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2 | Fall Sports 2017
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Fall Sports 2017 | 3
Letter From
Sports Editor
Time to get rolling
limited resources it is not possible to A new school year is upon us, and by have a reporter at every sporting event, the time you have this magazine in your so if any parents have the ability and hands the majority of fall high school equipment to take pictures from time to sports teams in Pontotoc County will time please contact me at have already competed in at least preseajonathan.wise@journalinc.com. son contests. From this point the train However, because of our print requirekeeps on rolling all the way through May ments we can only utilize high quality as the sports calendar progresses. photographs, so a good camera is a We hope you enjoy this fall sports prenecessity. view publication and that it helps create We want our county’s student athletes even more excitement as the various and teams reach their highest potential, sports get their seasons into full swing. I not only because it will provide us with have covered high school sports all over Jonathan Wise very positive news to report, but also so North Mississippi for a number of years, Sports Editor we can give parents, extended families and I can say without a doubt that all three schools in Pontotoc have great fan support and and the student athletes printed memories they can attendance from the community. Surveying the high hang onto for years to come. Also, I want to take this school sports landscape, including schedules, division opportunity to remind everybody that although we opponents and roster composition, I feel like there should always teach kids to hard work, push themwill be an exciting fall ahead with many accomplish- selves to be the best they can be, and expect the best ments from our county teams to write about and cover. effort, at the end of the day sports are just games. What this time of year is most known for is football, Games at their most fundamental level are supposed to and that is certainly the highest profile sport. be fun. I want take to wish the best of luck to every However, at the Pontotoc Progress we do our best to program featured in this magazine. See you at the cover every sport as thoroughly as we can. Because of games, matches, or meets!
4 | Fall Sports 2017
pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress
Table of
Contents
4 Letter from the Editor 6 Pontotoc Warrior Football 8 North Pontotoc Vikings Football 10 South Pontotoc Cougars Football 14 Pontotoc Warrior Cheerleaders 15 North Pontotoc Vikings Cheerleaders 15 South Pontotoc Cougars Cheerleaders 16 Pontotoc Warriors Marching Band
17 North Pontotoc Vikings Marching Band 18 South Pontotoc Cougars Marching Band 21 Pontotoc Warriors Cross Country 23 North Pontotoc Vikings Cross Country 25 South Pontotoc Cougars Cross Country 28 Pontotoc Warriors Volleyball 30 North Pontotoc Vikings Softball 31 South Pontotoc Cougars Softball
Affordable Employee Benefits, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Algoma Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 America’s Best Value Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Boyles Tire & Auto Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Distinctive Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ecru Fish & Steak House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 First Choice Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Friendship Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Friendship Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hwy 15 Steakhouse, Seafood Grill & Buffet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Market Basket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Melinda Nowicki - Circuit Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Michael Jolly - Shelter Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Montgomery Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pickens Pest Control, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pontotoc Title Loans/Pontotoc Check Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Renasant Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ricky Ferguson - Chancery Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Torrance School Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Trent’s Portrait Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 True Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Washington Holcomb Tractor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Young’s Tire Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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On The
Cover Athletes featured on the cover are Pontotoc football’s Austin Morphis, North Pontotoc cross country’s Jake Reeder, Pontotoc volleyball’s Payten Wright, and South Pontotoc softball’s Loren Long. Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Jonanthan Wise, Sports Editor Will Ruff, Sports Writer
Writers & Photographers Torrance Photography Trent’s Portrait Design Kerry Koehler for the photos.
A Special Thanks To
Fall Sports 2017 | 5
2017
Pontotoc Warriors
Football Team
Photo by Torrance Photography
Members of the 2017 Warriors are Austin Morphis, Immanuel Vance, Ralph Dunn, Caleb Triplett, Wyatt Gunter, Brandon Harris, Malcolm Hall, Braden Ball, London Jordan, Ben Zinn, Justin Carter, Cade Armstrong, Trevor Morgan, Dontavious Bean, Roc Robinson, Taylor Hughes, Armonte Townsend, Ryne Franklin, Caleb Hobson, Jemarkus Whitfield, Gabe Harmon, Wyatt Stanford, Kennedy Boyd, Tyshawn Loftis, Morgan Huey, Jagger Austin, Tyler Payne, Darrion Souter, Blayze Oswalt, Arderrious Townsend, Hayes Wilson, Tucker Campbell, Caleb Goodwin, Ethan Hester, Austin Tzib, Hayden Harris, Octavious Ward, Jay Jackson, Marty Reel, Mario Bean, Jay Whitfield, Jonah Mahan, Arlarious Beery, J.D. Jones, Brandon Wilder, Wyatt Dauler, Clayton Byrd, Miles Chewe, Jack Harlow, Caleb Souter, Kade Stegall, Colton Hillhouse, Reid Ray, Zac Swann, Damien Murphy, Caleb Grisham, Sherman Ross, Colton Jenkins, Cole Smith, Clayton Byrd, Jacob Mapp, Demar Berry, Cameron Chunn, Tieon Franklin, Jordan Kimble, Nickolas Berry, Lamario Miller.
