Dec. 10, 2015

Pick up your Sunday Oxford Citizen at locations throughout Lafayette County

POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID OXFORD MS PERMIT # 30

oxfordcitizen.com

Volume 2 | Issue 67

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Inside 5 News

New Double Deckers being spruced up for spring debut.

8 Lifestyle

ERROL CASTENS | OXFORD CITIZEN

From left, Lafayette County Chief Deputy Sheriff Scott Mills, Oxford Police Chief Joey East, Oxford Alderman Robyn Tannehill and Oxford Mayor Pat Patterson speak with media representatives about last Sunday's '60 Minutes' segment on the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit.

Officials respond to ‘60 Minutes’ story

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

OXFORD – After a segment of CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday of this week focused on the use of confidential informants by Lafayette County Metro Narcotics officers, Oxford and Lafayette County offi-

cials responded Tuesday. The unit is a collaboration of law enforcement agencies from the city, the county and the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss was not represented at the press conference.

Mayor George “Pat” Patterson, Police Chief Joey East and Alderman Robyn Tannehill of-

fered statements to media representatives, and Lafayette County Sheriff Department’s Chief Deputy Scott Mills joined them in answering questions afterward.

The “60 Minutes” program, which pursued a path blazed earlier by the news website buzzfeed.com, emphasized

Annual Christmas Parade draws crowds

15 Sports

the practice of coercing college students facing possible felony drug charges as confidential informants to record drug buys to gather evidence for Lafayette County Metro Narcotics as well as for units in other states. Criticisms in the TURN TO OFFICIALS PAGE 10

LHS consistent players make them tops for 2015 All-Citizen team.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

HOME OF GUARANTEED CREDIT APPROVAL! *Payments figured with $2,000.00 down plus tax, 72 mon. at 4.9%. Not all buyers will qualify.

2012 GMC Sierra 1500

2007 Chevrolet Suburban LT

Stock #13602, SLE Z71, Crew, Leather, Sharp

Stock #281294, Z71, 4 WD, Rear Entertainment

$21,980

$15,980 ERROL CASTENS | OXFORD CITIZEN

With its remote-control vacuum arm, Oxford's new leaf truck enables one worker to do what requires a three-person crew on other trucks - and to finish in less time.

2007 GMC Acadia SLT2

2012 Chevy Silverado 1500

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Stock #13505, Sunroof, Navigation

Stock #13801, Z71, 4x4, Crew, LT

Stock #13639, Power Package

$12,980

$25,980

$5,980

2011 Ford F250

2010 Buick Enclave CXL

Stock #13723, Super Duty Lariat, Diesel, Loaded

Stock #14000, Loaded

$30,980

$15,980

2007 Chevy Tahoe Stock #14007, 69,000 Miles

$19,980

New leaf truck to save residents time, money

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

2010 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 4D SLE 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Stock #13636, Crewcab, Z71, Leather, Loaded.

Stock #13714, Z71, 4WD, Loaded

Stock #13281 4WD, Eco. Boost, Like New

$31,980

$18,980

$26,980

Stock #13935, HSE, 4WD, Loaded, 69K Miles

2011 Land Rover Range Rover

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT1

2008 Mini Cooper Convertible

Stock #13684, Crewcab, 4 Wheel Drive

Stock #12843 Loaded

$20,980

$163* per mo.

$30,980

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

2011 GMC Yukon XL Denali

Stock #P1389, Z71, 4WD, Loaded

Stock #13429, White Diamond, Sunroof, Rear Ent., Loaded *

2010 Ford Edge Limited

$11,980

2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 Stock #13920, LT, 4x4, Crew

$9,980

Stock #13160 Sunroof, Loaded

$449 per mo.

$249* per mo.

2010 Ford Expedition

2005 Chevy Silverado 1500

Stock #13001, EL, Limited, Loaded

$369

*

per mo.

Stock #14028, HD, 4x4, Crew

$15,980

487 Hwy 6 FREE MONTH, 3000 MILE Oxford, MS 38655 3WARRANTY ON ALL

662-236-7773

w w w. m o o r e b r o t h e r s a u t o s . c o m

2003 AND NEWER VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 150,000 MILES.

One of the newest municipal vehicles in Oxford is a master of mangled metaphors: It’s constantly turning over an old leaf, and in its pursuit of a neat city, it leaves no stone unchurned.

But setting all that aside, it’s a leaf vacuum truck – but not just any leaf vacuum truck.

This $165,000 Freightliner bobtruck has a selfcontained bin filled by a vacuum motor attached to a flexible tube that’s more than a foot in diameter. It’s powerful enough that whole piles of leaves disappear in seconds, and it’ll pick up any loose gravel as though it were dust.

But while the power of this machine is more than impressive, the biggest advantage this latest addition to the Solid Waste Department’s stable offers is remote-control operation that can be handled by the driver alone.

“This is a one-man operation,” said City Shop Manager Bo Ragon. “It’s a lifesaver.”

Many of the water oaks, willow oaks and other lateshedding trees in some Ox-

ford neighborhoods have their owners (or hired landscapers) in the middle of the leaf-raking and leafblowing season. Oftentimes this would be the season when Solid Waste crews scramble to keep ahead of the leaves piling up along Oxford’s famed tree-lined streets. Since the new truck arrived two weeks ago, there’s breathing room.

“Where it used to take us a day-and-a-half to do the Country Club neighborhood, it takes less than two hours,” Ragon said. “Before, you’d have one man on the rake, one man on the hose, and the driver.”

“It was six people, two trucks” to do the heavily wooded neighborhood, said Solid Waste Superintendent Amberlyn Liles. A clean-up trip picking up leaf piles on North Lamar between Price Street and Jefferson Avenue takes 10 minutes or so.

Since the arrival of the new truck two weeks ago, the feeling of desperation to get leaves collected and hauled before the next rain has eased.

“We’re almost caught up,” Liles said. “It’s awesome. It’s unbelievable. It’s a game changer.”

Unlike some cities, Oxford does not require leaves to be bagged; residents and business owners are simply asked to sweep them to the curb, where crews have for many years gathered them into trucks with a vacuum blower mounted on a trailer following the truck.

From there they’re hauled to the city rubbish site, where they may be used to mulch against erosion or for other city properties.

“Either way, it’s a cost,” Liles said. Bagged leaves require more labor for both the homeowners and the Solid Waste crews. Then, the leaves could be trucked to the Three Rivers Landfill in Pontotoc along with household and commercial waste, but tipping fees would be prohibitive, and their usefulness as mulch would be loss. Bagged leaves can be used for mulch, but their distribution requires additional equipment to separate the bags and their contents.

“If you pick it up in bags, you’re going to have to burst those bags before they go to the rubbish site,” Liles said. “Memphis does that, but they run their leaves through a tumbler, TURN TO LEAF TRUCK PAGE 10

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OHS ROTC team wins rifle championship

The Oxford High School (OHS) Marine Corps Junior ROTC Rifle Team finished their season in the Orion National Air Rifle League Air Force/Marine Corps JROTC Distinguished Division with a perfect record (80) as division champions.

“This is the first time our high school team has won a rifle championship of any kind, which is a huge accomplishment for our students,” said OHS Marine Corps Junior ROTC Senior Marine Instructor Doug Cromwell.

“Our Marine Corps Junior ROTC Rifle Team also competes in the Mississippi/Louisiana Rifle League with one more match to shoot in December. If our team is one of the top ten teams in our league, then we will be invited to the league championship in January.”

OHS Marine Corps Junior ROTC Rifle Team members include Brianna Sims, Shonta Bowen, Giezi Huacal, Tyler Hollinger, Dennis Canales, Logan Harrell, Quaylon Morgan, Daryl Fogerty, Harrison Davis, Ian Davis, Ricardo Herod and Ethan Woodard. Not pictured are: Chiquita Sanders, Noah

BRIEFING Nelson, Makayla Rockett, and Bhanuka Jayaratna.

Hot cocoa for food donations Sunday marks National Hot Cocoa Day and in celebration, Graduate Oxford is giving back.

Head to the hotel’s cozy cafe, Cabin 82, or terrace lounge and restaurant, The Coop, on Sunday, and receive a free cup of hot chocolate with the donation of a nonperishable food item. All food items will then be donated to Oxford Lovepacks, which provides supplemental food for school-age children in need, on weekends and holidays.

tunity to be the first to set foot inside the new museum.

Logan is one of three winners in the essay category for the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi’s Ribbon Cutting Engagement Contest, which students from across Mississippi entered. Her winning essay piece – an imagined bus ride to Nashville on which she learned about Elvis, Tammy Wynette and other Mississippi roots musicians – will be on exhibit at the Delta Arts Alliance during the museum’s Grand Opening weekend.

Correction

A story about expansion at the University-Oxford Airport in the Dec. 3 Oxford Citizen incorrectly OMS student stated that the airport shuts recognized by down under FAA rules during GRAMMY Museum football games at the University Thanks to a winning essay piece written by Oxford Middle of Mississippi. UOX employee Tasha Stewart said while the School (OMS) eighth-grader flight pattern changes, the airport Grace Logan, she and her does not cease operations. classmates are now on the “Aircraft can still land and special guest list as the first take off,” she said. “However, visitors welcomed into the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi they have to use a flight pattern next spring. After the museum’s that adheres to the Temporary official ribbon cutting ceremony Flight Restriction (no closer than on March 5, 2016, in Cleveland, three nautical miles of the stadium and no lower than 3,000 Mississippi, Logan and her classmates will have the oppor- feet above ground level.”

PAGE 3

No federal charges for officer in stadium scuffle

BY WILLIAM MOORE DAILY JOURNAL

Federal charges will not be filed against a security officer involved in an altercation with a fan during an Ole Miss football game.

Certified police officers hired by the University Police Department to provide security responded to a group of unruly fans Nov. 21 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. A shaky cell phone video shows part of the confrontation, including officer Brock White allegedly punching a fan, Chris Barnes, in the face.

Barnes’ family posted the video on social media and alleged police brutality.

White, who was suspended from his full-time job with the New Albany Police Department, will not face any charges, according to his attorney, Tony Farese.

“I was notified (Tuesday)

afternoon that the FBI had concluded their investigation,” said Farese. “They presented the evidence to the United States Attorney’s office and the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice.

“No further action will be taken by federal authorities. They said there was not enough evidence to support brutality charges.”

While the cell phone video was widely viewed on social media, Farese said the security cameras in the stadium showed a more accurate and complete story of what happened that afternoon.

“That footage, along with witness statements, support the fact that Chris Barnes was drunk, belligerent, resisted arrest and tried to assault the officers,” said Farese.

Barnes was charged with public drunk, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct

and simple assault on a police officer. The latter charge is a felony. The case will now go before a grand jury and be handled through Lafayette County Circuit Court.

