High school football 08172014

High school previews

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014

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Football Journal 2014

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014 |

TEAM INDEX

Aberdeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alcorn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Amory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Baldwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Belmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Benton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Biggersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Booneville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun Academy . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Corinth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 East Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mantachie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Marshall Academy . . . . . . . . . . 26 Mooreville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Football Journal

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Nettleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 New Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Oak Hill Academy . . . . . . . . . . 30 North Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Okolona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Potts Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Vardaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Walnut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 West Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 ALSO: Players to watch . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Preseason rankings . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kossuth honors Shipman . . . . 23

DAILY JOURNAL 2014

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 (1-800-2702612, 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.

SPORTS EDITOR: John L. Pitts INSIDE PAGE DESIGN: Jeff AP | FILE Roper (individual team pages Louisville players hoist the Class 3A trophy after beating Hazlehurst 30-28 for the from a concept by Brad Locke) MHSAA state championship on Dec. 7 in Jackson. For the first time since 2007, no STAFF HIGH SCHOOL WRITERS: team from the Daily Journal’s coverage area won a state football title.

Brandon Speck, Gene Phelps

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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3F

More schools install artificial turf this season

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Starkville coach Jamie Mitchell sees the landscape of Mississippi high school football changing – to artificial turf.

Mitchell’s Yellow Jackets will play all 11 of their regular season games – six home, five road – on fake grass. Starkville installed artificial turf this summer. Two opponents – Oxford and Northwest Rankin – also installed it this summer while Clinton, Madison Central and Florence, Ala., all play on synthetic surfaces.

“We will not play a game on natural grass. It’s hard to believe we’ve gone that far,” Mitchell said.

Last season, Lafayette became the first northeast Mississippi TURN TO TURF, 19F

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Tupelo will unveil its new blue turf this season. It is one of four schools in the Daily Journal’s coverage area to install artificial turf this year.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Seven players to watch this season

H

ere are seven players – certainly not the only seven – we think fans should make time to see this season.

From an excitement factor to a talent factor, colleges are taking notice and we think you should, too.

D.K. METCALF

School: Oxford Height/Weight: 6-3, 195 Class: Junior Wears: No. 14 Plays: WR/ATH Up Close: Committed to Ole Miss on June 8, 2013 Worth Watching Because: “He's just an excellent receiver,” Oxford coach Johnny Hill said. “He’s a threat. Anytime you get single coverage on him, odds are he’s going to come down with it. He’s real physical. He blocks well. He gets open.

He’s got good shake-and-bake moves, great hands. Just a complete receiver.”

JUSTIN CLIFTON

School: Tupelo Height/Weight: 6-1, 210 Class: Senior Wears: No. 10 Plays: LB Up Close: Committed to Arkansas State on July 21 Worth Watching Because: “I think if he’s one inch taller, the world already knows about him,” Tupelo coach Trent Hammond said. “He’s a player. I think he’s as good as you’ll find at his position.”

DIAMANTE POUNDS

School: Saltillo Height/Weight: 5-11.5, 218

Class: Senior Wears: No. 2 Plays: RB/OLB Up Close: Ranked fourth in the state last season with 2,039 yards and 20 TDs Worth Watching Because: Pounds is a combo of power and explosiveness. “No doubt that’s what makes him so effective,” Saltillo coach Pat Byrd said.

“Everybody talks about his perceived lack of speed. He runs a 4.7, 4.75, but he’s that with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter after 28 carries. To me, that’s football speed. That’s what you want.”

DUKE UPSHAW

School: Baldwyn Height/Weight: 5-10, 170 Class: Junior Wears: No. 2 Plays: CB/QB/RB Up Close: Invited to his second straight U.S. Army Combine Worth Watching Because: Transitioning from starting running back to starting quarterback. “He’s a year older, a little bit more mature and I think finally accepts who he is out there, as far as what he has to do,” Baldwyn coach Michael Gray said. “I’m excited to see him. He’s really quick. You watch him play basketball. If you get him on the block, he goes by you. He ran something the other day, he was boxed in, then he was gone. I don’t think speed is his biggest asset. He has great vision and really good feet.”

ISAIAH HOWARD

School: Ripley Height/Weight: 6-3, 190 Class: Senior Wears: No. 10

Plays: WR/S Up Close: Howard already owns five school records, including career receptions (106) and receiving yards (1,558) Worth Watching Because: “He’s tall and long, physical at the point of attack,” Ripley coach Chad Cook said. “A lot of receivers don’t like to mix it up. He gets as much enjoyment from blocking a DB as he does scoring a touchdown.

That’s rare. He’s not a selfish player.”

ARMANI LINTON

School: Walnut Height/Weight: 6-2, 200 Class: Senior Wears: No. 23 Plays: WR/TB/S/OLB Up Close: A former Mississippi State commit, Linton flipped and committed to Ole Miss on June 6.

Worth Watching Because: “He’s got speed. He’s smooth. You want to put the ball in his hands. He knows what to do with it,” Walnut coach John Meeks said. “He’s very, very intelligent, too. He understands the game.”

JAY JOHNSON

School: Bruce Height/Weight: 6-4, 210 Class: Senior Wears: No. 6 Plays: WR/S Up Close: A former Mississippi State commit, Johnson also flipped and committed to Ole Miss on June 6.

Worth Watching Because: “At any given moment, he can win a ballgame for us and he’s got to do that on a consistent basis,” Bruce coach James Ray said.

Brandon Speck

DAILY JOURNAL |

PRESEASON RANKINGS

CLASS 6A/5A

1. TUPELO (6A) Expectations are high after making the school’s first state championship appearance since 1992. Defense returns MSU commit Jarvis Wilson and Arkansas State commit Justin Clifton. Opener: at Lafayette 2. OXFORD (5A) Huge returns for Class 5A runner-up, including Journal Offensive Player of the Year, QB Jack Abraham. Opener: at Jackson Prep 3. STARKVILLE (6A) Transfer QB Brady Davis has talented bunch with return of leading rusher and receiver.

Opener: vs. Noxubee County

CLASS 3A/4A

1. RIPLEY (4A) Lost leading passer, rusher and top two tacklers on a team that started the season 8-0.

WR Isaiah Howard highlights offensive returns. Opener: at Itawamba AHS 2. CORINTH (4A) Had won nine straight games before a puzzling loss against Byhalia in a playoff opener.

QB Antares Gwyn is now a junior. Opener: Kossuth 3. BOONEVILLE (3A) Return of quarterback Jack Simpson helps Booneville after an 8-3 season. Opener: Walnut 4. ITAWAMBA AHS (4A) Sophomore Vijay Miller (QB) and

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junior Hunter White (WR) return from a team that grew up midway through last season.

Opener: Ripley 5. ABERDEEN (3A) Without WR focus Jerrick Orr for 6-8 weeks, but Josh Williams is a four-year starter at QB. Opener: at Shannon

CLASS 2A/1A

1. CALHOUN CITY (2A) Wildcats return QB Chakel Gates after Class 2A championship appearance. Opener: Coffeeville 2. BALDWYN (2A) Bearcats return a lot from each side after North title appearance, including four of top five tacklers, led by sophomore LB Armontie Price. Opener: at Nettleton 3. BRUCE (2A) Trojans lose leading passer and rusher Donta Armstrong, but return Ole Miss commit WR Jay Johnson and two of top three tacklers. Opener: at North Pontotoc 4. HAMILTON (1A) Lions caught people off-guard last season, but a 9-4 team should again be a factor.

Speedy junior back Keshon Heard is a top talent. Opener: at Potts Camp 5. FALKNER (1A) New coach Quess Hood inherits talented offense with senior QB Jase Stroupe and senior RB Jeramie Lawrence.

Opener: Middleton, Tenn.

N o m a t t e r w h a t t e a m y o u p u l l f o r, w e h a v e y o u c o v e r e d !

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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5F

Offense steps up as Bulldogs’ primary weapon

ABERDEEN

BULLDOGS

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

MONROE JOURNAL

Division: 4-3A 2013 record: 7-6, 4-1 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Mark Bray (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Josh Williams, Sr., QB Four-year starter who passed for 2,155 yards and accounted for 27 total TDs in 2013 despite missing time with a shoulder injury.

Jerrick Orr, Jr., WR/DB Lead the Bulldogs with 813 receiving yards as a sophomore.

Tyreke Gates, Sr., WR/DB Also a threat in the secondary, where he had three picks last season.

Once the perennial defensive powerhouse in 3A, Aberdeen has reemerged as an offensive threat the last two seasons.

This year, the Bulldogs return all but one skill player and bring back a four-year starting quarterback in Josh Williams.

“My first two Bray years, our defense was something we could lean on, and now we have the type of squad that can really go put points on the board,”Williams said.

“Now our defense can lean on us.”

OFFENSE

Williams accounted for 27 of Aberdeen’s touchdowns as a junior, despite fighting a shoulder injury in the last few

games of the season.

“It just makes a tremendous difference when you have a quarterback who you don’t have to sit there and teach him all the little things,” head coach Mark Bray said. “He knows the offense as well as the coaches know it. Everything about having a kid like him makes a big difference.”

Sammie Burroughs is the only loss in a talented group of receivers that returns playmakers Jerrick Orr and Tyreke Gates.

Damain Curry, BJ Williams and Parish Cratic will also be in the mix.

Donte Carter returns in the backfield and is joined by CJ Williams and Quincy Crump.

Jamarcus Tallie moves from center to tackle on the offensive line, while Justin Drake returns at tackle. Devante Smith will take over at center, and Jordan Gladney returns at guard.

DEFENSE

The Bulldogs expect many of the same names on the defensive line that will be on the offensive line. Smith led

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the way with 11 sacks last season.

CJ Williams and Shavez McMillian are returning inside linebackers, while basketball player Juwan Davis is a new addition at outside linebacker. Tay Carrouthers, Damain Curry, Quincy Crump and Demeree Dobbins give the Bulldogs some depth in the linebacking corps.

Aberdeen starts over at safety but Bray said BJ Williams and Tramonte Prather are both very athletic.

“We’ve seen good things from them there, they’re just still inexperienced,” Bray said.

Orr and Gates both return at corner, and Kemar Sims and Josh McMillian will both also see playing time in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Williams will handle the punting duties again, backed up by Parish Cratic, while Demaree Dobbins returns as the placekicker for the third year in a row. Freshman Jacoby Carruth could also be in the mix at kicker.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Shannon New Hope Amory at Noxubee County Itawamba AHS at Corinth Nettleton* at Kemper County* Louisville* Winona* at South Pontotoc* * – Division 4-3A

NOTEBOOK

Burt Ashley, brother of Amory head coach Ben Ashley, is new to the staff and will coach the offensive line. ... Aberdeen has been eliminated on the road by Charleston in the playoffs the past three seasons. ... WR Jerrick Orr could miss 68 weeks after having his appendix removed.

Good Luck Area Teams!

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

ALCORN CENTRAL

GOLDEN BEARS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 2-9, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jeff Boren (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ethan Carmichael, Jr., RB/LB Key on each side of the ball. Coach calls him the “go-to guy.”

Denver Turner, Sr., OL/DL Bears need better pass protection and Turner is where that has to start.

Jack Awwad, Sr., QB Senior looking for a breakout season.

Appeared in eight games last season.

DAILY JOURNAL

Boren: Bears can’t afford to take a day off

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Alcorn Central hasn’t made the playoffs since 1989, its last winning season. If that is to change, the Bears will have to win at least two division games.

They haven’t won one since 2008.

“I really feel we’re getting better every year,” third year Bears coach Jeff Boren said. “What Boren it takes is we’ve got to keep developing every day. We’re not a team that can afford to take a day off.”

Three of Central’s five division games are on the road, at Booneville, Kossuth and Belmont.

OFFENSE

The Bears return seven starters but must replace quality linemen. There is

‘We made some strides last season and we’re looking to make more.’

Jeff Boren

Alcorn Central head coach experience up front and in the backfield, starting with junior running back Ethan Carmichael.

“We made some strides last season and we’re looking to make more,”Boren said.

Denver Turner will be a senior, expected to be a leader up front along with senior Byron Baswell.

Jack Awwad will start at quarterback, taking over for Josh Berry.

Awwad, a senior, appeared in eight games last season. Boren says Awwad had a great spring and summer and is a good leader.

DEFENSE

Senior Taylor Johnson can go from defensive end to linebacker and will be heavily counted on. But Carmichael will be pulling double duty, counted on as much at linebacker as he is at tailback.

“We’ll look for him to do a lot of good things,” Boren said. “He’s really going to be our go-to guy.”

Carmichael had a team-high five tackles-for-loss last season.

Three of the Bears’ top four tacklers return, including Johnson, who averaged 5.3 tackles per game. He had a teamhigh 1.5 sacks.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker, punter and long snapper were all wide open competitions going into fall practice because Jason Gurley and Ethan Spears graduated.

Isaac Byrom punted six times last season and averaged 30 yards per punt. Senior Logan Ford could be in the kicking and punting mix, but Boren said it was open for all comers.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Biggersville Tishomingo County at Walnut at Hatley at Mantachie New Site at Booneville* Mooreville* at Kossuth* North Pontotoc* at Belmont* * – Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

Alcorn Central has lost 30 straight division games. The Bears’ last win was on Sept. 26, 2008, 35-28 over Kossuth …

Alcorn Central’s defense produced only two interceptions last season, both claimed by junior Brent Robbins.

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6F

PANTHERS

finished our last three games.”

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

MONROE JOURNAL

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 4-7, 2-3 (No playoffs) Head coach: Ben Ashley (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

T.J. Fields, Jr., RB/DB Rushed for 544 yards in the final six games of his sophomore season.

Victor Vega, Sr., OL A 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior has the potential to play at the next level.

Amory found itself battle-tested in an injury-plagued 2013 season that included six torn ACLs and the loss of their starting quarterback and running back.

Second-year coach Ben Ashley said the only silver lining from those injuries is the depth the Panthers Ashley have lined up for this year.

“It’s certainly one of those things that made us stronger as a team,” said Ashley, whose team missed the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. “Now we’ve got a lot more than 7 or 8 kids on the sidelines who can step in and get the job done. It hurt to miss the playoffs but I’m very pleased with how we

OFFENSE

The Panthers return both depth and size on their offensive line, which lost just two starters. Victor Vega is the lone senior in a group that includes Branden York, Austin Causey, Stan Ostrowski and Bailey Doolittle.

“We’re just so much bigger and stronger up front. I really think our line of scrimmage will be the strength of our football team,” Ashley said.

Sophomore Gunnar Hall, who Ashley said had a strong summer, returns under center after starting the final seven games of 2013. His primary receivers are seniors Phillip Tyra and Tyler Sienkowski and sophomore Zatorious Gates with Drake Wallace back at tight end.

Junior tailback T.J. Fields returns and will split time with Austin Renfro, who tore his ACL in the second game of the season.

“We hate to think how good of a season he would have had for us last year if he hadn’t gotten hurt,” Ashley said. “His

vision is incredible, and he has good feet.”

DEFENSE

Four-year starter Mike Loyd anchors a defensive line that Ashley called the strength on that side of the ball and is joined by Cortavious Ivy, Pat Berry and Tyler Young.

Linebacker is the position with the biggest question mark. Marcus Glenn and Ivan Ware are returning with Corey Garth, Hayden Randolph and Jalen Holland also in the mix.

Fields, Isaiah Carter and Jarvis Sykes all return in the secondary along with three speedy sophomores in Julian Mitchell, Austin Watkins and Tiyon Johnson.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tyra returns to handle punts, while junior placekicker Caleb Shelly made 12 of 14 extra points attempted last season.

Ashley said special teams had the potential to be a strong suit with long snapper being the only concern. The Panthers are working on who will return kicks.

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Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

NOTEBOOK

The Panthers had six players take snaps at QB last season, including returning sophomore Gunnar Hall who started the final seven games. ...

Amory won two of its final three division games but missed out on the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

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SCHEDULE

at Independence Senatobia at Aberdeen New Albany at New Hope at Bruce at Itawamba AHS* Pontotoc* Shannon* at Tishomingo County* Corinth* * –Division 1-4A

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Wishing All Area Schools A Successful 2014 Season!

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Healthy Panthers seek return to playoffs

AMORY

Mike Loyd, Sr., DL Four-year starter on the defensive line who won a powerlifting state title in the spring.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

BALDWYN

BEARCATS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 11-4, 5-0 (North finals) Head coach: Michael Gray (6th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Duke Upshaw, Jr., ATH Rushed for 1,094 yards last season at running back and will be under center this year. Also, one of the area’s top corners.

Jimmy Tyes, So., DL Had 91 tackles and 6 tackles-forloss and a team-high seven hurries as a freshman starter.

Cason Collins, Sr., OL One of four returning up front, a key spot especially with a new quarterback.

DAILY JOURNAL

Bearcats learned to adapt after multiple injuries

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Baldwyn coach Michael Gray isn’t saying injuries are good, but is saying good can come out of them.

The North runner-up Bearcats can speak to it.

Starting defensive end Brison Randolph tore an ACL in the season opener and numerous guys missed time with injuries, Gray feature backs Duke Upshaw and Laquintez Upshaw among them.

“It hurt, but then again it gave others opportunities at key positions and a lot of experience,” Gray said.

OFFENSE

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backs and quarterback Corbin Scott.

Quarterback will be turned over to junior athlete Duke Upshaw, who as a running back last season, rushed for 1,094 yards.

“We’re hoping he steps in and adapts to that role,” Gray said. “I think he wants to. We’re going to throw a lot at him.”

Baldwyn’s biggest task may be who backs Upshaw. He missed four games last season and plays both sides of the ball.

He’s behind experience with Cason Collins, Matt Prentice on the left, Zach Pridmore at center and Jacob Harper at right guard. If Luke Dugger, Jacob Harkey and Randolph stay healthy and sophomore Tice Bowdry continues to develop, Baldwyn will have added depth.

Impact linebacker Armontie Price will play some wide receiver in a group still forming. Laquintez Upshaw is back at fullback.

DEFENSE

Baldwyn returns seven, including line-

backers Ozzie Price and Armontie Price, who combined for 254 tackles last season.

Tackle Jimmy Tyes had 91 tackles.

Linebacker Marbrecio Crump graduated with his 150 tackles, which ranked second in Class 2A. “Everything else is pretty much intact,” Gray said. “We’re excited about the younger kids no one has really gotten to see.”

Bowdry and junior defensive end Marquavious Patterson are a couple of those.

