Gridiron 2021 by The Daily Leader

BROOKHAVEN AND LINCOLN COUNTY’S ORIGINAL FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

2021

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

09/02 - 7:00PM AT NORTHWEST 09/09 - 6:30PM AT ITAWAMBA 09/16 - 6:30PM SOUTHWEST 09/23 - 7:00PM AT PEARL RIVER 09/30 - 6:30PM MS GULF COAST 10/07 - 6:30PM AT HINDS 10/14 - 6:30PM AT EAST CENTRAL 10/21 - 6:30PM EAST MS 10/28 - 6:30PM JONES COLLEGE ■ Home ■ Away

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INDEX FEATURES • SACRIFICES REQUIRED • QUARTERBACKS • IN MEMORIAM • AREA ALUMS • 2021 SCHEDULES

7 9 12 14 18

SEASON PREVIEWS • COPIAH-LINCOLN 16 • BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY 20 • BROOKHAVEN 24 • BOGUE CHITTO 28 • ENTERPRISE 32 • LAWRENCE COUNTY 36 • LOYD STAR 40 • WESSON 44 • WEST LINCOLN 47 • CHEER TEAMS 50

8 THE

DAILY LEADER

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

Stacy Graning

Cliff Furr

Kristi Carney Sarah Johnson

GRIDIRON 6

GRIDIRON 2021

SACRIFICES REQUIRED I

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PLAY THE GAME

t’s a late July morning in southwest Mississippi and all I can think about is how stupid humidity is. My family and I had recently gone on a vacation to a place without humidity. The mornings there would require a light jacket as would the evenings. The temperature barely broke 75 degrees while we were visiting — even with the sun shining. While buying coffee one morning on vacation, I couldn’t help gushing about how amazing the weather was to the CLIFF barista. He turned and smiled FURR while saying that everyone who visits, no matter where they are from, always mentions how great the weather is. “I’m beginning to think we’ve got the best weather in the country,” he said as he handed me my change. “You ever been to Mississippi in the summer,” I asked him. “It’s like hell, but with more humidity.” That’s in the front of my brain just a few weeks later when I’m back home and it’s getting ready to rain. The skies are darkening as I watch a local high school team go through their offseason conditioning program. Most area teams work out early in the morning in order to beat the worst of the heat, but on this day the air is soupy at 7 a.m. as another line of showers moves in from the west. The players are already sweating when they step outside the weight room and form up in lines for sprints. Their coaches use whistles to signal when they want them to sprint and when they can lighten up to a jog. The effort is high as the first group sets a strong pace. Heads are held back, and arms are pumping as teammates are competing with one another to finish first in their group. Down to one set of coaches they run and then rest with hands on knees. And then back they go, sprinting to the other coaches that stand where the workout started. “What number are we on,” asks the head coach. “That was number six right, we’re on number six.” Around him you can see the players realizing that they’ll have to complete the circuit four more times before they’re done. During the eighth rep a lineman goes down. The coaches are watching him closely as is an on-site trainer. He’s not out on his feet, but he’s pushed himself hard from the first run. Now he’s soaking with

sweat and on his hands and knees in tall, wet grass. He wretches and gags while his teammates run back to the starting line. They finish the workout, but he’s done for the day. His coach asks if he’s ok and he nods as he stands up. He runs back down to join his teammates as they end practice by reciting The Lord’s Prayer. Afterwards I overhear him saying, “I’m never eating fried deer steak the night before we work out again.” That made me laugh out loud. That’s sacrifice, right? Pushing yourself to the point of being sick and then being willing to swear off fried deer steak so that it never happens again. Playing football in Mississippi requires a sacrifice that’s paid in sweat. I know that there are MAIS softball and girls’ soccer teams practicing right now along with cheer squads, bands, cross-country teams and MHSAA volleyball programs. They’re all sweating and running and working hard to get ready for their respective seasons. Not trying to minimize their hard work, but there’s nothing like strapping on pads and stepping into the late summer Mississippi heat to play high school football. Everyone wants to be the one wearing a jersey at the big pep rally, walking out on the basketball court while the whole school screams for the team. Everyone wants to be on the bus when you’re riding two hours away to face a school you’ve never been to before during the pre-conference part of the schedule. Everyone wants to stand behind the wall of butcher paper, painted with some witty slogan, butterflies churning before you break through under the goalpost and down to the home sideline. However, everybody doesn’t want to get up and be at the school at 6 a.m. on a Monday in June. Everybody doesn’t want to step into the squat rack and go deep on every rep and every set. Everybody doesn’t want to sit behind an upperclassman, putting in all the same work but never seeing the field as a freshman and sophomore. Let me pause for a second though and acknowledge this — everyone also can’t get up and go to workouts. Some have a job that can’t be missed because their income is needed within their family. I had a peer growing up that was a very good athlete. When he was in high school, he had to make a decision — athletics or work. He wanted a vehicle and chose work. Would he had rather been doing something else than waiting tables all weekend? I’m sure, but he did what he had to do — what was best for him

and his situation. No one ever gave him anything and he was wise beyond his years. My admiration for him now as adults knows no bounds. So, everyone can’t be there in the summer, but the ones that do show up — they know what it takes. It’s really not that hard of a formula to figure out. The best teams in the state have the best summer participation. Does that mean that everyone that has 80-percent of their players working out each week is going to be good? No, you’ve still got to have talent and coaching. Yet, if you have all the talent in the world and show up in the middle of August ready to play without putting in the work during June and July, you’ll never make it. Defending 3A state champs Magee had over 70 players exceed their summer workout attendance goal this year. That’s what buy-in looks like at the championship level. The coaches at Noxubee County, a perennial contender state title contender, have talked in the past about how their players show up on foot, on four-wheelers, loaded in the back of pickup trucks and even on horseback just to get to their field house and weight room. A willingness to do whatever it takes is always an attribute of great teams. I was talking to my favorite coach I ever played for once as a young adult. We were discussing some deep issues about life and about my future. I told him that there was something that I didn’t think I could do and then talked circles for a minute basically confirming I could do it; it would just take sacrifice. He stopped me and had a twinkle in his eyes while pointing a finger as he spoke. “Did you just hear yourself,” he asked. “You can do it; you just don’t want to. You’re not willing to make it a priority. If it’s a priority, you’ll sacrifice whatever it takes.” He was right — he nearly always is. This 2021 issue of The Gridiron is dedicated to those willing and able to make the sacrifice required to play high school football in the Mississippi summer heat — your determination hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cliff Furr is the sports editor of The Daily Leader. He can be reached via email at sports@ dailyleader.com GRIDIRON 2021

LOY

FORTENBERRY ROSS

GRIDIRON 2021

QUARTERBACK FEATURE

FORTENBERRY, LOY AND ROSS LEAD FROM THE QUARTERBACK POSITION

trio of experienced quarterbacks set the standard for signal callers in the area. Senior Tyler Fortenberry, junior Will Loy and senior Dre Ross hope to have their best seasons yet in 2021. All three bring a different set of skills to their team but are unified in making big plays both through the air and on the ground. Fortenberry took over as starting quarterback as a sophomore for then Brookhaven Academy head coach Ron Rushing. He’s grown in skill and size over the course of his career and comes into his final season as a strapping 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior. That size has allowed Fortenberry to pick up big yards on the ground during his career. When BA gets close in the red zone, expect for Fortenberry to put his head down and run over a defender. Or as he did against Cathedral in 2019 while scoring the game winning touchdown, Fortenberry has shown he can go up and over a wannabe tackler. Last season Fortenberry threw for a career high 2,698 yards and 28 scores. As a junior he dropped his interceptions from 14 as a sophomore to eight in 2020. If he chooses to go that route, Fortenberry will only get better as a college football player. He plays basketball and baseball as well and excels at both for the Cougars. His baseball season was cut short by a fastball to his face that ended with a broken jaw.

BY CLIFF FURR | FILE PHOTOS That didn’t slow Fortenberry down for long as he’s ready to lead the Cougars into coach Anthony Hart’s first season at the school. Expect Fortenberry to run, pass and even make tackles from the safety position on defense. Where Fortenberry gets things done with physicality, Wesson junior quarterback Will Loy excels with his feel for the game. The son of Wesson head coach Jeremy Loy, it’s not like Will had much choice on whether he’d play football or not. Will Loy shows great touch on his passes as he’s strong in the short, intermediate and long passing game. A starter since the beginning of his freshman year, last year was Loy’s first full season as the starting QB for the Cobras. He delivered 2,766 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and just three interceptions. 2021 will present a new set of challenges for Loy though as some of his most experienced skill players have graduated. What defenses won’t catch Loy doing is holding on to the ball too long. He has a quick release and is usually on time with his tosses. Over the summer Loy has spent countless hours in the weight room. He’s added almost 20 pounds to his frame. That’s the perks of having a daddy who’s also your head coach — Loy

Senior Tyler Fortenberry, junior Will Loy and senior Dre Ross hope to have their best seasons yet in 2021. All three bring a different set of skills to their team but are unified in making big plays both through the air and on the ground. GRIDIRON 2021

would double up on his workouts with late night lifting sessions being how he spent much of his summer. Loy was thrust into the starting lineup as a freshman. Jeremy Loy knew his son would be the Cobra QB one day, but he worried about throwing him out against varsity defenders at such a young age. Those worries ended up being unfounded as Loy threw 25 touchdowns and led Wesson to the second round of the playoffs in 2019. The Cobras are back in the 3A ranks this season and Loy will see some of the stiffest defenses of his career in 2021. Brookhaven High quarterback senior Dre Ross knows all about facing tough defenders as the Panthers play in the MHSAA 5A ranks. The closing speed of a West Jones or Laurel defense is on another level. A pass behind your receiver will quickly end up in the hands of a closing linebacker. It’s a good thing that Ross can counter speed with speed of his own. The third year starting quarterback runs a 4.48 40-yard dash. There may be no one hungrier to get on the field in 2021 than Ross, as BHS lost much of his junior season to COVID-19 cancellations. Ole Brook has been fortunate to have a lineage of quarterbacks who pass the game down from one multi-year starter to another. When four-year starter Sevante Quinn graduated, it was Ross who stepped up to fill that hole. The thing that Ross does so well is read the defensive cues, especially in the Brookhaven run game. When to keep the ball on a carry and when to give on a handoff is something Ross excels at as defenses know he’s always a threat to take off. Over the course of his career Ross has been pressed into playing defense himself as a safety. BHS coach Tucker Peavey says that making a switch to the other side of the ball doesn’t take much time for adjustments. Ross sees the game so clearly and reads defenses so well, jumping onto the defensive side just means he takes the knowledge he has and spins it around to see it from a different viewpoint. 10

GRIDIRON 2021

TYLER FORTENBERRY, BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY Senior, Quarterback | 6-foot-5, 215-pounds

CAREER STATS: 4,456 yards passing, 44 passing touchdowns, 1,404 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns FAVORITE QUARTERBACK: “Joe Burrow, because I’m an LSU fan.” TOUGHEST DEFENSE FACED: “Riverfield Academy my junior year. They were able to cover the run and pass

because they were very big and fast.” FIRST TOUCHDOWN PASS: “A post against Sylva-Bay Academy to my cousin Dylan when I was a sophomore.” WHAT DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE ON IN 2021: “I want to be able to read defenses and always make the right decisions.”

WILL LOY, WESSON

Junior, Quarterback | 6-foot-1, 180-pounds CAREER STATS: 5,254 yards passing, 64 passing touchdowns, 37 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns

they were just some tough, gritty guys that would get after you. It’s the only game I’ve ever started where we didn’t score.”

FAVORITE QUARTERBACK: “Dak Prescott. He’s a great leader on and off the field and that’s something I want to be. I also love his drive to be the best and how he doesn’t listen to the haters. He’s mentally tough and I think that’s something everyone could get better at.”

FIRST TOUCHDOWN PASS: “My freshman year to Antrelle Sims on a fade. We were down two scores to Mize, and I got in for the fourth quarter. The first play was a TD to Antrelle and that was the first of many for me to him.”

TOUGHEST DEFENSE FACED: “Enterprise-Clarke,

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE ON IN 2021: “My ability to read defenses. I have always been able to know what

DRE ROSS, BROOKHAVEN

Senior, Quarterback | 6-foot, 170-pounds CAREER STATS: 1,198 yards passing, 14 passing touchdowns, 1,032 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns FAVORITE QUARTERBACK: “Josh Allen of the Bills. He’s very versatile and has great arm strength.” TOUGHEST DEFENSE FACED: “The West Jones Mustangs.”

