Football Journal

High school previews

Friday, Aug. 19, 2011

Smithville on the rebound After tornado, football team will take field to continue a community’s healing.

See Page 3 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

LIMITED EDITION FUNDRAISER T-SHIRTS

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Football Journal 2011

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

TEAM INDEX

DAILY JOURNAL

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Aberdeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alcorn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Amory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Baldwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Belmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Benton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Biggersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Booneville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Corinth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 East Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Falkner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hatley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Holly Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Houlka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 H.W. Byers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Itawamba AHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Kossuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mantachie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Marshall Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Mooreville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Nettleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 North Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Oak Hill Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Okolona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Potts Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Ripley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Saltillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Smithville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 South Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Starkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Starkville Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Thrasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tishomingo County . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Tupelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Tupelo Christian Prep . . . . . . . . . . 46 Union County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Vardaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Walnut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 West Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Notes: Jumpertown is not fielding a team this fall. ... We’ll preview the combined New Site-Wheeler team if it’s ready for its Aug. 26 opener.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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It’s kickoff time again!

Here we are again, with another high school Football Journal, just in time for the start of the 2011 season.

This tabloid edition is the result of weeks of effort by the Journal staff through the summer and preseason to bring you the latest updates on the schools in our coverage area.

Change is often a theme at this time of year in high school football – new coaches, new starting players, teams in new regions – but we hope our preview coverage provides a little bit of consistency from year to year.

It’ll indeed be a challenge for the teams in Northeast Mississippi to top the 2010 season. Lafayette and West Point brought home MHSAA state titles, while Aberdeen and Calhoun City reached championship games.

We’re working on a streak of at least one state champion from our circulation area for three years in a row.

Can we make it four? Stay tuned.

John L. Pitts |

ALSO INSIDE

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Preseason rankings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Top 10 players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 JOYCE BROCK/SOUTHERN ADVOCATE State champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Benton County head coach Jimmy Risen, joined by school superintendent Patrick Washington, shows 2010 standings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 New football regions . . . . . . . . . . 36 off one of the new helmets for their team, nicknamed the Buccaneers, which begins play this fall.

Let us help make tailgating easy!

• Sandwiches • Salads • Soups • Desserts Catering Available 1101 West Main • Tupelo • 842-3774

Football Journal 2011

SPORTS EDITOR: John L. Pitts COVER DESIGN: C. Todd Sherman INSIDE PAGE DESIGN: John L. Pitts, Robbie Robertson (individual team pages from a concept

by Brad Locke) HIGH SCHOOL STAFF: John Wilbert, Gene Phelps EDITING: John L. Pitts, Robbie Robertson and other members of the Journal staff WRITING: Daily Journal and Journal Publishing staff writers and special contributors PHOTOS: Daily Journal and Journal Publishing staff photographers and special contributors

WE NEED YOUR HELP ON FRIDAYS

Coaches in the Journal circulation area, please call in your scores promptly on game nights.

We can’t be at every game, so we must rely on coaches and scorekeepers to call the Journal (678-1601) as soon as possible after games are complete. If you’re on the road outside the area, call toll-free (1-800-270-2612, ext. 601).

Be prepared to give scoring information, including score by quarters, names of all scoring players – on both teams – and the distance and type of each scoring play.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Smithville football players walk past signs of damage after a recent practice. “Our field was like a junkyard” after the April 27 tornado, head coach Bubba Tacker said.

Football will help Smithville get back to normal INSIDE: Team profile, 39.

greater than that.

“I can’t wait for FriMITHVILLE – Christmas day nights and footcomes on Aug. 26 for ball in Smithville.”

Smithville High School Smithville head running back J.T. Pitts. coach Bubba Tacker The day marks the first athwondered four letic event on the school’s tormonths ago if the nado-ravaged campus since the Seminoles would be EF-5 twister roared through the playing football on Monroe County town April 27. campus this season.

GENE Pitts and his Seminoles team- About the only things PHELPS mates are playing their first remaining following home game that night against the storm were the Monroe County rival Hatley on two stone teepees in their own 100-yard field – one the south end zone, with new lights, scoreboard, which were erected years ago as stands, pressbox and goalposts. tributes to former players who “It’s going to be like Christdied in auto accidents. mas morning and I know what “I was thinking, ‘Who do I gift I’m opening first,” said Pitts, need to call?’ he said. “Should I a state champion powerlifter. call Itawamba and see if we can “Only this will be 10 times play our games there? Do I

S

need to check with our other county schools and see about playing there?”

It wasn’t until late May, when approximately 100 volunteers joined forces to clean up what was left of Smithville’s stadium, that Tacker thought a 2011 home kickoff was possible.

“Our field was like a junkyard,” he said.

“We picked up rocks, nails, metal pieces ... a ceiling fan. We had to get it cleaned up so we could start rebuilding.

“Things just kind of went from there.”

Tacker, 36, was born and raised a Smithville Seminole

and bleeds his school’s colors – maroon and white. He played there and came back from college to begin his coaching career there. His wife, Candy, is a Smithville native, too.

“This (tornado) was devastating to us,” said the coach, whose home is outside of town and escaped damage. “My wife lost the house she grew up in.

“This is a special place. I love it and not sure I could leave it.”

LARGE CROWD EXPECTED

Tacker believes the team’s home opener – it opens the season on the road at Hamilton – will draw one of the program’s largest crowds.

“Sports are big here,” he said.

“Every time I go somewhere, folks ask me if we’re going to

play up here.

“For us to play that Friday night at home is going to be very special to me, along with everybody else from around here.”

J.T. Pitts is just thankful nobody connected with the football program suffered the loss of a relative in the deadly storm.

“We’re lucky, lucky that we’re here to play football,” he said.

“There was a time when I didn’t know what in the world would happen. Now I see it all coming together.

“We’re all going to feel proud putting on our Seminole uniforms (Aug. 26). We know we’re representing this community.” gene.phelps@journalinc.com

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

PRESEASON RANKINGS

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LARGE SCHOOLS

(Classes 4A/5A/6A) School 2010 1. Lafayette 16-0 2. Tupelo 7-4 3. West Point 14-1 4. Starkville 5-6 5. Shannon 9-4

CLASS 3A

1. Aberdeen 2. Kossuth 3. Ripley 4. Mooreville 5. (tie) Booneville Nettleton

14-2 5-7 2-9 7-4 5-6 3-8

Final 1 T4 2 T4 NR 1 NR NR NR 3 NR

SMALL SCHOOLS

(Classes 1A/2A) 1. Bruce 4-8 2. Okolona 11-3 3. Calhoun City 15-1 4. Baldwyn 7-6 5. Vardaman 9-4

NR 4 1 3 NR

DAILY JOURNAL

NeMissPreps.com set for second season DAILY JOURNAL

There is no doubt Northeast Mississippi loves high school sports and there’s a website that loves it just as much: NeMissPreps.com.

NeMissPreps.com is the online source for all news and information about Northeast Mississippi high school sports.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL “We’re excited about Year 2 of Bruce’s Wiley Maddox is one of 19 returning starters for the Trojans, NeMissPreps.com,” Journal Ingiving rise to high hopes for this season. teractive Online Editor Todd Vinyard said. “We feel like this site offers a great place to show North Mississippi dominates preseason rankings case the outstanding high The top four teams in the Clarion Ledger’s preseason high school school student athletes and football rankings, published last Sunday, are all from North Missisteams we have in Northeast sippi: South Panola, Lafayette, West Point and Olive Branch.

Mississippi.”

Tupelo will play three of those teams this season, starting with a The site features articles and Aug. 19 home game against Lafayette. The Golden Wave visits South photos from all Journal, Inc. Panola on Oct. 14 and closes the regular season at home against products and offers players and Olive Branch on Nov. 4. fans a chance to contribute by Top-ranked teams by class: South Panola (6A), West Point (5A), creating free accounts.

Lafayette (4A), Aberdeen (3A), West Bolivar (2A, followed by CalHere are three reasons why houn City at No. 2) and Durant (1A). you should create an account:

No. 1: If it is happening in high school sports in this part of the state, you can read about it at NeMissPreps.com.

No. 2: You can share your athletic accomplishments with family and friends by creating your own page with videos, stories, photos and memories.

No. 3: Connect with your teammates and friends in select groups, chat rooms and through instant messaging.

Find out all about your opponents; their stats and their stories on their pages.

Visit NeMissPreps.com today and create your own page or a school page. If you have any questions, call Todd Vinyard at 678-1586.

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662-840-5747 Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Longtown Medical Park

4381 South Eason Blvd., Suite 303 - Tupelo, MS

662-840-5747

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RILEY ALEF NEW ALBANY

Position: LB/TE Specs: 6-0, 195 Class: Senior Stats: Recorded 141 tackles (68 solo), 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries in 2010.

Résumé: Three-year starter at LB. Started last four games of 2010, including Alef three playoff games, at tight end. ... 2010 MHSAA All-Division 1-4A first-team selection. ... Talented baseball player. He’s considered a NCAA Division I baseball prospect at catcher.

Colleges: None officially showing interest yet, but that could change with a strong season.

Coach says: “He gets us lined up defensively and he always makes sure everybody is lined up where they are supposed to. It’s like having a coach on the field.” – Ron Price

TABARRIUS COFFEY CALHOUN CITY

Position: OT/DT Specs: 6-5, 320 Class: Senior Stats: Recorded 52 tackles (35 solo), 2 sacks, recovered 1 fumble and returned a fumble 31 yards in 2010.

Résumé: Ranked as one of the best offensive lineman Coffey in the state by Mississippi Gridiron. ... Blocked for an offense that averaged 36.7 points, 184.2 rushing yards and 185 passing yards per game in 2010. ... 2011 MAC All-Star basketball selection. ... Placed third in the shotput at the 2011 MHSAA Class 2A state meet.

Colleges: Interest from Arkansas State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss, among others.

Coach says: “He’s going to be a player for somebody at the next level. For somebody he’ll do well.” – Perry Liles

DEMARKUS DENNIS LAFAYETTE

Position: RB Specs: 5-10, 200 Class: Senior Stats: Rushed for 2,249 yards and 26 TDs on 299 carries (7.52 ypc and 140.6 ypg) in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 Daily Journal Top 10 All-Area selection.

Dennis ... 2011 Mississippi Gridiron Preseason All-State second-team selection. ... 2010 MAC Class 4A All-State first-team offensive selection. ...

Rushed for more than 1,000 yards his sophomore season despite splitting time in the backfield. ... Can play outside LB. ... 4.6 40yard time.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colleges: Interest from Memphis and Southern Miss; receiving a lot of correspondence from other schools.

Coach says: “Demarkus takes a situation where you think you’ll lose five and he’ll turn it into a big play for you. He’s got that elusiveness and ability to make something out of nothing.” – Anthony Hart

DEVIN JONES RIPLEY

Position: RB Specs: 5-11, 200 Class: Senior Stats: Rushed for 1,163 yards and 10 TDs last year, 1,780 yards as a sophomore and 995 yards as a freshman. Picked off five passes in 2009.

Jones Résumé: Holds the Tigers’ freshman rushing record. ... Bench presses 325 pounds and squats 600.

2010 MHSAA Class 3A’s 220-pound state powerlifting champ. ... Rated in the 95th percentile out of all the 2011 Nike Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness (SPARQ) combine participants in the country. ... Has vertical jump of 31.5 inches. ... Performs in the 4x100 and 4x200 relay races and in the discus and long jump events. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Nebraska.

Coach says: “He’s got a lot of power and strength. ... He’s hard to bring down.” – Grady McCluskey

JEREMY LIGGINS LAFAYETTE

Position: QB Specs: 6-4, 265 Class: Senior Stats: Completed 83 of 143 passes (58 percent) for 1,661 yards and 20 TDs in 2010. Picked off 6 times.

Had 170 carries for 1,186 yards (6.98 ypc and 74.13 Liggins ypg) and 17 TDs. Résumé: Three-year starter at QB. ... 2010 Daily Journal Top 10 All-Area selection. ... 2011 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection. ... 2011 Mississippi Gridiron Preseason All-State first-team selection. ...

2010 MAC Class 4A All-State first-team offensive selection. ... 2009 Daily Journal All-Area third-team selection. ... 4.6 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Coach says: “First and foremost, he wants to win ballgames. He doesn’t get caught up on statistics and honors and those types of things.” – Anthony Hart

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QUADZING ROGERS MOOREVILLE

Position: OG/DT Specs: 6-2, 293 Class: Senior Stats: Recorded 80 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two blocked punts in 2010. Had 82 tackles in 2009.

Rogers Résumé: Returning starter on the O-line. Solid twoway player who will line up at offensive guard this season. ... Experienced at offensive tackle. ... Starter on defensive line since freshman year. Plays some defensive end. ... Pretty good basketball player (averaged 11.6 points per game in 2010-11). ... 5.1 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from ICC, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Memphis.

Coach says: “He’s a great run stopper now.

Everybody that we play, they make sure they know where No. 53 is on the field.” – Kevin Austin

ASHTON SHUMPERT TUPELO

Position: RB Specs: 6-2, 202 Class: Junior Stats: Rushed for 1,328 yards (averaged 6.38 per carry) and 15 TDs, threw 1 TD and had nine receptions for 65 yards.

Résumé: 2010 Daily Journal Top 10 All-Area selection. Shumpert ... 2011 Mississippi Gridiron Preseason All-State first-team selection. ... 2010 MAC Class 6A All-state first-team offensive selection. ... Experienced at returning kicks. ... Played his freshman year at Itawamba AHS. Colleges: Mississippi State, Ole Miss and just about everybody else in the country.

Coach says: “He’s gained a step speed-wise and he doesn’t get tired as quickly as he did.

He feels more comfortable with what we’re doing. Last season was a learning process.” – Andy Crotwell, THS offensive coordinator

AUSTIN SHUMPERT ITAWAMBA AHS

Position: WR/DB Specs: 6-1, 184 Class: Senior Stats: Caught 39 passes for 515 yards (13.21 average per catch) and 6 TDs in 2010. His longest reception was 74 yards, and he also rushed for 1 TD. Shumpert Résumé: 2011 Mississippi Gridiron Preseason AllState second-team defensive selection. ...

2010 MAC Class 4A All-State first-team defensive selection. ... 2009 Daily Journal All-Area

first-team defensive selection. ... To play free safety in 2011. ... Lettered in basketball and baseball. ... Cousin and former teammate of Tupelo High standout Ashton Shumpert. ... 4.5 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, Memphis, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

Coach says: “He’s got a lot of football savvy about him. He’s got a lot of the intangibles.

He’s got good hands, he runs well, he covers well and he’s a great one to have in the locker room.” – Toby Collums

BODARIUS TAYLOR SHANNON

Position: RB Specs: 5-10, 190 Class: Senior Stats: Rushed for 1,289 yards (averaged more than 7.5 yards per carry) and 14 TDs in just seven games in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 MAC Class 4A All-State second-team Taylor offensive selection. ...

Ranked as one of the best running backs in the state by Mississippi Gridiron. ... 4.6 40yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Delta State and North Alabama.

Coach says: “Just as strong on the last carry as he was on the first.” – Chad Cook

CHANNING WARD ABERDEEN

Position: DT/TE Specs: 6-4, 258 Class: Senior Stats: Recorded 119 tackles and 13 sacks in 2010.

Résumé: 2010 Daily Journal Defensive Player of the Year. ... 2011 ClarionLedger Dandy Dozen seWard lection. ... 2011 Mississippi Gridiron Preseason All-State first-team defensive selection. ... 2010 MAC Class 3A defensive player of the year. ... Starter since the eighth grade. ...

Slated to play some at QB in 2011 in a Wildcat-type formation. ... 4.4 40-yard time.

Colleges: Interest from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss and a host of other schools.

Coach says: “He’s gotten a whole lot stronger and he’s put on at least 25 more pounds since last year.” – Chris Duncan Compiled by John Wilbert

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Aberdeen

DAILY JOURNAL

Bulldogs hope ‘third time is the charm’

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

ChanningWard and his 20-plus college football scholarship offers will get a lot of headlines this season for Aberdeen.

But as he and the Bulldogs try and get to a third straight Class 3A Ward state championship game, he’ll have plenty of help alongside his Bulldogs fast facts defensive tackle spot.

Division: 2-3A Eight starters return from a de2010 record: 14-2, 5-0 division, fense that allowed only 7.6 points reached state championship game per game during a 14-2 season.

Coach: Chris Duncan (5th year) Aberdeen coach Chris Duncan Starters back: 4 offense, 8 defense knows what’s expected of his team – ranked No. 19 nationally

by Maxpreps – but says it’s a long Players to watch road to December.

DT/TE Channing Ward, Sr. “We’re trying to get better every Five-star prospect will be a defensive week and trying to take it one end in college but could line up game at a time. We’re not looking almost anywhere for the Bulldogs. at the state championship. We’re QB Josh Williams, Fr. taking it one day at a time. If I say Williams, 14, isn’t old enough to drive we’re not expecting to get back but coaches like his arm and the and try to win one, I’d be telling a head on his shoulders. lie,” Duncan said.

NT Jordan Gathings, Sr. Sammie Burroughs, Joshua Part of the senior-led defensive line Ewing and Josh Williams are that should be team’s strength. some of the younger skill guys

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNAL

Chris Duncan guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back 3A title games. trying to develop, joining last season’s leading receiver Aaron McMillian. Ward and linebacker Justin Lucas will have roles in the backfield as well. Ward scored six TDs at tight end last season.

Victor Hodges graduated and took his 2,167 yards and 34 touchdowns with him.

Coaches say five-star prospect Ward (6-4, 255) could even see some time at quarterback.

“We’re hoping this is our year and the third time is the charm,”

said Ward, a U.S. Army Bowl nominee. “Not too many people can say they played here.”

When he’s not under center, Aberdeen is looking to a freshman to take the snaps. Williams showed poise late in big wins last season and after Aberdeen’s first six games of 2011, he’ll be welltested for sure.

Corners Coreno Blanchard and Demario Wilson have three years as starters and Lucas is drawing collegiate attention at linebacker.

Good Luck To All Monroe County Teams in 2011

SCOUTING REPORT

Aberdeen is coming off of back-toback Class 3A state title appearances, losing 10-8 against Forest in December. ... Channing Ward has narrowed his list of college offers down to LSU, Auburn, Alabama, MSU and Ole Miss, with a Georgia visit planned. ... The Bulldogs have their third offensive coordinator in three years in Mark Bray, 182-91 in 23 years as head coach at Vardaman. ... Aberdeen originally bumped up to 4A before Leake consolidation bumped Carthage up and Aberdeen out.

Wishing All Area Schools A Successful 2011 Season!

Amory • Aberdeen • Baldwyn Columbus • Fulton • Ripley • Saltillo

Congratulations from

SCHEDULE

Columbus 7:30 Shannon 7:30 at Amory 7:30 at Noxubee County 7:30 West Bolivar 7:30 at Louisville 7:30 Mantachie* 7:30 at Nettleton* 7:00 Mooreville* 7:00 at Water Valley* 7:00 South Pontotoc* 7:00 *–Division 2-3A game

Have A Great

2011 Season!

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256-8461

Sitting out is not an option.

(Pioneer Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is.)

1105 Earl Frye Blvd.

Amory, MS 38821 662.256.7111 www.gilmorehealth.com

Pioneer Medical Plaza 502 Jackson Street • Aberdeen 662.368.8200

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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New coach brings winning attitude

Alcorn Central

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

McCay

Golden Bears fast facts

Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 0-11, 0-5 division Coach: Jim McCay (1st year) Starters back: 11 offense, 10 defense

Players to watch RG/DL Trey Morphis, Sr. Will be the anchor on both sides of the line. “He has all the tools to be a D-1 player,” McCay said.

WR/DB Luke Kiddy, So. Young, but an athletic player who could see playing time at any position other than on the line.

TE/DE Trevor Smith, Sr. Defensive leader for the Golden Bears, recorded 59 tackles his junior year.

New Alcorn Central head coach Jim McCay knows the key to building a successful program, and it can be summed up in three words.

“Winning would help,” McCay, who comes to Alcorn Central from Charleston, said. “I can remember Coach Vance at Charleston would ask the kids ‘How do you spell fun? W-I-N.’” McCay is now in charge of turning around a Golden Bears program that enters the 2011 season on an 18-game losing streak and that hasn’t won a division contest since 2008.

“I know for the longest time they’ve lost,” said McCay. “It’s detrimental to their psyche.

When we change their attitude by getting them in the weight room in the offseason and get them bigger, stronger, and faster they’ll realize they can do this.”

McCay, who missed spring training with the Golden Bears, believes the biggest transition in

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Cody Russ will be taking snaps for the Bears this season. attitude will take place during this upcoming offseason.

“With me being here a year and the kids getting to know me and understand what I’m about and my philosophy, hopefully that will rub off on the kids,” McCay said.

However with the bulk of starters returning from last year’s squad, Alcorn Central looks to steal some wins this year.

Seniors Trey Morphis and Jared Christian will anchor the offensive line from the guard positions and will be joined by

HUNT WORK PLAY

Trevor Smith at tight end. McCay believes all three can play football at the next level.

Cody Russ will return as quarterback of the Golden Bears, who McCay thinks can “be a threat to both run and throw.”

McCay has been impressed with junior tailback Braxton Morris.

“He has all the tools physically to go wherever he wants to go,” said McCay. “We’ve gotta keep him focused and moving in the right direction.”

Receivers JoshWood and Luke Kiddy both have good speed and will be Russ’s go to threats.

Ryan Thompson and Cody Dildy lead the linebacking corps.

Josh Berry and Russ will see time at safety while Alex Grimes will make an impact at defensive end.

The biggest question mark for the Golden Bears entering this season is on the defensive line, where depth is an issue.

“I know those guys get gassed real easy,” McCay said. “At a school this size it’s hard to platoon, but that’s my goal in the future.”

Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Tishomingo Co. 7:30 Walnut 7:30 Mooreville 7:30 Hatley 7:30 at Corinth 7:30 Booneville* 7:30 at Holly Springs* 7:00 Belmont* 7:00 at Kossuth* 7:00 Ripley* 7:00 *–Division 1-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Alcorn Central ended last season with 17 players on its roster. New head coach Jim McCay wants that number to increase to at least to 45 for his team to have true competition in practice. ... Cody Russ will handle the kicking duties for the Golden Bears. He averaged nearly 40 yards per kick as a junior. ... Russ is also the team’s leading returning tackler with 77 last season, although McCay said he doesn’t “like to put my quarterback on defense.”

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Panthers get attitude turned around

Amory

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

Hammond

Panthers fast facts

Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 3-9, 1-4 division Coach: Trent Hammond (2nd year) Starters back: 7 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch QB Forest Williams, Sr. It’s tough to find a guy who knows a playbook as well as Williams, who will have more targets this fall.

WR Dario Robinson, Jr. The playmaker this team has lacked.

Stars in basketball but showed last season he can catch and run.

OL Greg Hadley, Sr. Hadley is the 265-pound offensive line anchor. On a small team, he will carry a heavy load.

Amory is working on a lot of things in its second year under head coach Trent Hammond, maybe none bigger than belief.