University Police called in the Federal Bureau of Investigation to look into the incident. White was suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to (New Albany) Police Chief Chris Robertson, but I feel they will review the findings and officer White will return to work soon,” said Farese. william.moore@journalinc.com

follow us @oxfordcitizen

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Giving back is an Oxford, community thing

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

There is a caring side to Oxford that lasts the entire calendar year. That generosity, and love, is even more ample during the holidays. With Thanksgiving just finished, and Christmas a little more than two weeks away, people in need of a little extra support can find it through different organizations.

Prior to Thanksgiving, members of the North Central Mississippi Realtors joined forces with those that work in Ole Miss athletics to help feed those in need from the area. The event was held at the Stone Center, and several members of the Oxford Park Commission were there to help assist.

Athletics director Ross Bjork brought a man food, and talked with many others. Those that work alongside Bjork dished out turkey, dressing and vegetables. Mayor George “Pat” Patterson stopped by to bless the food, and the room.

In the spring, the realtors helped donate the food for a similar event. Things went so well that it was decided to provide, and or collect donations, for all of the food, which could have served up to 125 people.

A time for fellowship was offered that night, and Linda Allgood, who helped plan and work the event, said the goal was for everyone to enjoy time with their families. For the record, it was Allgood who was able to recruit Bjork and the army of people that showed up from the athletics department.

“We had some of our members reading to kids so that their parents could eat in peace. We want it to be like a family dinner,” she said. “We worked in conjunction with the city and the park commission. Of course Ross and some of the families of the people he works with are here. I just e-mailed him. He has spoken to the realtors before and been a great champion. We knew they were here this week even with the students were

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Local realtors and members of the Ole Miss athletics staff helped serve members of the community at Thanksgiving. Volunteers are always in need to help serve meals, especially during the holiday season. gone. He was right on it.

There was a real good response.”

The holidays are an important time for family, and organizations looking to help are needed when schools are out of session.

That’s why the event during Thanksgiving, and those during the coming weeks as Christmas closes in, are so important. Each week, members of the commu-

We want to hear from you CONTACT US • Sports Editor John Davis john.davis@journalinc.com • News reporter Errol Castens errol.castens@journalinc.com (662) 816-1282 • Advertising Sarah Brooke Bishop sarahbrooke.bishop@journalinc.com

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 1176 Oxford, MS 38655 CORRECTIONS The Oxford Citizen will correct any error found in the newspaper. To request a correction or clarification, call (662) 380-5409. A correction or clarification will appear in the next issue.

www.oxfordcitizen.com

A publication of Journal, Inc.

nity can visit the Stone Center for a meal. It starts at 5 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. When school is session, members of the Greek community on campus donate their time.

Sharon Rice has been a supervisor with More Than A Meal for three and a half years. She is also a realtor, and she was there to assist, even though the organization didn’t have a tie to that

one event. Everything involved with the program is donated, and that includes the space in which to eat.

“It was really awesome to have this. I’m proud to be a realtor,” she said. “We haven’t had anybody step up and do it at Christmas because the schools are closed, but they have been announcing it for three or four weeks that the realtors were going to be giving a

Thanksgiving meal. We would love to have someone step up and help and donate. These people are here, most of them, and they don’t have a Christmas meal. This is a way to serve them and to make sure they have turkey and dressing and all of that.”

Other things such as flu shots have been provided.

Rice even recalled a nurse stopping by the center to conduct blood pressure checks for those in attendance. Diapers, paper towels, soap and toothpaste are distrubted two times a month for those that are in need.

“There are some that have started out coming to More Than A Meal and they have graduated from high school, gotten their GED and are going on to college,” Rice said. “They’re giving back to the community now. There are several from the university that are dedicated to coming and talking to those people and helping them get their education.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OBITUARIES KENNETH ALVA STEAD

Saturday, Dec. 12th, at 11 a.m., at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford Kenneth Alva Stead, Jr., 85, with Gail Stratton officiating. Visipassed away Friday, Nov. 20, tation will be prior to the service 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospi- beginning at 10:30 until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family tal – North requests memorials be sent to the Mississippi.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program The memo(RSVP), 107 Courthouse Square, rial service Oxford, MS, 38655 or a charity of will be held your choice. on Monday, Dec. 28th at St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford at 2 p.m. RevTHOMAS erend Ann Whitaker will officiate.

RONALD LEWIS Inurnment will follow in the Thomas Ronald “Ron” Lewis, columbarium in St. Peter’s Epis- 72, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, copal Church. The family will re- 2015, at ceive friends in the Parrish Hall B a p t i s t from 1 pm until service time. M e m o r i a l Memorial contributions in Dr. H o s p i t a l Stead’s memory may be made to North MisSt. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 113 sissippi. The South 9th Street, Oxford, MS funeral service was held 38655. In honor of Dr. Stead’s Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in the service to our country, the flag of Chapel of Waller Funeral Home the United States Navy will be with Rev. Raymond Aven officiatflown at Waller Funeral Home. ing. Burial followed in Eastover Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mr. Lewis’ memROLEEN CONATSER ory may be made to OxfordMITCHELL Roleen “Lee” Conatser Lafayette Humane Society, 413 Mitchell, 75, passed away on McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS Dec. 6, 2015. A memorial service 38655, the American Cancer Socelebrating her life will be held ciety, 1800 West Main Street, Tu-

pelo, MS 38801 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. In honor of Mr. Lewis’ service to our country, the flag of the United States Air Force will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.

BARNEY PRESTON HUGGINS

WATER VALLEY Barney Preston Huggins, 87, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at Yalobusha General Hospital. A graveside service was held Monday, Dec. 7, at North Oxford Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Gary Richardson officiating.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Huggins’ memory may be made to North Oxford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1700, Oxford, MS 38655 or the American Heart Association, 2170 Business Center Drive, Suite 1, Memphis, TN 38134. In honor of Mr. Huggins’ service to our country, the flag of the United States Navy will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 5

New Double Deckers being spruced up

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

The city’s newest British buses are spending the winter getting prettied up for their debut next spring.

The two-story buses arrived in Oxford Oct. 16 from their previous home in Phoenix, Arizona. The transfer constituted a trip of some 1,650 miles at a top speed of 39 miles per hour.

They were purchased in July after Bo Ragon, the city’s shop manager, found them for sale online and flew to Phoenix to inspect them.

He found the 1984 and 1986 models mechanically sound.

“They’re in decent shape,” he said. “We’re trying to get the upholstery folks lined up to redo the seats, because out there in Arizona the sun cooked these things.”

Both of the two 1962 red Routemaster doubledecker buses the city has owned for around 20 years are open-top models, but one of the newer ones is closed in on top.

Whether to leave it intact is still undecided.

“I’m debating that now, for rainy days or cold weather,” Ragon said. “But people just don’t like riding with the top on them.

We’ll make a decision by the first of the year. I’m pretty sure it’s coming off.

If you watch the Double Decker over the years, when they line up, people want to get on the top deck, in the open. Only a few people want to ride inside.”

There’s really not a lot to do to get the buses ready other than replacing what the Arizona sun has faded.

“We’re going to reupholster, paint the floors and paint the outside. Most everything we need to do is cosmetic,” Ragon said.

“My goal is to have them ready for the Double Decker Festival.”

Once the buses were safe in Oxford, the City Shop was expanded to accommodate the two “new” vehicles.

“We were running out of room to park the trucks,” Ragon said.

ERROL CASTENS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford's two older Double Deckers, at left, are both open-top buses. One of the newer buses is fully enclosed, and city officials are deciding whether to convert it, too, to an open-top.

The older buses won’t be completely retired, but the younger vehicles will take over the duties for weddings, birthday parties, class reunions and other private functions for which they’ve been rented thousands of times.

“The old ones are going to be used for city functions only. They’ll still be used for Double Decker, the Christmas Parade and a few other occasions, but there won’t be this go-gogo all the time,” he said.

“They’re 50-something years old, and they’re tired. Right now they still have some use left in them, but if we kept them on the pace they were going, we couldn’t keep them running much longer.”

Ragon added that the two-decades-plus age advantage in the newer buses means not only less wear but design improve-

Lynwood Jones is one of the mechanics upgrading the "new" Double Decker buses that will be put into service in Oxford next spring. ence in a 1962-model “They’re built by the same ments as well.

“The difference in them Chevrolet and a 1984 company, but 20-somehe said. thing years later. It’s just a is kind of like the differ- Chevrolet,”

newer version with more bells and whistles.”

Lynnwood Jones, the mechanic who comes in every Saturday to prepare the current buses for use, noted some of the design advances, such as power steering and brakes, along with improved visibility.

“You don’t have to do much handwork with the new ones, and you can see all upstairs from the driver’s seat. Instead of having to put in cameras, you’ve got mirrors where the driver can see up there,” he said.

From a mechanic’s standpoint, the greatest advantage inherent in the more modern buses is the lack of pneumatically operated systems.

“The best thing is, I don’t have to air them up anymore,” Jones said. errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec

PAGE 6

Coleman opens new building

were able to apply the things local families have taught us Coleman Funeral Home has a about what they really want new location, and members of and need in a funeral home,” the community are welcomed Coleman said. “This facility to come see the new building. provides a place where they An open house featuring recan hold receptions and feed freshments and music by jazz out-of-town guests, or even pianist Bill Perry Jr. will follow a just make a small visitation feel ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 more welcoming with our comp.m. It will run through 6. plimentary snacks and coffee Between the bright natural bar. light, the vaulted ceilings and “People have been telling us the stacked-stone hearth, Cole- this is a different funeral space man Funeral Home’s new Oxthan they’ve ever experienced, ford facility is a far cry from the and we’re excited about the dark, mournful spaces typical way it’s been received so far.” of funeral homes in the past.

The new Coleman Funeral Instead, it’s built around the Home is located at 601 Comway we grieve today: A time to merce Parkway, visible from gather family and friends from Highway 7 just south of Oxford. far-flung places, and to celeThe 5,000-square-foot facilbrate the special life that our ity includes a large chapel loved one lived. space that can be converted “Our new funeral home is into a banquet hall for catered designed for hospitality and meals and receptions. personalization, and we’ve been pleased to see how well it HIV information serves families in those ways,” smartphone app said Glenn Coleman, co-owner now available and funeral director/embalmer Mississippi has one of the of the new facility which highest rates in the U.S. of new opened Nov. 1. “After nearly 12 HIV cases each year, says the years of providing funeral serv- Mississippi State Department ices in our community, we of Health (MSDH).

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

BRIEFING African-American men are especially affected, according to the report; their HIV rate is about seven times that of white men.

Safe sex practices can prevent HIV, and there is now daily medication available that can prevent HIV in those who are sexually active and who have not yet been infected. If you do become infected with HIV, early treatment can control the disease and provide years of healthy life.

Testing and early detection, especially in those who are at highest risk, is essential.

