Page2 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Page3 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
It’s state title game or bust for hungry Dogs By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor
ROSTER
When it comes to expectations for 2012, Greenwood head coach Clinton Gatewood isn’t holding back and doesn’t care if some snicker when he talks about playing for a state championship. “I know some people might think that’s crazy. They might ask what have we done to consider ourselves state title contenders,” Gatewood said. “Well, our kids believe they can do it. We’ve got the experience, the right attitude and we’ve been doing things the right way since last season ended.” Gatewood has re-energized a once-proud program with a 15-9 mark the last two seasons, but the Bulldogs have been bounced from the North 4A playoffs in the second round both times. “We were a young team last year, and we lost to some tough teams when you look at Lafayette County winning 4A, East Side winning the North 3A, Cleveland making it to the third round of the 4A playoffs and Southaven losing in the second round in 6Ato Northwest Rankin,” said Gatewood, whose team went 5-7 last year. The Bulldogs are still young with just nine seniors, but the team is bolstered by a talented 22man junior class that could produce as many as seven Division I prospects next year. “I feel comfortable that we’re in position to make a run at a state championship in the next couple of years,” Gatewood said. Greenwood has never won a state championship in football since the MHSAA implemented the class system in 1981. The Bulldogs played in back-toback state 5Atitle games in 1987 and 1988 and haven’t been past the second round of the playoffs since 1989. “We want to be part of history. Greenwood hasn’t played for a state championship in a long time, and us seniors want to be the ones to get us there,” said receiver/safety Kameron
255). The secondary returns senior cornerbacks Khalil Johnson (5-10, 170) and Sequan Steele (5-11, 185) and junior strong safety Artez Williams (5-9, 190). ! Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
1 Booker Chambers WR Fr 2 Xylan Harris WR Sr 3 Kameron Carter WR Sr 4 Tyrone Weaver WR Jr 5 Justin Wallace LB Jr 6 Javion Jones WR Sr 7 Kwadra Griggs QB Jr 8 Jordan Freeman QB Fr 10 Sammie Epps WR Jr 11 Terrence Kinds WR So 12 Richard Meeks WR So 13 Danny Nevels WR Fr 14 Rae Q. Harris DB Fr 15 Dwight Griggs DB Sr 16 Mar. Sanders WR Jr 17 Khalil Johnson DB Sr 18 Kor.Robertson WR Jr 19 Tyler Glass WR Fr 20 Quatez Harris LB Jr 21 Rashad Stanley RB Sr 22 JohnD. Smith RB Fr 23 Nikia Winston K Jr 24 William Robinson DE Jr 25 Jalen Stanley DB Fr 26 Artez Williams DB Jr 27 Lamar. Nichols DB So 28 Sequan Steele DB Sr 29 Darius Hemphill DB Jr 30 Jalen Prince LB Jr 31 Jacarious Stancil DB Fr 32 Clarence Lowe RB Fr 33 Steve Clemon DB Fr 34 Joshua ThurmanRB So 35 Antwoine Williams LB Fr 36 Cornelius Riley DB So
SCHEDULE
41 Josh Hammond LB Fr 42 Kevin Williams LB Jr
Greenwood High School defensive end Dwight Griggs (15) chases Leflore County High School quarterback Grant Simms last season. Griggs is one of 10 returning starters on defense for the Bulldogs this season. Griggs is just one of nine seniors on the GHS roster this year.
File photo/Andy Lo
Carter. Offensively, the Bulldogs return all of their skill players but only one offensive lineman in Alex Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 245-pound senior. Junior quarterback Kwadra Griggs (6-2, 210) will be a three-year starter. He missed three games due to injury in 2011 but finished the season by completing 123 of 229 passes for 1,771 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. “We’re expecting a lot more out of Kwadra with two years of experience under his belt,” Gatewood said. “He’s quicker, faster, stronger and knows the game better. I keep telling him he’s no longer a puppy; he’s a dog.” Griggs will lead Greenwood’s wide-open spread attack that will go with five receivers at times. Gatewood says depth at receiver should be one of the strengths of the offense. Carter (5-10, 175) and juniors Tyrone Weaver (5-9, 160) and Korey Robertson (6-2, 195) are all back as starters. Junior receiver Sammie Epps (6-4, 215) is back with the team after playing his sophomore season at Pillow Academy. He played a lot for GHS as a freshman. Then the Dogs have
senior Xylan Harris (5-10, 175), a Leflore County transfer, at receiver along with sophomore Booker T. Chambers (5-8, 150) and sophomore Terrence Kinds (5-10, 160), who Gatewood says might have the best hands on the team. Robertson, who is already drawing recruiting interest from Southeastern Conference schools, is the fastest of the receivers. He was timed at 4.39 and 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash this summer at a Mississippi State football camp. Senior Rashad Stanley (5-9, 190) returns at tailback, and junior Demarcus Williams (5-10, 190) is back at fullback. Stanley led the Dogs in rushing last year with 1,048 yards on 201 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also had 11 receptions for 95 yards. Sophomores Silvester Freeman (6-3, 240), Howard Lowe (5-9, 245) and Edward Howard (6-1, 260) and freshmen Treemetric McCray (6-1, 235) and Kryroslum Clark (6-1, 235) will play on the offensive line with Johnson. “We will have a small, young offensive line, but they know the game,” Gatewood said. “We’re just asking those young guys to hold up for three seconds because we have shortened
our passing game.” Defensively, Gatewood expects his team to be nasty with 10 starters back from a unit that took its lumps early against tough competition, allowing 45.6 points a contest in lopsided losses to Lafayette County, East Side and Southaven. The Dog defense, however, did post four straight shutouts in Region 3-4A play after that. “I am looking for big things from this bunch. They got their swagger on later in the season last year. They love to run to the ball and love hitting,” Gatewood said. The defense is led by junior linebackers Quatez Harris (5-11, 210) and Broderick Hodo (5-10, 215). Harris, a third-year starter, earned All-State 4A honors last year after finishing second in tackles with 119 and three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two deflected passes. Hodo led the Bulldogs with 143 stops and had three fumble recoveries. The front four guys in Greenwood’s 4-3 scheme are back in senior end Dwight Griggs (6-1, 215) and junior end William Robinson (5-10, 195) and junior tackle ZsaTrellius Moore (6-2, 245) and senior tackle Carlton Jordan (6-2,
40 Lee Travis Watson LB So
44 Demarcus Williams RB Jr
Aug. 17 Leflore Co., 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Lafayette County, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 Yazoo City, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 Southaven, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 Elzy, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at East Side, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 Humphreys County (HC), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Yazoo Co., 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Gentry, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 OPEN Oct. 26 Cleveland, 7 p.m.
46 Maurice Williams RB Jr 50 Markhale Darby DL Jr 51 Dorian Barcus DL Jr 52 Zsa. Moore DL Jr 53 Broderick Hodo LB Jr 54 Carlton Jordan OL Sr 55 Kyro. Clark OL Fr 56 Jewon Smith OL So 57 Alex Johnson LB Sr 58 John Tribblett LB So
2011 RESULTS 5-7 Overall, 4-1 in Region 3-4A Leflore County 26, Greenwood 22 Lafayette County 42, Greenwood 0 Yazoo City 34, Greenwood 19 Southaven 53, Greenwood 6 Greenwood 52, Amanda Elzy 0 East Side 44, Greenwood 16 Greenwood 30, Humphreys County 0 Greenwood 26, Yazoo County 0 Greenwood 12, Gentry 0 Cleveland 19, Greenwood 7 Playoffs Greenwood 19, Shannon 6 Lafayette County 53, Greenwood 8
62 Eric Peoples 63 Montrel. Ervin
60 Kameron Simmon OL Fr 61 Treemetric McCray OL Fr
OL So OL Fr
64 Silvester Freeman DL Jr
65 Daberion Harris OL Fr 66 Tyler Swims OL Fr 67 Howard Lowe OL So 68 Edward Howard OL So 69 Montr. McDowell DL So 81 Lad. Robinsons WR Fr 85 Den.Robinsons WR So 88 Lewis Jones WR Fr 90 Timothy Bedell DL Jr 91 Larry Stephen LB Jr
Verstaile Carter will keep foes guessing By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor
Bill Burrus
GHS senior Kameron Carter will play running back, quarterback and receiver on offense.
Kameron Carter can do many things on the field, and Greenwood head coach Clinton Gatewood plans to take full advantage of that this season. Carter, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior, will line up all over the field on offense (quarterback, slot back, running back and receiver) and will also play free safety on defense and have a big role in the return game. “Kameron is just blessed with great athletic ability, and that allows him to be able to do so many things to help us be a better
football team,” Gatewood said. “Receiver is my favorite position, but I don’t care what I have to do to make this team better. I will do whatever I can to get this team a state championship,” said Carter. “I look forward to playing all over the field so we can keep defenses on their toes.” Carter is a returning starter at receiver and free safety. He finished 2011 with 1,163 all-purpose yards, including 532 receiving and two touchdowns and 257 rushing and two touchdowns. “Kameron is such a dangerous weapon on offense because he has great quickness and is so shifty, kind of like (former Pittsburgh
Steeler quarterback/receiver) Kordell Stewart,” Gatewood said. “He has great vision and can really take a lick to be small. “And as a senior, he has got the experience. He’s a great student of the game and will no doubt be one of our team leaders this season,” said the GHS coach. Carter takes his role as a senior leader seriously. “It’s very important that we lead by example and vocally because we still have some young guys on this team who we’re counting on this season. Our offensive line is very young. We have to help them keep their heads up and keep grinding to get
better,” Carter said. Carter is drawing recruiting interest from Arkansas State, Louisiana Lafayette and South Alabama and won’t have any problems qualifying academically, Gatewood said. “Kameron is a honor student who has already made a 19 on the ACT,” Gatewood said. “He does well in school, stays out of trouble and can play. He’s every coach’s dream player. You want more like him, that’s for sure.” ! Contact Bill Burrus at 5817237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
Page4 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Fair has team eager to erase bad memories By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor Michael Fair would love to forget last season, but he just can’t. Pillow Academy’s 2-8 campaign was a painful one. However, a bounceback year for the Mustangs would make it all go away. It was the first-ever losing season for the fifth-year PA head coach in nearly 20 years of playing and coaching the sport. Fair believes he learned a lot, and that the Mustangs are eager to get back to their winning ways. “It was disappointing no doubt. That made it the longest offseason I have ever been a part of, just waiting to get this bad taste out of your mouth,” said Fair, who was 26-9 in his first three years at Pillow and won a State AAA Division II title in 2010. “At our parents meeting, I told them that I was a better coach than I was at this time last year because of what we went through last year. “Now, I can’t tell you if that correlates to more wins or not. We’re not thinking in terms of wins and losses but about competing as hard as we possibly can on every single play. I think this team has that kind of makeup.”
Again, the Mustangs will face a difficult schedule that includes three-time defending State AAA Division I champion Jackson Academy and perennial powers Jackson Prep and Madison-Ridgeland Academy as well as defending State AAA Division II champion Washington School. Making things even tougher for the Mustangs in the toughest league in the MAIS is doing so with only 25 players. “Every team on our schedule is talented and most will be better than they were last year. They will definitely have more than 25 players,” Fair said. “But I will say that we really like the 25 players that we’ve got and feel real good about their attitude and their hustle. “Each team has its own identity. I think this year’s identity will be one of relentlessness because the hearts of these kids is unmatched by any I’ve ever coached.” Senior offensive/defensive lineman Colby Carpenter believes the Mustangs will fool those who count them out this season. “This is a really close team, much different from last season,” he said. “We will play with a chip on our shoulders.” Fair agrees.
SCHEDULE Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 p.m. Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
at East Rankin, 7 p.m. Jackson Prep, 7 p.m. at SBEC, 7 p.m. Jackson Aca., 7 p.m. at Magnolia Heights, 7 at MRA, 7 p.m. Washington, 7 p.m. Marshall, 7 p.m. at Lee Aca., 7 p.m. OPEN Heritage, 7 p.m.