“One of the biggest things I’ve faced here at Amory is getting the belief that we can win,” Hammond said. “Last year it was pulling teeth to get the kids to practice and to practice hard.

Some Friday nights you could tell, we just didn’t believe we could beat this one. That’s been our biggest test as coaches.”

Hammond says it’s been different all through the summer full of scrimmage and seven-on-seven and that this team is mentally different that it was a year ago.

Hammond said the early practices have shown a team more accustomed to his style.

Small is a big word to describe this team, with only four players topping 200 pounds.

“We’re not very big physically.

We’re not the fastest team,” Hammond said. “But what we have

CKS! U L D TEAM GOO ALL TO

made a tremendous change in is our kids accept coaching, a real good attitude.

Slot back Dario Robinson, corner and running back Braxton Polk and sophomore athlete Fred Garth will all aid the effort of trying to establish an inside running game for QB Forest Williams.

SENIOR LEADER

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Mooreville 7:30 Nettleton 7:30 Aberdeen 7:30 at New Albany 7:30 at Okolona 7:30 Calhoun City 7:30 Tishomingo County* 7:30 at Corinth* 7:00 Shannon* 7:00 at Itawamba AHS* 7:00 at Pontotoc* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

Garth saw some playing time at quarterback last season and will likely see the same this season, but Williams, a 6-2, 185-pound SCOUTING REPORT senior is the Panthers’ starter.

Amory isn’t very big, especially not “He’s a senior, got a lot of interfor a team facing a Class 4A est, top five fastest on our team, schedule…The current seniors throws the ball really well,” Hamhave won only 12 career games. mond said of the signal-caller. ... The Panthers have only four “He studies the playbook and unkids over 200 pounds, making derstands where everybody is.” theirs one of the smallest 4A rosThey’ll be times Hammond ters in the state. ... If a running says where both will be in the game emerges, quarterback Forbackfield. est Williams could have his best Tanner Poole is another threat, year. If not, a small line could who at 6-4 catches the ball well. mean a long senior season.

Offensively, the Panthers will BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNAL have to replace Ryan Hill, who caught 77 passes last season as a Forest Williams returns for his senior season at quarterback. do-everything player.

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8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

|

9

Bearcats toughen up with bigger foes

Baldwyn

Reggie Patterson, who will play receiver, defensive back and spot Wildmon under center.

The key for the Bearcats will be their experience and depth up front.

Parrish Huddleston, a junior, returns to play on both lines. He’ll be joined on the offensive side by three-year starter at tackle, Cody Wolf, two-year starter at guard, Mike Barnett, and junior center Sam Griffin.

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Gray

Bearcats fast facts

Division: 1-2A 2010 record: 7-6, 4-1 division, lost second in round of playoffs Coach: Michael Gray (3rd year) Starters back: 7 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch QB Walker Wildmon, Sr. Completed 66 of 119 passes for 770 yards, 10 TD, 6 Int. WR/DB/QB Reggie Patterson, Sr. Second in state in interceptions last year with eight.

OL/DL Parrish Huddleston, Jr. Recorded 8.8 tackles per game last season.

Pizza Spaghetti

Baldwyn’s reputation as a winning 2A program scares off potential opponents in the Bearcats’ classification.

That’s why third-year head coach Michael Gray finds himself scheduling up when it comes to the pre-division portion of his team’s schedule.

This season’s no different. The Bearcats play 5A Saltillo and 3A Belmont, Booneville, Kossuth, Nettleton and South Pontotoc before tackling Division 1-2A. “We’ve always had restrictions on teams that will play us,” a former Bearcats quarterback and assistant. “We have to get bigger schools, competitive schools.

“I think that’s where that experience comes into play.You’re not going to get better playing cupcakes. Losing stinks, but if it helps you in October, then we can live with it.”

Baldwyn’s tough schedules have taken their toll in Gray’s first two seasons at the helm. How-

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This season the offense looks to senior quarterback Walker Wildmon and do-it-all senior

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SCHEDULE

Kossuth 7:30 at Booneville 7:30 Saltillo 7:30 at Belmont 7:30 Nettleton 7:30 at South Pontotoc 7:30 Calhoun City* 7:30 at Okolona* 7:00 Bruce* 7:00 at Walnut* 7:00 Hatley* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT “For the first time in a long time we’re going to have depth up Coach Michael Gray’s teams have started slow against a tough front on both sides of the ball,” schedule the last two seasons, but Gray said. “Hopefully, they’re have rebounded to win the divigoing to shine.” sion title with a combined 9-1 Junior Tre Davis and sophorecord. ... Reggie Patterson avermore Devonta Gates return at aged 38.3 yards per punt last seaoutside linebacker-defensive end. son. ... The Bearcats’ nine seniors Both showed a lot of progress in were freshmen on 2008 state spring drills, the coach noted. championship team.

EricWatson, a senior, returns at cornerback.

Wolf will handle kickoffs and Patterson the punting duties; Mitchell Winstead is back to kick extra points and field goals.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Cardinals hope postseason work pays off

Belmont

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Belmont has reached the Class 3A state quarterfinals the past two years before seeing its seasons come to an end.

While the immediate success of going deep in the playoffs is evident, the long-term payoff will begin to be seen this season.

Cardinals head coach Kerry Moody believes the extra practice time and reps his backups received during Belmont’s playoff runs will pay dividends.

“Over the last two years we’ve gained an extra two months of football practice,” Moody noted.

“The longer you play the longer you get to practice.”

Those backups will become starters this season after the Cardinals lost 13 seniors, including two 1,000-plus yard rushers, from last year’s school record 12 win season.

“We’re gonna have to have some kids step up as leaders because a lot of those seniors from last year were our leaders,” said

Moody

Cardinals fast facts Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 12-1 (reached quarterfinals of playoffs), 5-0 division Coach: Kerry Moody (10th year) Starters back: 4 offense, 3 defense

Players to watch RB/LB Jordan Powell, Sr. Threat on both sides of the ball, rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns his junior season.

OG/DL Tyler Wooten, Sr. Leader on the offensive and defensive lines, also handles kickoffs.

OG/DL Jacob Hughes, Sr. Team’s leading returning tackler with 63 last season.

Good Luck Cardinals

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Jordan Powell led the Cardinals in rushing last year, averaging almost nine yards a carry.

Moody. “But I think we’ll have that.”

The Cardinals will continue to run the difficult to defendWing-T formation offensively, which according to Moody begins up front with the lineman. While the Cardinals are still looking to plug a few holes, Moody will look for Stephen Moore, Jacob Hughes, Tyler Wooten, and Casey Inmon to anchor the line.

Moody has been impressed with junior Collin Harris, who emerged from spring practice as the starting quarterback.

“What stands out to me about Collin is his leadership ability,” said Moody. “He’s not really a verbal leader, but he does his job. All the good qualities of a good quarterback, I believe he’s got them.”

Joining Harris in the backfield is Jordan Powell, who led the Cardinals in rushing in 2010. As a junior, Powell averaged nearly nine yards per carry and led the Cardinals’ ground game that averaged 314 yards per game.

Moody feels good about his running backs, which along with Powell will also include Alexander Fancher and a mix of playing time between Barry Rogers and Byron Southward.

Wooten and Hughes look to lead the Cardinals’ defensive line, while Powell will also play a key role at linebacker. Moody also expects to build his linebacking corps around Jalen Stone and Fancher.

Good Luck On A Great Season!

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Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Mantachie 7:30 Tishomingo County 7:30 Baldwyn 7:30 at Mooreville 7:30 at Red Bay, Ala. 7:30 at Kossuth* 7:30 Ripley* 7:00 at Alcorn Central* 7:00 Holly Springs* 7:00 at Booneville* 7:00 *–Division 1-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Belmont saw its season come to an end in the state quarterfinals for the second year in a row in 2010, falling 37-14 to eventual state runner-up Aberdeen. ... Belmont completed the regular season undefeated last season and won the first division championship in school history. ... Head coach Kerry Moody’s goal for this year is simple, “Be the best we can be.”

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10

Benton County

However, as this story is written, the team is still forming, meaning they’ll enter the season with a lot of youth. Most of the players have never set foot on a football field.

“It’s the metamorphosis of a hurry-up team,” Risen said.

He’s confident at the skilled positions of running back and receiver. He also believes he has a talented secondary. He’s not yet sure about the offensive and defensive lines.

SOUTHERN ADVOCATE

Buccaneers fast facts

Division: Independent 2010 record: Did not play Coach: Jimmy Risen (1st year) Starters back: First year of program

Players to watch DE/TE Dwayne Shegog, Sr. Great size (6-3, 240).

QB/CB Tirase Williams, So. Will lead the Buccaneers’ spreadpistol offense.

FB/LB Demarcus Fifer, So. Will play the “Mike” linebacker spot.

Biggersville

Benton County will see its first school-sponsored football team take the field this year.

Coach Jimmy Risen and a team of volunteers have been working since early summer to prepare for the season.

By being resourceful – shopping around, working with other school districts and more – the coach and volunteers have provided for most of the team’s needs.

A weight room has been assembled on the Ashland school campus, including all of the basic necessary equipment. Their helmets, pads and practice jerseys have already arrived, and uniforms are on the way.

“The volunteers have done an exceptional job,” Risen said, when asked about the help the team is receiving.

Currently, the team does not have a home field. It practices at Ashland High School, on land near the softball field. School leaders and volunteers are work-

‘LEARNING EVERY DAY’

JOYCE BROCK | SOUTHERN ADVOCATE

Dwayne Shegog will provide some senior leadership for the first-year program. ing to convert the area to a playable field. They hope to have it finished by next year.

The team consists of players from Hickory Flat Attendance Center and Ashland High School.

Recruiting began earlier this summer and the team has been practicing for several weeks.

BY BLAKE LONG

Lions fast facts Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 6-5, 2-5 division Coach: Ronnie Lawson (9th year) Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch RB/DB Darius Carroll, Jr. Recorded 52 tackles and added 2 interceptions last season.

RB/LB Darian Barnett, So. Will lead a possible 4-man running back platoon.

QB/DB Blake Stacy, Jr. Completed 48 percent of his passes for 871 yards as a sophomore.

Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

at Tish County (JV) at Potts Camp at Rosa Fort at Holly Springs (JV) at O’Bannon at Union County OPEN at Sacred Heart at New Site OPEN

TBA 7:30 7:30 TBA 7:30 7:30

SCHEDULE

7:00 7:00

SCOUTING REPORT

The team will run a 4-3 defense The Buccaneers will operate out of a 4-3 defense. ... They will run priand a spread-pistol on offense. marily a spread-pistol type of“The offensive/defensive lines fense. ... Freshman Travagus are a work in progress, because Peterson (6-1, 189) could be a we’re dealing with so much jack-of-all-trades; he is slated to youth,” said the coach. play quarterback, tight end and That said, Risen is proud of his free safety. ... The team is complayers. posed of players from the Ashland “Despite the heat they are and Hickory Flat schools. doing well. I am proud of their enthusiasm and effort. They’re learning every day, and every little bit helps,” he added.

The team will open their season with a junior varsity game at Tishomingo County on Aug. 25.

Lions looking to take the next step SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Lawson

11

Buccaneers prepare for debut season

BY JOYCE BROCK

Risen

|

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Biggersville did something in the 2010 campaign that had not been done since the early 1990s – finish with a winning record at 65. However that’s just another step up the ladder, according to ninth-year coach Ronnie Lawson.

“It’s good to have a winning record,” Lawson said, “but it’s now time to take the next step and make the playoffs.”

To make the playoffs the Lions will have to make it through the new look 10-team Division 1-1A. With two more division games than was on last year’s schedule, every game is of equal importance.

“There’s no room for errors.

They all count,” said Lawson.

“We’ve got to keep drilling it in their head that every week has playoff implications with it.”

Still, Lawson believes his schedule works out better with a bigger division than with last year’s smaller version.

“It’s better not necessarily because of easier competition but

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Quarterback Blake Stacy is back to direct the Lions’ offense after throwing for 871 yards last year. because of schools the kids know something about,” Lawson said.

“That’s better than driving 100 miles to schools they’ve never heard of.”

Replacing last year’s leading rusher Jonathan Ragin will be a huge key if the Lions are to break their playoff draught. For that, Biggersville will turn to a trio of running backs to replace Ragin in 2011– Darius Carroll, Darian Barnett, and Blake Robinson. All

three received minimal playing time last season.

Returning to lead the offense from behind center is junior Blake Stacy, who Lawson said is “getting better running the offense.” As a sophomore, Stacy passed for just under 900 yards and added 15 TDs through the air.

Protecting Stacy will be Chris Bishop and Mark Hamlin, who have the most experience of any returning lineman. Past Bishop and Hamlin, the Lions will field a very young and inexperienced line.

MarcusWatson will take charge of the defense at linebacker, while Daniel Simmons looks for playing time at defensive back.

Biggersville’s biggest obstacle to claiming a playoff spot this upcoming season will be depth.

Thus, multiple players will see playing time on both sides of the ball.

“We don’t have very much depth anywhere at all,” Lawson said. “We’re gonna have to be in shape and they’re gonna be on the field constantly.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

Alcorn Central 7:30 OPEN at Union County 7:30 Houlka* 7:30 at TCPS* 7:30 Thrasher* 7:30 at Falkner* 7:30 Smithville* 7:00 at Vardaman* 7:00 OPEN at Coldwater* 7:00 at H.W. Byers* 7:00 *–Division 1-1A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Biggersville junior quarterback Blake Stacy has been pushed in practice by up-and-coming Marshall Cook.

“That’s helped (Stacy) a lot this spring and summer with the competition,” head coach Ronnie Lawson said. ... The Lions won their first five games and were a perfect 4-0 in non-division games last season. However, a 1-5 finish left Biggersville for the second year in a row with a record of 2-5 inside Division 1-1A.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Blue Devils will be counting on defense

Booneville

The O-line should be pretty solid in front of whoever plays QB for the Devils. MHSAA All-Division 1-3A left tackle Ross Smith (6-6, 286) returns, as does guard Kurt Volking (6-2, 185).

On special teams, kicker and punter Tyler White also returns.

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Defense. Defense. Defense.

Mike Mattox and Co. will be relying upon their defense until their offense gets going.

“Defensively, we were pleased in the spring,” said Mattox, a longtime Booneville High assistant who is entering his second season at the helm. “And our defense will have to carry us until our offense comes around.

“We got so much inexperience on offense.”

The Blue Devils’ D looks pretty good on paper. Leading tackler Jordan Miller will man the middle of the field at his linebacker spot while nose guard Casey Farris will control the line of scrimmage.

In the secondary, there’s speed and size in Tracy Billups (6-0, 160).

“We’re not going to be very big,” Mattox said about his team’s overall defense, “but we’ll get to the ball pretty well.”

The offense, on the other hand, could very well be a work in

Mattox

Blue Devils fast facts

Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 5-6, 4-1 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Mike Mattox (2nd year) Starters back: 2 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch NG Casey Farris, Sr. Recorded 64 tackles (12 for a loss) and 4 sacks in 2010.

MLB Jordan Miller, Jr. Led the Blue Devils in tackles with 110 last year.

RB Xzavier Rogers, Jr. Rushed for 831 yards and 13 TDs last season.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Booneville’s Jordan Miller led the Blue Devils with 110 tackles.

progress. The Blue Devils had two quarterbacks – Dylan Henley and A.J. Grizzard – battling for a starting role at the beginning of camp.

“Right now, Henley’s got the edge on A.J. a little bit,” Mattox said during the first week of camp.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 at Walnut 7:30 Aug. 25 Baldwyn 7:30 Sept. 2 at Corinth 7:30 Sept. 9 at Saltillo 7:30 Sept. 16 Tishomingo County 7:30 Sept. 23 OPEN Sept. 30 at Alcorn Central* 7:30 Oct. 7 Kossuth* 7:30 STAY HEALTHY 7:00 But with only 39 varsity players Oct. 14 Holly Springs* 7:00 at the start of camp, any injury Oct. 21 at Ripley* 7:00 could drastically limit the success Oct. 28 Belmont* *–Division 1-3A game of the Blue Devils this season.

“We can’t afford any (injuries),” SCOUTING REPORT Mattox said. “We’ll probably bring some ninth-graders up just The Blue Devils didn’t play a jamboree game last week in advance for depth purposes, but we don’t of their opener at Walnut. ... Long have the luxury of having 70 to 75 snapper Boone Tollison could miss kids out here.” the first couple of games due to The Blue Devils may especially three fractures in his left foot. ... be thin at running back, with WR/DB Tre Welch, a Class 3A AllXzavier “Nupie” Rogers being the State selection, graduated in May, one returning back with true exas did Division 1-3A Offensive perience.

Player of the Year, Brendon Pan“I feel like I got stronger during nell. ... The Devils definitely put in the course of the summer,” said their time in the weight room as the 5-foot-3, 124-pound ball carcoach Mike Mattox has led the rier who doubles as a state powschool’s powerlifting program the erlifting champion. “Even if I’m past five years. not, I will have to be.”

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12

Bruce

DAILY JOURNAL

Trojans fast facts Division: 1-2A 2010 record: 4-8, 2-3 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: James Ray (6th year) Starters back: 10 offense, 9 defense

Players to watch WR/DB Shaq Bush, Jr. Team’s leading receiver in 2010.

RB/LB Ted Esom, Sr. Very physical, fast; two-year starter.

OT/DT Wiley Maddox, Sr. Three-year starter with tremendous intelligence and toughness.

Calhoun Academy

‘With the added strength and an extra year of maturity, they’re getting better every week.’

Gerry Winters

Interim head coach

|

13

Veteran Trojans aim for breakout season

BY JOHN WILBERT

Ray

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Is this year Bruce’s turn to make it to the MHSAA Class 2A state championship game?

Last year, the Trojans’ top rival, Calhoun City, made it to the title game with a veteran-filled team.

This season, the Trojans have 19 starters back on both sides of the ball and seem poised to have a breakout year.

“I hope so,” said Trojans head coach James Ray. “That’s what we’re counting on right now.

“We got nothing but juniors and seniors on the field. We do have one sophomore on the field for us (in Donta Armstrong), but he’s pretty good.

“We have experienced veterans on the field and it’s shown in practice. We’ve just been finetuning our game and not just teaching them how to play the game. It’s back to the old ways.”

And just like the good ol’ days of stud running back Richard Freelon – OK, it’s only been three years since he last suited up for

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Zay Armstrong is expected to get the bulk of the carries for Bruce this season.

Bruce – Ray says his club is still a run-oriented one.

“We’re still a run-first type of team,” said Ray, entering his sixth season at the helm. “But since I’ve been here, we’ve now been throwing the ball and

catching it better than we’ve ever done it.

“We’ll be the most balanced on offense since I’ve been here.

When Richard Freelon was there, we were run first and run early.”

Getting a bulk of the carries this year will be Zay Armstrong, Demetrius Evans and converted tight end Ted Esom. Yes, you read that last part correctly.

“He was a tight end last year,” Ray said of his 6-foot, 200-pound player who was an All-State linebacker in 2010. “He’s gotten so much faster that we decided to move him to the backfield.

“He still has some learning to do, but by Week 2 or 3 he’ll have really learned the position.”

Handing off to those guys will be two-year starter Davis Brown, who is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior.

“We’re expecting big things out of him,” Ray said.

And you can expect Brown to be throwing to big targets Jarvis Tillman (6-4, 200) and Rashad Turner (6-3, 170).

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Mound Bayou JFK 7:30 at Vardaman 7:30 Coffeeville 7:30 Water Valley 7:30 at Ackerman 7:30 Houston 7:30 at Walnut* 7:30 Hatley* 7:00 at Baldwyn* 7:00 at Okolona* 7:00 Calhoun City* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Expect Donta Armstrong, the backup QB, to be in the Wildcat formation from time to time. ... With tremendous height and leaping ability at receiver, Ray says his team “should be able to throw it whenever we want to.” ... Exceptional basketball player Jarvis Tillman, a WR, has gotten faster. “He’s a 4.6 (40-yard dash) guy,” says Ray. “Last year he was just feeling his way around. It was his first year to play football. I don’t think he was that fast last year. He put in the time in the weight room and got faster.”

Young Cougars growing up together

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

This marks the third season of 8man football at Calhoun Academy.

While the Cougars have only claimed two wins in their first two seasons, this fall could be a different story.

A team full of sophomores and juniors returns six starters on both sides of the ball with hopes of competing this year in Division 1 of the MAIS’s 8-man class.

“They’ve learned a lot more fundamentals, which is all they lacked last year,” said Gerry Winters, who will serve as interim coach while head coach SonnyWright recovers from heart surgery. “We’ve worked hard on the weights and increasing quickness.

“With the added strength and an extra year of maturity, they’re getting better every week.”

Lone senior Storm Laster will anchor what Winters says is the most important side of the ball in the 8-man game – defense.

“You have to be more alert because the end man on the line can

Cougars fast facts Division: MAIS 8-Man Division 1 2010 record: 2-8, 0-6 division Coach: Sonny Wright (2nd year) Starters back: 6 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch RB/DB Danny Joe Norman, Jr. Dual threat with QB Hunter Harmon in the backfield.

TE/DE Corey Bagget, Jr. Will play a key role on both sides of the ball.

RB/DE Kyle Carter, Jr. Defensive leader who will take aim at the opposing quarterback. go out and catch a pass,” saidWinters. “We have to teach the kids to pay attention to who’s lined up where.”

Laster will be one of the team’s leaders and will be the linebacker.

Winters also spoke highly of nose guard Kelby Fleming.

“He has tremendous upper body strength and can control the A-gap,” said Winters, who is also

the basketball and track coach at Calhoun Academy.

Fleming’s ability will free up defensive ends Corey Bagget and Kyle Carter to attack the ball.

Offensively, the backfield duo of quarterback Hunter Harmon and running back Danny Joe Norman return for another season. The Cougars do not have a true backup quarterback this year, so Harmon will have “a lot more on his shoulders.”

“He’s gotten stronger in the offseason and his feet work is so much better he’s a step quicker,” Winters said of his junior quarterback.

Receivers Sam Moore and J.T. Washington, both sophomores, provide a threat with their speed and both have decent hands.

Sophomore guard Cameron Bryant and center Rhett McCormick excite Winters with their blocking abilities on the offensive line.

“I’m smiling because we’ve got them two more years,” Winters said. “They help us a pretty good bit.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21

SCHEDULE

Sharkey Issaquena 7:30 at Central Academy* 7:30 at Marvell Ark.* 7:30 Kemper Academy* 7:30 at Calvary Christian* 7:30 North Sunflower* 7:30 Delta Academy* 7:30 at Briarfield (La.) 7:30 OPEN Russell Christian* 7:30 *–MAIS A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Interim coach Gerry Winters gave no timetable for the return of head coach Sonny Wright. “You and I both know it’s going to take a while,” Winters said. … Starting nose guard Kelby Fleming, a junior, can bench press 360 lbs. …

Defending MAIS 8-Man champion Kemper Academy visits Pittsboro on September 9th.

