2012 Football

2012

Football THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Local 2012 standouts are, from left, McComb’s Quartavious Smith, Parklane’s Tyler Stutzman and South Pike’s William James.

McComb 2 • Parklane 3 • South Pike 4 • North Pike 5 • Tylertown 6 • Salem, Dexter 7 • Bogue Chitto 8 • Amite County, Amite School Center 9 • Franklin County 10 • Centerville Academy, Kentwood, La. 11 • SMCC 12 • Ole Miss, Mississippi State 13 • LSU, Southern Miss 14• Jackson State, Alcorn State 15 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

2

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

McComb’s Quartavious Smith is the heir apparent State. Smith is a multi-purpose threat who will line up playmaker to Deonte Evans, who is now at Mississippi at anything from quarterback to punter for McComb.

Steady growth Woodall, Smith ready to replenish McComb’s talent pool

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

If southwest Mississippi were a movie, the 2012 football season would be perfectly scripted.

Five schools in the area have new coaches — Parklane, South Pike, Tylertown, Salem and Amite County — and that’s not even including Centreville, which will likely start the 2012 season without legendary coach Bill Hurst, who is recovering from heart surgery. Then there are teams replacing collegiate athletes who left their imprint at their respective schools for four seasons.

Simply put, there are holes to fill.

Among those teams with voids is McComb, which sent five players to NCAA programs. All-State performer Deonte Evans signed with Mississippi State, defensive end Carl Green and linebacker Cavellis Luckett inked with JUCO powerhouse Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, wide receiver/defensive back Keithrick Thompson ended up at Pearl River Community and offensive lineman Alex Faulk will play at Mississippi College.

And while some of those players, mainly Evans and Luckett, are hardly replaceable, McComb has the talent to retool — something most programs can’t say.

The Tigers finished the season 6-5 in 2011 and earned their first playoff berth since 2007.

“Last year was great for us because the first two years we hadn’t made the playoffs under my regime but we steadily progressed and we’ve gotten better each year,” said coach Malcolm Jones, who is in his fourth year at McComb. “We want to get out of the first round and get back into the playoffs and see how far we can go.”

In order for the growth to continue, junior quarterback Alex Woodall and senior multi-purpose threat Quartavious Smith need to take the reins and run with it.

Smith is the more versatile player of the two — he is expected to line up at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back, punt returner and kick returner — but Woodall may be the more important piece.

“Alex most definitely has to step up at quarterback,” Smith said. “It’s got to be his breakout year.”

Woodall struggled at times with his confidence last season and it carried over to his play on the field. He completed 43 of 86 passes for 379 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In Woodall’s defense, McComb ran 77 percent of the time, leaving the signalcalled with minimal opportunities to make an impact. He was also injured for a portion

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

McComb is counting on junior quarterback Alex Woodall, right, to help carry the offense this season.

of the season after spraining his AC joint against South Jones.

With Evans gone, Jones is counting on Woodall to keep teams honest. McComb’s opponents stacked the box with eight men most of last season and the Tigers were unable to take advantage with the passing game.

At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Woodall has ideal size for a quarterback and he has the arm strength and mobility to go with it. Woodall received rave reviews at various 7-on7 passing camps this summer, and Jones wants that to carry over into the season.

“It’s a mental thing. I need him to be coachable,” Jones said. “… He has progressed.

We just have to continue to work with him and stay on him. We have simplified it a whole lot and we are looking to see results from it.”

Woodall has established a strong rapport with Smith, who will be his main target.

Of Woodall’s six touchdowns, three went to Smith.

“Me and him have made a good connection out there so far,” Woodall said. “I’m trying to get him the ball a lot. That’s my go-to guy.”

Smith is penciled in as the de facto playmaker now that Evans is gone. Not only does McComb have to replace Evans’ 911 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, it must replace his leadership.

Smith did a little bit of everything last year for McComb. He threw for 301 yards, ran for 176, caught 18 passes, recorded 67 tackles and even punted when McComb’s kicker tore his ACL. “They are going to be depending on me a lot more than last year to make plays and to be that playmaker,” Smith said.

Jones said a slew of backs are in play to receive carries, including Larkin Walker, Traderick Martin, Aquindus Henson, Shavon Ward and Demarius Brown. Martin has the most upside of the group, but Jones is waiting to

2012 SCHEDULE n

Terry

Aug. 17

South Pike

Aug. 24

North Pike

Sept. 7

Stone County

Sept. 21

Brookhaven

Sept. 28

Wayne County

Oct. 5

South Jones

Oct. 12

Wingfield

Oct. 19

West Jones

Oct. 26

Pearl

Nov. 2

* — denotes district game

see if he can handle the spotlight.

Lining up across from Smith is senior Kevonte Dillion. The 5-foot-9 speedster steadily improved last season, as evidenced by his performance Nov. 4 against Pearl when he hauled in four catches for 98 yards.

Meanwhile, Jones’ biggest challenge may be replacing Luckett, who roamed the middle of McComb’s defense for the previous four seasons and collected 118 tackles and nine sacks in 2011.

“Man, I’m going to miss that big man. How can you replace a 4.3 (40-yard dash) linebacker that can run sideline to sideline? He’s not replaceable,” Jones said.

Taron Divens, Jaquarius Andrews, Tyquan Patterson, Trevillian Williams and Martin are all expected to get reps at linebacker.

Even without Luckett, McComb’s strong suit comes in the secondary, where it returns three starters — senior Roy Bibbs, Smith and Dillon.

Brown will slide over to safety to replace Thompson.

On the defensive line, fouryear starter Darrell Vanderson is back at defensive end.

Junior Jahmaad Harrell joins Vanderson at the other end.

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

FOOTBALL 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2011

www.enterprise-journal.com

Check out the

Enterprise-Journal online.

Log onto

www.enterprise-journal.com

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Parklane Academy senior Tyler Stutzman will help an- spread offense. Powell is in his first year at Parklane afchor the offensive line in coach Mike Powell’s new ter spending seven as a Brookhaven assistant.

Back at home

McComb native Powell begins tenure at Parklane 2012 SCHEDULE

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Mike Powell wakes up early with football on his mind and goes to bed late with football on his mind.

In between, he coaches football and teaches and somehow remains a family man.

But for those who think he may not be the one who can lead Parklane Academy back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, well, he quietly brushes that off too.

“I don’t necessarily see it as pressure. To me, it motivates me,” said Powell, who took over for Bo Milton during the winter. “I played here, I am coming from a public school and I’ve never coached in private school ball — there will be a lot of those outside things coming from people saying, ‘Can he do it, this that and the other,’ but I see that as motivation.”

Powell graduated from Parklane and grew up in McComb before several coaching stints landed him in Brookhaven as its offensive coordinator.

During a seven-year stint at Brookhaven, Powell helped the Cougars stay at the top of the 5A ranks using a potent spread offense.

Now, Powell brings that same attack to Parklane, which featured a groundand-pound approach during Milton’s tenure.

The installation of the offense has taken time, but Powell is confident results will be seen on the field.

“Even with teams I’ve coached that have ran the offense for several years, it’s always a slow process,” he said.

“The offensive line is usually the last to come —learning all these different looks and getting on the same page.”

Powell’s base package is what he calls “two-by-two,” meaning there are two receivers — one can be a tight end — on each side of the line with a quarterback and a running back in the shotgun.

Parklane’s No. 1 option from the offense will be the zone-read using a zoneblocking scheme.

Instead of Parklane running of the I-formation like last season, Powell plans to utilize open space to create running lanes. In the end, however, it has the same principles.

“Is it power football? No, it’s not, but when we run zone, we are moving down field,” he said. “It’s more of a vertical zone.”

Junior Brady Lea beat out

n

Bowling Green

Aug. 17

Oak Forest

Aug. 24

Centreville

Aug. 31

Brookhaven Aca.

Sept. 7

Central Private

Sept. 14

East Rankin*

Sept. 21

Hillcrest*

Sept. 28

Starkville*

Oct. 5

PCS*

Oct. 12

Copiah*

Oct. 19

Jackson Prep*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game solidify Parklane’s front four, while Walt Aldridge and James Michael Schmidt are at linebacker.

Parklane’s top cornerincumbent Zach Stutzman to back, senior Justin Brent, is earn Parklane’s quarterback back to anchor the secondary.

Joining him is Zach Stutzman job.

Powell moved the 6-foot-3 at safety.

Stutzman to wide receiver, joining Dylan Barnes, Seth Travis and Dan Gill. The quartet will be counted on to replace Taylor Smith, who led the team in catches in 2011.

“Brady, one thing that stuck out about him, he’s very even keeled,” Powell said.

“I’ve never seen him very high or very low, and that’s what I kind of look at as a quarterback.”

Powell expects Lea to be a dynamic running threat out of the gun, alongside running backs Joseph Clark and Taylor Burt. Powell is unsure of who will end up starting, but said the two backs have competed for the job all summer.

Tyler Stutzman, Kaj LeMaire, Wes Wroten, Austin Sanders and August Siebert will anchor the offensive line.

Stutzman, a senior who has several Division I schools interested in him, also is expected to play a major role on the defensive line.

In all, Parklane will have at least a half-dozen starters playing on both sides of the ball, putting depth at a premium.

Powell is somewhat at ease, especially with a core group of seniors, which includes Tyler Stutzman “We have a special senior group,” Powell said. “We don’t have a ton of them, but everyone is contributing someway on this team.”