2011 RESULTS 2-8, 1-5 in North AAA Div. I Pillow 27, East Rankin 17 Jackson Prep 28, Pillow 7 SBEC 49, Pillow 28 Jackson Academy 49, Pillow 14 Pillow 33, Magnolia Heights 23 MRA 35, Pillow 14 Washington 16, Pillow 12 Marshall 35, Pillow 21 Lee 17, Pillow 10 Heritage 32, Pillow 14
File photo/Jeff Mims
PA’s Watson Turnipseed bounces into the end zone for a touchdown last season. The Mustangs open up Friday at East Rankin.
“Outside of these walls, there are probably not a lot of high expectations for this team, but our guys are excited and ready to prove some folks wrong,” said the PA coach. Defensively, the Mustangs have undergone a significant change, switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme — a transition Fair and his staff made to better suit their personnel. “In the past we’ve had a lot of big linemen, and this year we don’t. The 3-4 will put more smaller but faster defenders on the field,” Fair said. “We will move around a lot in this defense and blitz a lot. You will seldom see us not (blitz) at least one linebacker on every play.” Carpenter and fellow seniors Lou Adams and Watson Turnipseed and junior Conner Sewell are the lone returning starters on defense. Carpenter (6-0, 220) and Sewell (5-11, 220) will start at the ends, while sophomore Casey Kelly (6-1, 255) and senior Banks Tucker (5-10, 255) will split time at nose guard. Sophomores Patrick Thompson (5-9, 150) and William Dent Brock (6-1, 160) are also working at defensive end. Junior Casen Giachelli (5-9, 165) and senior Steele
ROSTER
File photo/Jeff Mims
Pillow Academy fullback Gage Long fights for hard-earned yards last season. The Mustangs went 2-8 in 2011. Henderson (5-10, 160) will start at the two inside linebacker spots. Seniors Craig James (5-8, 150) and Gage Long (5-8, 155) and sophomore Bay Bennett (5-11, 175) will rotate at the two outside linebacker positions. Adams (5-10, 160) will be at free safety, while senior
Kevin Phillips (5-11, 165) and Turnipseed (5-10, 185) will rotate at strong safety. Juniors Tyler McKay (511, 160) and Maury Sykes (5-10, 160) will hold down the two cornerback spots. Offensively, the Mustangs lack experience at the skill positions but do return four starters up
2 Watson Turnipseed RB Sr 3 John Bariola WR Jr 4 Jonathan Twitchell WR Sr 7 Craig James RB Sr 9 Gage Long RB Sr 12 Lou Adams QB Sr 13 Cooper Dunn QB Sr 16 Kevin Phillips WR Sr 18 Patrick Thompson RB So 20 Tyler McKay WR Jr 22 Maury Sykes WR Jr 23 Brantley O’Dell TE So 31 Steele Henderson TE Sr 32 Casen Giachelli RB Jr 33 Bay Bennett RB So 40 Will. Dent Brock TE So 42 Wilson Blunden RB So 53 Jay Mayo OL Sr 54 Conner Sewell OL Jr 55 Colby Carpenter OL Sr 56 Justin Perkins OL So 60 Cody McBride OL So 67 Casey Kelly OL So 70 Will McMinn OL So 73 Banks Tucker OL Sr
front in Tucker, Kelly, Carpenter and Sewell. Sophomore Justin Perkins (5-11, 185) will round out the starting line, a group that Fair believes will be the strength of his offense. “We feel real good about those guys and believe we’ll -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See PILLOW, Page 5
Page5 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Jags start season with new coach By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer NORTH CARROLLTON — The J.Z. George football team is hoping a new year, a new coach and a new attitude will be the recipe for a turnaround season. The Jaguars were just 1-10 in 2011 and 3-8 in 2010 under former head coach Chris McRae, who left George for Winona High School. Replacing McRae at the top is Joey Tompkins, a one-time assistant in 2006. Tompkins has been on staff at Eupora High School the last five years. Tompkins is from the Winona area, so he’s familiar with the J.Z. George program. He’s also known athletic director Heath Dudley for a number of years. “I’ve been friends with Coach Dud-
ley for years, and he does a great job with the track and cross-country programs at the schools,” said Tompkins. “I’m very excited to get this opportunity to be a head coach. The time was right for me to make this move.” Tompkins knows it will take time to turn things around. “Hard work is what it’s going to Tompkins take. I can’t promise wins because you’ve got to have players. We can develop these young men over time. I hope we can develop our junior high program so that it will feed our high school team,” said Tompkins. “We can only get better. We’ve got a good bunch of ninth- and 10th-graders. Our offensive line is mainly going to be sopho-
mores. I think in a year or two we can be good up front. “We’ve got a few athletes in those two grades we can develop. We might have 13 or 14 juniors and seniors combined. I wish we had more to choose from, but we will play with the hand we’ve been dealt.” Tompkins and the Jags will open their 2012 campaign Friday night at Weir High School. Tompkins began his coaching career in 1999 at Weir, serving as an assistant for six years. He then made his one-year stop at George under former coach Trey Allman before moving on to Eupora. The Jaguars will be at home the next two weeks, facing J.J. McClain and Montgomery County. They visit Winona on Sept. 7, host S.V. Marshall on Sept. 14 and go to Water Valley on ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See GEORGE, Page 6
Daniels happy to take on new roles By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer NORTH CARROLLTON — Change is not always an easy thing to accept, but J.Z. George senior Tarryon Daniels is one player who is excited about what the 2012 season has to offer. Daniels played tight end and defensive end as a junior for former coach Chris McRae, who is now on staff at Winona High School. Joey Tompkins is now in charge of the football program at J.Z. George,
and Daniels said he anticipates taking on several new roles for the Jaguars. “I like the change in offense because we’re going to be more about speed and power. We’re going to be more versatile and able to do different things,” said Daniels, who will likely play tailback, wide receiver and linebacker this season. “Coach Tompkins is encouraging us to go out and always give 100 percent and finish every-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See SENIOR, Page 6
Mustang lineman bounces back from knee injury By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor The senior season is a special time for high school football players because the bulk of them know this is likely their last hurrah. Well, there was a time when Pillow Academy offensive/defensive lineman Colby Carpenter wasn’t sure if he would be full strength for his senior year. He suffered a torn ACL in his knee during a Pillow soccer game last winter and had surgery to replace his ACL on Feb. 3. “When I first felt it pop and was laying there in pain, I was thinking my football career may be over,” Carpenter said. But he made a speedy recovery and is at full strength heading into Friday’s season opener at East Rankin. “We’re so fortunate to have Colby back at
full speed because he’s the true leader of our team,” Mustang head coach Michael Fair said. “I am just very grateful to have my senior season of football, and I am going to do everything I can to make the most of it,” said Carpenter, a 6-foot, 220pounder. “It’s a miracle that I was able to bounce back so soon and be in such great shape.” Carpenter will start on both sides of the ball this Carpenter season, playing guard on offense and end on defense in the Mustangs’ new 3-4 scheme. “I enjoy playing both, but I like defense a lot more because you can let loose and have fun,” he said. “I played defensive tackle the last two years in a 4-3 scheme, so I was
playing inside. Now I have different techniques and responsibilities. It’s a move that I have really enjoyed.” Fair said Carpenter is athletic enough to play fullback or linebacker, but that he’s also unselfishness enough to do what’s best for the team without a complaint. That’s part of why Fair considers Carpenter the leader of his team. “Colby is not real vocal, but he certainly leads by example. He’s such a hard worker, and he never takes a play off, and those kind of things are contagious. He makes everybody around him want to be better,” Fair said. Carpenter takes his role as team leader seriously. “I feel like we have a really young team that is easily influenced, so it’s important that us seniors show them the right way to do things,” he said. “It’s totally up to the
2012 Preseason All-Commonwealth Team OFFENSE QB, Kwadra Griggs, 6-2 2, 210, Jr., Greenwood
DEFENSE
A third-year starter who passed for 1,771 yards, 13 TDs in 2011
RB, Rashad Stanley, 5-9 9, 190, Sr., Greenwood
Creates havoc for opposing teams at end with quickness
DL, Colby Carpenter, 6-0 0, 220, Sr., Pillow Academy
Ran for 1,048 yards and 2 TDs in 2011
A warrior at end and great team leader
RB, Denarius Howard, 6-0 0, 185, Jr., Amanda Elzy
Rushed for 1,274 yards and 13 TDs at West Tally in 2011
WR, Kameron Carter, 5-1 10, 170, Sr., Greenwood
Versatile player with 34 catches for 532 yards and ran for 257
WR, Korey Robertson, 6-2 2, 195, Jr., Greenwood
Led GHS with 608 yards and nine TDs after missing 2 games
WR, Peyton Banes, 5-8 8, 160, Sr., Carroll Academy
Had 45 grabs for 769 yards, 10 TDs and ran for 335, 2 TDs
OL, Alex Johnson, 6-1 1, 245, Sr., Greenwood
DL, Clark Sanders, 5-9 9, 170, Jr., Carroll Academy
Had 89 solo tackles playing defensive end in 2011
LB, Broderick Hodo, 5-1 10, 215, Jr., Greenwood
Led Dogs with 143 tackles, including 82 solo stops
LB, Quatez Harris, 5-1 11, 210, Jr., Greenwood
An all-state 4A selection in 2011 with 119 stops
LB, Tayrron Daniels, 6-2 2, 190, Sr., J.Z. George
Will play linebacker and tailback. Leader of a young team
LB, Hunter McCorkle, 5-7 7, 155, Jr., Carroll Academy
Strong player with big heart. Also tough at linebacker
Proved he has nose for the ball with 102 solos last season
OL, Tommy King, 5-1 10, 200, Jr., Amanda Elzy
LB, Juwan Whitehead, 6-1 1, 210. Jr., Amanda Elzy
Expected to pave way for improved running game
A physical player who will also play fullback for Panthers
OL, Banks Tucker, 5-1 10, 250, Sr., Pillow Academy
Anchors the Mustang offensive line at center position
OL, Justin Sandifer, 6-5 5, 289, Sr., Leflore County
Physical blocker who was All-Commowealth pick in 2011
OL, Jermaine Jones, 5-1 11, 285, Jr., Leflore County
Very physical blocker. Also will play on DL
DL, Dwight Griggs, 6-1 1, 215, Sr., Greenwood
DB, Khalil Johnson, 5-1 10, 170, Sr., Greenwood
A lockdown corner who made All-Commonwealth in 2011
DB, Sequan Steele, 5-1 11, 185, Sr., Greenwood
Aggressive cornerback who excels with his speed
DB, Dekarius Prayer, 6-0 0, 175, Jr., Amanda Elzy
Will play safety and quarterback this season
SPECIAL TEAMS K/P, Kevin Phillips, 5-1 11, 165, Sr., Pillow Academy
Talented player with a really strong leg on kickoffs
seniors to guide these guys to a successful season.” Carpenter will be a three-year starter for the Mustangs. He made All-Commonwealth honorable mention last season and will be counted on heavily to help the Mustangs bounce back from a disappointing 28 campaign in 2011. “Colby is the quarterback of the guys up front. He gets everybody lined up and going in the right direction,” Fair said. “He will be such a big part of this team that I can’t imagine having to start the season without him due to injury. It takes a special person to comeback that quickly and that strong from an ACL tear. It’s just not football that he succeeds in but everything because he’s willing to go the extra mile.” ! Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