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Wildcats will look for success in trenches

Calhoun City

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Calhoun City may have lost its starting quarterback, running back and wide receivers from last year’s state runner-up squad, but it didn’t lose any of its massive linemen. In fact, four defensive linemen who were starters in 2010, including 6-foot, 330Liles pound KarDevin Thomas, return for the ’11 campaign.

Wildcats fast facts While much of the spotlight has Division: 1-2A been on these big guys who go 2010 record: 15-1, 5-0 division, both ways – Tabarrius Coffey, reached state championship game Rokedrick Mays and Raheem Coach: Perry Liles (3rd year) Roberson – you can’t forget about Starters back: 6 offense, 6 defense offensive tackle Toney Armstrong, a key player who also factors in at the defensive end position.

Players to watch All that talent in the trenches is OT/DT Tabarrius Coffey, Sr. why you can expect another sucDivision I talent; exceptional basket- cessful season for the Wildcats. ball player.

“Those guys can run,” Perry OG/DT Rokedrick Mays, Sr. Liles said about his linemen.

Averaged 3.6 tackles per game in “They’re big but they can move.We 2010. should be pretty solid on the lines.”

OG/DE/K Raheem Roberson, Sr. While it’s going to be next to Talented athlete; has lost nearly 20 impossible for the Wildcats this pounds since last season. season to duplicate all of the

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Calhoun City’s Tabarrius Coffey is considered a solid Division I prospect for the Wildcats. yards 2010 Daily Journal Top 10 selection J.R. Jennings accounted for (2,997 passing, 380 rushing) from the quarterback position, they should be able to receive plenty of production from either Tae Lawrence or Trey Brownlee.

“They are two varsity guys we feel really comfortable with,” Liles said. “They’re not very tall, but they’re good.”

At the beginning of camp, Liles said he would have to give

Lawrence a slight nod over Brownlee as the starter.

“He could still be a running back, but he broke his ankle as a sophomore and that seemed to slow him down a little bit,” the Calhoun City coach said about Lawrence, who, as a linebacker last year, served as the “quarterback of the defense,” calling plays and lining teammates up.

Speaking of running backs, sophomores Lavarious Varnado and Cartin McBride are expected to get the majority of the carries.

The starting receivers are Tavion Primer and Jase Chandler.

While the defensive line features some familiar names, the defensive secondary of the Wildcats will include some new faces.

With Lawrence and Patrick Crowley as the outside backers, Cyle Havens, a junior, will be the team’s new middle linebacker.

There will be two new starting cornerbacks in Rainer Nichols and Tim Jones.

Octavius McKinney, a transfer from Vardaman, and Primer will man the safety spots.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Coffeeville 7:30 Houston 7:30 at Water Valley 7:30 Velma Jackson 7:30 Eupora 7:30 at Amory 7:30 at Baldwyn* 7:30 Walnut* 7:00 Okolona* 7:00 at Hatley* 7:00 at Bruce* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Octavius McKinney, who moved from Vardaman after last season, practiced with the Wildcats in the spring. “He’s a good, solid player,” said Wildcats coach Perry Liles.

“He played safety for them (the Rams) as well.” ... Raheem Roberson is one of Calhoun City’s best baseball players, and he also competes in powerlifting. ... Liles expects Tabarrius Coffey to be a pretty good college player. ... RB Avery Hill is no longer on the Calhoun City team.

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14

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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New division, but familiar foes for Warriors

Corinth

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Even though Corinth will be in a new division this year, its opponents are not unfamiliar.

“We’ve played everybody in our division before,” Warriors head coach Jimmy Mitchell said about going from MHSAA’s Division 1-3A to Division 1-4A. Even with a level of familiarity with its new division, theWarriors could be in a rude awakening when they take on the likes of Itawamba AHS, Shannon and Pontotoc with a sophomoreladen team.

“We’ve got a few seniors this year,” said Mitchell, who’s entering his 14th season at Corinth.

“But most of them are going to be sophomores again.

“We had several freshmen playing last year. On the defensive front, we’ll have only one senior (defensive tackle Barry Clark).”

But the one thing that holds true about the Warriors program year after year is that it gets talented players to suit up. While

Mitchell

Wildcats fast facts

Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 4-7, 3-2 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Jimmy Mitchell (14th year) Starters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch QB/S Lew Johnson, Sr. Good all-around player who can run well.

RB/WR/LB Deione Weeks, Sr. Playmaker on both sides of the ball.

RB/LB Kendrick Williams, So. Good speed, good power and good strength.

quarterback Lew Johnson may not be a Parks Frazier type, Johnson proved last year to be an effective handler of the offense.

“I think we can be more confident with what we’re doing,” Mitchell said about the offense under Johnson’s direction. “He took a real beating last year because we were inexperienced.

“A lot of things need to get better, though. We did get better at the end of the season and played well at times last year, but at other times we didn’t.”

GOOD HANDS

With Johnson’s experience, Mitchell firmly believes that his QB can make good decisions with the football.

“He can throw it adequately and he runs it well,” Mitchell said.

“But as an old high school football coach, I may want to tell him that I’d rather see it in his hands than in the air.”

Another offensive weapon is running back Kendrick Williams.

“He’s a good athlete,” said Mitchell. “Right now he is pretty

raw since he’s only a sophomore.

Although, he really got stronger this summer in the weight room.”

One playmaker on defense the past couple of seasons won’t be returning this season. Trevor Toomer, who’s had a stranglehold on Division 1-3A’s defensive player of the year honors, graduated and therefore won’t be making plays from his middle linebacker spot.

So this year’s linebacker corps in a 5-3 defense looks like this: Kyoshi Agnew, Weeks and Williams, with either Agnew or Williams playing on the inside.

Even though they are moving up a classification, Mitchell and Co. are more than likely grateful for the fact that they will be facing familiar opponents, especially when considering the challenge of trying to prepare its relatively new secondary for an opponent’s offense.

Other than Johnson, who will play safety, the Warriors will have to find two more players to step up and take on regular roles in the secondary, says Mitchell.

JuJu & Crista’s

Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Kossuth 7:30 Booneville 7:30 at Bolivar, Tenn.

7:30 New Albany 7:30 Alcorn Central 7:30 at Itawamba AHS* 7:30 Amory* 7:00 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00 at Pontotoc* 7:00 Shannon* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Lew Johnson is also a pretty good baseball player. ... Even with a young team last year, the Warriors hung tough with a senior-laden, exceptionally-talented New Albany team, being the only team to lose by a touchdown to the Bulldogs during the Bulldogs’ undefeated regular season. ... The Warriors had strong competition in training camp for regular playing time in the secondary. ... All-State kicker Jordan Parker graduated, and replacing him will be 2009-10 Daily Journal Soccer Player of the Year John Mathis.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Wolverines rebuilding team, school

East Webster

BY DAVID WHEELER DAILY JOURNAL

“For the kids, it’s just business as usual.”

Easy enough for first-year East Webster head coach DougWilson to say. In fact, “easy” is probably not a word used much currently for several schools throughout Wilson the South after April 27.

That is the day numerous torWolverines fast facts nadoes touched down throughDivision: 2-2A out southern states, including 2010 record: 13-1, 5-0 division, one that damaged the East Webreached playoff quarterfinals ster campus.

Coach: Doug Wilson (1st year) The old Wood Junior College Starters back: 2 offense, 2 defense campus in nearby Mathiston is still being converted into a usable site for classes.Wilson is conductPlayers to watch ing practices there also, while at DE/LB Brennan Sparks, Sr. the same time, trying to help get Had 85 total tackles on defense last EastWebster’s football field at the season. damaged school in Cumberland S/WR Darrius Dear, Sr. ready for the 2011 season.

Injured as a sophomore, sat out as a Those are certainly not items junior, might be best athlete on the on the normal to-do list for a field as a senior. first-year head coach, but one NG Charles Guyton, Sr. that Wilson is coping with.

Amassed 70 total tackles in 2010, “We’ve tried to keep it as norwith two sacks. mal as possible for the team,” said

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

East Webster’s Brennon Sparks is one of just four returning starters for the Wolverines.

Wilson, a 10-year assistant at East Webster. “The kids have probably adjusted better than I did.

“Everyone has been so busy, you didn’t have time to cope. But everyone has rolled up their sleeves.”

Wilson was going to have a tough enough time just on the field, with only two starters returning on both offense and defense from last season’s 13-1 squad that went undefeated in Division 2-2A play.

A trio of seniors perhaps give the edge to the Wolverines’ defense in Wilson’s eyes – end/linebacker Brennan Sparks, safety Darrius Dear and nose guard Charles Guyton.Wilson also likes the junior class, with linebackers Thomas Brooks and Austin Cunningham, and end Jake Willams expected to help.

Offensively, Wilson has to find a quarterback, and junior Cody McKee seems to have the edge over sophomore McKinnely Hollinhead and freshman Braden Harrison. Steadying the offensive line should be returning starters, sophomore Colby Williamson and junior Charles Mosely.

Freshmen could populate the offensive backfield with Marquez Reives and DeAngelo Liggins seeing action, as well as Cody Silver.

Dear could provide balance at wide receiver.

“We are rebuilding in more ways than one,” said Wilson, whose team will get to officially return to their home campus Aug. 19 for a home opener againstVardaman.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Vardaman 7:30 Okolona 7:30 at Weir 7:30 at Caledonia 7:30 at Walnut 7:30 St. Andrews 7:30 Ackerman* 7:30 at J.Z. George* 7:00 at Williams-Sullivan* 7:00 Hamilton* 7:00 at Eupora* 7:00 *–Division 2-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The Wolverines are certainly in a rebuilding mode, returning a total of just four starters on both side of the football. ... Also, first-year head coach Doug Wilson must contend with the post-tornado situation of classes being moved from Mathiston to Cumberland, and getting a damaged football complex ready. ... Inexperience could plague the East Webster offense, but Wilson might have enough weapons on defense to keep the Wolverines in the playoff hunt.

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16

Falkner

SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Eagles fast facts

Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 4-6, 3-4 division Coach: Ben Ashley (1st year) Starters back: 5 offense, 8 defense

Players to watch QB Kendrick Williams Rushed for 382 yards and 3 TDs as a junior; may be ready for a breakout season.

FB Hunter Hopkins Along with Williams, he’ll be looked to for carries and leadership.

OL/DL Clay McCoy The 6-foot-1, 250-pound Class 1A shot put champion will form a formidable front along with fellow senior Billy Rainer.

Hamilton

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17

Eagles eager to pound away on foes

BY KEDRICK STOREY

Ashley

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Ben Ashley would love the luxury of running the spread offense with athletes all over the field. But since he can’t, he’s right at home with the alternative – a physical running game and a stout defense.

The self-proclaimed “defensive guy” believes a win is a win, even if it’s not pretty.

“I don’t have a problem winning 7-6 every night. I’m not a fancy, flashy guy,” Ashley, who begins his first season at Falkner.

Ashley has 13 years of coaching experience, with stops in Eupora, Amory, Aberdeen, South Panola and most recently Pontotoc, where he served as defensive coordinator for two seasons.

In his second stint as a head coach (5-4 at Rebul Academy in 2002), Ashley expects the Eagles to compete right off the bat. He’ll start with an I-formation offense built around senior quarterback Kendrick Williams and senior fullback Hunter Hopkins.

KEDRICK STOREY/SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Falkner QB Kendrick Williams may be ready for a breakout season for the Eagles.

Williams, the returning leading rusher, rushed for 382 yards as a junior. Touches for both him and Hopkins were limited with twotime MHSAA Division 1-1A Player of the Year Will Robertson rushing 219 times.

They combined for 541 yards and four touchdowns, but with Robertson out of the picture, Ashley hopes to get much more from

his senior duo.

“Kendrick has a chance to be a good high school quarterback and Hunter is just a tough 190pound kid. Because of they way I think those two guys can play, that’s were we will start, ” said Ashley, who also plans to get tailback production from sophomore Tray Woody and freshman Jeremy Lawrence.

Ashley is concerned with the lack of overall team speed and will combat the situation with a senior offensive and defensive front led by Clay McCoy and Billy Rainer. Ashley believes the Eagles can find early success and be in the mix for a playoff berth if they can stop the run, avoid the big play, and control the clock.

“On the line of scrimmage I have two seniors in Clay and Billy that I feel good about. They just look like football players.” said Ashley. “I think with those two, we can grind on people. We have to be physical and run the football – try to control the game.

“If you keep pounding people, at some point they get tired of it.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

at Middleton, Tenn. 7:30 Walnut 7:30 OPEN at Vardaman* 7:30 OPEN at Coldwater* 7:30 Biggersville* 7:30 at Houlka* 7:00 TCPS* 7:00 at Thrasher* 7:00 H.W. Byers* 7:00 at Smithville *7:00 *–Division 1-1A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The Eagles will rely on a physical running game and strong defense. ... Nothing too fancy about the Eagles’ O this year – look for a lot of plays out of the I. ... QB Kendrick Williams is a talented athlete (lettered in football and basketball). ...

Do-it-all Will Robertson standout graduated in May.

Lions on the cusp of something good

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

The potential is there. Not many people know it and that’s exactly how Hamilton coach Ray Weeks wants it.

With 15 starters back, eight of them on offense, Hamilton is Weeks and Welch hoping to reverse a trend that has haunted it for two seasons and Lions fast facts turn past mistakes into wins.

Division: 2-2A “We’ve been working on it all 2010 record: 5-6, 2-3 division summer, talking about finishing,” Coach: Ray Weeks (8th year) Hamilton coach Ray Weeks said.

Starters back: 8 offense, 7 defense “Whether it’s finishing the last rep in the weight room or finishing the last sprint, we’ve been harping Players to watch on ‘we’ve got to learn to finish.”

QB Zarrat Sims, Sr. ‘They know they were a couple More of a runner than a passer but of plays away from having a good has a backfield duo ready to take year last year. I really don’t have the ball from him. to remind them.’

FS Austin Welch, Sr. Weeks says this team reminds Welch is a big target as a receiver him of his second season here, a and a big body as a safety. Will be playoff team that went 7-3.

QB on many throwing downs.

“The togetherness of them, the RB Cojuante McMillian, Sr. enthusiasm for the game,’ he said McMillian and backfield buddy Deion of the 2011 group. ‘They have fun Howard, a junior, both have 1,000- at practice. They know what’s at yard potential. stake, that we’ve got a chance to

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

Hamilton running back Cojuante McMillian could have a huge season for the Lions. do something this year at Hamilton. But like everywhere else, you’ve got to get some breaks and stay healthy.”

It’s by no means a jab at any of the past seven years’ teams but as a combined group, this group has the most tools to make a run at a division title.

“We’ve just got so much expe-

rience on the field, more than we’ve ever had,” Weeks said.

Even the non-starters returning have extensive playing time.

Depth is always a concern at smaller school and it is for the Lions, though there is depth to speak of.

The Lions used a lot of twoquarterback situations last season with Zarrat Sims and Austin Welch. Sims is more of a running threat and has been named the starter.

Both have their advantages but Welch may be more of a threat at wide receiver and free safety. He will be under enter on certain downs though.

A third quarterback, Q. Heard, Sims’ brother, may even see time at quarterback.

Weeks is banking on the added experience and maturity to help the 2011 team with finishing.

The Lions watched a momentum-swinging kickoff return against them at Smithville last season, the same game they got inside the 5-yard line five times and failed to score.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Smithville 7:30 Houlka 7:30 at Kossuth 7:30 at Hatley 7:30 at Houston 7:30 Walnut 7:30 Williams-Sullivan* 7:30 Eupora* 7:00 at J.Z. George* 7:00 at East Webster* 7:00 Ackerman* 7:00 *–Division 2-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Hamilton was as good as anyone in the division last season, between the 20s. Goal line problems plagued the team. ... Division 2-2A traded West Lowndes for Williams Sullivan, Hamilton’s homecoming game on Sept. 30. ... The Lions pretty much has a two QB system last season with Zarrat Sims and Austin Welch. Welch will spend more focus at strong safety this season. ... Momentum can go in very different directions depending on how the opener against Monroe County rival Smithville goes on opening night.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Hatley

Fun-and-run Tigers hoping to add air attack

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

Hatley is looking for some air.

The Tigers have established the fact that they can run. Now after two five-win seasons have pumped life back into the program, thirdyear coach SamWilson is hoping to keep it going and add a passing Wilson game.

“We didn’t throw it well last year Tigers fast facts and finally just quit trying,” Wilson Division: 1-2A said. “We want to be more bal2010 record: 5-6, 0-5 division anced and I think we can be. We’re Coach: Sam Wilson (3rd year) not going to be a fun-and-gun team Starters back: 4 offense, 8 defense but I think we can throw enough to back people up.”

A quarterback battle will be dePlayers to watch cided between Caleb Walters and FB/OLB Jared Thompson, Sr. Austin McHenry and John Tubbs Maybe Hatley’s strongest and fastest will be a key if a passing game happlayer, he needs to stay healthy pens, a sure-handed receiver with OL Alex Tubbs, Sr. tackle-breaking ability.

Tubbs is a three-year starter on the Walters and McHenry also team line and at 6-2, 250 pounds is one up to handle what Wilson expects of the Tigers’ biggest players. to be a solid special teams group.

HB/CB Tyler Edwards, Sr. Walters is consistent with the kickEdwards was team’s most durable ing duties and McHenry will again back last season, running for more be the return guy. than 1,100 yards with 12 TDs. The biggest challenge on offense

Holly Springs

is replacing hard-running fullback Codi Taylor and his 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Hatley will be Smithville’s first home opponent since the April 27 tornado, along the more serious damage, destroyed the football facilities.

With the field back in order, the Tigers are walking into an emotional opponent, as if this rivalry needed any more fire.

Hatley has won one game against Smithville since 1987.

“We certainly feel for the people who lost homes and things like that but once you tee it up, that stuff has to go away,” Wilson said.

“It’s a football game.”

Outside the quarterback competition, the majority of the other spots are set, minus a few skill positions still to be determined.

Jared Thompson will be the new starter at fullback if he can get past a hamstring problem. Tyler Edwards brings back more than 1,100 BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNAL yards and 12 TDs as a halfback.

Depth is an even bigger concern Tyler Edwards rushed for this season and the Tigers are at more than 1,100 yards and scored 12 TDs last season. their thinnest on the line.

DAILY JOURNAL

Hawks fast facts Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 1-9, 0-5 division Coach: Marcus Autry (2nd year) Starters back: 4 offense, 7 defense

Players to watch RB/DB Eric Hardin, Sr. Second leading rusher from 2010; also started at safety.

QB/DB Jaren King, Sr. Backup at QB last year; started at CB and played some OLB. RB/DB Peter Thigpen, Sr. Talented, quick safety.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Union County 7:30 at Smithville 7:30 Mooreville 7:30 Hamilton 7:30 at Alcorn Central 7:30 Mantachie 7:30 Okolona* 7:30 at Bruce* 7:00 Walnut* 7:00 Calhoun City* 7:00 at Baldwyn* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Entering his third year as head coach at Hatley, Sam Wilson has led the resurgence of a team that went from 1-19 the two previous years to 10-12 the last two. ... Tigers weren’t scheduled to play a Classic game on Aug. 19 until Union County called. It’s a two-year series, both at Hatley. ... Depth is an issue again for Hatley. One injury means playing time for freshmen. ... Hatley’s last win against Monroe County rival Smithville came 17 years ago, 1994.

Hawks moving into rugged division

BY JOHN WILBERT

Autry

DAILY JOURNAL

If you’re Eric Hardin, Jaren King or Peter Thigpen, you better be in shape.

“Those three didn’t come off the field last year,” said Holly Springs head coach Marcus Autry, “and they won’t come off the field this year, either.”

And 2011 could very well be even more difficult on those three players’ bodies. The Hawks move into MHSAA’s Division 1-3A – an ultra-competitive division from top to bottom – after playing previously in Division 3-3A. “A lot of tradition,” Autry, a former Pontotoc High player, said about Division 1-3A. “Those guys are going to be bigger and faster than some of the teams we played last year in our division.

“We’re excited about playing over there. Holly Springs has once been in that division before.”

It’s year two of the Autry regime, so look for the Hawks to try to open up the offense a little bit more this season.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Holly Springs Peter Thigpen is expected to play on both sides of the football for the Hawks.

“We’re going to try to,” said the Hawks head coach. “We’ve always had speed and great athletes. We just need to get the strength program up and running at full speed and be able to train hard. The program is up and running, and we’ve seen increases in our testing.”

Offseason training and conditioning will ever be so important when you’re facing teams in your division that have played for several state championships, a la Booneville, or are coming off a recent state semifinals appearance (Belmont).

While the Hawks may struggle on the lines, they got plenty of skill people that most teams would love to have. Jaren King, last year’s backup to Brandon McKinney at quarterback, happened to play wide receiver in 2010, scoring several touchdowns for the Hawks.

King will be leading the offense of a team that went just 1-9 a year ago.

“I just talked to somebody at Coldwater,” Autry said, “and they went 7-5 last year despite only having five people in the spring.

“We had 55 out in the spring, and we went into fall camp with 40 to 45 players. ... A key asset for us is that the kids are dedicated.

That’s a big plus coming off a 1-9 season and if you are going to be pretty good this year.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Coldwater 7:30 at Kennedy 7:30 OPEN Byhalia 7:30 at Coahoma AHS 7:30 Independence 7:30 at Ripley* 7:30 Alcorn Central* 7:00 at Booneville* 7:00 at Belmont* 7:00 Kossuth* 7:00 *–Division 1-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

With Corinth moving up to Class 4A, the Hawks were able to slide over to Division 1-3A. ... The Hawks’ new division may provide some role models for them to try to emulate. “We’re trying to build a structured program like the Ripleys and Boonevilles,” Autry said. ... Since Autry’s arrival, the program’s weight room has received some new equipment.

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18

Houlka

DAILY JOURNAL

Wildcats fast facts Division: 1-1A 2010 Record: 3-8 Head coach: Rob Allen Starters back: 7 offense; 9 defense

Players to watch RB R.J. Johnson, Jr. First 1,000-yard rusher in history of Houlka football last season.

OG/DT Devhan Fields, Jr. Being counted on as the anchor of the offensive line.

LB/WR Ondre Tittle, Sr. One of eight seniors on squad, who has started every season.

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19

Wildcats excited about first season in 1-1A

BY DAVID WHEELER

Allen

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

The Houlka Wildcats football team is about to do something new in the 2011 season – even for its brief history.

The Wildcats are eligible to challenge for a state playoff berth.

“The kids are real excited,” said Houlka head coach Rob Allen, who is entering his fourth season at the school. “This has actually made my job a bit easier.”

After three seasons as an independent when the traditional basketball school added football to its athletic program, Houlka will be joining Division 1-1A for the upcoming campaign.

But now, how will Houlka make the post-season? Allen feels that theWildcats’ defense has a leg up on the situation with the return of nine starters.

“I feel good about what our defense could be,” he said.

The Houlka front seven could be pretty solid with the return of six starters. The unit will be led by junior tackle Devhan Fields, sen-

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Houlka quarterback Mauricus Harris is back after starting every game under center last year. ior linebacker Ondre Tittle, and defensive ends James Buggs, a sophomore, and Jarvis Pulliam, a senior.