Duke Upshaw and Laquintez Upshaw are Baldwyn’s top two corners.

Randolph, a junior, returns from a torn ACL suffered in last season’s opener. He started as a freshman.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Clayton Gray punted 47 of the 48 times Baldwyn punted last season. Keyton Stone claims the other one. Stone, a senior, will be the man this season.

Zachary Winstead will handle extra points and kickoffs.

Aug. 22 Aug. 28 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Nettleton Booneville Mooreville at Belmont at Saltillo Tishomingo County at Mantachie* Hatley* at East Union* Walnut* New Site* * – Division 1-2A

NOTEBOOK

Baldwyn has lost both games against Booneville since the rivalry became known as the “Skunk Bowl.” ...

Armontie Price’s 152 tackles as a freshman ranked ninth in the state, first in 2A.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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9F

Cardinals expect to rebound from down 2013

BELMONT

CARDINALS

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 3-8, 2-3 (1st round playoffs) Head coach: Kerry Moody (12th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bryan Malone, Sr., QB Malone was the starting tight end for Belmont last season.

Cory Hogan, Sr., WR/S Brings all the intangibles to the field.

Lorenzo Braxton, Sr., WR/CB Runs good routes on offense and plays good man-to-man defense at corner back.

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Belmont head coach Kerry Moody likes the vibe of the 2014 Belmont Cardinals football team.

“I really believe this bunch of young men are going to be overachievers,” Moody said. “I like their attitude, and attitude pays big dividends in the long run.

“I feel this group Moody will bounce back.”

The Cardinals are trying to bounce back from a 3-8 overall, and 2-3 mark in Division 13A from last season. And while the records were below .500, Moody points out that three of the losses were by less than seven points.

OFFENSE

The Cardinals will look to generate of-

THE TOWN OF BELMONT

Experience for the Cardinals defense lies in its secondary, beginning with Hogan and Braxton, and with Lynch and Reeves. Higginbottom and Ryan Gray look to have two linebacking spots, with freshman Alex Sparks as a prime candidate for playing time.

But other positions are still up in the air.

Belmont head coach

fense behind an athletic and experienced line. Leading that group should be seniors Kole Timbs and Devan Hurst, and sophomore Cameron Sauls, with Issac Hughes, Jeremiah Hughes, Jake Johnson, and tight end Collin Peppers.

Bryan Malone moves from tight end to quarterback to run the patient Belmont attack.

Moody has multiple options for the

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Higginbottom appears to have a lock as kicker, with Hurst and Reeves battling at punter. Malone will get the call as snapper.

We

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 at Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Smithville at Mantachie at Tishomingo County Baldwyn open Red Bay, Ala. Mooreville* Kossuth* at North Pontotoc* at Booneville* Alcorn Central* * –Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

LB Chandler Higginbottom has led the team in tackles the last three years, and is a fouryear starter. ... Belmont returns six starters on offense, and five on defense.

our Cardinals!

from

OLE COUNTRY STORE

Mayor Buddy Wiltshire; Alderman: Brandon Pharr, Steve Ratliff, Mike Harris, Craig Bell & Alderwoman: Sonya Marris.

Good Luck

Kerry Moody

Cardinals

Cardinals

GREAT Season!

Cardinals offensive backfield, beginning with fullback Chandler Higginbottom and running back Jacob Lynch. Cory Hogan and Lorenzo Braxton are two of the top wide outs, with Skylar Poole and Peyton Reeves vying for field time.

“We have a strong core on our offensive line,” Moody said. “I feel good about our front line.”

Good Luck

Good Luck on a

‘I like their attitude and attitude pays big dividends in the long run. I feel this group will bounce back.’

Cardinals

Belmont, MS 662-454-7920

342 2ND STREET • BELMONT • 662.454.0001

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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BENTON COUNTY

BUCCANEERS FAST FACTS

Division: Independent 2013 record: 1-6 Head coach: Eric Rice (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richard Brooks, So., ATH When asked where Brooks will play, coach Eric Rice said, “Everywhere.”

Jawan Martin, So., LB/RB A run-stopper who will line up behind tackle and on the end.

Tray Peterson, Sr., WR/DE The senior will be a 6-foot-4, 230pound pressence coming off the end.

Aug. 22 Aug 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 23

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SCHEDULE

at H.W. Byers West Oktibbeha at Biggersville at Potts Camp Hatley at Walnut Marshall Academy TCPS at Thrasher

DAILY JOURNAL

Bucs aiming to ‘add wins’

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

The Benton County Buccaneers ended their 2013 campaign with a 36-22 win over Thrasher, their first win against varsity competition in the program’s four-year history. It was also their only win of the season.

Third-year coach Eric Rice said the excitement of the triumph has carried over into 2014.

“It was definitely a big boost,” said Rice, the nephew of NFL great Rice Jerry Rice. “I can see the enthusiasm in the kids this season off that win.”

Still playing as an independent, the co-op team made up of students from basketball-rich Ashland and Hickory Flat has nine varsity games this year.

They added home dates with West Oktibbeha and TCPS. Rice thinks they have enough experience returning to hopefully add some more wins as well.

“We’re looking to make strides. I feel like we’ve got some seasoned kids that have been here a while and understand what it takes to be a football player,” he said.

“Now we are looking to add some wins.”

OFFENSE

Junior Phillip Tatum returns at quarterback, but sophomore Richard Brooks and freshman Rod Reeves will also get time there. The running

backs are Brooks and Jawan Martin, sophomores with two years in the program, and Ladarious Fields, a quick back. Senior Trayvagus Peterson moves from quarterback to be the main target at wide receiver.

Up front, junior center Jeremy Shoup and senior left guard Alex Williams are experienced and should get help from first-year starter Shane Smith, a big sophomore right tackle Rice says could have a bright future.

DEFENSE

Rice said his defense could be the strong suit of the squad with seven players returning.

Senior ILB Kadarious Hamer and sophomore D.J. Hardin man the middle of the 3-4 defense.

Peterson and Jawan Martin will play on the edges. Brooks, Reeves, Isaiah Foster and Josh Martin are your defensive backs.

“Hamer will be the anchor of the defense and Reeves may be the best athlete overall and that will be a plus,” Rice said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tatum will handle all kicking duties. Rice was undecided about return specialists.

NOTEBOOK

Look for junior Zach Guelker to play multiple positions. Coach Eric Rice called him a “Jack-of-all-Trades,” and could play TE, FB, DE, or LB. ...Coaches Gaylord Jones, who began the football program at Byhalia, Cody Samples, Heath Robbins and Rob Allen will be new Buccaneers’ assistants on the sideline.

2013 standings CLASS 6A

Division 1-6A South Panola Tupelo Grenada DeSoto Central Olive Branch Southaven Horn Lake Hernando

All 13 13 9 7 7 6 3 3

2 2 3 6 5 6 8 8

Div. 7 0 6 1 5 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 1 6 0 7

PF 465 376 317 274 357 283 237 270

PA 195 152 193 328 204 317 290 363

Division 2-6A Madison Central Starkville Warren Central Northwest Rankin Murrah Columbus Clinton Greenville-Weston

All 9 4 9 4 8 4 4 8 5 7 4 7 3 8 1 10

Div. 6 1 6 1 6 1 3 4 3 4 2 5 2 5 0 6

PF 434 363 234 165 359 204 241 132

PA 292 239 147 327 357 218 322 391

PF 569 352 464 403 284 283 249 263

PA 233 389 405 340 262 340 318 428

2 4 9 7 7 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 0 5

PF 352 283 146 112 154 218

PA 162 209 270 224 271 403

2 2 6 7 7 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 378 479 340 158 147 117

PA 213 189 262 331 233 284

CLASS 5A

Division 1-5A Oxford Clarksdale West Point Saltillo Lake Cormorant New Hope Lewisburg Center Hill

All 14 1 7 5 7 5 8 5 6 5 4 7 3 7 1 10

Div. 7 0 5 2 5 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 2 5 0 7

CLASS 4A

Division 1-4A All Corinth 10 Itawamba AHS 7 Pontotoc 3 Shannon 4 Amory 4 Tishomingo County 2 Division 2-4A Rosa Fort Ripley Lafayette Byhalia New Albany Senatobia

All 11 11 10 4 4 1

Division 4-4A All Div. PF PA Noxubee County 9 4 5 0 269 139 Kosciusko 7 6 4 1 281 274 West Lauderdale 7 5 3 2 261 278 Houston 1 11 1 4 117 291 Leake Central 6 4 1 4 252 167 Caledonia 3 8 1 4 217 328 Source: misshsfootball.com

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CLASS 3A

Division 1-3A North Pontotoc Booneville Kossuth Belmont Mooreville Alcorn Central

All 10 8 4 3 3 2

4 3 7 8 7 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 470 346 226 232 252 156

PA 305 204 233 343 335 445

Division 2-3A Charleston Water Valley North Panola Independence Palmer Holly Springs

All 12 11 7 4 2 2

2 2 6 8 7 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 522 521 442 257 118 243

PA 193 231 434 386 348 337

Division 4-3A Louisville Aberdeen Kemper County Nettleton Winona South Pontotoc

All 16 7 9 6 2 3

0 6 4 6 9 8

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 628 408 391 305 199 194

PA 114 340 371 307 293 422

Division 1-2A Baldwyn Mantachie Walnut East Union Hatley New Site

CLASS 2A All 11 9 9 7 3 2

4 4 4 4 7 8

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 2 3 0 5

PF 515 458 360 299 161 190

PA 290 293 301 314 353 368

Division 2-2A Byers Coahoma AHS Strayhorn West Tallahatchie Coahoma County Potts Camp

All 10 7 2 4 5 1

1 4 9 8 5 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 0 5

PF 352 214 214 299 207 98

PA 171 158 322 341 225 321

Division 4-2A Calhoun City Eupora Bruce Okolona East Webster

All 11 9 7 5 6

4 3 4 5 4

Div. 4 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 4

PF 412 398 251 219 263

PA 285 195 203 202 214

PF 442 459 304 441 204 318 207 248 96

PA 193 286 215 391 200 361 372 493 515

Division 1-1A Coffeeville Smithville Hamilton Falkner Thrasher Coldwater Houlka Biggersville Vardaman

CLASS 1A All 8 4 11 4 9 4 7 5 5 5 4 7 3 8 2 9 0 11

Div. 8 0 6 2 6 2 6 2 4 4 3 5 2 6 1 7 0 8

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10F

BIGGERSVILLE

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 2-9, 1-7 (No playoffs) Head coach: Ronnie Lawson (13th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tyran Davis, Sr., QB/DB Started at wide receiver last season and caught two TD passes.

Airon Morgan, So., RB/LB Led Lions with 123 tackles as a freshman.

Bradley Davis, Sr., RB/LB Leading rusher with 817 yards and six TDs.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

|

11F

Lions have issues with depth, experience

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Everyone on the 21-man roster will be key if Biggersville is going to break a 16-year playoff drought.

Ronnie Lawson, entering his 13th season, says the Lions will need to develop some depth.

“We're pretty balanced this year,” Lawson said, “The first 11 will be able Lawson to play with just about everybody on the schedule. Some young guys will have to step up and be ready to play.”

There are young guys on the defensive side of the ball who will be tasked with turning around a 2013 season that saw teams score nearly 45 points a game against the Lions.

‘Some young guys will have to step up’ Ronnie Lawson Biggersville coach

OFFENSE

“They'll be more slants, curls, more controlled passing,” Ronnie Lawson said. “(Tyran has) really picked it up. We started putting it in in the spring. Our offense is pretty much already installed.”

DEFENSE

The Lions get seven starters back, the biggest probably sophomore middle linebacker Airon Morgan, who led the team with 123 tackles as a freshman.

Bradley Davis, Derrick Gunn and Nathan Carroll will be in the defensive backfield. On the line, Lawson and Lambert will go both ways. Sophomore Darious Deen is a transfer defensive end. He'll be joined by freshman Cameron Barnett at the other end. Ronnie Lawson says middle linebacker and the secondary should be the strengths on that side of the ball.

Eight return, including all five offensive linemen and leading rusher Bradley Davis. Tyran Davis goes from starting wide receiver to starting quarterback.

Three seniors will anchor the offensive line, Hunter Lawson, Hunter Lambert and Tanner Hall. All three started last season and some younger guys have experience.

Lawson said the Lions should be fine at receiver, but without the big-play threat that Jaylon Gaines and Darian Barnett brought.

SPECIAL TEAMS Biggersville averaged nearly 23 points Hunter Lawson will be snapping on per game. Twenty-two touchdowns came punt and extra points. Who he'll be snapthrough the air. Barnett and Gaines ping to was yet to be decided as practice caught 18 of those. ended its first week.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Alcorn Central New Site Benton County Coldwater* Smithville* at Coffeeville* Vardaman* at Falkner* Hamilton* at Houlka* Thrasher* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

Tyran Davis, a senior, will be playing QB for the first time since junior high … Last year's starting QB Caleb Kitchens transferred to Tupelo Christian … Biggersville has struggled at home, 1-10 the last two seasons.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

BOONEVILLE

BLUE DEVILS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 8-3, 4-1, (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Mike Mattox (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jack Simpson, Sr., QB Starting for the third season. Good runner, good thrower, even better leader.

Kirk Hickman, Sr., FB/LB Hickman was second on the team with 7.8 tackles per game.

James Christian, Sr., RB/DB Christian’s role will be widely expanded this year.

DAILY JOURNAL

Mattox wants more to step into leadership roles don’t get and some you don’t ex- out him. He’s a smart kid and can help pect and you do,” he said. “We’re other kids until they pick the offense up.” looking for several we don’t expect Booneville’s senior class has had to step up.”

DEFENSE a pretty impressive career. The Seven return on defense. On the line, fourth-year Blue Devils have gone OFFENSE Tyler Floyd is tough to replace. Sparks will 25-10 the last three seasons.

Much of the line has experience. Who be pulling important double duty. He’ll be Losing Andrew plays where is still up in the air in a lot of beside senior Alex Duncan at tackle. Tate Lambert, a focal spots, but up front, Chris Sparks is 6-foot- and Bell will be defensive backs and point at running 3, 295 pounds. Another senior, Billy Stone bring back starting experience. back, defensive will likely play center, a spot emphasized Mattox says Hickman and Newby are back and punter, because of how often Booneville snaps the quarterbacks of the defense. hurts but from the gun. Senior running back James Hickman was second, Newby fourth in Booneville has sev- Christian returns after rushing for 311 tackles last season. Safety McCutchen eral pieces back yards and four touchdowns. Hickman, a was first with 115 tackles. Newby tied Mattox while the rest are senior, returns at fullback. Last season as Floyd for a team-high 10 tackles-for-loss. worked in. Two of a sophomore, Elijah Tate rushed for 365 those are senior leaders in quarter- yards and four scores.

SPECIAL TEAMS back Jack Simpson and linebacker Tate will be in the slot at receiver. Ben Austin Hollaway comes from Clinton, Kirk Hickman.

McCutchen is a senior receiver. Sophowhere he made all 19 extra point atBooneville coach Mike Mattox more Tyrese Bell will see time at receiver. tempts last season and 3-of-5 field says he’s looking for more leaders – It all starts with Simpson. goals, the longest from 39 yards. He’ll vocal or not - first, then find where “He’s done a real good job for us runhandle the kicking and punting. Bell and they’ll play. ning and throwing the football,” Mattox Tate will get the first crack at returns, “You always have kids you ex- said. “We’re very happy to have him back. along with several young players in the pect something out of and you It would have been extremely hard withmix.

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

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Aug. 22 Aug. 28 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Walnut at Baldwyn open Corinth at Tishomingo County Harding (Tenn.) Academy Alcorn Central* at North Pontotoc* at Mooreville* Belmont* at Kossuth* * –Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

Senior lineman Chris Sparks tore his MCL in the 2013 season-opener. … Kicker transfer Austin Hollaway has a leg coach Mike Mattox says can consistantly put kickoffs in the end zone … Kossuth and North Pontotoc are the only division losses the last two seasons.

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12F

BRUCE

TROJANS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2013 records: 7-4, 2-2 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: James Ray (9th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jay Johnson, Sr., WR An Ole Miss committ who can run over or run around defenders.

Tyrique Armstrong, Sr., S/WR An excellent receiver in his own right, giving Bruce a potent threat on either sideline.

Ramon Tillman, Sr., OL Missed all of the 2013 season with an ACL injury.

CALHOUN ACADEMY

COUGARS FAST FACTS

Division: MAIS District 7 8-Man 2013 record: 5-5, 2-2 (No playoffs) Head coach: Tim Melton (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Joseph Boudreaux, Sr., WR/HB Typical senior leader, and perhaps the hardest worker on team.

Scott Shankle, Jr., QB/FS Good understanding of football, or “football smart.” Likes to hit.

Beau Walker, Jr., FB/MLB One of the strongest players on the team, and still growing.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

|

13F

Trojansexpectexcellenceonbothsidesofball

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

The Bruce Trojans should be able to pass. Be able to run. Be able to tackle.

All basic football stuff.

The scary thing for the Trojans opponents is that all of those things could be done at the highest of levels.

“Of course our Ray main goal is the first game of the season against North Pontotoc,” coach James Ray said. “But being at Bruce, you always want to get to the playoffs, and you want to make a deep run.

“We’ll just take one game at a time, and expect to be there at the end.”

OFFENSE

As indicated, the Trojans offense will have a nice balance, though the scale of attention might tip in the direction of wide receiver Jay Johnson.

But Johnson is just one of the many prongs of the Trojans attack. Senior Tyrquie Armstrong is just as dangerous a pass-catching threat on the other side of the ball.

Ray expects the running game to be just as potent with the committee of Jamar Brown, Zach Curithirds, and B. J. Gillespie. And South Pontotoc transfer Wesley Ross appears to have the edge at quarterback.

“I think we’ll be balanced, but we’ll take what they’re giving us,” Ray said.

“We’ll do what we have to do on offense.”

After missing last season because of an ACL injury, senior Ramon Tillman returns to the offensive line, joining Rickey Logan, Rod Freelon, and Josh Byrd.

DEFENSE

The fireworks provided by the Trojans will not all be on the offensive side. The defense will have its hand firmly on the outcome of games as well.

“We’re not looking to score 30 points a game, because we don’t need to,” Ray said. “I think our defense is bigger and faster than most years.”

