCalhoun CityOkolonaHatley

Region 2AckermanEuporaEast WebsterWilliams-SullivanJ. Z. GeorgeHamilton

Region 3StrayhornCoahoma CountyCoahoma AHS

Broad StreetJF KennedyWest Tallahatchie

Region 4West BolivarO’BannonRiversideSimmonsS. V. MarshallSouth Delta

Region 5Leake CountyPisgahScott CentralLakeUnion

Region 6Enterprise 7WessonLoyd StarSt. Joe, MadisonAmite CountyPuckett

Region 7ClarkdaleBay SpringsEnterprise 5MizeTaylorsville

Region 8BassfieldEast MarionLumbertonNorth ForrestRichton

CLASS 3ARegion 1Alcorn CentralBelmontBoonevilleHolly SpringsKossuthRipley

Region 2AberdeenMoorevilleNettletonSouth PontotocWater ValleyMantachie

Region 3ByhaliaCharlestonIndependenceM. S. PalmerNorth PanolaWinona

Region 4East SideLeflore CountyLelandMcClainVelma JacksonRuleville

Region 5Choctaw CentralHeidelbergKemper CountyPhiladelphiaSE LauderdaleNewton

Region 6BaileyForestMcLaurinMortonRaleighSt. Andrew’s

Region 7Crystal SpringsFranklin CountyHazlehurstJefferson CountyPrentissWilkinson County

Region 8Perry CentralSeminarySt. PatrickSumrallPass ChristianWest MarionCollins

CLASS 4ARegion 1CorinthTishomingoItawambaAmoryShannonPontotoc

Region 2North PontotocNew AlbanyLafayetteSenatobiaRosa FortLewisburg

Region 3ClevelandAmanda ElzyGreenwoodHumphreys Co.GentryYazoo County

Region 4HoustonCaledoniaKosciuskoLouisvilleNoxubeeLeake Central

Region 5NE LauderdaleWest LauderdaleNewton CountyQuitmanNE JonesLaurel

Region 6GermantownRaymondRichlandFlorenceMendenhallMageePort Gibson

Region 7ColumbiaLawrence Co.North PikeSouth PikeTylertownPurvis

Region 8BayForrest Co. AHSGreene CountyPoplarvilleSt. StanislausVancleave

CLASS 5ARegion 1Center HillHernandoClarksdaleLake CormorantSaltilloWest PointNew HopeOxford

Region 2Yazoo CityCantonStarkvilleNeshobaLanierCallawayProvineRidgeland

Region 3WingfieldPearlBrookhaven

McCombWest JonesSouth JonesWayne CountyStone County

Region 4East CentralMoss PointPascagoulaGautierPearl River Cen-tralPicayuneLong BeachWest Harrison

CLASS 6ARegion 1DeSoto CentralHorn LakeOlive BranchSouthavenColumbusGrenadaSouth PanolaTupelo

Region 2GreenvilleWarren CentralVicksburgClinton

Madison CentralJim HillMurrahNW Rankin

Region 3NatchezForest HillTerryBrandonMeridianOak GrovePetalHattiesburg

Region 4Ocean SpringsD’IbervilleGeorge CountySt. MartinGulfportHancockBiloxiHarrison Central

|

MHSAA2011-12FOOTBALLREGIONS|


DAILY JOURNAL FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011 | 37

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Red Raiders fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 10-4, 4-1 division, lostin state quarterfinals.

Coach: Chad Cook (4th year)Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watchQB John Peugh, Soph.Saw limited action last season, butstaff confident in his ability.

RB Bodarius Taylor, Sr.Rushed for 1,138 yards, scored 14TD after missing part of seasonwith broken leg.

WR/DB Nick Pack, Sr.Caught 26 passes for 516 yards, 3TD and recorded 63 tackles.

Shannon

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Kosciusko 7:30Aug. 26 at Aberdeen 7:30Sept. 2 at West Lowndes 7:30Sept. 9 Tupelo 7:30Sept. 16 Lafayette 7:30Sept. 23 OPENSept. 30 at Pontotoc* 7:30Oct. 7 Itawamba AHS* 7:00Oct. 14 at Amory* 7:00Oct. 21 Tishomingo County* 7:00Oct. 28 at Corinth* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTRB/DB Marcus Thornton rushed for555 yards last season and is beingcounted on offensively and defen-sively at strong safety this season.... Tupelo returns to schedule thisseason, visiting Shannon for aSept. 9 kickoff. ... Cook is 33-8overall in first three seasons.


Shannon’s Bodarious Taylormissed the first part of last seasonwith a leg injury, but the talentedback still rushed for 1,138 yardsand 14 touchdowns when he re-turned to the lineup.Red Raiders head coach ChadCook hopes the talented 5-foot-9, 190-pound Taylor remainshealthy his senior season andpiles up even greater numbers.“He’s really a good runner,”Cook said. “He’s strong betweenthe tackles and has good vision. Ihope he has a breakout senioryear.”Taylor will be joined in thebackfield by 5-10, 180 seniorMarcus Thornton, who added555 yards rushing and scoredeight touchdowns last season.The player charged with run-ning the offense and managingtheRedRaiders’ 1-2 punch in thebackfield is sophomore quarter-back John Peugh.Cook was impressed with hisyoung quarterback’s play in

spring practice.“I don’t thinkhe turned theballover in the spring,” he said.“That’s what we need. We wanthim to manage the offense anddon’t try to force theball.Weneedhim to play pitch and catch andhand the ball off.”Pugh has two experience re-ceivers to throw to in seniorsNickPack and JordanTrice.The two-way Pack caught 26passes for 516 yards last season.He also recorded 63 tackles play-

ing in the secondary.Both offensive tackles return –Dequincy Ross and Darius Con-way. The rest of the front was tobe determined in the preseason.Shannonhasnine startersbackon defense, including linemenDevonte Pegues and Cortez Ru-pert, linebacker Devan GilleylanandThornton at strong safety.“We’ve got a lot of people backon defense who have played,”Cook said. “We’re going to needthatwith the schedulewe’ve got.”

DEMANDING SCHEDULEShannon’s schedule featuresnon-division games against 3Astate finalist Aberdeen, 6ATupeloand the state’s defending 4Achampion – powerful Lafayette.“That’s what high school foot-ball is all about,”Cook said, refer-ring tohis team’s tough schedule.“I told the kids, eitherway, you’regoing to be on the front page ofthepaper ...whether youget beator win.“We’ll know after those gameswhatwe’ve got to fix beforewehitdivision play.”