Seniors Donte Turner and James Buchanan should provide depth in the defensive backfield, and if senior linebacker Brandon Griffis recovers from a knee injury, the Wildcats could be mighty

stingy to opposing offenses.

Allen feels the Houlka offense, which has seven starters back, also has plenty of tools for such a young program.

Junior running back R. J. Johnson became Houlka’s first-ever 1,000-yard rusher last season, and will surely be counted on again.

“I think he did that against some brutal teams,” Allen said. “It was a breakout year, and we’re hoping he’s going to build on that this year.”

No less important for the Wildcats will be junior quarterback Mauricuis Harris, who started all of last season.

“He commands the huddle,” Allen said. “And he’s one of the most intelligent kids on the field.”

While Houlka gets to compete in 1-1A this season, as a new program, theWildcats still must contend with not having a home stadium yet. Ground has been selected, and some site work has begun, but Allen must load up buses every week, and has five Thursday home contests scheduled in Okolona this season.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 14 Oct. 20 Oct. 28 Nov. 3

SCHEDULE

at Okolona 7:30 at Hamilton 7:30 OPEN at Biggersville* 7:30 H.W. Byers%* 7:30 TCPS%* 7:30 at Thrasher* 7:30 Falkner%* 7:00 at Smithville* 7:00 Vardaman%* 7:00 OPEN Coldwater%* 7:00 *–Division 1-1A game % – Played at Okolona H.S.

SCOUTING REPORT

Houlka must answer the question of whether decent team speed will be enough in its first season of Region 1-1A play. ... Running back R. J. Johnson and quarterback Mauricus Harris give the Wildcats potent offensive weapons. ... Experience on defense could be a key in league play.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Houston

DAILY JOURNAL

Rodgers brings hard-nosed approach to ’Toppers

BY DAVID WHEELER DAILY JOURNAL

The learning curve can be very important to a first-year head coach. Count Houston’s Donnie Rodgers as a fan of his players learning potential.

“I’m little old-school, and little hard-nosed,” Rodgers said.

“These kids have bought in to Rodgers what we’re trying to do, and have really worked.

“The coaches have worked Hilltoppers fast facts hard since I’ve got here. I’ve had Division: 4-4A to tell them to go home some 2010 record: 2-9, 1-3 division nights.”

Head coach: Donnie Rodgers (1st That ability to absorb Xs and year) Os will be vitally important as the Starters back: 8 offense; 8 defense. Hilltoppers try to improve on last season’s 2-8 mark.

Experience could prove vital as Players to watch well for the defense, which reQB Sharonne Wright, Jr. turns eight starters, and should Suffered season-ending should injury feature the linebacking unit of midway through 2010. seniors Mike Randle and Taylor RB/LB Quon Brand, Jr. Stevens and juniors Quon Brand Recorded 57 total tackles last fall and Cody Kimbrough.

TB/WR Devoris Ivy, Sr. Seniors JoshWhite and Kantrell Averaged 9.95 yards per carry in Murry should provide a nice core limited action. for the defensive backfield, while

H.W. Byers

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at South Pontotoc 7:30 at Calhoun City 7:30 Okolona 7:30 at Ackerman 7:30 Hamilton 7:30 at Bruce 7:30 Louisville* 7:30 at Caledonia* 7:00 Noxubee County* 7:00 Leake Central* 7:00 at Kosciusko* 7:00 *–Division 4-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

How the Hilltoppers adjust to firstyear head coach Donnie Rodgers FLOYD INGRAM/CHICKASAW JOURNAL could be key. ... Eight starters QB Sharonne Wright is back from last year’s season-ending injury. back on both sides should give team an edge in experience. ...

The team is dedicating its season senior end Ladarius May will be a Brennan Pugh. to Ellyse Mobly, a respected key cog on the line.

Senior Danny Springer is a cheerleader who lost her life in an The Hilltoppers offense suf- stout tight end, but could be a automobile accident Aug. 1. fered when a mid-season injury factor at tackle eventually. sidelined quarterback Sharonne “We’ve got some good skill Wright, but the junior is healthy people,” Rodgers said. “We want and back for another go. Brand to try to run the football, and we’ll and senior Devoris Ivy pose some throw when we have, and we threat from the offensive back- want to be able to throw the ball field, along with wide receiver effectively.”

Lions begin their first season in division play

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Welcome to MHSAA’s Division 1-1A, H.W. Byers.

In its first full season of varsity ball, the Lions will play in one of the toughest – if not the toughest – divisions in all of Class 1A. A program that began four years ago as a junior high program will Kimbrough soon be facing the likes of Smithville and Vardaman.

Lions fast facts “We’ve played some tough teams before,” said Lions head Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 2-6, 2-2 in North Miss. coach James Kimbrough. “We played Okolona and Holly Springs Independent Conference.

Coach: James Kimbrough (4th year) to get us ready for division play.

“That’s why I’m not worried Starters back: 9 offense, 8 defense about our schedule (this season), because we had made our schedPlayers to watch ule really tough to get us ready for FB Dominic Jones, Jr. this. ... You know when you want A power back who led team in TDs in to get in a division, you gotta 2010. make sacrifices or you won’t be RB/S/LB Trelorenz Stephens, Jr. ready for division games.”

Quick to the edge; versatile enough With defensive tackle Tevin to play wideout.

Moore being the lone senior, the TE/DE Ronnie Dennis, So. Lions could very well take their Led team in catches, sacks and share of lumps this year. forced fumbles last year.

The defensive side of the ball

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

H.W. Byers Trelorenz Stephens carries the football for the Lions.

may be where the majority of the oldest standing members of the Lions reside. Xavier Gorman, a junior, will line up at nose guard, and he’ll be joined on the D-line by tackles Jhereunt Yarbrough and Moore. Ronnie Dennis and Melvin Harris will be part of a “defensive end committee.”

“We’ll kind of switch them out,” Kimbrough said of his defensive ends. “They’re kind of little, small kids that we’ll run in and out.”

The backers will be junior Courtney Fitchpatrick in the

middle and fellow classmates Djuan Delaine and Dominic Jones on the outside.

The secondary will consist of Germaine Glass, Trelorenz Stephens, Quantario Stigger and Marquis Moore.

While the defense may have a few upperclassmen, the offense will be young at a key spot: quarterback. Chance Lykens is slated to be the starter, with Anthony Rubin as the backup.

“We were young. We plan on opening things up a lot more this year,” Kimbrough said about his team’s evolving offense. “We’re just young at the quarterback position, though. We got two sophomore quarterbacks.

“But we can do a lot more now, especially from what we’ve see in the spring and summer.

We can do a lot more because our quarterback position got a lot better.”

The O-line will be led by Gorman at center, Dalton Pritchard and Harris at the guard positions, and Yarbrough and Tevin Moore as the tackles.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 27 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

at Potts Camp 7:30 at Strayhorn 7:30 Smithville* 7:30 OPEN at Houlka%* 7:30 p.m.

Vardaman* 7:30 p.m. at TCPS* 7:30 OPEN at Thrasher 7:00 Coldwater* 7:00 at Falkner* 7:00 Biggersville* 7:00 *–Division 1-1A game % – Played at Okolona H.S.

SCOUTING REPORT

Trelorenz Stephens, a slasher-type running back, will split carries with FB Dominic Jones, who’ll pound the rock up in there and has also got pretty good speed. Stephens, says his head coach James Kimbrough, can play just about any position. ... 2010 was really the first season of competitive football at the high school level for the Lions. ... Kimbrough is a firm believer in the need for a five-man defensive front in a gap-control defense.

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20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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21

Indians searching for new quarterback

Itawamba AHS

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Collums

Indians fast facts Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 6-6, 3-2, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Toby Collums (1st year) Starters back: 7 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch WR/DB Austin Shumpert, Sr. Good athlete who was a 2009 AllArea selection.

QB/DB Shante Rogers, Sr. Saw some time at QB last season.

OT Kody Gray, Sr. Will anchor the O-line at 6-0, 265.

Whoever steps into the role of starting quarterback has big shoes to fill.

With 6-foot-3, 235-pound Maikhail Miller having graduated and taken his talents to Ole Miss, the Indians will be looking for someone else to assume that role for the first time in four years.

Tyler Dossett and Shante Rogers spent all of camp competing for the starting job. Dossett’s a junior, Rogers’ a senior.

“If one of them doesn’t play quarterback, then he’s going to play receiver,” said first-year head coach Toby Collums, “because they’re both good receivers.

“Dossett’s got a little quicker feet, but Shante’s sneaky fast.

He’ll kind of slip up on ya.”

So, are there any other significant differences between the two QBs? “I think that’s the difference between them right now: Shante’s got a little bit more game experience; Dossett’s learning the sys-

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Tyler Dossett is in a battle with Shante Rogers to be starting quarterback for Itawamba. tem and learning the position.”

Collums was reluctant to name a starter during camp. He, however, was willing to accept any insight or input on who should be the team’s starting running back.

“If you got any suggestions or insight, I’ll take it,” Collums

joked. “We’re searching.”

Although he’s a little guy – he’s probably 5-10, 150 pounds soaking wet, says Collums – sophomore Mike King ran over a defender during a recent practice.

“He’s got a chance,” Collums said about King starting in the backfield.

Blocking for whoever’s in the backfield are Kody Gray and Desmond Johnson at the tackle position, Cody Crane and Preston Cross as the guards, and the center will be Ethan Orr. Orr’s brother, Houston, will play at tight end. Meanwhile, senior P.J. Head will play tight end and some at linebacker.

Joining Head on an everchanging defense will be fellow backers Reggie White and Charles Moore.

“We’re trying to be able to make adjustments and give a bunch of different looks without changing terminology,” Collums said about having his players get accustomed to changes in their defensive system.

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Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Saltillo 7:30 New Albany 7:30 at Nettleton 7:30 OPEN Senatobia 7:30 at Okolona 7:30 Corinth* 7:30 at Shannon* 7:00 Pontotoc* 7:00 Amory* 7:00 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Head coach Toby Collums said several players didn’t miss a workout all summer, meaning they showed up somewhere between 35-40 times at the IAHS facilities. “They were here every day,” Collums said. “So they went through a weight session and a conditioning session each time.” ... Collums was pleased with his team’s defensive front in a jamboree game vs. Ripley. ... Collums expects Shannon to once again be the bell cow of the division, with Pontotoc right behind them.

Good Luck IAHS Indians!

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Wishing All Teams a Safe & Prosperous Season!

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Kossuth

‘The leadership has been unbelievable. The seniors started in the spring and have carried it over.’

DAILY JOURNAL

Aggies’ offseason work pays dividends

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

When Brian Kelly returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach two seasons ago, his first observation was of the strength of his players.

“When I first arrived back here Brian Kelly our guys were so weak,” Kelly reminisced.

Head coach Kelly took it upon himself immediately to oversee the weight Aggies fast facts training program. Two years later, Division: 1-3A the first year head coach sees 2010 record: 5-7, 2-3 division, tremendous progress in his team. reached 1st round of playoffs.

“They bought into the system Coach: Brian Kelly (1st year) in the weight room and we’ve Starters back: 9 offense, 6 defense won some powerlifting championships,” said Kelly. “We’ve also changed up our offseason proPlayers to watch gram and had more competiQB Jay Vanderford, Sr. tions each week.”

Team’s leading playmaker, passed Progress from the offseason to for over 1,000 yards as a junior. the field has been evident. The LB/FB Tyler Pittman, Sr. Aggies jumped from one win in Offensive and defensive leader, Kelly’s first season to five wins in recorded 90 tackles last season.

2010 that included a trip to the TE David Gibson, Sr. Class 3A state playoffs.

Looks for an increasing offensive role With twenty seniors and a bulk during his senior year. of starters returning on both

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

Kossuth’s Tyler Pittman is an anchor on both offense and defense. sides of the ball, Kossuth looks to take the next step and compete for a division title.

“The leadership has been unbelievable,” said Kelly. “The seniors started in the spring and have carried it over.”

Kelly, who replaces Pete Seago as head coach, will continue to run the veer with returning quar-

terback Jay Vanderford leading the offense.

“We want to be a run oriented team. We’ve got to put the ball in our best playmakers hands,” Kelly said of his senior quarterback. “He’s gotta be heads up and we’ll let him make decisions.”

Vanderford has multiple weapons to go to from behind center, including wide receivers Heath Wood and Zack Cooper.

Wood led the Aggies with 25 receptions for just under 500 yards his junior season.

The running game will be anchored by Tyler Pittman, the team’s leading returning rusher, and Booneville transfer Denzel Miller.

Defensively, the Aggies must improve up front in what Kelly called a “weak point” from last season. An all-senior line-backing core will make up for a young secondary.

Pittman anchors the linebackers and was the team’s leading tackler in 2010. The rising senior recorded 17 tackles in Kossuth’s spring game against Ripley.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Baldwyn 7:30 Corinth 7:30 Hamilton 7:30 at Tishomingo Co. 7:30 OPEN Mooreville 7:30 Belmont* 7:30 at Booneville* 7:00 at Ripley* 7:00 Alcorn Central* 7:00 at Holly Springs* 7:00 *–Division 1-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

This is Brian Kelly’s first head coaching position. ... Before coming to Kossuth, Kelly was a long time assistant under Charlie Dampeer at Tishomingo County and Pontotoc. ... Kelly eyes his team’s two consecutive powerlifting division championships as evidence of their improved strength. ... The crucial issue for the Aggies defense: “We have to be able to swarm the ball,” said Kelly. “We must stop the running game.”

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22

Lafayette

DAILY JOURNAL

So you’re at a high school stadium wondering which Lafayette Commodore is Jeremy Liggins?

Well, you won’t have to wait very long to figure it out, because the player who is built like an Hart NFL linebacker will be handling his team’s offensive snaps and, Commodores fast facts more than likely, racing downDivision: 2-4A field with the ball.

2010 record: 16-0, 6-0 division, won All 6-4, 265 pounds of him.

4A state championship “Until you play against him, Coach: Anthony Hart (7th year) you don’t know how physical and Starters back: 9 offense, 7 defense fast he is and how he leads us on the football field,” Commodores head coach Anthony Hart said Players to watch after his team’s 31-6 2010 MHSAA RB Demarkus Dennis, Sr. Class 4A state title game victory Rushed for 2,249 yards and 26 TDs over North Pike. “Until you try to in 2010. tackle him and until you try to catch him, you really don’t realize QB Jeremy Liggins, Sr. what he is.”

Accounted for 2,847 yards and 37 All Liggins did last season, as a TDs last year. junior, was pass for 1,661 yards and 20 touchdowns and rush for LB Jamel Dennis, Sr. 1,186 and 17 more in leading the Led team in tackles the past two Commodores to the first ever 16seasons.

0 season in MHSAA’s history. |

CLASS 6A

Quarterfinals South Panola 24, Olive Branch 13 Mad. Central 27, NW Rankin 20 Meridian 37, Gulfport 7 Oak Grove 37, Brandon 12 Semifinals So. Panola 43, Madison Central 7 Meridian 34, Oak Grove 0 Championship South Panola 28, Meridian 7

CLASS 5A

First round West Point 36, Provine 14 Oxford 49, Pearl 14 New Hope 46, Callaway 22 Ridgeland 31, Lake Cormorant 19 West Jones 31, D’Iberville 7 Vancleave 34, Picayune 23 Wayne County 35, Moss Point 28 Brookhaven 23, Long Beach 21

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23

Liggins leads Commodores in repeat attempt

BY JOHN WILBERT

First round South Panola 56, Grenada 0 Olive Branch 42, Clinton 12 NW Rankin 36, Southaven 33 Madison Central 48, Tupelo 10 Meridian 22, Ocean Springs 0 Gulfport 38, Natchez 27 Brandon 28, George County 0 Oak Grove 35, Petal 34

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Quarterfinals West Point 27, Oxford 12 Ridgeland 34, New Hope 27 West Jones 25, Vancleave 0 Brookhaven 21, Wayne County 14 Semifinals West Point 47, Ridgeland 0 Brookhaven 27, West Jones 26 Championship West Point 21, Brookhaven 3

CLASS 4A

First round New Albany 45, Rosa Fort 9 Kosciusko 33, Cleveland 10 Louisville 32, Elzy 8 Lafayette 49, North Pontotoc 7 Greenwood 14, Amory 7 Shannon 48, Senatobia 26 Center Hill 35, Itawamba AHS 21 Noxubee County 37, McClain 0 Quitman 40, Newton County 14 St. Stan 30, Lawrence Co. 21 Purvis 30, South Pike 0 Mendenhall 25, NE Jones 22 North Pike 26, Greene County 22 Laurel 41, Florence 16 NE Lauderdale 40, Magee 18 Forrest County 37, Port Gibson 14 Second round New Albany 28, Kosciusko 0

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Lafayette quarterback Jeremy Liggins threw for 2,249 yards and 26 TDs last season.

But as anyone who’s ever seen a football game knows, it takes more than one player to be successful, and you better once again watch out for the Commodores because they got 16 starters back, including the dynamic Liggins.

“We have a lot of people re-

turning,” Hart said.

Leading rusher Demarkus Dennis, a 2,000-plus yard rusher, returns for his senior year, as does kicker Tyler Jackson, who led the state in scoring for kickers with 104 points in 2010.

Also returning on offense is the only freshman to start under Hart at Lafayette, D.K. Buford.

“He’s started since Day 1,” Hart said. “He’s a slot receiver who will run the ball some and catch the ball. He’ll have the same duties this year.”

The defensive line will be anchored by big boy D.Q. Reynolds at the nose, and he will be joined on the line by defensive end Keeyon Tyson, who led the team in sacks last year.

Brandon Mack is also returning as a cornerback/wide receiver.

God forbid if something were to happen to Liggins, the junior player would then assume the quarterback duties.

So is 16-0 again in their future?

“We just try to get caught up in us and try to be the best we can be,” Hart said.

2010 MHSAA PLAYOFF SCORES Lafayette 44, Louisville 12 Shannon 42, Greenwood 8 Noxubee County 12, Center Hill 6 St. Stanislaus 28, Quitman 22 Mendenhall 27, Purvis 21 North Pike 38, Laurel 30 Forrest Co. 22, NE Lauderdale 17 Quarterfinals Lafayette 35, New Albany 0 Noxubee County 28, Shannon 7 Mendenhall 27, St. Stanislaus 21 North Pike 13, Forrest County 10 Semifinals Lafayette 20, Noxubee County 0 North Pike 20, Mendenhall 0 Championship Lafayette 31, North Pike 6

CLASS 3A

First round Belmont 43, South Pontotoc 0 East Side 38, South Delta 18 Leland 18, Palmer 14 Aberdeen 50, Kossuth 6 Charleston 69, Riverside 6 Winona 37, Booneville 21 Water Valley 28, Corinth 0 Ruleville 30, Leflore County 24 Philadelphia 42, Raleigh 20 Hazlehurst 32, West Marion 0 Franklin County 27, Collins 6

Forest 49, Clarkdale 0 Tylertown 63, St. Patrick 0 SE Lauderdale 36, Jackson 26 Morton 22, Choctaw Central 12 Jefferson County 28, Seminary 23 Second Round Belmont 49, East Side 26 Aberdeen 42, Leland 0 Winona 28, Charleston 11 Water Valley 31, Ruleville 0 Hazlehurst 16, Philadelphia 14 Forest 43. Franklin County 7 Tylertown 31, SE Lauderdale 7 Jefferson County 58, Morton 20 Quarterfinals Aberdeen 37, Belmont 14 Winona 10, Water Valley 7 Forest 30, Hazlehurst 0 Tylertown 33, Jefferson Co. 12 Semifinals Aberdeen 28, Winona 0 Forest 21, Tylertown 0 Championship Forest 10, Aberdeen 8

CLASS 2A

First round Calhoun 40, Hamilton 3 Simmons 28, Broad Street 26 Kennedy 39, Coahoma AHS 12

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 27

SCHEDULE

at Tupelo 7:30 at Greenwood 7:30 Oxford 7:30 Evangel Christian% 11 a.m. at Shannon 7:30 Pontotoc 7:30 Lewisburg* 7:30 at Rosa Fort* 7:00 New Albany* 7:00 at Senatobia* 7:00 North Pontotoc* 7:00 *–Division 2-4A game % – “Battle on the Border,” Independence Stadium, Shreveport

SCOUTING REPORT

Expect to once again see heavy doses of QB Jeremy Liggins and RB Demarkus Dennis in the running game. Liggins and Dennis rushed a combined 469 times for 3,435 yards and 43 TDs in 2010. ... Going undefeated for a second straight season will be extremely difficult this season with a road contest at Class 6A Tupelo and a game in Louisiana against Louisiana power Evangel Christian on the docket.

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East Webster 35, Bruce 20 Coahoma County 26, O’Bannon 6 Baldwyn 58, West Lowndes 24 Eupora 26, Walnut 13 West Bolivar 52, W. Tallahatchie 0 ScottCent. 31, Madison St. Joe 13 Mize 27, East Marion 20 Lumberton 39, Stringer 14 Puckett 39, Pelahatchie 0 Taylorsville 33, North Forrest 6 Union 47, Loyd Star 14 Wesson 42, Newton 8 Bassfield 38, Enterprise (Clarke) 0

Championship Lumberton 26, Calhoun City 24

CLASS 1A

First round Okolona 40, Shaw 6 Smithville 28, Coffeeville 21 Vardaman 42, Montgomery 26 Durant 42, Coldwater 0 Nanih Waiya 41, Bogue Chitto 7 Mount Olive 41, French Camp 13 Dexter 43, South Leake 24 Cathedral 21, Noxapater 14

Second round Calhoun City 48, Simmons 6 East Webster 38, Kennedy 12 Cocahoma County 26, Baldwyn 9 West Bolivar 14, Eupora 6 Mize 21, Scott Central 10 Lumberton 44, Puckett 36 Taylorsville 33, Union 12 Bassfield 46, Wesson 0

Quarterfinals Okolona 12, Smithville 7 Durant 42, Vardaman 0 Mount Olive 34, Nanih Waiya 14 Dexter 27, Cathedral 16

Quarterfinals Calhoun City 23, East Webster 21 West Bolivar 28, Coahoma Co. 14 Lumberton 52, Mize 14 Taylorsville 42, Bassfield 41

Championship Mount Olive 20, Durant 14

Semifinals Calhoun City 30, West Bolivar 19 Lumberton 18, Taylorsville 6

Semifinals Durant 38, Okolona 15 Mount Olive 19, Dexter 7

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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CHAMPS 2010

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: West Point Class 4A: Lafayette Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Mount Olive

2009

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: West Point Class 4A: St. Stanislaus Class 3A: Tylertown Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Mount Olive

2008

Class 5A: Meridian Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: Baldwyn Class 1A: Puckett

2007

West Point players hoist the MHSAA Class 5A trophy for the second year in a row. The Green Wave have won seven state titles.

TROPHY TIME

2006

The top three divisions in MHSAA football were won by teams from north Mississippi last December, including two teams from the Daily Journal’s circulation area.

Lafayette became the first state high school football team to go 16-0 as it rolled to the Class 4A crown, beating North Pike 31-6. It was the first state title for the Commodores.