Sophomore Travis Freelon will anchor the Bruce front at nose guard, and Bailey Nix will be one of the ends. Brown, Curithirds, and Tyler Donovan will comprise the linebacking corp.

First up in the secondary should be Cartez Welch, Gillespie, and Ike Willis.

“I’m excited about all the guys on defense,” Ray said. “And we’ll be able to play a large number.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jay Johnson and Tyrique Gunn will be the returners. Tyler Donovan will kick.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at North Pontotoc Potts Camp at Coffeeville at Water Valley West Bolivar Amory at Calhoun City* Eupora* East Webster* at Okolona* open * –Division 4-2A

NOTEBOOK

Bruce returns seven starters on offense and six starters on defense. ... WR Jay Johnson has run a 4.5 40, but the 6-foot-4 senior hand-timed even faster.

Cougars’ success will hinge on defense

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

The perceived trend in MAIS Eight-Man football is that the scoreboard could be broken every game.

The Calhoun Academy Cougars could be bucking that trend in 2014.

“We ground and pound, we play defense,” said Calhoun head coach Melton Tim Melton, whose Cougars look to improve on a 5-5 overall and 2-2 district effort. “We like to be like other Mississippi teams and play defense. We stick to our roots.

“I think our defense will be stronger than our offense, at least right now.

We’re going to be an underdog in a lot of games, but we really

‘Look for us to start the year a little rusty on offense because we have some guys in new positions. We don’t have breakaway speed this year, it will be more like three yards and a cloud of dust.’

Tim Melton

Calhoun Academy coach

have as good a chance as any- don’t have breakaway speed this year, it body.” will be more like three yards and a cloud OFFENSE of dust.”

Running the show will be junior quarterback Scott Shankle. Senior Joseph DEFENSE Boudreaux and junior Danner Tedder will Walker will play a key role on the Calbe two of the players hauling in passes, houn Academy defense as middle linewhile junior Beau Walker will have an im- backer, with Shankle and sophomore pact at fullback.

Michael Jones in the backfield, and Ted“Look for us to start the year a little der at defensive end. rusty on offense because we have some “If everybody learns their new position, guys in new positions,” Melton said. “We we’ll be OK on defense,” Melton said.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Humphreys Academy Delta Academy at North Sunflower Aca. open at North River Christian (Al.) at Strider Academy* at Briarfield Academy (La.) Central Academy* Kemper Academy* Sharkey Issaquena Aca.* at Hebron Christian* * – MAIS District 7 8-Man

NOTEBOOK

“Playing 8-man football allows us to have a football program,” said Calhoun Academy head coach Tim Melton, whose team plays in a football-rich county.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

CALHOUN CITY

WILDCATS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2013 record: 11-4, 4-0 (2A championship game) Head coach: Perry Liles (6th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chakel Gates, Sr., QB Compiled 2,871 yards of total offense in 2013.

Brieton Sykes, Jr., DB/WR Talented player and two-year starter who could play quarterback or running back.

Steele Liles, Sr., LB A true quarterback of the defense, who was the leading tackler last season.

DAILY JOURNAL

Wildcats prep for tough Division 4-2A slate

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

When Calhoun City Wildcats head coach Perry Liles looks at the schools in Division 4-2A, he sees a boatload of teams that have played a for a state championship.

“We play in such a tough region, we may have a good team, but not go the playoffs,” Liles said. “I do think it Liles helps us.”

TheWildcats look to maintain or improve on last season’s 11-4 overall and 4-0 division mark and have strong leadership on the field. Senior quarterback Chakel Gates and senior linebacker Steele Liles were elected team captains by the players as juniors, a fact that Liles thinks will work in favor of the Wildcats in the coming season.

‘We may have a good team but not make the playoffs’

Clint Wolfe and Easton Doles at guard, and Wes Edgesworth at center.

Jordan England moves from center to tight end.

DEFENSE

The Wildcats will have to cope with Perry Liles the loss of the middle of their defense.

The return of Liles at linebacker will on tough Division 4-2A schedule prove important early, as will Sykes and his experience in the secondary.

Calhoun City advanced through Joining Liles at linebacker will be the playoffs to the 2A champi- Patrick Gardner, along with potentially onship game a season ago.

Blake Simpson and J’air Pierce.

On the line, Jadarious Glass is at one OFFENSE defensive end, with Keeshun Bobo and Gates will be no secret to opposing Bryce Fleming on the inside, and either Class 2A foes, having amassed the most Hill or England at the other end. total yards in the classification in 2013.

Jordan Pratt will be one of the corners, Two new running backs will be behind with Gates and Nabors at the safeties.

Gates, junior Jaylen Thomas and sopho“If we can get our two safeties going, more Jesse Nabors. Brieton Skyes and we’ll be fine,” Liles said.

Kemon Hall should be two of the main receivers for Gates.

SPECIAL TEAMS Tackles Noah Hill and Christopher Liles has slated England as kicker, and Easley bracket a solid offensive line, with Hall as punter.

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Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Coffeeville at Houston Water Valley at Pontotoc Ripley at North Panola Bruce* East Webster* open at Eupora* Okolona* * –Division 4-2A

NOTEBOOK

During his junior season, Chakel Gates ran for 1,043 yards, and passed for another 1,828, totaling 20 touchdowns. ... “Offensive coordinator Travis England does a great job of using the people we have,” head coach Perry Liles said.

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14F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

|

15F

Warriors won’t forget about painful defeat

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Antares Gwyn, Jr., QB Second-year starter has full corps of returning receivers J.R. Burns, Sr., OL One of four returning up front has Louisiana-Monroe offer Deonte Keith, Jr., LB/RB Leading returning tackler. Had 80 and 13 TFLs as a sophomore.

Corinth ended last season with a 15-10 loss against fourth-seeded Byhalia in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

It isn’t forgotten.

“I think they have come in and worked hard and kind of have a chip on their shoulder about it,” Corinth coach Doug Jones Jones said. “I know I do.

I’m not over it yet and don’t know if I ever will be.”

Corinth had won nine straight and lost on a fourth-down, 72-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left.

“We’ve definitely preached this offseason, that you can’t afford one week to have a bad game, anytime,” Jones said.

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OFFENSE

Junior quarterback Antares Gwyn returns as a second-year starter. Four of the five up front return, including center J.R. Burns and Brandon Strickland as two anchoring seniors.

Jones says they’ll be aided by two “really good” juniors in Tairek Johnson and Luke Buffington. Sophomore Hunter Lancaster is at right tackle.

Jones says Gwyn has good wideouts in juniors Armad Wicks and Quentin Patterson. Wicks is the most experienced, 17 catches and four touchdowns last season. The Warriors have to replace running backs Kendrick Williams and Brice Spence.

Issac Haney and Demarkus Prather both played banged up behind them last season as juniors.

“If those two stay healthy, we’re going to be ok. They’ve both played,” Jones said.

They had a combined 88 carries for 409 yards and three touchdowns.

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DEFENSE

Deonta Williams is back up front, Deonte Keith and Tiberius Herd at linebacker and Tanner Maness in the secondary.

“We lost several guys, but in the spring had several young guys step up and take that role,” Jones said.

Payton Tucker will be one of the linebackers.

Keith was second on the team with 80 tackles and 13 tackles-for-loss.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jake Curtis is taking over all the kicking duties for John Michael McFall, now at East Mississippi.

Junior Keleb Nelms returns as the long snapper.

Punt returner will be Maness. Kick return will be by committee with Wicks, Maness and maybe Patterson.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Kossuth at Lafayette Lewisburg at Booneville at New Albany Aberdeen at Pontotoc* Tishomingo County* at Itawamba AHS* Shannon* at Amory* * –Division 1-4A

NOTEBOOK

Senior LB Jonmark Gardner tore his ACL in spring practice and is expected to return in October. He had surgery in May … Jonathan Beard will be the new defensive coordinator, taking over for Chris Shoup, who joined Tupelo’s staff …

Corinth will be playing on a new artificial turf field.

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Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 10-2, 5-0 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Doug Jones (3rd year)

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

EAST UNION

URCHINS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 8-4, 2-3 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Scott Duley (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

John Isaac Roberts, Sr., TE/OLB His coaches call him “The Professor” because of his knowledge of opponents’ offenses.

Lucas Wigington, Sr., OL/DL Has great feet and hard to block oneon-one.

Austin Colburn, Sr., OL/MLB Missed the second half of last season; has a nose for the ball and will be close to the play

EAST WEBSTER

WOLVERINES FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2013 record: 6-4, 0-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Doug Wilson (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Deangelo Liggins, Sr., QB/RB/CB Two-year starter and will line up at multiple offensive positions.

John Williams, Jr., OLB/RB Earned all-division honors as a sophomore.

Brock Flemings, Sr., OL Three-year starter at left tackle.

DAILY JOURNAL

Urchins aim to build on breakthrough season

BY JAY TIDWELL

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

East Union made quite a splash in 2013.

In the team’s first year in Division 1-2A, the Urchins grappled their way to an 8-4 finish, which included the school’s first playoff appearance and postseason win.

Coach Scott Duley recalled two more important Duley milestones: their first win against Potts Camp, which had started its program at the same time, and their rally in the regular season finale at Hatley, which broke a three-game losing streak and clinched a playoff berth.

“Mentally, you wouldn’t expect a young program to respond like that,” Duley said, “but that was the

most mentally focused we had been, and that was huge for us.”

Another landmark moment comes on Aug. 29, when the Urchins take the field for the first time on campus in their new stadium. The not-yet-named Urchins stadium will seat 700 in the home stands and 300 on the visitors’ side.

OFFENSE

East Union has been a run-first team, and Duley said that won’t change.

“We won’t pass the ball unless we have to,” he said. “We’ve got to shorten the game, run the ball and take the clock down.”

Lane Plunk, who played receiver last season as a junior, will start under center.

“We will rise and fall with him,” Duley said.

Plunk took good notes while watching D.J. Armstrong, who had played quarterback for the past four years.

“There would be times where we would lose our head and he would get us

right back into the play and get us some yards and move the chains up,” Plunk said. “I can take that and help us.”

Chase Hall will move from fullback to running back.

Cody Taylor (6-foot-4, 210) joins the team as wide receiver. Caleb Stevens (5-9, 260) will anchor the line at center, with state champion powerlifter Brian Wages (6-1, 275) at tackle. Senior Hartman Hunt will start at guard.

DEFENSE

Triston Lady, a senior linebacker, is the only returning starter for the team, which lost 14 to graduation. Lucas Wigington, a fast lineman, and linebacker Austin Colburn, both seniors, are rejoining the team.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Urchins are searching for the right players for special teams, but Duley knows he can count on Jamie McCullough to provide coverage on kicks.

“He is a headhunter,” Duley said, “and has an incredible athleticism to him.”

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Houlka Middleton (Tenn.)

Potts Camp at Tupelo Christian at Strayhorn Open New Site* at Walnut* Baldwyn* at Mantachie* Hatley* * – Division 1-2A

NOTEBOOK

East Union has added a new offensive coordinator, Kevin Walton, who was head coach at Falkner and started the program at Wheeler, and a new defensive coordinator, Kendall Murphy, son of long-time coach Perry Murphy, who won back-to-back 1A state titles at Mount Olive in 2009-10.

Wolverines face challenging division schedule

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

The margin for error is very thin inside Class 4-2A and teams can’t afford to have an off night.

Unfortunately, East Webster experienced the wrong end of the spectrum last season and were on the outside looking in when it came to the postseason.

Not making the Wilson playoffs is a rarity for the Wolverines’ program and this season, last year’s absence serves for good motivation.

TheWolverines opened last season with a 6-0 start but then lost all four division outings, including three by 11 points or less.

“Last year, I think every week was a battle until the final sec-

onds,” coach Doug Wilson said.

“We also didn’t have an easy game in non-region games, either. Those early battles did prepare our kids for a tough division and the division was as tough as we thought it would be.When you are facing Eupora, Calhoun City, Bruce and Okolona, you know that going in.”

OFFENSE

Senior Deangelo Liggins returns at quarterback and tailback and rushed for more than 800 yards in 2013. Also expected to be in the quarterback mix are Chase Keller as well as junior Jack Wilson, who was the Wolverines’ main passing threat last season. John Williams also returns in the backfield and will line up at running back.

Senior Brock Flemings returns at left tackle and will be joined by Wesley Harrison at right tackle on the offensive line.

DEFENSE

Six starters return on the defensive

side and seven starters on offense. Defensively, leading the charge will be Williams at outside backer, who had a team-high 51 tackles a year ago en route to all-division honors. Keller is also back with the linebacker group at the middle position.

In the secondary, Liggins returns at cornerback and will again pull double duty. Up front, seniors Monterrious Davis and Harrison return as well and Wilson said the team’s run defense is a major point of emphasis this season.

"We have to do a better job on the defensive line of stopping the run,” Wilson said.

“We have a lot of the same kids on defense that also play on offense. And we have better speed than normal in the secondary and at linebacker, too.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Wolverines have a solid weapon in junior kicker/punter Tyler Cosby, the team’s regular kicker since his eighth grade year.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Vardaman Noxapater at Nettleton Houston Caledonia J.Z. George Okolona* at Calhoun City* at Bruce* Coffeeville Eupora* * – Division 4-2A

NOTEBOOK

In his first season, quarterback Jack Wilson threw for 770 yards and seven touchdowns and was the main quarterback in passing situations. ... The Wolverines lost three division games by 11 points or less in 2013. ... East Webster posted a 3-1 road record in 2013 but were only 3-4 at home.

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16F

FALKNER

EAGLES

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 7-5, 5-2 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Quess Hood (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jase Stroupe, Sr., QB/LB Totaled 2,645 yards and 24 scores in 2013.

Jeramie Lawrence, Sr., RB/S Workhorse ran for 1,341 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.

Adam Hearn, Sr., LB/RB The tenacious defender will help more on offense in the run game this season.

HAMILTON

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 9-4, 6-2 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Ray Weeks (11th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keshon Heard, Jr., RB/DB Won the 100-meter dash in the spring track season as a sophomore.

Michael Roberts, Sr., RB/LB Three-year starter who will be the heart of the Lions' defense.

Austin Bishop, Sr., WR/DB Weeks said he's poised for a breakout season in his second year.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

|

17F

New coach Hood not bringing wholesale changes

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

If the Falkner Eagles post a fourth straight winning season for the first time since 1994-97, they’ll have to do it under their third head coach in four seasons.

Quess Hood, a volunteer assistant last season, steps in as head coach after Cory Armstrong departed for PonHood totoc. It’s the first head coaching job for the Eupora native and former Ripley assistant.

With eight starters back on both sides of the ball, Hood sees the talent and thinks they can simulate the previous year’s success or even do better, but adds that no matter the talent level, things have to fall in place.

"I’m optimistic but I’m cautious because any team – no matter how good – is only one or two plays away from being in trouble for whatever reason,” said Hood. “I think with the experience we’ve got that we have a good chance of being a pretty good team but again it’s if, if, if.”

OFFENSE

Hood decided against wholesale changes in the Eagles’ spread attack. Offensive weapons, quarterback Jase Stroupe and tailback Jeramie Lawrence return. They represented over 80 percent of the Eagles’ offensive production (4,101 yards, 50 TDs) last season.

Adam Hearn, who averaged 8.1 tackles per game at linebacker, will get carries at running back along with freshman Alex Caldwell. Senior Richard Green, a quick wide out with speed to stretch the field, junior Emontti Peterson, Caldwell and senior Demarcus Blackwell are the wide receivers.

The entire front line returns for their third year together, led by junior center O.J. Prather. RT Keith Kimory, RG Dillon Davis, LG Jarrett Walden and RT Rushun Luster round out the five. Chase Hill and Josh Richardson could also log minutes.

DEFENSE

Despite the loss of 100-tackle linebacker Tray Woody, now at Northeast, Hood thinks the defense could shine this season. Key returnees are second-leading tackler Waldon and Logan Wilbanks at linebacker; Judd Glissen, Prather and Kimory are up front; Lawrence is at safety and Green at corner.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Lawrence will punt and return kicks.

Kicking duties are undecided.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

Middleton, TN at Walnut (Joe Bowl) at Ripley at Hamilton* Houlka* at Thrasher* Biggersville (HC)* at Coldwater* Smithville* at Coffeeville* Vardaman* * –Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

The Eagles are in search of their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. ... Linebackers Jarrett Waldon, Logan Wilbanks and Jase Stroupe combined for 12 sacks last season. ...Ty Priest, 23, who played linebacker at South Pontotoc will assist Hood and help coach defense.

Lions not resting on laurels after special season

BY MELISSA MEADOR MONROE JOURNAL

Hamilton won its first playoff game since 1986 last year, but the Lions, who return the majority of their starters, feel they let a chance to play for a North state championship slip through their fingers.

“The guys are wanting more.

They realize last year was a special Weeks season, and they feel like they let one slip away from us in the second round,” Hamilton coach Ray Weeks said. “They’re determined but we understand that everybody’s 0-0 again, and you have to forget about last year. They have to create their own identity and season.”

Weeks said dropping down to 1A

last year has been a welcome change.

“You know 1A football is a grind because it’s eight games in the division. The travel is so much more spread out, and there’s some great teams in 1A,” he said. “We were glad it lead to us being able to play for a division championship last year though.”

OFFENSE

Hamilton returns most of its starters, including quarterback Byron Butler, who split time with Quinshay Heard last season.

Speedy junior Keshon Heard returns in the backfield, along with Michael Roberts and Aaron Fontenot.

“Keshon is one of those guys that’s a difference maker for us, so if we can keep him healthy and some other guys can step up and take some of the pressure off him, we look for him to have a big year,” Weeks said.

Seniors Austin Bishop and Tanner Dement are back at receiver, and the Lions

return Westley Fikes, Reed Dyess and Cole Williams on the line.

DEFENSE

Hamilton loses four-year starter Dominique Dobbs off the line on both sides of the ball.

“He’s tough to block so he’s one of the ones I don’t know if you ever replace, but you try to find guys that can get the job done,” Weeks said. “We’re definitely going to miss him, and we’ll miss Quinshay Heard as well. He could play so many positions, and we moved him around.”

Fikes, Dyess and Williams will also be on the defensive line with Roberts and Fontenot at linebacker.