MSDH’s smartphone app, Your PSH (Personal Sexual Health), is a free tool to help you locate confidential testing, prevent HIV, know your HIV risk, identify signs of the disease, and connect with treatment. MSDH Apps for both iPhone and Android are available through their normal app channels.

OHS students hit perfect English II scores Mississippi students took the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Ca-

reers (PARCC) test during the 2014-2015 school year. The recently released results by state education officials for the garnered positive accolades for some Oxford High School students.

Oxford High School students who scored the highest possible score of 850 on the English II subject area of the state assessments include Carter Diggs, Ruth Hogue, Madeline Henderson, Susanna Cassisa, Sylvia Culpepper, Scott Brown, Shelby Goza, Sean Brown, Dylan Howard and Nitin Ankisetty.

The PARCC tests measure whether students are meeting new, higher academic standards and mastering the knowledge and skills they need to progress in their K-12 education and beyond. They test more complex skills like critical-thinking, persuasive writing, and problem-solving.

This was the first and last time Mississippi used the PARCC test. T he same college-and careerready standards that have been used over the last several years will continue to be taught, but

the state will begin administering the Mississippi Assessment Program (MAP) instead of PARCC this school year and will continue for the next several years.

UM students research Polish forest biota A 7,000-year-old forest in Poland could hold the key to solving some of the world’s major health problems, and several University of Mississippi researchers and students are working to unlock the potential of the forest’s ancient ecosystem.

UM researchers often travel to exotic locations, such as tropical rainforests or deep beneath the ocean, to search for plants and creatures that contain compounds that can be used against a variety of human illnesses.

This Polish forest might seem an unlikely place to search for new medications, but it actually is a perfect spot, said Jordan Zjawiony, native of Poland and UM professor of pharmacognosy.

“The Bialowieza Forest is particularly unique because it

has not been touched by human hands for several hundred years,” Zjawiony said.

“We can only imagine what is inside. We had a special permit to access the wildest part of Bialowieza Forest, the Bialowieski National Park.”

Zjawiony said that the forest holds great potential for the discovery of new natural products.

“Future pharmacists should learn that there are lots of medicinal plants around us that could be beneficial for patients,” he said. “We should work with them and eventually utilize them as drugs. That is one of our goals for the work we conduct in Poland.”

Fungi, in particular, are abundant in Bialowieza.

“We found a very rare species of mushroom that grows on trees,” Zjawiony said.

“These particular mushrooms have potential anticancer activity, which we are very excited about. We can study them further here at the National Center for Natural Products Research and confirm the activity while finding out what the active components are.”

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OPINION

In the ear of the beholder Jim Dees Tales of the Town

album – Go Cedric!) and Ted Olsen, former Southern Studies instructor, nominated for best liner notes for his work on a Tennessee Ernie Ford CD. That my Grammy connections consist of Cedric Burnside and Tennessee Ernie Ford sort of says it all regarding my musical interests.

Mind you, I don’t consider my indifference to “popular” music to be musical snobbery. It’s just that as one matures – or in my case, gets older – you know what you like and more emphatically, what you don’t.

People who study these things call it, “taste freeze.” But that’s a misnomer. People who enjoy music aren’t frozen, we’re always on the lookout for exciting new sounds. (Currently my go-to setting on i-Tunes is a station listed under “Eclectic” with the de-

“

I don’t consider my indifference to ‘popular’ music to be musical snobbery. It’s just that as one matures … you know what you like.

“

T

he Grammy nominations came out this week and once again I was reminded of the tiny, ropedoff section of the world I inhabit as opposed to the wider sphere.

Ditto when Coldplay was announced as this year’s Super Bowl entertainment. I can name one Coldplay song, “The Scientist.” I know that one because Willie Nelson covered it. Last week I felt like the only person on the planet who couldn’t name an Adele song. (How did she become a single-name phenom so fast?) When news of the death of Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots broke last week, I felt bad for his family, but again, can’t name a song.

And yet for all this I don’t feel like I’ve missed much. There is so much great music in the world – past and present – that you can pretty much write your own prescription and not miss a beat… or beats.

As for the Grammys, I happen to know two of the nominees personally, Cedric Burnside (nominated for best Blues

PAGE 7

scription: “A peculiar blend of strange music.”)

A recent article in the Huffington Post quoted a study done by the (rip-off) listening service Spotify: “People start scratching their heads at the more popular tunes by the time they reach their mid-30s. Whether the demands of parenthood and careers mean devoting less time to pop culture, or just because they’ve succumbed to good oldfashioned taste freeze, music fans beyond a certain age seem to reach a point where their tastes have ‘matured’.”

The analysis concludes:

“That’s why the organizers of the Super Bowl – with a median viewer age of 44 – were smart to balance their Katy Perry-headlined halftime show with a showing by Missy Elliott.” (Who knew Missy Elliott is considered “old school?” Again, can’t name a song).

When I was in my mid-30s, I was working at the Hoka where every day was a new musical discovery. We dove deep into blues, even deeper into reggae and began to leave so-called “popular” music behind. Thus radio hits from the 1980s through the 90s missed our radar. We pretty much missed hip hop entirely. As the 2000s dawned and brought the advent of music-on-demand and downloading, it became even easier to cocoon oneself into the warmth of your own sonic design.

I’m happy kids of today have their Taylor Swift, Adele, et al. As they reach middle age and have kids of their own, they too will cling to their music and tune out the sounds of the day. That’s the

beauty of music and art in general. It’s in the eye (or ear) of the beholder. People who share a love of music can be deadly serious about it. I remember breaking up with a girl because she wouldn’t accompany me to a concert by Mother Maybelle Carter. Okay, we had to walk a few blocks to the show from our apartment in Washington, D.C. and it was snowing but that just added to the experience. I went solo and had a great time. On the wondrous walk home, the Capitol dome glowing in the snowscape, I made my mental declaration of independence.

This wasn’t her first affront to my musical heart. She had accompanied me to my first Dead show in 1976… and fell asleep. I guess I wish her all the best.

America owes Mississippi a great debt for all the music we have invented and passed on. I hope Cedric and Ted win their Grammys but if not, relief is just a “push play” away.

Jim Dees has lived in Oxford for over 30 years and lived to tell the tale.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Annual Christmas Parade draws crowds

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

Townsfolk, visitors and students crowded sidewalks, balconies and even bleachers as the annual Oxford Christmas Parade, presented by the Oxford Lions Club, made its way through the heart of town.

More than 70 entries populated the parade, from marching bands to motorcycle clubs, from business and institutional floats to beauty queens, from antique cars and trucks to animals – and with mowers, martial artists, Scouts, scooters, tumblers, rangers and firefighters thrown in for good measure.

“I’ve been coming to the parade since 1963,” said David Houston. “I love the Ole Miss Band – all the bands, really – but when I was little, the drums were so loud, I’d cover my ears up, and my mother would laugh at me. That’s been a long time. I was in the parade in the 1960s, on a church float.”

His wife, Leslie Houston, is preferential to the jolly old elf whose appearance is the climax of the parade, but this year he wasn’t her absolute favorite person in the procession.

“I like Santa Claus,” she said. “And our son, Walker, is in the parade.”

Their daughter, Haddie Beth Houston, 6, wearing a malamute hat and an “I (heart) Santa” sweatshirt, said she liked coming to the parade “because you get to see everyone – and pretty stuff.”

Telsa Goolsby brought 10 of her family members, prompted by the seasonally delightful weather.

“We don’t come every year, but my kids wanted to come,” she said. “It’s always fun when we do.”

One of those family members, Shakiyah Wilson, said she was looking forward to “the floats – all of them.”

Emily Sipes and her daughter, Brooks, were among dozens standing in line for their ritual pre-parade hot chocolate at High Point Coffee, which sits along the parade route just before it enters the Square.

“It’s a family tradition,” Emily Sipes said.

ERROL CASTENS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Elves populated the Deborah Kaye School of Dance float in Monday's Oxford Christmas Parade.

This antique fire truck has become a soda truck, equipped to provide thirst aid in emergencies.

Asked her favorite part of the annual rite, Brooks said, “Seeing all the floats.”

Alas, not everyone can be part of the festivities.

The parade’s First Monday date places it right at the beginning of the University of Mississippi’s Exam Week.

Alexa Zoudoukos, an undecided sophomore from Jackson, was ensconced at a table at High Point Coffee, poring over handwritten notes. She appeared to be one of the few people within throwing distance who wasn’t excited about the parade.

“I am not,” she said.

“School takes precedence.”

Zack Tucker, an accountancy major from Jackson, was equally tied to his studies.

The balcony of the Lafayette County Chancery Building provided an ideal perspective for “It’s finals week,” he said many parade watchers. with a shrug.

The Oxford Lions Club Pony carts were named five awardees for among the big parade entries: crowd pleasers, 1. Crossroads Animal along with moHospital torcycles and an2. Baptist Outpatient tique cars, at this Rehab year's Oxford 3. Warren Lawn and Tree Christmas PaService rade.

4. Jeffrie Chapel Youth Department 5. Deborah Kaye School of Dance errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 9

Oxford held its annual Christmas parade Monday night. There were more than 70 entries into the parade, which is orchestrated by the Oxford Lions Club.

Photos by Joey Brent | Oxford Citizen

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 10

Officials FROM PAGE 1

story included that the practice places naïve young adults in danger and that such agencies are funded in such a way that they have a perverse incentive to turn misdemeanor-level drug possessors into felons by instigating small purchases assumed to be on a friend-to-friend basis.

Alderman Robyn Tannehill noted the TV news magazine story was only one reason for the press conference.

“We are here because drugs are being used and sold and purchased in Oxford, Mississippi. If they were not, there would be no reason to have a Metro Narcotics agency, and there would be no story for ‘60 Minutes’ to tell,” she said.

Tannehill noted that “60 Minutes” referred glowingly to Oxford as a charming college town.

“They did not say, ‘Now we take you to Oxford, Mississippi, a small town known for its high crime rate and unsafe streets.

Now we take you to a town whose downtown area has disintegrated, and all its windows are covered with boards,’” she said. “They did not say, ‘Let us take you to a town where gangs have infiltrated the high schools and where drugs are being sold on the corner.’

“There’s a reason for

Leaf truck FROM PAGE 2

which breaks the leaves out of the bags and makes the leaves go one direction and the bags go another direction.”

As long as residents keep large sticks out of their leaf piles, the new truck’s oneman operation will prove a boon to the city budget, too, Liles said.

“It cost $165,000, and it’s going to save the taxpayers money from overtime,” she said. In the past, she noted, “We’ve had to ru six people on the machines – one driving and one sucking leaves up and one probing for sticks. This is a one-man operation, but until we get everybody on board not to include sticks in their leaves, it may take two people.”

that, and that is because the City of Oxford and Lafayette County and the University of Mississippi have decided our community’s worth fighting for,” Tannehill said.