Stutzman, LeMaire and Justin Reynolds will help PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

First-year Parklane coach Mike Powell talks with his players last weekend at the Pioneers’ jamboree.

THERE’S ALWAYS

A

BARGAIN

in the Enterprise-Journal classifieds

3

4

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

2012 SCHEDULE n

East Marion

Aug. 17

McComb

Aug. 24

Amite County

Aug. 31

Wilkinson County

Sept. 7

Hazlehurst

Sept. 14

Jefferson County

Sept. 21

Tylertown*

Sept. 28

Columbia*

Oct. 5

Lawrence County*

Oct. 12

Purvis*

Oct. 19

North Pike*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Former South Pike football standout the Eagles after spending 11 years as an Michael Andrews, center, is now leading assistant coach.

A new era Andrews brings tradition back to South Pike

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

A patient Michael Andrews stood on South Pike’s football field decked out in white pants, a white shirt and sunglasses. He clutched a whistle between his teeth as sweat trickled down his skin in the balmy August heat.

The former South Pike star looked on while his team began warm-ups, basking in his journey he has longed for.

After 11 years as an assistant at South Pike, Andrews can finally call himself a head coach.

And he has big plans in store.

“I believe we have a group of guys who are working hard and working together and want to reach the tradition here at South Pike,” Andrews said. “We’ve been known over the years to be a dominant force in this district as well as in the state ...

We are trying to go back to some of those traditional values that has brought success to South Pike.”

Andrews took over in June for former coach Willie Brown, whose contract was not renewed by South Pike’s school board.

In the short time since being named the Eagles’ new coach, Andrews has restored order to a team that experienced heavy doses of turmoil in 2011. Reports swirled in early June about a personality clash between Brown and Andrews that ultimately led to Brown’s removal. The issue led to a division among many players on the team but has since resolved itself.

“That’s one thing that we have that I think is very important in team success, is that the coaches are able to communicate with one another,” Andrews said. “If we are able to communicate, it will filter down to our players. If they see the unity we have. … They will respond as a team.”

South Pike made it to the Class 4A South State semifinals in 2011 and is expected to challenge Tylertown for the District 7-4A title again this season. The Eagles begin the season Friday at home against West Marion.

“Last year it took us a long time to come together and realize we are like a family and a team,” senior quarterback William James said.

“We’ve established that already this year.”

The first change Andrews has implemented is a return to the spread offense. That term may be less familiar with South Pike fans of late, who have seen the Wing-T for the past several years.

South Pike, under the direction of new offensive coordinator Tyrone Varnado, will run a variation of the shotgun veer option. Andrews also expects to throw the ball with more regularity than previous South Pike teams. Statistically, South Pike threw less than one

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

William James rolls out of the pocket during football practice at South Pike High School.

‘We are trying to go back to some of those traditional values that has brought success to South Pike.’

Michael Andrews New South Pike coach n

time per game last season (7 for 27 in 14 games).

“We want to run the nohuddle but we are more concentrating on running the ball and having a balance between the run and the pass,” Andrews said.

A major part of the revamped offense is James. The speedy James rushed for 344 yards in 2011 but spent most of the time handing off to South Pike’s talented stable of backs.

The Eagles lost Dewayne Pounds, Russell Roberts and Raheem Magee, who combined for 2,659 yards and 21 touchdowns. The trio helped South Pike average 272 rushing yards per game as a team and accounted for 66 percent of scoring plays.

“I thought about it at first,” James said of losing three running backs. “But I don’t think it’s going to really affect us because we have people stepping up, and they are ready for anything.”

Andrews made it clear the change in offense was a decision to get back to traditional South Pike football, but he did admit a lack of personnel played a factor.

“We don’t have the running backs to support the Wing-T system,” Andrews said. “That’s why we have more lean, skilled kids, and I think that being in a wide open offense where the defense has to cover the whole field is the type of offense that we’ve been used to here at South Pike prior to the run-oriented Wing-T.”

For South Pike to make offensive strides, however, James must improve his passing to keep teams honest.

James spent the entire offseason working on basic fundamentals — footwork, throwing motion and timing with receivers.

It has been a long process, but James is willing to put the work in.

“It ain’t going to be easy but you gotta have your mind right before you do anything, so that’s the biggest thing first — mental,” he said. “That’s what we are really working on, trying to get me mentally ready then physically ready.”

The offensive line should help James in the pocket as well as in the running game.

South Pike returns Chris Brumfield, Jaswan Jackson, Keander Bullock, Jervontius Stallings and Demetrius Martin. Brumfield and Jackson were members of South Pike’s 4A state championship powerlifting team and are expected to anchor the line for James and running back Virgil Dawson to run through.

The bruising 260-pound Dawson tallied 530 yards and three touchdowns in a reserve role last season.

On defense, South Pike must replace four key members — Roberts, Zedarius Washington, Charles Muse and Kentrelle Allen.

Andrews is counting on Jackson and Bullock to wreak havoc up front on the line, while Dayon Simmons (89 tackles in 2011) is back at middle linebacker. James, Austin Gross and Stephen Seals team up to handle secondary duties.

Besides the losses to key members, the defense won’t change much. As defensive coordinator, Andrews’s unit allowed less than seven points on six different occasions and kept the Eagles in several games.

“That’s what we are working on, not putting so much pressure on the defense to where we have to depend on them,” James said.

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2011

www.enterprise-journal.com

2012 SCHEDULE n

Franklin County

Aug. 17

Wesson

Aug. 24

Germantown

Aug. 31

McComb

Sept. 7

Loyd Star

Sept. 14

Amite County

Sept. 21

Lawrence County* Sept. 28 Purvis*

Oct. 5

Columbia*

Oct. 12

Tylertown

Oct. 19

South Pike*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Jeremiah Thompson, left, gets a hand on Dusty Brock at football practice at North Pike High School. Thompson will anchor North Pike’s defense at middle linebacker.

Replacing stars

N. Pike to fill voids after losing three D-I players

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

At this rate, it’s going to take something huge to dishevel Chris Smith and his program at North Pike.

Not only did Smith lose three Division I players from last year’s squad — A.J. Jefferson (Mississippi State), Tra’vez Taylor and Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) — but he lost several key senior leaders.

The situation sounds eerily similar to the start of fall camp last season, when questions lingered following the departure of nearly 20 players from North Pike’s appearance in the 2010 4A state title game.

The Jaguars managed quite well in 2011 with a 65 record and barely missed out on the playoffs via a tiebreaker with South Pike.

This year shouldn’t be any different, despite a roster filled with 37 freshmen and sophomores.

“We don’t want our program to be at the point where we have a year where we try to retool and get ready for next year,” Smith said.

“We expect to try and be in the playoffs every year.”

North Pike has a tough non-conference schedule before it even gets to one of the strongest districts in the state, with games against Franklin County, Germantown and McComb.

Smith may technically not have to retool his entire team, but he does have to replace two huge voids left by Jefferson, Taylor and Butler.

Taylor was by far North Pike’s greatest offensive weapon in 2011, amassing 1,252 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He also was a factor in the passing game with 10 catches, four of them going for touchdowns, and he had 29 tackles on defense.

“We’re going to have to replace (Tra’vez) with several people. We are not going to have that type of speed,” Smith said of Taylor’s sub 4.4 40 speed. “I’ve been coaching for 20-some years and I’ve only had a handful of guys like that.”

Sophomore Colton McGee, junior Lakedric Lee and freshman Nakia Trotter figure to share most of the reps at running back.

Handing off to North Pike’s young stable of backs is quarterback Austin Smith, who split time with Jermon Jordan and Jerome Brown last year. With Jordan and Brown gone, it’s Austin Smith’s job to lose.

Not only is North Pike still figuring out who its running backs will be, but also what offense to run.

The Jags worked primarily out of the spread offense last season, while also lining up under center. This fall, all bets are off, as Chris Smith continues to search for an offensive identity.

“By the time we get to that sixth game for district, we need to figure out what we

PHILIP HALL| ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Senior Jacob Fleming will headline a group of veteran linemen. Fleming played tackle last season.

are going to morph into,” Smith said. “We would like to be spread. We will go back to that. We are not throwing it out by no means. … We are going to be flexible until we find what we do best.”

Whatever offense Smith runs, his offensive line has the chance to be one of the deepest in years.

Senior Jacob Fleming and junior Ethan Frith headline a group of veteran linemen.

Fleming played tackle last season but is expected to see time at center in order to improve his recruiting stock.

His 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame is on the fringe for a collegiate tackle and better suited for an inside position like center. Fleming has received interested from Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss so far.

Meanwhile, Frith and his massive 6-6, 315-pound body will anchor the right side. The youngster could receive national recruiting interest by season’s end.

A mix of Jeremy Chester, Sean Rushing, Ben Felder and Jacob Reid could join Fleming and Frith on the line.

“Once they mesh, that could be our strong suit,” They are, potentially, the biggest offensive line I’ve ever had.”

On the opposite side of the line is where North Pike might have trouble.

Junior Keldrick Dillion and sophomore Jordan Crossley are two players Smith is high on. However, nothing compares to what he had with Jefferson and Butler, who combined for 211 tackles and 23 sacks.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. I ain’t even going to lie. When you lose two D-I guys off the front four, that’s tough,” Smith said.