Pillow Continued from Page 4 ---------------------------------------------------------be as strong with our three inside guys as anybody we’ll play,” Fair said. That group will be blocking for new quarterback Lou Adams and a trio of running backs in Bennett, Turnipseed and Long that is expected to be interchangeable at fullback and tailback in Pillow’s base Iformation. “We feel like all three running backs bring something different to the table. Gage is a tough runner between the tackles. WatFair son has gotten bigger and has some skill, and Bay is a young kid who ran for 120-something yards in our last game after moving up from junior high,” Fair said. “And I believe Lou is going to do a great job. He is a good field general who runs well and is an accurate thrower.” Fair believes sophomore Wilson Blunden (5-9, 170) will soon be pushing for
playing time. Sophomores Will McMinn (5-9, 165) and Cody McBride (5-8, 160) and senior Jay Mayo (5-10, 170) are also working on the offensive line. Sophomore Cooper Dunn (5-9, 165) is backing up Adams. True to Fair’s roots in the game, the Mustangs will be a run-first team, but when they do throw, look for wide receivers Phillips, McKay and Sykes and sophomore tight end Brantley O’Dell (6-1, 170) to be the likely targets. Junior John Bariola (510, 155) will also see action at receiver after being hurt this summer. Senior Jonathan Twitchell (5-9, 140) and James are also working at receiver. The Mustangs will again work some times out of the spread, but their bread and butter package will be the I-formation. “I like all the new spread stuff, but it can turn you into more of a finesse team. I just believe in that smashmouth, two-back set that I cut my teeth on in this game,” said Fair, a former All-SEC center at Mississippi State and a former Carroll Academy standout. ! Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
Page6 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Senior Continued from Page 5 --------------------------------------------------------thing we do strong. He’s an intense person. It’ll be different because Coach McRae was more laid back. You can already tell a difference in the way things go during practice,” Daniels added. Tompkins came on board after the 2011-2012 school year ended, so he did not have a chance to work with the team during spring drills. As far as Daniels goes, he saw him on film from the spring game. “My early impressions of Tarryon are that he is a good kid, and he’s going to be one of the leaders of this team,” said Tompkins, who was an assistant at J.Z. George during the 2006 season under former coach Trey Allman. “I remember him from track because Coach (Heath) Dudley was real high on him. He’s a competitor. We’re going to use him in a lot of areas. He
George Continued from Page 5 ---------------------------------------------------------Sept. 21. Region 2-2A play gets started on Sept. 28 at home against Eupora. George visits East Webster and Hamilton on Oct. 5 and 12, respectively. The Jaguars close out with home games against Ackerman and Williams-Sullivan. Tompkins will be joined on the sidelines this season by Josh Glasner, who will handle the offensive coordinator and offensive and defensive line duties; Alex Rawls, who will serve as defensive coordinator and also coach running backs and linebackers; and Jason Allen and Mark Austin, who will coach wide receivers and defensive backs. “I told the players and coaches my goal is to get better every week, and by the time we play our 11th game, we could have a shot to play a 12th game. In our district, it’s going to be a challenge every week. Eupora and Ackerman are going to be strong, and East Webster and Hamilton will be good. I know it’s going to take two district wins to get us into the playoffs,” Tompkins said. “I’m not looking ahead to anyone but Weir. We are going to focus on the first game and roll into Weir prepared to play. That’s one thing we will definitely do, and that’s be prepared each week.” Tompkins doesn’t have a wealth of talent returning. He will look to returning senior Tarryon Daniels to provide leadership. Daniels will play running back, wide receiver and linebacker. Michael Henry, who did not play in 2011, will likely get the nod as the starting quarterback. Freshman Randy Stallworth could also see some time under
-----------------------------------
strikes me as the type of young man who is going to do whatever it takes and will be willing do anything we ask of him.” Daniels said Tompkins told each player that every position was open and no one came in as a starter. “He wanted us all to earn our position. He didn’t want any of us thinking we could just hold on to our spots, but to go out and earn everything,” said Daniels. “I believe with the changes he’s bringing this team has a shot at going 83 during the season and making the playoffs. I know we compete in one of the toughest districts, but it can be done.” Daniels said he expects the Jaguars to be able to run the ball more this sea-
son with Michael Henry and Deterion Peoples joining him in the backfield. Also, an improved offensive line is going to make a big difference. “I realize that I’ve got to step up my game this year, but those other guys are going to make us a much better team,” Daniels said. Daniels also competes in track for the Jaguars. He’s been a part of two state championship teams as a sophomore and freshman, and was on George’s second-place squad last season. He competes in the 110 high hurdles, the 300meter hurdles, and the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams. “That’s pretty much back-to-back events. I might get a 30-minute break in between those events, but sometimes it’s less than that. I love competing. That’s what drives me. I really don’t see this team going 1-10 this season like we did last year,” said Daniels. “We’re stronger in a lot of areas and guys are working harder.”
SCHEDULE
ROSTER
“I realize I’ve got to step up my game this year. ’’ Tarryon Daniels -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 Sept. 14 p.m. Sept. 21 p.m. Sept. 28 Oct. 5 p.m. Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 p.m.
at Weir, 7:30 p.m. McClain, 7:30 p.m. Montgomery County, at Winona, 7:30 p.m. S.V. Marshall, 7:30 at Water Valley, 7:30 Eupora, 7:30 p.m. at East Webster, 7 at Hamilton, 7 p.m. Ackerman, 7 p.m. Williams-Sullivan, 7
2011 RESULTS 1-10, 1-4 in Region 2-2A Weir 36, J.Z. George 12 McClain 48, J.Z. George 0 Montgomery County 32, J.Z. George 12 Winona 51, J.Z. George 22 S.V. Marshall 44, J.Z. George 0 Water Valley 37, J.Z. George 0 Eupora 52, J.Z. George 0 East Webster 28, J.Z. George 0 Hamilton 47, J.Z. George 0 Ackerman 35, J.Z. George 0 J.Z. George 42, Williams-Sullivan 0
center. Besides Daniels, others who could play in the backfield are junior Otis Howard and sophomores Jhamal Archie and DeAngelo Anderson. Working at receiver are senior Leon Nevels, juniors Javeon Williams, Marquall Nalls and Martavious Hallmon, sophomores DeAngelo Quarles, Julius Cook, Toby Brown and Doug Goss, and freshmen Michael Hudson, Chris Lewis and Kelvin Adams. Dalvin Williams is the lone senior on the offensive line. He’s joined by juniors Daron Bryant and Damian Day, and sophomores Joe Russell, Andre Williams, Elise Dunbar, Akeem Swims and Edtavious Brandon. Freshmen Edward Lee, Shaquille Morris, Colby Johnson, Martevious Russell, Thomas Rice and Jevonte Griffin are also vying for playing time on the offensive line. Several players on the offensive side of the ball will
2 Teandre Peeples Sr WR 3 Tarryon Daniels Sr RB 4 Jhamall Archie So RB 5 Otis Howard Jr RB 6 De. Anderson So WR 7 Michael Henry Sr QB 8 Kelvin Adams Fr WR 9 Toby Brown So WR 12 Marquel Nalls Jr WR 13 Chris Lewis Fr WR 15 Randy Stallworth Fr QB 19 Mar.Hallman So WR 20 Issac Hodges So WR 22 Leon Nevels Sr WR 24 Deterion Peeples Sr RB 29 Julius Cook So WR 31 De. Quarles So WR 35 Jairvion Williams Jr DB 38 Doug Goss So WR 40 Marcus Woods Fr RB 48 Martavis Russell Fr DL 50 Edward Lee Fr OL 52 Joe Russell So OL 55 Akeem Swims So OL 56 Andre Williams So OL 58 Elias Dunbar So OL 62 Damion Day Jr OL 64 Dalvin Williams Sr OL 65 Darren Bryant Jr OL 66 Patrick Herndon Sr DL 69 Colby Johnson Fr OL 72 Ed Brandon So OL 73 Dakota Smith So OL 74 Carlton Vincent So OL 75 Thomas Rias Fr OL 76 Shaquille Morris Fr OL 77 Johnta Griffin Fr OL 88 Nak. Hardiman So WR flip over and play defense. “We are going to play the best person. If the best is a freshman, then he is going to play,” said Tompkins. “My whole goal is to win. I know we play in one of the toughest districts in 2A, but I’m not one who likes to make excuses. We may be young right now, but we’re not going to be young forever. “I hope people can come out and see a team that is prepared and see a bunch of kids who worked their rear ends off in the summer. They have been working to do their best.”
Kent finishing up at DSU
By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer CLEVELAND — Will Kent’s journey has not carried him very far from home, but it’s one he’s hoping will end with a bang as a senior at Delta State University. Kent is a 2008 graduate of Pillow Academy. He left the Greenwood-based school and signed on with Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead. He spent three years at MDCC, receiving a medical redshirt his second year because of a fractured foot. After completing his third year in 2010-2011, Kent moved on to Cleveland to play for the Statesmen. The 6-11/2, 255-pound offensive lineman appeared in seven games as a backup on the line as a junior. Delta State went 113 in 2011 under former coach Ron Roberts.
Jamey Chadwell is now the head coach at DSU. “With a new coach comes change. I’m going into this season hoping to compete for a starting job at center. I was moved from guard and tackle during the spring to center. We had five senior offensive linemen last year, so I feel like I should get a lot more playing time this season,” said Kent. K e n t said last season was a struggle at times for h i m because Kent he was playing at a weight of 275 pounds. “I had put on a lot of weight to play tackle and guard, and I lost a good bit of speed and agility,” said Kent.
“Halfway through the season, I started losing the weight and hit the weight room. I got stronger and felt a lot better about my abilities. I’ve always been one of the smaller offensive linemen, so I just use my quickness and ability to run.” While at MDCC, Kent was an all-academic performer and chosen to the all-conference team. “I loved the guys and the coaches at Mississippi Delta. We weren’t very successful as far as wins go, but I got an opportunity to play against some quality competition,” said Kent. “I went up against Nick Fairley when he was at Co-Lin and against Pernell McPhee at Itawamba. I enjoyed playing at MDCC.” Kent and the Statesmen open their 2012 season Sept. 1 at home against Fort Valley State.