RedRaiders hope this season is Taylor-made

Cook

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNALShannon’s Bodarius Taylor ranfor 1,138 yards last year.



Good Luck Seminolesfrom

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Seminoles fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 9-3 (5-2 division)Coach: Bubba Tacker (6th year)Starters back: 3 offense, 3 defense

Players to watchFB Turner Sanderson, Jr.Coach calls him an aggressiveballplayer who works hard andleads by example.

OL/DL Jake McClary, Sr.McLary brings rare experience to thelines. Has started two season onboth sides.

RB J.T. PittsPitts, a state champion power lifterisn’t big but isn’t scared to take orreceive a hit, either.

Smithville

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Hamilton 7:30Aug. 26 Hatley 7:30Sept. 2 at H.W. Byers* 7:30Sept. 9 OPENSept. 16 Vardaman* 7:30Sept. 23 OPENSept. 30 Coldwater* 7:30Oct. 7 at Biggersville* 7:00Oct. 14 Houlka* 7:00Oct. 21 at TCPS* 7:00Oct. 28 Thrasher* 7:00Nov. 4 at Falkner* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTNational eyes were on Smithville fol-lowing the April 27 EF-5 tornadothat devoured the town andschool. ... The Seminoles have amakeshift locker room in aportable building where the bandhall once sat. ... The Aug. 26 ri-valry game against cross-countyrival Hatley will be the ’Noles firsthome game since the storm thatblew away the pressbox and car-ried the scoreboard 20 miles toTremont.


Smithville coachesmay soundlike broken records each timethey’re asked about the tornadothat struck the town on April 27.Nowordswill everbeenoughtodescribe theeffect anEF-5 twisterhad on the townand school.The 17 deaths overshadow theathletic damages but the athlet-ics are an important part of thetown’s comeback.The Seminoles already had ahill to climb after losing 16 of 22starters from a 9-3 team.Smithville head coach BubbaTacker doesn’t want to call it a re-building year.“We’re going to play football,fundamentally sound football,”Tacker said. “We’re not in thebusiness of making excuses.We’re going to play ... and try towin every game.”Finding eight new starters oneach side of the ball was chal-lenge number one during theopeningweeks of practice.“Anytimeyou lose thatmanyat

any school, that’s the challenge,to find the ones who are going tostepup,”Tacker said.“Youalwayswant to have experience in therebut sometimes you don’t havethat luxury.”Drew Lann will enter the sea-son as the starting quarterback.Senior JakeMcClarybrings expe-rience at right guard to help an-chor theoffensive line andwill bekey on the defensive line as well.“It’s a starting over process for

the town, the school, the footballteam, everybody.One thing that’skeeping us going is traditionhere,” Tacker said.Players have spent the offsea-son working out in a borrowedbarn, without air conditioning.“One thing that’s kept themcoming back is the tradition inthe football program,” Tackersaid. “That says a lot about them.A lot of people could have foldedup andwent other places.”

Tornado-tested Seminoles focus on future

Tacker

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALSmithville’s J.T. Pitts isn’t afraid of hitting or getting hit.





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Cougars fast factsDivision: 2-3A2010 record: 4-8, 2-3 divisionCoach: Roger Chism (2nd year)Starters back: 6 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchQB Alex Pannell, Jr.Leading candidate to fill vacancy leftby graduation of three-year starterWesley Barefield.

OL/DL Jay Wade, Sr.Anchors the line on both sides of thefootball.

K/P Matt Collums, Jr.Cougars will look to him for an edgeon special teams.

South Pontotoc

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Houston 7:30Aug. 26 at Ethel 7:30Sept. 2 at Ripley 7:30Sept. 9 at North Pontotoc 7:30Sept. 16 North Panola 7:30Sept. 23 Baldwyn 7:30Sept. 30 at Nettleton* 7:30Oct. 7 Water Valley* 7:00Oct. 14 Mantachie* 7:00Oct. 21 at Mooreville* 7:00Oct. 28 at Aberdeen* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTA sophomore-laden team will needto mature quickly. ... The Cougarsmust replace their QB and top tworunning backs. ... Kicker Matt Col-lums will provide help on specialteams, especially inside the 30. ...A mid-season surge helped theCougars qualify for last year’splayoffs.


During a recent practice ses-sion, Roger Chism worked withhis defensive linemen on avoid-ing trapblocks.Hecoached themon technique, butmore than that– he emphasized the importanceof attitude.“You’ve got to be tough to playthis game,” he repeated as hepaced down the row of linemen.Chism, a long-timeassistant atSouth Pontotoc, took over thehead coaching spot midwaythrough last seasonand isback tostart the 2011 campaign.With a lineup filled withyounger players, one of his pri-mary topics has been their ap-proach to the game.“We want guys to be more ag-gressive,” saidChism,who lost 23players from last year’s roster tograduation, transfer or ineligibil-ity.“We’re going tobevery simple,but what we do, we want to do itright.“We’ll do it right starting out,thenas theymature football-wise

and age-wise and physical-wise,we’ll domore.”After the graduation of three-year starting quarterbackWesleyBarefield, two are competing tofill the slot. AlexPannell andTrentPriest are battling for playingtime.

‘TIGHT RACE’ AT QB“It’s a tight race,” Chism said.“Bothare first-timers, but are get-ting better every day. One dayone looks better, then the nextday the other looks better. Alex isa good runner and Trent is moreof a thrower.“If we could roll them up intoone, it would be perfect.”Chism is pleased with the ex-perience coming back on the of-fensive line and at wideout.“We’ve got four seniors on theline and we think that’s a strongpoint for us,” Chism said.Ryne Long, a senior, and EvanKidd, a junior, ran routes at widereceiver last season. Keith Flow-ers, a junior, and Josh Estes, asophomore, are playing well inthe backfield.

“We’re sophomore loaded,”Chism said. “Sophomores every-where.”The Cougars will start withmore depth on defense. PrestonBagwell, Malique Williams,Dustin Ivie,Tyler Lindsey,RodneyParrish, Pannell, Matt Bailey andMattAdamsall hadexperience inlast year’s playoff run.“We’re not blessed with speed,so it’s going to take 11 of us to getwhere we’re supposed to be,”Chism said. “It’ll take some time.We’re a work in progress. I don’tthink we’ll be the same teamstarting out as we’ll be down theroad.“The kids will learn somethings and get better.”A strong point will be specialteams. Returning kicker MattCollums, a standout on theCougars’ soccer team, will becalled onmore frequently.“He’s got a great leg,” Chismsaid.“We feel like ifwecanget theball to the 30-yard line, he canput it up. That’s nice to have, toget three, becausepoints arehardto come by.”