The Lions have several in the mix in the secondary, including Heard, Bishop, Butler, Bricowski Bankhead and Sam Peloquin.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Dement will handle both the punting and kicking duties this season. Weeks said he expects Heard to be his primary kick returner.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

at Potts Camp Caledonia Hatley at Vardaman* Falkner* open at Houlka* Thrasher* at Biggersville* Coldwater* at Smithville* Coffeeville* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Ray Weeks said the addition of Josh Baty, who will handle the offensive and defensive lines, to his staff has brought new energy and ideas to the team. ... Junior running back Keshon Heard ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at this summer's Tupelo Combine.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

HATLEY

TIGERS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 3-7, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Patrick Schoolar (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jonathan Waycaster, Sr., QB/S Three-sport athlete who missed three games with an injury after a strong start in 2013.

Adrian Moffett, Sr., OL/DL Three-year starter who will make an impact on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Jaylon Jernighan, So., WR/CB Expected to be a playmaker in a young receiving corps.

HOLLY SPRINGS

HAWKS

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-3A 2013 record: 2-9, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Donald Deans (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Danny Crumb, Sr., QB Ran on relay units in last spring’s state track and field meet.

Qawtavis Young, Sr., WR/DB Suffered torn ACL in football, then later won the state 100 meter championship.

Evan Taylor, Sr., LB Returns as the team’s leading tackler after recording 75 stops last year.

DAILY JOURNAL

Hungry Tigers motivated to play in postseason

BY MELISSA MEADOR MONROE JOURNAL

Hatley snapped a 19-game losing streak last season and returns all but three players on its experienced offense.

“The kids are buying in. We preach it daily that we have a chance to win football games this year,” second-year coach Patrick Schoolar Schoolar said. “We have a chance to change the complexion of Hatley football.”

The Tigers narrowly missed out on their first trip to the playoffs with a loss to East Union in the final game of the season.

“Making the playoffs is something the kids talk about all the time, and of course it’s a motiva-

tional factor. It’s going to be a his- football team,” Schoolar said. toric moment for us when we do make it,” Schoolar said.

DEFENSE Moffett will also see time on the deOFFENSE fensive line, along with Paul Williams at Jonathan Waycaster, who moved from defensive end.

Australia two years ago, returns at quarJosh Metcalf, Josh Trimble and Drew terback, and Schoolar said he’s develMoffett fill out the linebacking corps. Dru oped tremendously in the offseason.

Stanford, Austin Wright and John Taylor Junior Chance Lindsey takes over at will all play in the secondary. tailback after increased playing time at Schoolar said he has adjusted the dethe end of last season. fense in the offseason.

“He’s going to be huge for us. He’s a “We’re fixing what we do defensively to lot faster than people think,” Schoolar play to our strengths,” he said. “I think it’s said. “He’s a very physical runner, too, going to be a lot better for us. It was a and our main point of emphasis for him weakness last year, but we’ve gotten is holding on to the football.” stronger. Anytime you get stronger, you’re Hatley will have a fullback by commit- going to be better.” tee and is young in the receiving corps with sophomore Jaylon Jernighan and SPECIAL TEAMS freshman Keyshawn Forchee.

Waycaster will also handle the punting The Tigers return their entire offensive and kicking duties again this season. line with guards Adrian Moffett and Schoolar named Curtis Sims and Adrian Belue, center Wes Wilkerson and Wright as possibilities to be back deep tackles Cody Hood and Cuter Hissong. on kicks, but said it was one of the things “Those guys are the leaders of our still being ironed out in practice.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

South Pontotoc Smithville at Hamilton Alcorn Central at Benton County at TCPS Walnut* at Baldwyn* Mantachie* at New Site* at East Union* * – Division 1-2A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Patrick Schoolar said the Tigers are three-deep at quarterback with John Michael Woods and John Taylor as backups. ... Houston Woodman, Hatley's leading receiver in 2013, transferred to Amory over the summer.

Deans ready to leave his mark on Hawks

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Donald Deans is Holly Springs’ new head coach, but he’s not new to the Hawks’ program.

Deans has been on the staff since 2006, starting as a volunteer, then coaching wide receivers, defensive backs and serving as defensive coordinator.

“I’ve worked my Deans way up,” he said.

“I’ve worked under three head coaches.”

Now it’s Deans’ time.

“We had a great spring practice,” said Deans, who had 35 players participate in the workouts while he was interim head coach.

“We’ve had a good summer. We competed in 7-on-7 and competed well.”

‘We had a great spring practice. We’ve had a good summer. We competed in 7-on-7 and competed well.’

Donald Deans

Holly Springs head coach

Deans hopes to change the team’s fortunes on the field, where they’ve won only six games the last two seasons. Last year’s team was winless in the Division 2-3A play.

OFFENSE

Danny Crumb, a senior, returns to direct the offense at quarterback. He missed the last three games of the season after suffering a concussion.

“He’s ready to play,” Deans said. “He

played excellent in 7-on-7.”

Crumbs’ top receiver is senior Qawtavis Young, the 3A 100-meter dash champion.

The team’s top back is senior Jaleyone Young, a powerful, fast runner. Another senior, Ben Norman, is the power back.

Tackles Barry Gorman and Michael Criddle return up front.

DEFENSE

The Hawks are counting on linebackers Evan Taylor, Calvin Jefferies and Alvin Lay to lead them. Taylor led the team last season with 75 tackles.

Keivas Reeves, a senior, will start at free safety.

“We’re undersized, but we’re oversized when it comes to speed,” Deans said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

All jobs were open headed into fall practice, except kick returner, which belongs to Reeves.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Byhalia HW Byers at Northpoint Christian Coahoma County Potts Camp Coahoma AHS at North Panola* Water Valley* at Independence* Palmer* at Charleston* * –Division 2-3A

NOTEBOOK

First-year coach Donald Deans, who also coaches track and field, wants to run an uptempo attack. “We’re going to have to out-run folks to win,” he said. “We’re going to be well-conditioned.” ... Keivas Reeves scored three touchdowns last season on kickoff returns.

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18F

HOULKA

WILDCATS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tyreque Reed, Sr., QB/LB Houlka will look to put the football in the hands of Reed in a variety of ways.

Quintavin Beaty, Jr., RB/LB Primarily a defensive player the previous two seasons.

Wyatt Easterly, Sr., RB/LB/P Has deceptive speed and does not shy away from a hit.

|

19F

Wildcatsgunningforfirstpostseasonappearance

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 3-8 overall, 2-6 (No playoffs) Head coach: Sid Burt (1st year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

The ultimate goal for any team is to make the playoffs again. For the Houlka Wildcats, it would be the first time in football.

Admittedly, the Wildcats are a young football school, now entering their seventh season of playing the sport. But Houlka appears to Burt be inching closer and closer to that goal, as it looks to improve on last season’s 3-8 overall and 2-6 mark in Division 1-1A. “I’ve been impressed with our work ethic this summer,” said head coach Sid Burt, who is entering his first season at the head of the Wildcats. “The kids are buying in and seem like more of a team.

‘The kids are buying in and seem more of a team.’

Jacob Moore, and freshman Alex Pearson.

“We have a lot of team speed on offense,” Burt said. “We have four or five guys that can break one.”

Sid Burt

DEFENSE

Three of the key players on offense, Reed, Beaty, and Easterly, will be key on defense as well. All three will play linebacker at some point, or together, anchor“I think we can break through ing the middle of the Wildcats defense. and make the playoffs.”

Swayer Byars and Jacquez Foster are key at defensive end, with Keshun Gunn, OFFENSE O’Darrious Poster, Davidson and Huffman Houlka will be able to trot out an expe- as potential members of the secondary. rienced player at quarterback in senior “I think we have three good ones at Tyreque Reed. While Reed is one of linebacker,” Burt said. “They’re all ball Houlka’s more athletic players, Jonathan hawks.

Huffman could provide an effective “The defense will be the strength of change-up at quarterback. the team.”

The backfield will also see running backs junior Quintavin Beaty and senior SPECIAL TEAMS Wyatt Easterly. Matt Huffman and Taz The Wildcats will have a bevy of return Davidson will be two of the receivers. options with Gunn, Poster, and Reed.

The Wildcats offensive line will be Easterly should handle the punting, young, with Cameron Smith, sophomore while Cameron Smith will handle kicking.

Houlka head coach

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

East Union at Okolona Coahoma County at Coffeeville* Vardaman* at Falkner* Hamilton* open Thrasher* Biggersville Coldwater* Smithville* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

The Wildcats return six starters on both offense and defense. ... Houlka has never made the playoffs in football.

Turf: Lower maintenance cost, quicker prep time cited as benefits FROM 1F

high school to install artificial turf. Tupelo joined Corinth, Oxford and Starkville with installations this summer. Two schools on the outskirts of the Daily Journal’s coverage area – South Panola and Olive Banch – also have artificial turf football fields.

Tupelo’s opponents, however, will be seeing Boise State/THS blue instead of green when they step on the playing surface at Renasant Field this fall. The Golden Wave administration received permission to use the college’s famous blue hue.

“The color is one of the things we have to get used to,” Tupelo coach Trent Hammond said. “It affects kids playing on a blue surface. It’s the way your brain is wired.”

TURF ADVANTAGES

The coaches all agree the installation of artificial turf comes with plenty

of advantages, starting with the cost of maintenance.

“You probably spend $40,000 a year on the upkeep of a grass field,” Hammond said. “Now we’re looking at a couple of thousand. It pays for itself with the savings.”

It also saves the head coach and his staff a lot of work on Thursdays during a home game week because the field is lined off, numbered, striped and ready for play.

Another advantage is no practice or game postponements because of rain.

“Weather is not an issue,” Lafayette coach Eric Robertson said. “We didn’t miss a practice. I thought the turf helped cut down on our injuries, too.”

Oxford) will have to get used to it. We did. I think we practiced twice on grass all season.”

Starkville’s plans call for a new infield filler – HydroChill by Shaw Sports Turf – to help cool its surface.

“We’re eager to see how it works,” Yellow Jackets’ coach Jamie Mitchell said.

At Tupelo, Hammond says his coaches and players are prepared to adapt and overcome the heat.

“When you gain something, you give up something else,” Hammond said. “It’s exciting for us and our kids.”

Corinth coach Doug Jones, when he was an assistant at Madison Central, saw the benefits of numerous sports using artificial turf ... at the same time.

“It was the offseason, but football, THE HEAT baseball, softball, cheerleading and If there’s a disadvantage, it’s the ex- track were all using the facility,” he said. cessive temperatures during the sea- “It gives our band a place to practice. son’s two hottest months, August and They’d been using the parking lot. It September. meets the needs of the whole school.”

“It’s extremely hot,” Robertson said.

“The players (at Tupelo, Starkville and gene.phelps@journalinc.com

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Chace Fraizer, left, and Bryan Opp look over the diagrams for Tupelo’s new field.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

HOUSTON

HILLTOPPERS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-4A 2013 record: 1-11, 1-4 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: William Cook (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Denver McQuary, Jr, WR/DB Led Class 4A with eight interceptions last season, ranked seventh in the state.

Brandon Townsend, Sr., FB Townsend was drawing collegiate looks as a sophomore, but sat out his junior season.

Damian Fields, Sr., RB/LB Led the Toppers in rushing, but also top returning tackler, with an average of 8.8 per game.

H.W. BYERS

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-2A 2013 record: 10-1, 5-0 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Chris Daniels (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Joseph Gomez, Jr., C/LB Led team with 130 tackles, 13 sacks last season.

Ron Beard, Fr., QB Talented athlete could win starting job in preseason.

Montavious Reynolds, Sr., WR/QB/ATH Lions’ do-it-all player on offense, defense and special teams.

DAILY JOURNAL

Reducing turnovers is Toppers’ top priority

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Houston averaged 9.5 points per game last season, but it wasn't necessarily about having trouble scoring.

“We turned the ball over. That killed us,” Houston coach William Cook said.

“Ball security is something we worked on all Cook spring, even starting the first few days of practice.”

Houston threw for less than 60 yards per game and rushed for 127. It was a young team. Youth is still there, but among some threeyear starters on a defense that was the strong suit and new quarterbacks behind experience on the line.

‘We turned the ball over. That killed us.’

William Cook

Houston head coach

OFFENSE

Brandon Townsend is back after sitting out his junior season. As a sophomore, the fullback rushed for 944 yards and 16 touchdowns. Damian Fields is a senior running back after rushing for 648 yards. Junior J.J. Brownlee is a threeyear starter on the line, as is senior Nick Harmon. Second-year starter Aaron Fisackerly is a junior. Denver McQuary returns at wide receiver.

At quarterback, sophomore Taylor Baskins and freshman Urriah Sheperd are battling, maybe right up until the opener at Pontotoc.

“They've got the next three weeks to fight it out,” Cook said. “In the spring,

they were even and pretty much equal this summer and 7-on-7.”

DEFENSE

Defense was the strong suit last year and Houston returns eight starters.

“We expect that to help carry us,” Cook said. “We're going to play defense, be physical and fly to the football.”

Sophomore nose guard Johnta Walker is a returning starter. At defensive end, senior Avery Seals is a three-year starter.

Brownlee is a three-year starter at the other end. Tay Bowden and Fields are at linebacker. Sophomore Tanner Bullock is a sophomore making his mark at linebacker. Jalon Gates and Donj Barr join McQuary and junior Kavonta Marble at corner.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bullock will handle the punting. Extra points and kicking will be split between Wes Parker and Luis Aju. Parker was 4of-7 as a sophomore. Aju is a sophomore who came out in the spring.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Pontotoc Calhoun City Okolona at East Webster Choctaw County at Eupora at Caledonia* Kosciusko* Leake Central* West Lauderdale* at Noxubee County* * – Division 4-4A

NOTEBOOK

Freshman Colton Foster started three games as an eighth grader at defensive end … Junior Denver McQuary has 15 interceptions over his freshman and sophomore seasons … Sophomore Jarquis Thornton had two picks and 13 pass deflections as a freshman.

Young Lions aim to replicate last year’s success

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

H.W. Byers won 10 straight games last season before losing to East Union in the opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

This year might not be so easy. The Lions have just 14 players back from that talented team.

“We’re going to be young,” head coach Chris Daniels Daniels said. “We could have three or four freshmen up front and a freshman quarterback.”

Daniels, entering his second season, hopes there will be some carryover from last year’s success.

“Things just fell into place,” he said. “We won our first game to get the ball rolling. That’s big, especially when you’re a new coach.”

OFFENSE

Daniels wants to keep his best wide receiver – Montavious Reynolds – at home, but to do that means he would have to start a freshman at quarterback.

Daniels would be OK with a rookie under center.

Ron Beard, a talented athlete who started at point guard for the varsity basketball team last season as an eighth grader, has a shot at winning the quarterback job before the team’s Aug. 22 opener against Benton County.

“We’re hoping Beard picks up our system so we can keep our best receiver at receiver,” Daniels said. “Beard is a great athlete.”

Reynolds, a 6-foot-2 target, caught 19 passes for 373 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

At running back, Marquis Moore returns after rushing for 1,657 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Justin Sellers, an all-division linebacker, returns at fullback.

Up front, center Joseph Gomez, a jun-

ior, returns after an all-division year.

Kameron Euell will start at guard along with tackle Cornelious Rubbin, who started a playoff game last season as a freshman.

Daniels expects to see eight to nine players in the box if he starts the freshman at quarterback.

(Beard) doesn’t turn 14 until after the season begins,” Daniels said.

DEFENSE

Gomez is also a talented defender, having recorded a team-high 130 tackles and 13 sacks last season. Michael Martin also returns at cornerback on a unit that lacks experience.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Reynolds will do it all here. He’ll kick, punt and be the return man.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Benton County at Holly Springs Coldwater at Holmes County Overton open at West Tallahatchie* Coahoma County* at Coahoma AHS* Strayhorn* at Potts Camp* * – Division 2-2A

NOTEBOOK

Running back Marquis Moore scored 15 touchdowns, but he also had 12 fumbles.

“We’ve worked with him on holding that football,” coach Chris Daniels said. “We told him to sleep with the football.”

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20F

ITAWAMBA AHS

INDIANS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jamarcus Marion, Sr., DE Three-year starter will anchor an aggressive defensive line.

Hunter Sheffield, Sr., S/WR Speedster is a two-year starter on defense and will provide extra firepower on offense.

Vijay Miller, Jr., QB Younger brother of former Ole Miss quarterback Maikhail Miller threw for more than 1,400 yards and 11 TD as a sophomore.

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21F

IAHSreturnsexperienceonbothsidesoftheball

BY SCOTTY NICHOLS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 7-4, 4-1 division (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Toby Collums (4th year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

ITAWAMBA COUNTY TIMES

The Itawamba AHS Indians will look a little different on the offensive line this season, but that’s about the only place.

Toby Collums’ 2014 squad will benefit from returning the bulk of their offensive weapons, as well as nine starters on defense.

Collums believes Collums the offensive line will be very capable, just inexperienced.

“We might take some lumps early,” Collums said. “We believe in these kids’ ability, but you can’t teach experience.”

Juniors Cody Osbirn and Grant Adams look to be two players who could make an immediate impact on the offensive front which lost

Good Luck Indians on a Great Season!

key starters, including MS/AL AllStar Ethan Orr. “It’s gonna be trial by fire for them,” Collums added.

“It’s great that we have experienced skill guys around them, and that should help to ease the transition a bit.”

OFFENSE

Vijay Miller will return at quarterback and will be joined in the backfield by experienced tailbacks Hunter White and Jevontae Stegall.

Miller will break in a relatively new corps of receivers, as senior Chandler South will be the only returning starter.

Sophomores Ha’kee Rainey and Caleb Whittle, along with junior Taylor Mears figure to be the top targets on the outside.

Safety Hunter Sheffield will also contribute heavily at receiver.

DEFENSE

Defensive coordinator Clint Hoots’ defense will look very familiar, returning

nine starters.

Senior defensive end Jamarcus Marion will lead the attack up front, while Sheffield will hawk the field from his safety position.

Senior cornerback Anfernee King is a returning starter who will be a key factor in slowing down pass attacks on the outside.

The Indians also welcome back junior linebacker Daniel Freppon, who started as a freshman but moved to Cincinnati during last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams is a bit of a question mark for the Indians this season, as there are positions Collums and staff must address early in fall camp.

Junior Kody Williamson figures to handle kicking duties, while senior Josh Hargett is expected to punt.

Kickoff returns could be handled by a committee of players, including Sheffield, White and Stegall, and Sheffield will be the primary punt returner.

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NOTEBOOK

Hunter White returns after leading the Indians in total yards last season. White gained more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 11 touchdowns as a sophomore ...