ON CAMPUS Here’s a look at where former Greenwood-area high school football players are now playing in college:
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE Martin Davis Jeremy Collins Kevin Haymore Letrey Jones Michael Bowman Jaylon Daniels
OL QB DB DB OL DB
Senior Sophomore Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman
Leflore County Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Leflore County Amanda Elzy
MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Brandon Milner Jalen Jones Xavier Pitts Joseph Crain Cody Beam Adam Jennings
OL WR DL DE LB OL
Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman
Pillow Academy Amanda Elzy Greenwood Greenwood Pillow Academy Carroll Academy
COPIAH-LLINCOLN COMMUNITY COLLEGE MacJavoris Tims
OL
Freshman
Greenwood
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE D’Montrise Swinney Milton Davis Cordious McGee
WR TE WR
Freshman Freshman Freshman
Leflore County Greenwood Leflore County
DELTA STATE Will Kent
OL
Senior
Pillow Academy
AUBURN Jermaine Whitehead
DB
Sophomore
Amanda Elzy
UNIVERSITY of IDAHO Trey Williams
DB
Junior
Leflore County
NAVY DeBrandon Sanders
SB
Freshman
Leflore County
OUACHITA BAPTIST Luke Kimmel
LB
Sophomore
Pillow Academy
Page8 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
House believes team has right attitude By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer Amanda Elzy head coach Eric House insists there’s something different about the 2012 version of the Panthers football team. The Panthers limped to a 2-8 campaign in 2011 and a 1-4 record in Region 3-4A play. Inexperience and injuries played a major role in the dismal season. However, House believes this season is headed in a different direction. “The coaching staff worked hard during the summer with our weight training and conditioning program. We had a lot more participants than in my first four years. There is a whole different attitude with this group,” said House, who is 18-21 in his first four years at Elzy. “There seems to be more of a family atmosphere. The kids are buying into what we are doing, and we have a lot more parental involvement. There is a certain formula to turning things around. It’s going to take hard work and consistency. I want to see coaches and players give 150 percent each week and in each game,” House added. House said he borrowed a page from Louisiana-Lafayette during the spring. “I took a page out of their training and applied it to our team. They do 295 reps of Oklahoma drills in each practice session. Whether it was one-on-one, twoon-two or three-on-three, we did it for 15 days during the spring,” House said. “They were pretty sore the first week, but once they got used to it, they looked forward to it each day. That’s the way we practice and play each day from now on. “This bunch has a winning attitude. They have been pushed to the limit. I’ve been amazed with the effort. They finish their drills, and a lot of them put in extra time after practice. We’ve got a few players who are showing the way. When mistakes are made, that player drops down and does so many pushups,” said House. The Panthers compete in Region 3 with Cleveland, Greenwood, Humphreys County, Gentry and Yazoo County. Cleveland won the district last year, while Greenwood came in second. “I think the team to beat this year is Greenwood. They are wellcoached and disciplined and have tons of talent,” said House. “Cleve-
Andy Lo
Amanda Elzy’s Derry Skinner tries to haul in a pass during a recent practice. Skinner is one of just four seniors on the team. Andy Lo
Amanda Elzy’s Xavier Johnson, a junior wide receiver, spins the ball during warmups at a recent practice. The Panthers are confident they will improve on last year’s disappointing 2-8 season. land is going to be tough again. I look for us and Gentry to be in the mix. Gentry has some good-looking kids returning. “I feel like we can make a run at first or second if we stay healthy. We don’t have a lot of depth. We had five or six players who went both ways last season. We’ll probably have a few who will have to go both ways this season.” The Panthers relied heavily on the arm of Jaylon Daniels last season. Daniels, who signed with Mississippi Valley State, threw for 1,911 yards and 19 touchdowns on 108 of 217 passing. However, with no proven signal caller this season, House hopes to get back to his old ways of running the ball effectively. He feels he has the talent in the backfield to do just that. Denarius Howard, a junior, transferred to Elzy during the spring from West Tallahatchie High School and quickly stepped into a starter’s role. He rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns at West Tally in 2011. “We hope to spotlight him at running back. We haven’t had a 1,000yard rusher in my first four years. He’ll also play some quarterback, but look for him to run the ball a
good bit,” said House. Junior Dekarius Prayer will likely draw the start at quarterback in the season opener Friday against West Tally. Sophomore Jacques Wright will back up Howard at tailback, while junior Juwan Whitehead (6-1, 210) will play fullback. Cartez Klines, one of only four seniors on the roster, is the starting tight end. Senior Roosevelt Harris, juniors Rakeem Hunt and Xavier Johnson and sophomore Reginald Wright are working at wide receiver. The offensive line will have sophomore Daylon Cage (5-10, 180) at center, junior Tommy King (5-10, 200) at right guard, freshman Vidarius Maggitt (6-0, 183) at left guard, sophomore Juan Robinson (5-11, 185) at left tackle and junior Malcolm Sanders (6-1, 330) at right tackle. Others who could see playing time include junior Earl Stewart (6-1, 200) and sophomores Devante Howard (5-7, 230) and Jacoby Cockhren (5-10, 208). “Cage and King started last season, and Sanders saw some action. We’re breaking in a few new guys, and we have a new offensive line coach in Wesley Carpenter. He’s
been around, coaching at several schools in the area. We’re not big on the line, but I like this group,” House said. Also assisting House are Anthony Williams, who handles the special teams and receivers; Brandon Davis, who will be the defensive coordinator; and Derrick Hemphill, who coaches the linebackers. The defense will have Devonte Howard and Stewart at tackle; King, Klines and V. Maggitt playing end; Whitehead, senior Derry Skinner and junior Desmond Maggitt at linebacker; R. Wright, J. Wright and D. Maggitt at cornerback; Prayer at strong safety; and Denarius Howard at free safety. “This group believes in what the coaches tell them, and they are doing everything at a fast pace. We are focusing on how teams ran over us last season. It’s a personal thing this year to be a more physical group,” said House. “We’re not shying away from contact in practice. We’ve been a lot more physical than in my previous four years. “The thing that stands out about this group is their quickness and a hunger to get better. Our first game is going to be a good test. West Tally has a competitive team. We need to get off to a good start.”
Coach has high hopes for transfer RB By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer Denarius Howard arrived on campus at Amanda Elzy in the spring of the 2012 school year. It hasn’t taken him long to make an impact with his coaches and teammates. Howard, a junior, moved to Greenwood from nearby Glendora. He played the first two years of his high school career at West Tallahatchie High School in Webb. He was able to play in Elzy’s spring game against Simmons, and as head coach Eric House puts it, he’s drawing rave reviews. “He’s a well-mannered kid, and he takes his academics seriously. Denarius realizes his academics can carry him far on the football field,” said House. “He has a
tremendous work ethic, and he reminds me a lot of Jermaine Whitehead. Whitehead played running back, quarterback, receiver and defensive back, and those are the positions Howard plays. He’s just an overall good athlete.” Howard, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 185 pounds, came to Elzy after a conversation with his father, Andrew Hill. “My dad and me talked about this Howard decision, and we both felt like it was the best place for me. He has been there for me since day one,” said Howard, who ran for 1,274 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore at West Tally. By coincidence, the Panthers and
Choctaws will open the season Friday night at R.R. Pickett Field on Elzy’s campus. “I’m not torn about my decision. It’s going to be fun playing them (West Tally) the first game. I just plan on going out and do what I do best,” said Howard, who also had 35 solo stops, 65 assists and five interceptions playing defensive back last season. The Panthers are coming off a dismal 2-8 campaign. As far as Howard is concerned, the 2011 season is in the past. “I played in the playoffs as an eighth-grader against J.Z. George, and we made the playoffs last year. I know that it takes hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. I expect us to make the playoffs,” said Howard. “To me, football is the same no matter where you play. You’ve got to go out and work hard.
That’s the type of example I want to set here at Elzy. I want my teammates to see how hard I work on and off the field.” House thinks Howard’s attitude will make a difference. “Denarius is a young man with good character. He has a tremendous work ethic, and he is a natural leader. He’s going to help this team is so many ways,” said House, who added that Howard has already drawn interest from Ole Miss and Mississippi State. “I’m not the type who is going to do a lot of talking. What I do on the field does my talking. I want us all to believe that we can be playing for a state championship in Jackson,” Howard said.”There’s a lot of positive energy flowing around campus with the basketball team winning state last year. If we come together, we can reach our goals.”
ROSTER 1 Juwan Whitehead RB Jr 3 Dekarius Prayer QB Jr 4 Rakeem Hunt WR Jr 5 Vasheem Noland LB Sr 6 Derry Skinner LB Sr 7 Hilk. Montgomery DB Fr 8 Denarius Howard RB Jr 10 Quin. Jackson DB Fr 11 Roosevelt Harris WR Sr 12 Denarius Grover WR So 13 Ken.West WR So 16 Jacques Wright RB So 17 Desmond Maggitt DB Jr 22 Tommy Wright DB Fr 23 Calvin Townsend DB Fr 24 Cartez Klines TE Sr 25 Ladarius Harris DB Fr 28 Brian Viser WR Jr 34 Xavier Johnson WR Jr 40 Lonzo Cooper KR Jr 43 Preston McClee LB So 50 Jacoby Cockhren OT So 52 Daylon Cage C So 54 Juan Robinson OT So 55 Earl Stewart OT Jr 56 Vidarius Maggitt DE Fr 63 Malcolm Sanders DT Jr 66 Christian Williams OL So 72 Devonte Howard C So 74 Tommy King DE Jr 88 Chris Streeter WR Jr
SCHEDULE Aug. 17 Aug. 24 p.m. Aug. 31 Sept. 7 p.m. Sept. 14 p.m. Sept. 21 p.m. Sept. 28 p.m. Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 p.m.
West Tally, 7:30 p.m. at Leflore County, 7:30 at JFK, 7:30 p.m. at Lewisburg, 7:30 at Greenwood, 7:30 at S.V. Marshall, 7:30 Yazoo County, 7:30 Gentry, 7 p.m. at Cleveland, 7 p.m. OPEN Humphreys County, 7
2011 RESULTS 2-8 Overall, 1-4 in Region 3-4A Amanda Elzy 26, West Tally 20 (OT) Leflore County 44, Amanda Elzy 8 John F. Kennedy 45, Amanda Elzy 16 Lewisburg 57, Amanda Elzy 21 Greenwood 52, Amanda Elzy 0 S.V.Marshall 48, Amanda Elzy 36 Yazoo County 34, Amanda Elzy 20 Gentry 42, Amanda Elzy 18 Cleveland 48, Amanda Elzy 13 Amanda Elzy 53, Humphreys County 27
Page9 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Turner believes good things ahead
Aug. 17 Aug. 24 p.m. Aug. 31 p.m. Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 p.m. Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 7 p.m. Oct. 26
By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer CARROLLTON — Carroll Academy head coach Neil Turner makes sure of one thing when he speaks about his football team. Negative comments are not a part of the conversation. Turner, who is beginning his 21st season coaching in the academy ranks, is in his second year at the helm of the Rebel football program. He guided Carroll to a 6-6 overall record and a second-round appearance in the North AA playoffs in 2011. When asked if Carroll is rebuilding or reloading this season, Turner’s response was a positive one. “I like to say we are reloading. My experience with Turner that is that you have to establish a line of credit, and I’d like to think we did that last season,” Turner said. “I was asked during the summer when was Carroll going to return to its glory days. My response is I don’t think that has ever left. I believe we can keep building on what we did last year.” The Rebels put together one of their more memorable football seasons last year. Carroll stood at 2-4 after six games and 1-1 in District 1-AA play. They knocked off nonconference foes Immanuel and Humphreys Academy the next two weeks to get to 4-4. But, Carroll then dropped a 5320 district game to North Delta to slip to 1-2 in league play, making their playoff hopes dim. After an open week and a few changes were made in the offensive system, the Rebels pulled out a hard-fought 3532 victory over league member Indianola to get to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in the district. The Rebels were awarded a wildcard spot for the North AA playoffs, where they faced Leake Academy in the first round. CA came out on top 35-32 to set up a rematch with league foe Marshall Academy, which beat the Rebels 40-10 during the regular season. In a highly intense contest, Marshall beat Carroll 34-33 in double overtime. The game ended with a controversial call that didn’t go Carroll’s way. Needless to say, Sept. 14 at Robert Gordon Field in Carroll County will be a big night for football when Marshall comes to town. “I want our kids to play this season with a chip on their shoulder. With the way the season ended, we
SCHEDULE Benton, 7 p.m. at Washington, 7 Lee Academy, 7 at Kirk, 7 p.m. Marshall, 7 p.m. Manchester (HC), 7 at Immanuel, 7 p.m. OPEN North Delta, 7 p.m. Greenville Christian, at Indianola, 7 p.m.