In Class 5A, West Point successfully defended its Class 5A crown, beating Brookhaven 21-3 It was the seventh state title for the Green Wave, who also won in 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 2005.

South Panola won its ninth title, beating Meridian 28-7 in the Class 6A championship game.

Two other area teams reached the finals. Aberdeen lost 10-8 to Forest in 3A and Lumberton defeated Calhoun City 26-24 in 2A.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS TODD

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Laurel Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: West Bolivar Class 1A: Ray Brooks Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Wayne County Class 3A: Franklin County Class 2A: East Marion Class 1A: Puckett

2005

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: West Point Class 3A: Hazlehurst Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Ray Brooks

2004

Lafayette players celebrate 16-0 season and their first state football championship.

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24

BY DAVID WHEELER DAILY JOURNAL

Mustangs fast facts Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 3-8; 1-4 division Coach: Andrew Aldridge (3rd year) Starters back: 4 offense; 5 defense.

Players to watch RB Hunter Holland, Jr. The junior is a newcomer in the backfield.

FB Mac Grimes, So. Averaged 4.84 yards per carry in limited carries last season.

WR Jack Nichols, So. Was second on the team last season in catches and yards receiving.

With the recent MHSAA reclassification, the Mantachie Mustangs have been bumped into uncharted territory for the 2011 football season – Class 3A. “It’s definitely an eye-opener for the kids,” said third-year head coach Andrew Aldridge.

“They know the challenge; they know it’s going to be tougher.

“And I think they are getting prepared for it.”

Aldridge says he has already been tweaking his offense in preparation for the change, and a lot of pressure from any offensive updates will fall on a first-year quarterbacks Dustin Carrell or Micah Sparks, both sophomores. Carrell saw some playing time at the position last season, while Aldridge calls Sparks one of the better athletes on the team.

A trio of keys to Mantachie’s offensive success will be in the backfield with junior running

back Hunter Holland, fullback Mac Grimes and wide receiver Jack Nichols, both sophomores. A pair of seniors will anchor the Mustangs’ offensive line in the form of Woody Wilson and Jake Dees.

25

SCHEDULE

at North Pontotoc 7:30 at Belmont 7:30 New Site 7:30 Union County 7:30 at Potts Camp 7:30 at Hatley 7:30 at Aberdeen* 7:30 Mooreville* 7:00 at South Pontotoc* 7:00 Nettleton* 7:00 Water Valley* 7:00 *–Division 2-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The move from 2A to 3A will be a big adjustment for the Mustangs. ...

How both the offense and defense adjust to a new offensive scheme will be key. “We’re changing our offensive system a little bit because we’re moving to 3A,” Aldridge said.

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“We need to take the football and try to control the clock,” Aldridge said. “We need to control the tempo of the game.”

That control of tempo could certainly aid the Mantachie defense.

Keying the stopping ability of the defense will be the linebacking corps, led by juniors Cole Stephens and Trent Ellis.

Junior Cody Chatham will help to anchor the defensive backfield.

“A lot of these guys have played defense in the past, and are finally getting to know our system,” Aldridge said. “Protecting the edge and getting off the field on third down will be key.”

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Marshall Academy

Patriots’ new coach brings same approach

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Donahoe

Patriots fast facts

Division: MAIS 1-AA 2010 record: 8-3, 3-1 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Barrett Donahoe (1st year) Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watch QB Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sr. Playmaker, good decision maker and deep-ball threat.

RB/LB Chase Ferrell, Sr. A leader who practices hard.

OL/DL Kirby Jones, Sr. Monster player in 3-5 scheme.

DAILY JOURNAL

If you’re a Marshall Academy player, don’t expect any Wednesday practice to be different from the previous one.

Or any other practice session.

“Every Wednesday that we’ll practice, we’ll be doing the same thing,” said first-year Patriots coach Barrett Donahoe. “Because if we can’t do it on Wednesday, then we’re not going to be able to do it on Friday nights.”

So expect the Patriots to be fundamentally sound.

“And we’re going to stress that every day,” Donahoe said. “If we’re not good at something, it’s not going to be for a lack of effort from the coaching staff or from the players at practice.

“So, I think that will hopefully be one of our strong points.”

A team can be fundamentally sound, but if it doesn’t have talent to begin with, then it’s probably not going to win many games.

Fortunately for Donahoe, his Patriots seem to be exception-

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Kevin Fitzpatrick will lead Marshall Academy at quarterback. ally talented. Start with Kevin Fitzpatrick at quarterback.

“I think he’s going to be something that is going to cause a lot of defensive coordinators headaches throughout the year,” Donahoe said.

Joining Fitzpatrick in the offensive backfield are Chase Ferrell, Tyler Cook (at the fullback posi-

tion), Neil Murphy and Trey Johnson. Cook and Murphy will both play linebacker on defense, with Matt Rappa getting some looks at linebacker and nose guard – “a utility guy,” says Donahoe.

The wideouts will be the talented Aaron McAlexander and Elgin Lafever.

The offensive line is led by Brody Martin at right tackle.

“He’s a junior and he’s come along very strong,” Donahoe said. “From a fundamental standpoint, he’s probably our best offensive lineman right now.”

On the opposite side will be big ol’ J.B. Whisenant.

Jake Hurdle, a junior, is slated to start at right guard, but will be a part of a rotation with senior Josh Petree.

Evan Hickman will be the starting center, while Kirby Jones will line up to his left at guard.

“I think Kirby Jones is really going to be a difference maker for us,” Donahoe said. “He’s going to be somebody that offensive guys will have a hard time preppin’ for.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Magnolia Heights 7:30 Tunica Academy 7:30 at Immanuel Center 7:30 Lee Academy 7:30 Carroll Academy* 7:30 Indianola Academy* 7:30 at North Delta* 7:30 Pillow Academy 7:30 OPEN at Potts Camp 7:30 at Kirk Academy* 7:30 *–MAIS AA game

SCOUTING REPORT

QB Kevin Fitzpatrick is a great athlete. “He’s a phenomenal football player, basketball player and baseball player,” said Patriots head coach Barrett Donahoe. ... Donahoe said senior center Evan Hickman has valued experience and “does a good job with snaps.” ...

Donahoe said the offense will be more multiple with its formations.

“A lot of our blocking schemes, a lot of the stuff that we’re doing is very similar to that what they’ve done in the past,” said Donahoe.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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27

Talented Troopers tackle tough slate

Mooreville

worth and 6-3 Austin Lauderdale.

Dillworth caught 46 balls for 700 yards and six TDs. The key member of the backfield is tailback Josh Rogers, who rushed for 898 yards last season and average 5.4 yards a carry. Look for the 5-9, 180-pound back to be one of Loftis’ targets.

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Austin and son, Owen

Troopers fast facts Division: 2-3A 2010 record: 7-4, 1-4 division Coach: Kevin Austin (5th year) Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watch OL/DL Quadzing Rogers, Sr. Recorded 80 tackles last season and returns to play G on offense QB Griff Loftis, Sr. Completed 143 of 278 passes for 2,069 yards, 19 TD. WR Errick Dillworth, Sr. Caught 46 passes for 700 yards, 6 TDs, averaged 15.2 yards per catch.

Kevin Austin has little doubt that his 2011 edition of the Mooreville Troopers may be his best in five seasons.

Problem is, the team’s final record may not reflect the coach’s preseason projections.

“This may be our most talented team, but it may not show up in the wins,” said Austin, whose team finished 7-4 last season, but 1-4 in its tough division – 2-3A. “Our non-division schedule’s a lot harder. We’ve added Belmont and Amory.”

Two of the Troopers’ division rivals are powers Aberdeen and Water Valley. Both are considered to be two of the state’s best in 3A. Mooreville enters battle with plenty of offensive bullets, starting with senior quarterback Griff Loftis, a four-year starter. He completed 143 of 278 passes for 2,069 yards and 19 TDs last season.

Austin expects big things on the field and in the huddle from Loftis.

“He went to the Southern Miss

GOOD LUCK TROOPERS

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

Mooreville QB Griff Loftis is back after passing for more than 2,000 yards last season.

camp, Samford camp and won the quarterback award at the North Alabama camp,” the coach noted. “He’s started since the ninth grade, so the game has finally slowed down for him.

“We’ve talked a lot in the offseason about him being smarter with the ball. In the past, he’s tried at times to do too much.”

When Loftis goes to the air, he’ll be throwing to 6-foot-4 Errick Dill-

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Aug. 19 Amory 7:30 Aug. 26 Saltillo 7:30 Sept. 2 at Hatley 7:30 Sept. 9 at Alcorn Central 7:30 Sept. 16 Belmont 7:30 Sept. 23 at Kossuth 7:30 Sept. 30 Water Valley* 7:30 Oct. 7 at Mantachie* 7:00 Oct. 14 at Aberdeen* 7:30 Oct. 21 South Pontotoc* 7:30 FORMIDABLE LINEMAN 7:30 Quadzing Rogers, a 6-2, 290 Oct. 28 at Nettleton* *–Division 2-3A game two-way lineman, is coming off an 80-tackle junior season.

SCOUTING REPORT “He’s naturally strong,” Austin said. “If he just played defense he The Troopers have posted back-toback winning season under would be dominating. ICC is lookAustin, including a 6-5 finish in ing at him as an offensive line2009. ... Team lost 1,000-plus man.” yards in receiving with the graduJimmy Laymons will join Rogers ation of WRs Gary Johnson, Chanat the other tackle spot. The cenning Nanney and Drew Wheeler. ... ter and two guard positions are up RB Josh Johnson rushed for 898 for grabs in the fall. yards, scored 9 TD last season. ...

On defense, the Troopers can Kicker Matthew Pannell is back for count on middle linebacker Dehis senior season after connecting vonte Williams, another fourthon 34 of 36 extra points and 9 of year starter. He’ll be joined by end 10 field goals. His last-second Jeffrey Martin, outside linebacker field goal beat Saltillo last year.

Ben Johnson and cornerbacksafety Channing Mitchell, one of the team’s top returning tacklers.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Returning skill players boost Tigers

Nettleton

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

Clark

Tigers fast facts Division: 2-3A 2010 record: 3-8, 0-5 division Coach: Jack Clark (4th year) Starters back: 8 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch QB Dakota Cruber, So. Started as a freshman, took a few lumps and but had a solid offseason, added height and weight.

C Steven Clayton, Jr. He touches the ball on every down so what Nettleton’s skill guys accomplish starts there.

RB Patrick Jones, Sr. He and backfield mate Corbin White are 1-2 punch of power, speed.

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Nettleton has a set of skill guys that will make opponents wonder how to prepare.

If the Tigers’ offensive line continues to progress through 2011, that could become a greater challenge each week.

The Tigers return a huge set of skill players, including bruising back Corbin White and lightning counterpart Patrick Jones, whose sub-4.4 speed wowed this summer at a Mississippi State camp and at the Tupelo Combine.

“They’re getting better and I believe we’re going to be stronger up front,” Nettleton coach Jack Clark said of his offensive line.

“But they’ve still got a long way to go and have to continue to get better every week to compete in the division.”

Clark is able to useWhite’s ability at linebacker as well because he has such a crowded backfield to work with on offense. Javan Curry is sophomore who has seen time at running back as well.

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DAILY JOURNAL

BRANDON SPECK | MONROE JOURNAL

Dakota Cruber returns at QB.

“(Patrick) has been fast for a while, probably a 4.4 kid here that we’ve known about. But to go over to that combine and run it, that caught some eyes,” Clark said. “I feel like this year all three of our backs are going to be a lit-

tle more physical.”

Jones could be a wildcat in the backfield at times. While he’s good on the edge, he’ll also get tough inside yards.

Sophomore quarterback Dakota Cruber will again start and has added an inch or two over the offseason and picked up 25 pounds to get to 6-0, 170.

He’ll still have Odarius Lowe to throw it to. The senior receiver is one of Monroe County’s best athletes and will see some time at quarterback as well.

On the offensive line, Nettleton returns two and plays two more that have significant time. Steven Clayton returns at center to lead the line. Jimmy Fritz returns as a junior on an undersized line.

Defensively, Devante Standfield is one of two tackles, the other yet to make his way to the front. At defensive end, there will be two new names.

It starts with the linebacker for Nettleton. Justin Dillard started as a freshman there last season but was lost to an injury and played in only two division games.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Caledonia 7:30 at Amory 7:30 Itawamba AHS 7:30 at Okolona 7:30 at Baldwyn 7:30 North Pontotoc 7:30 South Pontotoc* 7:30 Aberdeen* 7:00 at Water Valley* 7:00 at Mantachie* 7:00 Mooreville* 7:00 *–Division 2-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Nettleton is somewhat undersized on the lines but coach Jack Clark is happy with the continuing progression of his linemen. ... Nettleton has a skill set as good as anyone on its schedule and a sophomore quarterback who could have a breakout season. ...

Clark’s former team, South Pontotoc is the Sept. 30 homecoming opponent. ... D.J. Parker will handle the kicking duties.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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29

Bulldogs gear up for another run in 4A

New Albany

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Price

Bulldogs fast facts Division: 2-4A 2010 record: 13-1, 5-0 division, reached quarterfinals of playoffs Coach: Ron Price (4th year) Starters back: 2 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch TE/LB/P Riley Alef, Sr. Led team in tackles (141) and had 4 INTs in 2010.

WR/S/LB Josh Creekmore, Sr. Hardest-working player on the team.

OG/DT Cade Simmons, Sr. Started 35 games in his career.

Don’t discredit this bunch. Yes, New Albany graduated 22 players from its 2010 club that went 13-1 and advanced to the state quarterfinals, but there’s still plenty of talent on the Bulldogs roster.

“That’s the challenge right now – trying to replace that leadership and that many kids,” said Bulldogs head coach Ron Price. “But we just tell our kids that that’s an opportunity for somebody else to step in and make a name for himself.

“We had a great season last year and we just want to try to do even better than that this year and keep this program going in that direction, just to let everybody know that New Albany still has a football team and a pretty good football team.”

There’s some pretty good seniors on this year’s team.

“Definitely Josh Creekmore,” Price said of his slot receiver/free safety. “Josh is our team leader. ...

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“He’s got a winning attitude. He challenges all of his teammates to be better.”

Added Price, “Riley Alef is right there, neck and neck with Josh.

He’s our returning middle linebacker. He’ll play tight end for us and will probably punt for us.

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QB Marcus Reed transferred to New Albany about a week before camp started. He was at Pontotoc High last year. ... Head coach Ron Price said he believes his team will really have to rely on its defense early on this season. ... The Bulldogs have 52 players – in the 10th through 12th grades – in their program.

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New Albany QB Spencer Day will try to replace Tyler Basil.

He’s just like Josh.”

And then there’s veteran Bulldog Cade Simmons.

“He’s started every game since his freshman year,” Price said of his right guard/defensive tackle.

“He’s got a ton of experience.

“We’re counting on him to key that offensive line this year and help those guys that are new starters. He’s going to lead them in the right direction, and we’re going to ask Cade to play some defensive line for us this year, too.”

Talented juniors on the defensive line for the Bulldogs are defensive tackle Devonte Bradley and defensive end O.J. Hardin, who played linebacker last season.

“We just like his speed and his ability to run to the football,” Price said of Hardin. “He finished third in the state in his powerlifting group last year.”

Spencer Day and Marcus Reed, both juniors, will direct the Bulldogs offense that averaged 34.9 points per game in 2010 with Tyler Basil under center. Reed happened to quarterback the Pontotoc High team last year.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

North Pontotoc

Vikings preparing for another run

BY JAY TIDWELL

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Sutton

Vikings fast facts

Division: 2-4A 2010 record: 6-5, 2-3 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Brian Sutton (2nd year) Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense

Players to watch WR/RB/QB Shemiah Carter, Sr. Can catch, run and throw; can also break big runs returning kicks.

QB/WR Caleb Mills, Sr. Will take lots of snaps at QB, but is also a talented receiver with the ability to catch passes in traffic.

OL/DL Kenyana Heard, So. Young lineman (6-1, 254) is tough and quick.

DAILY JOURNAL

Mitchell Cunningham surprised a lot of teams last season.

The muscular running back pounded opposing defenses – often taking two defenders to slow him down. He was a key factor in North Pontotoc’s run to the playoffs in only its second season in Class 4A. He won’t be surprising anyone this season, but he doesn’t mind the attention.

“They know I’m coming,” said Cunningham (5-foot-11, 210 pounds), who won a Class 4A powerlifting state title in the spring. “I’d rather them bring everything they had at me and scheme around me, so we can throw out to one of our guys like Caleb (Mills) or Shemiah (Carter) and throw the ball around.

“If they focus on me too much, all the rest of the field will be open. We’ve got so many weapons on offense that they can’t just key on me.”

There’s a lot of truth to Cun-

ningham’s confident talk. Carter and Mills lead a sure-handed receiving corps, joined by returning players Adrian Davis, Nate Mounce and Marcus Green.

Head coach Brian Sutton said he’s been working four and sometimes five players at quarterback, searching for a replacement for all-division QB Brandon Bailey.

Mills, Caleb Nelson, Trey Jolly, Davis and Carter have been taking reps under center.

‘MIX IT UP’

“We’ve improved in the past two weeks in that area and I’m real excited,” Sutton said. “You may look in the backfield and it won’t be the same combination of guys back there. We’re going to mix that up a little bit.”

The Vikings have a lot of depth along the offensive line, running two deep at nearly every slot.

Hunter Coleman, Dillon Turner, Kenyana Heard, Chance Earnest, Brandon Bolin, Chase Owens and Jordan Malone will be some of their blockers.

“We’ve got a really good line

this year and a really good running back, and we’re proud to block for him,” said Turner (6foot-2, 295 pounds). “It’s going to be a tough schedule, but if we can get Mitchell a few yards and our quarterback a little time, we’ll get through the season.”

The Vikings return seven starters on defense.

“Last year, we scored a lot of points but we struggled defensively after we lost a few guys early to injury,” Sutton said.

“We’ve worked hard with them.

I’m impressed with them.

They’ve been lively and they’ve been alert, and they’re doing what they’re supposed to do.”

Murphy Daniel and Blake Sullivan will join the big men on the defensive front.

Austin Bray, Nick Scott, Mac McKnight and Peyton Finch will fill out the linebacking corps, and Darrell Hill will join the defensive backfield.

An issue for the Vikings in the early going could be the kicking game, as they continued in camp to find a new kicker.

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Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 27

SCHEDULE

Mantachie 7:30 Ripley 7:30 at East Oktibbeha 7:30 South Pontotoc 7:30 at Pontotoc 7:30 at Nettleton 7:30 Tunica Rosa Fort* 7:00 at New Albany* 7:00 Senatobia* 7:00 at Lewisburg* 7:00 at Lafayette* 7:00 *–Division 2-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The Vikings lost two-year starting QB Brandon Bailey to graduation, and have been working four players at his position as well as a Wildcat formation using Shemiah Carter. ...

After giving up the losing play in the final two minutes of three games last season, North has worked hard to shore up its defense. ... North Pontotoc set a school record with its thirdstraight winning season in 2010.

Have A Great Season

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30

Oak Hill Academy

DAILY JOURNAL

Raiders fast facts

Division: MAIS District 2AA 2010 record: 3-7 Coach: Benji Merchant Starters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch RB/LB Chance Livingston, Jr., Two-way player expected to get plenty of carries on offense.

K/RB/LB Reid Posey, Sr. A do-everything player, will split carries with Livingston and handle kicking duties.

|

31

New coach tackles rebuilding effort

BY ROBBIE ROBERTSON

Merchant

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Oak Hill coach Benji Merchant knows a little something about winning and how to build winning football programs.

Merchant is the son of longtime Mississippi public-school coach Bruce Merchant who won back-to-back state titles at Collins in 2001 and 2002. Benji was a student assistant on the 2002 team. His uncle, Doug Merchant, won a state championship at Taylorsville but was well known for reviving programs at Pearl and Morton.

But the effort of his father and uncle won’t do a lot to help him at West Point’s Oak Hill Academy this season as he inherits a team that has had back-to-back losing seasons and only fields about 25 players in a very strong Class AA academy football division.

“This is my first year in academy football,” said Merchant, who comes back to Mississippi after assistant coaching stints in Alabama and Florida. “We are

having to build from the ground up. Our problem right now is our numbers, trying to get kids out.

We’ve got a good eighth grade group, it’s just going to take a while to get everything going.”

With limited numbers and a stiff schedule, Merchant already sees a tough road ahead. The Raiders kick the season off with Class A Newton Academy.

“We’re putting a lot of emphasis on this first game,” Merchant said. “It’s important to get off to a good start for these seniors. ... We need something positive to happen early.”

KEEP IT MOVING

Merchant said he is a defensive coach at heart but will be call the offensive plays for the Raiders this season.

“We’re an I-formation team,” Merchant said. “I want to keep the clock moving and shorten the game.”

On offense, juniors Conner Baird and Jeb Stevens will split time at quarterback while junior Chance Livingston and senior

Reid Posey will see time at tailback. Rotating at fullback will be seniors Chad Moore, Dale Milican and Rusty Taite.

“I expect all of those guys in the backfield to get carries and time,” Merchant said. “I’m a big believer in spreading the wealth and keeping guys fresh.”

Blocking for those backs will be junior center Cooper Orman, sophomore guards Joseph Casky and Brian McClelland and senior tackle Max Abner and J.R. Wilbourne. Junior Jacob Dickens is the tight end while sophomore Kurt Huffman and senior Clay Henley are the wide receivers.

The Raiders will be playing iron-man football with many of the same faces on Merchant’s 5-2 base defense.

At defensive end is Moore and J.R. Wilbourne while Orman and Casky are the defensive tackles while Millican will be the nose guard. Posey and Livingston are the linebackers while Henley and Baird are safties and Huffman and Dickens are cornerbacks. Posey will also handle the kicking duties.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Newton 7:00 at Winston* 7:00 at Indianola 7:30 Manchester* 7:00 at Winona Christian 7:00 at Canton* 7:00 Leake* 7:00 Heritage 7:00 OPEN at Kirk 7:30 Immanuel* 7:00 *–MAIS District 2AA game

SCOUTING REPORT

It’s a rebuilding year under first-year coach Benji Merchant, who was a defensive coordinator in Panama City, Fla., last year. ... The Raiders will be mostly a running team out of the I-formation and will play a base 5-2 on defense. ... Shut out but played well in jamboree last week against Alabama privateschool powers Tuscaloosa and Bessimer. ... Plays in largest Class AA district with six teams including defending North AA champion Leake Academy (Oct. 7) led by former Oak Hill coach Brian Pickens.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Okolona

Chieftains rushing to take on 2A competition

BY DAVID WHEELER DAILY JOURNAL

Aldridge

Chieftains fast facts

Division: 1-2A 2010 Record: 11-3, 6-0 division.

Head Coach: Calvin Aldridge.

Starters back: 8 offense; 6 defense

Players to watch QB/CB Jordan Ivy, Sr. Rushed for more than 1,500 yards and passed for 20 touchdowns.

NT Antwain Ivy, Sr. Defensive player of the year in Division 1-1A in 2010 and state powerlifting champion.