Coaches are high on freshmen Chris Chandler and Jamal Shumpert, and both are projected to impact the defense.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

KOSSUTH

AGGIES

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 4-7, 3-2 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Brian Kelly (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ty Dickson, Sr., OL Dickson, a 6-foot-4, 365-pound left tackle, is starting for the fourth season.

Zaen Harbin, Sr., LB Three-year starter at linebacker, a strong point for the Aggies, who are using a new defensive front.

Evan Cooper, Sr., WR One of three senior receivers, an experienced group joined by rising sophomore Beau Lee.

LAFAYETTE

COMMODORES FAST FACTS

Division: 2-4A 2013 record: 10-6, 3-2 division (4A championship game) Head coach: Eric Robertson (third year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Devon Thomas, Sr., QB Thomas got hot in the playoffs and Robertson likes the confidence he gained during the offseason.

Quin Jones, Jr., LB Led the team in tackles last season with 170.

Tyrell Price, Jr., RB He has the ability to run with power as well as elude defenders. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield like a wide receiver.

DAILY JOURNAL

Aggies looking to return to winning ways

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Three years ago, Kossuth went 10-0 in the regular season and lost in the state quarterfinals against eventual champion Charleston. A three-win season and a four-win season followed.

Kossuth lost seven games last season, three of them by a combined 14 points.

Kelly Coach Brian Kelly, whose team returns 13 seniors, thinks he has a team that can turn both trends around.

“We have a lot returning, a lot of seniors who have started for three years,” Kelly said. “You go as your seniors go each year. Three years ago, we went 12-1 and had 10 seniors with great attitudes. This team really reminds me of that team.”

‘We have a lot returning, a lot of seniors who have started for three years.’

Brian Kelly

Kossuth head coach

OFFENSE

Eight return on offense, including all the skill spots, led by Weston Bobo at quarterback, a 6-foot-3, 196-pound senior.

He’ll work behind fourth-year starting left tackle Ty Dickson (6-foot-4, 365) and have junior Elijah Potts at tailback. Kelly says wide receiver is a strong point with three returning starters. Beau Lee is a rising sophomore. Three seniors, Evan Cooper, Logan Morton and Matthew Stewart, will lead the way.

“It’s on the offensive line that’s going

to be the test,” Kelly said. “A lot of new faces.”

The Aggies are replacing three. Dickson is the leader, with junior Chazz Bain at right tackle. Brian Morrison and Joel Crum are guards.

DEFENSE

Six return on defense. Kelly says the secondary and linebacker are the strong points. The front will almost be completely new, but secondary returns a lot of experience, namely the Aggies receiving corps.

Blake Arnold is a rising sophomore, who at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds is a “real good strong kid for his age,”Kelly said.

Linebacker Zaen Harbin has started for three years.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jacob Meeks is now kicking at Northeast. Senior Garison Lathrop is taking his role, playing for the first time.

“He’s got a live leg,” Kelly said. “We expect big things out of him. I wish we had him for three or four years.”

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 B

SCHEDULE

at Corinth McNairy Central at New Site Tishomingo County at Nettleton Cherokee, Ala. North Pontotoc* at Belmont * Alcorn Central* at Mooreville* ooneville* * –Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

Sophomore Jaley Adams played fullback and linebacker last season for Corinth. The transfer to Kossuth will do the same for the Aggies … Two pitchers from the Aggies championship baseball team will play big roles, kicker Garison Lathrop and junior TB Elijah Potts.

Commodores have talent to make another run

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

After a slow start to 2013, the Lafayette Commodores caught fire and advanced to Jackson to play in the Class 4A state championship game for the fourth time in five seasons.

The Commodores have more than enough talent, Robertson and improved firepower on offense, to think that a return is very possible.

“The expectations are high, and that’s the way you want them as a football coach and as a player,” coach Eric Robertson said.

“Just because the expectations are high, we have to make our kids understand it’s not just going to

OFFENSE

‘The expectations are high and that’s the way you want them as a football coach and as a player.’

Quarterback Devon Thomas is back, as are four offensive linemen, from the 2013 season.

Tyrell Price, a junior, emerged as a mainstay in the ground game, rushing for more than 1,000 yards. Rashun Rockette, a two-way player who also returns punts and kickoffs, is the big threat outside.

Eric Robertson

DEFENSE

Opposing quarterbacks better be on the lookout as ends Darren Toles, a senior, and Vincent Lewis, a junior, return up happen because of what Lafayette front. Junior linebacker Quin Jones was has done in the past. Each year is the leading tackler. different.”

As talented as Lafayette has SPECIAL TEAMS been, it’s been a strong work ethic Ryan Holland, a senior, returns to hanforged in the spring and summer dle kicking duties. He made two field that has led to success. goals in last year’s championship game.

“It’s about doing the little things Holland could be the punter as well, right and that is something we although sophomore Bryce Hertl is also a want to stress to our kids,” Robert- possibility. son said.

Lafayette head coach

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Tupelo Corinth DeSoto Central at Oxford Shannon at Memphis Univ. School at Ripley * Tunica-Rosa Fort * at New Albany * Senatobia * at Byhalia * * – Division 2-4A

NOTEBOOK

Lafayette has won 10 or more games each year since 2009, including back-to-back 16-0 marks in 2010 and 2011. … 2016 OL Eli Johnson, an Ole Miss commit, has a long offer sheet, that includes Mississippi State and Nebraska.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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23F

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Kossuth will honor fallen drum major Ben Shipman, who loved Batman, with this decal – a Batman symbol with “Ben” written in it – as well as cleats with the symbol.

Kossuth players will honor fallen hero in every game

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Ben Shipman won’t lead the Kossuth band onto the field when the Aggies open the season at Corinth.

But the former Aggies’ drum major will get a hero’s remembrance.

Shipman, 17, was killed in an auto accident in March. His 2015 senior classmates are honoring him with a unique tribute.

“We saw the Batman cleats and thought it would be a good way to kind of honor him,” Kossuth senior lineman Ty Dickson said.

Dickson said Shipman always carried his Batman lunchbox around. So Kossuth’s 13 seniors

will wear Under Armour Batman cleats this season.

Dad Ritchie Shipman said the outpouring of support, from visitation to Facebook to people he’d meet on the street, helped ease the loss just a little. A decorated musician, Ben never bragged to Ritchie about helping students with classwork or guiding new band members.

“It was amazing for me to see how many lives he touched,” Ritchie said. “To hear the teachers and kids talk about how much they loved him and how much he helped them, I didn’t know anything about helping kids with work and beginner band. Maybe I took it for granted.

It just made my heart grow with how much I loved him.”

FAMILY AFFAIR

Kossuth is a family thing. Mom Trina is an elementary teacher.

Daughter Whitney graduated there. Ritchie ran the scoreboard at football games.

Trina admits going to all the games will be tough, but Ritchie says he’ll still be there to support the Aggies “big time” and other family on the team.

“He really loved Kossuth. He loved supporting the football team and all the Aggie sports,” said Trina. “He loved cheering in the stands. It was one of his favorite parts of being drum major.”

Every player’s helmet will have a Batman decal with “Ben” written inside the Batman symbol.

“They wanted to do it in re-

membrance of him,” Kossuth coach Brian Kelly said. “Great people. It was a tough day for a small school like Kossuth. It is for any school, but it was hard to deal with. He was such a great kid and student, a 4.0, never had a problem out of that kid.”

Shipman tried athletics, Ritchie said. But he found his spot to express his love for Kossuth sports in the band.

“He loved it. He wasn’t really athletic. He tried, but was a little awkward,” Ritchie said, then seemingly smiled over the phone.

“He loved football and going to basketball games and when Kossuth went to state in baseball, really got into that. He just loved leading the band, loved being involved.”

Kossuth is home on Aug. 29 against McNairy (Tenn.) Central.

It will be an emotional night for everyone. Trina understandably choked up when talking about Ben. Emotional, but with Batman symbols that clearly reflect the impact her son had – has – on his school.

He left memories, but also a lesson that transcends band and football, and even school.

“Every time you put on your cleats, you remember you never know when it could be over,” Dickson said.

Shipman’s life in Kossuth ended, but there are plenty of signals that show just how much he’ll always be there. brandon.speck@journalinc.com

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

TUPELO CHRISTIAN

EAGLES

FAST FACTS

Division: Independent 2013 record: Did not play Head coach: Shaune Holiday (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Blake Craft, Sr., RB/LB One of two seniors and one of many who will be asked to play big roles on either side of the ball.

Dakota Thomas, So., OL Part of a big front that will have to be good as the Eagles learn a new offense.

John Mark Jolly, So., QB/RB Jolly is in the mix for starting QB. If he doesn't win that job, he'll still have the ball a lot as a RB.

DAILY JOURNAL

Eagles return to field after missing 2013 season OFFENSE

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Small numbers abruptly ended the 2013 football season for Tupelo Christian before it began. That is both a curse and a blessing says coach Shaune Holiday.

The Eagles have 25 players, compared to 17 last year.

“At the time, it was a huge negaHoliday tive,” Holiday said.

“But now I think people at TCPS are once again hungry for football, so we’re looking forward to that Friday night experience.”

The Eagles will be an independent with a seven-game schedule, but will go back into a division next season.

Hustle Hit and Never Quit!

GO EAGLES!

Senior Blake Craft and sophomores Joshua Myles and John Mark Jolly will be the running backs. Jolly, A.J. Bratton, freshman Bo Robertson and junior Biggersville transfer Caleb Kitchens will compete at quarterback.

The Eagles have a number of skill guys, including Rob Pillow, Troy Berry, Lucas Hartigan, Jack Gilmore and Andrew Lipscomb to name a few.

“They're kind of older guys,” Holiday says of the skill positions. “Well, I say older, they'll all be sophomores.”

Hartigan is a junior and Lipscomb is one of two seniors.

The line is young, too, but good sized.

Dakota Thomas is 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, along with 6-foot-2, 230-pound Chase Harbison. Freshmen Aslan Anthony and Will Holmes will play on the line, Anthony at tight end, as well. Brandon Wood and Dennis Hudson will also be freshmen.

DEFENSE

Myles is a hitter and Hudson will be expected to be an impact player on the defensive line.

The numbers are bigger than last season, but still require players to play both sides of the ball.

“You have no choice,” Holiday said, before laughing. “You have no choice, but you'll be able to get a break this year.”

Holmes and Anthony will be at the ends and linebacker.

“They're young, but they're very athletic and they're very big kids,” Holiday said.

“We're going to be young, but I think we’ve got some players that can step in and do a good job.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams is up for grabs, but the Eagles will lean on a handful of soccer guys. Some of the lesser-used skill guys will get chances on returns, at the same time giving others a brief rest.

Craft will play linebacker or safety.

Have a Great Season!

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 at Tipton-Rosemark Aca. Aug. 29 at Thrasher Sept. 5 Macon Road (Tenn.) Baptist Sept. 12 East Union Sept. 26 Hatley Oct. 3 McAdams Oct. 17 at Benton County

NOTEBOOK

This is the eighth year Tupelo Christian has had a football team … Respected offensive coordinator David Wilkerson was hired to lead the Eagles' offense. Wilkerson has coached at numerous places, including Tupelo and South Panola … TCPS lost a few players once the 2013 season was called off, including sophomore QB Clayton Knight and senior OL Luke Hudson to Class 5A Saltillo.

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24F

MUSTANGS

BY SCOTTY NICHOLS

FAST FACTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alston Dill, Jr., RB Mustangs’ 2nd-leading rusher ran for 468 yards and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2013.

Austin Black, Sr., RT/OL Returns to anchor an experienced offensive line.

Logan Pettigo, So., RB/LB Contributed 213 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns as a freshman.

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25F

Mustangs’ offensive line will be key to success

MANTACHIE

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 9-4, 4-1 division (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: T.J. Seago (1st year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

ITAWAMBA COUNTY TIMES

First-year Mantachie head coach T.J. Seago will most likely take a different approach this season than last, at least from an offensive perspective.

Mantachie’s offense was about as balanced as mathematically possible in 2013, gaining 2,010 yards rushing and 2,001 yards Seago passing.

The Mustangs lost their leading rusher and a group of players who accounted for 128 of 138 total pass receptions to graduation last season, so it is likely Seago will opt for a more traditional approach.

“I don’t want to say rebuilding, but we’re definitely retooling,” Seago said. “We lost a lot of skill

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Junior twin brothers Brandon and BriOFFENSE son Loden will lead the linebacker unit Senior right tackle and three-year and return valuable experience. starter Austin Black will help pave the Senior Cory Smith will round out the way for the running attack, along with linebacking corps, and will also see time sophomores Gabe Reeves and Andrew at defensive end.

Dill and junior center Drew Hayes.

All-division DB Jordan Barber and Drake Junior Alston Dill and sophomore Frazier return in the defensive backfield, Logan Pettigo will provide much-needed and Seago says Hughes has also spent experience in the backfield, and Dill time this summer working at free safety. could also see some snaps under center.

“He’s starting to get a feel for it, and Senior Logan McCoy returns the only could be a tremendous asset in the secsignificant receiving experience, as he ondary,” Seago said. caught five passes for 82 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Clayton Wood figures to be in Senior Jacob Roberts will most likely the mix at the quarterback position, and handle punting for the Mustangs, but skilled but inexperienced wide receivers Seago says placekicking and kickoff duJake Mears and Trey Hughes look to bol- ties are totally up in the air. ster the passing attack.

“We lost our quarterback to graduation, but he was also our kicker and DEFENSE punter,” Seago said. “We’ve got a lot of Dill and Reeves will likely see substan- guys in the mix for the kicking job, but tial time on the defensive front, and the we’ve got to find somebody consistent.”

Good Luck Mustangs!

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Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

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NOTEBOOK

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Patriots seek an elusive state championship

MARSHALL ACA.

PATRIOTS

BY GENE PHELPS

FAST FACTS

Division: MAIS 1-A 2013 record: 13-2, 4-0 (Class A championship game) Head coach: Sam Pearson (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dakota Dailey, Sr., QB/DB Has accounted for 7,000-plus yards total offense in his career.

Stephen Elgin, Sr., OL Coach calls his center the second quarterback on the field.

Devin McGregor, Sr., RB/LB A two-way player who makes an impact on both sides of the ball.

DAILY JOURNAL

Marshall Academy’s first-year head coach Sam Pearson knows reaching a third straight MAIS Class A state championship game isn’t an easy task.

However, his Patriots do return some big-time offensive weapons – quarterback Dakota Dailey, running back Devin McGrePearson gor and receiver Jordan Harris – to make a run at the elusive state title.

“Our players, to a person, would like to make a third trip and try to finish the deal,” said Pearson, the offensive coordinator on former coach Bart Jenkins’ staff. “It’s definitely our destination.”

Marshall lost 50-6 to Natchez Trinity last season in the champi-

2012

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Hazlehurst Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Stringer

2011

Class 6A: Olive Branch Class 5A: Picayune Class 4A: Lafayette Class 3A: Charleston Class 2A: West Boliver Class 1A: Noxapater

2010

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

‘Our players, to a person, would like to make a third trip and finish the deal.’

Sam Pearson

Marshall Academy head coach

and post-snap. That should pay dividends.”

McGregor, who rushed for 1,622 yards in 2012 as a sophomore, hopes to have an injury-free senior year.

Harris, a slot receiver, has big-play ability.

“Our skill people are as good as anybody’s in the state,” Pearson said.

DEFENSE

onship game at Mississippi ColWhere the Patriots must grow up is on lege’s Robinson-Hale Stadium. the defensive and offensive fronts.

“That’s the question: Will we be physiOFFENSE cal enough on the offensive and defenDailey, who played with an ankle insive fronts?” Pearson said. jury in the title game and missed the enTucker Fant, a senior, has moved to tire second half, compiled 3,900 yards in defensive end from defensive back. A total offense and accounted for 56 junior, Hunter Huff will play nose guard touchdowns his junior season. while a sophomore, Cannan Pearson, will “I’ve got the best job in the state,” start again at linebacker.

Pearson said, referring to coaching Dailey. “I saw a lot of good things in 7-on-7 SPECIAL TEAMS with him hanging in there, making his Christian Compton, a wide receiver, progressions and not running the ball. also gives the team an experienced “He’s recognizing coverages pre-snap kicker and punter.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24

SCHEDULE

Grenada Kirk at Oak Hill *Tunica at Magnolia Heights *West Memphis Fayette, Tenn.

North Delta at Benton County *at Lee *at DeSoto, Ark. * – District 1, Class A

NOTEBOOK

QB Dakota Dailey was a Daily Journal first-team AllNortheast Mississippi selection in basketball. The point guard, who averaged 25.4 ppg, has commited to Delta State in hoops. ... Senior center Stephen Elgin is the lone offensive lineman with experience. Coach Sam Pearson calls him “a second quarterback” on the field.

MHSAA STATE CHAMPIONS

2013

Class 6A: Oak Grove Class 5A: Picayune Class 4A: Forrest County Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: French Camp

DAILY JOURNAL

2009

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

2005

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

2004

2008

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Brookhaven Class 3A: Senatobia Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Mize

2007

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Wayne County Class 3A: Greene County Class 2A: Seminary Class 1A: Weir

2006

Class 5A: Wayne County Class 4A: D’Iberville Class 3A: Collins Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Weir

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

2003

2002

2001

Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Collins Class 2A: Ackerman Class 1A: Pelahatchie

2000

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: McComb Class 3A: Magee Class 2A: Booneville Class 1A: Mize

1999

Class 5A: Madison Cent.

Class 4A: Lawrence Co. Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Booneville Class 1A: Pelahatchie

1998

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Smithville

1997

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Magee Class 2A: Ackerman Class 1A: Weir

1996

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: Northeast Jones Class 3A: Shannon Class 2A: Bruce Class 1A: Weir

1995

Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Louisville Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Mize

1994

Class 5A: Warren Central Class 4A: Starkville Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Weir

1993

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Louisville Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Okolona Class 1A: Smithville

FILE

Jamie Mitchell hoists the Class 5A trophy for Starkville in 2012.

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26F

MOOREVILLE

TROOPERS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Taylor Franks, Sr., RB/LB Hard worker who is taking on a significant leadership role in 2014.

Chris Rucker, Sr., WB/DB Perhaps most explosive runner on Troopers offense.

John Levi Pennington, Sr., OL A 4-year starter on the offensive line and may play some defense for the first time.

|

27F

Troopers have depth, aim to make some noise OFFENSE

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 3-7, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Kevin Austin (8th year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Most seasons, the Mooreville Troopers are not known as a football school.