2011 RESULTS 6-6, 2-2 in District 1-AA Carroll 29, Benton 22 Washington 49, Carroll 6 Lee 37, Carroll 26 Carroll 17, Kirk 6 Marshall 40, Carroll 10 Manchester 34, Carroll 33 Carroll 27, Immanuel 26 Carroll 47, Humphreys 8 North Delta 53, Carroll 20 Carroll 35, Indianola 32 Playoffs Carroll 35, Leake 32 Marshall 34, Carroll 33 (2 OT)
ROSTER
Andy Lo
Carroll Academy junior running back Reed Fox (5) tries to get past a Marshall Academy defender during a recent jamboree at Carroll. The Rebels hope to build on last year’s playoff momentum in 2012. can feed off what happened last season and improve our position in the district,” said Turner. “I don’t want us just playing for a wildcard spot again I want us to take a run at the No. 1 spot in the district. We can’t overlook a Class A team on our schedule, and we can’t be intimidated by a AAA school. “I look at this team and this program and feel like we are headed in the right direction. We’ve got a good group of kids who believe in each other and are coming together. Of course just like any team, a few injuries will hurt us because of our numbers, but if we stay healthy we have a shot at a winning season.” Turner enters the season with 25 players on his roster, which includes 10 seniors, nine juniors and six sophomores. He has the task of replacing two of the most productive Rebel players in school history in Breland Marett and Hayden Harrell. Marett, the Commonwealth’s Player of the Year in 2011, passed for 2,318 yards and 24 touchdowns on 153 of 240 attempts. He also ran for 604 yards on 128 carries and scored seven times. Harrell, a hard-nosed undersized
running back, rushed for 1,193 yards on 200 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. “That’s a lot to have to replace. Things will be a little different this season. We relied heavily on Hayden to run the ball, although Breland got as many carries in the final three games,” Turner said. “We’ve got some young men returning who we feel very strong about. Will we be able to score 35 points a game? I don’t know. I hope we can score that much when we need it, but I also hope we don’t give up as much as we did.” Carroll allowed 31 points per game last season. Working to replace Marett at quarterback is junior Jake Streater, who played in the secondary as a sophomore. He was an all-district performer on defense in 2011. Juniors Clark Sanders and Justin Farris will be in the backfield at either fullback or tailback. Turner said both will be in the backfield in certain formations, and they will split time in the spread formation. Working at wide out are seniors Logan Ellis and Kyle Moore, while
1 Keever Sheppard WR Sr 2 Payton Neal WR So 3 Hunter Flanagan WR Sr 5 Reed Fox RB Jr 6 Jake Steater QB Jr 8 Dustin McGehee RB So 9 Austin Brewer QB Jr 10 Logan Ellis WR Sr 11 Caleb Poe RB So 12 Kyle Moore WR Sr 21 Peyton Banes RB Sr 22 Tristan Wiggins WR So 24 Justin Farris RB Jr 32 Clark Sanders RB Jr 36 River Wolfe RB Sr 51 Harley Smith OL Jr 52 Layne Turner OL Sr 54 Hunter McCorkle LB Jr 55 Andrew Utz OL Sr 56 Jordan Bell OL Sr 60 Buddy Holman OL So 64 Ryan Wright OL Sr 65 Jon. Ainsworth OL Sr 72 Austin Jennings OL So 76 Joe K.Whitfield OL Sr
seniors Peyton Banes and River Wolfe are at the slot receiver. Backing them up are junior Reed Fox and sophomore Caleb Poe. “We are a spread-oriented team, and last year we developed a long passing game. Breland got so much better at throwing the deep pass. Jake is showing improvement in the long passes. His foot work is getting better. We throw a lot of timing routes, so it takes time to work with the receivers,” said Turner. An area that seems to have Turner excited is the offensive line. Although five senior starters graduated, he likes the potential of this year’s unit. Senior Jonathan Ainsworth is working at left tackle, while senior Joe Kelley Whitfield is at left guard. Ainsworth draws the responsibility of protecting Streater’s blindside. Junior Jordan Bell and sophomore Austin Jennings are battling at center, while seniors Layne Turner and Andrew Utz are at right guard and right tackle, Andy Lo respectively. CA’s Austin Brewer (9) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ hands off to Dustin McGeSee CARROLL, Page 10 hee.
Coach says senior lineman smart player, team leader By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer CARROLLTON — Jonathan Ainsworth knows the direction he wants to take in life. The Carroll Academy senior also knows the path he wants the Rebels football team to take this season — making a return trip to the playoffs. Ainsworth, a 5-11, 220-pound offensive and defensive lineman, said the taste of playoff football is driving this year’s team. “It was huge last year for us to be in the playoffs. We all came so close together. To be from such a small school and achieve so much
shows the character of this team,” said Ainsworth. “We showed a lot of people what we were capable of. A lot of people didn’t believe in us, but we worked hard on and off the field.” Carroll finished the 2011 season with a 6-6 overall record, Ainsworth which included a 34-33 double overtime loss to rival Marshall Academy in the second round of the North AA playoffs. The Rebels opened the playoffs with a thrilling 35-32 victory over Leake. Carroll was only 2-4 six games
into the season and 1-1 in District 1 play. The Rebels managed to win four of their final six games to finish at .500. “The goal of this team is to make it back to the playoffs. I know we have a lot of good players to replace, but I think we’ll be good. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got to continue to work hard and stay focused,” said Ainsworth. “Last year taught us not to give up on a dream. It was hard for it to end the way it did, but I believe it will motivate us to work harder this season.” Ainsworth played on both lines as a junior. Head coach Neil Turner considers Ainsworth one of the
players who could play anywhere across the offensive line because of his knowledge of the game. “I characterize Jonathan as a quiet leader. He’s not going to be the type who is going to jump and yell, although in the spring he seemed to turn it up a notch,” said Turner, who is entering his second year at Carroll. “Jonathan is a very intelligent young man. His pass blocking is very good. His footwork needs to get quicker. He’s not a weak kid, but he’s not going to blow someone off the line. He’s going to be a starter at left tackle, and with a right-handed quarterback, that’s a key position,” Turner added. Ainsworth, who did not play
football as a sophomore, has his future planned out after high school. He is planning to attend Mississippi State University and then the University of Mississippi Medical School to become a doctor. “I know that I want to be a pediatrician. Once I put my mind to something I like to give 110 percent. It’s the same way on the football field. I want to give everything I’ve got to help this team get a win,” said Ainsworth. “My parents, Duane and Ruth Jensen, are a big part of my life. They’ve always encouraged me to do right with God and keep Him first in my life. It’s hard with all that goes on, but I know it’s the right thing to do.”
Page10 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Whitehead moves to safety for Auburn By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor Amanda Elzy product Jermaine Whitehead admits the transition from high school straight to the toughest college conference in the nation was difficult, but he believes he handled it well. Indeed, he did, playing in all 13 games last season at Auburn as a true freshman cornerback, including one start against soon-to-be national champion Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception for a touchdown. “At first, it was pretty overwhelming because the speed of the game is so much greater and the level of competition is always great,” Whitehead said of his early days at Auburn in 2011. “I just had to find a way to impress my coaches and get a chance on the field.” The former Elzy star, one of the state’s top cornerback recruits as a senior at Elzy, moved to safety in the spring and will enter fall practice competing for a starting spot against a couple of returning starters. Whitehead is working at free and strong safety but believes he’s more likely to play strong safety. He isn’t sure where he is on the depth chart but is confident he will see plenty of playing time. “Our depth chart is always revolving and will be that way all season,” said Whitehead, also expected to see action at
nickelback. “I am just working as hard as I can to get on the field and stay on the field once I get there.” Whitehead had a 4.0 GPA at Elzy and was the school’s valedictorian, but his knowledge doesn’t stop in the classroom. He’s taken his smarts to the practice field. “He’s probably the smartest guy I’ve been around in football. He knows everything — nickel, safety, corner — he knows it all,” said Auburn defensive back T’Sharvan Bell. “It’s a different look from back there, but I feel pretty comfortable there,” Whitehead said. “You help out with the run a whole lot more. Being able to make that transition during spring puts me way ahead of the game. “I don’t care where I play as long as it’s in the defensive backfield. I just want to play football — the game I love.” Whitehead used his football IQ to make his biggest play of the 2011 season when he saw Florida Atlantic’s tight end go out for a short route, knowing the Tigers had a blitz on. “I knew where their hot route was going, and I just tried to jump the route,” said Whitehead, who provided a spark for the Tigers with a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. The former Panther star became only the third Auburn true freshman to score a defensive touchdown and the first since 1996.
Carroll
File photo
Auburn’s Jermaine Whitehead played in every game last season at cornerback as a true freshman, but the Amanda Elzy product was moved to safety in the spring. “We feel very good about his progress,” said new Tiger defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. “He’s a guy that can make calls. That’s been very positive. To be able to play nickel and safety in our system is pretty good.” After a year in Auburn’s strength and conditioning program, Whitehead, who stands 6 feet tall, has added the extra bulk he needs at safety, jumping from 180 to 200 pounds. He says he did so without sacrificing his 4.45-second speed in the 40-yard dash. “Physically, I am so much stronger. I have benched 315 pounds before, but mentally is where I have grown the most. You have a lot to learn when you jump from high school to the SEC,” Whitehead said. “One thing I like about him, he’s very aggressive,” Auburn
head coach Gene Chizik said last season of Whitehead. “He doesn’t shy away from contact. He gives us the ability to have a speed guy that can blitz, that can cover.” Martinez, according to Whitehead, has been a big help in the move from cornerback to safety. “He’s going to get the best out of you. He expects a lot from us. He puts everything in great detail, and he’s going to put you in the best position to make a play.” And making plays is what it’s all about as Whitehead looks toward the 2012 season. “I don’t have any exact numbers in mind, but I know I want to make more big plays for my team,” he said. ! Contact Bill Burrus at 5817237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
Continued from Page 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Turner said he hopes not to play those five on defense very much, but give them time to rest, especially in the early part of the season. Turner said Ty Gregg, a former player at Carroll now studying at Mississippi State, worked with the players during the summer in the weight room and helped players make tremendous strides. On the defensive side of the ball, junior Hunter McCorkle (5-7, 155) leads the unit. The All-Commonwealth and AllDistrict 1 performer led Carroll with 164 total tackles (102 solos) from his middle linebacker position. Turner said “he’s just mean and aggressive.” Sanders and Farris are working at the defensive end positions, while senior Ryan Wright and Utz are at defensive tackle. Bell and Wolfe will join McCorkle at linebacker, and Banes and Poe are at cornerback. Streater and Ellis are at safety. Banes was an All-Commonwealth selection at punter after averaging 42 yards per punt as a junior. He also hauled in 45 catches for 769 yards and 10 scores, and rushed for 355 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries. “We had very few good tacklers last season, and believe me that is something we worked on constantly. Coach (Dan) Ware is working hard with the defense. We’re going to use a 4-3 scheme, and I feel good about this group. Tackling is all about desire. I believe this group is going to have that,” Turner said. Ware comes to Carroll after working in the Starkville High School program. Ray McDaniel, who is serving as the head boys basketball coach this season, is assisting with the defensive backs and wide receivers. Turner and the Rebels open the season Friday at home against Benton Academy at 7 p.m.
Page11 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Gideon has good feeling about team By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer Leflore County head coach Sherrod Gideon isn’t one to dwell on what he doesn’t have, but rather what he does have. To start the 2011 season, the Tigers had to replace 98 percent of their offensive production due to graduation. Leflore put together a 7-5 overall mark and a spot in the North 3A playoffs. With the 2012 season set to kick off in two days, Gideon is full of optimism and belief this could be one of Leflore’s better teams. “I thought last year we did one of our better jobs since I’ve been here at Leflore,” said Gideon, who is entering his second season as the head coach after serving as as assistant for two years. “I was not disappointed at all at how the season went. We had to replace a lot of key seniors from the previous season. We lost our top five receivers, our top two running backs and our quarterback. I thought we did pretty well considering,” Gideon added. “I believe this could could be one of our better teams ever at the school. The spring went real well, and preseason practices have been going well. It helps we have our quarterback returning, and two of our top receivers. Also, the defense is shaping up to be a lot more aggressive.” The defense is an area in which Gideon would like to see major improvement. With assistance from Roderick Edwards, he will also serve as defensive coordinator as well as calling the plays on offense. The Tigers started the 2011 season 5-0, allowing only 55 points. However, they lost their next three games by a combined score of 96-18. After shutting out Ruleville 48-0, Leflore lost 60-36 to Velma Jackson to stand at 1-3 in Region 4-3A play and in need of a win over Leland to make the playoffs. The Tigers beat the Cubs 20-8 and advanced to a first-round playoff contest against Water Valley, which prevailed 45-12. “I think we are going to
Leflore County quarterback Grant Simms sets up to pass behind lineman Jermaine Jones in a recent practice. be in better position to stop the run. Our plan is to keep eight guys around the box unless we know a team is going to throw,” said Gideon. “I’m going to handle the defense, so we’ve been putting in the schemes since the spring. I feel very comfortable doing it. I know what teams are going to do from coaching and playing on offense so many years. We want to stuff teams in the backfield.” Although Gideon will be breaking in several new starters on defense, he knows he has a few who will lead the charge. Senior Justin Sandifer, who will also start on the offensive line, will play end on defense. Sandifer (6-5, 289) recorded 74 tackles as a junior last season. Jermaine Jones (5-11, 285), who will go both ways, will play tackle. Junior Marcus Ramsey returns to play cornerback. “Inexperience on defense will be something to deal with, but this group is big and physical and they attack the football,” said Gideon. “I know we have a lot of new faces, but it’s a group I really like.”