OT/DT Malcolm Dickens, Sr. Anchors the offensive and defensive lines.

Oxford

Okolona plans to rush through 2011 and it’s not to imply the Chieftains want the season over in a hurry.

To the contrary, the Chieftains could take their own sweet time each game because of the potential rushing attack.

“We had some dangerous rushers last year,” said Okolona head coach Calvin Aldridge, who will be entering his third season.

“I realize we’ll be moving up to Class 2A, and we’ve got to play against 2A talent.”

Aldridge returns 75 percent of his rushing offense from 2010, one that amassed almost 4,000 yards.

That includes senior quarterback Jordan Ivy (789 yards), junior running backs FredWard (881 yards) and Everett Brooks (991 yards). Throw in junior Kevin Elliot, whose brother Robert plays for Mississippi State, and Okolona certainly has the potential to threaten many opponents

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Okolona’s Everett Brooks rushed for 991 yards for the Chieftains last season. in its reclassification from 1A to 2A this season.

“These kids are pretty well sea-

DAILY JOURNAL

Chargers fast facts Division: 1-5A 2010 record: 9-4, 5-2 division, reached quarterfinals of playoffs Coach: Johnny Hill (19th year) Starters back: 5 offense, 4 defense

Players to watch RB/LB Mont Dean, Sr. Rushed for 937 yards and 14 TDs in 2010.

LB Frank Tatum, Sr. Averaged 5.6 tackles last season.

NG Kelvin “K.C.” Lamar, Sr. Had 74 tackles and 2 sacks in 2010.

soned,” Aldridge said. “We’ve got to be able to pass, and when we get in scoring position, we’ve got to score because we’re not going to have many chances against the good teams in 2A.” Aldridge points to an almost who’s-who of 2A playoff teams in recent years just in Okolona’s new division – Baldwyn, Calhoun City, and Walnut. Throw in Itawamba AHS and Amory for non-division matchups, and 6A Grenada in a jamboree, and Okolona will certainly be hard pressed to repeat last season’s 12-3 mark.

“They love this,” Aldridge says of his team. “Every Friday is a big game, and Okolona has finally won consistently the last couple of years, and we’ll try to keep that going.”

Okolona’s defense should contribute to that potential success, led by 1-1A defensive player-ofthe year as a junior, nose tackle Antwain Ivy. Other impact players could include senior tackle Malcolm Dickens, and linebackers Kasey Gathings and Nathan Bailey.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Houlka 7:30 at East Webster 7:30 at Houston 7:30 Nettleton 7:30 Amory 7:30 Itawamba AHS 7:30 at Hatley* 7:30 Baldwyn* 7:00 at Calhoun City* 7:00 Bruce* 7:00 at Walnut* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Okolona will be big up front with talented skill people, which is good for the team’s move from 1A to 2A. ... The Chieftains return 3,000 yards of rushing offense from 2010. ... NG Antwain Ivy is key stopper for defense.

Senior RB Dean packs punch for Chargers

BY JOHN WILBERT

Hill

DAILY JOURNAL

While Guy Cameron Billups headlined the Oxford High offense last year as a senior quarterback, look for a 5-foot-7 tailback to generate most of the pub this season.

Mont Dean, in his first live action of his senior year, rushed eight times for 65-yards in a twoperiod jamboree against Shannon at Ole Miss.

“Senior-wise, Mont Dean is really what you want,” Chargers head coach Johnny Hill said of his 217-pound back. “He’s solid muscle and he’s probably the third or fourth fastest on the team.

“He’s a load.”

Dean rushed 123 times for a team-high 937 yards (a 7.62 average per carry!) and 14 touchdowns last season as a junior.

With a pretty solid offensive line blocking for him in the exhibition against Shannon, Dean ripped off four runs of 10 or more yards, including one for 19 yards in the second period.

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

QB Parker Adamson will be able to aim at some good targets.

And Shannon is no slouch.

Center Clifton Smith, left guard Que Holman and left tackle Tyrone Madkins will anchor the Chargers O-line, which has several guys competing for starting positions on the right side of the line. They will be blocking for quarterbacks Parker Adamson and William Elliott, who will also be handling the long-snapping and punting duties, respectively.

Hill said he plans to use both quarterbacks in games until one really stands out.

Adamson and Elliott will, nonetheless, have several talented receivers and a pretty good tight end to throw to.

“I feel like I got five of them that can catch it and do something with it,” Hill said.

Robert Liggins, a 6-foot-3, 195pound wideout, provides a physical and speedy presence. Liggins, runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.

Glen Gordon and Stan Ivy are scat backs, while sophomore Conrey Meagher – who will also play defense – is another viable receiving option.

Xavier Pegues will play tight end, and will likely have to go both ways on the lines.

While the defensive secondary will be rather young and inexperienced – Ethan Holmes did return an interception 52 yards for a score in the jamboree game against Shannon – the linebacking corps should be pretty solid with D.J. Blake, Walker Coghlan, Frank Tatum and Dean.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

at Grenada 7:30 Charleston 7:30 at Lafayette 7:30 Senatobia 7:30 OPEN Center Hill 7:30 at New Hope 7:30 at Lake Cormorant 7:00 Hernando 7:00 at Saltillo 7:00 West Point 7:00 Clarksdale 7:00 *–Division 1-5A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Expect the Chargers to feature a significant vertical passing game despite personnel losses from last season. ... Shannon coach Chad Cook was in awe of the Chargers coaching staff at last week’s jamboree. “I sat there and looked at their staff, and about every one of them boys played college football.

And Johnny (Hill) told me that he thinks this is the best staff they’ve ever had.” ... WR/S Robert Liggins and DE Darrius Liggins are cousins of Lafayette QB Jeremy Liggins.

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32

BY JAY TIDWELL

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Warriors fast facts

Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 5-6, 1-4 in division Coach: Ken Byars (1st year) Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watch QB Rashad Dixon, Jr. Shared time under center last season, but will be the go-to guy this year. Very mobile and hits the corners quickly.

RB Deonte Dilworth, Jr. Transferred from South Pontotoc, where he was one of the Cougars’ top rushers.

OL Tyler Stallings, Sr. Big lineman who’ll help fill gaps left by four lost to graduation.

|

33

Warriors counting on all-out effort

Pontotoc

Byars

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Ken Byars is really good with numbers.

As an assistant coach under Charlie Dampeer the past couple of seasons, Byars has also taught math at Pontotoc. He also understands the numbers sometimes don’t tell the whole story.

As the Warriors’ new head coach, Byars has been emphasizing all-out effort rather than counting wins and losses.

“As a coaching staff, one thing we talk about all the time is maximizing their ability,” said Byars, who was promoted to the top spot after Dampeer departed this summer for a position in Alabama. “If we can get the most out of every kid that’s on our the team, no matter what their ability is, if we can get everything out of them, we think wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

With nine returning starters on defense, the Warriors will be strong on that side of the ball.

They will run out of the 4-3 for-

TIM TUTOR | PONTOTOC PROGRESS

Rashad Dixon will be under center for the Warriors this season.

mation, led in the front by national powerlifting champ Devonte Montgomery.

“We’ve had really good practices, and people are working hard and getting stronger,” said Montgomery (5-foot-7, 215 pounds), who was an all-division player as a junior. “We’ve got a good defensive front. I think we will hold up through the season and we’ll have a good year.”

On offense, the Warriors will probably settle on one regular

quarterback rather than platoon the position as they did last season. Rashad Dixon is the top candidate. Don Fauver, Chance Cummings and newcomer Deonte Dilworth will add speed and toughness in the backfield.

“I’m trying to bring energy every play and get them pepped up,” said Dixon, who will also provide a strong running component when he’s under center.

Shaquille Crayton, Shaquille Gillard and Trey Freeman will provide big passing targets. Don Pittman returns as a starter on the offensive line and will be joined by big Tyler Stallings (6-5, 260).

Byars has a rugged slate for his squad, including non-division matchups against New Albany, North Pontotoc and Lafayette, the reigning 4A champs.

“There’s no so-called breaks in this schedule,” Byars said. “It’s a tough schedule and I don’t mind having a tough schedule. All we can do is maximize what we get out of our kids and get them ready to play on Friday nights.”

Good Luck to all Pontotoc County Schools!

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Velma Jackson 7:30 at Hernando 7:30 at New Albany 7:30 Ripley 7:30 North Pontotoc 7:30 at Lafayette 7:30 Shannon* 7:30 at Tishomingo Co.* 7:00 at Itawamba AHS* 7:00 Corinth* 7:00 Amory* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Warriors have nine returning starters on defense and new defensive coordinator Mike Mahoney, a 38year coaching veteran, is tossing in a few wrinkles to their 4-3 scheme. ... Lost two powerful RBs; newcomer Deonte Dilworth will help immediately, and Don Fauver will be hard to bring down. ...

Quarterback Rashad Dixon’s mobility and strong arm will open up play-action. ... Missed playoffs last year for first time in three seasons after season-ending, double-OT loss to North Pontotoc.

Have A Great Season

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Cardinals set for first varsity season

Potts Camp

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Stone

Cardinals fast facts Division: MHSAA independent 2010 record: 3-2 Coach: Shane Stone (3rd year) Starters back: All 22 return

Players to watch RB/DB Jordon Harris, Fr. Expected to be a big part of what the Cardinals do.

RB/LB Jamarquis Foster, Jr. Last year’s leading rusher.

OT/DT Alex Beard, Jr. Despite a shoulder injury, expected to anchor the lines.

First-year quarterback Ben Bolden isn’t the only Potts Camp player with a lot of learning to do.

Try the whole team.

“Very few have,” Cardinals head coach Shane Stone said about his current players who had played football before they got to the interscholastic ranks.

“Sometimes they’re still not so sure on the basic stuff.”

But Stone, in his third season leading the upstart Cardinals program, remains optimistic about his team as it enters its first full varsity season since the program’s revival in 2009.

“I feel like every day there’s progress,” said Stone, who played college football at Northwest Mississippi Community College and Southwest Baptist University, “because it’s (football) just new to a lot of them. But the more they do it, the more confident they get, and the better they play.

“So, it’s coming around.”

Bolden will be directing an of|

REGION 1-6A

South Panola Southaven Olive Branch Tupelo Starkville Horn Lake Columbus DeSoto Central

Overall 15 0 9 3 8 5 7 4 5 6 2 9 4 7 0 11

Region 7 0 5 2 5 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 2 5 0 7

REGION 1-5A

West Point New Hope Oxford Lake Cormorant Hernando Clarksdale Gentry Saltillo

Overall 14 1 8 5 9 4 7 5 6 5 4 7 3 8 3 8

Region 7 0 5 2 5 2 4 3 4 3 2 5 1 6 0 7

REGION 1-4A

Overall New Albany 13 1 Shannon 9 4 Itawamba AHS 6 6 North Pontotoc 6 5 Pontotoc 5 6 Tishomingo County 1 10

Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

REGION 2-4A

Lafayette Center Hill Senatobia Rosa Fort Lewisburg North Panola Byhalia

Overall 16 0 10 3 6 5 7 4 4 7 1 9 3 8

DAILY JOURNAL

Region 6 0 5 1 4 2 3 3 2 4 1 5 0 6

PF 687 426 370 273 311 110 189 85 PF 436 379 398 292 260 229 163 215 PF 489 392 295 400 289 141

PF 622 315 259 294 234 168 224

PA 117 242 251 284 246 368 266 41 PA 177 264 235 204 229 257 267 388 PA 136 306 338 330 256 350

PA 124 198 303 248 254 348 347

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Potts Camp’s Jordon Harris heads to the end zone for a touchdown against Houlka. fense that will probably be kept “simple,” says Stone “He’s a first-year player starting at quarterback, so he’s got a lot of learning to do,” said the 39-yearold coach. “But he’s shown signs of maturity and has taken the offense in. He’s got a good understanding and a good arm.

“So far, I’ve been pleased.”

And to make it easier for Stone

2010 STANDINGS REGION 4-4A

Noxubee County Louisville Kosciusko Amory Houston Caledonia

Overall 13 2 8 5 7 6 3 9 2 9 1 10

Belmont Booneville Corinth Kossuth Ripley Alcorn Central

Overall 12 1 5 6 4 7 5 7 2 9 0 11

Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 1 4 1 4 1 4

REGION 1-3A Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

REGION 2-3A

Aberdeen Water Valley Winona South Pontotoc Mooreville Nettleton

Overall 14 2 11 3 12 3 4 8 7 4 3 8

Calhoun City Baldwyn Walnut Bruce Mantachie Hatley

Overall 15 1 7 6 8 4 4 8 3 8 5 6

Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

REGION 1-2A Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

REGION 2-2A

East Webster Eupora West Lowndes Hamilton George Ackerman

Overall 13 1 8 4 6 5 5 7 3 8 1 10

Region 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

on which plays to call for his team is none other than freshman running back Jordon Harris.

“He can catch it, he can run it, he can throw it,” Stone said of his nimble player. “He can hit you when he’s on defense.

“He’s just one of those guys that you don’t really have to coach a lot; you just put him out there and tell him to go play and he can do it. So, he’s a nice guy to have on the team.”

Even though the majority of Stone’s club is inexperienced, all of his offensive starters from a year ago – and even the defensive ones – return for this season.

“We didn’t have any seniors last year,” he said. “This is the first year that we have had seniors.We didn’t have any before.

“We started out the first year (of the program) with only ninthand 10th (-graders) and we just played strictly JV. Then last year, juniors could play and we played some varsity and some JV (games).

“And now this year it’s all varsity (games).”

|

PF 417 261 329 175 206 88

PA 117 213 262 366 392 308

PF 514 334 104 251 146 70

PA 152 252 210 309 326 427

REGION 1-1A

Okolona Vardaman Smithville Coldwater Falkner Biggersville Wheeler Thrasher

Overall 12 3 9 4 9 4 7 5 4 7 6 5 2 9 1 9

Region 7 0 6 1 5 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 1 6 0 7

PF 445 298 311 265 260 258 154 155

PA 201 267 230 187 307 268 328 413

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

H.W. Byers 7:30 at DeSoto Central 7:30 Benton County 7:30 Strayhorn 7:30 Mantachie 7:30 at Rossville Academy 7:30 at Middleton, Tenn. 7:00 at Immanuel Christian7:00 Union County 7:00 Marshall Academy 7:00 at New Site 7:00

SCOUTING REPORT

Even though the Cardinals may have a simplified offense, they aren’t afraid of throwing the football around. ... CB Brantley Harris, MLB Antonio Love and DL Jason Neal will lead the defense. ... Around 30 players are in the Potts Camp varsity program. ... The Cardinals were hoping to play some home games this season at a brand new field behind their school, but may have to play all of their 2011 games on the road. ... Coach Shane Stone was a part of Johnny Hill’s staffs at Tupelo (one year) and Oxford (eight years).

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PF 653 341 494 252 296 213

PA 121 174 280 470 230 299

PF 575 363 418 279 281 349

PA 174 336 286 267 386 255

PF 557 302 246 257 187 120

PA 145 220 314 294 342 336

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34

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35

Traditional power aims for quick rebound

Ripley

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

McCluskey and Jones

Tigers fast facts

Division: 1-3A 2010 record: 2-9, 1-4 division Coach: Grady McCluskey (2nd year) Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch RB Devin Jones, Sr. Rushed for 1,163 yards and 10 TDs as a junior.

RB/LB Isaac Bails, Sr. In the final two games of 2010, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder surprised everyone with 317 yards and three TDs. LB Ray Peterson, Sr. Led the team with 137 tackles.

Last year, Ripley had an unusually bad season – less than three wins for the first time since the 1950s and no playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.

Second-year coach Grady McCluskey doesn’t want a repeat performance.

He said maturity and more familiarity with all his players will be key to getting the traditional 13A power back to winning.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team as young as last year, and when you’re young it’s tough to win football games, no matter who you are,” said McCluskey who wasn’t hired until last July, giving him just over a month to prepare for the 2010 season. “We took some lumps, but like I told the kids, last year is last year and we have to forget about it. I know them and they know me now.

Now they know what’s coming and they’ll be prepared.”

The Tigers ended 2010 with a win, improving their scoring out-

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put each week over their last five games. To build on that momentum, McCluskey turned his focus to getting stronger. When he arrived, he didn’t have a single player who could bench press 300 pounds, but by the end of the powerlifting season, he had 10, including a few who could also squat more than 500 pounds. It wasn’t just the physical improvement he was looking for. He believes hitting the weights improves players mentally as well.

BIGGER, STRONGER

“We’ve worked hard in the weight room and I think we can do big things,” said McCluskey.

“When a kid thinks he’s strong, he’ll play strong. Football is a collision sport and the stronger, better-put-together teams have success.”

Success was the buzz word in camp and McCluskey hopes they can experience a lot of it in 2011.

He said the goals are to have a winning record, compete for the division title, and once in the playoffs, see what happens.

He is confident his skilled positions are better, including leading rusher Devin Jones and junior quarterback Cody James, who McCluskey called a “leader.”

Earlier this spring, Jones, who rushed for 1,100 yards and 10 TDs last year, won a state weightlifting title. Along with the emergence of senior Isaac Bails, who rushed for 317 yards in the Tigers’ final two games, and senior fullback Montrell Gray, McCluskey will have a stable of backs over 200 pounds to run at opposing defenses.

“If those guys will run it up in there every time – 10 to 15 times each – they’ll be hard to stop,” said McCluskey.

The Tigers’ defense could be a also be a strength with the return of its top tackler, senior Ray Peterson (137). Sophomore Alec Hobson (107) was injured in last week’s scrimmage.

In all, six starters return, including defensive backs Jones and John Austin Moore, defensive linemen Seth Cappleman and Devonte Barkley, and Bails at linebacker.

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SCOUTING REPORT

The Tigers feature a stable of big running backs weighing in at more than 200 pounds. ... Tremendous work in the weight room is expected to pay dividends for the Tigers this season. ... Corinth, a division rival of Ripley’s the past several seasons, has moved up to Class 4A. ... RB Devin Jones is a Division I prospect.

GO

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Aug. 18 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Tigers regrouping after some key losses

Saltillo

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Pat Byrd sees a nice blend of experience and youth when he looks over the roster of his Saltillo Tigers – 25 seniors and juniors, 36 sophomores and freshmen.

“We’ve got some older guys who’ve waited their turn,” said Byrd, who is in his second season after a 20-plus-year run in Amory.

Byrd talks to his Tigers “We’ve got some good young kids.”

Tigers fast facts Some talented younger Tigers Division: 1-5A are being counted on to help 2010 Record: 3-8, 0-7 division along the offensive line, where Coach: Pat Byrd (2nd year) Byrd lost four starters. Only senStarters back: 4 offense, 7 defense ior tackle Brandon Baggett, 6foot-2, 265 pounds, returns.

“We could possibly have three Players to watch freshmen play on the offensive DL Cody Gargus, Sr. line,” Byrd said. “Our freshman Recorded 58 tackles last season at group has a lot of strong linelinebacker. men.”

DL Wesley Ragin, Sr. The Tigers do have some expeRecorded 73 tackles last season, had rience returning in the backfield 3 fumble recoveries. with senior quarterback Chase QB Chase Watson, Sr. Watson back to take snaps. He Completed 53 of 145 passes for 710 passed for 710 yards and three yards, 3 TD, 6 Int. touchdowns last fall. |

CLASS 1A

Region 1 Biggersville Coldwater Falkner Smithville Thrasher Vardaman Houlka Tupelo Christian H.W. Byers Region 2 Drew Hunter Durant McAdams Montgomery Ray Brooks Shaw St. Joe, Greenville French Camp Coffeeville Region 3 West Oktibbeha East Oktibbeha Ethel Nanih Waiya Noxapater Weir West Lowndes Sebastopol Pelahatchie

DAILY JOURNAL

Region 4 Bogue Chitto Dexter Mt. Olive Cathedral Salem Univ. Christian St. Aloysius Hinds AHS Stringer Resurrection

CLASS 2A

Region 1 Walnut Baldwyn Bruce Calhoun City Okolona Hatley

Region 2 Ackerman Eupora East Webster Williams-Sullivan J. Z. George Hamilton Region 3 Strayhorn Coahoma County Coahoma AHS

Broad Street JF Kennedy West Tallahatchie Region 4 West Bolivar O’Bannon Riverside Simmons S. V. Marshall South Delta Region 5 Leake County Pisgah Scott Central Lake Union Region 6 Enterprise 7 Wesson Loyd Star St. Joe, Madison Amite County Puckett Region 7 Clarkdale Bay Springs Enterprise 5 Mize Taylorsville

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Saltillo’s Cody Sullivan shows the official a touchdown against North Pontotoc last week.

However, Saltillo lost a combined 1,700 yards with the graduation of backs Obrien Stewart and Quad Freeman.

“Chase (Watson) has got to be good for us,” Byrd cautioned.

“Football-wise, he’ll be a junior because he played very little as a sophomore.

“In the backfield, we actually lost three tailbacks. Now we’ll have a running back by commit-

tee. We’re going to have to be able to run the ball some.”

Watson’s top targets will be wide receiver Justin Dye and tight end Cody Sullivan.

Defensively, two stars return up front in senior linemen Wesley Ragin and Cody Gargus. Ragin recorded 73 tackles and had three fumble recoveries last season while Gargus was in on 58 stops playing a linebacker spot.

At linebacker, junior Justin Moreoshack and sophomore Alex Hill return. In the secondary, senior Deon Robinson becomes a full-time starter along with sophomores Tori Grifford and Colby Hall.

R.J. Rye, a sophomore with what Byrd terms a “live leg” will handle the placekicking duties.

Gargis is the long snapper and Grifford the punter.

The schedule’s not easy when defending state champion West Point, Clarksdale and Oxford are your Division 1-5A neighbors.

“Our kids are working their tails off,” said Byrd, whose team was 38 last year.

MHSAA 2011-12 FOOTBALL REGIONS Region 8 Bassfield East Marion Lumberton North Forrest Richton

CLASS 3A

Region 4 East Side Leflore County Leland McClain Velma Jackson Ruleville

Region 1 Alcorn Central Belmont Booneville Holly Springs Kossuth Ripley

Region 5 Choctaw Central Heidelberg Kemper County Philadelphia SE Lauderdale Newton

Region 2 Aberdeen Mooreville Nettleton South Pontotoc Water Valley Mantachie

Region 6 Bailey Forest McLaurin Morton Raleigh St. Andrew’s

Region 3 Byhalia Charleston Independence M. S. Palmer North Panola Winona

Region 7 Crystal Springs Franklin County Hazlehurst Jefferson County Prentiss Wilkinson County

Region 8 Perry Central Seminary St. Patrick Sumrall Pass Christian West Marion Collins

CLASS 4A

Region 1 Corinth Tishomingo Itawamba Amory Shannon Pontotoc

Region 2 North Pontotoc New Albany Lafayette Senatobia Rosa Fort Lewisburg Region 3 Cleveland Amanda Elzy Greenwood Humphreys Co. Gentry Yazoo County

Region 4 Houston Caledonia Kosciusko Louisville Noxubee Leake Central Region 5 NE Lauderdale West Lauderdale Newton County Quitman NE Jones Laurel Region 6 Germantown Raymond Richland Florence Mendenhall Magee Port Gibson Region 7 Columbia Lawrence Co. North Pike South Pike Tylertown Purvis

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 1 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

Itawamba AHS 7:30 at Mooreville 7:30 at Baldwyn 7:30 Booneville 7:30 Open New Hope* 7:30 at Clarksdale* 7:30 Center Hill* 7:00 at West Point* 7:00 Oxford* 7:00 at Hernando* 7:00 Lake Cormorant* 7:00 *–Division 1-5A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Byrd lost 1,700 yards rushing with the exit of running back Obrien Stewart and Quad Freeman. ...