FIRST TOUCHDOWN PASS; “Against McComb my sophomore year. It was our first win that season. I threw a screen to Byrion Robinson and he made the most spectacular play ever.” WHAT DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE ON IN 2021: “Coming into this season I want to know and understand my teammates better. I also want to do a better job at studying my opponents as well.”

the defense is going to do because I’ve been around the game so long, but I want to take that to the next level this year.”

IN MEMORIAM

FRIDAY NIGHTS

WILL BE MISSING A DEDICATED GROUP OF SUPPORTERS THIS SEASON

T JOHN BRIDGES

MARZELL BROOKS 12

GRIDIRON 2021

he sidelines on a high school football Friday night are more than just players and coaches standing in groups watching the game.

There is a village of sorts that also occupy that space. After all, someone has to make sure the water-boys keep their bottles full. There are those determined few that work the chain-crew for the same school year after year. Then there’s photographers, security personnel, radio crews, athletic trainers and doctors that walk back and forth down the sidelines — watching the action and filling a role. Since the start of last football season, the sidelines in this part of Mississippi have lost some beloved members of the fraternity. Lieutenant Marzell Brooks of the Brookhaven Police Department was more than just a school resource officer at Alexander Junior High. Brooks was a 1982 graduate of Brookhaven High who loved his alma mater and supported the school with his time, effort and energy. King Field is a bustling place on a Friday night, especially if the Panthers are hosting McComb or Lawrence County. Brooks would often be up front as fans filed in at the home gate. He’d stop to chat, but also kept his eyes up and scanning the crowd, making sure that everyone was safe as they entered the stadium. You’d then find Brooks standing alongside the fence of the south endzone once play began. The BPD directs traffic

after the final horn sounds as traffic flows down Monticello Street back towards Brookway Boulevard. Helping direct that flow is where you’d find Brooks after a home game was over and if the team was on the road, he’d be there too — often driving an escort vehicle ahead of the team bus as his emergency lights flashed. Brooks passed away on Dec. 20, 2020 — he was 58 years old. His death was felt by so many in Brookhaven, but maybe by none more than his best friend, David “Basie” Johnson. Johnson was also a school resource officer in addition to being a captain for the Brookhaven Police Department. He retired from the department in 2018 after spending 22 years at BHS as SRO and 24 years with the BPD. What he didn’t do was fade away into retirement. Johnson was still a constant presence around the campus and on the sidelines of King Field or wherever BHS was playing on a given Friday night. His love of BHS was second only to that of his family and Lord. Johnson battled health issues after retirement, but that never stopped him from supporting the teams or students at Brookhaven High. Johnson passed away on Jan. 31, 2021 — he was 53 years old.

Brooks and Johnson could almost always be found on the west side of King Field during a BHS home game. The other side of the field — the visitor’s side of the stadium — that’s where you’d find longtime BHS supporter John Bridges Sr. Bridges started working on the chain-gang for BHS when he was 12 years old in the early 1960s. He kept that job and did it every Friday night the Panthers were at home until his health forced him into retirement. Bridges passed away on Dec. 20, 2020. He was 73 years old. For 60 years Bridges took his Friday night responsibilities with a real seriousness. He also served on the chain crew at Co-Lin home games for a number of years. His responsibilities at BHS included making sure the visiting team had a parking spot for their buses. He continued that job on into basketball season. He’d patrol the parking lot beside Sinclair Gymnasium, chain smoking cigarettes and pacing as he waited to move the cones that allowed for the buses from Wayne County or West Jones to pull right to the curb. Bridges led the victory parade through town after the Saints won the Super Bowl in 2010. BHS coach Tucker Peavey recognized Bridge’s dedication by giving him a Brookhaven High letterman’s

jacket after one season. A love of sports is what drew Bridges to the King Field sideline. A love of family is why you’d find Lee Dunaway wherever Brookhaven Academy played over the last few years. Dunaway was a longtime athletic trainer for King’s Daughters Medical Center. He’s wrapped ankles and iced knees at every school in the area as he helped more athletes than anyone could ever count over his career. An alum of BA, Dunaway never loved the job more than when his son Blaine joined the varsity team at the school. From R.M. “Red” Stuart Field on the campus of Brookhaven Academy to road games played in something resembling a cow pasture in northeast Louisiana — Dunaway went wherever the Cougars went. He’d stand just off from the Cougar coaching staff, making the health of the team his top priority. He was still a dad though — urging Blaine on as his son grew into a starting offensive lineman. Cheering for the team when they scored and offering encouragement as the players came on and off the field. If you knew Dunaway, you knew how much he loved his family and specifically his only child. Dunaway passed away on Feb. 17, 2021 — he was 49 years old. All four leave behind family members that love and miss them and Friday night friends that will never forget time spent together under the lights. DAVID MARTIN LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT/BHS PRINCIPAL (2012-2020) “There is a void where Marzell Brooks and Basie Johnson used to be. Their love of Brookhaven schools and the community resonated in all that they did. These two men were a fixture on campus and

at the games. They were my friends and the same to so many others. Basie and Marzell had a genuine presence and personality that made you want to be around them. Friday nights won’t quite be the same without them.” SHANNON AKER BHS FOOTBALL RADIO “I’ve been doing BHS football games on the radio since 2003, Basie and Marzel were everywhere. They cooked for the team every August on Saturday after practice. They were at all home and road games. We knew we were safe with them around our bench on the road. They both loved to encourage kids and always had a kind word for our radio crew. It will be hard to look at their spot by the fence and not see those two longtime Panthers. The Ole Brook family will truly miss those great men.” DR. RANDOLPH HAMILTON BHS TEAM CHAPLIN/PASTOR OF MT. WADE BAPTIST CHURCH “Meeting Basie in the football locker room at BHS in 2004 would change my life forever. I met a person who not only would become one of my best friends, but a member of the church where I have served the last 20 years. Basie knew every player on the team by their first name. How many times did I see him talk to athletes about staying out of trouble and encourage them to use sports to get a good education? I watched Basie’s life transform when he united in membership at Mt. Wade. He grew spiritually and became one of the most committed brothers within the church. Some people leave an impact, others like Basie leave a legacy.” TINA THOMAS ATHLETIC TRAINER, KDMC “Lee was a great boss, but he was also such a great friend. He loved helping people and he loved football. He loved watching Blaine play football most of all. He was someone that didn’t just let

you deal with your problems alone. He’d listen and do whatever he could to make things better.” DAVID CULPEPPER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, KDMC “We didn’t just lose a great athletic trainer when Lee passed away, we lost a great person that cared for the student-athletes in this area like no one else. You can’t imagine the times that Lee would get a call at 10 p.m. from a nervous parent, asking about what they should do with a child that had been injured in a game. He would take that call without hesitating and talk them through their options. He’d tell them when to show up that next morning at the clinic and meet them there to assess their needs. You never knew when he was doing his job, because his job was his life. You don’t replace people like Lee, Basie and Marzell — they’re irreplicable.”

KENNETH BASIE JOHNSON

TUCKER PEAVEY HEAD FOOTBALL COACH/ ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, BHS “I’ve known John Bridges my entire life. He’s someone that took his job seriously and was always willing to help with whatever we asked. John was one of a kind.” TOMMY CLOPTON HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, BHS (2012-2017) “I don’t know if there is anyone more identifiable with King Field than John Bridges. He would tell you he’d been there his whole life. He was always excited and showed up early to make sure things were taken care of. As an athletic director and head coach, not having to worry about who’s going to run the chains or greet the visiting busses takes a lot off your plate. The Ole Brook family has lost a lot this last year. Losing Basie, Marzell and John means you are losing people that have been doing whatever they could to help your program for years without asking for anything in return.”

LEE DUNAWAY GRIDIRON 2021

AREA ALUMS

AREA ALUMS AT THE NEXT LEVEL

WANYA MORRIS Alcorn State University

CHARL’TEZ NUNNERY Lakeland University

JEFFERY JOHNSON Tulane University

Brookhaven High, Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman 6-foot-2, 290-pounds

Lawrence County, Senior Quarterback 5-foot-11, 196-pounds

Brookhaven High, Junior Defensive Lineman 6-foot-3, 295-pounds

Morris and the Braves didn’t play in the SWAC spring season of 2021, but they’ll be one of the favorites to win the league this year. Morris played for Tommy Clopton at BHS before continuing his career at Southwest Mississippi C.C. for current Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey. Morris graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Alcorn opens the season on Aug. 28 in Atlanta at the MEAC/ SWAC Challenge. ESP College Gameday will be there as the Braves take on North Carolina Central. Alcorn hosts Northwestern State in the home opener Sep. 11 in Lorman and closes the season at Jackson State on Nov. 20.

Lakeland University was only able to play three games in its Spring 2021 season, but the Muskies finished 3-0 and Nunnery was a huge reason why. In a 62-14 rout of Wisconsin, Lutheran Nunnery threw four touchdowns and finished with 336-passing yards and 102-rushing yards. After playing at LC for then head coach Jaymie Palmer, Nunnery has gotten better every season for the NCAA Division III Muskies. He’s a long way from Monticello, as Lakeland is located in Plymouth, Wisconsin. In the three games played earlier this year Nunnery averaged 110 rushing yards per game and threw for 700 yards and scored a combined 13 touchdowns via the air and ground.

Johnson has trimmed down and is looking to again anchor the middle of the Green Wave defensive line. In 2020 he started every game for Tulane and finished with 33 tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Several publications have tabbed Johnson as a preseason AllAAC selection. Tulane has made bowl appearances in all three seasons that Johnson has been part of the team. Johnson and the Green Wave open the season with a marquee matchup as the host the University of Oklahoma on Sept. 4 in New Orleans. On Sept., Tulane will travel to Oxford to face Ole Miss.

J.J. JONES University of Charlotte

COKER WRIGHT University of Southern Mississippi

GRANT JACKSON Mississippi State University

Brookhaven High, Junior Defensive Back 6-foot-1, 175-pounds

Brookhaven High, Sophomore Offensive Lineman 6-foot-4, 282-pounds

West Lincoln, Redshirt Freshman Offensive Lineman 6-foot-6, 310-pounds

Coming out of BHS, Jones signed with the University of Southern Miss along with his high school teammate Trace Clopton. They along with Johnson were part of a loaded senior class for then head coach Tommy Clopton. Johnson played in six games for USM and then transferred back to Co-Lin. He initially signed with Louisiana Tech, but then came back to Wesson to play another season for the Wolves. Charlotte opens their season on Sept. 3 when they host Duke. On Nov. 13 the 49ers will visit Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech.

GRIDIRON 2021

The 2020 season didn’t go well for the Southern Miss program as a whole and specifically for Wright. An ankle injury cut his season short as surgery was needed. The renewed energy around the program that’s come with first year head coach Will Hall has everyone in Hattiesburg expecting more for the Eagles in 2021. Wright has showed great versatility in his freshman season of 2019 as he can play any spot along the line. Southern Miss opens the season on Sept. 4 at South Alabama and plays the home opener the following week on Sept. 11 against Grambling State. On Sept. 25 the Golden Eagles will play the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.

The big former West Lincoln Bear made his MSU debut last season as a true freshman, playing in three games for the Bulldogs. Jackson picked the Bulldogs over offers from Florida State, Missouri, Southern Miss, Tulane, UL-Monroe, UL-Lafayette, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, South Alabama and others. He committed in June before his senior season to former MSU coach Joe Moorhead and stuck with the Bulldogs after Moorhead was released and Mike Leach was hired. The first Division I signee in WL history, Jackson and MSU host Louisiana Tech on Sept. 4 in the season opener and LSU on Sept. 25 in their SEC opener.

ERIC BIRCH Oklahoma Panhandle State University Loyd Star, Freshman Running Back 5-foot-9, 208-pounds Birch will look to make the same type of impact in Goodwell, Oklahoma as he did in Hornetville during his high school career. A determined runner who can block and catch as well, Birch now finds himself in the panhandle of Oklahoma which puts him a short drive from New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Kansas. He is, however, about a 14-hour drive away from Caseyville. Birch and the Aggies open the season on Aug. 28 hosting Ottowa University (Kan.).

DEDRIC SMITH Mississippi College Lawrence County, Junior Offensive Lineman 6-foot-6, 280-pounds Lewis played at Pearl River C.C. before signing with West Alabama. The Tigers play in the ultra-competitive Gulf South Conference with the likes of Delta State, Valdosta State and the 2019 national champion West Florida Argonauts.