Cougars rebuilding the right way

Chism



Yellowjackets fast factsDivision: 2-5A2010 record: 5-6, 3-4 divisionCoach: Jamie Mitchell (2nd year)Starters back: 4 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchOL/DL Eric Rogers, Sr.Starter on both sides of the ball andreceiving D1 recruiting interest.

RB Preston Baker, Jr.Saw time at running back and wingback last year and is a weaponalso in the passing game.

LB Stanley Higgins, Jr.One of the team’s top tacklers from ayear ago, he leads an experiencedlinebacker group.

Starkville

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Noxubee County 7:30Aug. 26 Madison Central 7:30Sept. 2 Tupelo 7:30Sept. 9 at West Point 7:30Sept. 16 OPENSept. 23 Lanier* 7:30Sept. 30 Provine* 7:30Oct. 7 at Ridgeland *7:00Oct. 14 Canton* 7:00Oct. 21 at Yazoo City* 7:00Oct. 28 Callaway* 7:00Nov. 4 at Neshoba Central* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTThe Jackets have missed the post-season 2 straight seasons, a rarityfor the program. ... Junior startingLB David Fair is the son of formerStarkville and Mississippi Staterunning back David Fair. ... JuniorQB Gabe Myles attempted just 18passes last year behind 3-yearstarter Jaquez Johnson, who isnow at East Mississippi Commu-nity College. ... Former Aberdeenoffensive coordinator Justin Mossenters his first season as theJackets’ offensive line coach.

BY PAUL JONESSPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Starkville experienced its shareof change last year. First and fore-most, it was the first seasonunder the direction of headcoach Jamie Mitchell and thatfeatured an obvious adjustmentperiod for the players.Although the newness of thecoaching staff has worn off, theJackets experience more changethis year when they drop fromClass 6A to the Class 5A ranks.But even with a new divisionand different names on theschedule, Mitchell said the tran-sition period this offseason waslight years ahead of last year.“There is no comparison fromlast year to this year,” saidMitchell, whose first Starkvillesquad finished 5-6 and out of theplayoffs. “Our kids knowour staffnow, their knowledge is muchbetter and the tempo is a lot bet-ter in practice. We can actuallypractice now and not have to goover plays over and over again.“But we do have an unbeliev-

able young team and we have tosee how all of that develops.”Most of the Jackets’ familiarfaces return on the defensiveside, with six returning starters.Juniors Stanley Higgins andDavid Fair are back at linebackerwhile senior Eric Rogers will pulldouble duty at defensive tackleand offensive guard.Also returning in the secondary

will be junior free safety JohnnySmith and seniorDevinMitchell.“Our defensewill likely have tocarry us until our offense growsup,” said Mitchell. “We feel goodabout our linebackers and wehave good experience in our sec-ondary. Sowewill have to leanonthose guys.”Only four starters are back onoffense and the Jacketsmust finda new quarterback, too. Battlingto get reps under center will bejunior Gabe Myles and sopho-more Princeton Jones.“Both of those guys are giftedathletes and good runners,” saidMitchell. “They do need to im-prove in the passing game butthat has been a good battle.”Mitchell is also a returningstarter at fullback along withRogers on the offensive line.Other returning starters includejunior offensive guard JawonJohnsonand junior runningbackPreston Baker.“Wedon’t knowhowwewill bewith a new quarterback andsome new guys at tailback,” saidMitchell.

Volunteers fast factsDivision: MAIS 1-AAA2010 record: 3-8, 1-4 divisionCoach: Jeff Terrill (2nd year)Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watchFB Ryan Mann, Sr.May also get some snaps at QB incertain packages.

RB Ryan McKell, Sr.Leading rusher from a year ago andone of team’s top leaders.

LB Stephen Robinson, Jr.Leader of an experienced lineback-ers corps.

Starkville Academy

SCHEDULEAug. 19 St. Andrews 7:30Aug. 26 at Heritage 7:00Sept. 2 Mag. Hts. 7:00Sept. 9 at Leake 7:00Sept. 16 at Hillcrest* 7:00Sept. 23 at Jackson Prep* 7:00Sept. 30 Copiah* 7:00Oct. 7 Park Lane* 7:00Oct. 14 at Winston 7:00Oct. 21 ERA* 7:00Oct. 28 at Pres. Chr.* 7:00

*–MAIS AAA game

SCOUTING REPORTThe Volunteers won 3 games lastyear, including 2 of their last 3 out-ings, after going winless in 2009.... The Volunteers’ defense surren-dered 29 points or more in 6 of 11games last fall but do return 9starters. ... Terrill coached 8 sea-sons at Itawamba Community Col-lege before taking over theStarkville Academy program lastyear.


After coaching at the juniorcollege level for most of the lastdecade, Starkville Academy headcoach Jeff Terrill faced an adjust-ment last season. Hewas back inhigh school football as well ascoaching in the academy ranks.Looking ahead to 2011, Terrillfaces more adjustment but thistime it focuses on finding re-placements on the offensive sideof the football.Terrillwill return six starters onoffensebutwill have tobreak in anew quarterback. Followingspring practice, it was juniorDrew Pellum that took that roleunder center.“Drew is a good, all-aroundathlete,” saidTerrill. “He runs theoption well and we worked thisspring on throwing theball sowecan throw it better than last year.”Senior Ryan Mann returns atfullback for the Volunteers whileseniorRyanMcKell joinsMann inthe backfield at running back.The Volunteers also return a trio

of offensive linemen in seniorsJames Mapp, Angus Cachut andCollins Stokes.“I am an old-school coach, sowe will always focus on the fun-damentals on both sides of theball,” saidTerrill. “Wealsowant toplay physical on offense and findthe best scheme that fits our per-sonnel. So we will bounce someguys around this year and seewho fits best at what spot.”Starkville Academy returnsnine starters on defense, includ-ing junior outside linebackerStephen Robinson. Terrill willalso return experience in the sec-ondary with juniors BrandonSharpe andTaylor Hunt.