Former Tigers player and Tupelo assistant coach Baylor Dampeer joined the team as secondary coach. ... Former offensive line coach Allen Glenn is the new offensive coordinator.

|

Region 8 Bay Forrest Co. AHS Greene County Poplarville St. Stanislaus Vancleave

CLASS 5A

Region 1 Center Hill Hernando Clarksdale Lake Cormorant Saltillo West Point New Hope Oxford Region 2 Yazoo City Canton Starkville Neshoba Lanier Callaway Provine Ridgeland Region 3 Wingfield Pearl Brookhaven

McComb West Jones South Jones Wayne County Stone County Region 4 East Central Moss Point Pascagoula Gautier Pearl River Central Picayune Long Beach West Harrison

CLASS 6A

Region 1 DeSoto Central Horn Lake Olive Branch Southaven Columbus Grenada South Panola Tupelo Region 2 Greenville Warren Central Vicksburg Clinton

Madison Central Jim Hill Murrah NW Rankin Region 3 Natchez Forest Hill Terry Brandon Meridian Oak Grove Petal Hattiesburg Region 4 Ocean Springs D’Iberville George County St. Martin Gulfport Hancock Biloxi Harrison Central

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36

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DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Red Raiders hope this season is Taylor-made

Shannon

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Cook

Red Raiders fast facts

Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 10-4, 4-1 division, lost in state quarterfinals.

Coach: Chad Cook (4th year) Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watch QB John Peugh, Soph.

Saw limited action last season, but staff confident in his ability.

RB Bodarius Taylor, Sr. Rushed for 1,138 yards, scored 14 TD after missing part of season with broken leg.

WR/DB Nick Pack, Sr. Caught 26 passes for 516 yards, 3 TD and recorded 63 tackles.

Shannon’s Bodarious Taylor missed the first part of last season with a leg injury, but the talented back still rushed for 1,138 yards and 14 touchdowns when he returned to the lineup.

Red Raiders head coach Chad Cook hopes the talented 5-foot9, 190-pound Taylor remains healthy his senior season and piles up even greater numbers.

“He’s really a good runner,” Cook said. “He’s strong between the tackles and has good vision. I hope he has a breakout senior year.”

Taylor will be joined in the backfield by 5-10, 180 senior Marcus Thornton, who added 555 yards rushing and scored eight touchdowns last season.

The player charged with running the offense and managing the Red Raiders’ 1-2 punch in the backfield is sophomore quarterback John Peugh.

Cook was impressed with his young quarterback’s play in

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Shannon’s Bodarius Taylor ran for 1,138 yards last year. spring practice.

“I don’t think he turned the ball over in the spring,” he said.

“That’s what we need. We want him to manage the offense and don’t try to force the ball.We need him to play pitch and catch and hand the ball off.”

Pugh has two experience receivers to throw to in seniors Nick Pack and Jordan Trice.

The two-way Pack caught 26 passes for 516 yards last season.

He also recorded 63 tackles play-

ing in the secondary.

Both offensive tackles return – Dequincy Ross and Darius Conway. The rest of the front was to be determined in the preseason.

Shannon has nine starters back on defense, including linemen Devonte Pegues and Cortez Rupert, linebacker Devan Gilleylan and Thornton at strong safety.

“We’ve got a lot of people back on defense who have played,” Cook said. “We’re going to need that with the schedule we’ve got.”

DEMANDING SCHEDULE

Shannon’s schedule features non-division games against 3A state finalist Aberdeen, 6A Tupelo and the state’s defending 4A champion – powerful Lafayette.

“That’s what high school football is all about,” Cook said, referring to his team’s tough schedule.

“I told the kids, either way, you’re going to be on the front page of the paper ... whether you get beat or win.

“We’ll know after those games what we’ve got to fix before we hit division play.”

We Wish You A Great Season!

from

Tom Henry “Punnie” Lyles

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Kosciusko 7:30 at Aberdeen 7:30 at West Lowndes 7:30 Tupelo 7:30 Lafayette 7:30 OPEN at Pontotoc* 7:30 Itawamba AHS* 7:00 at Amory* 7:00 Tishomingo County* 7:00 at Corinth* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

RB/DB Marcus Thornton rushed for 555 yards last season and is being counted on offensively and defensively at strong safety this season. ... Tupelo returns to schedule this season, visiting Shannon for a Sept. 9 kickoff. ... Cook is 33-8 overall in first three seasons.

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38

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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39

Tornado-tested Seminoles focus on future

Smithville

BY BRANDON SPECK MONROE JOURNAL

Tacker

Seminoles fast facts

Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 9-3 (5-2 division) Coach: Bubba Tacker (6th year) Starters back: 3 offense, 3 defense

Players to watch FB Turner Sanderson, Jr. Coach calls him an aggressive ballplayer who works hard and leads by example.

OL/DL Jake McClary, Sr. McLary brings rare experience to the lines. Has started two season on both sides.

RB J.T. Pitts Pitts, a state champion power lifter isn’t big but isn’t scared to take or receive a hit, either.

Smithville coaches may sound like broken records each time they’re asked about the tornado that struck the town on April 27.

No words will ever be enough to describe the effect an EF-5 twister had on the town and school.

The 17 deaths overshadow the athletic damages but the athletics are an important part of the town’s comeback.

The Seminoles already had a hill to climb after losing 16 of 22 starters from a 9-3 team.

Smithville head coach Bubba Tacker doesn’t want to call it a rebuilding year.

“We’re going to play football, fundamentally sound football,” Tacker said. “We’re not in the business of making excuses.

We’re going to play ... and try to win every game.”

Finding eight new starters on each side of the ball was challenge number one during the opening weeks of practice.

“Anytime you lose that many at

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Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

Smithville’s J.T. Pitts isn’t afraid of hitting or getting hit. any school, that’s the challenge, to find the ones who are going to step up,” Tacker said. “You always want to have experience in there but sometimes you don’t have that luxury.”

Drew Lann will enter the season as the starting quarterback.

Senior Jake McClary brings experience at right guard to help anchor the offensive line and will be key on the defensive line as well.

“It’s a starting over process for

the town, the school, the football team, everybody. One thing that’s keeping us going is tradition here,” Tacker said.

Players have spent the offseason working out in a borrowed barn, without air conditioning.

“One thing that’s kept them coming back is the tradition in the football program,” Tacker said. “That says a lot about them.

A lot of people could have folded up and went other places.”

SCHEDULE

at Hamilton 7:30 Hatley 7:30 at H.W. Byers* 7:30 OPEN Vardaman* 7:30 OPEN Coldwater* 7:30 at Biggersville* 7:00 Houlka* 7:00 at TCPS* 7:00 Thrasher* 7:00 at Falkner* 7:00 *–Division 1-1A game

SCOUTING REPORT

National eyes were on Smithville following the April 27 EF-5 tornado that devoured the town and school. ... The Seminoles have a makeshift locker room in a portable building where the band hall once sat. ... The Aug. 26 rivalry game against cross-county rival Hatley will be the ’Noles first home game since the storm that blew away the pressbox and carried the scoreboard 20 miles to Tremont.

Good Luck Seminoles from

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Cougars rebuilding the right way

South Pontotoc

BY JAY TIDWELL

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Chism

Cougars fast facts

Division: 2-3A 2010 record: 4-8, 2-3 division Coach: Roger Chism (2nd year) Starters back: 6 offense, 7 defense

Players to watch QB Alex Pannell, Jr. Leading candidate to fill vacancy left by graduation of three-year starter Wesley Barefield.

OL/DL Jay Wade, Sr. Anchors the line on both sides of the football.

K/P Matt Collums, Jr. Cougars will look to him for an edge on special teams.

During a recent practice session, Roger Chism worked with his defensive linemen on avoiding trap blocks. He coached them on technique, but more than that – he emphasized the importance of attitude.

“You’ve got to be tough to play this game,” he repeated as he paced down the row of linemen.

Chism, a long-time assistant at South Pontotoc, took over the head coaching spot midway through last season and is back to start the 2011 campaign.

With a lineup filled with younger players, one of his primary topics has been their approach to the game.

“We want guys to be more aggressive,” said Chism, who lost 23 players from last year’s roster to graduation, transfer or ineligibility. “We’re going to be very simple, but what we do, we want to do it right.

“We’ll do it right starting out, then as they mature football-wise

and age-wise and physical-wise, we’ll do more.”

After the graduation of threeyear starting quarterback Wesley Barefield, two are competing to fill the slot. Alex Pannell and Trent Priest are battling for playing time.

‘TIGHT RACE’ AT QB

“It’s a tight race,” Chism said.

“Both are first-timers, but are getting better every day. One day one looks better, then the next day the other looks better. Alex is a good runner and Trent is more of a thrower.

“If we could roll them up into one, it would be perfect.”

Chism is pleased with the experience coming back on the offensive line and at wideout.

“We’ve got four seniors on the line and we think that’s a strong point for us,” Chism said.

Ryne Long, a senior, and Evan Kidd, a junior, ran routes at wide receiver last season. Keith Flowers, a junior, and Josh Estes, a sophomore, are playing well in the backfield.

“We’re sophomore loaded,” Chism said. “Sophomores everywhere.”

The Cougars will start with more depth on defense. Preston Bagwell, Malique Williams, Dustin Ivie, Tyler Lindsey, Rodney Parrish, Pannell, Matt Bailey and Matt Adams all had experience in last year’s playoff run.

“We’re not blessed with speed, so it’s going to take 11 of us to get where we’re supposed to be,” Chism said. “It’ll take some time.

We’re a work in progress. I don’t think we’ll be the same team starting out as we’ll be down the road.

“The kids will learn some things and get better.”

A strong point will be special teams. Returning kicker Matt Collums, a standout on the Cougars’ soccer team, will be called on more frequently.

“He’s got a great leg,” Chism said. “We feel like if we can get the ball to the 30-yard line, he can put it up. That’s nice to have, to get three, because points are hard to come by.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Houston 7:30 at Ethel 7:30 at Ripley 7:30 at North Pontotoc 7:30 North Panola 7:30 Baldwyn 7:30 at Nettleton* 7:30 Water Valley* 7:00 Mantachie* 7:00 at Mooreville* 7:00 at Aberdeen* 7:00 *–Division 2-3A game

SCOUTING REPORT

A sophomore-laden team will need to mature quickly. ... The Cougars must replace their QB and top two running backs. ... Kicker Matt Collums will provide help on special teams, especially inside the 30. ...

A mid-season surge helped the Cougars qualify for last year’s playoffs.

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40

Starkville

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

BY PAUL JONES

Yellowjackets fast facts Division: 2-5A 2010 record: 5-6, 3-4 division Coach: Jamie Mitchell (2nd year) Starters back: 4 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch OL/DL Eric Rogers, Sr. Starter on both sides of the ball and receiving D1 recruiting interest.

RB Preston Baker, Jr. Saw time at running back and wing back last year and is a weapon also in the passing game.

LB Stanley Higgins, Jr. One of the team’s top tacklers from a year ago, he leads an experienced linebacker group.

Starkville Academy

Starkville experienced its share of change last year. First and foremost, it was the first season under the direction of head coach Jamie Mitchell and that featured an obvious adjustment period for the players.

Although the newness of the coaching staff has worn off, the Jackets experience more change this year when they drop from Class 6A to the Class 5A ranks.

But even with a new division and different names on the schedule, Mitchell said the transition period this offseason was light years ahead of last year.

“There is no comparison from last year to this year,” said Mitchell, whose first Starkville squad finished 5-6 and out of the playoffs. “Our kids know our staff now, their knowledge is much better and the tempo is a lot better in practice. We can actually practice now and not have to go over plays over and over again.

“But we do have an unbeliev-

BY PAUL JONES

Volunteers fast facts Division: MAIS 1-AAA 2010 record: 3-8, 1-4 division Coach: Jeff Terrill (2nd year) Starters back: 6 offense, 9 defense

Players to watch FB Ryan Mann, Sr. May also get some snaps at QB in certain packages.

RB Ryan McKell, Sr. Leading rusher from a year ago and one of team’s top leaders.

LB Stephen Robinson, Jr. Leader of an experienced linebackers corps.

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

Starkville QB Gabe Myles runs from pressure to score a touchdon against McComb last week. able young team and we have to see how all of that develops.”

Most of the Jackets’ familiar faces return on the defensive side, with six returning starters.

Juniors Stanley Higgins and David Fair are back at linebacker while senior Eric Rogers will pull double duty at defensive tackle and offensive guard.

Also returning in the secondary

will be junior free safety Johnny Smith and senior Devin Mitchell.

“Our defense will likely have to carry us until our offense grows up,” said Mitchell. “We feel good about our linebackers and we have good experience in our secondary. So we will have to lean on those guys.”

Only four starters are back on offense and the Jackets must find a new quarterback, too. Battling to get reps under center will be junior Gabe Myles and sophomore Princeton Jones.

“Both of those guys are gifted athletes and good runners,” said Mitchell. “They do need to improve in the passing game but that has been a good battle.”

Mitchell is also a returning starter at fullback along with Rogers on the offensive line.

Other returning starters include junior offensive guard Jawon Johnson and junior running back Preston Baker.

“We don’t know how we will be with a new quarterback and some new guys at tailback,” said Mitchell.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

at Noxubee County 7:30 Madison Central 7:30 Tupelo 7:30 at West Point 7:30 OPEN Lanier* 7:30 Provine* 7:30 at Ridgeland *7:00 Canton* 7:00 at Yazoo City* 7:00 Callaway* 7:00 at Neshoba Central* 7:00 *–Division 2-5A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The Jackets have missed the postseason 2 straight seasons, a rarity for the program. ... Junior starting LB David Fair is the son of former Starkville and Mississippi State running back David Fair. ... Junior QB Gabe Myles attempted just 18 passes last year behind 3-year starter Jaquez Johnson, who is now at East Mississippi Community College. ... Former Aberdeen offensive coordinator Justin Moss enters his first season as the Jackets’ offensive line coach.

‘Old-school’ coach focuses on fundamentals SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Terrill

41

Yellowjackets ready to tackle 5A foes SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Mitchell

|

After coaching at the junior college level for most of the last decade, Starkville Academy head coach Jeff Terrill faced an adjustment last season. He was back in high school football as well as coaching in the academy ranks.

Looking ahead to 2011, Terrill faces more adjustment but this time it focuses on finding replacements on the offensive side of the football.

Terrill will return six starters on offense but will have to break in a new quarterback. Following spring practice, it was junior Drew Pellum that took that role under center.

“Drew is a good, all-around athlete,” said Terrill. “He runs the option well and we worked this spring on throwing the ball so we can throw it better than last year.”

Senior Ryan Mann returns at fullback for the Volunteers while senior Ryan McKell joins Mann in the backfield at running back.

The Volunteers also return a trio

‘This offseason it was as different as day and night.’

Jeff Terrill

Starkville Academy head coach

of offensive linemen in seniors James Mapp, Angus Cachut and Collins Stokes.

“I am an old-school coach, so we will always focus on the fundamentals on both sides of the ball,” said Terrill. “We also want to play physical on offense and find the best scheme that fits our personnel. So we will bounce some guys around this year and see who fits best at what spot.”

Starkville Academy returns nine starters on defense, including junior outside linebacker Stephen Robinson. Terrill will also return experience in the secondary with juniors Brandon Sharpe and Taylor Hunt.

“Our strength will be our linebacker group,” noted Terrill. “We have nine of 11 starters back and we should be stronger and faster.

So we all expect to be a lot more competitive on defense.”

SIGNS OF PROGRESS

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

St. Andrews 7:30 at Heritage 7:00 Mag. Hts. 7:00 at Leake 7:00 at Hillcrest* 7:00 at Jackson Prep* 7:00 Copiah* 7:00 Park Lane* 7:00 at Winston 7:00 ERA* 7:00 at Pres. Chr.* 7:00 *–MAIS AAA game

Obviously, football games are played in the fall and that is when the outcomes are determined.

But coaches will also tell you football games are won and lost in the offseason, and judging from this year’s offseason, Terrill SCOUTING REPORT is optimistic about hisVolunteers.

In his first year at Starkville The Volunteers won 3 games last year, including 2 of their last 3 outAcademy, Terrill and company ings, after going winless in 2009. went 3-8 and showed great im... The Volunteers’ defense surrenprovement from 2009’s winless dered 29 points or more in 6 of 11 campaign. games last fall but do return 9 “It is our second year here now starters. ... Terrill coached 8 seaand that naturally helps things sons at Itawamba Community Colalone,” said Terrill. “And it has relege before taking over the ally helped with the attitude and Starkville Academy program last the work ethic of our players. This year. offseason it was as different as day and night. We still have a lot of work left to do but I was very pleased with the work ethic of our guys.”

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Young Rebels building depth

Thrasher

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Rolison

Rebels fast facts

Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 1-9, 0-7 division Coach: Trey Rolison (3rd year) Starters back: 8 offense, 8 defense

Players to watch RB O’Neal Cummings, Sr. Offensive threat from three positions, led team in rushing last year with just under 1,000 yards at QB. RB Demario Dawkins, So. Explosive option in the backfield who has started since 8th grade.

FB/LB Logan Dodds, Jr. Team’s leading returning tackler with 78 in his sophomore season.

Union County

DAILY JOURNAL

Building depth has been an issue in past years for the Thrasher football program.

Third-year coach Trey Rolison has been focusing on increasing his team’s numbers. This year, the fruit of Rolison’s efforts may begin to show.

“We’ve got the best numbers right now that we’ve had,” said Rolison. “We’re almost a full twodeep on the offensive line, twodeep in the backfield. We haven’t had that yet.”

Add that, and the fact the Rebels are still a young squad, and the future is bright for the Prentiss County school that hasn’t had a winning football season in nearly twenty years.

“Last year we started seven freshman and an eighth grader on both sides of the football,” Rolison said. “So we’re still very young this year. But those young guys all have experience.”

Leadership will not be an issue with the return of O’Neal Cum-

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Thrasher’s O’Neal Cummings has been all over the field for the Rebels. He started at quarterback last year and could be the team’s running back this season.

mings.

The senior started at wide receiver two years ago and at quarterback last year. This season, Cummings looks to take more of a role as a running back.

“This season with some of the things we’re doing, we’re gonna

be looking at him at some other positions that will make us more dynamic,” Rolison said. “But we’ll still have some packages tailored to him at quarterback.”

Cummings’ stepbrother Demario Dawkins will join him in the backfield and is “as explosive as they come when he wants to be.”

Freshman Telvin Lowery, who started as an 8th grader last season, will anchor both sides of the line and will be joined by Tyler Doggett and Biggersville transfer Tyler Brooks.

Rolison talked highly of junior linebacker Logan Dodds, who will be the team’s leader on defense and will also see time as fullback on offense.

“He’ll do anything you ask him to do,” said Rolison. “He has the highest threshold of pain of any guy I’ve been around. If all of them were like him we’d be in a pretty good boat around here.”

The Rebels will also look to gritty freshman Timmy Robertson to make an impact at corner.

Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

New Site 7:30 OPEN OPEN Coldwater* 7:30 at Biggersville* 7:30 Houlka* 7:30 at TCPS* 7:00 H.W. Byers* 7:00 Falkner* 7:00 at Smithville *7:00 Vardaman* 7:00 *–Division 1-1A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Junior Logan Dodds has earned the nickname “The Robot” by his peers. “You tell him to do something one time it’s like it’s programmed in him. You never have to tell him again,” head coach Trey Rolison said. … Freshman lineman Telvin Lowery can already squat a massive 600 lbs. in the weight room. … Rolison feels things are finally starting to go in the right direction in Thrasher.

“We’ve just gotta take the momentum and keep rolling.”

Co-op team ready for full varsity schedule

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

The Union County football program puts its undefeated mark on the line this year against some heavyweights.

“We played two against Jumpertown last year and we won both of those games,” said UC head coach Scott Duley. “But this year will be our first year to DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL play a full varsity schedule.”

Union County coach Scott In three years, the Union Duley tests his defense.

County program – a co-op squad involving student athletes from East Union, Ingomar, Myrtle and Union County fast facts West Union schools – has transiDivision: MHSAA independent tioned from a junior high program 2010 record: 2-0 through a junior varsity phase beCoach: Scott Duley fore evolving to the varsity level.

Starters back: 11 offense, 11 defense So after playing only two varsity contests last year, 40 UC players will do battle against Hatley, Players to watch Biggersville, Mantachie and RipFB/LB Gradon Pannell, Sr. ley this fall in contests that matPart of a three-back set. ter.

RB Broderick Montgomery, So. “It’s good to have a test like Good vision and very aggressive. that,” Duley said about playing QB/S D.J. Armstrong, So. perennial Class 3A power Ripley Leader of a run-oriented offense. in its fourth game of the season.

“It is only our third year but we do have some good boys here.

“So, hopefully we’ll get to see what kind of mettle they are made of.”

For now, Duley just wants his players to be aggressive in competition.

FLYING WITH WING-T

“We’re going to run a Wing-T,” said the Union County coach. “A two-tight, Wing-T. We’re going to do a whole lot more of the T than we are the wing.

“We’re going to be in a threeback – you, know, heavy backfield – straight across set most of the time. We’re just going to try to teach them to be aggressive, and if we can teach them that, we’re going to be, I think, doing our jobs.

“And one way you can teach them that (to be aggressive) is to run that type of an offense.”

Running back Broderick Montgomery may already have that determination that Duley and his staff are looking for.

“He’s good. He’s got pretty good hips, pretty good vision,” Duley

said. “He’s very aggressive. He does not like to go down. ... He’s gotten a lot stronger, but I would like for him to weigh 180 instead of 160.”

A week before the 2011 season kicked off, Duley said his team’s offense was “pretty well set, but defensively, we are still working on personnel.”

The defense will be very basic, says Duley.

“We can run a four-man front or a five-man front. We can run Cover 3 or Cover 2 behind it,” added Duley. “But we have to be very, very basic.

“Until they begin to learn how to play one defense very well, we’re not going to be multiple, just because I want to put them in a position to be successful at one thing at a time.

“And they have not grown up playing football. Most of these kids have not played junior high football, they have never played little league football.

“There was no little league football in Union County until recently.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14

SCHEDULE

at Hatley OPEN Biggersville at Mantachie at Ripley at Strayhorn Benton County at New Site at Potts Camp

SCOUTING REPORT

7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:00 7:00

The Union County team has just four seniors and three of the team’s four defensive linemen also will p;lay on offense. ... Don’t look for the team to pass a whole lot out of its Wing-T formation. ... Jonathan Valle is slated to be the team’s kicker. ... 2010 starting DL Stan Gilbert moved to New Albany. ...