KADARIUS WELLS

Alcorn State University

Brookhaven High, Freshman Tight End 6-foot-3, 225-pounds Wells begins what one should expect to be a long and fruitful career at Alcorn State after a year delay due to the pandemic. A defensive end and tight end at Brookhaven High, Wells was also a standout basketball player for Ole Brook.

JEREMIAH SUMRALL Miles College Lawrence County, Junior Linebacker 6-foot, 220-pounds Miles College is a private, HBCU located in Fairfield, Alabama that plays on the Division II level. Sumrall and the Bears open the season on Sept. 4 at Alabama State. Miles finished 9-3 in 2019 as the school did not play last season due to the pandemic. Sumrall is a transfer from Southwest Mississippi C.C.

CORBIN LEWIS University of West Alabama Brookhaven High, Junior Offensive Lineman 6-foot-2, 240-pound Smith signed after playing for the Southwest Mississippi C.C. Bears as a freshman and sophomore. The Choctaws are scheduled to host Albany State in their opener on Sept. 2 in Clinton. MC played one game in the spring, losing to Tarleton State on the road. Smith started that game at right tackle for MC.

AREA ALUMS IN THE MACCC •Davis Hart (Bogue Chitto), MS Gulf Coast CC •John Hilbert (Brookhaven High), East Central CC •Avousier Kelly (Lawrence County), Southwest Mississippi CC •Antrelle Sims (Wesson), MS Gulf Coast CC •Chris Freeman (West Lincoln), Co-Lin CC

CLOPTON GOES FROM PUPIL TO TEACHER AT SOUTHERN MISS

race Clopton will still be on the sidelines of M.M. Roberts Stadium this fall in Hattiesburg. His role will be different though as Clopton is making the transition to coaching after suiting up for the Eagles during the previous three seasons. High school was mostly injury free as Clopton played offensive line for his dad Tommy at Brookhaven High. Once he stepped foot on campus, he was the starting center for the Eagles — a feat not easily achieved. On the opening day of the 2018 football season, Clopton was one of just two true freshmen centers in all of FBS football that were starting that day. He ended the season as a FWAA Freshmen All-American. Clopton started every game his sophomore year, but the 2020 season and all that COVID-19 brought along with it was a battle. The Southern Miss football team went through three coaches during the year as Trace’s parents both had a serious bout with the virus. Injuries were something Clopton also had to deal with during his playing career. Two shoulder surgeries, an ankle surgery, a concussion via a headbutt from a UAB player on the sideline and an emergency appendectomy. His 2020 season ended with his arm in a sling after shoulder surgery. Clopton knew it was time to call it a career The plan was to originally pursue a career in the military, however an audible had to be called after he was medically declined. Clopton has been bought in since USM hired new coach Will Hall in early December. The culture that Hall is building is one based on hard work and positive energy. Clopton now finds himself working as an assistant for offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau. He’s now helping to coach up his brothers in black and gold that he just recently lined up beside. Like his grandfather and father, Clopton has been called to be a coach. Expect him to attack the career with the same passion that made him a nightmare for Conference-USA nose tackles during his GRIDIRON 2021 15 playing career.

WOLVES

COPIAH LINCOLN WOLVES

HOPE TO BE ON THE FIELD MORE IN 2021

HEAD COACH: Glenn Davis entering 18th season (91-65) WOLVES COACHING STAFF: Williams Jones, Calvin Green, Maurice Williams, Micah Davis, Jason Guthrie, Robert McFarland

opiah-Lincoln head football coach Glenn Davis and his staff are preparing for a full slate of MACCC football in 2021 after only playing three games last season. The Wolves finished 2-1, but ongoing issues due to COVID-19 forced the school to cancel the rest of what was supposed to be a six-game schedule. The usual cycle for Co-Lin and their community college brethren is to keep their players on campus working out and acquiring credits during summer school. After the season in the fall, they’ll then graduate the bulk of their sophomores and have those players signing with new schools in order to enroll in the spring at a four-year program. The shortened 2020 season gave those sophomores less opportunities to show what they were capable of on the field. It was frustrating for Davis to see his guys stuck in limbo as the NCAA allowing players to transfer without

WOLVES PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL John Allen Southeastern Louisiana Jalen Bedell 16

GRIDIRON 2021

2-1 IN 2020 W — @ Southwest MS 41-3 W — vs. Pearl River 27-24 L — vs. East Central 13-10 OT

losing a year of eligibility caused more uncertainty in the recruiting world. “I just hated it for our kids,” said Davis. “They put in the work and deserve to showcase that on the field, but we couldn’t really do that last year. We’ve got several that are fully vaccinated and we’re hoping that this year will be one with a full season of games.” One silver lining is that the sophomores from last season could return to Wesson and wouldn’t lose a year of eligibility. Several difference makers for CLCC made the choice to do just that including offensive lineman Jalen Armstrong, quarterback Paul Hargrave, wideout Erick Rodgers, linebacker Jalen Campbell, kicker/punter Bryce Lofton and defensive lineman Lamarcus Faulkner. Hargrave redshirted his first season in Wesson before becoming the starting QB last season. A product of Natchez High, he’s a threat to both run and pass the ball. Germantown High prod-

Central Arkansas Jalen Bell Southeastern Louisiana Swayze Bozeman Southern Miss Ke’Shawn Brinkley Jackson State Bo Brooks

Mississippi State Natrone Brooks Southern Miss Dawson Brown UAB Xavier Curry Bluefield State Deion Dampier

uct Colton Gardner will also compete for playing time at quarterback as a freshman. Lining up in the backfield will be another valuable third year returnee, running back Drexlan Allen. The 5-foot-9 Allen is a shifty runner out of Hattiesburg High who’s run for a combined 500 yards thus far in his career. Armstrong is an athletic, physical lineman out of Calhoun City who had offers and could have left Wesson but chose to return in hopes of improving the number and quality of his future opportunities. In the spring while discussing signing day, Davis said that he’d not hold back any sophomores who wanted to move on. “We had a defensive player that was telling us he was going to come back, and he would have been a really good third year sophomore,” said Davis at the time. “He got an offer from a Division I program though, and our coaches let him know that the school recruiting Delta State Jordan Davis Mississippi State Sebastien Dolcine Florida Atlantic Demarcus Gordon Louisiana Tech Malik Heath

Mississippi State Lawilliam Holmes Southeastern Missouri RJ Jarrett Delta State JJ Jernighan Mississippi State Jay Jimison

him was a good fit. We’d have loved to have had him back, but some of those opportunities won’t come back around so you’ve got to take them.” Crystal Spring alum Malik Jones arrived in Wesson last season as a wide receiver transfer from Northwest Mississippi C.C. He’ll make the move to defensive back for defensive coordinator William Jones. With Rogers returning alongside receivers Dontavious Turner of South Pike and Tyqun Henderson of Canton High — that position group should be one of the deepest on the team as a a strong group of freshmen have also joined their ranks. Dartravien “Pop” Girod is another returning wide receiver out of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana that should be a contributor after making one catch last season. The offensive line will once again be under the direction of Robert McFarland in 2021. McFarland returns to the school after spending the previous six seasons as offensive line coach at Louisiana Tech. Prior to that he was on the staff at Co-Lin for three years,

including the 2012 state championship team. The Wolves will play the most challenging schedule in the MACCC as their three cross-over games with north di-

Members of the 2021-2022 Copiah-Lincoln cheer team include, front row, from left, coach Micah Allen, Sydnie Thurman, Alyssa Carraway, Gabriella Hegwood, Lydia Ellis, Anna Hedgepeth, Abbie Graves, Mary Ellen Brock, Allison Hendry, Lindsey Norton, Rainie Welch; back row, from left, August Sullivan, Quintaye Bates, Joe Lee Rutland, Brandon McPhail, Collins Waldrop, William Hodgson, Dustin Prather, Tate Smith, Samuel Mabile, Drew Meilstrup, bus driver Collins Allen. School mascots are Janie Grace Henning and Turner Owens. Team mascot is Carson Allen (kneeling).

Mississippi State Jason Judge Delta State TK McLendon Eastern Kentucky Sherman Mitchell Miles College Tavarian McCullum

Alcorn State Travez Moore Arizona State Tristan Moseley Delta State Rico Owens Delta State CJ Rias

vision schools are loaded with heavyweights. “The top half of the north division is always going to be Northwest, East Mississippi and Itawamba,” said Davis. “And

we’ve got to play all three of them. We’re going to start off with a trip to Northwest and then head to Itawamba the next week. We’ll know where we stand real quick.”

CO-LIN CHEER South Alabama Antoine Robinson Southern Miss Kaleb Robinson Delta State Hunter Sims UL-Lafayette Braxton Spells

Alcorn State Demetrius Swilley Delta State Shaun’Tavis Vardaman UAB Jalen Ware Temple University Tyrus Wheat

Mississippi State Quinn Whitlock North Texas Kobe Wren Alcorn State Trent Tyre South Alabama GRIDIRON 2021

2021 SCHEDULES BROOKHAVEN ACA.

BOGUE CHITTO

BROOKHAVEN HIGH

8/20 @ ACCS

BROOKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

8/27

VS. PISGAH

8/27

VS. CENTRAL HOLMES

8/27

VS. LAWRENCE COUNTY

9/3

VS. SALEM

9/3

@ BOWLING GREEN

9/3

@ PETAL

9/10

@ ENTERPRISE

9/10

@ ST. ALOYSIUS

9/17

VS. MCCOMB

9/17

VS. MIZE

9/17

VS. COPIAH ACADEMY

9/24 @ WEST JONES

9/24 @ PUCKETT

9/24 @ COLUMBIA ACADEMY

10/1

VS. LAUREL

10/1

@ WEST LINCOLN

10/1

VS. HILLCREST CHRISTIAN

10/8

@ WAYNE COUNTY

10/8

VS. LOYD STAR

10/8

VS. SYLVA BAY

10/15 VS. HATTIESBURG

10/15 @ EAST MARION

10/15 @ CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

10/22 VS. FLORENCE

10/22 VS. AMITE COUNTY

10/22 VS. WAYNE ACADEMY

10/29 @ NATCHEZ

10/29 @ FRANKLIN COUNTY

11/5

ENTERPRISE

@ SOUTH JONES

LOYD STAR

LAWRENCE CO.

8/27

@ HILLCREST CHRISTIAN

8/27

@ BROOKHAVEN HIGH

8/27

VS. MIZE

9/3

@ ETHEL

9/3

@ LUMBERTON

9/3

@ MCLAURIN

9/10

VS. BOGUE CHITTO

9/10

VS. NATCHEZ

9/10

@ SALEM

9/17

@ AMITE SCHOOL CENTER

9/17

@ TAYLORSVILLE

9/17

VS. NORTH FORREST

9/24 VS. TAYLORSVILLE

9/24 VS. TYLERTOWN

9/24 VS. STRINGER

10/1

@ BAY SPRINGS

10/1

@ FORREST COUNTY AHS

10/1

VS. EAST MARION

10/8

VS. RICHTON

10/8

VS. POPLARVILLE

10/8

@ BOGUE CHITTO

10/15 VS. SALEM

10/15 @ SUMRALL

10/15 @ ST. ANDREW’S

10/22 @ LUMBERTON

10/22 VS. PURVIS

10/22 @ WEST LINCOLN

10/29 VS. RESURRECTION CATHOLIC

10/29 @ COLUMBIA

10/29 VS. AMITE COUNTY

11/5

@ MOUNT OLIVE

GRIDIRON 2021

WESSON

CO-LIN C.C.

8/27

@ TYLERTOWN

9/2

@ NORTHWEST MS

9/3

VS. FRANKLIN COUNTY

9/9

@ ITAWAMBA

9/10

@ WILKINSON COUNTY

9/16

VS. SOUTHWEST MS

9/17

VS. LUMBERTON

9/23 @ PEARL RIVER

9/24 @ MIZE

9/30 VS. MS GULF COAST

10/1

VS. HAZLEHURST

10/7

10/8

VS. RALEIGH

10/14 @ EAST CENTRAL

@ HINDS

10/15 @ CRYSTAL SPRINGS

10/21 VS. EAST MS

10/22 @ MAGEE

10/28 VS. JONES

10/29 VS. MCLAURIN

WEST LINCOLN

SOUTHWEST C.C.