6 | Fall Sports 2017
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Warriors talented but inexperienced Jonathan Wise
Pontotoc Progress
The Pontotoc Warriors enjoyed their most successful season in decades last fall, as PHS rolled to a 13-2 record and fell just short of a trip to the Class 4A championship game, falling to eventual state champion Lafayette in state semifinal thriller. After losing 26 seniors off that squad, third year head coach Jeff Carter is confident in the attitude and talent of his group, but he admits they are much shorter on game experience. “Their attitude and work ethic is right where it should be; I would guess summer attendance would be around the 95% range,” Carter said. “These kids believe they can win. Coming off two good seasons we should be confident. As far as game experience goes we are young. We have moved some people around to new positions, but they have handled it well. We have some talent, and I think these kids are going to be good if they can gel and learn their new posiitons quickly as the season goes on.” Pontotoc’s offense racked up 6,063 yards a year ago and returns a lot of playmakers, but they must replace standout quarterback Jacob Carter, as well as four offensive lineman. Senior London Jordan and junior Justin Carter continue to compete for the starting signal caller job. “They have both done real well,” Carter said. “I think they both know the offense, but again they don’t have a lot of game experience. We are going to need both of them. They are both going to play until there is a sig-
nificant amount of separation between the two.” The receiving corps they will be throwing to is talented, anchored by senior Austin Morphis, who caught 64 passes for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Sophomore Caleb Hobson is a multi-sport athlete who is expected to be a big contributor on the outside as well. Others in the mix include Cade Armstrong, Pico Townsend, and Ryne Franklin, who will play a tight end hybrid position. “We are probably more talented at receiver than we have been in two years, but of course the flip side is they don’t know the routes as well as those other guys did, and other than Austin they are untested,” Carter said. Up front, Carter likes the pieces. The unit will be anchored by LSU commit and Under Armour All-American Cole Smith. Other players working toward big roles includes Sherman Ross, Wyatt Dauler, Miles Chewe, and Jack Harlow, who is a newcomer to the offensive line. “Cole is a born leader and is everything he is made out to be. We are excited about him and his senior year,” Carter said. “We are moving them (the offensive line) around; they are all pretty versatile. They probably have more upside and athletic ability than last year’s group, but that was a veteran group that knew what they were supposed to do. That group (the current offensive linemen) have been here as much as anybody in the offseason, so I feel good about it and think we have a chance to be pretty good up front.” The Warriors were dealt a big blow when it was discovered
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that tailback Gabe Harmon, a 1,974 yard rusher in 2016, would miss a signficant chunk of the season with an injury. PHS is hoping to have him back by their division schedule, which ecompasses the last five games of the year. In his absence Immanuel Vance, who Carter says the coaching staff feels very good about with the ball in his hands, looks to get the bulk of the work, and Morphis, a former tailback, will get some carries as well. PHS’s defense was dominant last year, only surrendering an average of 15 points a game, but they lost some important pieces that brought a great deal of production and leadership. Still, however, a lot of ability returns. “We are just going to have more dual role guys that are going to have play both ways,” Carter said. “That’s what the summer is for is to get the kids in shape to do that, but they know the defense, they know what to do. The coaches will put them in the right positions.” On the defensive line a number of players will be in the rotation, including Harlow, Smith,
Chewe, Morgan Huey, Octavious Ward and Braden Ball. The linebacking corp lost a big piece recently when linebacker Hayden Harris was lost for the season with an injury. Mario Bean was moved from nose tackle to Harris’s MIKE linebacker position. All-Division performer Hayes Wilson, who recorded 112 tackles 4.5 sacks and 4 focred fumbles last year, returns at outside linebacker. Ben Zinn will man the other outside linebacker position. Wyatt Stanford will play a lot of snaps as well. The secondary should be a strong point. Trevor Morgan, who Carter calls a “field general” returns at safety after a 139 tackle campaign. Ralph Dunn and Caleb Triplett look to man the corner positions, with Armonte Townsend and Morphis working there as well. Morphis will also play at safety, along with Wyatt Gunter. London Jordan will handle punting duties once again, while Austin Tzib and Taylor Hughes will handle placekicking.
2017 Pontotoc Football Schedule
Date 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22
Opponent @ Houston @ Senatobia @ New Albany Aberdeen @ Oxford Ripley
Date 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27
Opponent @ Mooreville* Amory (HC)* Caledonia* @ Itawamba AHS* Shannon*
*Division game
Fall Sports 2017 | 7
2017
North Pontotoc Vikings
Football Team
Photo by Jonathan Wise
Members of the 2017 Vikings are Clark Mills, Caleb Hatchett, Demarcus Rogers, Kaden Wilson, Raquan Booth, Nick Jumper, Jacoree Westmoreland, Brendon Fields, Hunter Miles, Jestin Jenkins, Bo Howell, Jaquez Berry, West Sutton, Sheffield Anthony, Jon Major Earnest, Hence Hooper, Corley Hooper, Tyler Ford, Pierce Griffin, Ethan Dyer, Kevin Rodriguez, Rashaud Harvey, Landon Hogue, Zeke Minier, Hayes Malone, Carlos Guerrero, Chandler Hamblin, Jeffery Parchman, Austin McCord, Hunter West, Tyler Smith, Isaac Self, Jake Hall, Javier Ramirez, Jesus Romero, Roy Merritt, Wes Steele, Braxton Sudduth, Tyler Bennett, Jacob Pitts, Sam Franco, Gabe May, Jesus Juarez, Bo Rainer, Trevor Tucker, Hunter Bolin, Gabriel Pounds, Alex Davis, Chandler Lessel, Joshua Davis, Jeremiah Carter, Samaud Strong, Jaden Richardson, Cody Weeks, Colin Copeland, Will Weatherly, Nehemiah Carter, Trent Hamblin, Luke Tutor, Dalton Tutor, Joseph Foreman, Dylan Bell, Presley McMillen, Tyler Hill, Jack Hall, Parker Matthews, Antonio Harville, Cornelius Sutton, and Angelo Williams.
8 | Fall Sports 2017
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Vikings look to continue winning tradition in Division 1-3A Will Ruff
Sports Writer
North Pontotoc won 10 games in 2016, the third time in four years the Vikings were able put double digits in the win column. Last season ended in the third round of the playoffs, with the Vikings falling to eventual 3A state runner-up Velma Jackson. It was also the final season for head coach Brian Sutton, who had compiled a 61-28 record over the past seven years. The Vikings move back into Division 1-3A with Booneville, Belmont, Alcorn Central, Kossuth and Mantachie for this season, a place they are very comfortable in. North won the division the last two years they were a part of it. Andy Crotwell was hired as the school’s new football coach in March. Crotwell, who was the head coach at Caledonia the previous 4 years, inherits a squad that returns half its starters from last season. He thinks the Vikings have adjusted well since he took over. “I am a big believer in accen-
tuating the positives you have personnel wise,” said Crotwell. “I have been learning what they do well, where our holes are, and how to make it work with what I want to do offensively.” He thinks the Vikings are becoming more comfortable with his system and terminology by the day and that showed by the end of spring practice. “I think spring went well,” Crotwell said. “We went from speaking two different languages in March to feeling and looking very comfortable speaking the language and everyone being on the same page by the end of spring.” The Vikings also competed in 7 on 7 competitions this summer, joining a league in New Albany that helped them spend more valuable time working on implementing the new system. “We got a lot out if it,” said Crotwell. “We were in a league where everyone ran their offense and their defense and worked on improving their team’s passing game.” On offense the Vikings return senior quarterback Clark Mills, who threw for 2,400 yards and
31 touchdowns a season ago on his way to being named Divison 4-3A Offensive MVP. “I felt good about the spring Clark had, and I feel even better after 7 on 7 competitions,” Crotwell said. “We expect a big year out of him, and I think he is up for the challenge.” The Vikings return an experienced receiving core from last season. It is a group that caught 70 percent of Mills’ passes in 2016. Brendon Fields, Jaquez Berry, and Sheffield Anthony look to head up that group. “Brendon runs routes really well and can move,” Crotwell said. “Berry has shown great leadership. Sheffield Anthony is extremely quick and can move around and do a lot of things for us.” North returns three starters on the offensive line- AllDivision selection Will Weatherly, Presley McMillen and Joseph Foreman. On defense the Vikings return valuable starters in the front seven, and they will look to linebacker Corley Hooper, defensive tackle Joshua Davis, and linebacker Demarcus
Rogers, all All-Division players, to head up a defense that has something to prove after allowing an average of 214 yards rushing on 7 yards a carry in 2016. The Vikings were an extremely solid group overall, only allowing 15.4 points a game in division play. However, four All-Division players graduated. “Coach (Matt) Lindsey has done a good job getting those guys ready,” said coach Crotwell. “We have made some minor tweaks and adjustments, but other than that we have been focusing on fundamentals. We have the potential to be strong in the box, and it is going to come down to who wants it the most and who plays within our scheme the best.” Crotwell has set very simple goals for the Vikings for 2017, believing that results will follow. “Our expectations are to improve every day, and that the next opportunity we have to get better we will, on the very next rep, snap, or lift, and that we will do it every time we show up,” he said.