Smith is counting on senior linebacker Jeremiah Thompson to take charge and lead the defense.

In the secondary, seniors Tommy Beasley and Austin Downs are expected to man down the cornerback positions, while senior Lamarcus Milloy and Lee could be the safeties.

Freshman Jake Spears could earn a starting spot at linebacker — just another young name North Pike fans should grow accustomed to.

“Realistically, eight to 10 ninth-graders will get playing time because they need experience. That’s a blessing because that will give us some depth,” Smith said. “I tell them every year. I don’t care what grade you are in, I’m going to put the best 11 on the field.”

Subscribe.

Call 684-2713.

5

6

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

2012 SCHEDULE n

Jim Hill

Aug. 17 Lawrence County*

Oct. 5

Forest

Aug. 24 Purvis*

Oct. 12

Franklin County

Aug. 31 North Pike*

Oct. 19

Vicksburg

Sept. 7 Columbia*

Oct. 26

Bassfield

Oct. 21 * — denotes district game

South Pike*

Oct. 28

Buy A New Central Air Unit For Only $35 Per Month.

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Tylertown seniors, from left, running back Chris Jones, LaDarrius Slocum have helped solidify the Chiefs as quarterback Tyre’oune Holmes and defensive back the odds on favorites in the Class 4A South.

Repeat performance

With no down payment and payments as low as $35 per month or 12 months interest free, you can purchase a new central air unit. These units come with a full 5 year parts warranty. This price is for a 3 ton system, so homeowners with smaller systems will pay even less per month. Plus, most homeowners save enough on their power bill to more than make their payment. To take advantage of this limited supply offer, call Comfort Air at 601-684-2072.

www.comfortairms.com

QB Holmes wants to top breakout 2011 campaign ‘I don’t want anyone doubting that I can’t do it again.’

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

TYLERTOWN — Tylertown star quarterback Tyre’oune Holmes has a simple message for anyone wondering if he can top last season’s video game-like statistics.

“I know I can,” he expressed calmly.

Holmes amassed 2,246 total yards from scrimmage — 1,381 rushing and 865 passing — and 29 touchdowns during his junior campaign.

He doesn’t necessarily think people discredit his abilities, but just in case, he wants to show last season wasn’t a fluke. “(I want to top last season) just to showcase I can still do it again and it wasn’t just a one-time thing,” he said. “I don’t want anyone doubting that I can’t do it again.”

Another season with those eye-popping numbers would increase Holmes’ Division I hopes. He has one offer from Northwestern State and a keen eye on a possible Southeastern Conference school as his collegiate destination.

The only thing that may hinder Holmes is Tylertown’s offensive line. A major part of the Chiefs’ success last season revolved around a group of experienced linemen. Four of the five have since graduated, including Oliver Bates, who inked a scholarship with Southern Miss.

“Our success goes as they go,” first-year Tylertown coach Jason Johnson said of his line. “We pride ourselves on physical play on both sides of the ball. We kind of depend on that; they set the tone for our whole team.”

Linemen Parker Young, Brentrelle Holmes, Justin Jackson, Joe Dillon and Le Wayne Lenoir are expected to anchor a Tylertown offense that averaged 320 rushing yards and 42.7 points per game.

The inexperienced line not only needs to open up lanes for Holmes, but returning running back Chris Jones, too. Jones piled up 1,275 yards and a whopping 24 touchdowns in 2011. Although the senior isn’t nearly a burner like Holmes’ sub-4.4 speed, he did rack up four 150-plus yard games.

Jones wasn’t as concerned with the new offensive line, however, noting that the coaching staff groomed the younger linemen for this season.

“We were pretty much working on that the year before because we knew (we were going to lose four starters),” Jones said. “We worked ahead of time to get the younger guys ready to fill in those positions when the older guys left.”

Tylertown is once again the odds-on favorite to win District 7-4A and has a chance at repeating its 2009 performance, when the Chiefs won the 3A state title.

Tylertown finished 11-2 last season and was upset by Laurel, 21-19, in the 4A South State semifinals.

Tyre’oune Holmes On repeating his 2011 year n

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Tylertown QB Tyre’oune Holmes hopes to top his 2011 numbers, which included 29 total touchdowns.

“This year, I believe there are a lot of teams … to compete with us for 4A South State,” Jones said. “They are pretty much going to compare their season to how Tylertown do. We are that team with the target on our back.”

When Holmes or Jones don’t have the ball, Johnson plans to unleash multi-purpose threat LaDarrius Slocum. Holmes starred in Tylertown’s secondary with nine interceptions in 2011.

He also returned punts, kicks, played slot receiver and lined up at running back. Johnson plans to utilize him the same way this fall.

The one thing that will increase is Slocum’s receiving totals. He had 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season but Tylertown only attempted 98 passes — an average of 7.5 per game.

Johnson, who was hired last winter to take over for longtime Tylertown coach Walter Denton, will remain as offensive coordinator. He does plan to throw more, however.

“I’m not going to say a certain number (of passes) but we need to achieve greater

balance in our offense,” Johnson said. “We are still a power running football team.”

The power running team label has helped Tylertown create an identify for itself over the years. The Chiefs are hardly known for their defense, however.

Tylertown improved in that category last season toward the end of the campaign but still gave up at least 20 points in five games.

One of Johnson’s main points of emphasis this spring was strengthening the defense.

“As a staff we emphasized our weaknesses … and we spent a ton of time on our defense,” he said. “We have totally revamped it.”

Tylertown defensive coordinator Shea Johnson is in his second season and Jason Johnson hopes the added year is what the Chiefs need to get over the hump.

The Chiefs return their entire defense line in seniors Kendrick Magee and Martice Spears, junior Johntarious Magee and Dillon. Jason Johnson is counting on Tyson Smith, who is new to the program, to roam the field at middle linebacker.

Slocum will anchor the

secondary, seeing time at free safety and corner. Joining Slocum at safety is Sam Magee, along with sophomore brothers Ja’Mori and Ja’Moz Mark at corner.

“The defense is going to be a whole lot better this season,” Slocum said. “It’s going to be a powerhouse defense. Playing against all of these big-time 4A schools, our defense is going to step up against everybody.”

Subscribe.

Call 684-2713.

FOOTBALL 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Wilson to help Salem’s offense

BY RANDY HAMMONS ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

SALEM — With 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior right tackle Jonathan Wilson leading the charge, Salem figures on a potent rushing attack during the 2012 prep football season.

Wilson recently committed to the Southern Miss. A group of talented and speedy backs are expected to run behind him.

After the unexpected death of coach Perry Coggin Dec. 31, 2011, after three years at the helm, Kenneth Murphy returns for his second stint to lead the Wildcats. Murphy was head coach from 1994 to 2006.

Salem opens the season Friday at Enterprise-Lincoln.

The Wildcats return seven starters on each side of the ball from a team that finished 4-7 overall and missed the playoffs after going 2-7 in District 4-1A. Offensively, Salem returns three backs and as many linemen.

“Offensively, we’re going old school. We’ll run anything from a Power-I to the Wishbone. We’ll throw it when we need to, but we’ve got six or seven guys I feel very comfortable with at running back.”

Senior fullback Mark Planche, senior halfback Cameron Robinson and senior wingback David Carr all return. Depth will come from senior fullback Nick Henry, senior RB Maurice Beard and freshman Stevie Quinn.

Returning with Wilson to the line are 215-pound center Blaine Bossier and 225pound right guard X’zavian Williams. New starters are 6foot, 260-pound sophomore left guard Juandarius Gatlin, 5-11, 270-pound left tackle Chris Fornea and 5-11, 190pound junior tight end Zack Bacot.

Receivers are senior Trevor Polk and sophomores Austin Fazand and Shannon Damond.

Freshman quarterback TaeTae Smith (5-8, 165) is expected to be the starter.

Quarterbacks lost to graduation are Ke’undrae Williams and Justin Lewis.

“Offensively, we’re coming around,” Murphy said.

“We’re going to run the Wishbone most of the year to utilize the number of backs I’ve got. We’re not blessed with a whole of speed, but they’re not slow, either. Our line will dictate how well we’re going to run.”

Defensive coordinator Brian Smith has installed a 3-35 look.

Murphy said Wilson will man one of the end positions. His 69 total tackles last season were second on the team to Carr’s 72 total stops from his defensive backfield position.

Murphy said Bossier and Williams will be two of the linebackers, while the running back corps also will man the linebacker and cornerback slots.

Senior utility player Jordan Burdette is expected to

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Southern Miss commitment Jonathan Wilson runs through a play during preseason camp at Salem.

2012 SCHEDULE n

Enterprise

Aug. 17

Mount Olive*

Aug. 31

Dexter*

Oct. 12

St. Aloysius*

Sept. 7

Resurrection*

Oct. 26

Sept. 14

Stringer*

Cathedral*

Sept. 21

* — denotes district game

fill roles at split end, tight end, linebacker and on special teams.

Dale McDaniel will kick extra points. Quinn will kick off and Smith will punt.

Byron Martin is the offensive coordinator.