8/27

@ FRANKLIN COUNTY

8/27

@ FRANKLIN COUNTY

9/3

@ SACRED HEART

9/3

@ SACRED HEART

9/10

VS. PUCKETT

9/10

VS. PUCKETT

9/17

@ MCLAURIN

9/17

@ MCLAURIN

9/24 VS. EAST RANKIN ACADEMY

10/1

VS. BOGUE CHITTO

10/1

VS. BOGUE CHITTO

10/8

VS. ST. ANDREW’S

10/8

VS. ST. ANDREW’S

10/15 @ AMITE COUNTY

10/22 VS. LOYD STAR

10/29 @ EAST MARION

GRIDIRON 2021

“The line has been very coachable, and they’ve worked hard. They’re inexperienced but I think there are some guys that are ready to step up and help their team.” 20

GRIDIRON 2021

— Anthony Hart

BA PREVIEW BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY COUGARS 2020 RESULTS 8-5 last season

2021 ROSTER SENIORS

W — VS. CENTERVILLE ACADEMY 53-6

Tyler Fortenberry, Michael Watts, Corey Case, Collin Burns, Logan Alexander, Trenton Tarver, Austin Hamil, John Rivers Brown, Peyton Reid, Carter Smith, Jake Livingston

L — @ CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 27-17

JUNIORS

W — VS. SYLVA-BAY 35-7 W — VS. AMITE SCHOOL CENTER 57-0 W — @ COLUMBIA ACADEMY 43-26

L — VS. PARKLANE ACADEMY 40-7 L — @ ADAMS COUNTY CHRISTIAN 31-20 L — @ RIVERFIELD ACADEMY 46-13 W — VS. HILLCREST CHRISTIAN 28-18 W — VS. BOWLING GREEN SCHOOL 35-6

MAIS 4A PLAYOFFS W — VS. LEE ACADEMY 35=6 W — @ NORTH DELTA ACADEMY 24-14 L — @ WAYNE ACADEMY 49-21

Mason Davis, Will Thomas Calcote, Tyler Shann, Bailey Reid, Parker Moak, Easton Boyte, Trevor Fortenberry, Rayce Stewart

BA STANDOUTS

COREY CASE

SOPHOMORES

Thomas King, Trace Stewart, Jaden Lea, Dru McDaniel, Levi Dale, Bubba Jordan

FRESHMEN

Morgan Johnson, Nathan Poole, Braden Revere, Austin Tanksley

TREVOR FORTENBERRY

COUGARS GETTING TO WORK

UNDER HART’S WATCH F ootball is football to new Brookhaven Academy head coach Anthony Hart. He’s coached at big schools in the city and smaller ones in the country during his long career. He’s built programs and taken over at places that had an already established culture. The formula for Hart involves teaching young men how to play the game the right way. How to pay attention to details and be accountable to their teammates and coaches. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a 6A school or leading a 1A team, Hart knows that effort, focus and execution can make any team a winner. Hart spent the previous five seasons as the head coach at MHSAA 6A member Madison Central. His retirement from the public

HEAD COACH: Anthony Hart entering first season COUGARS COACHING STAFF: Jaymie Palmer, Caleb Upton, Randy Spring, Ricky Gunter

JAKE LIVINGSTON

HART

school system preceded his hiring at BA in the spring. A big class at Brookhaven Academy has 45 students in it. Madison Central has over 1,200 students in grades 9-12. Football is football though and Hart isn’t going to do anything drastically different at BA than he did at Madison or in his previous stop at Lafayette County.

CARTER SMITH GRIDIRON 2021

He’s liked getting to know his new players over the course of the summer and early fall. “I’ve really enjoyed coaching this group,” said Hart. “They’ve adapted to everything I’ve asked them to do. Their effort has been there. Doing those little things right all the time, like hustling on and off the field — that’s what makes a high school football team.”

OFFENSIVE LINE WILL BE GREEN, BUT CAPABLE IN 2021

BA graduated five senior starters along the offensive line and filling those spots have been a priority for offensive coordinator/line coach Jaymie Palmer since the 2020 season ended. Seniors Jake Livingston and Carter Smith are the most experienced members of the unit this season as they both started at times last year. Sophomore Jackson Porter, junior Tyler Shann, sophomore Bubba Jordan and junior Mason Davis will be among the group of linemen vying for starting positions and playing time in 2021 for the Cougars. “The line has been very coachable, and they’ve worked hard,” said Hart. “They’re inexperienced but I think there are some guys that are ready to step up and help their team.” In senior quarterback Tyler Fortenberry, the Cougars have a proven, returning playmaker. The 6-foot-5 Fortenberry put up big numbers in 2020, running for 810 yards and 12 scores while passing for 2,698 yards and 28 touchdowns. BA made the third round of the MAIS 4A playoffs last season as they whipped Lee Academy at home in the first round and then went to North Delta and upset the higher seeded Green Wave 24-14 in Batesville. Wayne County ended the Cougars season with a 49-21 loss in the state semifinals. Senior running back John Rivers Brown is also an experienced returnee as he went for 431 yards and four scores last season. Trenton Tarver will also be part of the BA offensive attack 22

GRIDIRON 2021

as a fullback. The top three pass catchers from 2020 have graduated, but the Cougars bring back junior Trevor Fortenberry, who caught 22 passes and two scores from his older brother last season. Senior Corey Case is one of the best kickers in the state as he’s been for the last several years. Case will look to branch out more this year as Hart expects him to see action at running back and receiver. Junior Easton Boyte, senior Michael Watts and senior Logan Alexander will all work at the wide receiver position. Watts has played basketball and baseball during his career at the school and came out for football for the first time as a senior. Junior Rayce Stewart will also be in the wideout group as well as serving as back-up quarterback.

TEAM WILL BE LED BY A VETERAN STAFF

Hart will lead the defense for the most part, as he’s not served as a coordinator since leaving Franklin County for Lafayette County in 2004. From 2010-2011, Lafayette County won 32 straight games and two state titles. Both his offensive and defensive coordinators followed him to Madison Central when he took that job in 2016. “My defensive coordinator was with me from 2005 until last year, he took over as head coach at Lafayette County after I stepped down and then came to work with me at Madison,” said Hart. “My offensive coordinator at Madison started with me at LC in 2006. I’ve been very fortunate to have some very good coaches to work with in the past and we’ve got some really good folks here now.” Palmer worked for Hart in 2005 at Lafayette County so there’s already a great amount of trust between the two. Caleb Upton, who’s also the head baseball coach at BA, is entering his third year on the staff after previously working for former coach Ron Rushing. Hart has added Randy Spring and Ricky Gunter to round out

his staff this season. Spring coached football at Brookhaven High during his long tenure at the school as he was also a state championship winning baseball coach at Ole Brook. Gunter was a fixture at Wesson as an assistant coach over his long career. Senior Collin Burns and sophomore Jaden Lea are two players that Hart sees contributing on the defensive line. Smith is the top returning tackler after making 51 stops last season on the defensive line. Most of the BA linemen will play both ways. “I feel really good about our starting 11 on both sides of the ball,” said Hart. “We’re not real deep though so staying healthy will be important.” Tarver, Stewart, Boyte and Trevor Fortenberry will all work as linebackers. Tyler Fortenberry, Brown, Watts, Alexander and Case are all expected to play a big role in the defensive backfield.

NEW MAIS DISTRICT AWAITS IN 2021

The 1A and 2A classifications of MAIS football play the 8-man version of the game. So, the smallest schools in the state that play 11-man are in the 3A class. BA has moved up to the 5A class in other sports but will remain a 4A member in football. The football classification numbers come from a count of male students in grades 8-11, while the other sports are classified by a total count of all students in those grades. This season BA will face new competition in District 4-4A. Their division foes will include Columbia Academy, Bowling Green School and Wayne Academy. Adams County Christian School is a traditionally strong team that’s dropped down into the 4A ranks this season. That’s who the Cougars face in week one as they travel to Natchez to face the Rebels. “I’m usually a week-by-week guy,” said Hart. “We’ll start off by preparing for ACCS and then we’ll take it one week at a time

BA STANDOUTS

JOHN RIVERS BROWN

TRENTON TARVER

MICHAEL WATTS

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“We’re still looking for who’s going to step up at the wide receiver position and we’ve got one or two spots on the line that will sort themselves out in practice.” 24

GRIDIRON 2021 Peavey — Tucker

Bhs PREVIEW BROOKHAVEN HIGH PANTHERS 2020 RESULTS 2-3 last season

L — VS. PETAL 35-14 W — @ SOUTH JONES 28-17 W — @ NATCHEZ 41-38 L — VS. WEST JONES 44-13 MHSAA 5A PLAYOFFS L — @ PASCAGOULA FF

2021 ROSTER SENIORS

Dramarius Ross, Jalin Brown, Latavian Hill, Travion Byrd, Javonta Stewart, Wayne Dickey, Jaden Watson, AJ Robinson, Marvis McDaniel, Kobe Jacobs, Javion Bunzy, O’marion Diggs, Hector Vitervo, Caleb Harris

BHS STANDOUTS

JUNIORS

Da’Shawn Wilson, Caleb Jett, Isaiaha Clairbush, Malachi Williams, Za Marion Diggs, Bryson Porter, Caleb Smith, Daniel Smith, Chris Williams, Donovan Jett, Brodie Ezell, Jaquoin Sanders, Cayden Easley, Jalen Tobias, Landon Smith, Amari Smith, Will Bowman, Amareon Dunnigan

BRODIE EZELL

SOPHOMORES

Xavier Gayten, Kenneth Smith, Jimmy Johns Jr, Chaquez Thomas, JQ Quarles, Kenan Quinn, Nathan Lewis, Bradyn Linton, Kevin Camp, Zach Moore, Austin Pigott, Brice Ashley, Gavin Bennett, Marreo Williams, Bryce Smith, Eric Williams

PANTHERS PUTTING DIFFICULT 2020 IN

CALEB HARRIS

THEIR REARVIEW

rookhaven High football coach Tucker Peavey isn’t a big excuses guy. Peavey knows that football and life both aren’t fair and sometimes you’ll reap things that you didn’t sow when events happen that are beyond your control. Still, you can’t help but feel bad for the players, coaches and fans of Brookhaven High as they dealt with more COVID-19 related issues last year than any school in the area. Their region mates from the JPS cancelled their football seasons before they ever began, so BHS immediately started the year missing three games from their schedule against Jim Hill, Wingfield and Forest Hill. Still, the Panthers opened the season as did most other MHSAA schools with a game on Sept. 4. That night Ole Brook hosted Petal and lost 35-14 to the 6A Panthers. There were some bright spots though as

HEAD COACH: Tucker Peavey entering 13th season (89-49)

ZERIAN HUDSON

PANTHERS COACHING STAFF: Darien Dorsey, Mike PEAVEY Powell, Corey McLaurin, Cullen Greer, Aaron King, Josh Smith both sides of the line were physical up front and BHS moved the ball against Petal all night as the game was closer than the final score showed. Roadblocks began popping up soon after and it would be over a month before BHS hit the field again though. The next game after

OMARION DIGGS GRIDIRON 2021

Petal was at McComb, but just before warmups a severe weather cell moved in and cancelled the game. Matchups written in pencil against Ridgeland and South Pike were erased from the schedule. A region game against Laurel also had to be scrapped due to the virus. Other games and dates were rescheduled and shuffled on the calendar. Peavey’s crew finally got to play a trio of division games, beating South Jones and Natchez on the road and losing to West Jones at home. The four-game regular season was less than ideal, but there was hope that maybe BHS could get hot in the postseason. After all, Brookhaven fans will never forget the 2010 team that finished the regular season 6-4 before three close wins in the postseason took them all the way to the 5A state title game. As BHS prepared for their playoff opener at Pascagoula, there was confidence in the field house at King Field. “We got done watching film the Sunday before our game at Pascagoula and I think we felt really good about our chances of going down there and playing well,” said Peavey. “Then I didn’t even make it home before hearing about kids testing positive that weekend from our school.” An outbreak of the virus caused Brookhaven High to send their students home for a two-week quarantine period. The game at Pascagoula went on the books as a forfeit win for the Panthers from the coast. More than anything, Peavey and his team want the 2021 season to be one of games won and lost between the painted lines of a field — not due to forfeitures or quarantines that are beyond their control.