“Our strength will be our line-backer group,” noted Terrill. “Wehave nine of 11 starters back andwe should be stronger and faster.So we all expect to be a lot morecompetitive on defense.”

SIGNS OF PROGRESSObviously, football games areplayed in the fall and that iswhenthe outcomes are determined.But coaches will also tell youfootball games are won and lostin the offseason, and judgingfrom this year’s offseason, Terrillis optimistic abouthisVolunteers.In his first year at StarkvilleAcademy, Terrill and companywent 3-8 and showed great im-provement from 2009’s winlesscampaign.“It is our second year here nowand that naturally helps thingsalone,” saidTerrill. “And it has re-ally helped with the attitude andtheworkethicof ourplayers.Thisoffseason it was as different asday and night.We still have a lotof work left to do but I was verypleased with the work ethic ofour guys.”

Yellowjackets ready to tackle 5A foes

‘Old-school’ coach focuses on fundamentals

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALStarkville QB Gabe Myles runsfrom pressure to score a touch-don against McComb last week.

Mitchell

Terrill

‘This offseason itwas as different as dayand night.’Jeff TerrillStarkville Academy head coach



Rebels fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 1-9, 0-7 divisionCoach: Trey Rolison (3rd year)Starters back: 8 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchRB O’Neal Cummings, Sr.Offensive threat from three positions,led team in rushing last year withjust under 1,000 yards at QB.

RB Demario Dawkins, So.Explosive option in the backfield whohas started since 8th grade.

FB/LB Logan Dodds, Jr.Team’s leading returning tackler with78 in his sophomore season.

Thrasher

SCHEDULEAug. 26 New Site 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 OPENSept. 16 Coldwater* 7:30Sept. 23 at Biggersville* 7:30Sept. 30 Houlka* 7:30Oct. 7 at TCPS* 7:00Oct. 14 H.W. Byers* 7:00Oct. 21 Falkner* 7:00Oct. 28 at Smithville *7:00Nov. 4 Vardaman* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTJunior Logan Dodds has earned thenickname “The Robot” by hispeers. “You tell him to do some-thing one time it’s like it’s pro-grammed in him. You never haveto tell him again,” head coach TreyRolison said.… Freshman line-man Telvin Lowery can alreadysquat a massive 600 lbs. in theweight room.… Rolison feelsthings are finally starting to go inthe right direction in Thrasher.“We’ve just gotta take the mo-mentum and keep rolling.”


Building depth has been anissue in past years for theThrasher football program.Third-year coach Trey Rolisonhas been focusing on increasinghis team’snumbers.This year, thefruit of Rolison’s efforts maybegin to show.“We’ve got the best numbersright now that we’ve had,” saidRolison. “We’re almost a full two-deep on the offensive line, two-deep in the backfield.We haven’thad that yet.”Add that, and the fact theRebels are still a young squad,and the future is bright for thePrentiss County school that has-n’t had awinning football seasonin nearly twenty years.“Last year we started sevenfreshman and an eighth graderon both sides of the football,”Rolison said. “So we’re still veryyoung this year. But those youngguys all have experience.”Leadershipwill not be an issuewith the return of O’Neal Cum-

mings.The senior started at wide re-ceiver two years ago and at quar-terback last year. This season,Cummings looks to take more ofa role as a running back.“This season with some of thethings we’re doing, we’re gonna

be looking at him at some otherpositions that will make usmoredynamic,”Rolison said.“Butwe’llstill have some packages tailoredto him at quarterback.”Cummings’ stepbrother De-mario Dawkins will join him inthe backfield and is “as explosiveas they come when he wants tobe.”Freshman Telvin Lowery, whostarted as an 8th grader last sea-son, will anchor both sides of theline and will be joined by TylerDoggett and Biggersville transferTyler Brooks.Rolison talked highly of juniorlinebacker Logan Dodds, whowill be the team’s leader on de-fense and will also see time asfullback on offense.“He’ll do anything you ask himto do,” said Rolison. “He has thehighest threshold of pain of anyguy I’ve been around. If all ofthem were like him we’d be in apretty good boat around here.”The Rebels will also look togritty freshman Timmy Robert-son to make an impact at cor-ner.

YoungRebels building depth

Rolison

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNALThrasher’s O’Neal Cummingshas been all over the field for theRebels. He started at quarter-back last year and could be theteam’s running back this season.

Union County fast factsDivision:MHSAA independent2010 record: 2-0Coach: Scott DuleyStarters back: 11 offense, 11 defense

Players to watchFB/LB Gradon Pannell, Sr.Part of a three-back set.RB Broderick Montgomery, So.Good vision and very aggressive.QB/S D.J. Armstrong, So.Leader of a run-oriented offense.

Union County

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Hatley 7:30Aug. 25 OPENSept. 2 Biggersville 7:30Sept. 9 at Mantachie 7:30Sept. 16 at Ripley 7:30Sept. 23 at Strayhorn 7:30Sept. 30 Benton County 7:30Oct. 7 at New Site 7:00Oct. 14 at Potts Camp 7:00

SCOUTING REPORTThe Union County team has just fourseniors and three of the team’sfour defensive linemen also willp;lay on offense. ... Don’t look forthe team to pass a whole lot out ofits Wing-T formation. ... JonathanValle is slated to be the team’skicker. ... 2010 starting DL StanGilbert moved to New Albany. ...Union County hopes to play itshome games at the New AlbanySportsplex.


The Union County footballprogram puts its undefeatedmark on the line this year againstsome heavyweights.“We played two againstJumpertown last year and wewon both of those games,” saidUC head coach Scott Duley. “Butthis year will be our first year toplay a full varsity schedule.”In three years, the UnionCounty program – a co-op squadinvolving student athletes fromEast Union, Ingomar, Myrtle andWest Union schools – has transi-tionedfromajuniorhighprogramthrougha junior varsityphasebe-fore evolving to the varsity level.So after playing only two var-sity contests last year, 40UCplay-ers will do battle against Hatley,Biggersville, Mantachie and Rip-ley this fall in contests that mat-ter.“It’s good to have a test likethat,” Duley said about playingperennial Class 3A power Ripleyin its fourth game of the season.

“It is onlyour thirdyearbutwedohave some good boys here.“So, hopefully we’ll get to seewhat kind of mettle they aremade of.”For now, Duley just wants hisplayers to be aggressive in com-petition.