2017 North Pontotoc Football Schedule Date 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22
Opponent @ Saltillo @ Mooreville Okolona South Pontotoc @ Independence @ Baldwyn
Date 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27
Opponent Belmont* @ Kossuth* Booneville* Alcorn Central (HC)* @ Mantachie*
*Division game
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Fall Sports 2017 | 9
2017
South Pontotoc Cougars
Football Team
Photo by Torrance Photography
Members of the 2017 Cougars are Chris Fleming, Logan Rainwater, Eli Allen, Jackson Cook, Lee McCollum, Cole Brown, Troy Bone, Matthew Brown, Alan Hall, Will Fleming, Treylyn Berry, Oscar Venegas, Jamison Foster, John Alan Belcher, Brice Blount, Skylar Holloway, Pete Gouine, Eddie Ivy, Nick Jones, Eli Brown, Bradley Owen, Will Permenter, Dawson Tutor, Will Allen, Shaquan Barr, Brett Riley, Jailan Carter, T.K. Kelly, Austin Holloway, John Barnes, Brandon Deleon, Bailey McVay, Quincy Dillard, Carson Koch, Cayce Sims, Austin Dillard, Bradley Dillard, Keanu Duke, Jose a Deloera, Kobbe Trest, Chase Foster, Noah Wortham, and Gage Enis.
2017 South Pontotoc Football Schedule Date 8/17 8/25 9/1 9/8
Opponent Vardaman @ Belmont East Union @ North Pontotoc
Date 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6
Opponent @ Bruce Mooreville Hatley (HC)* @ Nettleton*
Date 10/13 10/20 10/27
Opponent @ Houston* Choctaw County* @ Aberdeen*
*Division game
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Cougars feel confident for 2017 Jonathan Wise
Pontotoc Progress
The South Pontotoc Cougars made a big jump during the 2016 season, going from 2-9 to 7-5. After making the playoffs for the first time since 2010, the program has more momentum and confidence than at any time in recent memory. More important, the Cougars have a bunch of players that have been through the fire. “It definitely helps your mindset,” said head coach Michael Bradley. “Our kids had been working really hard for a couple of years with the promise of success without the fruits of their labor been realized. The fact that we were able to do some of things that we did last year helped us in our spring practices and summer program. Winning is contagious, and our kids are looking forward to this year.” South returns an experienced senior quarterback in Cole Brown, who is beginning his third year as the starting signal caller. Tailback Eddie Ivy ran for 1,307 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, and wideout Brett Riley caught 9 touchdowns. “Cole has worked really hard
to overcome shoulder surgery in the offseason, and he is stronger than ever. We are really looking for big things out of him,” Bradley said. “Eddie is our go to guy, our workhouse. Brett is a physically gifted athlete and has really good hands. We are definitely going to lean on those three guys.” Troy Bone will play at fullback, with Treylyn Berry also seeing time in the backfield “Treylyn can take the ball to the house from anywhere on the field, and he is going to help us in a variety of ways,” Bradley said. Alan Hall and Lee McCollum also return at receiver as multiyear starters. “Alan is very steady player and a really good blocker,” Bradley said. “Lee might be the fastest player on our team, and we are going to get the ball in his hands more this year. We’ve got pretty much all of our skill guys back, and we are excited about that.” One of the biggest focus areas for improvement in the spring was the offensive line, which lost two experienced starters off of a unit that paved the way for 189.6 yards per game on the
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
ground and eight 200-plus yard games. “We have three starters returning on the offensive line,” Bradley said. “John Barnes, Quincy Dillard, and Kobbe Trest are all guys who have been starting at least two years. They are experienced veterans. We think that Noah Wortham, Bailey McVay and Bradley Dillard competing for two spots will be be able to give us some depth up front.” On the defensive line Will Allen will anchor the unit at end and Jailan Carter at tackle. Bradley Dillard, Cayce Sims, and Austin Holloway will also big play roles. “We like the kids we have there,” Bradley said. “Some of the kids that play on the offensive line will help give us some depth on the defensive line. We think we have a chance to have a good and pretty physical unit on the defensive front.” The linebacking corp will be led by senior Troy Bone, who is begginning his third year as a starter. “Troy is probably the leader of our defense. He has had two big years for us, and we expect him to have an even better one
his senior year,” Bradley said. “Barrett Griggs stepped into that role last year and he really has a nose for the ball. We’ve got several other kids that can play there, like Eli Brown, Shaquan Barr and Cole Brown. Linebacker could be a strength of our team this year.” John Alan Belcher, Oscar Venegas, Lee McCollum, Will Fleming, Jamison Foster and Ivy will see the most time in the secondary. “John Alan and Oscar and both very underrated players who have been starting for two years,” Bradley said. “They really do a good job for us. We feel good about the guys we have in the secondary too.” All-Division placekicker Logan Rainwater returns to provide a dependable leg. Rainwater mader 32 of 37 extra points attempts last season. Treylyn Berry returned 3 kicks for touchdowns and will handle those duties once again. “It will come down to doing the little things right, but we look like a varsity football team,” Bradley said. “We are an older team now, and I think we have a chance to be pretty good.”