Oxford Mayor George “Pat” Patterson added, “We are, of course, concerned with how the 60 Minutes article portrayed the Metro Narcotics unit and how that reflects on our community.

“It’s unfortunate, in my opinion, that we even have to have a Metro Narcotics unit, but in this day and time it just does not seem to be optional,” he said.

“The DEA and the MBN do not have the resources to operate on a local level, and if that unit did not exist, we’d have nickeland-dime drug dealers on every corner, trying to sell drugs to our kids.”

Patterson noted that retired DEA agent Rod Waller is being brought in to lead the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit.

“We’re going to take a hard look at everything we do from top to bottom and make certain that it’s legal, ethical and, beyond that, the right thing to do,” Patterson said.

Oxford Police Chief Joey East spoke for the lion’s share of the press conference, offering a brief overview of the agency that started in 1988 when the federal government began funding such agencies nationwide.

The city will keep its present leaf trucks not only as backup but for special areas.

“This truck is big, so in cul-de-sacs and some other areas you’re still going to have to run the smaller machines, but this will definitely take the pressure off our crews,” Liles said.

Solid Waste employees used the new machine on its inaugural day to pull a joke on their boss.

“They called me and said, ‘You’ve got to come over here on so-and-so road. We have just sucked the laundry off the clothesline,’” Liles said. “I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh – did we really?’ And they said, ‘No, we didn’t really’ – but it will do it.” errol.castens@journalinc.com; Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec

“Metro Narcotics has been successful. We’ve not done everything right; we’ve made some mistakes; but we continue to be successful,” he said.

Disputing some impressions left by the “60 Minutes” program, East said, “They made a reference that we actively seek young people (as confidential informants). We don’t actively seek; we investigate, and where our investigation takes us, we look.

“There’s a lot of ways you handle informant processes. If you catch someone that is selling or has an amount on them, you have the choice to lock them up, if it’s a felony amount, or to give them an opportunity to become an informant. It’s their choice on what to do after that.”

He insisted that such a person always has the right to have an attorney present or to call parents.

Noting one of the more visible mistakes in Metro Narcotics’ recent history, East acknowledged a tape shown on the broadcast and weeks earlier on buzzfeed.com was one direct reason for the resignation of Keith Davis as commander of Metro Narcotics in September. (Davis now works as a deputy for the Lafayette County Sheriff Department.) The tape shows Davis threatening a man who was reported to have threatened an agent’s family, East said, after charges were filed against the man’s

pregnant girlfriend. East said Davis instead should have called in a different agency but said Davis was “handling it” informally to avoid having both parentsto-be under charges.

“No excuses are to be made; we didn’t handle it the way we should have.

We should have followed up on it, filed charges or called in (Mississippi Bureau of Investigation) or someone like that,” East said. “They did what they thought was right at the time; they talked to the young man; they were trying to let him know that this couldn’t go forward.

Unfortunately, it didn’t happen in the manner we’d like it done as professionals.”

East referred a reporter who asked about the Metro Narcotics finances to Oxford City Clerk Lisa Carwyle but denied that the agency imposes its own fines or costs.

“We arrest people. The district attorney and the judges set fines and penalties. The narcotics unit doesn’t do that. We don’t have the ability to send people to jail; we don’t have that ability to say three years or five years,” East said. “A lot of people think that whoever runs the narcotics unit says, ‘Hey, we’ll let you go for $500.’ That’s not how that works.”

East acknowledged, however, that portions of fines against those convicted of drug crimes are

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

set aside to help fund Metro Narcotics.

“That’s set by a court, not by an agent,” he said.

East said Davis’ resignation was a mutual agreement.

“It was not going in a direction that we felt it should go in,” he said. He acknowledged the recording of Davis threatening the apparent suspect was a factor. We heard a tape … that brought to light that did not represent what we wanted our unit to look like or how we wanted to act.”

Davis is now employed as a deputy in the Lafayette County Sheriff Department. Mills, the department’s second in command, declined to comment on any misbehavior on Davis’ part.

“It was that we needed to go in a different direction, Mills leadership-wise,” said. “It was time to place a new way of thinking in leadership.”

Another question raised by reporters concerned the intimidation of confidential informants. Sunday’s TV report indicated suspects are often told not to contact a lawyer or their parents.

“There’s a lot of ways you handle informant processes. If you catch someone that is selling or has an amount on them, you have the choice to lock them up, if it’s a felony amount, or to give them an opportunity to become an informant. It’s their choice on what to do after that,”

East said. “They are allowed to call an attorney.

They are allowed to call parents.”

He added that law enforcement agencies dealing with college students are often criticized for not calling their parents, but he said for anyone age 18 or above, police cannot involve parents, lawyers or other third parties except at the request of suspects.

“I’ve seen lives ruined.

I’ve seen families ruined.

I’ve had it affect my family,” East said of the direct and indirect effects of illegal drugs.

Another issue raised by the TV show was that informants, told to instigate drug purchases so dealers can be arrested and prosecuted, often are desperate enough to buy from friends, turning them into instant dope dealers.

“I’m sure that can happen and has happened,” East said. “Is that what we look for? No, sir. If it was a one-time deal, that person’s not a seller, that agency should do a better job of doing intel buys.”

Patterson offered one simple solution for those concerned about having their lives ruined over smallpotatoes drug violations.

“Don’t buy drugs, don’t use drugs, and don’t sell drugs, and you’ll never hear from Metro Narcotics,” he said. errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: oxfordcitizenec

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Members enjoy the OxfordLafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation's annual Christmas party held Tuesday evening at the Hampton Inn.

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford Kaye Ladd, Managing Broker

210 East Main St., Tupelo Tommy Morgan, Broker/Owner

tmhomes.com • 662-234-5344

1802 W. Jackson St. #125

YOU GET MORE FROM YOUR LISTING WITH US OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Success on the football field requires dedication, knowledge and execution. At Tommy Morgan Realtors we’ve provided successful real estate game plans for 44 years.

Sign on with our winning team.

Call us today!

MLS#135027

Oxford - Nice Condo in the heart of Oxford just a couple of minutes from fantastic shopping, dining, and the campus of Ole Miss. Well taken care of and priced right. The common grounds recently updated w/ a new pool and tennis courts. There is currently a tenant in the property. $105,000. Call Blake Thompson – 662-8017014

2039 W Wellsgate

PAGE 11

MLS#134156

Oxford/REDUCED - Majestic 2-story home in Wellsgate subdivision. Home has views of the lake across the street. 4BR/3.5BA. Formal dining room leads to a spacious kitchen w/ granite counters which opens to the Great Room w/ cathedral ceiling & fireplace. Lg deck surrounded by fruit trees sits through French doors of the Great Room. Finished basement w/ sauna, wired for media, plumbed for a bathroom; built as a safe/storm room. Master bedroom & 1 bedroom on first floor.2nd has 2 bedrooms, media/family room & potential art studio/office. $499,900. Call Eileen Saunders – 662-404-0816.

1615 University

MLS#135000

2354 Enid Dam Rd

302 Segrest Pointe

MLS#134254

Highlands Circle

Oxford - Prime Location in Oxford! Seconds from square, developers dream location. Corner lot on University and S 17th St. $995,000 Call Chanda Cossitt-662-871-7222.

JUST LISTED / Oxford - A private, wooded 2.8 acres home site. All the comforts of Oxford city life while exp. the great outdoors teaming with wildlife as birds, deer and even an American bald eagle. Don’t forget fishing the private +/-80 acre Trophy Lake where bass and catfish are legendary. Come launch your pontoon boat via the private Marina. For those dedicated joggers, take your mile long run at the newly opened +/-20 acre Braemar Park which has many more planned amenities.

Lafayette County Schools close to Kroger, Ole Miss Campus, restaurants, antique stores, shopping, and much more. (HOA: $910 annually). $139,900. Call Paula Crum – 662.701.7789

MLS#134091

Pope – A nature lover’s paradise. This sprawling wooden ranch style home is a water lover’s dream! Located just off Lake Enid and across the street from Wallace Creek Rec. Area, the whole family would enjoy this property. Home has a unique layout perfect for entertaining. A large shed and greenhouse allow multiple hobbies. Pope School district. Truly a Must See! $114,900. Call Thaddeus Hooper – 601-934-0572

MLS#134827

Oxford - Where is “Heaven on Earth?” It’s the Highlands of Oxford, MS! Beautiful Lake View Lots where you can witness the Sunrise over the Looking-Glass, Crystal-Clear Lake every morning from “YOUR FRONT PORCH” with that special someone and a cup of your favorite java! Amenities include access to the private Trophy Lake where Bass are legendary; the Marina for boat launch or fishing off the floating docks, taking brisk walks on the ~1 mile paved walking path within Braemar Park which includes Gazebo with BBQ Pit, Basketball, Soccer/Baseball Field, Jungle Gym, and more. City of Oxford School district. $229,000. Call Paula Crum – 662.701.7789

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 12

Weesie Biedenharn 662.638.5332 - Oxford

Blake Thompson 662.801.7014 - Oxford

Merisa Baker

662.488.5720 - Tupelo|Oxford

Brant Garner

662.297.6168 - Tupelo|Oxford

Caroline Felker 662.801.0878 - Oxford

Melinda Wells 662.829.9536 - Oxford

Sadie Smith

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Paula Crum 662.701.7789- Oxford

Polina Wheeler 662.401.4632 - Oxford

Martin Mesecke

Eileen Saunders 662. 404.0816 - Oxford

Thaddeus Hooper 601.934.0572 - Oxford

Kevin Knight

Whitney George

662.567.2573 - Tupelo|Oxford

James R. Hunter, Sr.

662.678.3033 - Tupelo|Oxford

662.715.1111 - Tupelo|Oxford

662.401.2913 - Tupelo|Oxford

662.871.8658 - Tupelo|Oxford

Jodi Garner

Keith Henley 662.213.5599 - Tupelo|Oxford

Managing Broker, Oxford

Kaye Ladd

Tommy Morgan Broker/Owner

662.419.3420 - Tupelo|Oxford

Sean Hettinger Office Manager, Oxford

Cole Hoover

901.387.9910 - Oxford

Nicole Cain Wright 662.617.5744 - Oxford

Danny Flowers

662.816.7294 - Oxford

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

PAGE 15

John Davis Sports Editor

Even in a loss, Chargers, Hill taught us something

O

xford’s football team deserved a better ending than the one we all saw Saturday night at VaughtHemingway Stadium. Quarterback Jack Abraham broke his collarbone diving for the pylon on the second-to-last play of his high school career. DK Metcalf came up an inch short on his final play as a Charger.

Both deserved a better ending. So did head coach Johnny Hill, who has given so much to this program since he arrived in 1989.

When people tell you that life isn’t fair, respond with the story of the 2015 Chargers. In a season where so many things were overcome, a final yard proved to be too much. When so many things are given out to people who don’t deserve them, why couldn’t the Chargers just get a break for once? It’s a question that I asked myself for hours after Saturday’s MHSAA Class 5A state title game.