Troopers head coach Kevin Austin is thinking outside the box for 2014 – Mooreville should be in the thick of the Division 1-3A playoff hunt.

“We’re not tradiAustin tionally a football school,” said Austin, whose Troopers were 3-7 overall and 1-4 in 1-3A. “This year, I think we’ll be able to compete with the teams in our division.

“But we need to learn how to win, and it depends on how hard they want to work.”

Ha i r H an d l e r s

The Troopers have depth and experience on their offensive line, something Austin wants to take full advantage of in the coming season.

Senior John Levi Pennington anchors that offensive line, with Dusty Smith, Max Crew, and sophomore Jacob Beard as four of the starters. The fifth starting spot on the line is up for grabs among three players who started at least one game each a season ago.

“I feel good about the offense, we should have a good mix,” Austin said.

“And for the first time, we have a little bit of depth.

“We will have five linemen playing who started at some point last year.”

The Troopers offense should be powered by running back Taylor Franks, who had 246 yards rushing, and wingback Chris Rucker, who had 781 yards on the ground. Landon Whitman will split time with Franks in the backfield, while Robert Patton and Peyton Boren will see time at wide receiver.

Running the Troopers show will be junior quarterback Tay Rucker, who started some as a freshman at the position.

DEFENSE

Depth will be a good problem for the Troopers on defense.

In the secondary, that depth manifests itself as Tay and Chris Rucker, Jordan Johnson, and Patton seem to have the edge.

At linebacker, Franks, Boren, and Andrew Peugh might get the initial nod.

And on the defensive line, Austin indicates that play up front will be by committee, with Pennington, Crew all in the mix. Carson Cryder could rotate between the line and linebacker.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The biggest question mark for Austin heading into practice was special teams.

Perhaps the biggest priority will be finding a kicker, which Austin indicates could come down to two freshmen.

GOOD LUCK TROOPERS

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Tishomingo County Nettleton at Baldwyn Mantachie Open at South Pontotoc Belmont* at Alcorn Central* Booneville* Kossuth* at North Pontotoc* * –Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

As a freshman starting quarterback, Tay Rucker threw for 890 yards and seven touchdowns for the Troopers, but did not start as a sophomore. ... Mooreville returns eight starters on offense, and nine on defense.

GOOD LUCK TROOPERS

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Tigers hope to make some noise in postseason

NETTLETON

TIGERS

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2013 record: 6-6, 2-3 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Mike Scott (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jordan Smith, Sr., QB Moves under center after having 7 touchdowns as a WR last year.

Dre Sharp, Sr., DB/WR Expected to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball.

Dante Gilliam, Sr, OL/DL Scott called the offensive line, as a whole, one to watch, but Gilliam is a four-year starter returning.

MSU

Nettleton made the playoffs for the first time under third-year coach Mike Scott last season. This year, Scott said they’re hoping to take that a step further.

“Our goal is just a little bit higher last year. We don’t want to just make the playoffs,” said Scott, whose team Scott was eliminated in the first round by Cleveland East Side. “We want to make some noise in the playoffs.

It’s going to depend a lot on how we can perform the first three games. If we can get through those three games and gradually improve, I like our chances to do something in the division this year.”

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Nettleton loses several key players on offense and plans to rely on an experienced defense early.

“We’re going to hang our hats on defense and try to develop an offensive identity as we go,” Scott said. “ “I think we’re going to have some people that can make plays with the football though.”

OFFENSE

Jordan Smith moves over from wide receiver to quarterback after the graduation of four-year starter Dakota Cruber.

“Jordan is going to be a dual threat quarterback, maybe an even better runner than Dakota was,” Scott said.

“And he has a good enough arm so that we can still throw the football around some.”

Kendall Gardner is the lone returning receiver but Rocky Foster, Dre Smith and Caleb Bates will all be in the mix out there.

Nettleton’s backfield will include Tan-

ner Crawley, Jaylin Harris and Kedrick Hall.

Dante Gilliam, a four-year starter, anchors the offensive line. Parker Tipton, Bailey Minich and Cody Payne are also on the line, and Cole Goode and Chris Long are competing at center.

DEFENSE

Blake Evans, TJ Coleman, Smith, Garrett Sullivan and Hall are all returning starters on the defensive line.

Dane Mills and Dalton Combs will see time at inside linebacker. Crawley returns on the outside and Janson Sexton and Ty Stratton are splitting time at the other outside linebacker spot.

In the secondary, Dre Sharp returns at cornerback, joined by Bates. Damian Ealy is one of a few working at safety.

Ole Miss

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NOTEBOOK

Zach Scott joins Nettleton's staff to help coach defense. ...Four of the Tigers’ five Division 4-3A games are at home. ...

Freshman Coleton Ausburn, who Scott said had a lot of potential, will back up Jordan Smith at QB after seeing playing time against South Pontotoc last season as an eighth-grader.

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UCKS! L D M TEA GOO L L A

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Good Luck Nettleton Tigers!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jordan Smith will handle punting duties, while Jay Graham is the placekicker and Rocky Foster the long snapper. Gardner will be back deep on kicks.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

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28F

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29F

Bulldogs look to rebound from last year’s finish

NEW ALBANY

BULLDOGS

BY JAY TIDWELL

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-4A 2013 record: 4-7, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Ron Price (7th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Devin Wilson, Sr., RB/DE Rushed for 571 yards in 2013, state runner-up in 198-class powerlifting.

Eathen Rainey, Sr. P/K Price described him as “the best kicker in the state of Mississippi.”

Jake McDonald, Sr., TE/DE Moving from tackle to tight end, has good hands and is very mobile.

S A L E S

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

A N D

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

New Albany understands how to bounce back from a rough year.

After winning their first division game last season against Senatobia to improve to 43 in early October, the Bulldogs lost their final four matches and tumbled to a 4-7 finish.

Any other coach might be discourPrice aged, but Ron Price is a friend of adversity.

“Last year wasn’t the best,” he said. “We’ve tried to put that behind us and move forward.

“You’ve got to have bumps in the road every now and then to bring you back to reality.”

S E R V I C E

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OFFENSE

New Albany has a corps of returning starters at skill positions.

Bryce Collins is back at quarterback.

Fellow senior Devin Wilson also returns at running back and is poised to have an impressive year.

“He is strong, fast and athletic and nobody really knows his name because of how poor we were on the offensive line last year,” Price said.

Price also said Braudrique Boyd, a junior, can be a playmaker at receiver. Seniors Mikey Wood and Levi Bramlett and sophomore Sam McMillin will also log time as receivers.

“They all have great hands, and we demand that they be blockers on running plays,” Price said.

Tevin Bradley, a senior, is the only returning lineman, but will be joined by a promising group that includes juniors Hunt Parks (center) and Miller Dunnam (tackle), and sophomore guard Ben Cherry (6-foot-2, 265).

Darrel Cheairs and Payton Hopkins,

both juniors, are contending for the other tackle position.

Jake McDonald, who started last season as a lineman, will be a sure-handed option at tight end.

DEFENSE

Cedric Buford will set the tone on the defensive line as a senior. Eddie Barry and Austin Cook, both juniors, and Joseph Rainey, a sophomore will start as linebackers. Chris Farr returns at cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Eathen Rainey, a senior, has been a difference-maker for the Bulldogs, and will continue to handle punting and kicking assignments.

“We don’t want to settle for field goals,” Price said, “but if we have to, we feel like it will be money.”

Rainey hit two game-winning field goals in the final minute last season.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Water Valley Itawamba AHS at Pontotoc at Amory Corinth at North Pontotoc Senatobia* at Byhalia* Lafayette* at Rosa Fort* Ripley* * – Division 2-4A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Ron Price said the Bulldogs installed an uptempo offense in the spring.

They averaged 55 plays per game in 2013, and ran 41 plays using the new approach in one quarter of their spring game at Shannon. ... New Albany has reached the postseason in six of the last nine years.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

NEW SITE

ROYALS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 2-8, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Ronnie Jackson (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Koie Jackson, Sr., QB The four-year starter is a tough runner in short-yardage situations.

Greg Fowler, Sr., OL/DE Getting Division III looks headed into final season.

J.T. Herring, Sr., RB The 210-pound back rushed for 1,400 yards last season.

OAK HILL

RAIDERS FAST FACTS

Division: MAIS Divison 2-2A 2013 record: 5-6, 2-3 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Tony Stanford (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Drake Riley, Sr., RB/LB Had a team-best 152 tackles last year and also rushed for 685 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Drew Riley, Jr., RB/LB Led team with 841 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in 2013.

Caleb Roberson, Jr., OL/DL Two-year starter on offensive and defensive line.

DAILY JOURNAL

Royals try to convert physicality into victories

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Opposing coaches last season praised the physical play of Ronnie Jackson’s New Site Royals.

“Our kids worked their tails off last year and we were physical,” Jackson said.

“Everybody talked about it.”

The coach hopes his team’s work will translate into more Jackson victories this season. Last year’s team, despite its effort, finished 28 overall and 0-5 in Division 1-2A. “We were pretty competitive last year in division play,” Jackson said.

“We got better. We play a tough schedule. I believe playing better people makes you better.”

‘We were pretty competitive last year in division play. We got better.’

Ronnie Jackson New Site head coach

OFFENSE

Jackson is counting on four-year starter Koie Jackson to have a solid senior season at quarterback. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position.

He’s also a tough, gifted runner.

“He can run the ball when he has to,” the coach said. “He was never stopped on sneaks in short-yardage situations.”

Sam Pharr and Ethan Dodd could also see duty at quarterback.

J.T. Herring, a 1,400-yard back in

2013, and Quintin Grzesiak return in the backfield. Joey Champion will be the team’s top receiver.

On the offensive front, Josh Hester is the center, Greg Fowler and Chance Stanley the guards and Joey Johnson, Devin Stacy and Hanza Kahn the tackles.

“Fowler (a three-year starter) has gotten some Division III looks,” Jackson said.

DEFENSE

Pharr and Jackson will play safety while Champion and Grzesiak are slated for cornerback duty.

The linebackers will be Trey Conley, Fowler and freshman Christian Stacy. The nose guard will be Stacy and C.J. Courtright will play end.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Courtright is the kicker and Johnson the punter. Champion, Grzesiak and Stacy will return kicks and punts.

“We had trouble handling kicks last season and it put us in bad field position,” Jackson said.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Thrasher at Biggersville Kossuth at Immanuel Independence at Alcorn Central at East Union* Mantachie* at Walnut* Hatley* at Baldwyn* * –Division 1-2A

NOTEBOOK

Senior offensive lineman Hanza Kahn returns after sitting out last season. He started at guard and defensive end as a sophomore. ... Keep an eye on freshman OLB Christian Stacy.

“He’s got a nose for the ball.

When we started hitting in the spring he was all over the field,” coach Ronnie Jackson said.

Skipping retirement for exciting opportunity

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

After a successful career in the MHSAA ranks, including a state championship at Louisville, Tony Stanford opted to resign last season from Columbus High School and was originally looking forward to retirement. However, being away from football just didn’t fit Stanford’s Stanford mindset.

In the spring, Stanford took over Oak Hill Academy’s program and replaced Daniel Merchant, who guided the Raiders to the postseason in his lone year at the school.

“I was really excited about it,” said Stanford of the Oak Hill opportunity. “I’d gotten to the point where I thought I was ready to re-

tire but I was home for a couple of months and I wasn’t real happy.”

And Stanford said he will walk into a good opportunity, as well, with the Raiders’ program.

“I was very fortunate to get this chance and they have good talent here,” said Stanford. “It is a program on the upswing right now and we want to compete year-in and year-out.”

OFFENSE

The offense will once again be powered by the Riley brothers – Drake and Drew.

Entering their third season as starters, Drake and Drew Riley are a solid 1-2 combo in the run game with senior Drake Riley being more of the power runner. They combined for over 1,500 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last season.

Another senior returning in the backfield is quarterback Riley Pierce, entering his second season as the starter.

Junior Caleb Roberson anchors the offensive line and will be a starter on both sides of the line.

DEFENSE

Along with Roberson on the defensive line, the Raiders return senior A.J. Iseley as well.

The Riley brothers, who combined for more than 200 tackles, return to their starting duties at linebacker while senior John Willis Stevens headlines the secondary.

“We will depend heavily on Drake and Drew Riley,” said Stanford. “And they are good leaders for this group on both sides of the ball.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Kaleb Darnell returns as the starting punter while eighth-grader Grayson Easterling gets his first taste of varsity football and will kick field goals and extra points.

Senior Macon McBrayer will be the long snapper.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Hartsfield Academy Marshall Academy at Tri-County Academy* at Winston Academy* Newton County Academy Heritage Academy Manchester Academy* at Indianola Academy Canton Academy* at Leake Academy* * – MAIS 2-2A game

NOTEBOOK

Brothers Drake and Drew Riley combined for over 1,500 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns and more than 200 tackles last season... After combined for just three wins in a three-year stretch, the Raiders have made back-to-back postseason appearances... Tony Stanford is the Raiders’ third head coach in three years.

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30F

NORTH PONTOTOC

VIKINGS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2013 record: 10-4 (3rd round of playoffs) Head coach: Brian Sutton (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brooks Shannon, Sr., WR/DB The speedy two-way player ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the Southeast Select Combine this past May. Jon Jon Gonzales, Jr., K The junior can kick the ball into the end zone, a big boost for the Vikings on defense.

Greg Gambrel, Sr., WR/DB He is a three-year starter who Sutton is counting on to help fill the void left by Marcus Green.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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31F

Vikings still have weapons despite turnover

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Brian Sutton, North Pontotoc’s head football coach, has been around the game long enough to know that replacing someone like Marcus Green doesn’t just happen.

While the dynamic playmaker is now at LouisianaMonroe, the Vikings still have Sutton some weapons on the outside in seniors Greg Gambrel and Brooks Shannon.

“They’ve started there for three years and last year, and the one people want to watch for is Shannon, who had a tremendous year for us,” Sutton said.

Sixteen seniors led theVikings to a 10-4 overall record last season.

Good Luck to all Pontotoc County Schools!

‘We lost a lot, but I thought we had a great spring and we had some young kids fill those spots.’

Brian Sutton

North Pontotoc head coach Sutton will have a new quarterback calling the shots after Trey Jolly’s departure. Due to a high number of seniors graduating, the focus was finding new starters in the spring.

“We lost a lot, but I thought we had a great spring and we had some young kids fill those spots,” Sutton said. “We’ve got a young kid at running back, Zay Cullens, who I think is going to be a good one for us.”

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DEFENSE

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SPECIAL TEAMS

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OFFENSE

Replacing Jolly will be senior Caleb Nelson, who was the starting nose guard on defense in 2013, but a backup to Jolly. “(Nelson’s) also a linebacker, too. He’s about 220 pounds, and it was one of those things where he needed to be on the field, so we put him at nose,” Sutton said.

“He’ll play some defense, but he will be our quarterback and he had a good spring.”

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Bruce at Ripley at Choctaw County at South Pontotoc Pontotoc New Albany at Kossuth * Booneville * Belmont * at Alcorn Central * Mooreville * * – Division 1-3A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Brian Sutton felt his offense was going to have to control the ball on the ground more than last year when Trey Jolly was airing it out. … Expect more players to see action on both sides of the ball .… The Vikings won 10 games for the first time under Sutton, and won two playoff games.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Chieftains prepare to run the 4-2A gauntlet

OKOLONA

CHIEFTAINS

BY GENE PHELPS

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2013 record: 5-5, 2-2 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Jack Clark (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dequin Babbitt, Sr., RB/DL The 220-pound power back will play on the defensive line, too.

Tyson Eddie, Sr., QB Returns after missing most of 2013 with a neck injury.

Rod Jones, Sr. WR/DB Made big plays last season on offense and defense.

DAILY JOURNAL

Okolona coach Jack Clark has one word to describe Division 42A: “Salty.”

Clark, who enters his second season with the Chieftains, makes his living trying to beat powers Bruce, Calhoun City, Eupora and East Webster.

“It’s such a battle each week,” Clark Clark said. “The teams in this division are well-coached. We could all easily finish first ... or last.”

Okolona finished 5-5 overall and 2-2 in division play last season.

The key win was against EastWebster, 32-24. The Chieftains trailed 24-0 in the first half.

“Things went our way in the second half,” Clark said. “Every divi|

CLASS 6A

First round South Panola 45, Northwest Rankin 3 Starkville 14, Grenada 7 Madison Central 35, DeSoto Central 13 Tupelo 20, Warren Central 17 Brandon 44, Harrison Central 17 Meridian 49, Gulfport 46 Petal 28, D’Iberville 21 Oak Grove 38, Hattiesburg 6 Quarterfinals South Panola 20, Starkville 6 Tupelo 27, Madison Central 15 Meridian 30, Brandon 28 Oak Grove 38, Petal 28 Semifinals Tupelo 12, South Panola 3 Oak Grove 45, Meridian 14 Championship Oak Grove 14, Tupelo 7

CLASS 5A

First round Oxford 50, Vicksburg 7 Pearl 33, West Point 20 Callaway 56, Saltillo 33 Clarksdale 38 Ridgeland 21 Wayne County 58, Gautier 7 Picayune 48, West Jones 14 Brookhaven 28, Pascagoula 20 Laurel 34, Stone 28

DAILY JOURNAL

Quarterfinals Oxford 39, Pearl 21 Callaway 51, Clarksdale 7 Picayune 31, Wayne County 14 Laurel 29, Brookhaven 14 Semifinals Oxford 23, Callaway 7 Picayune 35, Laurel 28 Championship Picayune 42, Oxford 35

CLASS 4A

First round Byhalia 15, Corinth 10 Cleveland 42, West Lauderdale 32 Rosa Fort 29, Shannon 7 Kosciusko 15, Yazoo County 12 Greenwood 52, Houston 7 Lafayette 24, Itawamba AHS 12 Noxubee County 45, Gentry 6 Ripley 31, Pontotoc 0 Quitman 30, Raymond 6 Purvis 49, Poplarville 14 Magee 34, Northeast Jones 17 Vancleave 15, McComb 7 Columbia 35, Moss Point 14 Forrest County AHS 42, Florence 7 St. Stanislaus 42, North Pike 22 Greene County21, Mendenhall 0 Second round Cleveland 55, Byhalia 21 Rosa Fort 33, Kosiusko 15

‘It’s such a battle each week. The teams in this division are well-coached.