Murphy predicted Bogue Chitto and Cathedral the

Rakeem Robinson, left, and Dante Butler are poised to make Dexter a contender in District 4-1A.

n

West Marion

Aug. 17

Durant

Aug. 24

Hartfield*

Sept. 7

St. Aloysius*

Sept. 14

Resurrection*

Sept. 22

Hinds AHS*

Sept. 28

Stringer*

Oct. 5

Salem*

Oct. 12

Cathedral*

Oct. 19

Mount Olive*

Oct. 26

Bogue Chitto*

Nov. 2

* — denotes district game

Oct. 5

Hartfield*

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

2012 SCHEDULE

Sept. 28

Hinds AHS*

BY RANDY HAMMONS ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

dan, 190-pound sophomore center DeAnthony McGowan, 220-pound sophomore left tackle Cody Jones and 200-pound senior right tackle Garrent Mark. Sophomore tackle Joey Myers could provide depth.

“If we can buy Clifford enough time to throw the football, the offense will work,” Sumrall said.

Jordan is expected to handle kicking duties for the Bulldogs this season.

Defensively, Sumrall said the Bulldogs will have a 3-4 look most of the time.

The secondary returns Fernandez, Pittman, Butler and Perry. Owens and Robin-

Bogue Chitto*

Columbia Academy Aug. 24

High hopes at Dexter in ‘12 DEXTER — If summer workouts are any indication of how Dexter Attendance Center might fare during the 2012 football season, Bulldog fans can expect a deep run into the 1A playoffs.

Dexter was 6-6 overall and 6-3 in Region 4-1A action last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Noxapater. However, Dexter shined over the summer in 7-on-7 workouts at Mississippi State and LSU. “We had a real good summer,” Dexter coach Randy Sumrall said. “We played teams ranging from 3A to 1A at MSU in a round robin format. We were 6-0 heading into our seventh game. At the LSU camp, we won our first three and beat 5A Northwest Rankin. We were probably in the top five or six teams down there.”

The Bulldogs open the season on Friday at home against West Marion.

The Bulldogs will rely this season on all-everything junior quarterback Clifford Fernandez to move the chains in the spread attack. The 6-foot5, 230-pound Fernandez is one of seven offensive starters returning.

Dexter has 20 players on the roster “Coaches are already calling from as far away as Tuscaloosa about Clifford,” Sumrall said. “They’re calling from far and wide about him.”

Fernandez threw for 2,301 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. He threw 13 interceptions. Fernandez added 611 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.

Returning starters also include senior wide receiver Dante Butler, senior tailback/receiver Rashad Perry, senior all-purpose back Vonta Owens, junior receiver/fullback Jermaine Pittman, senior receiver Marcus Mark and junior offensive guard Rakeem Robinson, 6-1, 210.

Skill players expected to fill in the gaps include 6-6 sophomore wide receiver/tight end Cole Regan, sophomore running back Ladarius Briggs and sophomore running back/receiver Kendarius Lenoir.

Along the line, new players include 180-pound sophomore guard Dylon Jor-

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

son are back at ends and Garrent Mark is at tackle.

Jordan and Cody Jones are expected to man the line, while Regan will play in the secondary and at end.

Sumrall said region foes Stringer, Bogue Chitto and Cathedral should all be improved from last season.

Cathedral won the 2011 region championship and was followed by Stringer and Bogue Chitto.

Nov. 2

top two schools in Region 41A. “I’ve been retired a couple of years and got a little break,” Murphy said. “It feels good to get back. I’ve got my batteries recharged, so I’m ready to go again.”

7

8

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

The time is now Bogue Chitto poised to make deep playoff run

BY SEAN ISABELLA ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

BOGUE CHITTO — After a 9-2 regular season, Bogue Chitto saw 2011 come to a crashing halt with a quick first round exit in the Class 1A state tournament.

With only three players graduating from that squad, if there was ever a time to make a deep playoff run, it’s now.

And the players know it.

“We are expecting to go to the Big House (for the state championship game) this year,” senior wide receiver Germie Martin said. “We only lost a few seniors and we have a lot of talent coming back.”

The Bobcats return a plethora of talent, including Martin, Mississippi State commit Brandon Wells, quarterback Brock Roberts and a trio of hard-hitting brothers — James, Jermaine and Jeremy Blackwell.

Bogue Chitto coach Gareth Sartin isn’t quite ready to give a declaration, as he noted how tough District 4-1A is. However, he does agree the talent is there.

“We have a chance to make a run in the playoffs,” he said. “Obviously, we need to stay healthy. If we can stay healthy and they work, then we have a chance.”

Wells is Bogue Chitto’s returning big-play threat. He did most of his damage on the ground, rushing for 1,212 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also lined up at quarterback, wide receiver, kick returner and defensive back. He will return to those same roles this season, although Mississippi State recruited him as a wide receiver.

“I feel like there is going to be a target on my back to try and stop me,” Wells said. “I’m prepared for that.”

Wells went ahead and committed in early April, avoiding a long, drawn own recruitment. If he stays course and signs with Mississippi State next February, he will become the first player in school history to play at a Southeastern Conference school.

Not too far behind is Martin, however.

The 6-foot, 180-pound receiver burst on to the scene in 2011 with 45 catches for 953 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Martin hasn’t received any offers but has garnering interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, LouisianaLafayette, Memphis, Missouri and Notre Dame.

Martin should receive offers once the season starts to join Wells as the second Division I player from a small town like Bogue Chitto.

“It’s definitely a shock to some people that we have two players of that caliber here,” Sartin said. “They are both extremely good players who have worked hard and put themselves in position to be successful.”

Sartin was clear the team

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Bogue Chitto wide receiver Germie Mar- Brandon Wells hope to lead Bogue Chitto tin, left, and running back/wide receiver deep into the 1A playoffs.

‘I feel like there is going to be a target on my back to try and stop me.’

2012 SCHEDULE n

Brandon Wells Bogue Chitto RB/WR n

isn’t just about Wells and Martin, although they do play a big role.

Without Roberts, Martin wouldn’t have anyone to throw to him. Roberts enjoyed a successful sophomore campaign, racking up 904 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He also added six TDs on the ground, an area where Sartin expects Roberts to strengthen his game.

Sartin also expects Robert Bonds and James Blackwell to see carries in the backfield as well. Bonds rushed for 411 yards and two scores while Blackwell ran for 190 yards and three TDs. On defense, James and Jeremy Blackwell return to anchor the defensive line, along with Damien Terrell. James and Jeremy Blackwell combined for 201 tackles and 14 sacks last season, while their brother Jermaine, led the team with 140 tackles from his linebacker position.

Roberts joins Jermaine

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Loyd Star

Aug. 17

Enterprise

Aug. 24

Hartfield*

Aug. 31

Mount Olive*

Sept. 7

Resurrection*

Sept. 15

Hinds AHS*

Sept. 21

Salem*

Sept. 28

Cathedral*

Oct. 12

Stringer*

Oct. 19

Check out the Enterprise-Journal online.

Log onto

www.enterprise-journal.com

Junior quarterback Brock Oct. 26 Roberts will be called upon St. Aloysius* to distribute the ball to Nov. 2 playmakers Brandon Wells Dexter* and Germie Martin. * — denotes district game Blackwell in the middle after posting 120 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions.

Roberts and Blackwell need to fill the void of Kevin Brothern, who graduated and took his 136 tackles with him.

Dennis Rodgers is back in the secondary with Wells and Martin who double as equally effective defensive backs.

Bogue Chitto begins the season Friday against Loyd Star. The Bobcats have several key dates on their schedule this season, including Oct. 19 at Stringer and Nov. 2 at Dex“Man, my knees are killing me!” ter — two teams who are expected to challenge for the district title.

“Hey, don’t lean on my sore shoulder.”

“Did you see number 29 pulverize my head?”

FOOTBALL 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Toler to pace ASC’s offense

BY GAIL JANOTTA CORRESPONDENT

LIBERTY — With seven returning starters under thirdyear head coach Ray Olive, the Amite School Center faithful are excited about the 2012 football season.

Before last season, ASC had not made it to the MAIS Class A playoffs since 2002.

But in 2011, the Rebels struck paydirt and made the playoffs but lost 26-24 Newton Academy in the first round.

Olive said he is optimistic about the season.

“Our guys have been here all summer working out, lifting weights and getting in better conditioning,” he said.

“They have come in to practice in pretty good shape. The main thing now is getting them ready to play in the heat and getting used to the helmets.”

ASC opens the regular season Friday at Centreville Academy.

“Centreville is always a challenge, but a good challenge for us,” Olive said. “It’s a welcomed challenge. We enjoy opening up with them because they have a good team and it shows us just how far we have come.”

Leading the way for ASC is tailback Aaron “Bull” Toler.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Toler was among the leaders in MAIS last season with 1,488 yards and 20 touchdowns.

“I feel like I have improved both physically and mentally since last season,” Toler said.

“My team is ready for anything and everyone. I would like to finish strong and go out with a winning season.”

In addition to Toler, ASC returns eight seniors at key positions, including fullback Andy Morris, quarterback Michael Kelly, reserve running back Clayton Reed, receiver Daniel Mahaffney, offensive linemen Michael Patterson and Chris Myers, backup quarterback/flanker Blake Bridges, and tight end Blake Terrell.

“We moved Blake (Terrell) around last season from the o-line because he has great hands and can provide us that extra blocker at tightend,” Olive said. “He knows how to read the defense inside and out. He is a good and intelligent player.”

Toler will be complimented by the 6-1, 245-pound Morris, who transferred to ASC last season from Franklin County High School where he saw limited action.