Words didn’t flow like they had all season. It was hard to put everything into the right context. Abraham was the last to leave the locker room underneath VaughtHemingway Stadium. His pads were shed.

He wore a gray Duke shirt. His parents were there to talk with him. Abraham was on his way to the emergency room for an X ray. He was in pain, but more so because of the loss. The two other reporters who were even in the bowels decided to give him some space as well. The next day, Abraham sent out a touching message via social media. He thanked the supporters. His teammates. His coaches. He appreciated his time as a Charger. It was Jack being Jack, classy to the end.

Some players may have pointed fingers.

There were some on some other teams that played at Ole Miss this past weekend that did just that when things got tough.

No game was as competitive as the OxfordWayne County game. Well, from start to finish. Charleston and Collins had a wild ending. Charleston was in total control all the way until the fourth quarter, however.

Oxford never imploded. The Chargers were beaten by a quality team. It should make the loss feel a little better, but it doesn’t. We all wanted to see Hill and his staff TURN TO DAVIS PAGE 21

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

This year’s Lafayette All-Citizen football team includes, from left, Vincent Lewis, Tyler Williams, Rashaun Rockette, Keontre Toles, Matt Toles, Jordan Jamison, Will Ard, Eli Johnson, Tyrell Price, Quin Jones and Zeke Liggins.

All-Citizen football Consistent players steady LHS in 2015 Robertson, ’Dores looking ahead to ball,” Robertson said. “They are the kind of players you 2016 season, Page 18. like sitting down and talking to whether it be at the

BY JOHN DAVIS school, the office or at a basSPORTS EDITOR ketball game. They are the Talent was something the kind of kids that don’t mind Lafayette Commodores had sitting down and talking with an abundance of this season you. We have college coaches on the football field. They come in and they all say that went 10-3 overall and ad- our kids will sit down and vanced into the second round talk and ask good questions. of the MHSAA Class 4A play- I’ve had several tell me that offs. Eli Johnson and Jordan some kids other places just Jamison, two seniors, an- sit there. Our kids talk and it’s chored the offensive line from just the group, the type of the tackle spots. Quarterback kids that they are.”

When Robertson looked at Will Ard, a junior, called the plays and triggered the pass- his list of players to make the ing game. Tyrell Price, a sen- team, he used the word conior, led the running game sistent for all of them.

“Zeke Liggins has been a with over 2,000 yards and 31 consistent three-year starter touchdowns scored.

On defense, senior line- for us. He’s just been solid backer Quin Jones made and just gotten better,” said. “Tyler tackle after tackle for head Robertson coach Eric Robertson. A total Williams, I think he’s a Diviof 11 players made this year’s sion 1 football player. VinAll-Citizen team. The others cent Lewis has been one of include: Zeke Liggins (sen- the most explosive football ior), Vincent Lewis (senior), players we’ve had here.

Keontre Toles (senior), Tyler Those d-linemen, ends and Williams (junior), Matt Toles nose guard, they kind of get (junior) and Rashaun Rock- hid. But they’re all explosive on film. Quin, he’s been a ette (senior).

“They are all good players consistent three-year starter and good kids, guys you like for us. That’s the thing about being around outside of foot- these seniors. Most of them

have been three-year starters.”

Price helped lead the Commodores to the Class 4A state title game as a sophomore. He ended his career as the most prolific running back from a scoring standpoint in a single season.

Rockette has played offense, defense and also on special teams.

“He’s a dynamic player who was hampered by a hamstring injury the entire second part of the season,” Robertson said. “He never could really shake it and get over it. Will stepped up and improved. Keontre Toles is a kid who moved from the defensive line to Mike linebacker and had over 90 tackles. He did a really good job for us. Matt Toles is back for us and we think he’s a really good one. Eli started every game since his ninth grade year. It will be really different not having him because he has been with us for four years. He was out there working everyday, him and Jordan both, trying to get better.”

Robertson felt like everyone of the players selected to this year’s team having a

chance to play college ball.

“I see every one of those guys having a chance to play at the next level,” Robertson said. “They’re good players and as a result, we had a good football team this year.

Everyone is disappointed, nobody more so than the coaches and the players, but that’s football. Things just didn’t bounce our way the second half against Noxubee.”

Ard finished the year with 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. Price, who joined Jones and Johnson in the annual Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, had 2,053 yards and 31 touchdowns.

He ended his career with over 4,000 yards on the ground. Rockette caught 36 passes for 532 yards and four touchdowns. Liggins had 77 tackles, while Jones led the team with 111. Lewis had 96 stops, while Toles had 91.

Lewis had 15 sacks to lead Lafayette. Toles finished with four. Jones tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Williams had two, as did Liggins. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Return to glory No. 1 Rangers win NJCAA national championship

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Justin Crawford never won a championship playing football until he came to Northwest Mississippi Community College.

The sophomore running back scored on the first play from scrimmage and finished with two touchdowns in the Mississippi Bowl Sunday. All of it was done in the attempt to help the Rangers win the NJCAA national title.

The goal of many Rangers was realized with the lopsided 66-13 win over No. 2 Rochester (Minn.) in Biloxi. For Crawford, the moment was enhanced by his family. He held his child in his arms as he collected the Offensive MVP honor. Crawford’s grandmother from Columbus, Georgia was also in the stands at Indian Stadium, and he said she doesn’t leave the house for much of anything.

“It’s a great feeling. It was a team win. Everybody came out and played at their peak,” said Crawford, who finished with 144 yards on just 15 carries in his final game with the Rangers.

“There wasn’t just one individual standing out, everyone was standing out. It just feels great to be on top. All those long practices, it just paid off at the end.”

Bobby Petrino, the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, was in attendance to watch Crawford and defensive tackle Chris Williams, who won the MVP award for defense. Crawford won’t graduate from Senatobia until May, but Louisville is one of several schools in hot pursuit of his signature.

“It’s not really about the coaches. That stuff really don’t excite me,” Crawford said. “I just love the game and do what I do.”

Quarterback Gardner Minshew was fantastic, again, for the Rangers, who now have three national titles, and their first since 1992. In what could be his last game with the program, Minshew threw for 421 yards and five touchdowns. Outside of his two interceptions, he was almost perfect in the victory. Minshew had a vision before the year that the Rangers (11-1) would win titles. A month earlier, Minshew piloted the Rangers past Gulf Coast to win the MACJC state title.

“This is the ultimate goal when you start a season. To re-

ally follow through and accomplish this goal is really huge,” Minshew said. “To say you’re the best in the country ... very few can say they won a state championship but even fewer can say they won the national title. I’m just so proud of our guys and our coaching staff. All the work that we put in, it’s amazing to see it all come together.”

Minshew credited all his teammates for him being named the state’s top JUCO player for 2015.

“I’m very honored that they choose me. There are a lot of good players on our team, let alone in the state,” Minshew said. “I’m very humbled.”

Oxford’s KT McCollin had also never won a championship prior to this year. He said the Rangers were only getting one ring to remember the MACJC state title as well as Sunday’s win, but he was happy just the same.

“To be crowned two champions in a row this season, it feels unbelievable,” McCollin said. “It feels great to me. I never got it high school, but I was able to get it with some other guys. The national championship feels way better than the state championship because you know that you’re the best in the nation, and everybody can see it. Me and my guys are ready to put that ring on. It feels so good to get one.”

Jack Wright took over a program that was coming off a 1-8 season two years ago. He not only overcame that to recruit these players, he’s also had to juggle the roster numbers because of probation. The Rangers only had 48 players on the field for the title game due to scholarship limitations. Wright said the win was a culmination of an amazing effort all season long.

“I think everyone is extremely surprised but it’s a tribute to our school and the way we run our football program,” Wright said.

“Our assistant coaches, our players. When you look at the score, it’s also a tribute to the MACJC. This is a really tough league. I have a lot of respect for our league. If you come through our league, you’re battled tested and ready to play anyone in the country. I think we proved that.”

All season long, the Rangers’ defense has been as consistent as any in the state. Of course, it’s hard to say that the Rangers’ offense was as impressive from

JUCO WEEKLY

The Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers won the Mississippi Bowl Sunday to capture the NJCAA national championship. start to finish when Crawford and Minshew set records and won awards like they did.

“Going into the game, I knew our defense matched up well with them. Looking at who moved the ball and scored on us, it’s been in the running game,” Wright said. “We’re really good at defending the pass. Our defensive backs have played the pass well, and we’ve always been able to get pressure. (Minshew) is a fantastic player. There is no doubt that he is the glue that holds it together offensively.

You saw some of the throws that he made, some of the decisions that he makes, just how good he is. He makes quick decisions and doesn’t get touched much. I knew (Crawford) would have a big day. We just had to have a good day on the offensive line.”

Wright did make sure to credit Rochester for coming down 17 hours on a bus to play the Rangers.

“They don’t offer any scholarship money at all, and we had every advantage in the world today,” Wright said. “Their coaching staff has done an unbelievable job dominating that conference. It was an honor playing a team with such class and dignity.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

NWCC coach Jack Wright holds up the NJCAA title following Sunday’s 6613 win over Rochester (Minn.) in the eighth annual Mississippi Bowl.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

PAGE 17

Hat trick from Alley Houghton leads LHS over Oxford SPORTS EDITOR

Maddy Houghton has seen her sister, Alley, do amazing things on a soccer field. The three goals she scored Tuesday evening was something she has done before. Still, there is something about doing it against Oxford that makes the hat trick that much more of an accomplishment.

“Her desire to play soccer and put one in the net is awesome,” said Maddy following the 3-2 win over the Lady Chargers at William L. Buford Stadium. “She’s always ready to take one for the team, to get one in there. I wish I could do it like her. All the time.”

Alley Houghton almost had a fourth goal in the match. Her last good look at the goal came up just wide, the shot hitting the far post and bouncing out of bounds.

“She usually doesn’t take one from that far out,” Maddy explained. “Usually

0

$

“

Her desire to play soccer and put one in the net is awesome. She’s always ready to take one for the team, to get one in there. I wish I could do it like her.

“

BY JOHN DAVIS

Maddy Houghton, on her sister Alley scoring three goals in the 3-2 win over Oxford Tuesday night it’s a dribble up, and shoot right in the net. She went a little farther than normal.”

Tuesday’s match was a little more physical than the norm between the two teams. It was the second time the schools met on the field, and it got a little more heated. Another difference from the first meeting was the weather. In the first meeting, the wind whipped as a storm front approached. It was only cold

this time around.

“The wind was a big factor in the first game. It was a very big factor. This time we could settle the ball and play it around,” Maddy Houghton said. “We could connect much better than the first game.”

Lafayette (6-0) jumped out to an early lead and was up 3-0 until the last few minutes of the contest when Oxford made a run.