We could all finish first ... or last.’

Jack Clark

Okolona head coach

ented Jacobi Heard, who has graduated.

“The doctor says he’s good to go,” Clark said of Eddie. “We held him out of contact in the spring, so he hasn’t had on pads since he was hurt in the third game last year.”

Dequin Babbitt, a senior, gives them a power runner at 220 pounds.

Wide receivers Rod Jones and J.C. Buchannon are capable of making the big play.

Robert Herron, a 325-pound center, is the leader on the offensive line.

DEFENSE

sion game was close.”

Okolona welcomes back 16 starters – eight each on offense and defense – in its quest to win the division, or at least, reach the postseason again.

Three linebackers return with experience – Curtis Green, Josh Ford and Randy Shaffer. Tyler Hodges, a sophomore who played QB in spring practice, will start in the secondary.

OFFENSE

Babbitt will handle the kicking and punting chores.

Buchannon will return kicks and punts.

He returned two kickoffs for TDs last year.

Tyson Eddie returns at quarterback after missing most of last season with a neck injury. He replaces the multi-tal-

2013 MHSAA PLAYOFF SCORES

Lafayette 7, Greenwood 0 Quitman 14, Purvis 13 Vancleave 19, Magee 14 Forrest County AHS 35, Columbia 24 St. Stanislaud 14, Geene County 13 Quarterfinals Cleveland 22, Rosa Fort 17 Lafayette 9, Noxubee County 0 Quitman 49, Vancleave 17 Forrest County AHS 49, St. Stanislaus 42 Semifinals Lafayette 42, Cleveland 19 Foorest County AHS 25, Quitman 14 Championship Forrest County AHS 21, Lafayeete 6

CLASS 3A

First Round North Pontotoc 47, Independence 21 Kemper County 36, O’Bannon 22 Charleston 41, Belmont 0 Aberdeen 48, Humphreys County 12 East Side 42, Nettleton 13 North Panola 52, Booneville 48 Louisville 69, Ruleville Central 0 Water Valley 47, Kossuth 15 Philadelphia 29, Velma Jackson 0 Wilkinson County 34, Perry Central 28 Southeast Lauderdale 24, Morton 21 Seminary 45, Franklin County 43 Hazlehurst 41, West Marion 6

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SPECIAL TEAMS

CLASS 2A

NOTEBOOK

No team in Division 4-2A had a losing record last season. The team that missed the playoffs, East Webster, won six. ... When Dequin Babbitt is not in the backfield, he’ll see duty on the defensive line. “He’s probably more valuable to us on defense,” coach Jack Clark said.

|

Forest 23, Prentiss 12 Tylertown 43, Jefferson County 6 Collins 19, Choctaw County 7 Second Round North Pontotoc 41, Kemper County 40 Charleston 56, Aberdeen 41 East Side 57, North Panola 38 Louisville 56, Water Valley 27 Wilkinson County 26, Philadelphia 6 Seminary 48, Southeast Lauderdale 27 Hazlehust 27, Forest 12 Tylertown 28, Collins 12 Quarterfinals Charleston 50, North Pontotoc 23 Louisville 40, East Side 6 Wilkinson County 20, Seminary 18 Hazlehurst 34, Tylertown 12 Semifinals Louisville 35, Charleston 0 Hazlehurst 36, Wilksinson County 22 Championship Louisville 30, Hazlehust 28

First Round Baldwyn 44, West Tallahatchie 22 Brce 21, Simmons 20 East Union 35, Byers 34 Eupora 34, South Delta 14 West Bolivar 13, Okolona 6 Mantachie 41, Strayhorn 14

SCHEDULE

East Oktibbeha Houlka at Houston Blytheville, Ark. at North Panola at Shannon at East Webster* open Eupora* Bruce* at Calhoun City* * –Division 4-2A

Calhoun City 42, J.Z. George 6 Walnut 32, Coahoma AHS 8 Lake 41, Pisgah 21 East Marion 37, Bay Springs 13 Leake County 34, Newton 22 Mize 28, Amite County 0 Bassfield 49, Richton 6 Union 48, Puckett 14 Taylorsville 47, Loyd Star 14 Scott Central 35, St. Joseph Catholic 20 Second Round Baldwyn 33, Bruce 22 Eupora 42, East Union 7 West Bolivar 25, Mantachie 0 Calhoun City 43, Walnut 6 East Marion 28, Lake 22 Mize 35, Leake County 34 Bassfield 42, Union 7 Taylorsville 35, Scott Central 6 Quarterfinals Baldwyn 31, Eupora 14 Calhoun City 27, West Bolivar 8 East Marion 32, Mize 7 Bassfield 51, Taylorsville 14 Semifinals Calhoun City 31, Baldwyn 0 Bassfield 48, East Marion 14 Championship Bassfield 48, Calhoun City 7

CLASS 1A

First round St. Aloysius 24, Coffeeville 21 Broad Street 47, Falkner 29 Smithville 22, Shaw 20 Lumberton 38, Noxapater 34 French Camp 37, Bogue Chitto 34 Quarterfinals Shaw 28, Coffeeville 6 St. Aloysius 13, Hamilton 12 Smithville 14, Broad Street 0 French Camp 30, Lumberton 20 Stringer 21, Hinds County AHS 6 Semifinals Smithville 47, St. Aloysius 24 French Camp 56, Stringer 35 Championship French Camp 27, Smithville 6

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32F

OXFORD

CHARGERS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2013 record: 14-1 (5A championship game.)

Head coach: Johnny Hill (22nd season)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kenzie Phillips, Jr., RB Phillips set the single-season rushing mark for the Chargers in 2013 and he is in even better shape for 2014.

Mike McGhee, Sr., LB “Much man” are the two words Hill used to describe his 225-pound heat-seeking missile who lines everyone up right.

Jack Abraham, Jr., QB In his first season as a starter, Abraham broke the single-season passing yardage mark as well as set a new touchdown record.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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33F

Chargers talented, motivated for 5A return

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford was a quarter away from capturing its first football state championship in 2013.

Losing to Picayune in the Class 5A state title game still motivates OHS coach Johnny Hill, and his players.

The goal is to make the state title game every year, but when a team Hill has much talent as the Chargers, a return trip is almost expected.

Hill said he didn’t feel any extra pressure about a return, but instead pressure to get the best out of his kids.

“I probably had some of my best coaching years with teams that were 6-4,” Hill said.

“It depends on what talent you

‘Our measuring point is West Point. When we get through our first four ballgames, my measuring stick is West Point. That’s the team you have to beat.’

Johnny Hill

Oxford head coach

route to winning the 5A North title.

OFFENSE

Junior quarterback Jack Abraham is back to lead an offense that has a bevy of playmakers. Junior DK Metcalf is the leader outside, but junior Kyree White is just as potent and has great hands.

Everything starts up front, of course, and center Colton Skidmore, a sophomore, commands in the middle.

DEFENSE

The back seven, or eight, since the Chargers employ an odd-man front, are the strength. The linebackers are strong, while seniors JR Anderson, KT McCollin and DK Hutchins hold down the secondary. Junior Korbin Harmon has all the talent to be a force at one of the end spots.

got out there and we feel like we’re talented. Our measuring stick is West Point. When we get through our first four ballgames, my measuring stick is West Point. That’s the team you have to beat in our reSPECIAL TEAMS gion.”

Hill will rely on a new kicker, but he Oxford defeated West Point last feels good about the abilities of juniors season, one of 14 straight wins en Connell Yoste and Liam Cooper.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

at Jackson Prep Starkville at Cleveland East Side Lafayette open at West Point* Saltillo* at Lewisburg* New Hope* at Clarksdale* Center Hill* at Lake Cormorant* * –Division 1-5A

NOTEBOOK

For the second straight summer, the Chargers played in the National Select 7-on-7 Championships in Hoover, Ala. …

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Young Warriors will depend on offensive line

PONTOTOC

WARRIORS

BY JOHN DAVIS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 3-9, 2-3 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Scott Brown (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mario Murphy, Sr., WR/LB “He's more of a big guy. He's got good speed, but his physicality is his strong set,” Brown said.

Chase Hale, Sr., WR/DB As good as Murphy is at making plays on offense, Brown said Hale did the same for the defense.

Wyatt Smith, Sr., DE/TE A starter last season as well, the 6foot-4, 230-pound Smith is regarded as Brown's best defensive player.

DAILY JOURNAL

OXFORD CITIZEN

As Scott Brown embarks on his second season as the head coach at Pontotoc, he will do it with a young roster. Brown expects to start as many as eight sophomores during the 2014 season.

“We will have a lot of new guys.

There are a lot of new faces and Brown we’re having to rearrange some things, but I feel like we’re getting off to a good start,” Brown said , adding the youth was on both sides of the ball. “Our offensive line will be our strength because we return most of those starters.

Most of them have significant playing time.”

Have A Great Season

‘There are a lot of new faces and we’re having to rearrange some things, but I feel like we’re getting off to a good start.’

Scott Brown

Pontotoc head coach

OFFENSE

The offensive line will block for a new scheme – the Warriors will base out of the wing-T instead of the spread – and for a new quarterback.

Sophomore Jacob Carter and freshman Trevor Morgan are battling for the starting spot and Brown wasn’t at a place where he felt he could name a starter.

“We’re probably going to base out of the wing-T because it will be a first-year starter and we don’t want to put too much pressure on them,” Brown said.

Brown was high on the play-making

ability of wideout Mario Murphy, a senior, and what he can do for the team.

DEFENSE

The secondary returns from last year.

The Warriors will once again base out of a 4-3. Chase Hale is the main playmaker on that side of the ball.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hale is returning to handle the punting duties, but there will be a new kicker this season handling those duties, so Brown called the overall unit new as well.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Houston at Saltillo New Albany Calhoun City at North Pontotoc Corinth * at Amory * at Tishomingo County * Itawamba * at Shannon * * – Division 1-4A

NOTEBOOK

The Warriors are not the biggest team, coach Scott Brown said, but the lack of size is made up by a lot of mobile players, which he is hoping to be used as an asset. … Summer conditioning was well attended, Brown said. “We take pride in being better conditioned than our opponent.”

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34F

RIPLEY

TIGERS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 11-2, 4-1 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Chad Cook (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jerome Bell, Sr. DE Recorded eight tackles-for-loss and a sack to go along with 53 stops in 2013.

Isaiah Howard, Sr. WR The 6-3, 190-pound wide receiver set five school records last season including 73 catches and 998 yards.

Michael Story, Sr., OL The lone returning lineman is a hefty 6-foot-5, 285 pounds and still growing. He moves from right to left tackle.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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35F

Tigers retooling after losing large senior class ability.

“We’ve got a good nucleus back, and I think we have the pieces, but Ripley coach Chad Cook has you don’t really know until you never started a season replacing as turn them loose,” Cook said. many starters as he will in 2014.

Gone are 20 seniors, all of whom OFFENSE made significant Tucker Childers replaced record-setter contributions on Dalton James at quarterback. James set the offensive and Ripley highs for yards and touchdowns defensive lines, last season. linebacker and the Childers understands there will be skilled positions. pressure.

“I’ve never had a “I’m just trying to get comfortable with senior class that big it,” said Childers, a 6-3, 230-pound junCook with as many start- ior. “I know it’ll be a lot of pressure and ing,” Cook said. hard work but I’m excited and ready for “But we had a good turnout this it.” summer and that’s what you’ve got At Childers’ disposal in the Tigers’ upto have. Next man up.” tempo offense are a big targets in 6-3 It’s not a rebuilding effort. Cook wide receivers Isaiah Howard, a Divisionlikes the returning nucleus, in- I college prospect and newcomer Dorion cluding five starters on defense. He Gaston. said his Tigers may not be as conHoward set five Ripley receiving sistent as they were last season of- records as a junior. Garfield Campbell, fensively, but they’ve big-play Stefan Massie and Tavion Prather will run

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

the football.

Another college prospect, Michael Story, is the lone starting lineman back.

Darius Gaillard (LG), Nolan Bennett (C), J.D. Johnson (RG), and Ben Holcomb (RT) will draw their first starts.

DEFENSE

Jerome Bell is back at defensive end with Mason Clemmer, Danny Rangel, Ricardo Rodriguez and Zac Blanchard splitting time up front. Antonio Mullins and Stephon Anderson are the returning leading tacklers at linebacker.

Massie and Gavin Lefler will also play in the 3-4 defense.

Corners Santerio Prather and Stephon Foote and hard-hitting safety Cody Shelton are back at defensive backs. Junior Chandler Carter will step in at safety.

SCHEDULE

at Itawamba AHS North Pontotoc Falkner North Panola at Calhoun City Pontotoc Lafayette* at Senatobia* Rosa Fort* at Byhalia* at New Albany* * – Division 1-4A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Chad Cook returns to his high school stomping ground, Calhoun City, on Sept.

19. ... OL Michael Story is hearing from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Missouri and Southern Miss. ... Assistant coach Josh Davis comes over from New Albany to coach defensive backs.

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Brant Akins will kick field goals. The punter and kicker jobs are still open.

Howard, Shelton, Prather and Massie will return kicks.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SALTILLO

TIGERS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2013 record: 8-5, 4-3 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Pat Byrd (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Diamante Pounds, Sr., RB/LB Gained close to 3,000 all-purpose yards last season.

Chase Traylor, Sr., DB One of two corner backs who will make the Saltillo defense hard to figure out.

David Little, Sr., DB A true cover corner back for the Tigers.

Tigers look to complement Pounds with air game

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

It will probably be the hardest secret to keep in the northeast portion of Mississippi in 2014 – Diamante Pounds will be running the football for the Saltillo Tigers.

The Tigers senior rushed for 2,039 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

But besides more yards from Saltillo’s Byrd prized running back, perhaps all theTigers will need is a little air time.

“He is a blue collar running back that makes cuts and gets north and south in a hurry,” Saltillo head coach Pat Byrd said. “But we have got to have other options.”

As the Tigers look to improve on last season’s 8-5 overall and 4-3 Division 1-5A mark, their biggest |

Leland Riverside Division 1 South Delta Biggersville West Bolivar Coffeeville Division 4 Coldwater Bruce Falkner Calhoun City Hamilton East Webster Houlka Eupora Smithville Okolona Thrasher Division 5 Vardaman Clarkdale Division 2 Enterprise-Clarke Broad Street Lake CLASS 2A Durant Newton Division 1 J. F. Kennedy Scott Central Baldwyn McAdams Union Montgomery County East Union Division 6 Hatley Ray Brooks Leake County Mantachie Shaw Pisgah New Site St. Aloysius Puckett St. Joseph-Greenville Walnut S.V. Marshall Division 2 Division 3 St. Joseph-Madison Coahoma AHS East Oktibbeha Williams-Sullivan Coahoma County Ethel Division 7 H.W. Byers French Camp Amite County Potts Camp Nanih Waiya Bassfield Strayhorn Noxapater East Marion West Tallahatchie Pelahatchie Enterprise-Lincoln Division 3 Sebastopol Loyd Star J.Z. George West Lowndes Hollandale Simmons West Lincoln West Oktibbeha

CLASS 1A

Division 4 Bogue Chitto Cathedral Dexter Hinds AHS Lumberton Mount Olive Resurrection Sacred Heart Salem Stringer (8-man) MSD

DAILY JOURNAL

strength might be their biggest weakness. Pounds can run over and run through defenses, but other teams know that.

“Pounds is hard to prepare for because very few people can have a running back simulate the way he runs,” Byrd said. “It’s no secret we’ll see eight or nine man fronts.”

OFFENSE

So the pressure might just fall on the Tigers passing attack to complete just enough passes to give Pounds even a sliver of space to turn upfield.

Junior Tristen Daniel and sophomore Clayton Knight will compete for snaps under center. Daniel has more game experience while Knight’s effort in the spring and summer give Byrd a choice.

Potential pass catchers might have little experience as well. Seniors David Little and Chase Traylor will be counted on, as will converted lineman Karter Meeks at tight end.

Traylor will also see some time in the

backfield as a change of pace with a slashing style.

Providing protection for the Saltillo ball-handlers will be linemen Gabe Baker, Brock Cates, Daniel Blassingame, and Luke Hudson.

DEFENSE

The Tigers defense might be on the inexperienced side on defense.

So Byrd will be counting on Xavier Taylor on the line, and Ian Huckaby at linebacker as two key leaders. Pounds might even see some plays at linebacker.

Little and Traylor are quality cover corners that might be more important on defense, giving Saltillo formation options not seen other seasons. Conner Wade should be one of the safeties.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Drake McCarter returns as punter, and split time as the kicker last season.

Meeks is the snapper.

Pounds had more than 700 yards on special teams last year.

MHSAA 2014 FOOTBALL DIVISIONS

Division 8 Bay Springs Mize North Forrest Richton Taylorsville Heidelberg

CLASS 3A

Division 1 Alcorn Central Belmont Booneville Kossuth Mooreville North Pontotoc Division 2 Charleston Holly Springs Independence M.S. Palmer North Panola Water Valley Division 3 East Side Humphreys County J. J. McClain Leflore County O’Bannon Ruleville

Division 4 Aberdeen Kemper County Louisville MSMS Nettleton South Pontotoc Winona Division 5 Choctaw Central Forest Choctaw County Philadelphia Raleigh SE Lauderdale Division 6 Collins McLaurin Morton Prentiss St. Andrew’s Velma Jackson Division 7 Crystal Springs Franklin County Hazlehurst Jefferson County Wesson Wilkinson County

Division 8 Our Lady Academy Perry Central Seminary St. Patrick Sumrall Tylertown West Marion

CLASS 4A

Division 1 Amory Corinth Itawamba AHS Pontotoc Shannon Tishomingo County Division 2 Byhalia Lafayette New Albany Ripley Rosa Fort Senatobia Division 3 Amanda Elzy Cleveland Gentry Greenwood Yazoo City Yazoo County

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

at DeSoto Central Pontotoc at Itawamba AHS at Tupelo Baldwyn Lake Cormorant* at Oxford* Clarksdale* at Center Hill* West Point* Lewisburg* at New Hope* * – Division 1-5A

NOTEBOOK

The Tigers have 17 seniors on the roster, but only nine juniors, translating into a lot of playing time for sophomores and freshmen. ... Saltillo returns six starters on offense, and six starters on defense.

|

Division 4 Caledonia Houston Kosciusko Leake Central Noxubee County West Lauderdale Division 5 Forrest AHS Greene County NE Jones NE Lauderdale Newton County Quitman Division 6 Florence Magee Mendenhall Port Gibson Raymond Richland Division 7 Columbia Lawrence County McComb North Pike Purvis South Pike Division 8 Bay Moss Point

Pass Christian Poplarville St. Stanislaus Vancleave

CLASS 5A

Division 1 Center Hill Clarksdale Lake Cormorant Lewisburg New Hope Oxford Saltillo West Point Division 2 Callaway Canton Germantown Lanier Neshoba Central Pearl Ridgeland Vicksburg Division 3 Brookhaven Laurel Natchez Pearl River Central South Jones Wayne County

West Jones Wingfield Division 4 East Central Gautier George County Long Beach Pascagoula Picayune Stone West Harrison

CLASS 6A

Division 1 Desoto Central Grenada Hernando Horn Lake Olive Branch Southaven South Panola Tupelo Division 2 Columbus Clinton Greenville Madison Central Murrah NW Rankin Starkville Warren Central

Division 3 Brandon Forest Hill Jim Hill Meridian Oak Grove Petal Provine Terry Division 4 Biloxi D’Iberville Gulfport Hancock Harrison Central Hattiesburg Ocean Springs St. Martin

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36F

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SHANNON

RED RAIDERS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 4-7, 2-3 (1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Darryl Carter (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keawvis Cummings, Sr., WR/DB Will be a cover cornerback and has a great understanding of Xs and Os. Cameron Montgomery, Sr., WR/DB Has the ability to play multiple positions on either side of the football.