OFFENSIVE LINE FILLED WITH EXPERIENCE AND SIZE

Up front, Brookhaven High will match up well with most teams they play as the offensive line returns a big, experienced group. Senior guards Zerian Hudson and Omarion Diggs set the tone 26

GRIDIRON 2021

in the trenches. Hudson clocks in at 6-foot-4, 320-pounds while Diggs is 6-foot-2, 265-pounds. Junior Landon Smith will likely slide to the center position after playing tackle earlier in his career. Smith is 6-foot-4, 265-pounds. BHS is down a starter in the unit though as junior left tackle Amari Smith will miss the season with an injury. Sophomore Will Bowman will be one of the players competing to fill that spot. Junior Jalen Tobias will start at right tackle and Peavey mentions senior Javion Bunzy as another player who’ll be in the o-line rotation. Junior Brodie Ezell and sophomore Bryce Smith will work as tight ends. Ezell is the reigning 5A discus state champ and Smith will continue to handle kicking duties this season for the Panthers. The backfield features an athletic pair of playmakers in senior quarterback Dre Ross and sophomore running back Xavier Gayten. Last season Gayten burst onto the scene as he ran for 616 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 123 yards per game and will look to increase all of those totals in a full regular season. Ross was also good on the ground as he scored three rushing touchdowns and ran for almost 100 yards per game — finishing with 477 rushing yards on the season. The senior also passed for four scores in 2020 and completed 50-percent of his passes. Senior Javonta Stewart is the lead receiver for BHS after catching 16 balls for 181 yards and two scores. Junior Caleb Jett is another experienced returnee at wide receiver. Jalin Brown is a member of the basketball team who’s come out for football for the first time as a senior. He’s one of several firstyear football players on the team and has impressed the coaching staff with his attitude and work ethic. Senior Latavian Hill is another player that will be high on the wideout depth chart as well. “We’re still looking for who’s going to step up at the wide receiver position and we’ve got one or two spots on the line that will

sort themselves out in practice,” said Peavey. “We’ll have speed in our backfield, but you’ve got to be able to make explosive plays down field and that’s something we’re still trying to build on.”

BHS STANDOUTS

MCDANIEL RETURNS AS TOP TACKLER FOR OLE BROOK

Senior linebacker Marvis McDaniel is a versatile piece for defensive coordinator Corey McLaurin. Last season McDaniel made a team high 30 tackles along with two sacks. The 6-foot, 224-pound McDaniel can put his hand down on the ground as a defensive end or play standing up in the middle of the defense as a linebacker. His ability to pursue the ball will be huge for a team that’s unexperienced in the back end. “We’ve got a lot of questions at corner and safety,” said Peavey. “We’re still trying to find the right guy for the right position. We’ll face plenty of teams that spread you out and we’ve got to be able to defend the pass and pressure the quarterback.” Sophomore Nathan Lewis is a player that saw action last season at safety while senior Jaden Watson is also a returnee at cornerback. Peavey also lists junior Da’Shawn Wilson as another player that will contribute somewhere for the team whether it be on defense or making tackles on special teams. Up front the defensive line is led by 6-foot-3, 350-pound defensive tackles Caleb Harris. Senior Kobe Jacobs will line up beside Harris and gives BHS the necessary beef up front against the run. Junior Zamarion Diggs and junior Amereon Dunningan will work at defensive end and Malachi Williams will hold down one of the other starting linebacker spots. “Of the 15 seniors on our roster, only 11 of them have played their entire career,” said Peavey. “We’ve got 17 guys overall that didn’t play last year on the roster. So, we’re going to battle inexperience in some spots, but the guys can overcome that by listening to their coaches.”

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GRIDIRON 2021

“It feels like the last couple years we’ve battle injuries more than usual, but that’s the kind of stuff you can’t control. You’ve just got to prepare everyone on your roster to be ready and hope that everyone stays healthy.” 28

GRIDIRON 2021

— Gareth Sartin

Bc PREVIEW BOGUE CHITTO BOBCATS 2020 RESULTS

2021 ROSTER

L — VS. RESURRECTION CATHOLIC 23-7

Carson Price, Colten Bales, Felder Sartin, Eli Cupit

6-5 last season

L — @ LAKE 34-20 L — VS. PUCKETT 20-14 W — VS. ST. PATRICK 15-6 W — @ AMITE COUNTY 34-32 L — VS. WESSON 49-0 W — VS. ENTERPRISE FF W — VS. WEST LINCOLN 26-14 W — @ LOYD STAR 27-20 OT

MHSAA 2A PLAYOFFS W — VS. PUCKETT FF L — @ SCOTT CENTRAL FF

SENIORS

JUNIORS

Colton Frith, Cameron Williams, Hunter Goebel, Turner Thompson, Hunter Dixon, Deacon Wallace, Tanner Wilson, Elijah Collins, Jacob Sauls, Ja’Christopher May

SOPHOMORES

Torvosity Sandifer, Easton Sartin, Jax Leggett, Andrew Merrell, Blake Smithers, Cassidy Donaho, Ja’Marion May, Dayton Jarman, Colten Kimble, Bryce Blackwell, Marshall Hart, Michael Hart, Cayden Blackwell, Cory Lester, Brayden Wright, Austin Moak

COLTON BALES

FRESHMEN

Noah Magee, Isaiah Collins, Jabari Stafford, Gavin Hawley, Warren Wallace, Gavin Cannon

EXPECT BC TO BE AMONG REGION

7-2A LEADERS IN 2021 A s Gareth Sartin begins his 20th season as head coach of the Bogue Chitto Bobcats, you know exactly what you’re going to get when you face BC on the field. Well, that’s not actually entirely true — Sartin’s offense is at its best when the opposition is on its heels. The Bobcat use pre-snap motion, misdirection, fakes and feigns to disguise where they are going with the ball or who the ball carrier is. Bogue Chitto is going to block with physicality up-front, even if they’re outsized. They’re going to run to the football on defense and try to tackle in swarms. And they’re going to onside kick almost every time senior Carson Price steps up to put his toe on the ball. Sartin’s team has a style and a culture

BC STANDOUTS

HEAD COACH: Gareth Sartin entering 20th season (108-114 overall) BOBCATS COACHING STAFF: Adam Moak, Chad Norton, Kris Smith

CAMERON WILLIAMS

ELI CUPIT

SARTIN

and they’ll be one of the favorites in Region 7-2A for the 2021 season. Last season Bogue Chitto finished as region runners-up behind Wesson and with the Cobra back in 3A next year, the top spot is up for grabs. The line and skill spots took some hits from graduation, but there’s enough talent and toughness returning for Sartin to take Bogue Chitto to the postseason for a fourteenth time in his career.

COLTON FRITH GRIDIRON 2021

FRITH IS QB1 FOR THE BOBCATS

Bogue Chitto found their quarterback of the future last season when Colton Frith took over as starter and showed improvement throughout the year. Now a junior, Frith threw for 547 yards last season on 72 attempts. He tossed five touchdowns and three interceptions. Frith added one rushing TD and 168 yards on 62 carries and is the leading returning rusher this season as well. Frith isn’t a big guy, but he’s quick and has another gear that Bogue Chitto will take advantage of in 2021 as he’ll likely get more carries this season directing the offense. Lining up beside Frith in the backfield will be his classmate, Hunter Goebel. Goebel played fullback as a sophomore and will see his role increase as a junior. Junior Cameron Williams is also a player that’s going to see his touches go up as well. Williams battled injury last season but will be used in a multitude of ways — as a wing-back, tailback or wide receiver. Senior Colton Bales is also a versatile player that will have the ball in his hands this season. Bales can line up out wide receiver, tight end or fullback. Turner Thompson will be a slot receiver that may also get carries on the ground. Sophomores Ken May and Easton Sartin will also be contributing to the skill group along with fellow sophomore Jax Leggett who’ll work as backup quarterback. The offensive line is led by the trio of Felder Sartin, Eli Cupit and Jay May. Sartin is a senior center, while Cupit and May will line up beside him as a guard and tackle. Cupit a senior right guard while 30

GRIDIRON 2021

May is a junior right tackle. Sartin expects sophomores Braden Wright and Marshal Hart to take over on the left side of the line. He also expects Jacob Sauls to compete for playing time on the line. “We’ve definitely got to develop depth along our line,” said Sartin. “And that’s going to mean some freshmen and sophomores will have to step up and give us reps. We graduated two four-year starters on the offensive line, and you don’t replace players like that quickly.”

BALES AND WILLIAMS WILL SET DEFENSIVE TONE

Bales is one of the best returning linebackers in the region and will once again be in the middle of everything for the Bobcat defense. Jay May, Ken May, Felder Sartin and Easton Sartin will all also work as linebackers in 2021. The safety positions will be held down by Goebel and Thompson while Williams, Price and Frith are all returnees as experienced defensive backs. Williams was named to the Daily Leader All-Area team as a freshman and sophomore. He’s an instinctive player that’s constantly moving his head and eyes around, looking for where the offense might be coming with the ball. Most of the offensive line will flip over and play on the other side of the ball as defenders. “Most of our guys need to know at least two positions on offense and expect to play both ways,” said Sartin. “It feels like the last couple years we’ve battle injuries more than usual, but that’s the kind of stuff you can’t control. You’ve just got to prepare everyone on your roster to be ready and hope that everyone

stays healthy.” Jay May is the rare offensive lineman that plays linebacker. Blessed with good feet and soft hands, May would likely be a tight end if the Bobcats could afford to move him from the interior of the line. May is the leading returning tackler as he was in on 57 stops last season. Frith, Williams and Felder Sartin had an interception apiece last season for the Bobcats.

PRICE’S RELIABILITY SETS BOBCATS APART

You don’t have to watch a ton of small school football in this state to know that kickers are a luxury, not a rule. In Price, Bogue Chitto has had a kicker that the coaching staff could count on since his freshman season. Price has hit game winning kicks already in his career and was 4-of-6 last season on field goal attempts. He was a Daily Leader All-Area selection last year and his kickoff game is something that Sartin’s team uses like a tool. The Bobcats very rarely kick the ball deep on a kickoff. They don’t want to allow a long return, content to give the ball to their opponents around midfield. And if they recover an onside kick, that’s just icing on the cake. There is variety in Price’s onside kick game though. He uses high-bouncers and low, hard kicks that catch the return team napping. He’s got one where he kicks a roller right down the middle and runs beside the ball, ready to fall on it once it’s traveled 10-yards. The Bobcat and Price will kick their season off on Aug. 27 at home on Troy Smith Field against the Pisgah Dragons.

BC STANDOUTS

HUNTER GOEBEL

JAY MAY

CARSON PRICE

FELDER SARTIN

“We’re going from a 5-man front to a 3-man front as well. That will allow us to rotate more among our linemen, but it’ll also mean we’re going to need more guys to step up at our linebacker spots.” 32

GRIDIRON 2021

— Turay Woodard

eac PREVIEW ENTERPRISE YELLOW JACKETS 2020 RESULTS

2021 ROSTER

L — VS. RICHTON FF

Taylor Presley, Brayden Polk, Matthew Burns, Jonas Caldwell, Nick Stewart, Seth Mitchell, Tre Baker

2-8 last season

L — @ ST. PATRICK 40-24 L — @ CLARKDALE 41-0 W — VS. LOYD STAR 22-8 L — @ WEST LINCOLN FF L — VS. BOGUE CHITTO FF W — VS. AMITE COUNTY 34-14 L — @ WESSON 38-8 MHAAA 2A PLAYOFFS L — @ TAYLORSVILLE 55-8

SENIORS

EAC STANDOUTS

JUNIORS

Lane Hoover, Chris Walker, Travis DeLaughter, Caleb Mcgrew, Wes Williams Sophomores Alex Sales, Gavin Regouffre, Harley Moak, Ethan Durr, Jacob Bryant, Tucker Dykes, Adrian Gomez, Michael Blanchard

TRE BAKER

FRESHMEN

Daylan Barden, Landon McNichols, Trey Vining, Jason Keene, Wyatt Garrett, Ayden Arevalo, Evan Johnson, Jamie Fulgham, Prewitt Falvey, Austin Bates, Jaden Cothern, Parker Harris

JACKETS LOOKS TO CONTINUE PROGRESS

SETH MITCHELL

WHILE DROPPING TO 1A O ne wouldn’t have to look hard to see the momentum that’s building in the Enterprise football program. A drive to the school on an evening this summer would reveal a large group of Yellow Jackets running and lifting. Numbers are up with the chance for Enterprise to dress out 35-37 players in 2021. That’s huge for a team that struggled with depth over the last few years. When injuries were hitting Enterprise the hardest, they’d often have just over 20 players available on game night throughout the last two seasons. In 2020 the undermanned Jackets scrapped out wins over Loyd Star and Amite County. The victory over county rival Loyd Star was the first since 2002 and the win against AC was the first in school history. Enterprise won’t face Loyd Star this season, nor will they play Lincoln County rivals West Lincoln. A move down to the 1A

HEAD COACH: Trey Woodard entering third season (3-18 overall) YELLOW JACKET COACHING STAFF: Josh Garrett, Wade Boyte, John Paul Holmes, Trace Abdul-Hadi

MATTHEWS BURNS WOODARD

classification has Enterprise out of Region 7-2A and on to a schedule filled with new opponents and challenges. Third year head coach Trey Woodard looks to keep the program pointed in the right direction after making the postseason last year for the first time since 2005.