Zoe Scruggs scored the first

goal for the Lady Chargers, while Morgan O’Connor, who goes just by Mo, scored the final goal.

“I knew we were going to have to battle the whole way through,” Maddy Houghton said. “I thought we would keep our lead. I didn’t expect them to get two on us. It happens. I think after the half, they were fired up and they wanted to get a goal in.

Once they got one, they wanted another one.”

Scruggs felt her teammates had a different mindset this matchup with Lafayette.

“Before we came out here, we all had a little huddle at the high school and we were talking to each other. For the seniors, this was our last time to try and beat Lafayette,” Scruggs said. “I think we’re getting better as a team. Our bond. We’ve always had the skill. We’re going to have to master that, but I think what is helping us get better is the connection.

We told each other thank you for playing as hard as

you can. That kind of stuff is going to lift us up and that bond is going to make everything better for when we’re moving on to play other teams. I think for the rest of the season, we can definitely go undefeated.”

Early in the season, Maddy Houghton said she was a little worried about how the Lady Commodores were playing.

That’s not the case currently as the team continues to push towards division play.

“We weren’t connecting as well but now I see a big, big difference starting off the season compared to last year,” she said. “I think we could go very far in the season. I think we’re all motivated to get another state championship. It’s all bringing us together, wanting to fight every game, and put balls in the back of the net. We’re encouraging each other to play better each game.”

coach of the Lady Chargers, felt his team was really focused on shape the second meeting.

“We went back and looked at the film and in game one, our shape was just bad. We were out of position from the back line all the way to the forwards,” Crane said. “We’ve worked on that and we look so much better shape wise. Still, when you get there and you’re confident in what you’re doing, the girls still revert back to some bad habits that don’t usually have. It’s just against Lafayette. Our midfield played amazing the other night against Grenada. We tried to have combination passing down the field, and then when we get to this game, we try to do through balls against a very fast back line. You can’t go against what has been working for you and have had success with.”

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Hunter Crane, the head

Down Payment!

First Month’s Payment!

Security Deposit!

Due at Lease Signing!

NEW 2015 Honda CIVIC LX

0.9

Auto, Bluetooth, Back-Up Camera Stk# 815431

www.houseofhondatupelo.com

628 SOUTH GLOSTER | TUPELO | 842-4162 OR 1-888-892-4162

60mo.

1.9

%

%

OR

72mo.

$

195month 39 MONTH LEASE

PLUS TAX / W.A.C.

0.9% & 1.9% APR is through American Honda Finance. Lease is 12,000 miles per year through American Honda Finance. WAC. Offer ends 12/31/15.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Chargers outlast Commodores via penalty kicks

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

When Oxford and Lafayette get together on the field for a soccer match, expect drama. And extra time. For the third straight meeting, the Chargers and Commodores had to settle things on penalty kicks.

This year, it was the Chargers who pulled out the win.

They made four of five penalty kicks. Lafayette made three. The two teams played to a 2-2 tie in regulation.

Cole Calhoon scored both of the goals for the Chargers. He was assisted

by John Handy Jennings on the second. Both of Lafayette’s goals were shots taken by Jason Reveles.

Both were recorded as on goals as Oxford’s defense was unable to secure the shots, allowing the ball to reach the back of the net.

Oxford assistant coach Garner Shivers smiled when talking about the match, and how it was decided.

BILL BARKSDALE

Lafayette goalie Brelyn Hudgins is unable to stop a shot by Oxford's Keaton Calhoon Tuesday night at William L. Buford Stadium. The Chargers won the match in penalty kicks.

“It’s just unfortunate. You score good goals and you play well and then all of sudden, boom,” Shivers said. “The kids heads go down and you got to pick them back up. There is nothing worse than scoring a goal on your own goal.

They battled back. After the first one, we scored back in the next two minutes.”

The way Shivers saw it, the first Lafayette goal Josh Fulton tried to clear it. Shivers said Alex Davis was off his line a little bit, and the ball ended up being too tall for him to hit away. The second one was a battle in the box. Connell Yoste went to put a head on the ball, it deflected off his head the wrong way, Shivers said.

“Stuff happens and you have to battle back. You got to bury your pk’s and we buried our pk’s,” Shivers said.

“We had really, really bright moments. We had the majority of the possessions and the majority of the chances.

We had a good bit of corners, so I think we played well. We controlled the midfield. We had a lot of one-one-one op-

portunities with our wingers and that’s what we try to do.

Defensively, we didn’t give up many chances but our own.”

Calhoon is a captain who anchors the midfield, while Jennings is a freshman who has really good skill, Shivers said.

“We’re just trying to find a place where we can use him,” he said of Jennings.

“We’re trying to take advantage of what he brings to the table. He played really well tonight and he earned himself some more minutes tonight.”

Gene Anderson said, jokingly, that it was insane to have three straight matches decided on penalty kicks.

“There have been some super exciting games the last three years,” Anderson said. “This is kind of a different team than we have been having. It’s very young, especially on defense. They’re playing solid every game. Jason and Brian (Leyva) are our workhorses. We had Yusha (Patton-Bey) playing forward

most of the night. We’re just trying to figure out who is going to be the goal scorer.

We have 13 goals and they’re by eight different people. We have to find out who is going to be that guy who can take care of it.”

Everyone that Anderson has up top can score. His focus has been making the defense better since three starters from last year are gone.

“It’s just putting it together. We’ve played some really, really good defense and I think we’re getting more consistent there,” Anderson said. “(Robbie Langley) is physical back there and he has that big leg so that when things get crazy back there, he mixes it up.

He’ll clear it out of there. I think the biggest thing is he has such a big leg. If the other team has better possession, once he gets a hold of it, they have to work back up the field. That’s helped us out a lot.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

It’s Christmas All Month Long at Dossett Big 4 – Where You Always Get More!

2011 CHEVY EQUINOX LT

2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

stk# UV6323

stk# UV6372

$

10,900

2013 HYUNDAI 2011 SONATA LIMITED CADILLAC CTS

stk# UV6373 $

15,750

24,900

$

21,000

$

2007 CHEVY SILVERADO

stk# UV6211

stk# UV6361

stk# UV6192

11,900

$

29,550

$

8,900

2008 DODGE RAM 1500

stk# UV6158 $

9,440

2014 CHEVY 4X4 SILVERADO LT

$

2006 CADILLAC SRX

stk# UV6294 $

7,995

2008 HONDA PILOT EXL

39,000 Miles, stk# UV6371 $

40HP Yamaha Four Stroke, stk# UV5992

stk# UV6345

$

14,500

2007 TOYOTA TUNDRA

2011 CHEVY 2007 POLARKRAFT 169 SILVERADO LT 4X4

2013 GMC TERRAIN SLE

stk# UV6339

17,550

$

9,440

2012 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED

Nav. Leather, 42k Miles, stk# UV5150 $

13,890

stk# UV6279

15,995

$

2013 KIA SOUL

stk# UV6315

11,550

$

CADILLAC CERTIFIED AS LOW AS 0.9% * (36 MO), 1.9% (UP TO 48 MO), 2.9% (UP TO 60 MO), OR 3.9% (UP TO 72 MO). W.A.C. Through Ally Financial.

1.9% UP TO 36 MONTHS ON: SELECT GM CERTIFIED VEHICLES! W.A.C. Through Ally Financial.

2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE

2014 CHEVY CRUZE LT

2014 BUICK ENCLAVE

stk# UV4981

Leather, stk# UV5470

stk# UV6315

63,900

$

DOSSETT BIG 4 WWW.DOSSETTBIG4.COM

13,880

$

31,770

$

2014 CHEVY TRAVERSE LT stk# UV5545

27,950

$

SOUTH GLOSTER TUPELO, MS 662-842-4162 888-892-4162

*ALL PRICES ARE PLUS TAX & TITLE. FINANCING WITH APPROVED CREDIT.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

SPORTS IN DEPTH Hunter Henry Sebastian Tretola Vadal Alexander Cam Robinson John Theus Ryan Kelly Laquon Treadwell Fred Ross Pharoh Cooper Dak Prescott Derrick Henry Leonard Fournette Pharoh Cooper

Arkansas Arkansas LSU Alabama Georgia Alabama Ole Miss MSU South Carolina MSU Alabama LSU South Carolina

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech – Dec. 19, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Miami Beach Bowl USF vs. Western Kentucky – Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Akron vs. Utah State – Dec. 22, 2:30 p.m.

(ESPN) Marmot Boca Raton Bowl Temple vs. Toledo – Dec. 22, 6 p.m. (ESPN)

DEFENSE DL Myles Garrett Texas A&M Alabama DL Jonathan Allen DL Jonathan Bullard Florida DL A’Shawn Robinson Alabama LB Kentrell Brothers Missouri Alabama LB Reggie Ragland LB Zach Cunningham Vanderbilt DB Vernon Hargreaves III Florida Alabama DB Eddie Jackson Florida DB Jalen Tabor Ole Miss DB Trae Elston

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Boise State vs. Northern Illinois – Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

SPECIAL TEAMS PK Daniel Carlson Auburn Drew Kaser Texas A&M P Tennessee RS Evan Berry

Hawaii Bowl Cincinnati vs. San Diego State – Dec. 24, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE Ole Miss TE Evan Engram OL Dominick Jackson Alabama OL Shon Coleman Auburn Arkansas OL Dan Skipper OL Germain Ifedi Texas A&M C Ethan Pocic LSU Alabama WR Calvin Ridley WR Christian Kirk Texas A&M WR De’Runnya Wilson MSU Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly RB Alex Collins Arkansas RB Jalen Hurd Tennessee Texas A&M AP Christian Kirk

DEFENSE DL Robert Nkemdiche DL Marquis Haynes DL Charles Harris DL Derek Barnett LB Leonard Floyd LB Antonio Morrison LB Skai Moore DB Mike Hilton DB Dominick Sanders DB Tre’Davious White DB Jamal Adams SPECIAL TEAMS PK Taylor Bertolet PK Adam Griffith P Johnny Townsend RS Christian Kirk

Ole Miss Ole Miss Missouri Tennessee Georgia Florida South Carolina Ole Miss Georgia LSU LSU Texas A&M Alabama Florida Texas A&M

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF Capital One Orange Bowl Clemson vs. Oklahoma – Dec. 31, 3 p.m.

(ESPN) Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Alabama vs. Michigan State – Dec. 31, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

GoDaddy Bowl Bowling Green vs. Georgia Southern – Dec. 23, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan – Dec. 24, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

St. Petersburg Bowl Marshall vs. Connecticut – Dec. 26, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Hyundai Sun Bowl Miami vs. Washington State – Dec. 26, 1 p.m. (CBS) Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl Washington vs. Southern Miss – Dec. 26, 1:20 p.m. (ESPN) New Era Pinstripe Bowl Duke vs. Indiana – Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m.

(ABC) Camping World Independence Bowl Virginia Tech vs. Tulsa – Dec. 26, 4:45 p.m.