FLYING WITH WING-T“We’re going to run aWing-T,”said the Union County coach. “Atwo-tight,Wing-T.We’re going todo awhole lotmore of theT thanwe are the wing.“We’re going to be in a three-back – you, know,heavybackfield– straight across set most of thetime. We’re just going to try toteachthemtobeaggressive,and ifwe can teach them that, we’regoing tobe, I think,doingour jobs.“And one way you can teachthem that (to be aggressive) is torun that type of an offense.”RunningbackBroderickMont-gomery may already have thatdetermination thatDuley andhisstaff are looking for.“He’s good.He’s gotpretty goodhips, pretty good vision,” Duley

said. “He’s very aggressive. Hedoes not like to go down. ... He’sgotten a lot stronger, but I wouldlike for him to weigh 180 insteadof 160.”A week before the 2011 seasonkicked off, Duley said his team’soffense was “pretty well set, butdefensively, we are still workingon personnel.”The defense will be very basic,says Duley.“We can run a four-man frontor a five-man front. We can runCover 3 or Cover 2 behind it,”added Duley. “But we have to bevery, very basic.“Until they begin to learn howto play one defense very well,we’re not going to be multiple,just because I want to put themin a position to be successful atone thing at a time.“And they have not grown upplaying football. Most of thesekids have not played junior highfootball, they have never playedlittle league football.“There was no little leaguefootball inUnionCountyuntil re-cently.”

Co-op teamready for full varsity schedule

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALUnion County coach ScottDuley tests his defense.



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Braves fast factsDivision: 1-4A2010 record: 1-10, 0-5 divisionCoach: Lanny Jones (1st year)Starters back: 5 offense, 5 defense

Players to watchRB Bobby Felker, Sr.Offensive threat at more than one

position, ran for 402 yards as theteam’s quarterback last season.

OG/DE Channing Holland, Jr.Will anchor a very inexperienced and

small offensive and defensive line.MLB Clint Jones, Sr.Team’s leader on defense, made 13

tackles in smaller role as a junior.

Tishomingo County

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at Byhalia 7:30Aug. 26 Alcorn Central 7:30Sept. 2 at Belmont 7:30Sept. 9 Kossuth 7:30Sept. 16 at Booneville 7:30Sept. 23 at Wilson, Ala. 7:30Sept. 30 at Amory* 7:30Oct. 7 Pontotoc* 7:00Oct. 14 Corinth* 7:00Oct. 21 at Shannon* 7:00Oct. 28 Itawamba AHS* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTFirst-year head coach Lanny Jones

will run an up-tempo, rotating of-fense using two running backs.Defensively, the Braves will run a3-3 stack. ... Tishomingo Countyplayed more than 40 7-on-7games this summer to help focuson their skill positions, winningtwo tournaments (Trinity Moun-tain, Ala., Shootout, TishomingoCounty Tournament) and finishingrunner-up in another (HardinCounty, Tenn., Tournament).


Believe it or not, Lanny Jonesactually once dreamed aboutbeing the head football coach atTishomingo County.“I had a dream one time I wascoaching at Tish. County,” Jonesrecalled. “I don’t know why I did,but that’s just how itworkedout.”After spending the past sevenyears as a coach in Alabama andafter winning a Class 3A statechampionship as an assistant atLeeds High School last season,Jones has his chance to lead theBraves onto the field.TheMantachie native and for-mer Itawamba Community Col-lege player takes over aTishomingo County programthathaswon just three games thepast two seasons, includingpost-ing a 1-10mark last year.“We have to bring some prideback into the program,” saidJones. “We have to unify theschool andcommunitieswith theprogram. It’s hard to play wheneverybody’s negative and the

image is negative.“I told our guys ‘Let’s make thefall as exciting as our spring andwinter sports and let it be a posi-tive thing.’”A “big, big plus” for the Bravesis in the skill positions, whereJones believes he can go three-deep depthwise.Bobby Felker, who started atquarterback last season, will be

converted to a running back andwill join KyleWood in the back-field. Junior JohnnyMcDuffy willreclaim his spot behind centerthat he held as a freshman.Brothers Chandler andCameronDexter will be the go toreceivers,Chandler fromthe tightend position.Tishomingo County’s biggestquestion on offense will be theline, where only one player re-turning has varsity experience.“Our line is very inexperiencedand is our big question mark,”Jones said.“Ifwe get our linemenon the same page I think we cansurprise some people.”Jones said he felt good abouthis defense coming out of springtraining. The Braves will try tomake up for their smaller sizealong the lines by trying to createspace and control the gaps.Clint Jones will anchorTishomingo County’s defense asmiddle linebacker and will bejoined by Chance Newcomb.Jones also cited the improvementof Mason Sykes as their “bandit”linebacker.

Dreamcomes true forBraves’ new coach

‘We have tobring some pride backinto the program.’Lanny JonesTishomingo County head coach

CATHY WOODLanny Jones takes over a foot-ball program with three wins inthe past two seasons.



Golden Wave fast factsDivision: 1-6A2010 record: 7-4, 3-4 division, lostin first round of playoffs.

Coach: David Bradberry (2nd year)Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watchRB/WR/DB Ashton Shumpert, Jr.Rushed for 1,328 yards, including282 in win against Southaven.

QB Luke Hobson, Sr.Completed 66 of 142 for 1,221yards, 9 TDs last year.

WR/DB Matt McIntosh, Sr.15 catches for 257 yards, 2 TDs.

Tupelo

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Lafayette 7:30Aug. 26 at Center Hill 7:30Sept. 2 at Starkville 7:30Sept. 9 at Shannon 7:30Sept. 16 OPENSept. 23 at Columbus* 7:30Sept. 30 Grenada* 7:30Oct. 7 Southaven* 7:00Oct. 14 at South Panola* 7:00Oct. 21 DeSoto Central* 7:00Oct. 28 at Horn Lake* 7:00Nov. 4 Olive Branch* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTWR/DB Josh Hamilton has the poten-tial to pile up some big numberson both sides of the ball with a fullseason under his belt. ... DL JoeyTine will be a crucial new memberof Wave’s rebuilt OL. ... DE BenAldridge is also expected to playTE on offense. ... Two newcoaches on the staff are FredHadley, receivers and TerenceAdair, D-line.