Fall Sports 2017 | 11
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Fall Sports 2017 | 13
2017
Pontotoc Warriors
Cheerleaders Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design
This year’s Pontotoc cheerleading squad includes (front row left to right) Hannah Fletcher, Caroline McAuley, (second row) Jaelyn McDonald, Anna Claire Warren, Caleb Ruth, Maggie Martin, Anna Grace Ritchie, (third row) Makenzie Putt, Emily Warren, Maddi Harris, Anna Crane Watts, Mollie Moore, Megan Linley, Katie Munlin, (back row) Emily Hill, Kirklyn Finney, Meredith McCullar, Maddie McGregor, Emma Harris, Sarah Whitt, and Mary Kate Butler.
“Cheerleading is more than a sport;
It's an ATTITUDE.”
14 | Fall Sports 2017
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2017
North Pontotoc Vikings
Cheerleaders Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design
This year’s North Pontotoc cheerleaders include (bottom row left to right) Madelyn Gregory, Haisley Coker, Macey Thomas, Breanna Nowlin, Sanija Ford, Allyson Thomas, (middle row) Tristen Hargrove, Riley Hall, Mckenzie Garrett, Elizabeth Grace Nichols, Kaylyn Clowers, Emily Clowers, (top row) Chloe Graham, Meredith Gregory, Katelyn Horton, Katie Wise, Caroline Sutton, Payton Bailey, Tiffany Bishop, and Riley Mitchell.
2017
South Pontotoc Cougars
Cheerleaders Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design
The 2017 South Pontotoc cheerleaders include (top row left to right) Mckenna Chisholm, Lindzie Hurd, Anna Catherine Roye, Allysen Lee, Haley Sartin, (middle row) Liz Russell, mascot Ella Gaspard, Jala Ross, (bottom row) Lorryn Holcomb, Abbey Montgomery, Kassidy Young, Emory McNatt, and Andi Hurd.
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Fall Sports 2017 | 15
2017
Pontotoc Warriors
Marching Band
Photo by Torrance Photography Members of the 2017 Pontotoc High School band include Kent Adams, Angel Aguilar, Georgia Akers, Tatiyan Arnold, Tyjey Arnold, Brianna Ball, Rebekah Ball, Skylar Ball, Kelsey Bard, Jeremiah Barrett, Juan Bautista, Cerventes Bean, Mario Bean, Josh Beasley, Adam Berry, Kerri Bland, Dominique Bobb, Chase Brobyn, Dustin Brock, D’Aisha Browner, Jim Alan Calvert, Danielle Carter, Mabry Chamblee, David Cherry, Ahkierra Chewe, Audrey Christian, Gavin Chunn, Logan Chunn, Celeste Clayton, Holland Clowers, Camron Condor, Ciarra Conner, Andrea Cummings, Charity Dillard, Maegan Dillard, Gus Donaldson, Samantha Edwards, Austin Eubank, Sophia Euceda, Justin Farr, Skyler Farr, Jonathan Fleming, Chloe Foster, Michael Franklin, Kori Galloway, Joanna Garcia, Edward Gillenwater, Diana Gillespie, Savannah Gillespie, Angie Gonzalez, Brandon Gonzalez, Caleb Goodwin, Brady Grisham, Cameron Haley, Jeremiah Hall, Coda Hamblin, Will Hamilton, Hayden Hays, Tanya Hernandez, Brittany Hollands, Dakota Holley, Jeremiah Holmes, Jonathan Johnson, Andy Jones, Bailey Jones, Bethany Jones, Caitlyn Kelly, Faith Kimbrell, Grace Kimbrell, Dominique King, India King, Savannah King, Sara Kitchens, Ashley Koehler, Brionna Langley, Katelyn Linley, Elizabeth Little, Evan Little, Aaron Littlejohn, Thomas Locastro, Timothy Locastro, Chloe Mabus, Jace Martin, Iridian Martinez, Lydia McCoy, Meredith McCullar, Gracie McDonald, Jaigen McKnight, ShaDaijia Means, John Metcalfe, Sarah Metcalfe, Josh Mooneyham, Kallie Morris, Ella-Kate Nichols, Arrionna Patrick, Michaela Pearson, Aaliyah Potter, Maddie Pounders, Willy Quinonez, Neida Ramirez, Amber Ramos, Kaylea Randolph, Jeridiane Ray, Ryan Ray, Jayde Richardson, Wesley Rivera, Nathan Rudasill, Ben Russell, Annie Ruth, Tybresha Sanders, Anna Sauerwein, Kentarius Shaw, Paige Smith, Richie Smith, McKinley Stegall, Brittany Stephens, Austin Stokes, Caleb Straily, McKenzie Sudduth, Kimberly Tedford, Anna Terry, Lexi Terry, Destiny Tollison, Caleb Triplett, Phebe Triplett, Austin Tzib, Britney Tzib, Bryan Valentin, Jatzary Vielmas, Kierston Wade, Sarah Ware, Emily Warren, Quinn Webster, Talia Webster, Racia White, Rashaan White, Janet Wilburn, Brannon Wilder, Abbey Williams, Tyler Williams, Akirra Wilson, Alaysia Young, Aliycia Young, Ben Zinn, and Tierra Zinn. 16 | Fall Sports 2017
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2017
North Pontotoc Vikings
Marching Band