He rushed for 500 yards and three TDs last season.

“Bull is our workhorse,” Olive said. “He is the type of running back that every coach would love to have on his team. He works hard and you can depend on him to get the extra hard-nosed yards for you.”

Olive said he expects more from Kelly this season.

“He has been doing very

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Amite School Center senior running back Aaron ‘Bull’ Toller collected 1,488 yards and 20 TDs last season.

well at the 7-on-7s this summer,” Olive said. “He has really taken leadership of the team.”

The remainder of ASC’s offense includes junior center Cory Byrd and receivers Caseon Choate and Matthew Paulk. Sophomores are linemen Jonathan Patterson (511, 250), Dustin Temple (5-8, 240) and Jacob Bass (6-1, 235).

Defensively, many of the offensive players will play both ways.

The secondary features Choate, Paulk, Mahaffney and Kelly, while Blake Bridges, Clayton Reed, Morris and Terrell will line up at linebacker.

“Our defense should be sound,” Olive said. “Although we still have some growing up to do, I think we will be fine.”

2012 SCHEDULE

Robinson. Also at receiver is 5-9, 180-pound senior Calvin Robinson. At split end is senior Joseph White, and Dontrell Cain will line up at tight end.

Raines said the offensive line will be mixture of two seniors and three freshmen.

At center is 5-9, 210pound freshman Alleon Thigpen. At right guard is 59, 210-pound freshman Damon Smith, and right tackle is 5-10, 240-pound freshman Desmond Patterson.

The two seniors are left tackle Quarrelius Bonds and left guard D’Quincy Hughes.

“Every coach that has a young team is a bit concerned, but I like what we are doing as a team,” Raines said.

“I feel we are ahead of where we had hoped to be at this point, but we are still a work in progress offensively.”

On defense is where the Trojans have the most experience. The defense will run an odd-man front with a nose guard, two tackles and four or five linebackers.

“The type of defense we are using is designed for smaller but quicker guys,” Raines said. “We have to develop our defense around our size.”

Cornerbacks include Joseph White and Calvin Robinson. At safety is sophomore Edward Ross

“Overall, our depth is another concern for us,” Raines said. “Hopefully soon we will have some sort of rotation on the line. I told every player here to expect to have two positions, one on offense and one on defense.”

n

Centreville

Aug. 17

Silliman

Aug. 24

Heidelberg

Aug. 31

Glenbrook

Sept. 7

Claiborne

Oct. 14

Tallulah

Oct. 21

Union Christian

Oct. 28

Baton Rouge Eagles Nov. 5 Cenla Christian*

Nov. 12

WCCA*

Nov. 19

Riverfield*

Nov. 26

* — denotes district game

Raines takes over at Amite County

BY GAIL JANOTTA CORRESPONDENT

LIBERTY — One would have to go back a few years to find the last winning season at Amite County.

The Trojans sported an 83 season in 2006, but the well has been dry as of late.

But with a new man at the helm in Robert Raines, Amite County looks to get back on the winning track.

Raines left Baton Rouge’s Baker High School and joined the Trojans’ staff Aug. 1, replacing Max Weathers.

The Trojans finished 3-9 in 2011, but won their way into a first-round 2A playoff against East Marion, which eliminated the Trojans 33-6.

Raines said he has about 50 players on this year’s varsity squad. Some 30 players are on the junior varsity squad.

“It’s hard to be successful year in and year out with the numbers we have in a 2A school sometimes,” Raines said. “But we have been trying to bring in some guys that I think will help us. For county schools and the distance getting to school, it is hard to get all the guys in here during the summer to work out.”

Only six seniors are on the varsity roster.

“We are a young team,”

2012 SCHEDULE n

Wilkinson County

Aug. 24

South Pike

Aug. 31

Arnold (Fla.)

Sept. 7

Franklin County

Sept. 14

North Pike

Sept. 21

Wesson*

Sept. 28

Enterprise*

Oct. 5

St. Joseph*

Oct. 12

Puckett*

Oct. 19

Loyd Star*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game

Raines said. “We are going to have to depend on a lot of freshmen and sophomores to step up and do some good things for us.”

Offensively, the Trojans will run out of the Wing-T with four running backs.

Directing the offense will be 5-foot-7, 150-pound sophomore quarterback Stevie Pittman.

Running backs are junior Jarius Seeden and senior Jhonnell Granger.

Playing receiver/backup running back is 5-10, 160pound sophomore Darrion

9

10

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

High expectations at Franklin County BY: JAMES O. COVINGTON CORRESPONDENT

MEADVILLE — Coming off a 9-4 season, expectations are high in Franklin County for the Bulldogs to make another run at a district title and possibly a 3A State Championship.

The Bulldogs, led by senior quarterback Jay Davis and 1,000-yard rusher Chris Robinson, have aspirations to be in the 3A title chase. Still, coach Rickey O’Quinn feels his team must stay hungry and not look ahead.

“We’ve got to stay composed,” said O’Quinn, who is entering his third year at the helm. “We had a good year last year and we’re looking to build on that.”

Depth and inexperience on defense are two areas of concern for the Bulldogs.

The team looks loaded on offense after having a strong summer 7-on-7 campaigns where the Bulldogs took top honors at the Co-Lin Passing Camp and earned top 5 showings at both the Brett Favre and Mississippi State passing camps.

“We’ve got to stay focused and go out there and just play our game,” said Davis, who was a dual-threat for the Bulldog offense last season.

Franklin County once a 3A powerhouse from 20042009, claimed a state championship in 2006 and made a return trip to the finals in 2007. The last few years, the Bulldogs have been in a rebuilding mode despite making back-to-back second round playoff exits.

“We’ve been working hard and getting stronger this offseason,” said Spencer Touchstone, a 6-foot-4inch, 265-pound offensive lineman that returns upfront for his senior season.

“We can go places, but we’ve got to take care of the small stuff before we worry about the big.”

Franklin County lost to Forest 19-14 in the second round of the 3A playoffs last year and finished second in District 7-3A behind 3A state finalist Hazlehurst. An Oct. 5 date with the Indians could provide a preview of this year’s eventual South State champion.

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Franklin County quarterback Jay Davis, center, is expected to lead the Bulldogs in 2012.

“Hazlehurst is always good, but we hung with them last year and had our chances to beat them,” said O’Quinn, whose team lost to the Indians 28-12 last season despite holding a 6-0 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs open the season at home Friday against rival North Pike and host Loyd Star and Tylertown the next two weeks.

“We’ve got a tough schedule ahead of us,” Senior defensive back Tyler Parnell said. “We’re going to be ready.”

Returning linebackers Bernard Selmon and Darrion Wiley look to provide a spark for the Bulldogs on defense.

Senior Hollis Hunt is a player to watch, lining up on both offense and defense.

Gone will be playmaker Fred Coleman, who signed a football scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Coleman played wide receiver, defensive back and returned kicks for the Bulldogs.

Robinson could be the leading man to replace Coleman as the Bulldogs top playmaker. The 5-10, 175-pound Robinson returns at running back and will play cornerback and safety. He also will

2012 SCHEDULE n

Just a Few of the Services We Offer For Your Convenience...

North Pike

Aug. 17

Loyd Star

Aug. 24

Tylertown

Aug. 31

Small & Large Animals

Amite County

Sept. 14

Lawrence County

Sept. 21

Dentistry • Herd Health • Surgery • Ultra Sound Medicine/Radiology Lab • Boarding Portable X-Ray • Large Animal Facilities

Hazlehurst*

Oct. 5

Crystal Springs*

Oct. 12

Prentiss*

Oct. 19

Jefferson County*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game

be in the mix to return kicks.

“Chris is a D-1 talent,” O’Quinn said. “He’s fast, strong and smart.”

Davis, a 6-3, 190-pound senior gives the team a passing and running option. The athletic Davis has worked on getting his arm stronger and more accurate this offseason.

“He’s gotten better and stronger with his arm and decision making,” O’Quinn said. “We’re hoping him and Chris step up and become leaders for us as we go forward.”

HOURS M o n . , Tu e s . , T h u r s . , F r i .

8:00-5:00 We d . 8 : 0 0 - 1 2 : 0 0 Closed for lunch 12:00-1:00

Hwy 84 E. Bude

We Also Offer a Large Variety of Animal Products Including Science Diet, Frontline & HeartGard.

(601) 384-8555 24 Hour Emergency

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

Centreville starts season without Hurst

BY GAIL JANOTTA CORRESPONDENT

CENTREVILLE — Bill Hurst’s influence still lingered over players, despite the veteran coach’s absence from the sidelines during Centreville’s preseason practice.

Assistant coach Brian Stutzman has stepped in to lead the team as Hurst recovers from heart surgery over the summer.

“Coach Hurst is at home and doing good with his recovery,” Stutzman said. “He is getting stronger every day. It’s just a slow recovery.”

Centreville hopes to improve on its 10-3 (4-0 district) record last season. The Tigers lost in the first round of the MAIS AA playoffs to Trinity Episcopal.

The Tigers have 32 players out for preseason practice, with six starters returning on each side of the ball.

“We are going to be equally as strong as last season,” Stutzman said. “We have a lot of depth on the offensive

line, which will help us more up front.”

Stutzman said the team is looking for some good things from their sophomore class.