Joining Sandifer and Jones on the line are sophomore Deonta Whitehead and freshman Venarius Bowman at tackle, junior DJarius Journey and sophomore Paul Hill at end and junior Casey Ingram at nose guard. Working at linebacker are Hill, sophomore Devin Green and freshman Eries Pittman. Seniors Montarious Harris and Ricky Spivey and juniors Darius Coleman and Devante Crow join Ramsey at cornerback. Senior Ghiavonni Robinson, a star on the basketball team, has joined the football team and is playing well at free safety. Juniors Dominique Crow and Temerious Spivey are at strong safety. Of course, Gideon’s bread-and-butter is offense. The former Southern Mississippi wide receiver has brought excitement to Leflore’s offense since he joined as an assistant in 2009. Expect the Tigers to air it out again this fall with senior quarterback Grant Simms leading the way. Simms had a productive junior campaign as he
threw for 2,106 yards and 21 touchdowns on 123 of 233 attempts. He was only picked off 10 times. “I expect Grant to be tremendously better. He has improved 100 percent in reading coverages. We want to keep him from scrambling and having to run. That’s where the offensive line comes in,” said Gideon. The offensive line is led by Sandifer at left tackle and Jones at left guard. Junior Tyhlan Dotson will be at center, joined by junior Akarus McNeil at right guard and Journey at right tackle. Senior Paul Pittman and freshman Victor Weathers are working at tight end. “Four of those linemen started last season, and we’ve got some young guys who are working hard and could see some time this season,” Gideon said. The Crow twins, Devante and Dominique, return as the two most experienced receivers. Pittman and T. Spivey, along with junior Jarvis Williams and freshman Frasier McCline, will also see time at receiver.
Andy Lo
One of the biggest losses will be in the backfield. Tevin and Devin Brooks, also twins, are academic casualties and will not be able to play in their junior seasons. Devin was primarily a special teams stalwart, returning four kicks for touchdowns and picking off two passes on defense. Tevin ran for 668 yards on 105 carries, scoring nine touchdowns. He also had 17 grabs for 249 yards and one touchdown. Looking to fill the void are juniors Jemerious Peoples and Jonathan Caldwell. Ingram is working at fullback. “I fully expect us to make history this season. I look for us to get past the second round of the playoffs. The attitude is totally different, and this group is buying in to what we are trying to do with them. They’ve accepted the hard work and discipline. It’s going to be a special year,” Gideon said. Besides Edwards, Gideon is assisted by Kalvin Ivory on offense and Jeremy Smith with the offensive line. The Tigers open Friday night at Greenwood High.
LEFLORE CO. 2 Paul Pittman TE Sr 3 Kevayon Williams DB Fr 4 Jem. Peoples RB Jr 5 Jarvis Williams WR Jr 6 Eries Pittman LB Fr 7 Dominique Crow WR Jr 8 Xavier Brister DB Jr 9 Temerious SpiveyWR So 10 Grant Simms QB Sr 11 Demarious Ray QB Fr 12 Devante Crow WR Jr 13 Des. McGee DB Jr 14 Jon. Caldwell RB So 15 Frasier McCline WR Fr 18 Kevonte House WR Jr 19 Darius Jackson WR Sr 20 MontariousHarris CB Sr 22 Ricky Spivey CB Jr 23 Gh. Robinson FS Sr 24 Marcus Ramsey CB So 26 Emmitt Sherrod WR Jr 27 Darius Coleman CB So 28 Tavoris Carter CB So 29 Lad. Cobbins DB So 30 Ladarius Jones DL So 31 Ashton Freeman DL Fr 32 Devin Green LB So 33 Paul Hill LB So 34 Lam. Dixon LB Fr 35 Devante Burks DB Jr 37 Jacquez Greer DB So 39 Ven. Bowman DL Fr 40 Jaw. Haymore DL Fr 42 Michael Smith DB So 44 Jahmad Ware LB Jr 45 Casey Ingram FB Jr 50 Jeffrey Gibson OL So 53 De.Whitehead DE So 54 Akarus McNeil OL Jr 56 DJarius Journey OL Jr 57 Daryon Dunlap OL Fr 59 Adam Campbell OL Jr 63 Nicholas Saffold OL Jr 64 Jerry Edwards OL So 70 Jermaine Jones OL Jr 72 Timothy Spivey DL Fr 74 Justin Sandifer OL Sr 75 Tyhlan Dotson OL Jr 77 Kariff Stanley OL So 79 Deonta Miller DL Sr 80 Lad. Johnson WR Jr 85 Victor Weathers TE Fr 86 Ladarius Stewart WR Fr
SCHEDULE Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 p.m. Sept. 7 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 Sept. 21 p.m. Sept. 28 Oct. 5 p.m. Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
GHS, 7:30 p.m. Elzy, 7:30 p.m. Humphreys Co., 7:30 at
Independence,
Gentry, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia, 7:30 at McClain, 7:30 p.m. East Side (HC), 7 at Ruleville, 7 p.m. V. Jackson, 7 p.m. at Leland, 7 p.m.
New attitude puts Tiger lineman in leadership role By CALVIN STEVENS Sports Writer Leflore County head coach Sherrod Gideon believes that senior Justin Sandifer has finally become a believer in what it takes to be a winner. “Somewhere during the midway point of last season, Justin stepped up and became a vocal leader of this team. He has loads of potential, but he just didn’t realize what it took to get the job done,” said Gideon. “During his first two seasons, he would miss school and wouldn’t always be at practice. Once he
realized that if you missed practice you don’t play, he started to change his attitude. “Justin is being looked at by a few teams. He’s got a few fouryear schools still showing interest, and a couple of junior colleges within the state are staying in contact with him.” Sandifer Sandifer (6-5, 289) is one of four returning starters on the offensive line. “We’re definitely going to be
strong across the front line. One of my biggest thrills as a lineman is to make sure my quarterback stays up and his jersey doesn’t get dirty,” said Sandifer, who was a member of the 2011 All-Commonwealth team as an offensive lineman. Sandifer also plays on the defensive line. He recorded 74 tackles as a junior. “I love playing defense because I get to hit folks, but I enjoy playing offense as well. I feel like it gives me an advantage to go both ways because I understand what the other guy is going to do,” said Sandifer.
“I will play where I’m needed. I want to see this team make it to the playoffs and advance farther than we ever have before.” The Tigers were 7-5 last season, losing to Water Valley in the first round of the North 3A playoffs. “I think we have a chance at going a long way this year. We’re not a one-star team this year. We’ve got a lot of guys who can do different things. We start off with a big rivalry game against Greenwood. I know it doesn’t have anything to do with the district, but it’s a game we want to win and keep the trophy here at Leflore,”
said Sandifer. The trophy is in honor of former Leflore head coach Cedric McSwine, who died suddenly during the spring of 2011. As far as his plans for next year to attend college and play football, Sandifer says his is not only a dream but one that he would like to make a reality. “I don’t want it to just be a dream. This is something I really want. I know there are areas I’ve got to improve in, and I’m working hard on becoming a better player,” he said. The Tigers and Bulldogs open the season Friday night.
Page12 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Page13 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Morgan expects improvement By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor It might not be at the pace fans had hoped, but Karl Morgan believes Mississippi Valley State’s struggling football program is headed in the right direction. The Delta Devils went 011 in Morgan’s first year as head coach and were more competitive last season but still managed just one win. With four of its 10 losses coming by less than 10 points, MVSU had a chance to win several more games but was unable to finish. The Delta Devils lost 17-16 to Jackson State and 30-24 in overtime to Grambling State on back-to-back Saturdays in October. “We’re making steady progress, maybe not as fast as I and others would like, but as long as you’re going upward, then you’re building,” Morgan said. “I know fans would like to hear about a certain number of wins, but I can’t get into that. I know we’re sitting in a lot better position than we were the last two years at this time.” The biggest reason for that is experience on both
SCHEDULE Sept.1 Concordia College, 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at Alabama State, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Southern, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Northwestern State, 6 p.m. Oct. 6 Alabama A&M, 2 p.m. Oct. 13 Grambling State, 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at Jackson State, 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at UAPB, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 Alcorn State, 2 p.m. Nov. 10 Prairie View, 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at Texas Southern, 1 p.m.
sides of the ball. Valley returns eight starters on offense and eight on defense, with many of those guys being third-year starters. “The only good thing about having to start so many young guys that first year is that we now have a good many guys with a lot of experience,” Morgan said. “Those guys took their lumps the first year but have continued to show improvement.” Valley has its easiest game first, Sept. 1 against NAIA foe Concordia College in Itta Bena, so the Delta Devils have a great chance to grab some muchneeded early momentum before hitting a three-game
road stretch that starts with Alabama State, the preseason favorite to win the SWAC East, and ends with a tough non-conference contest against Northwestern State. “Playing a NAIA team is an automatic “W”, but it is a game that gives us a good chance to start out on the right foot. We need to come back from that road swing at least 2-2. If we do that, we’re in good shape with four of our last seven at home.” Obviously, when a team has won just one game the last two seasons, there is plenty of room for improvement in all areas. But it’s on offense where the Delta Devils need a boost the most. In 2011, MVSU ranked last in the SWAC in total offense, passing offense, passing efficiency and scoring offense as it managed just 13 points a contest — seven points less than the next worst offense. To improve on those paltry figures, the team has to get much better production from the quarterback position. Garrick Jones, a 6foot-3, 205-pound senior known as a better runner
than thrower, is back after starting most of last season under center. He completed 66 of 139 passes for 811 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions while battling a chronic ankle injury. “When healthy last year, Garrick showed some flashes at times, but he has to be much more consistent. I really like his competitive spirit, and he has some leadership skills that will help us,” Morgan said. Jones is one of seven quarterbacks to start camp with the Delta Devils. Carl Davis (6-1, 180), who began the 2010 season as the starter, and Eddie Ivory (511-170), who played sparingly in 2011, are both competing with Jones. Greenwood’s Jeremy Collins (6-1, 200) and Marcus Randle of Cruger (6-2, 215) are also working at quarterback. Valley ranked seventh in the SWAC in rushing last season and should be better in 2012 with two running backs returning in seniors Brandon Stansell (5-9, 180) and Trey Bateaste (5-9, 230), a preseason second-team AllFile photo/Andy Lo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mississippi Valley State running back Brandon Stansell See DEVILS, Page 16 gives MVSU plenty of depth in the offensive backfield.
OL Davis loves his school By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor
File photo
MVSU offensive lineman Martin Davis of Itta Bena (78) brings a lot of experience to the front line of the Delta Devil offense.