Photo by Jonathan Wise The 2017 North Pontotoc High School band members include: DRUM MAJOR: Rose Serrano, FLUTES: Caitlin Hattaway, Jenna Schaefer, Katie Perkins, Courtney Colburn, Holly Fike, Ashlyn Thomas, Elisha White, CLARINETS: Zithlaly Amezquita, Anastasia Morris, Hanna Logan, Mary Lott, Caddie Kuykendall, ALTO SAX: Britt Cooper, Jaylan Nix, Jay Biffle, Annie Mayer, Allison Farris, TENOR SAX: Evan Funderburk, HORNS: Lillian Angle, Collin Crawson, Steven Turnage, Jonathan Lopez, BARITONE: Andrew Morris, Ray Everett, Jaden Bell, BASS CLARINET: Allen Armstrong, TRUMPET: Mary Grace Chaney, Kim Williams, Marlee Schaefer, Jeremiah Eldridge, Matthew Tidwell, Victoria King, Ethan Robertson, Payton Malone, Summer Gray, Tori Stilwell, Abraham Garcia, Karmen Trentham, Maya Collier, Alyssa Pankow, TROMBONE: Tyler Baber, Chana Hawkins, Ryan Oglesby, Briana Carbajal, Haley Fike, Joey Gurner, Joseph McGuire, Jayla Taylor, Evan Robertson, Grayson Russell, Ryan Mitchell, TUBA: Corey Spellins, Nick Clements, Robert Weeks, FRONT ENSEMBLE: Addison Clements, Daniel Lee, Leslie Torres, Gracie Kimbrell, Nick Cooper, Tori Lessel, Beth Ivey, Jasmin Lopez, PERCUSSION: Ricky Putt, Karlton Wallace, Alexis Portrey, Mallory McDowell, Andrew Garrett, D’Shawn Prude, Ken McKinney, Olivia McCord, Jacob Anderson, Seth Coghlan, Josh Gordon, COLOR GUARD: Carhey Bennett, Madison Bates, Alyssa Potts, Skylar Stokes, Jolee Nowlin, Ka’Tyia McKinney, Katlynn McCollum, Brailey Tackett, Alexis Herring, Ambrie Stark, Anna Grace Funderburk, Katie Brooke Hamilton, Makayla Benson, Caleigh Coleman, Haley Dedeaux, Kailyn Lott, Madison Inmon, Jade Carwyle. Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Fall Sports 2017 | 17
2017
South Pontotoc Cougars
Marching Band
Photo by Jonathan Wise Members of the South Pontotoc High School Band are: FLUTES: Maggie Franks, Rachel Gann, Kaelen Loaeza, Emily Lopez, Anna McKnight, Amber Morris, Emily Shankle, Bella White, Asteric Witt CLARINETS: Amber Arnold, Perla Diaz, Peggy McMillen, Lenzy Pannell, Madison Stone, Alexis Tryon BASS CLARINETS: Stevie Hodges, Tori Owen, Yully Rocha SAXOPHONES: Alyssa Burger, Darby Freeman, Callie Hill, J T Moreland, Bobby Onsby, Colin Tallent, Dalton Webb, Max Wright, Nathaniel Hawkins TRUMPETS: Christian Gann, Gene Guadarrama, Alayna Hyland, Breanna Lopez, Kyle Nix, Shelby Osterhout, Rushelle Reed, Rebecca Rodgers, A J Tutor, Anelsa Zamarripa MELLOPHONES: Matthew Butts, Gracie Fullbright, Karen Lopez, Yesenia Martinez, Isaac Williams TROMBONES: Tristan Bates, Emma Carwile, Shane Lowe, Marisela Martinez, Rene Martinez, Dulce Ramirez, Brikayle Scott, Lathe Ward, Carson Webb, Aleyna Wilgermein, Kenny Wilgermein, Noah Wortham BARITONES: Kalob Gann, Weston Mask, Will Permenter TUBAS: Edgar Almazon, Alex Barron, Matthew Blackwelder, Jeremiah Garrison, Sarah Goolsb, Sam Smith, Ashley Vail PERCUSSION: Elisea Fernandez, Paxton McCoy, Brandon Sauceda, Bray Staser, Coledon Montgomery, Andrew Rodgers, Ariana Alexander, Joshua Davis, Alisha Kidd, Chase Montgomery, Quontavius Moore, Mary Lauren Cook, D'Aisha Davis, Tiffany Ferguson, Deanna Henderson, Daelan Hollingsworth, Macy Holloway, Hayven Lindsey, R J Pickering, Ashley Rea, Elizabeth Willis COLORGUARD: Alysa Bohn, Taylor Britt, Bethany Bullock, Madison Collins, Mallory Cullen, Bailey Daniels, Ashlynn Davidson, Alfonso Fernandez, Jasmin Ford, Carrie Gregory, Tiarra Lackey, Heidi Loyd, Haleigh McGloflin, Sarah Milner, Kaylen Rainer, Alex Ridge, Keely Rorie, Morgan Spears, Lexi White DRUM MAJORS: Kat Fletcher and Marissa Johnson. 18 | Fall Sports 2017
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Fall Sports 2017 | 19
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2017
Pontotoc Warriors
Cross Country
Photo by Jonathan Wise
The 2017 Warrior cross country team includes (front row left to right) Tucker Cowsert, Hayes Robbins, Ben Jones, Noah Ruth, Crossland Malone, Ellis Maffett, Cooper Parmer, Cameron Lavigne, Ross Mathews, (back row) Ethan Carnes, Gabe Henry, Ben Russell, Hook Crane, Cameron Haley, Michael Cutler, Isaac Staggs, Evan McCutchen, Caleb Ruth, and Mitchell Cook.
2017 Pontotoc Cross Country Schedule Date 8/26 9/2 9/16 9/23 9/30
Location/Event Myrtle (host) @ New Albany Mississippi College Saltillo Southern Tees @ New Albany Lafayette
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Date 10/7 10/14 10/26 11/4
Location/Event Mooreville Pontotoc Invitational (@ Cherry Creek Orchards) Regional Meet State Meet
Fall Sports 2017 | 21
Photo by Jonathan Wise
The 2017 Lady Warrior cross country team includes (front row left to right) Maclaine Griffith, Kera Heatherly, Kaylin Simmons, Mandalyn Black, Haley Barefoot, (back row) Caroline McCutchen, Taylor Norris, Raegan Staser, Makarthy Lane, Anna Crane Watts, Maddie Pounders, Rossie Beth Robinson, and Brianna Ball.