Tupelo’s got plenty of offensivefirepower when it comes to theskill positions, starting with ver-satile running back AshtonShumpert.The question second-yearGoldenWave coach David Brad-berryhas in thepreseason is:Willour offensive line be ready?“It’s going to be a day-to-daything, a work in progress,” an-swers offensive line coach BrianJones. “We’ve got to find the rightmix, get a comfort level and geton the same page.”Aubrey Thomas, who’ll start atcenter, and Jalen Franklin, whowill play guard and tackle, havethe most varsity experience. Acoupleofdefensive linemen, JoeyTine and Jeremiah Dent, will seetwo-way action – Tine at guardandDent at tackle.Tackles Kasey Grice and ChrisGowdy, alongwith guardChanceMcCarty and center Ben Loganare in themix.“We’ll scramble them someand settle into somekindof rota-tion,” Bradberry said.Shumpert, who rushed for1,328 yards his sophomore sea-son, returns as one of the state’s

top skill players.He’ll be joinedbya trioof talented receivers inMattMcIntosh, Josh Hamilton andZach Johnson.“All three (receivers) are verytalented,” offensive coordinatorAndy Crotwell said. “The key ishow consistent they’ll be.”Luke Hobson returns for hisfinal season at quarterback afterthrowing for 1,221 yards in hisfirst season as the starter. He’sconfidenthe’ll get theblockingheneeds to run the offense.“We’ve got some big, strong

young guys there,” he said.Defensively, theWave hopes tomake up what it lacks in speedwith knowledge and strength.

‘RUN TO THE BALL’“We’ve got strong kids, butwe’vegot toget themto run to theball,” defensive coordinatorLamar Aldridge said. “We don’thave a lot of speed.”HamiltonandMcIntoshare ex-pected to join the secondary,along with returning starterJaques Knowles, who will playfullback on offense. The ends inthe 4-2-5 scheme will be BenAldridge andMarvinFairley,whoshared playing time last year.Aldridge and outside linebackerDevonte Quinn will also playtight end on offense.“Quinn’s a good leader,” LamarAldridge said.“We’re countingonhim tomakeplays (defensively).”Dent, Gowdy, Tine and yet an-other JoshHamiltonwillwork in-side on the defensive front. Theinside linebackers are LadariusWatkins andTaylor Floyd.“We’re going to find out if wecan tackle,” Bradberry said.“We’ve got some guys that wethink can.”Kickingandpuntingdutieswillbehandledby juniorDrewWhite.

Offensive line isWave’s biggest question

Bradberry

C. TODD SHERMANTupelo’s Matt McIntosh is ex-pected to see playing time at bothwide receiver and defensive back.


Tupelo football fans andGoldenWaveopponentswill no-tice a fewslight changes this sea-son in Ashton Shumpert.First, he’s a couple of inchestaller. “I’ve grown two inchessince last season,” said the 202-pound junior runningback,whowill be listed at 6-foot-2 in thisyear’s program.Second, he’s gotten a stepfaster, thanks to some intenserunning work in the summer.“I’veworkedwith a trainer to getfaster,” he said.Last season, his first with theGolden Wave after transferringfrom Itawamba AHS, he was bigenough and fast enough to rushfor 1,328 yards, throw a touch-down pass and catch ninepasses for 65 yards.“He’s definitely a threat hand-ing the ball to and throwing to,”quarterback Luke Hobson said.“He’s got the best hands on the

team.”Tupelo offensive coordinatorAndy Crotwell is in charge ofmaking sure Shumpert gets hishands on the ball as much aspossible.“He has to touch the ball a lotof different ways – running theball and catching passes,”Crotwell said.“He’s gaineda stepspeed wise and he doesn’t gettired as quickly as he did.“He feels more comfortablewith what we’re doing. Last sea-son was a learning process forhim.”

VERSATILE THREATShumpert is excited about theprospect of contributing in vari-ous ways this season.“I know I’ll play slot receiverandgo inmotion some,”he said.“I think I can help us catchingthe ball. I also expect to returnkickoffs and punts.”Shumpert can throw a pass ifneeded, too. Last season, hethrew a 56-yard game-clinching

halfback pass for a TD againstSouthaven in a crucial Division1-6A road game. Tupelo set theplay up with pitches toShumpert earlier in the game.“We knew the defense wouldbite,” Shumpert said of the play.“The receiver was wide open.”Shumpert will be running be-hind a new offensive line, buthe’s confidenthe’ll get theblock-ing he needs to pile up yardage.“We’ve got some pretty bigbodies up front,” he said. “I’mconfident I’ll get the blocking.We’ve been working on it and Ithink we’ll be all right there.”From a recruiting standpoint,Shumpert continues to receiveletters from “everybody” want-inghis obtainhis services in col-lege.“I’m not going to worry aboutall that until after the season,”hesaid. “I’m interested in Ole Missand Mississippi State. Ole Misshas really been after me. I’d liketo take some visits out of state.Georgiamay be one of those.”

Shumpert: Bigger, faster, stronger

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNALTupelo running back Ashton Shumpert rushed for 1,328 yards lastseason and will be the focus of the Wave’s offense this fall. D

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Last year, injuries took a toll onthe Rams and they still advancedto the MHSAA Class 1A statequarterfinals.This year, theRamsare healthy heading into the sea-son and are looking to go far intothe playoffs.“If everyone stays healthy we’llhavea shot,” saidVardamanheadcoach JustinHollis. “We’ll have asgood a chance as anybody. Butwe still have to play the game.”Quarterback Cody Jenkinswent down with a torn ACL dur-ing the Rams’ seventh game ofthe 2010 season, and was lost forthe rest of the year. The junior isnow back at full speed.Hoping to give Jenkins all thetime to throw and adequate run-ning room are center DustinAlexander, right guard DillonLandreth, right tackle AdamWright, left guard Cody Smithand left tackle AustinTallent.Those big boys will also beopening up holes for runningback Lavorris Hatchett and H-

back Jamie Jenkins. On the edgeare wideouts Evander Holmes,Eric Jones andTaWest.“Our skill guysarewherewearegoing tobe young this year,”Hol-lis said.“That’swherewe lost a lotof our wideouts, wide receivers.“But we got good ones to re-place them with. I really like the

ones we got.”Walker completed 60 of 94passes for 1,043 yards and 15touchdowns in split time last sea-son as a sophomore.