(ESPN) Foster Farms Bowl Nebraska vs. UCLA – Dec. 26, 8:15 p.m.

(ESPN)

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Laquon Treadwell and Trae Elston headlined the list of seven Ole Miss Rebels who made the All-SEC Coaches list Tuesday.

Treadwell and Elston were both named to the first team. Treadwell, one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, leads the Rebels with 76 catches this season. Elston is the leader in interceptions with four.

He was also second on the team with 66 tackles.

Seven Rebels being named to the team was the most of any school except Alabama, which had 10 players make the team.

Seven of those 10 Alabama players made the first

team.

Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly and tight end Evan Engram made the Treadwell s e c o n d team on off e n s e .

Ta c k l e R o b e r t Nkemdiche, end Marquis Haynes and defen- Kelly sive back Mike Hilton made the second team on defense.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott was named to the first team.

He was joined there by wide receiver Fred Ross.

Alabama’s Derrick Henry, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, and L S U ’ s Elston Leonard Fou r ne tte are the two running backs on the first team. Wide receiver R. Nkemdiche P h a r o h Cooper of South Carolina and tight end Hunter Henry of Arkansas are the other skill players on the first team.

Center Ryan Kelly (Alabama), Sebastian Tretola (Arkansas), Vadal Alexan-

der (LSU), Cam Robinson (Alabama) and John Theus (Georgia) are the offensive linemen who made the first team.

Joining Elston on the defensive first team were: Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen, Florida’s Jonathan Bullard and Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson. At linebacker, Missouri’s Kentrell Brothers, Alabama’s Reggie Ragland and Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham made the cut. Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III, Alabama’s Eddie Jackson and Florida’s Jalen Tabor rounded out the defensive backfield. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Quick Lane Bowl Central Michigan vs. Minnesota – Dec. 28, 4 p.m. (ESPN2)

Cowboys have potent offense to deal with

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Air Force vs. California – Dec. 29, 1 p.m.

(ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl North Carolina vs. Baylor – Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Colorado State vs. Nevada – Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. (American Sports Network) AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl Texas Tech vs. LSU – Dec. 29, 8 p.m.

(ESPN)

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Houston vs. Florida State – Dec. 31, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

Belk Bowl North Carolina State vs. Mississippi State – Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Fiesta Bowl Notre Dame vs. Ohio State – Jan. 1, Noon (ESPN)

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Louisville vs. Texas A&M – Dec. 30, 6 p.m.

(ESPN)

OTHER GAMES Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Alcorn State vs. North Carolina A&T – Dec. 19, 11 a.m. (ABC)

Kelly, R. Nkemdiche make second team

FIRST LOOK: OKLAHOMA STATE

Birmingham Bowl Memphis vs. Auburn – Dec. 30, 11 a.m.

(ESPN)

Sugar Bowl Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss – Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Treadwell, Elston headline Rebels on All-SEC team

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman Pittsburgh vs. Navy – Dec. 28, 1:30 p.m.

(ESPN)

College Football Playoff National Championship Clemson-Oklahoma winner vs. AlabamaMichigan State winner – Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Rose Bowl Stanford vs. Iowa – Jan. 1, 3 p.m. (ESPN)

PAGE 19

National University Holiday Bowl Wisconsin vs. USC – Dec. 30, 9:30 p.m.

(ESPN) Outback Bowl Northwestern vs. Tennessee – Jan. 1, 11 a.m. (ESPN2) Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Michigan vs. Florida – Jan. 1, Noon (ESPN)

Cure Bowl San Jose State vs. Georgia State – Dec. 19, noon (CBS Sports Network)

TaxSlayer Bowl Georgia vs. Penn State – Jan. 2, 11 a.m.

(ESPN)

Gildan New Mexico Bowl Arizona vs. New Mexico – Dec. 19, 1 p.m.

(ESPN)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl Kansas State vs. Arkansas – Jan. 2, 2:20 p.m. (ESPN)

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl BYU vs. Utah – Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. (ABC)

Valero Alamo Bowl TCU vs. Oregon – Jan. 2, 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Ohio vs. Appalachian State – Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Cactus Bowl West Virginia vs. Arizona State – Jan. 2, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)

“

BY JOHN DAVIS

We’re looking forward to a great game in a historic bowl.

SPORTS EDITOR

With two weeks left in the 2015 season, the Oklahoma State Cowboys were in contention to be one of the final four teams to play in the College Football Playoffs. They were 10-0 following a 35-31 win over Iowa State on Nov. 14. Then the bottom fell out as they lost back-to-back games to Baylor and Oklahoma.

A trip to New Orleans to play the Ole Miss Rebels in the 2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl is the consolation prize for the Cowboys. Ole Miss (9-3) and the Cowboys have met in bowl games before, but never in the Sugar Bowl.

This year’s trip to the Big Easy is just the second ever for the Cowboys, who have advanced to four bowl games under coach Mike Gundy since 2010 that are now referred to as one of the New Year’s Six. It’s the first time that the Cowboys have played in New Orleans since 1945.

“We are very excited about our invitation to the Allstate Sugar Bowl,” Gundy said. “What a great opportunity for our young men who have worked so hard over the last 11 months. Congrats to Ole Miss and their team. We’re looking forward to a great game in a historic bowl.”

The Cowboys are 16-9 in bowl

VS. Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN games overall. They have played the Rebels twice in the postseason, with both coming in the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss beat OSU in 2004 and in 2010.

OSU has played current members of the SEC 11 times, and beaten everyone but the Rebels. OSU has won 10 or more games four times in the last five years. Only Alabama, Florida State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon and Stanford have more 10-win seasons this decade.

The Cowboys averaged 41 points per game this year. They are led by

“

ALL-SEC COACHES TEAM TE OL OL OL OL C WR WR WR QB RB RB AP

OXFORD CITIZEN

Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State coach on playing Ole Miss in the AllState Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2016

quarterback Mason Rudolph, who completed 62.6 percent of passes for 3,591 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Chris Carson led the Cowboys with 504 yards on the ground, while J.W. Walsh led the team with 11 touchdowns rushing. Safety Jordan Sterns is the top tackler for the Cowboys (101). He and six others led the Cowboys with two interceptions overall.

End Emmanuel Ogbah led the Cowboys with 13 sacks. He also has 61 tackles heading into the matchup with the Rebels. OSU allowed 29 points per game to opponents this season, and almost 430 yards per game. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Robertson, ’Dores looking ahead to 2016 season

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Eric Robertson and his staff have turned their attention to the 2016 football season. The all-state team in Class 4A was announced last week, and Robertson was there to help vote, putting the final touch on this fall. The Commodores had another successful season on the field in 2015. They won 10 of the 13 games they played. Robertson’s squad lost to Noxubee County, the eventual champion in Class 4A, in the playoffs.

It was clear that night in mid November that the Commodores and Tigers were very even, and seeing how Noxubee beat St. Stanislaus this past Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, it became even more clear that the two best teams in the class met in Macon.

“I think we had a great season. I thought we had a really good football team and it was either us or Noxubee. I thought that going into the season, that either us or Noxubee, would represent the north in 4A,” Robertson said.

“That’s exactly what it was. I think if we play Noxubee 10 times, we win at least half of them. I think they we are that close.”

Two of the teams the Commodores lost to played in the state title games. Oxford defeated the Commodores in Week 4 and came up an inch short of beating Wayne County for the 5A state title.

“We wanted to play for a state championship. That was our goal and expectation. It’s disappointing. It still hurts, but, we had a really good football team,” Robertson said. “We had to beat a really good football team and we didn’t on that Friday night we played Noxubee. We don’t want that to tarnish us having a good season. We had a chance to play for a state championship and just didn’t get it done. But I was really proud of our football team and the jump that we made from last season to this season.

I think we were a lot bet-

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Lafayette football coach Eric Robertson and his staff are already getting ready for the 2016 season. Outside of leading the team through workouts, Robertson is busy evaluating scheme and position changes for the spring. ter, a more consistent football team.”

Lafayette struggled on offense in 2014. The Commodores went from scoring 29 touchdowns to scoring 60 in 2015.

“A few of those were defensive scores and maybe kick returns, but, we scored 54, 55 touchdowns on offense and could have scored a lot more but we had several games with a running clock and things like that,” Robertson said.

“I was really pleased. I think we made a vast improvement from last year to this year.”

Senatobia won the 2-4A title this past season.

Robertson gave head coach Michael Fair credit for the job that he and his staff did. Still, Robertson felt like his Commodores were better, but just not better that game.

“We made a lot of mistakes that night and they played probably their best game and that’s coming from Coach Fair,” Robertson said. “We couldn’t

overcome some things that night. Senatobia has a lot of players coming back and they will be solid this next year.”

MOVING FORWARD Evaluations have already started for Robertson regarding next season.

The players that just play football have started to lift weights. Robertson said that they have evaluated things on offense and defense.

“We have to evaluate the offense because we do lose two Division 1 offensive tackles with Eli (Johnson) going to Ole Miss and Jordan Jamison going somewhere. He may be the steal of the whole bunch. Somebody is going to get a real good player,” Robertson said. “Then you lose Tyrell Price, who is a dynamic running back. He is a difference maker.

Those are three, what I would call dynamic football players that you take off your team. There are going to be some things

that we could do with those players that we can’t do with next year’s team.

We’ll go through to see if there are some things we need to change up scheme wise. We’ll look at things and see if we can change up this spring.”

The Commodores have been a very good defensive team, and consistently been a team that runs the same scheme.

“We won’t change a whole lot there. It’s just plugging in people, maybe some position changes to fill some holes,” Robertson said. “We continue to work in the weight room and in study hall. We work to make sure that our kids get their grades to be eligible. The kids are working hard. They know we had a really good football team and that we were just a play or two away from playing for a state championship. They have used that as motivation and worked very hard so far. I told our kids that we’re going to have a chance

next year. It’s going to be us and Noxubee and the teams that are always right there in 4A. Somebody is going to step up and take these senior’s place. These kids will mature and get stronger and faster.”

Jamarcus Quarles is the tailback that should see the most action in replacing Price. He finished with 310 yards and four touchdowns in limited action behind Price, who rushed for 2,053 yards and 31 touchdowns.

“He’s going to be better.

He is a kid who is capable of stepping in there and being another dynamic type player like Tyrell was,” Robertson said of Quarles. “He just has to mature physically and he has the tools to do that.

He’s a step faster than Tyrell, so we’re excited about him.”

Tyler Williams, who will be a senior next season, is also a very good returner for the Commodores. He will be on the field a lot in 2016, playing offense and

special teams, just like he did in the game with Noxubee County. Will Ard is also back at quarterback, with a full year of experience under his belt.

“Will learned tons in that Noxubee game. That experience playing in the Noxubee game was huge, I think,” Robertson said.