Pontotoc looks to add to state championship total Pontotoc Progress
The 2017 Pontotoc cross country season started the first week in June with 40 runners training 3 days a week, and both teams are eager to get their schedule underway. The Lady Warriors return all 7 runners from their 3rd place finState ish at the 4A Championships last fall. Makarthy Lane, Rani Greer, Caroline McCutchen, Maclaine Griffith, Micahela Bradford, Kera Heatherly and Taylor Norris return, along with seniors Rossie Robinson and Kirklyn Finney. “Our goal is to compete for the state championship,” said head coach Mike Bain. “Each of these girls know what improvements they need to make, and they are 22 | Fall Sports 2017
working to achieve that. I am also looking for a couple of the girls who competed well last year in junior high to step up and make a difference this season. I think we had our worst meet of the season at the state championship last year. Hopefully, we learned from that experience. Distance running is so mental. I know these girls are going to be mentally ready for the upcoming season.” The boys return 6 of the 7 runners who competed in last year’s state championship meet. Isaac Staggs, Michael Cutler, Cameron Lavigne, Evan McCutchen, Ben Russell and Mitchell Cook return, along with Caleb Ruth, who missed last season when he moved to the coast. "It is great to have Caleb back,
and he has worked his way back into one of our top runners,” Bain said. “We also have several freshmen who have the potential to be pretty good moving up from junior high. We even have an 8th grader who will push for a spot in the top 7. Depth could be a strong part of our boys team this year, with 12 guys who have a shot at our top 7. We have 3 seniors who I know want to improve from last season, and it looks like we will have a full boys junior high team this season. We only had 3 last year, but they can all run well. Junior high is a critical part of our program, and this year we have added (coach) Brian Morgan to work with these runners. Coach Wanda Hatcher and myself are glad to have him in our program. Hopefully, when school starts he
will be able to add to our numbers.” PHS will host their Pontotoc Invitational on October 14th at Cherry Creek Orchards, along with the Region Championship on Oct. 26th at the orchard. “Cross country is a tradition at Pontotoc, with 36 state championships and 20 individual state champions,” Bain said. “Scott Whiteside and Ben Hill both hold national records for individual state championships. It has been an honor for me to have been a part of this tradition since 1978, and I am thankful for every Lady Warrior and Warrior who has worn the black and gold and made this tradition happen. To God be the glory, great things He has done."
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2017
North Pontotoc Vikings
Cross Country
Photo by Will Ruff
Members of the 2017 North Pontotoc cross country team include (front row left tor right) Lindy Holley, Anna Thomas, Kallie Harrison, Maggie Garrett, Alli Coker, Katelyn Matthews, (back row) Austin Davis, D'Shawn Prudd, Jake Reeder, Clay Matthews, Ryhs Panes, Christian Mounce, and J.D. Burleson.
2017 North Pontotoc Cross Country Schedule
Date 8/26 9/2 9/16 9/23 9/30
Location/Event Myrtle @ New Albany Itawamba Invitational Saltillo Invitational Southern Tees @ New Allbany TCPS Invitational
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Date 10/7 10/14 10/21 TBA 11/6
Location/Event Mooreville Invitational Pontotoc Invitational (@Cherry Creek Orchards) South Pontotoc Invitational Division 1-3A Championship (@ South Pontotoc) State Championship Meet (@ Clinton) Fall Sports 2017 | 23
Photo by Will Ruff
Members of the 2017 North Pontotoc cross country team include (front row left to right) Baylee Gann, Caroline Speck, Jessie Leigh Corley, Carson Mitchell, Felicity Cullpepper, Allie Grace Hamilton, (middle row) Mallory Robinson, Carly Walker, Emma Ethridge, Ana Rodriguez, Elizabeth Tovar, (back row) Trey Miller, Aden Ellis, Frank Stark, Tireces Artis, Dylan Herring, Bryce Reeder, and Sam Dowdy
Viking runners have high expectations Will Ruff and Jonathan Wise Pontotoc Progress
Last year North Pontotoc set a new standard for expectations in cross country, as the Vikings finished the year very strong. Head coach Joe Hunsucker was proud of what his team accomplished, and he is looking forward to seeing what his runners have in store for this season. “Our boys won the South Pontotoc Invitational, and our girls finished 2nd,” said Hunsucker. “The boys finished 5th in the state, and the girls finished 7th.” He says he saw a lot of improvement from day one until the end of the season, and he 24 | Fall Sports 2017
firmly believes the talent and potential is there for even better things this year. “I want to build off of last year, and I told them I think we can compete for our division and finish in the top three in the state,” he said. North will look to Jake Reeder to lead the boys. Reeder made 3A All-State last November when he finished 6th in a 125-runner field at the MHSAA 3A State Cross Country Championships, and he is expected to compete at that level again. Clay Matthews, the Vikings’ consistent number two runner, returns as well. Other returning competitors who ended the season in the Vikings’ top 7 are Mac Evans, Jaylyn Douglas,
and Austin Davis, who each finished in the top half of the 3A field. Other runners back on the roster from a year ago are J.D. Burleson, Cole Morris, and Christian Mounce, with a number of newcomers joining the squad. They will be tasked with working to replace two departed runners out of the Vikings’ top 7 at the state meet. North’s 5th place girls team returns even more experience, including top runner Liz Tovar, who narrowly missed All-State honors after finishing 15th in the state. According to Hunsucker Tovar was the fastest 7th grader in the state in 2016, and he expects similar results from her this year.
Other key returners are four more of North’s top 7 girls from the 3A State Championships, including two, three and four runners Maggie Garrett, Ana Rodriguez, and Mckenzie Garrett, as well as Anna Thomas. Senior Katelyn Matthews, who didn’t compete in the state meet but was usually in the Lady Vikings’ top three, also comes back to provide consistency. Alli Coker also returns from last year’s team. Hunsucker is trying to keep his players focused on improvement and competing at a high level. “Beat yourself every day, your goals, because if you do not improve you’re not going to help your team,” he tells them daily.
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2017
South Pontotoc Cougars
Cross Country
Photo by Jonathan Wise
The 2017 South Pontotoc cross country team includes (first row left to right) Abbey Waldo, Leanna Polk, Kaylee Fooshee, Nikki Waldo, Hailey Treece, Shelby Holloway, Leah Montgomery, Kaitlyn Bennett, Jolee Doss, (second row) Marcus Holley, Colby Prewett, Joey Kuzma, Sean Mooneyham, Ivan Martinez, Aaron Pannell, Donivon Owen, Richard Tutor, Brailon Massey, (third row) Alex Bejarano, Zach Bennett, Dylan Fauver, Mac Cossey, Colton Fuqua, Rene Martinez, and Austin Simpson.