REBUILDING O-LINE WILL BE KEY FOR EAC

The offensive line will be full of new faces as Enterprise graduated five senior starters last season. That line group set the bar high as they were physical up front, allow-

JONAS CALDWELL GRIDIRON 2021

ing the Jackets to have success running between the tackles. Junior Caleb McGrew, freshman Parker Harris, sophomore Ethan Durr, junior Travis DeLaughter and freshman Jamie Fulgham are all players that Woodard sees making a big contribution to the reloaded offensive line. Senior Matthew Burns returns at quarterback and will only be more comfortable running the offense called by Woodard in 2021. Last season Burns ran for three scores and his coach expects him to again be a threat on the ground. Finding more rushing options will be a big key for Enterprise as their top ball carriers graduated last season and that trio combined for nearly 1,000 yards and 75-percent of the teams’ touchdowns. “It’s not just going to be one guy, we’re going to have multiple people who’ll get their chance to carry the ball,’ said Woodard. “Some of them will be upperclassmen and we’ll have some younger players that will get their chance as well.” Senior Seth Mitchell is one of the older players who’ll play running back this season. Fellow senior Brayden Polk is one of the most experienced returnees in the skills group as he rushed for one touchdown last year. Freshman Ayden Arevalo is another rushing option for Woodard Senior Tre Baker is returning as a three-year starter at tight end. Fellow senior Taylor Presley is back as a wideout as is junior Lane Hoover. The plan is to also get the ball into the hands of senior Jonas “Trap” Caldwell in a variety of ways. The speedy Caldwell missed last season with an injury and the hope is that his path follows that of departed running back Edrick McCray. McCray missed his junior season with an injury before returning last year to lead the 34

GRIDIRON 2021

team in rushing.

DEFENSE WILL HAVE MORE DEPTH IN 2021

The night Enterprise beat Loyd Star last season, they only had 19 players dressed out in the second half. The need to play every snap on both sides of the ball will be lessened this season though as Woodard says having more options will allow the team to spread out reps. “We won’t have any freshman that will start both ways and overall, there should only be three or four guys that start out playing on both sides of the ball,” said Woodard. “We’re going from a 5-man front to a 3-man front as well. That will allow us to rotate more among our linemen, but it’ll also mean we’re going to need more guys to step up at our linebacker spots.” Woodard mentions Hoover as a linebacker that’s stepped into an increased role on the defensive side. A strong spring of Hoover calling the defense on the field has Woodard and defensive coordinator Josh Garrett excited about his potential. Nick Stewart is a transfer from Amite County and the senior linebacker started multiple years for the Trojans. He’ll step right into a starting position after joining the Yellow Jackets prior to the season. He’ll also handle kicking duties. Arevalo is another linebacker to watch along with fellow freshman Wyatt Garrett. Landon Mcnickles and Daylan Barden will play in the defensive backfield along with Polk and Mitchell. Baker will play nose tackle and if you play on the offensive line for Enterprise, you’ll see reps on the defensive side too in 2021.

NEW REGION 4-1A WILL BE LOADED

Enterprise won one game in the two combined seasons prior to Woodard being hired. In

2019 his team won their opener and last season they doubled that win total with two more wins. Progress is being made and it’s evident by an 18-man freshman class. When it was announced that Enterprise was dropping down to the 1A ranks after MHSAA reclassification, one could hope that Enterprise would enter a new division with some more evenly matched opponents. Instead, what actually happened is that Enterprise got dropped into one of the strongest 1A regions in the history of the state. Defending 2A state champ and small school powerhouse Taylorsville is in the region. As is defending 1A state champion, Lumberton. A perennial contender in 2A, Bay Springs has also dropped down a class and joins the region. Resurrection Catholic from Pascagoula is always a strong 1A program and is also a member of the division. Rounding out the region roster is Mount Olive, Richton and Salem. Enterprise will begin the season on the road at Hillcrest Christian. Hillcrest is coached by former West Lincoln head coach Charlie Jackson. The Jackets will then hit the road to face Ethel in week two. Ethel is coached by former Loyd Star assistant Adam Smith. The home opener on Harry Cole Field is a week three matchup with Bogue Chitto. Woodard’s team wraps non-region play with a trip to face Amite School Center in Liberty. “We’ve got to keep these younger kids out here and get them the experience that’s going to make them better football players — that’s how you build,” said Woodard. “Yes, we’re stepping into a very good region, but you can’t play scared. You’ve got to prepare every week and give your best effort every game. I’m really excited to coach this team.”

EAC STANDOUTS

LANE HOOVER

BRAYDEN POLK

NICK STEWART

TRAVIS DELAUGHTER

GRIDIRON 2021

“You’ve got to have pride in what you do. That means you’re willing to put in the work to be your best and then play the best. The kids need to know that you believe in them to go out there and execute against high levels of competition.” — Jesse Anderson

GRIDIRON 2021

lchs PREVIEW LAWRENCE COUNTY COUGARS 2020 RESULTS 3-6 last season

L — VS. JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY 25-14 L — VS. COLUMBIA 31-0 W — @ WESSON 36-27 W — VS. RAYMOND 55-35 L — VS. SOUTH PIKE 26-13 L — @ NORTH PIKE 42-16 L — VS. MCCOMB 32-7 MHSAA 4A PLAYOFFS W — @ MOSS POINT 20-19 L — @ SUMRALL FF

2021 ROSTER

SENIORS Da’Quan Pittman, Jaheim Ball, Tommy Broomfield, Austin Watts, Sherrod Hill, Justin Laurich, Lamareo Porter, Dewayne Holloway, Logan Reynolds, Rashawn McGee, Brinson Washington, Jonathan Davis JUNIORS Jasper Langley, Leonard Rhymes, Anthony Owens, Elijah Helton, Taylor Daughdrill, Caleb Dunaway, Ray Conerly, Osvalod Del angel, Jacob McKinney, Michael Walters, Elijah Moore, Rodrick Peyton, Benjamin Runnels, Conner Johnson

LCHS STANDOUTS

JAHEIM BALL

SOPHOMORES Zion Thomas, Kannon Cato, Elijah Smith, Jazerrius Walker, MarKavion Owens, Landon Whittington, Dorian Taylor, Ahmad Hardy, Ethan Boyd, Gabe Letchworth, Kenyon Vanison, Jacavious Magee FRESHMEN Wesley Harris, Jabra McGee

TOMMY BROOMFIELD

ANDERSON EXPECTING YOUNG COUGARS TO STEP UP

ACROSS THE BOARD

f the players on the Lawrence County football team know anything, they know their coach believes in them. LC alumni Jesse Anderson begins his fourth season as head coach with a team that’s looking to prove itself in 2021. His debut team went 7-5 in 2018 and made the MHSAA 4A playoffs. The next season the Cougars got hot in the postseason and finished 9-6 before bowing out in the state semifinals. Last year it looked like LC might have another magical postseason run in them after they upset Moss Point — a team seeded no. 1 in their district while the Cougars were a no. 4 seed — 20-19 on the road in the opening round. The second-round matchup with Sumrall looked promising for Lawrence County, but it wasn’t to be as quarantine

HEAD COACH: Jesse Anderson entering fourth season (20-17 overall) COUGARS COACHING STAFF: Seth Avants, Nick Daley, Wallace Lilly, Joseph Hooker, Lakendrick Smith, Jan Lewis, John Rutland, Dexter Sutton

ELIJAH HELTON ANDERSON

eliminated Anderson’s team before the game ever began. The Cougars have a system and a style as they run the double-wing offensively and always play with grit and toughness on the defensive side. This season Anderson will look to plug new players in some key spots in order to keep the program moving in the right direction.

DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY GRIDIRON 2021

OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION WILL COME FROM NEW CAST OF COOGS

Of their 2,000 combined rushing yards last season as a team, LC has approximately 500 yards of that production returning. Senior running back Jaheim Ball is the most experienced returnee in his position group after carrying 47 times for 316 yards and three scores last season. Ball averaged 6.7 yards per carry and had a season long run of 63-yards in a win over Raymond. Junior quarterback Elijah Helton was pressed into service last season after an injury to starter Haden Mullins. Helton stepped in and threw for 148-yards and two scores in four games. Helton stands 6-foot-3 and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. Anderson expects him to carry the ball more in his second season under center as Helton has been playing the position since junior high. Senior Da’Quan Pittman, junior Anthony Owens and senior Tommy Broomfield will all see carries for the Cougars this season too. Sophomore Ahmad Hardy will also see an increased role as a fullback. The Lawrence County offense is at its best when they’ve gotten strong fullback play between the tackles and the plan is for Ahmad, the nephew of LC legend Kendrick Hardy, to shoulder that load. The ground game is what drives the Cougars, but Anderson would like for the team to top at least 300 combined receiving yards in 2021, something they haven’t done yet in his tenure. He sees Owen and junior Jasper Langley as two players that will make an impact as receivers. LC has built depth on their offensive line and that will help them offset losses 38

GRIDIRON 2021

in that group to graduation. They’ll most likely start five seniors this season up front. Senior Logan Reynolds returns as a center along with 5-foot-10, 270-pound guard Sherrod Hill. Senior Rashawn McGee will hold down one tackle spot while senior Brinson Washington and Landon Graves will compete for the other tackle position. 6-foot-2, 225-pound tight end Austin Watts is also back as a blocker and senior Justin Laurich is moving to a guard position after playing linebacker last season. Anderson praises Laurich as a high character leader who’s embraced the change with total effort. “Justin is the kind of kid that makes sure the locker room is just as clean when we leave as it was when we got there,” said Anderson. “He’s a high character guy and sets a good example for his younger teammates.”

CATO, HOLLOWAY BACK AS DEFENSIVE LEADERS The top two tacklers last season for LC were a pair of freshmen, Hardy and defensive back Kannon Cato. Hardy led the team with four sacks as a linebacker and Cato had one interception as did Pittman. Cato is a speedster, one of the fastest players in the area who’s also lightning quick on the diamond as a baseball player too. Senior Dewyane Holloway was third on the team in tackles last season as a linebacker and returns as a leader within the unit. Johnathan Davis, a 6-foot4, 265-pound senior defensive lineman, is a huge piece up front for defensive coordinator Seth Avants. Jacavious Magee and Conner Johnson are two other lineman that will be starters on the defen-

sive front. “You’d like to have 11 starters on offense and 11 on defense, but that’s not always possible,” said Anderson. “That said, I do like our depth this year. We’ll have some guys playing both ways, but the ones who play defense only are all guys we’re counting on getting big seasons from.” LC also has experience returning at the kicker position in junior Osvaldo del Angel.

LC BACK IN REGION 7-4A THIS SEASON

After two years playing in a division with shorter road trips to Pike County and Hinds County among others, Lawrence County is back in Region 7-4A — a region they played in from 2017-2018. The travel might be longer, but the Cougars will be facing off against opponents that also keep the ball on the ground. Columbia and Poplarville are two perennial contenders that play in the division, but Anderson has shown he’s not afraid to schedule stiff competition. Poplarville knocked LC out of the 2019 playoffs in the state semifinals while the Cougars played Columbia as a non-region opponent for the last two seasons. Lawrence County begin this season at 5A Brookhaven High and then travel to Lumberton, the defending 1A state champions. They’ll then host 5A Natchez before traveling to face defending 2A state champion Taylorsville. They’ll then finish non-region play up by hosting a strong Tylertown team. “You’ve got to have pride in what you do,” said Anderson. “That means you’re willing to put in the work to be your best and then play the best. The kids need to know that you believe in them to go out there and execute against high levels of competition.”