WELCOME BACKIn a split 4-4 attacking defense,the Rams linebackers should besolid with the return of insidebacker Jamie Jenkins,who sat outall of last year with a fracturedneck suffered in a car accident.Andon theD-line, theRams re-turn three of four starters fromlast year’s squad. The defensivetackles are Landreth, Keon NealandMack Armstrong.The 6-foot-21⁄2, 280-poundNeal, a transfer fromWaterValley,should provide a stellar perform-ance in the trenches.“I’ll have himat 280 andDillon(Landreth) at 275 in themiddle,”Hollis said. “And the thing withDillon is that he plays hard. Heplays hard.”Holmes, West, Walker andCody Jenkins – who will also seetime at outside linebacker – willman the secondary.


Eagles fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 7-4Coach: Aubrey Boren (4th year)Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watchQB/LB Andrew Soper, Jr.Recorded 108 tackles to led teamlast season.

WR/RB/DB Dallas Finley, Sr.Rushed for 354 yards, 5 TD; caught12 passes for 177 yards, 5 TD.

RB/LB Ron Lavigne, Sr.Rushed for 348 yards, 4 TD; caught 9passes for 133 yards, 3 TD.

TCPS

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Strayhorn 7:30Aug. 26 Middleton, Tenn. 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 at Coldwater* 7:30Sept. 16 Biggersville* 7:30Sept. 22 at Houlka%* 7:30Sept. 30 H.W. Byers* 7:30Oct. 7 Thrasher* 7:00Oct. 14 at Falkner* 7:00Oct. 21 Smithville* 7:00Oct. 28 at Vardaman* 7:00Nov. 4 OPEN


SCOUTING REPORTThe Eagles will play their first fullseason against MHSAA competi-tion in Division 1-1A, which in-cludes powers Smithville andVardaman. ... QBWill Cockrell hasgraduated after throwing for 1,734yards, 23 TD last season. ... TCPSwas 12-9 over the last two sea-sons against a schedule of publicand private school teams.


Tupelo Christian Prep’s firsttwo seasons of public schoolfootball in the Mississippi HighSchool Activities Associationwere successful.The Eagles played as an inde-pendent and compiled a 12-9record, including last year’s 7-4mark.Fourth-year coach AubreyBoren knows his program’s thirdseasonwill be a lotmore compet-itive because TCPS becomes afull-fledged member of MHSAADivision 1-1A, which includespowersSmithville andVardaman.“This senior classwas success-ful as ninth graders,” Boren said.“They expect us to compete andto be competitive in league play.“We want to let everybodyknowwebelonghere, thatwecancompetewith anybody our size.”TCPS enters the season with-out the services of quarterbackWill Cockrell, who passed for1,734 yards and 23 touchdownslast season.

Andrew Soper, 5-foot-11, 195,steps inunder center. Boren likeshis ability to run and throw.“He got some reps last year,”the coach said.“He’s very capableandworks veryhard tobeaquar-terback.Hedoes runhardandhisarm is a lot stronger.“He can throw theball throughyou.”Soper started at linebacker last

seasonand recordeda team-high108 tackles. He’ll likely see someduty there again this season.The Eagles return two of theiroffensive stars in seniors DallasFinley and Ron Lavigne.Finley, who plays runningback, receiver and in the second-ary, rushed for 354 yards and fiveTDs and caught 12passes for 177yards and fiveTDs last season.Lavigne, who’ll play runningback and linebacker, rushed for348 yards andcaughtninepassesfor 133 yards and a combinedseven scores.“It’s going to be fun to get theball in their hands,” Boren said.“They canmakemagic happen.”Two juniors, Charlie Forrestand Stephen Sexton, are slatedfor wide receiver duty.On the front, junior JasonMal-oney is back in the key center po-sition, where he makes theblocking calls and adjustments.“Ourgoal is towin,”Boren said.“We expect to be in Jackson.That’s our goal. To do that we’vegot to stayhealthy.Wecan’t affordto lose any bodies.”

Rams fast factsDivision: 1-1A2010 record: 9-4, 6-1 division,reached quarterfinals of playoffs

Coach: Justin HollisStarters back: 8 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchQB Cody Jenkins, Jr.Threw for 715 yards despite playingin only 7 games.

DL/OL Dillon Landreth, Sr.Newcomer to the game; great size(6-2, 275).

RB/LB Lavorris Hatchett, Sr.Averaged 4 yards per carry in 2010.

Vardaman

SCHEDULEAug. 19 at East Webster 7:00Aug. 26 Bruce 7:30Sept. 2 OPENSept. 9 Falkner* 7:30Sept. 16 at Smithville* 7:30Sept. 23 at H.W. Byers* 7:30Sept. 30 OPENOct. 7 at Coldwater* 7:00Oct. 14 Biggersville* 7:00Oct. 20 at Houlka%* 7:00Oct. 28 TCPS* 7:00Nov. 4 at Thrasher* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTCoach Justin Hollis said his team,which experienced its fair share ofinjuries last year, began camp atfull strength. ... Key losses for theRams in the offseason were: ChrisArmstrong, Damon Johnson,Markus Kimble and Octavius McK-inney. ... The Rams have non-divi-sion games against 2A powersBruce and East Webster. ... TheRams will sport new-look helmetsthat resemble the old ones of profootball’s Rams franchise.

Eagles take next step into divisionplay

Boren

SHELBY DANIELVersatile Dallas Finley accountedfor 10 TDs last season.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNALLavorris Hatchett fights to hangon to the football in a drill.

Hollis

Rams feeling healthy, confident



Wildcats fast factsDivision: 1-2A2010 record: 8-4, 3-2 division,reached first round of playoffs

Coach: Timmy Moore (17th year)Starters back: 5 offense, 8 defense

Players to watchRB/DB Dominic Steele, Sr.Speedy, quick and rushed for 500years and six TDs in 2010.

LB Steven Whittemore, Sr.Undersized, but has a nose for thefootball; led the team with 199total stops in 2010.

OL/DL Tyler Heavener, Sr.Solid two-way player who averagedsix tackles a game.

Walnut

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Booneville 7:30Aug. 25 at Falkner 7:30Sept. 2 at Alcorn Central 7:30Sept. 8 Middleton, Tenn. 7:30Sept. 16 East Webster 7:30Sept. 23 at Hamilton 7:30Sept. 30 Bruce* 7:30Oct. 7 at Calhoun City* 7:00Oct. 14 at Hatley* 7:00Oct. 21 Baldwyn* 7:00Oct. 28 Okolona* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTTheWildcats feature a blitzing style3-4 defense that returns nineplayers who saw a lot of action in2010. ... Last season, ShaquillePerry accounted for 254 of histeam’s 418 points. ... TimmyMoore is a coaching veteran of25-plus seasons. ... Nine seniorson the team have already experi-enced 25 wins and three playoffappearances in their careers.