2017 South Pontotoc Cross Country Schedule
Date 8/26 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30
Location/Event Myrtle @ New Albany Hickory Flat Saltillo Invitational Southern Tees @ New Allbany TCPS Invitational
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Date 10/14 10/21 10/26 11/6
Location/Event Pontotoc Invitational (@Cherry Creek Orchards) South Pontotoc Invitational Division 1-3A Championship (@ South Pontotoc) State Championship Meet (@ Clinton)
Fall Sports 2017 | 25
South looks for strong girls team, boys rebuilding Jonathan Wise
Pontotoc Progress
South Pontotoc cross country had a solid season last year, with the Cougars and Lady Cougars finishing the season consistently at the division and state meets. South has a roster that looks a lot different for 2017 as well as a new coach, as former South graduate John Wesley Roberts takes over the program. At present he is simply getting to know his new group, and the team is putting in the work
26 | Fall Sports 2017
needed to steadily improve racing times. “So far we have just been trying to get back into the swing of things and put in the miles,” said Roberts. “We’ve got a lot of new faces, so there will be a learning curve.” The Lady Cougars finished last season in 8th place in Class 3A. Their top runner for the last several years in Anna Bailey graduated, but they still return a number of veteran competitors. Five out of their final top seven runners return- Abbey Waldo, Jolee Doss, Leanna Polk,
Shelby Holloway, and Kaitlyn Bennett. Roberts feels good about the girls team with such a large part of the core coming back, even though there is some work to be done in getting faster and finding new kids that can finish high enough to score well consistently. “I feel like we have a solid group of runners on the girls side,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of experience and kids that know what to do. I think they will lead the way this year.” On the boys side South is essentially starting from stratch,
as only one of last year’s 6th best 3A team’s final top 7 returns in Rene Martinez. Four, including their top three, opted not to participate in cross country this year, while two were lost to graduation. “I feel like we have a good group of guys that are willing to work,” Roberts said. “We’ve got some young guys that hopefully will be around for several years. There are some middle schoolers that have brought some energy. Even though it is a rebuild I think there is some potential there.”
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Fall Sports 2017 | 27
2017
Pontotoc Warriors
Volleyball 2017 Pontotoc Volleyball Schedule
Photo courtesy of Kerry Koehler
The 2017 Lady Warriors include (bottom row) Gabby Golden, Abigail Anderson, Khazraj Ivy, Kensley Nowicki, (middle row) Alayna Pinson, Kaitlyn McMillian, Randa Clair Payne, D'Aisha Browner, Chloe Mabus, Olivia Gray, (top row) Kylie Foster, Payten Wright, Ali Grace Cayson, Eliza Hamill, Taylor Hughes, Ashley Koehler, A'Miracl Johnson, Lauren Trimble, McKinley Stegall, and Jeridiane Ray.
Date 8/17 8/22 8/24 8/29 8/31 9/5 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/19 9/21 9/26 9/28 9/30 10/3 10/10 10/12
Opponent Time Lafayette* 5:30/6:30 Water Valley 5:30/6:30 @ Caledonia* 5:30/6:30 Alcorn Central 5:30/6:30 @ Amory* 5:30/6:30 @ Corinth 5:30/6:30 New Hope* 5:30/6:30 New Albany 5:30/6:30 @ Water Valley 5:00/6:00 @ Lafayette* 5:30/6:30 Caledonia* 5:30/6:30 Amory* 5:30/6:30 Ripley 5:30/6:30 Lafayette Tournament TBA @ New Hope* 5:30/6:30 Senatobia 5:30/6:30 @ Ripley 5:30/6:30
*Denotes Division Game *All games times are junior varsity followed by varsity
Veteran Lady Warriors have potential Jonathan Wise
Pontotoc Progress
Pontotoc’s volleyball team has high hopes for the 2017 campaign, as the Lady Warriors return a lot of experience and leadership. Head coach Annie McGregor was pleased with their play in the first action of the season at the 6th Annual Lady Warrior Classic. As with most sports, conflicting schedules made it difficult to get the entire squad together during the summer before the team started official preseason practice on July 24 leading up the start of the season. “I hadn’t seen that level of energy and play from them yet,” 28 | Fall Sports 2017
McGregor said. “It makes me really excited for the season that we started out on such a strong note.” “This is the first year in our 7year program where every girl has played volleyball before. We are now growing most of our players at a young age through our junior high program like we are supposed to. When we are going through practice they have a high volleyball IQ because they all have experience. We don’t have to spend as much time teaching the fundamentals. When we talk about things we can focus on specific skills and plays that can really help our team in the matches.” Pontotoc will rely on their
senior class to provide consistent play on the court- and leadership. “We’ve got some great senior leadership,” McGregor said. “Our four seniors- A’Miracl Johnson, Ashley Koehler, Ali Grace Cayson and Payten Wright- have all played for me since the 7th grade. They all bring a lot with their experience and their attitude towards the game and their team. They are all so passionate about it, and it just spreads to the younger players.” McGregor thinks the Lady Warriors’ serving and defense will be strong points of the squad this season, but she knows the group has to continue to learn to
play together and communicate. “One of the major strengths we have as a team is our serving,” she said. “Our team is full of strong girls, and we can serve the ball very, very well. At the high school level that can really make or break you. We also have some really strong passers and defensive players that can help get the ball back over the net against good serving teams.” “The biggest key for us will be improving our communication. Even though they have been in the same program, this particular group has never played together before this summer. Once we start communicating very well as team I think we have the potential to go a long way this year.”