LCHS STANDOUTS

JUSTIN LAURICH

ELIJAH HELTON

DA’QUAN PITTMAN

AUSTIN WATTS

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“We’re going to have a lot of guys working both ways and it’s going to be important for us to cycle them in and out, especially along the defensive line. I do like our chemistry and I think we’ve got kids that are willing to play for each other.” — Brian Ford

GRIDIRON 2021

ls PREVIEW LOYD STAR HORNETS 2020 RESULTS

2021 ROSTER

W — VS. SALEM 40-16

Versie Wilson, Brantley Walker, Mike Rodriquez, Matthew Sosa, Lane Calcote, Brycen Moak, Bryson Walker

3-6 last season

L — @ PISGAH 35-18 W — @ ETHEL 30-28 W — @ MIZE 36-28 L — @ ENTERPRISE 22-8 L — VS. AMITE COUNTY 34-22 L — @ WEST LINCOLN 28-26 L — @ WESSON 40-14 L — VS. BOGUE CHITTO 27-20 OT

SENIORS

LS STANDOUTS

JUNIORS

Julius Smith, Carter Holcomb, Bryce Ford, Lezeric Brothern, Tristan Newell, CJ Scott, Cortez Smith, Garrett Carwyle, Trevor Smith, Ethan Greer, Alex Smith

LANE CALCOTE

SOPHOMORES

Tyler Leggett, Cayman Harveston, Brayden Rutland, Ashton McCullough, Hayes Smith, Conner Crotwell, Conner Cunningham, James Goodwin

FRESHMEN

Omarion Clay, Gauge Montgomery, Owen Smith, Landon Rials, Hunter Picket, Luke Cotton, Zach Cotton

BRYCE FORD

HORNETS WANT TO GET BACK TO WINNING

FOOTBALL THIS SEASON T he 2020 season started with promise for Loyd Star and coach Brian Ford. The Hornets won three of their first four games including a pair of road wins at Ethel and Mize. Region play was less kind though as the Hornets ended the season with five straight defeats. There is a sense of renewed purpose in the program ahead of the 2021 campaign as Ford has a new coaching staff and a core of returnees that boast lots of experience. Loyd Star alum Dustin Sisco, former Brookhaven Academy assistant Jarrod White and Ben Hughes round out the new staff for Ford. “My new assistants have been really, really great this summer,” said Ford. “You can tell they love the kids and love

HEAD COACH: Brian Ford entering fifth season (17-26 overall) HORNETS COACHING STAFF: Dustin Sisco, Jarrod White, Ben Hughes

JAMES GOODWIN

FORD

to coach football and that’s what you’re looking for when you’re hiring a young assistant coach.” In 19 years as a head coach, Ford has taken his teams to the postseason a combined14 times. In 2005, his Simmons Blue Devils lost in the MHSAA 2A state title game to Lumberton. In 2010, Ford was now the head coach at Lumberton and his Panther capped a 14-1 season with a 26-24 win over Cal-

JULIUS SMITH GRIDIRON 2021

houn City in the 2A title game. Loyd Star isn’t a favorite for the 2A state championship in 2021, but the team is good enough to compete for the top spot in a wide-open Region 7-2A. Since joining the region in 2013, Loyd Star is the only Lincoln County school to win the division —a feat achieved by Ford’s Hornets in 2018. That Loyd Star team was 4-7 the prior year and flipped their record to 7-4 in 2018. Loyd Star is hoping for a similar turnround in 2021.

LS WILL BE STRONGEST ON THE O-LINE THIS SEASON Loyd Star has been physical up front at the point of attack since Ford arrived at the school and look for that to continue this season. Senior Lane Calcote, senior Bryson Walker and junior Trevor Smith all return as experienced hands on the offensive line. Calcote played center last season but will likely move to tackle while Walker and Smith work as guards. Junior Alex Smith and sophomore Connor Cunningham along with 4-5 other offensive lineman are competing for spots on the line. “We’ve had some injuries and a couple guys that did not show up for our summer program and you go from having people penciled in at a spot to then having to find someone else for that position,” said Ford. “We’ve been good in our junior high the last couple years and there are underclassmen on our roster that haven’t played much yet, but they’re capable. Getting them into the right spot is going to be a big part of our job this season.” The team and line did take a big hit this summer when junior Lezeric Broth42

GRIDIRON 2021

ern was lost for the year to a knee injury. The 6-foot3, 275-pound Brothern has been a difference maker in his varsity career, playing on the offensive line, as a fullback and as a strong edge setter at defensive end. Two players that Loyd Star will count on offensively in 2021 to pick up yards are also coming off injury in junior Bryce Ford and senior Versie Wilson. Wilson ran for 404 yards and four scores for the region winning team in 2018 as a freshman. His best season was his sophomore campaign that saw him rush for 792 yards and nine touchdowns. A knee injury limited him to just five games last year, but he’s been cleared to return to action and Ford hopes that he’ll be at his best and most comfortable when division play begins. Ford suffered his knee injury in the spring and has also recently been cleared to return. He caught 10 passes for 101 yards last year and was also an important part of the Hornet defense. Ford will see his touches increase in 2021. Loyd Star utilizes the fullback position as good as anyone in the area and this season it’ll be sophomore James Goodwin who’ll fill that role. Junior quarterback Julius Smith passed for 350 yards on 19 completions last season and threw five touchdowns and four interceptions. Carter Holcomb, also a junior, will likely see time at quarterback as well. Holcomb only attempted four passes last season, but two of them were caught for touchdowns. Ford plans to use Holcomb in multiple roles this season including receiver and wingback.

BRANTLEY WALKER WILL BE DEFENSIVE BELL-COW FOR LS Senior

defensive

end

Brantley Walker was the top tackler last year for the Hornets. A three-year starter, Ford and his staff will need another strong season from the rangy Walker. He’s also a returning starter at tight end. Walker also plays soccer for the school and runs with long strides to cover lots of ground. If he doesn’t make the tackle, you’ll still find him near the football when the whistle blows. Goodwin was also one of the top tacklers for the team last season, he’ll most likely man the defensive end position vacated by the injury to Brothern. Holcomb and junior Garrett Carwyle are two more experience, physical tacklers returning for the defense along with Bryce Ford. Loyd Star will also look for a place they can use senior Todd Rodriquez in 2021. Rodriquez is a transfer from Denham Springs High in Louisiana. He didn’t play football at DSHS but played basketball and was one of the best distance runners at the school. Ford said Rodriquez had made all but one summer workout and did so after practicing for cross-country prior to football most days. The interior of the defensive line will be manned with guys that start and play on the offensive side as well. Spelling players on the defense will be a big focus for Ford and his staff. “Our numbers are slightly down when you look at how many we’ll dress out this year,” said Ford. “We’re going to have a lot of guys working both ways and it’s going to be important for us to cycle them in and out, especially along the defensive line. I do like our chemistry and I think we’ve got kids that are willing to play for each other.”

LS STANDOUTS

TREVOR SMITH

BRYSON WALKER

VERSIE WILSON

BRANTLEY WALKER

“Our kids are tough. They might not always be bigger or faster than the team we’re lined up against, but they’re never going to get intimidated.” — Jeremy Loy

GRIDIRON 2021

wac PREVIEW WESSON COBRAS 2020 RESULTS 8-3 last season

W — @ NATCHEZ HIGH 34-20 W — @ FRANKLIN COUNTY 47-0 L — VS. HAZLEHURST 30-27 L — VS. LAWRENCE COUNTY 36-27 W — VS. WEST LINCOLN 52-0 W — @ BOGUE CHITTO 49-0 W — @ AMITE COUNTY 39-0 W — VS. LOYD STAR 40-14 W — VS. ENTERPRISE 38-8 MHSAA 2A PLAYOFFS W — VS. BAY SPRINGS 56-54 OT L — VS. UNION 64-44

SENIORS Collin McGowen, Troy Thigpen, Lane Westrope, Turner Green, Jaylon Suttles, Tyler Fuller, Sebron Smith, Jesse Brewer, Andy Lee

WAC STANDOUTS

JUNIORS TaRavion Miller, Toney Sanders, Will Loy, Justin Hailey, Cody Munn, Troy Byther Jr., Stevie Martin, JaVonte May, Orin Ainsworth, Chris Harrison, Lucas McRee SOPHOMORES Zevante Stapleton, Aiden Elkins, Kaleb Chase, Dakota Andrews, Sam Tuggle

TYLER FULLER

FRESHMEN Cotton Westbrook, Wyatt Hughes, Reid Cuevas, Christian Mairian, Austin Johnson, Hunter Meredith, Korbin Ashmore, CJ Jackson, Trey Hylander, Hinds Gunter, Aiden Carraway, Trevor McRee, Luke Shelton, Chase Britt, Brett Thompson, Patrick Coleman

COBRAS RETURN TO 3A A

ANDY LEE

STRONGER PROGRAM

hen Wesson dropped down to the 2A ranks after reclassification two years ago, coach Jeremy Loy knew it would be more of a vacation than a permanent move. The Cobras went unbeaten in Region 7-2A play during that time but are now back in the MHSAA 3A classification for the 2021 campaign. Loy wanted to further build confidence and cohesion within his program during those two seasons playing down and that’s been achieved. Participation numbers are strong, depth is being built and the Cobras know they can compete with every team they face. Their new home, Region 6-3A is also where the defending 3A state champion Magee Trojans play. Raleigh is also a strong new region opponent and Wesson won’t even have to leave Copiah County to play region foes

HEAD COACH: Jeremy Loy entering sixth season (30-27 overall)

COLLIN MCGOWEN

COBRA COACHING STAFF: Hank Jordan, Steve Barrington, Tevin Thomas, Chuck Maxie LOY

Crystal Springs and Hazlehurst. Wesson has only been to the 3A postseason once (2014) in school history. The goal for Loy’s bunch of Cobras in 2021 is to keep building and in doing so, secure a playoff berth.

LOY WILL PLAY QB BEHIND A VETERAN OFFENSIVE LINE

Junior quarterback Will Loy is one of

TARAVIAN MILLER GRIDIRON 2021

the known commodities on the offensive side of the ball for his head coach/dad. Loy will be distributing the ball to a mostly new group in the skills positions, but he’ll be doing so behind an offensive line that’s the most seasoned position group on the team. “We’ve been deep at our skills positions over the last few years, but this season our line is going to be where we’re deepest,” said Jeremy Loy. “We’ve got some guys that are third year starters on the line, but they’ve also got younger players coming behind them that are pushing for playing time.” Wesson will likely start five seniors along the line in Jesse Brewer (C), Sebron Smith (RG), Jaylon Suttles (RT), Andy Lee (LG) and Tyler Fuller (LT). Loy mentions junior JaVonte May as an important piece of the line that can play any position needed and junior Stevie Martin as another player that will push for playing time on the line. Of the 39 receiving touchdowns for Wesson in 2020, only one player returns who caught a touchdown pass — junior tight end Cody Munn who caught one. The plan is to throw to the tight ends more in 2021 and to play a little more possession football as opposed to the big-play offense that Wesson has relied on over the last two seasons. Sophomore Zavante Stapleton is a talented running back that lacks experience but will grow up quickly as the primary ball-carrier. Sophomore Kaleb Chase, junior TaRavion Miller, junior Justin Hailey and senior Troy Thigpen are all pass receiving options for Will Loy this season. One of Loy’s favorite targets since his freshman year has been fellow junior Tony Sanders. Last season was a washout for Sanders though as he was knocked out of 46

GRIDIRON 2021

the opener against Natchez High by a concussion. Weeks later as Sanders was working back to play again, he was seriously injured in a car accident. A return to full speed for Sanders would only make Wesson’s offense more dangerous.

MCGOWAN IS THE GLUE OF THE COBRA DEFENSE

Linebackers like Wesson senior Collin McGowan are a defensive coordinators dream. McGowan goes sideline to sideline in tracking down ballcarriers. He talks and communicates with his teammates prior to the snap, reads the offense before reacting and finishes tackles with violence. Last season McGowen was in on 100 solo stops and had a whopping 18 tackles for a loss. Also, a running back, McGowen is the undisputed leader of the team and will be one of the players that rarely leaves the field for Wesson. “We’ve got six or so guys that are really going to play a lot for us defensively,’ said Loy. “As coaches, we’re going to have to do a good job of finding those situations when we need to change personnel. Down and distance and having our best options out there together is going to be very important for us this year.” Munn is a returning anchor on the line as a defensive end. Loy says freshman Korbin Ashmore is ready to step in and become a contributor at the other defensive end position. Juniors Troy Byther Jr. and Chris Harrison will both also be counted on along the defensive line. Joining McGowen at the linebacker position will be senior Lane Westrope and

junior Lucas McRee. When he’s not tackling ball carriers, Westrope rides bulls — so running into a gap to take on a bigger running back isn’t something that scares him. Miller, Stapleton, Thigpen, Chase and Turner Green will all be counted on to hold down spots in the defensive secondary. Loy says that’s the position group that’s still the most undecided heading into the season.