“We are extremely proud of our sophomores,” Stutzman said. “They are a good group of sophomores who are really battling for a starting position.The coaches are very confident in all of them.”

Centreville has 18 sophomores, four juniors and 12 seniors on the roster.

One of the sophomores expected to do well this season is 6-foot-1, 180-pound quarterback/linebacker Casey Haygood.

“Casey has a great arm, which will really help this season getting some plays down the field,” Stutzman said.

At fullback will be 5-9, 220-pound junior Brandon Arnett. Senior running backs are 5-11, 165-pound Colton Terrell and 5-10, 170-pound Randy Bell, who is among the top backs in the area.

At tight end/receiver is 6-

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

Centreville running back Randy Bell (13) is expected to be the backbone of the running game this season.

3, 170-pound junior Colby Shaw.

The offensive line consists of four seniors and a sophomore. Senior 5-11, 240pound center Jent Reese anchors the line. Linemen also include 6-1, 305-pound Caleb Cortes. 6-4, 285pound Edward DeLee, 5-11, 190-pound Frasier Hogan

and 6-1, 235-pound sophomore Brian Arnett.

Centreville is solid on the defensive unit, which includes seven seniors, three juniors and a freshman.

At defensive end are 6-1, 220-pound senior Mike Keith and Shaw.

Defensive tackles are seniors Tyler Duncan (5-11,

Walker. Oscar Brumfield is at tackle.

“Our entire offensive line is back and our defense is led by a group of experienced linebackers and lineman,” Currier said. “The experience on both sides will make us a balanced team.”

Watson, who connected on 24 of 35 field goals in 2011, will handle punting kickoffs duties.

“Special teams look good

with improved coverage, speed and an experienced punter and kicker,” Currier said.

“Last year we suffered more knee injuries in one year than we had in my 25 years as head coach,” Currier said. “Staying health is definitely important. “But with our better numbers and more depth, we will be a contender in district and make a strong push in the playoffs.”

295) and Drew Haschell (63, 230). The linebacker corps consists of Frasier Hogan, Brandon Arnett and 5-9, 145-pound senior Jake Darden.

Bell is a free safety, while strong safety is 5-5, 140pound senior Cage Chandler.

Cornerbacks are 5-8, 140pound junior Mark Curry and Caston.

“On defense, we had to replace a couple of guys,” Stutzman said. “But our linebackers, secondary and just the entire defense is playing very aggressively.

They have done well in 7-on7s” Stutzman said the Tigers face a tough schedule once again.

“Our schedule is very tough. We start out with Amite School Center, Trinity and Parklane before we even get to district play,” said Stutzman. “But playing those teams helps us be prepared for district.”

District games for Centreville include Oak Forest, Bowling Green, Central Private and Silliman.

11

2012 SCHEDULE n

Amite School

Aug. 17

Trinity

Aug. 24

Parklane

Aug. 31

WCCA

Sept. 7

Oak Forest*

Sept. 14

Brookhaven

Sept. 21

ACCS

Sept. 28

Columbia

Oct. 5

Bowling Green*

Oct. 12

Central Private*

Oct. 19

Silliman*

Oct. 26

* — denotes district game

Stutzman said he thinks the Tigers are up for the challenge ahead.

“Every week will be a huge challenge for us,” said Stutzman. “We just have to go out and do what we do best and hope that is enough to make us successful.”

Centreville hosts Amite School Center on Friday in the season opener. The game is set for 7 p.m.

Kentwood seeks 25th playoff berth in past 26 seasons

BY GAIL JANOTTA CORRESPONDENT

KENTWOOD, La. — If there was a recipe for success, Kentwood’s Kangaroos must have written it.

With a number of key players returning, to each side of the ball, it’s safe to say the ’Roos could be on their way to another successful campaign in 2012.

Kentwood cruised to a 9-3 overall mark last season and finished 5-0 in Louisiana District 7-1A play. Kentwood was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs with a 16-15 loss to Westminster Academy.

“Our offense just never clicked in that game for some reason, “ said veteran coach David Currier. “(Westminster) got a safety on us and we lost.”

With a large group returning, Currier said his team should be even stronger in 2012.

“With our squad numbers up, we should be in better shape,” he said. “Lack of depth is not unusual at a Class A school.”

In his 25 years leading the program, Currier has taken his team to the playoffs 24 times. With 48 players on the roster and a strong freshman class, he feels good about his team’s strength this season.

“We have been down some since about 2006 because of graduation and smaller numbers,” said Currier. “I believe we have one of the best freshmen classes in a while. They will help give us more depth.”

Offensively, Kentwood runs out of the shotgun.

Running the Kentwood offense this season is 5-foot-10, 160-pound junior quarterback Tavarious Battiste. Last season Battiste played behind Harlan Miller, who rushed for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns and passed for 1,325 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Currier said he has complete confidence in his Battiste.

“Tavarious is a very good athlete,” Currier said. “He’s already been to battle before, so he knows what do to.”

At running back are seniors Jaquavis Roberts and DeMarco Diamond, along with junior Leslie Collins. The Kangaroos rushed for 2,600 yards last season.

At wingback is Shyheim Carter, a 5-11, 174-pound freshman. At flanker is junior newcomer Robert Trout, 5-8, 145 pounds. At split end is junior Thomas Route.

The offensive line has a ton of experience with three returning seniors and two juniors.

Senior tackles are 5-11, 170-pound Adaruis Dawson and 5-10, 205-pound Dantravion Burton. At center is 5-10, 265-pound junior Xavier Diamond. Guards are 5-10, 180-pound junior Marvin Smith and 6-3, 290pound senior Javari Nichols.

Kentwood’s defense runs a four-man front.

Key defensive players returning include district MVP

Nichols at tackle, all-district linebackers Rodney Williams and Jordan Taylor, All-District end Torandon Watson, and sophomore end Ke’vanta Venible.

Williams led the team last season with 84 tackles. He had two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Linebackers are Williams.

Diamond and Jordan Taylor.

Defensive backs are Deante Tate, Ray Henry and Ryan

2012 SCHEDULE n

Bogalusa

Aug. 31

Varnado*

Oct. 5

Sumner

Sept. 7

A. Hannan*

Oct. 12

St. Helena

Sept. 14

Mt. Hermon*

Oct. 19

Loranger

Sept. 21

Christian Life*

Oct. 26

St. John

Sept. 28

Southern Lab*

Nov. 2

* — denotes district game

12

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

Southwest optimistic for season

BY MICHAEL D. GUNNELL SMCC SPORTS INFORMATION

Coming off a season in which it lost three games by eight points or less, Southwest Mississippi Community College is eager to get the 2012 campaign under way, and coach Charles Anthony is optimistic about his squad’s chances for improving on last year’s 3-6 record.

Anthony, who also serves as the team’s defensive coordinator, is entering his seventh season as the Bears’ coach.

“It’s critical for us to get off to a good start,” he said.

“There are always new guys in the lineup (and everyone has been) working hard since January … We’re not a deep squad. We have some positions where it would hurt us (to lose somebody).”

The Bears kick off the 2012 campaign Aug. 30 when they host Northwest Mississippi Community College. Southwest won last year’s contest 28-14. “ The (MACJC) South Division is always like the (Southeastern Conference), “Anothony said. “Every team is tough.This year, we picked up the top three teams from the North,” including No. 1 East Mississippi.

With the loss of second Team All-America quarterback Vintavious Cooper, an East Carolina signee, the task of directing the Bears’ offense this year falls to freshmen Schyler Walker and Turner Easterbrook.

Anthony said the 6-foot-2, 222-pound Walker has a slight edge for the starting nod with Easterbrook waiting in the wings.

“Both had a good camp,” Anthony said, “But Schyler probably has more command of the offense right now.”

Returning sophomore Jordan Martin (6-0, 346) anchors the offensive line at the center position. Sophomore Garrett Watts (5-10, 291) and freshman Evan McFarland (6-2, 337) look to be the starting guards while sophomore Jason Wells (5-11, 296)

PHILIP HALL | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL

SMCC’s Kereiotta Smith, left, deflects a pass away from Jerome Stewart last weekend during a practice.

and freshman Jared King (63, 280 pounds) lead the way at tackle.

Sophomores Chris Cooley (5-9, 170), Jerome Stewart (5-9, 170) and Renard Williams (6-2, 213) are back as receivers. Cooley had 13 catches for 171 yards in 2011 while Stewart hauled in nine passes for 189 yards and four touchdowns and Williams had eight catches for 116 yards.

North Pike’s Laderick Turner returns as the starting running back. The 5-6, 213-pound Turner was second on the team in 2011 with 530 rushing yards and four scores.

Defensively, Anthony said the strength of the team will be up front on the line. Sophomore Illiad Kelly (6-1, 286) returns to start at left end while freshman Joe Phillips (6-4, 250) will start at right

end. Derriccho Hardaway (511, 305) will start at nose guard.

Two local products — Franklin County’s C.J. O’Quinn (5-11, 192) and South Pike’s Jake Washington (5-11, 187) will also be vying for playing time at linebacker.

Sophomores Jose Patterson (6-1, 188), a part-time starter last season, and South Pike’s Tim Lewis (5-7, 173) are the current leaders in the secondary with Salem’s James Benjamin (5-4, 144) set as the third corner.