“Brandon Turnage, a young kid who moved up at the end of the year, he’s another playmaker out there on the edge. When you look at Tyler and Brandon, you have two of the best receivers in 4A that we’ll see. Tyler shouldn’t come off the field next year. It will be back to the Justin Woodall, Brandon Mack, Montez Phillips days, guys that we just rested on certain special teams. Again, people will step up. We have to find those offensive tackles.

Losing Eli and Jordan, that’s the biggest holes on offense we feel.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 21

Davis

Hill was his typical self following the loss. He was classy even when he could FROM PAGE 15 have been irate about the two late calls. For the and players ride off into record, Abraham was in the sunset like Gary the end zone. There is no Cooper in High Noon. It replay in high school footfelt more like the end to ball, but there were too Wild Bunch or Butch Casmany pictures that showed sidy and the Sundance Kid just a touch of green beto me. The Chargers shot it tween his foot and the out with Wayne County, sidelines. It was close, but and they took a lot of the many people agree that War Eagles with them. In the referee who called the end, Wayne County Abraham out at the 1-yard just had too many bullets. line was out of position.

At least the Chargers went Hill said he thought Abradown doing what they do ham was in. He thought best.

Metcalf was in as well, but Hill, who is a big fan of he seemed to be less sure John Wayne, wants to be about that one. At least buried with the music right after the game. Still, from The Searchers playHill never pointed fingers. ing. It’s one of Wayne’s best movies for sure. Even the LAUREN WOOD | OXFORD CITIZEN One of the things he said ending of The Searchers Oxford head coach Johnny Hill hugs quarterback Jack Abraham after Oxford fell to Wayne to the media right after the game was “Life isn’t always was bittersweet, much like County 45-41 in the 5A state championship game Saturday night in Oxford. fair.” It’s so true in this Saturday’s finale. case. Painfully true. The standards we know locally. always adapted to his talState championships are Lance Mancuso for sure.

Chargers deserved better, A lot of teams couldn’t win ent. When the Chargers tough to come by even Still, there are a bevy of but their rewards will the amount of games they first went to the state title though schools like South teams that would have did. And they did it in an game in 2003, the team re- come down the road. Hill Panola and Wayne County traded places with the exciting fashion. Long lied on an offense that fea- and his staff have taught have won a number of Chargers Saturday night, them so much about life. It passes, nifty runs, gadget tured a power running them. Bassfield, too. There even in a loss. That goes plays and returns. Football game. Since Abraham took will serve them better than are seniors on that roster for teams in all classes any title could. That’s the has always been fun under the reigns, we can count that have never experimind you. most important thing to Hill. He knows a ton about on one hand the amount enced a loss in the state What the Chargers acremember out of all this. the game. He’s been playof times we’ve seen the title game. That’s amazing. complished the last three While a title this year, or It’s a tribute to head coach seasons is amazing for the ing it his whole life, and he Cannonball set.

last, or in 2013 would have been nice, football is about preparation for life. It’s not easy to get up and go to practice. It’s not easy to take a hit, or make one for that matter. If you can do it, over and over again, then you can do anything.

Hopefully these Chargers remember what they’ve been taught. Hill has a lot of wisdom. He offered them as much of it as possible over the years. That’s why so many of his former players were on the sidelines the other night. If he hasn’t been an inspiration, then they would have stayed at home. Or not even have cared about the result. Hill wasn’t a mercenary. He was a great teacher. He will be missed.

So will the players he made better. Abraham, Metcalf, Will Swindoll, Stone Threlkeld. Jack Turner. Dee Fair and the rest of the guys.They left it all on the field. That’s something we should all celebrate.

John Davis is the Oxford Citizen sports editor. He can be reached at john.davis@journalinc.com.

Follow him on Twitter at @oxfordcitizenjd.

Chargers come up an inch short in 5A title game

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Jack Abraham and DK Metcalf, Oxord’s best playmakers, were each an inch away from giving the Chargers their biggest win in school history Saturday night.

The duo that have combined for so many memorable moments the past three seasons each took a stab at the end zone at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Each run, and dive, came up short, according to the officials calling the action in the MHSAA Class 5A state title game with Wayne County.

In the end, the two final runs from Abraham on the second-to-last play from scrimmage and Metcalf weren’t enough to lift the Chargers past the War Eagles, who won 45-41.

“I thought we were in there twice down there in the end zone. That’s their call,” Oxford coach Johnny Hill said moments after the loss. “I’m really proud of this team. We really would

LAUREN WOOD | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford quarterback Jack Abraham is tackled by Wayne Oxford’s Zach Cousar runs the ball during the 5A state chamCounty’s Benito Jones. pionship game Saturday night in Oxford against Wayne County. have liked to win it for Ox- 550 yards in the loss, drove ford and this whole com- the Chargers down the field the 1-yard line with four play. “Jack scored. I know munity and everybody that just like he has so many seconds left. Abraham we won. We played our has played at Oxford. It just times, and most recently ended up breaking his col- hearts out. We have nothwasn’t our night. They have against Germantown two larbone on the play, but he ing to be mad about.”

Metcalf, who finished nothing to hang their heads weeks prior. He completed stayed in the game to try about. They played their a pass to Jimmy Greaser to and finish off the drive. with 11 catches for 148 get to the 10-yard line. After Metcalf got the snap on the yards in his future home guts out.”

The Chargers (12-3) had a spike to stop the clock, final play, on a run, and he stadium, said it was very a lead at the half and they Abraham broke out of the also went diving towards sad not have won in Hill’s were ahead up until 1:17 pocket and raced towards the end zone only to be final game.

“It’s very sad. (Jack) is sad left to play in the contest the end zone on the Charg- ruled down just short.

“The refs said I was like me. It’s our last game when Benito Jones caught ers’ sideline.

Abraham reached for the down, so I was down. It was playing together,” Metcalf a 9-yard touchdown pass to put Wayne County ahead. pylon, and hit it with the a good play by their DB,” said. “I made some great Abraham, who threw for ball, but he was ruled out at Metcalf said of the final memories and some great

friends. It’s been fun.”

Abraham finished with four touchdowns overall.

One of them covered 98 yards to Hiram Wadlington, who finished with 273 allpurpose yards.

Hill gave a lot of credit to his staff following the game.

“The coaches did an excellent job there getting the ball down there at the end,” he added. “Not a lot of people could get into position there to get it in. Our guys did. We just didn’t get it across the goal line evidently. Life isn’t fair all the time, but that’s the way it is.

“This is a real special group. I love every one of them,” Hill said of his seniors that advanced to the title game three straight years. “They play so hard and practice hard. They’re just a good bunch of guys. I hate it for them, but I hated it for the seniors last year and the year before that. It’s tough to lose it three years in a row.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Citizen

PAGE 22

OXFORD CITIZEN

OXFORD

toll free • 800.270.2622 p • 662.842.2622 f • 662.620.8301

NOTICE BEWARE

Publication of any classified advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Journal Publishing Company. We make every effort to screen out advertising that may not be legitimate. However, since we can not guarantee the legitimacy of our advertisers, you are advised to beware of offers that appear to be too good to be true, misleading ads and those that ask you to send money.

BE A BOLD ADVERTISER Regular Size Print Bold Words are only an additional $.50 each.

Call today to place your classified ad.

1-800-270-2622 Oxford Citizen Classifieds

NOTICE

Special Notices

PONTOTOC STOCKYARD LAST SALE OF THE YEAR SATURDAY DEC.12, 2015.

WE WILL RE-OPEN JAN. 2, 2016 FAX Your Classified Ads 662-620-8301 ** 24 Hours A Day! **

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

classifieds@journalinc.com oxfordcitizen.com

YARD SALE

JOBS

Tuesday 4 P.M..........................Thursday Thursday 4 P.M...........................Sunday

DRIVER TRAINEES

Let the Oxford Citizen Classifieds help you write an ad that will be seen by 69,000 readers weekly.

Deadline..............................Edition Call 662-842-2622

Say you saw it in the Oxford Citizen Classifieds!

SERVICES Roofing

Classic Roofing OUR PRICES WILL NOT BE BEAT! 662-891-6603

Drivers

NEEDED NOW! Learn to drive for

Werner Enterprise

Earn $800+ per week!

No Experience Needed!

CDL and Job Ready in 15 days!

APPLY TODAY

1-888-540-7364

Employment Services

CAUTION!

Advertisements in this classification usually offer informational service or products designed to help FIND employment. Before you send money to any advertiser, it is your responsibility to verify the validity of the offer. Some ads may require a toll call or a directory purchase. Inquiries can be made by contacting the Better Business Bureau at 1800-987-8280

REAL ESTATE All Real Estate advertising herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

If you believe that you may have been discriminated against in connection with the sale, rental or financing of housing, call The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 1-800-669-9777.

BUYERS & SELLERS MEET EVERY DAY IN THE OXFORD CITIZEN CLASSIFIEDS! “IT WORKS!” 1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

Management

Oxford Citizen Classifieds ADS TO LIVE BY! Call today to place a classified ad that gets results FAST! 1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

Management

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

REAL ESTATE House For Sale

Holly Springs, Open HouseSunday 12/13, 2-4 pm. 3 year old home in Kirkwood National Golf Estates. 3 bedroom/2 bath 2390 square feet. $215,000 or best offer. Call 256-527-7750 www.sharphome.com/134943

STUFF

Miscellaneous CHERRY DINING TABLE & CHAIRS 6 feet 8 inch by 3 feet 8 inch cherry dining table, light sun damage on one end plus 6 chairs. $100 (601)259-5785

SECTIONAL SOFA Caramel colored vinyl/leather mix sectional sofa. Recliner on end of left side. Takes up 9 feet by 10.5 feet. Fully assembled. $100 (601)259-5785

Musical

GUITAR

For sale: Gretsch 6120 pro series guitar Brian Setzer model. Serious inquiries only.

Guitar is in like new condition with Grets. Call Tim or text at 662-401-3050.

Oxford Citizen Classifieds are here to serve your needs.

You need answers.

You need to reach the right audience.

You need results.

Oxford Citizen Classified Ad-Visors are as close as the nearest phone, well-versed and ready to assist you. We have a variety of ways to customize your ad to get the action and results you want!

Call today to place your classified ad!

1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

RECREATION ATVs/Go-Karts

Golf Carts For Sale 2012 Yamaha Gas $3200.00 2012 1/2 Yamaha Gas $3500.00 2013 Yamaha Gas $3800.00 Call 662-587-1000 or 662-837-7237 (662)837-7237 Make Your Move with the Oxford Local Values Classifieds!

Call 1-800-270-2622

Citizen OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 23

OXFORD We’ve Got Your Back!

stay informed Locally Owned & Operated 2202 Jackson Avenue West • 662-701-5880 www.gosnooze.com

follow us

Support Your Community

@oxfordcitizen @oxfordcitizenjd @oxfordcitizenec

SHOP LOCAL

PAGE 24

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015