Union County hopes to play its home games at the New Albany Sportsplex.

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Braves fast facts

Players to watch RB Bobby Felker, Sr. Offensive threat at more than one position, ran for 402 yards as the team’s quarterback last season.

OG/DE Channing Holland, Jr. Will anchor a very inexperienced and small offensive and defensive line.

MLB Clint Jones, Sr. Team’s leader on defense, made 13 tackles in smaller role as a junior.

‘We have to bring some pride back into the program.’

Lanny Jones

Tishomingo County head coach

|

43

Dream comes true for Braves’ new coach

Tishomingo County Division: 1-4A 2010 record: 1-10, 0-5 division Coach: Lanny Jones (1st year) Starters back: 5 offense, 5 defense

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

BY BLAKE LONG

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Believe it or not, Lanny Jones actually once dreamed about being the head football coach at Tishomingo County.

“I had a dream one time I was coaching at Tish. County,” Jones recalled. “I don’t know why I did, but that’s just how it worked out.”

After spending the past seven years as a coach in Alabama and after winning a Class 3A state championship as an assistant at Leeds High School last season, Jones has his chance to lead the Braves onto the field.

The Mantachie native and former Itawamba Community College player takes over a Tishomingo County program that has won just three games the past two seasons, including posting a 1-10 mark last year.

“We have to bring some pride back into the program,” said Jones. “We have to unify the school and communities with the program. It’s hard to play when everybody’s negative and the

CATHY WOOD

Lanny Jones takes over a football program with three wins in the past two seasons.

image is negative.

“I told our guys ‘Let’s make the fall as exciting as our spring and winter sports and let it be a positive thing.’”

A “big, big plus” for the Braves is in the skill positions, where Jones believes he can go threedeep depth wise.

Bobby Felker, who started at quarterback last season, will be

converted to a running back and will join Kyle Wood in the backfield. Junior Johnny McDuffy will reclaim his spot behind center that he held as a freshman.

Brothers Chandler and Cameron Dexter will be the go to receivers, Chandler from the tight end position.

Tishomingo County’s biggest question on offense will be the line, where only one player returning has varsity experience.

“Our line is very inexperienced and is our big question mark,” Jones said. “If we get our linemen on the same page I think we can surprise some people.”

Jones said he felt good about his defense coming out of spring training. The Braves will try to make up for their smaller size along the lines by trying to create space and control the gaps.

Clint Jones will anchor Tishomingo County’s defense as middle linebacker and will be joined by Chance Newcomb.

Jones also cited the improvement of Mason Sykes as their “bandit” linebacker.

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

at Byhalia 7:30 Alcorn Central 7:30 at Belmont 7:30 Kossuth 7:30 at Booneville 7:30 at Wilson, Ala. 7:30 at Amory* 7:30 Pontotoc* 7:00 Corinth* 7:00 at Shannon* 7:00 Itawamba AHS* 7:00 *–Division 1-4A game

SCOUTING REPORT

First-year head coach Lanny Jones will run an up-tempo, rotating offense using two running backs.

Defensively, the Braves will run a 3-3 stack. ... Tishomingo County played more than 40 7-on-7 games this summer to help focus on their skill positions, winning two tournaments (Trinity Mountain, Ala., Shootout, Tishomingo County Tournament) and finishing runner-up in another (Hardin County, Tenn., Tournament).

Good Luck Braves on a Great Season!

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Offensive line is Wave’s biggest question

Tupelo

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Bradberry

Golden Wave fast facts

Division: 1-6A 2010 record: 7-4, 3-4 division, lost in first round of playoffs.

Coach: David Bradberry (2nd year) Starters back: 5 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch RB/WR/DB Ashton Shumpert, Jr. Rushed for 1,328 yards, including 282 in win against Southaven.

QB Luke Hobson, Sr. Completed 66 of 142 for 1,221 yards, 9 TDs last year.

WR/DB Matt McIntosh, Sr. 15 catches for 257 yards, 2 TDs.

Tupelo’s got plenty of offensive firepower when it comes to the skill positions, starting with versatile running back Ashton Shumpert.

The question second-year Golden Wave coach David Bradberry has in the preseason is:Will our offensive line be ready?

“It’s going to be a day-to-day thing, a work in progress,” answers offensive line coach Brian Jones. “We’ve got to find the right mix, get a comfort level and get on the same page.”

Aubrey Thomas, who’ll start at center, and Jalen Franklin, who will play guard and tackle, have the most varsity experience. A couple of defensive linemen, Joey Tine and Jeremiah Dent, will see two-way action – Tine at guard and Dent at tackle.

Tackles Kasey Grice and Chris Gowdy, along with guard Chance McCarty and center Ben Logan are in the mix.

“We’ll scramble them some and settle into some kind of rotation,” Bradberry said.

Shumpert, who rushed for 1,328 yards his sophomore season, returns as one of the state’s

C. TODD SHERMAN

Tupelo’s Matt McIntosh is expected to see playing time at both wide receiver and defensive back.

top skill players. He’ll be joined by a trio of talented receivers in Matt McIntosh, Josh Hamilton and Zach Johnson.

“All three (receivers) are very talented,” offensive coordinator Andy Crotwell said. “The key is how consistent they’ll be.”

Luke Hobson returns for his final season at quarterback after throwing for 1,221 yards in his first season as the starter. He’s confident he’ll get the blocking he needs to run the offense.

“We’ve got some big, strong

young guys there,” he said.

SCHEDULE Defensively, the Wave hopes to 7:30 make up what it lacks in speed Aug. 19 Lafayette Aug. 26 at Center Hill 7:30 with knowledge and strength.

Sept. 2 at Starkville 7:30 Sept. 9 at Shannon 7:30 ‘RUN TO THE BALL’ “We’ve got strong kids, but Sept. 16 OPEN 7:30 we’ve got to get them to run to the Sept. 23 at Columbus* 7:30 ball,” defensive coordinator Sept. 30 Grenada* Southaven* 7:00 Lamar Aldridge said. “We don’t Oct. 7 Oct. 14 at South Panola* 7:00 have a lot of speed.”

7:00 Hamilton and McIntosh are ex- Oct. 21 DeSoto Central* 7:00 pected to join the secondary, Oct. 28 at Horn Lake* Olive Branch* 7:00 along with returning starter Nov. 4 *–Division 1-6A game Jaques Knowles, who will play fullback on offense. The ends in SCOUTING REPORT the 4-2-5 scheme will be Ben Aldridge and Marvin Fairley, who WR/DB Josh Hamilton has the potential to pile up some big numbers shared playing time last year. on both sides of the ball with a full Aldridge and outside linebacker season under his belt. ... DL Joey Devonte Quinn will also play Tine will be a crucial new member tight end on offense. of Wave’s rebuilt OL. ... DE Ben “Quinn’s a good leader,” Lamar Aldridge is also expected to play Aldridge said. “We’re counting on TE on offense. ... Two new him to make plays (defensively).” coaches on the staff are Fred Dent, Gowdy, Tine and yet anHadley, receivers and Terence other Josh Hamilton will work inAdair, D-line. side on the defensive front. The inside linebackers are Ladarius Watkins and Taylor Floyd.

“We’re going to find out if we can tackle,” Bradberry said.

“We’ve got some guys that we think can.”

Kicking and punting duties will be handled by junior DrewWhite.

Shumpert: Bigger, faster, stronger

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo football fans and GoldenWave opponents will notice a few slight changes this season in Ashton Shumpert.

First, he’s a couple of inches taller. “I’ve grown two inches since last season,” said the 202pound junior running back, who will be listed at 6-foot-2 in this year’s program.

Second, he’s gotten a step faster, thanks to some intense running work in the summer.

“I’ve worked with a trainer to get faster,” he said.

Last season, his first with the Golden Wave after transferring from Itawamba AHS, he was big enough and fast enough to rush for 1,328 yards, throw a touchdown pass and catch nine passes for 65 yards.

“He’s definitely a threat handing the ball to and throwing to,” quarterback Luke Hobson said.

“He’s got the best hands on the

team.”

Tupelo offensive coordinator Andy Crotwell is in charge of making sure Shumpert gets his hands on the ball as much as possible.

“He has to touch the ball a lot of different ways – running the ball and catching passes,” Crotwell said. “He’s gained a step speed wise and he doesn’t get tired as quickly as he did.

“He feels more comfortable with what we’re doing. Last season was a learning process for him.”

VERSATILE THREAT

Shumpert is excited about the prospect of contributing in various ways this season.

“I know I’ll play slot receiver and go in motion some,” he said.

“I think I can help us catching the ball. I also expect to return kickoffs and punts.”

Shumpert can throw a pass if needed, too. Last season, he threw a 56-yard game-clinching

halfback pass for a TD against Southaven in a crucial Division 1-6A road game. Tupelo set the play up with pitches to Shumpert earlier in the game.

“We knew the defense would bite,” Shumpert said of the play.

“The receiver was wide open.”

Shumpert will be running behind a new offensive line, but he’s confident he’ll get the blocking he needs to pile up yardage.

“We’ve got some pretty big bodies up front,” he said. “I’m confident I’ll get the blocking.

We’ve been working on it and I think we’ll be all right there.”

From a recruiting standpoint, Shumpert continues to receive letters from “everybody” wanting his obtain his services in college.

“I’m not going to worry about all that until after the season,” he said. “I’m interested in Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Ole Miss THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL has really been after me. I’d like to take some visits out of state. Tupelo running back Ashton Shumpert rushed for 1,328 yards last season and will be the focus of the Wave’s offense this fall.

Georgia may be one of those.”

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2011

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

TCPS

Eagles take next step into division play

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo Christian Prep’s first two seasons of public school football in the Mississippi High School Activities Association were successful.

The Eagles played as an independent and compiled a 12-9 record, including last year’s 7-4 Boren mark.

Fourth-year coach Aubrey Boren knows his program’s third Eagles fast facts season will be a lot more competDivision: 1-1A itive because TCPS becomes a 2010 record: 7-4 full-fledged member of MHSAA Coach: Aubrey Boren (4th year) Division 1-1A, which includes Starters back: 7 offense, 7 defense powers Smithville andVardaman.

“This senior class was successful as ninth graders,” Boren said.

Players to watch “They expect us to compete and QB/LB Andrew Soper, Jr. to be competitive in league play.

Recorded 108 tackles to led team “We want to let everybody last season. know we belong here, that we can WR/RB/DB Dallas Finley, Sr. compete with anybody our size.”

Rushed for 354 yards, 5 TD; caught TCPS enters the season with12 passes for 177 yards, 5 TD. out the services of quarterback RB/LB Ron Lavigne, Sr. Will Cockrell, who passed for Rushed for 348 yards, 4 TD; caught 9 1,734 yards and 23 touchdowns passes for 133 yards, 3 TD. last season.

SHELBY DANIEL

Versatile Dallas Finley accounted for 10 TDs last season.

Andrew Soper, 5-foot-11, 195, steps in under center. Boren likes his ability to run and throw.

“He got some reps last year,” the coach said. “He’s very capable and works very hard to be a quarterback. He does run hard and his arm is a lot stronger.

“He can throw the ball through you.”

Soper started at linebacker last

BY JOHN WILBERT DAILY JOURNAL

Rams fast facts Division: 1-1A 2010 record: 9-4, 6-1 division, reached quarterfinals of playoffs Coach: Justin Hollis Starters back: 8 offense, 8 defense

Players to watch QB Cody Jenkins, Jr. Threw for 715 yards despite playing in only 7 games.

DL/OL Dillon Landreth, Sr. Newcomer to the game; great size (6-2, 275).

RB/LB Lavorris Hatchett, Sr. Averaged 4 yards per carry in 2010.

season and recorded a team-high 108 tackles. He’ll likely see some duty there again this season.

The Eagles return two of their offensive stars in seniors Dallas Finley and Ron Lavigne.

Finley, who plays running back, receiver and in the secondary, rushed for 354 yards and five TDs and caught 12 passes for 177 yards and five TDs last season.

Lavigne, who’ll play running back and linebacker, rushed for 348 yards and caught nine passes for 133 yards and a combined seven scores.

“It’s going to be fun to get the ball in their hands,” Boren said.

“They can make magic happen.”

Two juniors, Charlie Forrest and Stephen Sexton, are slated for wide receiver duty.

On the front, junior Jason Maloney is back in the key center position, where he makes the blocking calls and adjustments.

“Our goal is to win,” Boren said.

“We expect to be in Jackson.

That’s our goal. To do that we’ve got to stay healthy.We can’t afford to lose any bodies.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

Strayhorn 7:30 Middleton, Tenn.

7:30 OPEN at Coldwater* 7:30 Biggersville* 7:30 at Houlka%* 7:30 H.W. Byers* 7:30 Thrasher* 7:00 at Falkner* 7:00 Smithville* 7:00 at Vardaman* 7:00 OPEN *–Division 1-1A game % – Played at Okolona H.S.

SCOUTING REPORT

The Eagles will play their first full season against MHSAA competition in Division 1-1A, which includes powers Smithville and Vardaman. ... QB Will Cockrell has graduated after throwing for 1,734 yards, 23 TD last season. ... TCPS was 12-9 over the last two seasons against a schedule of public and private school teams.

Rams feeling healthy, confident

Vardaman

Hollis

DAILY JOURNAL

Last year, injuries took a toll on the Rams and they still advanced to the MHSAA Class 1A state quarterfinals. This year, the Rams are healthy heading into the season and are looking to go far into the playoffs.

“If everyone stays healthy we’ll have a shot,” saidVardaman head coach Justin Hollis. “We’ll have as good a chance as anybody. But we still have to play the game.”

Quarterback Cody Jenkins went down with a torn ACL during the Rams’ seventh game of the 2010 season, and was lost for the rest of the year. The junior is now back at full speed.

Hoping to give Jenkins all the time to throw and adequate running room are center Dustin Alexander, right guard Dillon Landreth, right tackle Adam Wright, left guard Cody Smith and left tackle Austin Tallent.

Those big boys will also be opening up holes for running back Lavorris Hatchett and H-

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

Lavorris Hatchett fights to hang on to the football in a drill.

back Jamie Jenkins. On the edge are wideouts Evander Holmes, Eric Jones and Ta West.

“Our skill guys are where we are going to be young this year,” Hollis said. “That’s where we lost a lot of our wideouts, wide receivers.

“But we got good ones to replace them with. I really like the

ones we got.”

SCHEDULE Walker completed 60 of 94 7:00 passes for 1,043 yards and 15 Aug. 19 at East Webster 7:30 touchdowns in split time last sea- Aug. 26 Bruce Sept. 2 OPEN son as a sophomore.

Sept. 9 Falkner* 7:30 Sept. 16 at Smithville* 7:30 WELCOME BACK 7:30 In a split 4-4 attacking defense, Sept. 23 at H.W. Byers* the Rams linebackers should be Sept. 30 OPEN at Coldwater* 7:00 solid with the return of inside Oct. 7 7:00 backer Jamie Jenkins, who sat out Oct. 14 Biggersville* 7:00 all of last year with a fractured Oct. 20 at Houlka%* Oct. 28 TCPS* 7:00 neck suffered in a car accident. at Thrasher* 7:00 And on the D-line, the Rams re- Nov. 4 *–Division 1-1A game turn three of four starters from % – Played at Okolona H.S. last year’s squad. The defensive tackles are Landreth, Keon Neal SCOUTING REPORT and Mack Armstrong.

The 6-foot-21⁄2, 280-pound Coach Justin Hollis said his team, which experienced its fair share of Neal, a transfer fromWaterValley, injuries last year, began camp at should provide a stellar performfull strength. ... Key losses for the ance in the trenches.

Rams in the offseason were: Chris “I’ll have him at 280 and Dillon Armstrong, Damon Johnson, (Landreth) at 275 in the middle,” Markus Kimble and Octavius McKHollis said. “And the thing with inney. ... The Rams have non-diviDillon is that he plays hard. He sion games against 2A powers plays hard.”

Bruce and East Webster. ... The Holmes, West, Walker and Rams will sport new-look helmets Cody Jenkins – who will also see that resemble the old ones of pro time at outside linebacker – will football’s Rams franchise. man the secondary.

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Walnut

SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Wildcats fast facts

Division: 1-2A 2010 record: 8-4, 3-2 division, reached first round of playoffs Coach: Timmy Moore (17th year) Starters back: 5 offense, 8 defense

Players to watch RB/DB Dominic Steele, Sr. Speedy, quick and rushed for 500 years and six TDs in 2010.

LB Steven Whittemore, Sr. Undersized, but has a nose for the football; led the team with 199 total stops in 2010.

OL/DL Tyler Heavener, Sr. Solid two-way player who averaged six tackles a game.

West Point

In 17 years of pacing the Walnut Wildcat sideline, Timmy Moore said one thing remains the same: When it comes to small school football, year in and year out you have to mold the team around the talent.

This year is no different.

“All six of last year’s seniors were multi-year starters and played a huge role for us ... but I have always believed at a small school, you have to adjust your scheme to the talent that you have available,” Moore said.

Gone is Shaq Perry, the 2010 Daily Journal All-Area Player of the Year, but these Wildcats feature a talented nucleus of players with three successful years under their belts. Nine seniors come in with 25 wins and three postseason berths.

MHSAA’s Division 1-2A is tougher with the addition of Okolona, last year’s Class 1A state semifinalist, but Moore believes with hard work, the Wildcats

could make a run for a fourth playoff appearance.

“We’ll need to be playing some pretty good football when division play starts, because it’s a tough row to hoe from top to bottom,” said Moore, speaking of perennial playoff teams Calhoun City, Baldwyn and Bruce. “If we stay healthy and some of the young kids step up and contribute, I think we have a good shot (at the playoffs).”

COMMITTEE APPROACH

Offensively, the Wildcats’ running game will be “more by committee than the past couple of years,” according to Moore. Senior Dominic Steele (500 yards and six TDs in 2010) will share carries with seniors Jacob Hopper and Steven Whittemore, junior Devonte Bell and sophomore Kylan Crum.

The group will run behind an experienced front in returnees Cody Crum, Ethan Wilson, and Tyler Heavener, all seniors, and 6foot-4 250-pound sophomore Kolten Roberson.

BY PAUL JONES

Green Wave fast facts

Division: 1-5A 2010 record: 14-1, 7-0 division, won Class 5A championship Coach: Chris Chambless (6th year) Starters back: 5 offense, 2 defense

Players to watch QB Dequinton Spraggins, Sr. Started at free safety last year but gets first shot at QB this fall.

OL Romia Wilson, Sr. Anchors the offensive line from his guard position and one of three starters back on the O-line.

DL Freddie Reed, Jr. Had 57 tackles and four sacks last season.

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Junior Dillon Barnes and sophomore Jake Bennett could both see time at quarterback, but Barnes could get the starting nod, as Bennett continues to recover from a torn hamstring suffered on the final day of spring practice.

The Wildcats’ 3-4 blitzing style defense returns nine players who saw a bulk of the action last season. Led by Whittemore, an inside linebacker with 52 solo tackles and another 147 assists in 2010, the Wildcats return Steele, senior Brandon Duncan and sophomore Ty Huffman to the secondary and Wilson, Bell and junior Colten Shea at linebacker.

Heavener and Crum will anchor the defensive front.

Moore said good play out of his defense early on will be crucial until the offense gels.

“With this year’s season opener a week earlier, we had one less week of preparation,” said Moore, who begins his 26th year overall.

“With us returning more on the defensive side of the ball, they’ll have to carry us until we come together offensively.”

Aug. 19 Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 8 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

SCHEDULE

Booneville 7:30 at Falkner 7:30 at Alcorn Central 7:30 Middleton, Tenn.

7:30 East Webster 7:30 at Hamilton 7:30 Bruce* 7:30 at Calhoun City* 7:00 at Hatley* 7:00 Baldwyn* 7:00 Okolona* 7:00 *–Division 1-2A game

SCOUTING REPORT

The Wildcats feature a blitzing style 3-4 defense that returns nine players who saw a lot of action in 2010. ... Last season, Shaquille Perry accounted for 254 of his team’s 418 points. ... Timmy Moore is a coaching veteran of 25-plus seasons. ... Nine seniors on the team have already experienced 25 wins and three playoff appearances in their careers.

Green Wave looking to build on success SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Chambless

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Another fall, another round of adjustments

BY KEDRICK STOREY

Moore

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

TheWest Point program has always put an emphasis on winning state championships, and that mindset has been evident the past two seasons. The GreenWave program has captured back-toback Class 5A state titles and the goal is no different in 2011.

Yes, playmakers have come and gone on both sides of the football like every year. But the hunger and talent will still be obvious in West Point this year.

“We just go back to work and work as hard as possible,” said head coach Chris Chambless.

“These kids worked their tails off this offseason and we will see what happens. But we know the kids want to win and we know they will put in the work needed to win.”

One ofWest Point’s focuses this year will be finding a replacement for last year’s quarterback standout Justin Cox, who signed with Mississippi State. Looking to fill that void is senior DeQuinton

BRANDON SPECK/MONROE JOURNAL

West Point QB Dequinten Spraggins has some big shoes to fill for the Green Wave this season.

Spraggins, who saw time at receiver and safety last year.

“He has the same types of tools that Justin has,” said Chambless.

“And we always want to put one of our best athletes at quarterback.”

The GreenWave did graduate a 1,000-yard rusher in LaKenderick Thomas but they return an experienced group in juniors Mario Virges and Tez Pulliam. The Green Wave program also wel-

comed Houston transfer Charles Heard, who will also figure into the backfield plans.

Chambless also returns three starters up front in seniors Romia Wilson, Jonathan Jones and Alex Hall.

“We are a blue-collar offense all the way and we will do the same this year,” noted Chambless. “We have some good guys in the mix at running back and that also includes sophomore Aeries Williams. Those guys love to run the ball and be physical and so does our offensive line.”

West Point will also have to fill several holes on defense, which has long been a strong suit for the Green Wave. The lone returning starters on defense include senior linebacker Brandon Edwards and junior defensive lineman Freddie Reed.

“We’ve got to fill some holes,” said Chambless. “But we’ve got a lot of capability in our guys. We will be young and it may take some time for them to settle in for us to reach our potential on defense.”

Aug. 20 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

SCHEDULE

South Panola 7:30 Columbus 7:30 Starkville 7:30 at Noxubee County 7:30 at Lake Cormorant* 7:30 Hernando* 7:30 at Clarksdale* 7:00 Saltillo* 7:00 at Center Hill* 7:00 at Oxford* 7:00 New Hope* 7:00 *–Division 1-5A game

SCOUTING REPORT

Former Houston RB Charles Heard transferred to West Point after spring practice and will give the Green Wave a big back at 6-2 and 215 pounds. ... Junior starting fullback Mario ‘Moose’ Virges is the younger brother of MSU defensive tackle Curtis Virges. ... Another young tailback will get his share of carries this year in sophomore Aries Williams, who got some brief time last year with the varsity program. ... West Point’s lone setback last year was a one-point, lastsecond loss to rival Starkville.

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