Brennan Dunklin (5-10, 240) is the returning starter at strong safety and McComb’s Jed Rogers (5-11, 195 holds down the free safety position.

“I’m optimistic about the upcoming season,” Anthony said. “We’ve got some good sophomores back who are providing leadership.

We’re bigger and stronger than we’ve been and I feel like we’ve had a good camp so far.”

2012 SCHEDULE n

Northwest

Aug. 30

Hinds*

Oct. 4

Itawamba

Sept. 6

Miss. Gulf Coast*

Oct. 13

East Mississippi

Sept. 13

Jones County*

Oct. 20

East Central*

Sept. 20

Co-Lin*

Oct. 25

Pearl River*

Sept. 27

* — denotes district game

Check out the Enterprise-Journal online.

Log onto

www.enterprise-journal.com

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

Fighting to rise

Call 684-2713.

Bulldogs look to break through stacked SEC Western Division

STARKVILLE (AP) — Dan Mullen has managed to build a good football program during his four years at Mississippi State.

The problem for Mullen and the Bulldogs, in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division, good isn’t good enough.

Mullen takes a glass-halffull look at the program’s current predicament, saying the program is closer than ever to challenging Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn for the division crown.

“We’re not far off from there, which means we’re not far off from the national title,” Mullen said. “As you’re developing, as you’re building the program, the confidence that comes in our guys, I think they see that.”

The Bulldogs have undoubtedly improved during Mullen’s tenure, but haven’t been able to make much headway within the SEC, which is home to the past six national champions. Mississippi State has a 3-12 record against its division, with all three wins coming against instate rival Ole Miss.

Junior Tyler Russell takes over at quarterback after a part-time role last season.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Russell threw for 1,034 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in 2011, and his presence under center will mark a stark contrast

from last year’s starter Chris Relf, who was an accomplished runner but inconsistent passer.

Mullen said Russell’s strengths should make Mississippi State more proficient in the passing game.

“We will tweak,” Mullen said. “I think every year, you take your playbook, you take what you have in your playbook, and you’re not going to use 100 percent of it. You have to take whatever percentage, 60, 75, 80, whatever, fits that year’s team.”

LaDarius Perkins steps into the starting role at running back after two years behind Vick Ballard. Perkins is generously listed at 5-10 and 190 pounds, and it remains to be seen whether his body can manage the physical burden demanded of a full-time SEC back.

He rushed for 422 yards and two touchdowns last season and also caught 13 passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns. Perkins bristles when asked about how his smaller frame will hold up over a full season. Nick Griffin and Josh Robinson are also options at running back.

“I feel like I can get the job done,” Perkins said. “I’m in top-notch shape, I’m more experienced and I’ve played in a lot of big-time games.”

Mississippi State’s veteran receivers will finally get a chance to stand out thanks

ASSOCIATED PRESS

MSU’s Deonte Evans, a former McComb standout, chases down Chad Bumphis (1) during a drill.

to Russell’s emergence. Seniors Chris Smith, Arceto Clark and Chad Bumphis all caught at least 25 passes last season, and figure to play a more prominent role in the revamped offense.

Mississippi State’s defense has several returners, including defensive tackle Josh Boyd, linebacker Cameron Lawrence and cornerbacks Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield.

Boyd teamed with firstround NFL draft pick Fletcher Cox to dominate the interior defensive line last season. Now that Cox is with the

Philadelphia Eagles, the focus is on the 6-foot-3, 300pound Boyd, who made 51 tackles last season, including 8½ for a loss and 4½ sacks in 2011.

Lawrence was one of the SEC’s most productive defensive players last season, ranking second in the league with 123 tackles.

Mississippi State is helped by a relatively friendly earlyseason schedule. The Bulldogs have a crucial game against Auburn on Sept. 8 — which will be the team’s first chance to beat a prominent Western Division opponent.

Freeze tries to revive Ole Miss

OXFORD (AP) — Firstyear Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze promises his offense will play fast.

Winning, that might be a little more difficult for the Rebels.

“What I do know is that we will compete with passion and intensity for 60 minutes every time we’re on the field,” Freeze said. “How does that translate into wins and losses? I’m not completely sure. Nobody is. The Southeastern Conference is incredibly talented and competitive and we’re going to have to earn everything we get.”

Ole Miss has already lived through two dreadful football seasons that produced just six total victories, a 1-15 Southeastern Conference record and an embarrassing loss to a Football Championship Subdivision program.

That led to the firing of coach Houston Nutt and the hiring of Freeze, whose meteoric rise through the coaching ranks has led him to Oxford, which is just 50 miles from his hometown in Independence.

Less than 10 years ago, Freeze was coaching high school football. Now he’s charged with leading the Rebels to the top of the brutal SEC Western Division.

Freeze has already turned around programs at NAIAlevel Lambuth (Tenn.) and at Arkansas State. But Ole Miss will likely prove to be his toughest challenge.

“There’s going to be some times we’re going to rejoice this year and there will be some difficult times,” Freeze said. “… I think those are times we’ll have to lean on our core values. Hopefully we’ll pull a few surprises that will sustain us.”

The Rebels will build around a nucleus of young players. Jeff Scott rushed for a team-high 529 yards last season and six touchdowns.

He’ll be joined in the backfield by converted quarterback Randall Mackey, who threw for 1,112 yards and rushed for 180 yards last season.

“It feels natural for me in the backfield,” Mackey said.

“You’ve got the same view of the defense like at quarterback and it’s been really easy picking up the plays since I had to know where everyone was going when I was the quarterback. I just want to help us win. If that’s

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ole Miss converted quarterback now running back Randall Mackey (1) runs through drills during the preseason.

at running back, receiver or quarterback, I’m fine with it.”

The quarterback race is down to two — junior Barry Brunetti and junior college transfer Bo Wallace. Freeze has said the race could last well into September, and it might take a few games to figure out which quarterback performs the best under pressure.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Brunetti played in five games last season, complet-

13

ing 19 of 35 passes for 144 yards. He also rushed for 110 yards. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Wallace was an All-American at East Mississippi Community College last season, where he threw for 4,604 yards and 53 touchdowns.

Whoever wins the job will lead an up-tempo offense. Freeze’s Arkansas State offense averaged 32.5 points and nearly 300 passing yards per game last season.

Why You Should Let Brent McMillan Quarterback Your Next Real Estate Deal!! “...did an awesome job in assessing my needs... did not waste my time.” - Al “He made sure all my concerns were put to rest.

He was great to work with.” - Derek “You have chosen a field that you truly love, and it shows in your dedication and work.” -Eva “Knows land, diligent, hardworking, and justa plain old nice guy.” -Tom Brent McMillan

“Our family will definitely do business with you again.” -Elise

The Rebels do have a group of talented, young receivers. Sophomore Donte Moncrief led the team with 31 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns last season. Ja-Mes Logan, Vincent Sanders and Tobias Singleton are also highly regarded.

Freeze said he became enamored with the no-huddle offense during his days as a high school coach in Memphis, Tenn., and cobbled together a philosophy by watching tapes of hundreds of games.

“I did it from studying various people and various offenses at every level and putting it to my personality,” the coach said. “If you were to ask me three years ago who I’d study, it would be Oklahoma State, Oregon and Oklahoma. I think we are a mixture of all of them, really.”

On defense, the Rebels will lean on cornerback Charles Sawyer and linebacker Mike Marry to lead a turnaround after giving up more than 32 points per game last season.

Marry led Ole Miss with 81 tackles last season while Sawyer was right behind him with 70 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions.

NO CRED OLD • IT C G Y HE U B Easy Loans CK E W on Anything of Value

Large Inventory on New & Used Items For Sale • Guns • Accessories • Jewelry • Tools • Gaming Systems

• Lawn Care • A/C’s • Games & DVD’s • Electronics

14

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

www.enterprise-journal.com

New-look for USM this fall

HATTIESBURG (AP) — There’s a different coach and a different quarterback at Southern Miss.

Still, Golden Eagles running back Tracy Lampley said the program’s winning ways will stay the same.

“We’re going to be right where we want to be,” Lampley said. “Every day I see us getting better. We’ve got some new faces and some new coaches, but this is the same Southern Miss football, so everybody’s extremely confident.”

Southern Miss is coming off arguably the best season in school history, a 12-win campaign that ended with a Hawaii Bowl victory over Nevada and a No. 20 national ranking. But big changes came quickly for the Golden Eagles following that success — coach Larry Fedora left for North Carolina and the school hired veteran Ellis Johnson.

Johnson couldn’t be much more different than his predecessor.

The 49-year-old Fedora was brash and known for his wide-open spread offense that took plenty of chances and scored touchdowns in bunches. Johnson is 60 years old, understated and defensive-minded, known for his punishing defenses at South Carolina, Mississippi State, Alabama and Clemson.

But Johnson isn’t worried about style. He’s focused on leading the program to a second-straight Conference USA championship.

“We need to win Conference USA and we need to go to bowl games,” Johnson said. “If we can do that on a consistent basis then we’re successful.”

Southern Miss should have plenty of talent to make a run at the title again, led by a deep backfield that includes Lampley, Kendrick

Hardy, Desmond Johnson and Jeremy Hester. The 5foot-9, 168-pound Lampley has been a do-it-all player throughout his career, and last season gained 463 rushing yards, 574 receiving yards and 356 punt return yards, scoring eight total touchdowns.