With his mother employed at Mississippi Valley State for about the last 25 years, Itta Bena’s Martin Davis has been around Delta Devil football for as long as he can remember. Davis, who will be a third-year starter at right tackle this season, has seen a lot of ups and downs at Valley, definitely more downs, so it would mean a lot for him to close his career as part of the school’s first winning team in six years. The Delta Devils are a miserable 1-20 in Davis’ last two sea-
sons and are again picked to finish last in the Eastern Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “It would be so special to be a part of the team that turned the tide and got things back on track,” said Davis, a 6-foot-3, 290pounder out of Leflore County High School. “This is a special place for me because I grew up on this campus. Valley is my life.” Valley third-year head coach Karl Morgan said it’s good to have local players who are a big part of the program. “You like the local guys because they create more interest in the surrounding communities and
have great pride in the school and the program,” Morgan said. “Martin a is hard worker and aggressive player. Off the field, he doesn’t say much and is a joy to have on the team because he’s a good guy who is never in trouble.” Davis graduated in May with a degree in physical education and is studying environmental science in graduate school. If he isn’t able to play football past college, he will stay at Valley until his finishes graduate school. He hopes to one day land a job as an athletic director at the college level. ! Contact Bill Burrus at 5817237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
JSU can now compete for title By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor It’s no longer just about pride for Jackson State. With JSU banned from postseason play by the NCAA for low Academic Progress Rate scores last year, there wasn’t much else to play for. That, however, has changed going into this season. The NCAA has given lowresource schools like JSU an extended window to raise their APR scores, meaning JSU, which posted a 9-2 record last season, has something to play for this fall. And that hasn’t been lost on Comegy. “Having something to aim for, a target at the end, is always a great motivation,” said Comegy. “We’re looking for big things. We
have the talent to come out and win some football games.” JSU was picked to finish second in the Western Division behind Alabama State in the preseason SWAC poll. J-State’s last SWAC title came in 2007, and the Tigers reached the championship game again in 2008. JSU opens the season Sept. 1 at Mississippi State in a game that will be televised regionally on Fox Sports South. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Starkville. Asked about the significance of opening the season on television against a team from the Southeastern Conference at SWAC media day, Comegy didn’t mince words. “Am I looking forward to winning the game? I would love to win the game. It
would be a great feather in Jackson State’s hat to go up there and win the game, there’s no doubt about it.” ! Alcorn State: The Braves will be under the direction of first-year head coach Jay Hopson and his new staff, which got a late start after Hopson was hired in May. Hopson is the first white head coach in the SWAC. He takes over an Alcorn program that is reeling from a chaotic 2-8 season and a long slog in mediocrity. Hopson was last seen resigning as defensive coordinator for Memphis after the Tigers gave up 106 points in their first two games. “I don’t see white or black,” Hopson told reporters at his introductory news conference on
Tuesday. “We’re purple and gold.” For Hopson, who is from Vicksburg, the job is a chance to come home and build a program. He has been an assistant at nine different colleges since he graduated from Ole Miss, including his alma mater and Michigan. He left Michigan in 2009 to become defensive coordinator under Larry Porter at Memphis, a job that ended disastrously with the Tigers’ horrendous start last September. He resigned when Porter told him he would be reassigned. Things have not gone particularly smoothly for Alcorn State lately either. The program has failed to reach the heights it saw in the early 1990s, when Steve McNair was setting
AP
Jackson State coach Rick Comegy is excited his team is no longer dealing with a postseason ban for poor academic progress. records as the Braves quarterback before moving on to the NFL. Alcorn’s best season since then: 7-5 in 2003.
! Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
Page14 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Page15 FOOTBALL 2012 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
Tide, Tigers and SEC trying to remain on top By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer The Southeastern Conference has lined up a few contenders for Lucky No. 7. Defending national champion Alabama and last season’s 13game juggernaut LSU remain the headliners of a league that has won the last six BCS titles. And that’s despite the Crimson Tide and the Tigers losing a combined six first-round NFL draft picks. Other SEC — and national — powers are trying to catch up. Arkansas, which ended last season ranked fifth, and Georgia return star quarterbacks. Steve Spurrier fields another formidable-looking South Carolina team. Plus, the Razorbacks and Gamecocks get star running backs back from injuries. Even those suffering from SEC fatigue might not want to miss that prime-time Nov. 3 threematch in Baton Rouge. The Tide and the Tigers split last season with `Bama grabbing Round 2, 21-0 in the BCS title game in New Orleans. What’s new this year is Big 12 Conference defectors Texas A&M and Missouri step into the SEC. They’ll both try to show they belong. WEST ! LSU — Key players: QB Zach Mettenberger, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan. Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense. Notes: Mettenberger, a former Georgia player, has drawn strong reviews from coach Les Miles and teammates and might represent a sizable upgrade at QB. ...
Offense has runners galore, led by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, and offensive line has five players who have logged 102 collective starts. ... Secondary loses Morris Claiborne, but returns Eric Reid. ... Ends Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo combined for 17 sacks. ... Tigers spent 11 weeks at No. 1 last season. ! ALABAMA — Key players: QB AJ McCarron, C Barrett Jones, LB Nico Johnson, S Robert Lester. Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense. Notes: Quest for third national title in four years faces daunting scheduling, including opener with Michigan in Arlington, Texas, and visits to LSU and Arkansas. ... New offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is unlikely to change pound-before-pass philosophy. ... Defense that topped all four major categories nationally must replace seven starters with 188 combined starts. ! ARKANSAS — Key players: QB Tyler Wilson, RB Knile Davis, WR Cobi Hamilton, LB Alonzo Highsmith. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense. Notes: Coach John L. Smith trying to keep Bobby Petrino’s offseason ouster from slowing program’s momentum. ... All-SEC RB Knile Davis returns after ankle injury sidelined him in 2011. ... Razorbacks hosting LSU in Fayetteville for the first time since 1992. ... Six members of Smith’s staff in new roles. ! AUBURN — Key players: QB Kiehl Frazier, WR Emory Blake, DE Corey Lemonier, LB Daren Bates. Returning starters: 7 offense, 9 defense. Notes: Frazier is the odds-on favorite to claim starting job over Clint Moseley. ... Tigers have new
coordinators in Scot Loeffler (offense) and Brian VanGorder (defense). ... Two-time 1,000-yard rusher Mike Dyer is gone, and so is Gus Malzahn’s no-huddle offense. ! TEXAS A&M — Key players: LT Luke Joeckel, RB Christine Michael, WR Ryan Swope, LB Sean Porter. Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense. Notes: QB Jameill Showers is apparent leader in race to replace Ryan Tannehill, the No. 8 NFL draft pick. ...Coach Kevin Sumlin, whose Houston offenses twice led the nation in total, passing and scoring, brings a fast-paced attack to College Station. ... Top pass rushers Sean Porter and Damontre Moore return from team that led nation in sacks per game. ! MISSISSIPPI STATE — Key players: QB Tyler Russell, LG Gabe Jackson, CB Johnthan Banks, LB Cameron Lawrence. Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense. Notes: Bulldogs have won back-to-back bowl games for first time since 1999-2000 — not to mention three straight Egg Bowls with rival Ole Miss. ... Coach Dan Mullen predicts “a huge year” from Russell. ... Mississippi State is 0-12 under Mullen against SEC West teams other than Ole Miss. ! OLE MISS — Key players: WR Donte Moncrief, RB Jeff Scott, DB Charles Sawyer, LB Mike Marry. Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense. NOTES: Randall Mackey has moved from QB to WR with emergence of Barry Brunetti, JUCO transfer Bo Wallace. ... WR Nickolas Brassell has left the team because of academics, and
AP
Alabama coach Nick Saban directs defensive back Ranzell Watkins during the defending champions’ football practice in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Tide are again expected to be a title contender. four others had work this summer to assure eligibility. ... Hugh Freeze is in first year in Oxford. EAST ! GEORGIA — Key players: QB Aaron Murray, WR Tavarres King, DB Bacarri Rambo, LB Jarvis Jones. Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense. ! SOUTH CAROLINA — Key players: QB Connor Shaw, RB Marcus Lattimore, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Devin Taylor. Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense. ! FLORIDA — Key players: RB Mike Gillislee, WR Andre Dubose, LB Jon Bostic, DL Sharrif Floyd. Returning starters: 7 offense, 10 defense.
! MISSOURI — Key players: QB James Franklin, LT Elvis Fisher, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, CB E.J. Gaines. Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense. TENNESSEE — Key players: QB Tyler Bray, WR Da’Rick Rogers, LB A.J. Johnson, LB Herman Lathers. Returning starters: 10 offense, 7 defense. ! VANDERBILT — Key players: QB Jordan Rodgers, RB Zac Stacy, DT Rob Lohr, CB Trey Wilson. Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense. ! KENTUCKY — Key players: QB Morgan Newton, OL Larry Warford, WR La’Rod King, S Martavius Neloms. Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.
Page16 Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 FOOTBALL 2012 =======================================================================================================================================================================
New MDCC coach trying to turn things around By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor MOORHEAD — Mississippi Delta Community College’s football program has been in a serious funk. The Trojans have suffered through seven straight losing seasons and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2003. First-year MDCC head coach Todd Lott, who was an all-state linebacker for the Trojans in the mid-1980s, is well aware of his alma mater’s recent problems, but he believes things will soon change. “The guys are real excited about where we’re headed, and they have totally bought in to what we’re doing,” said Lott, who
was the head coach at GreenvilleWeston the last two seasons. “We don’t worry about the past or things we can’t change. Our focus is on the present and the future of this proLott gram.” Lott, who coached 22 years at Washington School before moving to Greenville-Weston, says his goals for the Trojans will never change. “Our goals will always be the same. They’ll be the same in the first year as they will be in the 10th: have a winning record, make the playoffs, win the North Division, play for a state championship and win a state champi-
onship,” Lott explained. “Hopefully, we can scratch one or two of those off the list this season and build some much-needed momentum.” The new MDCC coach believes this year’s team will be led by a defense that has pretty good experience and great athletic ability and speed. “I think we’ve got a chance to be really good on defense. We’ve got a lot of guys who can fly to the ball, and then we have some really talented freshmen we feel like can really help us,” Lott said. The Trojan defense will be led by these returning starters: tackle Deion McNair (6-1, 310), linebackers Ledarius Hooker (5-11, 220) and Tra Keys (5-11, 210) and defensive backs Tevin Lakes (6-0, 185) and Amontillado Dunbar (5-
7, 175). Offensively, MDCC has a lot of holes to fill with just three starters returning in quarterback Justin Leavy (6-4, 200) and linemen Larry Griffin (6-1, 265) and Secundas Jackson (6-4, 350). Last season, the Trojan offense was simply inept, scoring just 44 points in nine games. MDCC was shutout five times and was ranked last in the state in total offense and passing and most other offensive categories. Leavy completed 36 of 110 passes for 305 yards with no touchdowns and seven interceptions last year. Lott is hoping a total change in philosophy and scheme (team has moved more to a pro-style attack) and some talented newcomers, including Delta State transfer
SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at Hinds Sept. 6 PEARL RIVER Sept. 13 ITAWAMBA Sept. 20 at East Mississippi Sept. 29 at Holmes Oct. 4 NORTHWEST MISS. Oct. 13 EAST CENTRAL (HC) Oct. 20 at Coahoma Oct. 25 NORTHEAST MISS. tailback Darnell Taylor, will help reverse the team’s offensive fortunes in 2012. ! Contact Bill Burrus at 5817237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus
New coach trying to keep Statesmen on top in GSC By ANDY COLLIER Bolivar Commercial “Strike the Stone.” That is the moniker first year head football coach Jamey Chadwell has for the Delta State University Statesmen. That is the phrase that Chadwell uses to describe the work ethic his team needs to have in the upcoming season. According to Chadwell, his philosophy came from studying the gold rush in California during the 1840s as he read about a man looking for gold and found a rock. “On this property, he found a huge rock and started wailing on it all night long,” Chadwell said. “Adversity struck and he got tired and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel so he quit striking. The very next day, a young man was walking by and saw the ax. He picked it up and hit that stone and the largest gold in the history of the United States was found at that time. All that other guy had to do was just keep remembering, keep committing and keep sacrificing and that’s what we’re talking about.” Working hard and sacrificing each week is something that the Statesmen will have to do each week to
Devils Continued from Page 13 ---------------------------------------------------------SWAC selection. It also has three offensive linemen back in juniors Wesley Steele (6-2, 300), Martin Davis (6-3, 290) of Itta Bena and Kevin James (62, 330). Junior college transfer Paul Holliday (6-3, 320) could also find his way into the offensive line rotation this season. Bateaste ran for a teamhigh 543 yards on 139 carries and had three touchdowns, while Stansell went for 396 yards on 100 attempts.