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Fall Sports 2017 | 29
2017
North Pontotoc Vikings
Softball Team 2017 North Pontotoc Slowpitch Softball Schedule
Photo by Will Ruff
This year's North Pontotoc Lady Vikings include (front row left to right) Madison Monts, Abby Waldron, Kam Thomas, Brooke McBrayer, Jade Bridgeman, Jada Davis, Haley Herring, (middle row) Haisley Coker, Audrey Tucker, Allie Leath, Shannon Wilson, Shamya Wright, Lexi Walker, Daylls Hicks, (back row) Aveonna wright, Lindsey Coffey, Gracey Griggs, Katelyn Matthews, Ava Merritt, and Karley Robbins. Not Pictured: Brianna Galabiz
Date 8/21 8/22 8/24 8/28 8/29 8/31 9/5 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/18 9/21 9/26 9/28 10/2 10/3 10/5
Opponent Time West Union 5:00/6:30 @ Charleston 5:00/6:30 @ Falkner 5:00/6:30 @ West Union 5(v)/6:30(jv) Falkner 5:00/6:30 @ Bruce 5:00/6:30 @ Independence 5:00/6:30 Shannon 5:00/6:30 @ Mooreville 5:30/6:30 Independence 5:00/6:30 @ South Pontotoc 5:00/6:30 Charleston 5:00/6:30 Mooreville 5:00/6:30 South Pontotoc 5:00/6:30 Mooreville 5:00/6:30 @ Shannon TBA @ Ingomar 5:00/6:30
*All times are varsity followed by junior varsity unless otherwise noted
Lady Vikings will be young but competitive Will Ruff
Sports Writer
This time last year the North Pontotoc Lady Vikings were relying on two seniors and a lot of young players. Coach Cee Cee Austin knew a challenging season was ahead, but she knew the team had good leadership and that they would battle. “It was a rough fall for us,” said Austin. “We had two seniors, and one is playing college ball now. We will miss them, and 30 | Fall Sports 2017
we will be young again, but I have a good group.” The situation may be similar, but coach Austin still expects them to compete at a high level. “I expect us to make the playoffs, and work on our individual goals,” Austin said. “If we do those things and compete, good things will happen.” The 2017 Lady Vikings are still learning. They do not have a lot of power, but they are getting stronger and are more fundamentally sound. Coach Austin will
look to her three seniors- Katelyn Matthews, Gracey Griggs and Aveonna Wright- to step up and continue leading. Matthews, a Northeast Commuity College commit, will be relied upon to play solid defense the outfield and get on base, both of which she excels at. “Katelyn is a competitor and a hard worker, and she will get it done for us,” Austin said. “Gracey will play the corners for us in the infield. She is a hard worker and a great leader for us
on and off the field.” Wright will also be looked upon for big things this season. “She will catch for us this fall, and she hits the ball well,” said Austin. “We will be relying on younger kids to step up and fill some holes left by our two seniors from last year,” said Austin. “We have some athletes and some girls in middle school that can play. I think that if they work on fundamentals and get stronger they can be successful.”
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2017
South Pontotoc Cougars
Softball Team 2017 South Pontotoc Slowpitch Schedule
Photo by Torrance Photography
The 2017 South Pontotoc Lady Cougars include (sitting left to right) Kenterra McKinney, Kealey Ward, Mattie Pilcher, Lexie Ward, Saylor Fallin, Serena Williams, Taylor Kidd, Addyson Earnest, Chelle Corder, Maddie Holcomb, Samyra Catledge, Jaydin Walters, (second row) Sydney Brazil, Rebekah Pilcher, Shylee Canerdy, Allyson Harrison, Sara Brown, Loren Long, Koryn Mathews, Maggie Ross, Elise Lemoir, Sydney Sims, Lexi Greathouse, Gabriel Mooneyham, (third row) Jorja Kitchens, Emma Carwile, Hailey Rackley, Allie Gaspard, Maisy Canerdy, Lashanti Moore, Destiny Catledge, Carley Dunlap, kilynn Carlisle, Amber Morris, and Arlen McClellan.
Date 8/17 8/22 8/24 8/26 8/29 8/31 9/5 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/16 9/18 9/19 9/23 9/26 9/28 9/30 10/3 10/5
Opponent Time @ Caledonia 5:30/6:30 Independence 5:00/6:30 East Webster 5:00/6:30 SP Tournament TBA @ Independence 5:00/6:30 @ Tupelo 5:30 (v)/ 6:30 (jv) Shannon 5:00/6:30 @ East Union 6:00 (v) @ Shannon 5:00(v)/ 6:30 (jv) @ Amory 5:00/6:30 @Robertson Tournament TBA North Pontotoc 5:00/6:30 Mooreville 5:00/6:30 @Nettleton Tournament TBA @ Charleston 5:00/6:00 North Pontotoc 5:00/6:30 @ East Webster Tourn. TBA @ Mooreville 5:30/7:00 Charleston 5:00/6:30
*All times are junior varsity followed by varsity unless otherwise noted
Lady Cougars still a force 3A slowpitch softball Jonathan Wise
Pontotoc Progress
The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars roared to the finish line to close out the 2016 slow pitch softball season. From sitting at a 9-9 record, they won their final 9 games of the regular season on their way to winning the Division title. They advanced into the second round of the playoffs with a sweep of Booneville until the Nettleton Tigers, losers of only two games at the time, ended their season and 11-game winning streak (20-11 overall record). South has been a consistent force in slowpitch for years, including losing only 18 games over the past two seasons. This year’s squad returns many key contributors from that team, and
they are poised to continue to be a team to be reckoned with in Class 3A for the next couple of years, as the Lady Cougars have only one senior. “This team has a chance to be pretty good,” said head coach Adam Patterson. “It will come down to if we are committed to working hard and improving, and I think we will be.” Their lone senior is Loren Long, a productive and dependable player at the plate, in the field, and on the basepaths. “Loren has been a really good player for the last four years, and she is playing very well right now too,” Patterson said. “She is practicing hard and getting after it, and so I expect she will have a great senior year and be a leader for us.” “We’ve got a very talented jun-
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ior class returning that gave us a lot last year, and I expect them to be even better.” One of the most important pieces of that class is the Lady Cougars’ returning starting pitcher, Allie Gaspard. “Allie has pitched the last two years and won 42 games,” Patterson said. “It is very possible she could set the school wins record over the next two years. She does a great job for us.” Other key juniors with valuable experience are Lexie Ward, a. 400 plus hitter and second team AllDivision selection in 2016, Destiny Catledge, a .500 plus hitter and second team All-Division pick, Emma Carwile, and Sara Brown. Other additions to the team and junior class that Patterson thinks will give the
Lady Cougars a boost is junior Mattie Pilcher, a transfer from West Union, and Saylor Fallin. There are several other returning varsity contributors that South will be looking to fill the gaps left by five departed seniors, including Maisy Canerdy, a .300 plus hitter who launched eight home runs a year ago, and Allyson Harrison, another .400 hitter and second team All-Divison performer. Beyond that there are some younger players that are in the mix, such as Koryn Matthews, Sydney Brazil, Hailey Rackley, and transfer Rebekah Pilcher. “The kids have good attitudes and have practiced hard,” Patterson said. “This is shaping up to be one of the hardest working teams I have ever had at South.” Fall Sports 2017 | 31