In 17 years of pacing theWal-nut Wildcat sideline, TimmyMoore saidone thing remains thesame: When it comes to smallschool football, year in and yearout you have to mold the teamaround the talent.This year is no different.“All six of last year’s seniorswere multi-year starters andplayed a huge role for us ... but Ihave always believed at a smallschool, you have to adjust yourscheme to the talent that youhave available,”Moore said.Gone is Shaq Perry, the 2010Daily Journal All-Area Player ofthe Year, but theseWildcats fea-ture a talentednucleus of playerswith three successful yearsundertheir belts. Nine seniors come inwith 25 wins and three postsea-son berths.MHSAA’s Division 1-2A istougher with the addition ofOkolona, last year’sClass 1A statesemifinalist, but Moore believeswith hard work, the Wildcats

could make a run for a fourthplayoff appearance.“We’ll need to be playing somepretty good football when divi-sion play starts, because it’s atough row tohoe fromtop tobot-tom,” said Moore, speaking ofperennial playoff teamsCalhounCity, Baldwyn and Bruce. “If westay healthy and some of theyoung kids step up and con-tribute, I think we have a goodshot (at the playoffs).”

COMMITTEE APPROACHOffensively, theWildcats’ run-ning gamewill be“more by com-mittee than the past couple ofyears,” according to Moore. Se-nior Dominic Steele (500 yardsand six TDs in 2010) will sharecarrieswith seniors JacobHopperand Steven Whittemore, juniorDevonte Bell and sophomoreKylan Crum.The group will run behind anexperienced front in returneesCody Crum, Ethan Wilson, andTylerHeavener, all seniors, and6-foot-4 250-pound sophomoreKolten Roberson.

JuniorDillonBarnes and soph-omore Jake Bennett could bothsee time at quarterback, butBarnescouldget the startingnod,as Bennett continues to recoverfromatornhamstringsufferedonthe final day of spring practice.TheWildcats’ 3-4 blitzing styledefense returnsnineplayerswhosaw a bulk of the action last sea-son. Led by Whittemore, an in-side linebacker with 52 solotackles andanother 147 assists in2010, theWildcats return Steele,senior Brandon Duncan andsophomore Ty Huffman to thesecondary and Wilson, Bell andjunior Colten Shea at linebacker.Heavener and Crum will anchorthe defensive front.Moore said goodplayoutof hisdefense early on will be crucialuntil the offense gels.“With this year’s seasonopenera week earlier, we had one lessweekofpreparation,” saidMoore,who begins his 26th year overall.“With us returning more on thedefensive side of the ball, they’llhave to carryusuntilwecome to-gether offensively.”

Green Wave fast factsDivision: 1-5A2010 record: 14-1, 7-0 division,won Class 5A championship

Coach: Chris Chambless (6th year)Starters back: 5 offense, 2 defense

Players to watchQB Dequinton Spraggins, Sr.Started at free safety last year butgets first shot at QB this fall.

OL Romia Wilson, Sr.Anchors the offensive line from hisguard position and one of threestarters back on the O-line.

DL Freddie Reed, Jr.Had 57 tackles and four sacks lastseason.

West Point

SCHEDULEAug. 20 South Panola 7:30Sept. 2 Columbus 7:30Sept. 9 Starkville 7:30Sept. 16 at Noxubee County 7:30Sept. 23 at Lake Cormorant* 7:30Sept. 30 Hernando* 7:30Oct. 7 at Clarksdale* 7:00Oct. 14 Saltillo* 7:00Oct. 21 at Center Hill* 7:00Oct. 28 at Oxford* 7:00Nov. 4 New Hope* 7:00


SCOUTING REPORTFormer Houston RB Charles Heardtransferred to West Point afterspring practice and will give theGreenWave a big back at 6-2 and215 pounds. ... Junior starting full-back Mario ‘Moose’ Virges is theyounger brother of MSU defensivetackle Curtis Virges. ... Anotheryoung tailback will get his share ofcarries this year in sophomoreAries Williams, who got some brieftime last year with the varsity pro-gram. ...West Point’s lone setbacklast year was a one-point, last-second loss to rival Starkville.


TheWest Point programhas al-waysputanemphasisonwinningstate championships, and thatmindset has been evident thepast twoseasons.TheGreenWaveprogram has captured back-to-back Class 5A state titles and thegoal is no different in 2011.Yes, playmakers have comeand gone on both sides of thefootball like every year. But thehunger and talentwill still be ob-vious inWest Point this year.“We just go back to work andwork as hard as possible,” saidhead coach Chris Chambless.“These kids worked their tails offthis offseason and we will seewhat happens. But we know thekids want to win and we knowthey will put in the work neededto win.”OneofWest Point’s focuses thisyear will be finding a replace-ment for last year’s quarterbackstandout Justin Cox, who signedwithMississippi State. Looking tofill that void is senior DeQuinton

Spraggins, who saw time at re-ceiver and safety last year.“Hehas the same typesof toolsthat Justin has,” said Chambless.“And we always want to put oneof our best athletes at quarter-back.”TheGreenWavedid graduate a1,000-yard rusher inLaKenderickThomas but they return an expe-rienced group in juniors MarioVirges and Tez Pulliam. TheGreen Wave program also wel-

comedHouston transfer CharlesHeard, who will also figure intothe backfield plans.Chambless also returns threestartersup front in seniorsRomiaWilson, Jonathan Jones and AlexHall.“Weareablue-collar offenseallthe way and we will do the samethis year,” notedChambless. “Wehave some good guys in the mixat running back and that also in-cludes sophomore AeriesWilliams. Those guys love to runthe ball and be physical and sodoes our offensive line.”West Point will also have to fillseveral holes on defense, whichhas longbeena strong suit for theGreenWave. The lone returningstarters on defense include sen-ior linebacker Brandon Edwardsand junior defensive linemanFreddie Reed.“We’ve got to fill some holes,”said Chambless. “But we’ve got alot of capability in our guys. Wewill be young and it may takesome time for them to settle infor us to reach our potential ondefense.”

GreenWave looking to build on success

Another fall, another roundof adjustments

Moore

Chambless

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNALWest Point QB Dequinten Sprag-gins has some big shoes to fill forthe Green Wave this season.


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