WESSON WON’T BACK DOWN IN 2021

The title of the song “I Won’t Back Down” by rock legend Tom Petty is used as a rallying cry by Loy in the offseason. Wesson has some of, if not the best, participation numbers for their summer workouts for any teams in the area. Since coming to the school from his previous position as offensive coordinator at Brookhaven High, Loy has preached a sermon focused on grittiness. He says the message lands with his players because that’s already who they are. “Our kids are tough,” said Loy. “They might not always be bigger or faster than the team we’re lined up against, but they’re never going to get intimidated.” In 2018, the Cobras were in a powerhouse division with loaded teams from Columbia High, Seminary and West Marion during their final season of 3A ball before dropping down a class. Since then, they’ve gone a combined 16-8 overall, beat Hazlehurst for the first time in school history, won a pair of playoff games and averaged 41.3 points per game last season. The Wesson that’s headed back to 3A in 2021 is ready to see where they stack up after two years of growing up.

WAC STANDOUTS

CODY MUNN

SEBRON SMITH

LANE WESTROPE

JAYLON SUTTLES

wl PREVIEW WEST LINCOLN BEARS 2020 RESULTS 5-5 last season

W — VS. SACRED HEART 41-21 L — @ PUCKETT 31-24 L — VS. MADISON-ST. JOE 20-16 W — VS. ST. ANDREWS 30-13 L — @ WESSON 52-0 W — VS. ENTERPRISE FF W — VS. LOYD STAR 28-26 L — VS. BOGUE CHITTO 26-14 W — VS. AMITE COUNTY 20-18 MHSAA 2A PLAYOFFS L — @ ENTERPRISE-CLARKE 42-16

SENIORS Enrico Price, Gabe Bush, Ashtin Autonberry, Hayden Boyd, Alex Leake, Landon Burgess, Caleb Nations, Jon Pedigo, Jackson Taylor, Aaron Sanders, Dylan Leggett, Alex Ferrell

WL STANDOUTS

JUNIORS Colby Hall, Kallion Stewart, Josh Thornhill SOPHOMORES Noah Busby, Gunnar Smith, Javarious Lewis, Ryan Wilson, Samuel Porter, Aiden Lock, Baylor Sills, Mason Laird, Bricen Case, Brice Peeples, Kam Clark, Logan Anders, Zack Taylor FRESHMEN Hayz Boyte, Tyler Hall, Caden Seay, Taylor Myers, Rhett Hedgepeth, Joseph Martin, Cevonte Lewis

UPPERCLASSMEN AIM TO TAKE BEARS TO FIFTH

ASHTIN AUTTONBERRY

CALEB NATIONS

STRAIGHT POSTSEASON

est Lincoln head football coach Brad Bland is three wins away from being the winningest coach in the short history of Bear football. Over the last two years, Bland has led his team to a combined 10 wins and two playoffs appearances. West Lincoln has now made the 2A playoffs for four straight seasons — prior to that run the school had just one postseason appearance in its history. It took the program 14 years to get its first 10 wins after football began at the school in 1998. During that time the team had nine different head coaches, but stability began to form in 2017 when B.J. Smithhart led the team to a 5-6 record and first ever home playoff game. Bland was an assistant for Smithhart that season and the next and then took over as head coach after his former boss left for

HEAD COACH: Brad Bland entering third season (10-12 overall)

JON PEDIGO

BEARS COACHING STAFF: Preston Gordon, David Gilbert, Jeremy Johnson, Dane Hodges BLAND

Franklin County. West Lincoln will kick off their 2021 season with a trip to Franklin County and that game will be a good measuring stick for a West Lincoln team that has a mix of experience and youth on each side of the ball.

PRICE ENTERS FINAL SEASON AS WEST LINCOLN OFFENSIVE LEADER

2021 will be the last ride for senior run-

ENRICO PRICE GRIDIRON 2021

ning back Enrico Price at West Lincoln. Price began running away from opposing defenses as a freshman and has never slowed down. He enters his senior year with 3,707 career yards, having topped 1,000 yards each of his previous three varsity seasons. His career average is 8.4 yards per carry, and he’s averaged 119 rushing yards per game in 31 career appearances. Price has scored 37 rushing touchdowns, including 13 in 2020. Price split carries with his brother Michael Brothern his first two seasons and the pair formed a formidable combo. This year Bland is tweaking some of his formations and schemes to negate teams keying in on Price. “Enrico knows that we’re going to rely on him a lot and that he’s going to need to be in great shape,” said Bland. “I think one thing that’s going to help is our quarterback is bigger and faster and we’re going to work them together in some option looks.” Like Price, senior quarterback Ashtin Auttonberry was thrust into the starting lineup as a freshman. He’s split time at the position over the last three years but will have full control of the offense during his senior campaign. Bland thinks a bulked up Auttonberry will be another running threat that can keep defenses honest by knowing when to keep and when to give Price the ball. Fellow senior Gabe Bush will also be a big part of the run game as a fullback/hback. The Bears haven’t thrown the ball much in the last two years, completing just 32 passes combined last season. There isn’t a player on the roster this season that caught a pass last year. Senior Alex Leake will get a chance to do so as a wide receiver as will junior Colby Hall. Leake has had a strong 48

GRIDIRON 2021

cross-country career prior to joining the football team for the first time as a senior. The right side of the offensive line will be the strongest side for Bland as that’s where senior Jackson Taylor will play. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Taylor recently picked up his first Division I offer from the University of Central Arkansas. Taylor has slimmed down and will move from a tackle position to a guard spot. Lining up beside him at tackle will be another experienced senior lineman in Jon Pedigo. Sophomore Zackary Taylor, Jackson’s younger brother, will also start on the line, likely at center. Bland mentions junior Brice Peeples, senior Aaron Sanders and sophomore Baylor Sills as other lineman that will battle for starting positions and playing time. Nations hopes to pile up tackles one more time The play of senior linebacker Caleb Nations was one of the most pleasant surprises for the WL coaching staff in 2020. Despite missing two games, Nations was second on the team with 75 total tackles. He had three tackles for a loss and forced two fumbles. Playing on the outside, Nations gets the job done with effort and Bland sees him as the heartbeat of the defense. Bush will also work as an outside linebacker while Pedigo and senior Dylan Leggett will hold down the inside linebacker spots. The Taylor brothers and senior Hayden Boyd will be among the group rotating along the defensive line. “On the back end of our defense I’m expecting Alex Leake to help us and we’ll rotate Enrico and Ashtin back there as well,” said Bland. “Having speed at our safety spots is important for us and I’m hoping that we’ll

have some younger guys step up so we can give the guys who play the skills position offensively longer breaks.”

WL STANDOUTS

MATCHUPS WITH LOYD STAR AND BOGUE CHITTO LOOM LARGE Region 7-2A lost Wesson due to reclassification but picked up East Marion who moved up from the 1A ranks. The Lincoln County coaches in the division aren’t sure what to expect from the East Marion Eagles. EM was 3-9 last season but had been 8-3 the year before. From 2011-2014 the Eagles went a combined 45-14 and played for the south state championship four times and the 2A state title once. Bland has heard East Marion played a lot of young players last season and also isn’t sure what Amite County will roll out in 2021. What he does know is that county rivals Loyd Star and Bogue Chitto will be tough measuring stick games for his team. The schools play each in junior high, they scrimmage in the spring and in the fall and compete against each other in summer 7-on-7 workouts. The level of familiarity is very high and winning those games will likely decide who makes the postseason and who stays home. The Bears have won two straight over Loyd Star but have seen Bogue Chitto beat them three years in a row. “We’ll likely dress around 34 every week and we’ve got a 13-man senior class,” said Bland. “We lost some really good linemen and some speed to graduation, but we’ve got guys that have been waiting their turn and this year they’ll get that chance. Your hope is that you get better every week, and everyone stays locked in.”

GABE BUSH

JACKSON TAYLOR

ZACK TAYLOR

“We lost some really good linemen and some speed to graduation, but we’ve got guys that have been waiting their turn and this year they’ll get that chance. Your hope is that you get better every week, and everyone stays locked in.” — Brad Bland

GRIDIRON 2021

AREA CHEER TEAMS

BA CHEER

BC CHEER

EAC CHEER

LC CHEER 50

GRIDIRON 2021

Members of the 2021-2022 Brookhaven Academy cheer team include, front row, from left, Anna Adams, Kaylee Beth Keene, Anna Cate Hall, Carleigh Bracoto, Olivia Sullivan; middle row, Ramsey Brown, Jacie Douglas, Allie Jane Miles, Izzy Nelson, Charlie Carr, Mallory Martin; back row, Judd Callendar (mascot), Alli Adams, Sara Rodgers Smith, Kamryn Stewart, Reagen Fortenberry, Marion Baker and Carmen Lambert. Not pictured, Ella Brown. The team is coached by Amy Spring.

Members of the 2020-2021 Bogue Chitto cheer team include, front row, from left, Ali Anne Long, Kaitlin Poole, Chloe Fahner, Haley Miller, Madison Seago, Chloe Crittenden, Ally Roberts; middle row, from left, Kassidi Watts, Sadie Cupit, Aynslee Butler, Lillie Cupit, Maggie Wilson, Jenna Miller, Neeli Magee; back row, from left, Makayla Huber, Mallory Williams, Maddi Sisco, Lindsey Greer, De’Mya Porter, Ty’Kiara May and Fayth Magee. The squad is coached by Blaine Myers.

Members of the 2020-2021 Enterprise cheer team include, front row, from left, Alley Honea, Kana Feltus, Grace Thames, Brooke Rutland, Cannon Jordan, Celsey Bourn, Abby Williamson, Cristalyn Rowley; back row, from left, Savanna Burns, Sadie O’Quinn, Maranda Bowman, Harleigh Herrington, Ali Brister, Noah Etheridge, Ellie Favley, Alyssa Thames, Allayna Barnett, Kinsley Smith, and Grace Williams. The squad is coached by Shelbie Nettles.

Members of the 2021-2022 Lawrence County cheer team include, front row, from left, Rylea Carney, Chloe Carney, Braci Conn, Brooke Conn, AnaKat Case, Reagan Carney, Lily Smith; middle row, from left, Larissa Brown, Anne Claire Sistrunk, Sara Watts, Halle Alexander, Kelly Smith, Marley Nelson; back from, from left, Hannah Martin, Addison Carver, Adyson Parks, Lyric Hooker, Ally Ervin, Anna-Clark Van and Kenzi Steverson. Not pictured, Sammi Stevens. Elaina Uzzle,and Madison Ervin.

Members of the 2021-2022 Loyd Star cheer team include, front row, from left, Riley Thornton, Arabella Jackson, Madisyn Altman, Abby Burnette, Xia Townsend, Kazlin Calcote; middle row, from left, Chloe McGill, Atleigh Anding, Maleigha Bowman, ArryAnna Rushing, Jenna Smith, Laken Smith, Lydia Bass; back row, from left, Lily Warren and De’Zyre Johnson. The team is coached by Amy Burt.

LS CHEER Members of the 2020-2021 Bogue Chitto cheer team include, front row, from left, Ali Anne Long, Kaitlin Poole, Chloe Fahner, Haley Miller, Madison Seago, Chloe Crittenden, Ally Roberts; middle row, from left, Kassidi Watts, Sadie Cupit, Aynslee Butler, Lillie Cupit, Maggie Wilson, Jenna Miller, Neeli Magee; back row, from left, Makayla Huber, Mallory Williams, Maddi Sisco, Lindsey Greer, De’Mya Porter, Ty’Kiara May and Fayth Magee. The squad is coached by Blaine Myers.

Members of the 2021-2022 Wesson cheer team include, front row, from left, Malliyah Clay, Kyla Smith, Destini Jones, Anyel Butler, Kelly Grace Raiford, Vivian McRee, Kayla Oberschidty, Lexie Guess, Sarya Smith; middle row, from left, Stevie Westrope, Cami Beth Miller, Victoria Silvan, Emma Thaxton, Marley Channell, Lexie Freeman, Taylor Papizan, Madison Kirton; back row, from left, Nichole Schillings, Courtney Carr, Maggie Runnels, Mara Norwood, Linda Grace Dunn, Lilly Kate Channell, Larsen Carpenter and Aubree Smith. The team is coached by Michelle Berch. Members of the 2020-2021 Brookhaven High cheer team include, front row, from left, Kaitlyn Harris, Katie Humphreys, Raven Robinson, Mary Taylor Francis, Keirah Lyles, Chinarah Dixon; middle row, Kaden Belcher, Samara Willis, Sarah Todd Adcock, Kristina Catchings, Haleigh Ashley, Madison VanOver; back row, Maryanna Boyte, Maggie Reynaud, Kat Jackson, coach Stevie Ann Wright, assistant coach Madison Foster, Lily Gray, Sierra Edwards and Lucy Allen.

WAC CHEER

WL CHEER

BROOKHAVEN HIGH CHEER

Gridiron 2021

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