Lampley said he expects the running game to be the team’s best area, especially early in the season. Southern Miss is trying to find a quarterback to replace fouryear starter Austin Davis.

The candidates are junior Chris Campbell, incoming freshman Anthony Alford and redshirt freshman Ricky Lloyd.

Whoever wins the job will be tested quickly. The Golden Eagles have a difficult nonconference schedule that includes an opener at Nebraska and home games against Boise State and Louisville.

“I think there’s progress (with the quarterbacks), but I also think there’s a long way to go,” Johnson said. Alford

“is far and away the best guy with the ball in his hands as far as running. In the throwing game, each one has had his day and his moments where it’s one step forward and two steps back.”

Lampley wasn’t too worried about the quarterback competition. He said replacing Davis — who finished with nearly every Southern Miss passing record — wouldn’t be possible, but all three candidates could lead the offense.

“No matter who is at quarterback, we’re going to be OK,” Lampley said. “They can all do the job. And it’s my job as a veteran to be there for the quarterback and provide a steady influence.”

Johnson’s most recent stop before coming to Southern Miss was at South Carolina, where he was the defensive coordinator under Steve Spurrier. While the Southeastern Conference was full of teams with a power running game, Johnson said he’s tweaking his defense for

BATON ROUGE (AP) — The “Honey Badger” won’t be exhibiting his game-changing skills for LSU this season, and the Tigers do indeed care.

Still, they remain confident they will overcome the recent dismissal of All-America cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. There is too much talent across the roster for LSU to sell itself short against anyone.

“There’s a limitation to what loses we can sustain, but I think there’s a strength and foundation in this program,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “That allows us to have depth, play a quality player and step the next guy on the field that really is expected to play big.”

The loss of Mathieu notwithstanding, the most important change for the Tigers this season might be the emergence of new starting quarterback Zach Mettenberger.

His exceptional ability to throw down field has been obvious to coaches since his arrival on campus as a junior college transfer last year, but he had to sit behind seniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee in 2011 while learning the offense.

Now Mettenberger is the clear No. 1, giving a greater passing threat to an offense that has all key players returning to a running game that put up 203 yards a game last season, when the Tigers won their first 13 contests before falling to Alabama in the national title game.

“He has that arm strength and knows that he can make those throws,” receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said. “He is a risk taker. He will throw those balls and trust us to make plays.”

When offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa talks about the difference in LSU’s offense this year, he lists examples from recent practices in which Mettenberger made bold throws into tight coverage, hitting receivers deep

down the middle for huge gains. When such a route appeared to be covered last year, Studrawa said, the instructions to the quarterbacks would be, “Get off it, check the ball down.”

“We wouldn’t have even thrown those balls before.

That’s been a struggle,” Studrawa said. “When (Mettenberger) sits back there, and that play’s called, he’s going to make that throw. He’s going to zip that thing in there.

He’s got the confidence to do it.”

The effect has been noticeable on receivers Russell Shepard, Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, Studrawa said, because they’ve learned not to give up on deep routes when they appear to be covered.

Mettenberger senses he has the confidence of the coaches now, and what he needs to do is not take so many risks that he losses that.

“They’re going to give me a lot of opportunities to check at the line of scrimmage, to throw the ball,” Mettenberger said. “But I’ve got to be smart with the ball.”

Miles still wants the offense to be balanced, and does not want to venture too far from the physical, grind-’emdown, ball control offense that served LSU so well last season. LSU’s top five running backs from last season — Michael Ford, Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue, Kenny Hilliard and Terrence Magee — are all back. And they’ll be joined by another talented young running back in Jeremy Hill.

The big question on defense is who will replace Mathieu at cornerback. The two leading candidates, redshirt freshman Jalen Collins and true freshman Jalen Mills, have no experience, but both were highly rated recruits. The schedule also helps. LSU will open against heavy underdog North Texas at home on Sept. 1, and most of its toughest con-

tests, highlighted by a Nov. 3 visit from Alabama, occur during the latter half of the season.

That should give any new starters a relatively low-pressure adjustment period. The rest of LSU’s defensive backfield is by no means devoid of leadership. The unit still boasts safety Eric Reid and cornerback Tharold Simon, who is considered LSU’s best one-on-one cover man.

LSU may not be able to replace Mathieu’s instinctive ability to cause mayhem as a blitzer and turnover-causing machine, but opposing quarterbacks will still be staring down a fearsome four-man defensive line led by ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, a pair that combined for 17 sacks last season.

“I don’t think I would trade them for any two defensive ends in the country,” defensive coordinator John Chavis said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Southern Miss quarterback Chris Campbell is among three players who will compete for the starting gig.

Deep LSU has high goals, despite loss of Mathieu

a different pace in Conference USA, which is known for wide-open passing offenses.

“That’s going to make your defense a certain style — it’s going to look for the big play,” Johnson said.

“You’re going to give up some yards. But you’ve got to make people pay for it with turnovers.”

Linebacker Jamie Collins, a former Franklin County standout, is the Golden Eagles’ leading returner. The 63, 239-pound senior ranked second on the team with 98 tackles, 191/2 tackles for a loss and 61/2 sacks last season. He said Johnson’s vast experience would make for an unpredictable defense.

“You never know what we’re going to do,” Collins said. “We’ll be studying the opposing team and then deciding what we can do to shut it down. We’re a defense that can do all types of things.”

Check out the Enterprise-Journal online.

Log onto

www.enterprise-journal.com

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

FOOTBALL 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

www.enterprise-journal.com

JSU to lean on experienced defense JACKSON (AP) — Jackson State’s offense has grabbed most of the headlines the past few seasons.

Now it’s the defense that will likely have to take center stage if the Tigers want to contend for a Southwestern Athletic Conference title.

Jackson State returns eight starters on defense, including defensive end Joseph LeBeau, who was named the SWAC’s preseason defensive player of the year. The 6-foot1, 245-pound senior led the league with 24½ tackles for a loss last season and 16 sacks.

Linebacker Todd Wilcher and defensive back Qua Cox also return. Wilcher led the team with 76 tackles last season and Cox had a team-high three interceptions.

“I think we’ve got a chance to be a good football team — especially on that side of the ball,” Coach Rick Comegy said. “We’ve got a lot of athleticism and experience, and I really like the way guys are playing physical and flying to the football.”

The Tigers’ offense was led

by Casey Therriault last year, the prolific passer who set several Jackson State records during his two seasons. Now the job is up for grabs between several candidates, including Dedric McDonald, freshman LaMontiez Ivy and transfers Evan Ingram and Clayton Moore.

Whoever wins the quarterback job will be helped by the return of running back B.J. Lee, who rushed for 348

Alcorn State trying to rebuild under Hopson

LORMAN (AP) — After an offseason of uncertainty, Alcorn State is ready to turn the focus to the football field.

The Braves hired veteran Jay Hopson to lead the program in May. Hopson has made headlines for being the first white football coach in Southwestern Athletic Conference history, but he’s more concerned with bringing some stability to a program that’s had five head coaches in the past six seasons.

“We’ve got the ingredients to win here,” Hopson said.

“But we’ve got to establish our expectations of players, coaches and staff and then really follow through. Once we do that, I think you’ll see some good things happen at Alcorn State.”

Alcorn State finished with a 2-8 record last season, including just a 1-8 mark in the SWAC. The Braves do return some talent, including receiver Terrance Lewis, who led the team with 28 catches for 489 yards and five touchdowns. He was also the biggest special teams threat, scoring one touchdown on a

punt return and two touchdowns on kickoff returns.

The Braves hope to get improved quarterback play this season. Junior Darius Smith returns after completing just 38.1 percent of his passes last season for 1,044 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Lewis and Smith were among a core group of veterans who worked to keep the Braves together during a rocky offseason, when the team didn’t have a head coach for several weeks.

“We’ve really stayed motivated,” Lewis said. “We can’t control what happens with the coaching changes. We think this program is headed in the right direction and we like coach Hopson, so we’re just looking forward to winning some games.”

The Alcorn State defense is led by linebacker Robert Gainwell, who made 44 tackles last season, including eight for a loss. Defensive back Casey Freeman also returns after leading the Braves with three interceptions last season.

yards and two touchdowns last season, and receiver Rico Richardson, who caught 37 passes for 896 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Left tackle Zion Pyatt also returns. The 6-foot-5, 280pounder was instrumental in providing protection for Therriault last season and will anchor the line again.

• Brake System • Exhaust System • A/C Work • Oil Filter Change • Shocks & Struts

Jackson State finished with a 9-2 record last season, including a 7-2 mark in the SWAC, but was not eligible for the league’s championship game because the program did not meet the NCAA’s standards for the Academic Progress Rate.

The Tigers are eligible for the title this season.

• Tire & Brake • CV Axles Inspections • Exhaust Systems on Motorhomes & 18 Wheelers • Transmission, Radiator & Fuel Injection • Front-End Alignments Flushes • Heating & Cooling

Tires: Mastercraft • Goodyear • Cooper • Michelin

Lamar May Alignment & Brake Shop

“We have over 100 years of combined experience in automotive service!”

Park Dr. Extension • McComb • 601-249-3203 • 601-249-2708

Subscribe.

Call 684-2713.

15

16

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

FOOTBALL 2012 www.enterprise-journal.com

ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL, McCOMB, MISSISSIPPI