stay at the top of the Gulf South Conference. Delta State won the Gulf South Conference last season with an 11-3 record under previous coach Ron Roberts. DSU, who was preseason picked to finish third in the GSC, has won the conference for two straight years and four of the last five. This year with a new head coach and a brand new coaching staff, DSU will have to work harder than ever to be the best. This year’s team will also have a lot of new players, as a vast majority of the roster will be putting on a DSU uniform for the first time in their college careers. Out of the 90 plus players on the Statesmen’s roster, only 26 of them have seen playing time at DSU. Out of those 26, two of them missed last season due to injury. With a slew of newcomers and so few veterans on the team, Chadwell said the overall atmosphere of the team is positive. “I really like the attitude that we’ve had so far,” Chadwell said. “I like the attitude and sort of the make-up of some of the guys and what they’re trying to be about. I think the main thing that we’re trying to focus on between now and when camp start-
ed is really building our chemistry and really just trying to see, from the guys that we already knew about in the spring, how much they’ve improved over the summer. Then these freshmen and newcomers, we’re going to see how they develop.” One of the biggest differences for Chadwell is that he is coaching a program where the expectations are already high. Over the last 14 years, DSU has posted an impressive record of 120-47 with seven playoff appearances, six GSC titles and a Division II National Championship in 2000. DSU also made the national title game in 2010, losing to Minnesota-Duluth 2017. Before Chadwell came to Delta State, he was the head football coach at North Greenville University. Between 1999-2009, the North Greenville Crusaders had just one winning season. In 2010, North Greenville went 9-3 in his second as head coach. The following year in 2011, North Greenville went 11-3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time in school history. Chadwell finished his three-year stint at North Greenville with an overall
Senior Dytanyl Greer (62, 240) is back at fullback, and senior Johnny Thurman (6-2, 230) returns at tight end. Morgan said returning starter junior Kenneth Dabney (5-7, 170), who ranked second on the team in receptions (29) and receiving yards (286) in 2011, needs to develop into a big-play receiver to replace Paul Cox, who in early August started NFL training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Defensively, the Delta Devils’ strength should be up front with Leployer Franklin (6-3, 240) and Javaris Fritz leading the way at the end positions. Franklin, a second-team All-SWAC preseason pick,
led the team with 65 tackles in 2011. Fritz missed the final three games of the season due to injury but still led the team with 3.5 sacks. Junior Robert Simpson (6-3, 275) and senior Chamarko Goldsberry (510, 270) return at the tackles. Junior Marcus Thompson (6-0, 210) is back at linebacker, where he was second on the team in tackles in 2011 with 57 solo stops. Seniors Carlos Hollis (5-11, 180), Marquez Floyd (5-11, 170) and Jeremy Langston (5-10, 190) are back in the secondary. Floyd had two picks in 2011. “We have got to be better in the red zone this year on
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First-year Delta State coach Jamey Caldwell, right, runs his team through its first day of practice. He takes over a program that has dominated the Gulf South Conference. record of 22-14. According to Chadwell, the building process at any program never stops, but the expectations at more established programs are higher. “We’ve got a great foundation that was already here with the tradition of winning and the excellence that they have,” Chadwell said about taking over DSU’s program. “There are certain things that you want to put your imprint on that house. I think when you build more from scratch you might be able
to make some errors here and there. When you’re already somewhere that has most of the stuff done, you’ve got to make sure you’re doing things the right way, because around here we don’t expect any mess ups. I think that’s the biggest difference. You really have to make sure that you’re sharp with what you’re doing. “I don’t have to coach expectations. I don’t have to teach expectations. That’s a good thing, because previously I spent a couple of years trying to change
those expectations. Now, you have to really focus more on getting guys better in certain things instead of changing that mindset.” Out of the current assistant coaches, former DSU football standout and current graduate assistant coach Matt Melton is the only one that was on DSU’s coaching staff last season. Chadwell’s staff at North According to Chadwell there is good chemistry on the coaching staff. “We’ve really got a good dynamic among our staff, “Chadwell said.
defense, force teams to settle for field goal attempts instead of giving up seven points,” Morgan said. “Also, we have to be more aggressive in forcing more turnovers.” Carlos Sanchez returns to take over both the kicking and punting duties for the Delta Devils. The senior from San Diego, Calif., connected on 7 of 13 field goals in 2011 with a long of 43 yards. He also averaged 38.8 yards per punt. He was named to the preseason second-team All-SWAC unit. ! Contact Bill Burrus at File photo 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommon- MVSU coach Karl Morgan is just 1-20 in his first two seawealth.com. Follow on sons, but he believes the Delta Devils will show much improvement in 2012. Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
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Russell ready for his chance to shine at QB By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor This isn’t the route many thought Tyler Russell would take to be Mississippi State’s starting quarterback. Russell earned Parade All-American honors and was ranked the No. 13 quarterback prospect in the nation after leading Meridian High School to a state championship in 2008. Once in Starkville, he went from redshirt to third string to part-time player to part-time starter to injured. But Russell is finally the man in the Bulldog offense as he enters his junior season, and MSU coach Dan Mullen is heaping a lot on the shoulders of this 6-foot4, 220-pound signal caller. “This team will go as far as Tyler Russell can carry us. We’re putting a lot on him because we believe he is ready for the challenge,” said the fourth-year State coach. “There’s a great deal of trust between him and our coaching staff that he knows we’re going to turn the keys over to him, put it on his shoulders, let him go, give him control of the offense, have a lot of input in decision making and give him a lot of freedom in play-calling at the line of scrimmage.” Mullen has seen Russell mature greatly on and off the field.
Freeze facing challenge By BILL BURRUS Sports Editor It’s a good thing Hugh Freeze likes a challenge. In his first season at Ole Miss, he’s facing a major rebuilding project. The Rebels have lost 15 of their last 16 SEC games, and things hit rock bottom last season with a 2-10 record that led to the in-season firing of head coach Houston Nutt. Then there’s the fact that Ole Miss competes in a conference that has won the last six national championships and has lost several players during the offseason for academic and behavioral problems. “Our program is in a spot that Freeze none of us are happy with,” Freeze said. “I get that. I’m very, very anxious about starting the process and the journey to get us out of being where we are to back where we’ve been in the past. “I really don’t know exactly all the reasons for the situations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See REBELS, Page 19
“’Why aren’t you playing? Why’d you redshirt?’ There’s an awful lot of pressure that comes along with all these outside distractions,” Mullen said. “He hasn’t let that affect him. He’s really worried about his development, his progress as a quarterback. I expect him to have a huge year.” Russell threw for 1,034 yards and eight touchdowns as a part-time starter last season. He injured his knee after the regular-season finale and had to sit out MSU’s Music City Bowl win over Wake Forest. “I’ve waited a long time for this,” Russell said. “I’ve worked very hard, and have become a leader on and off the field and it is finally time for me to be that guy.” Junior All-SEC guard Gabe Jackson is impressed with Russell’s emergence as a leader. “He has pretty much taken over,” Jackson said. “He has demanded more of everyone. He’s doing extra things and working hard, going out throwing balls. I feel like he is more of a vocal leader than he has been in the past. He has always been the type to work hard and to be a leader, but he has done a better job this year of stepping up and taking control.” Russell will lead a rebuilt
offense that has several new starters along the line and at running back. He said he’ll lean on a veteran group of receivers and the things he’s learned from Mullen and previous starting quarterback Chris Relf over the past few years. “It’s really easy for me,” Russell said. “I have a lot of weapons, and all I have to do is get the ball in the playmakers’ hands and everything should take care of itself.” Mississippi State has a fairly manageable schedule through the first seven weeks of the season, including a crucial Western Division game against Auburn in the second week in Starkville. The Bulldogs have a 3-12 record against the SEC West during Mullen’s three-year tenure, with all three of those wins coming against Ole Miss. MSU has won two straight bowl games, but to take the next step as a program and contend for an SEC title, it’s obvious the Bulldogs must have some success against Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn and Texas A&M. “We have won a couple of bowl games,” Russell said. “But you ask a lot of players on our team if that is a successful year, they would tell you no, just because we hold high expectations for ourselves.” The Bulldogs should be strong on defense, return-
AP
Tyler Russell is excited about the chance to be Mississippi State’s full-time starter at quarterback this season. Bulldog coach Dan Mullen has high hopes for Russell. ing seven starters from last season. That includes a seasoned secondary led by senior cornerbacks Johnthan Banks and Corey
Broomfield. Banks has 12 career interceptions, which ranks second in school history and fourth nationally among active players.
! Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
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O’Brien ushers in new PSU era
Rebels Continued from Page 17 ---------------------------------------------------------we inherited. But it’s welldocumented that we did inherit a significant challenge there academically ... I really think it comes back to personal accountability and that was lost for whatever reason within the program.” It doesn’t look like a quick fix, but the first-year coach has guided fast turnarounds before. He took a strange road to his first SEC head coaching job, working as a high school coach for more than a decade before rebuilding programs at NAIA-level Lambuth (Tenn.) and then Arkansas State. Freeze isn’t totally void of SEC experience. He was an on-field assistant for two seasons under former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron in 2006 and 2007, coaching receivers and serving as recruiting coordinator. Though the Rebels didn’t have much on-field success during those years, they did amass multiple NFLcaliber players that helped the program win back-toback Cotton Bowls in 2008 and 2009. He has employed a recruiting approach similar to his days with Orgeron, and expects to build talent quickly. But that won’t help this season. First, he has to make Ole Miss players feel like they
AP
New Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze has re-energized a fan base that has struggled the last two yeas to find something to be positive about. can be winners, and defensive back Charles Sawyer says Freeze has done that. “Attitudes have changed a lot on the team,” Sawyer said. “We have guys actually ready to practice. They are ready to go to weights, ready to go to 7 on 7. That changes a lot. This team has come together.” The quarterback situation that was never settled and never productive last season still has to be figured out for Freeze’s wideopen, fast-paced attack to work in the SEC. Barry Brunetti has some experience, but it’s JuCo transfer Bo Wallace who might have the edge on the starting gig. The running back position, on the flip side, is more
set in stone. Pint-sized speed back Jeff Scott is the Rebels’ leading returner from 2011 and will be looking to improve upon a 585yard, six touchdown campaign. While he won’t be a workhorse back, Scott will be the featured back and should see between 12-20 carries on Saturdays. Defensively, the weakness coming into the season is on the line so expect the Rebels to move guys around and blitz a lot. They will have to do a better job stopping the run and generating a pass rush than they did last year for UM faithful to see a significant jump in wins this year. The good news is that things can’t get worse after giving up an average of
32.1 points and 419 yards per game in 2011. Ole Miss opens the season against FBS Central Arkansas at home and then welcomes the UTEP Miners to town in Week 2, so a 2-0 start is likely. That would give the Rebels great momentum heading into Week 3 at home against Texas. Rebel fans are starved for a winner, but after last season and considering Ole Miss has one of the toughest schedules in the nation, just being competitive again would be a nice start. “I think the reasonable expectation from our fans and our administration ... is that we compete passionately for our university for 60 minutes,” Freeze said.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Names emblazoned on the backs of their jerseys. Players with long hair. Stretching exercises set to the heavy bass beat of hip-hop. Welcome to the new era of Penn State football. Sure, new coach Bill O’Brien respects the traditions built up over decades in Happy Valley. But the new-look uniforms, the relaxed grooming rules, the stretching soundtrack — together they represent just a snowball in the avalanche of changes after the Jerry Sandusky scandal hit one of college football’s marquee programs. O’Brien’s strategy as he has pressed ahead through the program’s off-field turmoil has been to stick with the same message. It hasn’t changed from nearly the day he was hired in January, and it has resonated with his players who repeat it frequently. “We’re moving forward into the future. We can’t change the past,” center Matt Stankiewitch said recently at the team’s preseason media day. “The best thing we can do as a team is look to the future and be positive.” The practice field has been a welcome sanctuary for the team. The reason why is well-known by now:
! Sandusky, Penn State’s defensive coordinator during the program’s best years, was arrested in November on dozens of child sex abuse charges. Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno was fired days later, while the school president also departed under pressure. nPaterno died in January at age 85, less than three weeks after O’Brien was named his replacement. ! Sandusky was convicted in June of 45 criminal counts. Weeks later, the school’s internal investigation led by former FBI director Louis Freeh concluded that Paterno and three other top school officials concealed allegations. Paterno’s family and the school officials have vehemently denied the cover-up charges. ! Penn State took down Paterno’s bronzed statue outside Beaver Stadium on July 22, a day before the NCAA imposed landmark sanctions including a fouryear bowl ban and monster scholarship cuts. Through it all, O’Brien has remained a steady, guiding force for the program in just eight months on the job. He’s worked tirelessly to win over Penn State’s massive and loyal fan base.
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