John Morgan Coleman, Jr., OL Will be put in the leadership role on the offensive line at center.

DAILY JOURNAL

Carter: We’re tired of losing the close games to overcome some things.”

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Shannon has made the playoffs the past two seasons under head coach Darryl Carter.

“But that’s not the standard,” Carter said.

Carter wants better for the Red Raiders.

He wants to see his team do more than just reach the playoffs. He beCarter lieves they are ready to take that next step.

“We’ve turned it up during the off-season and we hope to reap the benefits of what we’re doing,” said Carter, whose Raiders were 47 overall and 2-3 in Division 1-4A. “We’re tired of losing the close games.

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OFFENSE

Taking it to that next level certainly applies to the Shannon offense, which at one point during the 2013 campaign had to overcome the injuries of three quarterbacks within one week.

“Last year, whether it was penalties, turnovers, I think we left 21 points on the board each game,” Carter said. “We’re looking to finish, and we’re just trying to find the right fit.”

Ready for a healthy season are potential quarterbacks, junior J. T. Loving and sophomore Jaylen Pounds. Both saw playing time last season.

The backfield will be crowded, beginning with returning starter sophomore Xavier Gardner, with Tyshon Cooper, Josh Agnew, and Cameron Montgomery also set for action. The active receiving corps will see Kelly Gordon, Tyler Pass, Augustus Cox, and Corey Finney as potential targets.

The deep offensive line will be led by John Morgan Coleman, Austin McElwain,

and John Riley, with Harris Driskell and Javarious Clark.

DEFENSE

The success of the Raiders defense might tell the story of the team’s success for the coming games.

“We lost a lot of players from last year, but we played a lot of players,” Carter said. “The defense will be the heart and soul of what we do.”

The linebacking unit will feature Loving and Teonta Thompson on the inside, and Broderick Clemons and Davion Fields on the outside.

The line has Jasper Hunt at nose guard, Javarious Clark and Henderson at tackle, along with Dequan Huddleston.

Keawvis Cummings heads the secondary, along with corner Kenneth Bell, and safeties Quan Phelps and Montgomery.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Aberdeen open at Tupelo Nettleton at Lafayette Okolona at Tishomingo County* Itawamba AHS* at Amory* at Corinth* Pontotoc* * –Division 1-4A

NOTEBOOK

The Red Raiders lost three quarterbacks in one week last season due to injury. ... Shannon returns eight starters on offense, and seven on defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bart Tompkins should be handling the kicking duties, with Montgomery heading the potential group of returners.

Good Luck Red Raiders!

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Collumshopestobring1Achampionshiphome

SMITHVILLE

SEMINOLES

cited that they got to play in that cludes Peyton Blair, Daniel Smith and kind of atmosphere,” Collums Cody Phillips. said. “They’re very eager and hunFirst-year head coach Chad Col- gry to go back.”

DEFENSE lums is right back at home in Collums said senior inside linebacker Smithville.

OFFENSE Cole Williams has become the vocal “I’ve been kind of looking forSenior Neil Knight moves from wide leader of the team. ward to this for a receiver to quarterback.

“He’s one I can count on, and I can long time,” said “There was no backup quarterback last kind of go through Cole to talk to the rest Collums, a 1997 year, so it was anyone’s job to take really,” of the team,” Collums said.

Smithville graduate Collums said. “We had kind of an open Williams will be joined by Moore on who takes over for tryout this summer, and Neil stood out the the inside.

Bubba Tacker. “I most. He’s progressed all summer long to In the secondary, Knight and Hasten had been thinking where I’m excited about him being there.” McKissick are back at safety with Stegall about it for a while, Dee Moore will switch from fullback to and Grier at cornerback.

Collums and the opportu- tailback, while Nate Ward takes over as Smith, Caleb Cox and Tyler Ligon annity arose, and I the fullback. chor the defensive line. was able to come home. I’m very Dee Stegall and Wesley Grier will be out “I think we’re going to be pretty good excited to be here, and my family wide with junior Blake Comer in the slot. defensively. I’m excited about them and is really happy.”

“Blake is a guy that hasn’t been play- cautiously optimistic,” Collums said.

The Seminoles lost to French ing, but he’s a real good baseball player Camp in last year’s Class 1A state that we’ve talked into coming out. I think SPECIAL TEAMS title game, something Collums is he’s going to help us out a lot,” Collums McKissick will handle kicking and using for motivation this season. said. punting. Collums said figuring out who “We don’t want to put last year Devin McDonald and Cole Patterson will return kicks is one of the things the behind us. The kids are very ex- return on an offensive line that also inSeminoles are working on.

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 11-4, 6-2 (1A championship game) Head coach: Chad Collums (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Neil Knight, Sr., QB/DB Moves from slot receiver to quarterback.

Devin McDonald, Sr., OL/DL Will primarily be on the offensive line, but will see time on defense.

Cole Williams, Sr., LB Collums called him the leader of the entire team.

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Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at Belmont at Hatley Caledonia Thrasher* at Biggersville* Coldwater* Open at Coffeeville* Vardaman* at Falkner* Hamilton* at Houlka* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

Chad Collums will coach his own offense as well as the defense after the retirement of offensive coordinator Leroy Gregg. ... Smithville plays the first two and three of its first five games on the road. ... Collums is the brother of Itawamba AHS coach Toby Collums.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

SOUTH PONTOTOC

COUGARS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2013 record: 3-8, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Michael Bradley (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clay Hood, Sr., RB Bradley is counting on four guys to carry the load in the wing-T, with Hood possibly leading the way.

Weston Murry, Sr., DL/OL Coach believes outstanding summer in weight room will help Murry this fall.

Malik Townsend, Sr., TE Great hands and a really good athlete make him a good blocker, who can run good routes.

DAILY JOURNAL

Veterans, youth will define this year’s Cougars

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

A large group of seniors coupled with a large group of freshman is what South Pontotoc coach Michael Bradley is counting on heading into the 2014 season.

There isn’t a large amount of sophomores and juniors, so as Bradley put it: the Cougars are veteran and young Bradley all at the same time.

“The guys that have been here all summer have really worked hard and I’m really proud of the work they’ve put in,” said Bradley, who is entering his first season.

“There was a separation between those that were willing to work and those that weren’t. We had a lot of kids that went the extra mile and

‘There is a culture and climate that has to be changed and it’s not going to happen overnight.’

Michael Bradley

South Pontotoc head coach put in the extra time and it’s going to show for them on the field this year.”

Bradley also talked about the process of implementing his style of program.

“There is a culture and climate that has to be changed and it's not going to happen overnight,” said Bradley, who coached seven years at New Hope. “There is a different way that I do things than maybe other coaches do. They've got to

get used to me and I've got to get used to them. Some really, really bought into and some didn't.”

OFFENSE

Based on the personnel of the Cougars, Bradley, who has run the spread in the past, will base out of the wing-T. Last year's starting quarterback, Wesley Ross, moved, so Bradley is turning to the hard-working and intelligent Colton Rogers, a senior who hasn't played in two years, to run the offense.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

DEFENSE

South Pontotoc fans should expect to see an even-man front to deal with the variety of different offenses currently being used at the high school level, Bradley said. The work put in by the unit has pleased him so far.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Freshman Logan Rainwater will take over the kicking duties this season. His brother Austin was the kicker last season.

SCHEDULE

at Hatley Vardaman at Mantachie North Pontotoc at Walnut Mooreville Kemper County * at Louisville * at Winona * Nettleton * Aberdeen * * – Division 4-3A

NOTEBOOK

The Cougars got off to a great start in 2013, winning their first three games, including a 35-34 win over Mantachie. … Defensively, the Cougars allowed their last five opponents in 2013 to score 41 or more points. … Louisville, last year’s 4-3A champion, also won the Class 3A title.

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STARKVILLE

YELLOW JACKETS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-6A 2013 record: 9-4, 6-1 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Jamie Mitchell (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brady Davis, Sr., QB Transfer from New Hope High School, he’s a 2015 Memphis commit.

Jacquez Horsley, Sr., RB Led Jackets with 895 yards rushing and six touchdowns in 2013.

Kobe Jones, Jr., OL/DL Two-way starter and among top instate prospects for 2016 class.

STARKVILLE ACA.

VOLUNTEERS FAST FACTS

Division: MAIS Division II, District 1AAA 2013 record: 4-7, 2-3 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jeff Terrill (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bo Ford, Sr., OL All-District performer as a junior.

Houston Clark, Jr., QB Returning starter under center and dual threat for Vols.

Noah Heflin, Jr., RB Was the team’s leading rusher as a sophomore.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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ExperiencedYellowJacketslooktomake 6Arun

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

pieces together, we can have a good season.”

In the offseason, the Jackets added a big piece of the puzzle with the transfer of senior quarterback Brady Davis. Last season at New Hope, the Memphis commit threw for 2,626 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for six more scores.

Holding several Division I scholarship offers, Mitchell said Davis has made a smooth transition.

“He seems to be as happy as any kid we’ve had and our kids quickly took to him,” Mitchell said. “It didn’t take him long to evolve into a leader for us. He has that personality that makes people follow him and he’s been all you could ask for.”

It was just two years ago that Starkville High School captured the Class 5A state championship.

Heading into this season, head coach Jamie Mitchell believes the pieces are in place for a strong run at the Class 6A title.

“The biggest thing going for us is Mitchell experience and we have a bunch of guys who have played a bunch of football,” Mitchell said. “We just have to learn to stay out of our own way and not make ourselves the program.

OFFENSE “We’ve got good depth but you The Jackets also return several offennever know with injuries and there sive weapons that will surround Davis. In are so many intangibles you can’t the backfield, that includes leading recontrol. If we can keep all the turning rusher in senior Jacquez Horsley.

At receiver, Starkville will turn to senior Raphael Leonard and junior A.J. Brown to be Davis’ favorite targets.

Up front, junior standout Kobe Jones anchors that group and Jones has already picked up Division I scholarship offers.

DEFENSE

Jones is also a returning starter on the line and will be joined by senior Derion Ford and junior Maleke Bell to form a solid front. Meanwhile, senior A.J. Smith headlines the linebackers.

“No question that is our strength,” said Mitchell of the defensive line. “We may be as deep as we’ve been on defense in a long, long time. We’re fortunate to have a lot of good players on that side. Our size is better and we’ve got a lot of guys that can run.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior Michael Godley is expected to handle kickoffs and punts. Godley is also an option with field goals and extra points along with senior Michael Sullivan.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

Noxubee County at Oxford West Point at Florence (Ala.) Columbus* at Northwest Rankin* Greenville-Weston* at Madison Central* Murrah* Warren Central* at Clinton* * – Division 2-6A

NOTEBOOK

The Jackets moved back to the Class 6A ranks in 2013, a year after defeating Picayune to win the Class 5A state championship. ... With the MHSAA championship games played at Mississippi State in December, Starkville would have an opportunity to stay in town for the Class 6A title game.

Battle-tested Volunteers seek return to postseason

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

With a youthful squad last season, Starkville Academy head coach Jeff Terrill knew there would be growing pains.

He wants that to pay off this season when that experience comes to the forefront.

The Volunteers finished 5-7 in 2013 and missed the Terrill playoffs by one game.

Entering Terrill’s fifth season at the helm, Starkville Academy now returns seven starters on offense and eight on the defensive side.

“There is no greater teacher than experience,” Terrill said. “There are certain things that young players can’t learn unless they are on the field and growing through those

‘There is no greater teacher than experience.’

Jeff Terrill

it was his first season at running back.

We also expected Bo Ford to be a solid rock that we will lean on.”

DEFENSE

It all starts in the middle on defense. A trio of junior linebackers return as Starkville Academy head caoch starters in middle linebacker Drew Harrell and outside linebackers Josh Crittenexperiences. The ball took a few den and Johnathan Black. bad bounces for us last year but “There’s a lot of experience there with our kids learned well and set a that group and they’ve been starting linegood foundation for this season.” backers for two full seasons now,” Terrill said. “Our biggest job is to develop more OFFENSE depth and our biggest hole is replacing Junior quarterback Houston Clark reTripp Janssen, who signed with Delta sumes his starting duties while another State and started on the defensive line junior, tailback Noah Heflin, headlines and offensive line for us. So that is our the ground game. biggest call of order this season.”

Senior Bo Ford earned all-district honors in 2013 and anchors the offensive SPECIAL TEAMS line at his guard position.

Senior Sam Cox will handle the kick“Well, it all starts with the quarterback ing duties while sophomore Colt Creston offense and it’s great to have a guy man experiences his first year as the like Houston back,” Terrill said. “And starting punter. Harrell is expected to be Noah really emerged for us last year and the long snapper.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

Lamar School at East Rankin Academy Washington School at Hillcrest Christian* Magnolia Heights* at Winston Academy at Madison-Rigeland Aca. French Camp open Heritage Academy* Jackson Academy at Pillow Academy* * – Division II, District 1-AAA

NOTEBOOK

Jeff Terrill is a former head coach at Itawamba Community College. ...The Volunteers missed the postseason for the first time in four seasons in 2013. ... Junior linebackers Drew Harrell, Johnathan Black and Josh Crittenden started every game for the Vols in 2013.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

THRASHER

REBELS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 6-5, 4-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Lamart Harvey (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tanner Dobbs, Sr., QB/RB/WR/LB Coach wants the ball in Dobbs’ hands as much as possible.

Mateo Green, So., WR/DB Speed should make him a tough matchup for most opponents.

Cody Allred, Fr., RB/LB/DE Example of a young team relying on young players, like the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Allred.

POTTS CAMP

CARDINALS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-2A 2013 record: 1-9, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Matt Gehrke (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alex Hawkins, Fr., RB The young runner has made a smooth transition to varsity ball.

Dylan Goode, Jr., QB/WR At 6-foot-4, Gehrke will find a place on field for him.

Keenan Kearney, Sr., LB Made some noise in spring scrimmage.

DAILY JOURNAL

Rebels have holes to fill due to graduation

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Thrasher lost 10 starters from 2013.

“In 1A, that’s not good,” thirdyear coach Lamart Harvey said.

The Rebels are faced with replacing quarterback J.T. Huddleston, as well as running back Luke Walden and his eight rushing touchdowns, Harvey which was tied for the most on the team.

Leading receiver BlakeWeatherbee also graduated.

Thrasher has missed the playoffs by a single game the last two years.

“We’re young. We’re going to take our bumps and bruises, but in two years we should be pretty

good,” Harvey said. “But we want to make the playoffs every year.”

OFFENSE

Senior Tanner Dobbs will do it all. He could see time at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Landon Weatherbee returns at fullback.

Telvin Lowery and Zach Bryant are both three-year starters on the line.

Sophomore Garrett Reece could start at center. Harvey says sophomore Mateo Green can catch and run.

Sophomore Ladarius Andrews is listed at running back, but has receiver speed.

Three or four players could be in competition to replace Huddleston: Dobbs, Austin Holder and Booneville transfers Jesse King and Jalen Warren.

The race could last through the season opener at New Site and all could get time under center all season.

“They all bring different strengths,” Harvey said, “running, option and directing the offense.”

DEFENSE

Thrasher runs a Base 4-3. Losing center and nose guard Billy Lee to graduation is a blow and 21 on the roster means Lowrey and Bryant will carry big loads on the defensive line, where Harvey said is probably his team’s strong suit. Holder, Dobbs and Weatherbee will lead the linebacking corps. Dobbs is the leading returning tackler with 109.

Freshman Cody Allred is a big defensive end, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. Another Booneville transfer, sophomore Kendall Guy will play safety.

“My first 11 are pretty good. If any go down, I might be starting freshmen at some positions,” Harvey said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Thrasher lost three-year starters at kicker and punter.

Long snapper Reece will be snapping to Andrews to punt. Holder will handle kicking.

Extra points have been a problem early on.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 1

SCHEDULE

at New Site Tupelo Christian Prep at Smithville* Coffeeville* at Vardaman* Falkner* at Hamilton* Houlka* Benton County at Biggersville* Coldwater* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

Coach Lamart Harvey said the Rebels have skill players, but throwing the football was an issue in early practices …

Thrasher is looking for its first trip to the playoffs since 1992 …Senior QB/RB/LB Austin Holder, a team leader, broke his leg in the third game of last season.

Cardinals seek better results in second 2A year

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Potts Camp’s first-year coach Matt Gehrke was an assistant at Lewisburg when its football program was started, so he’s prepared for any hurdles he’ll face in his new job.

While the program he inherits is no infant, it’s just entering its sixth season.

The Cardinals Gehrke finished 1-9 last season, their first in Division 2-2A. They posted a 9-1 record in 2012 playing as an MHSAA independent under former head coach Shane Stone.

“Coach Stone has done a good building a foundation; he laid a very solid foundation,” Gehrke said.

Potts Camp had 35 players in

spring drills, but Gehrke expected his roster to top 40 for fall practice.

The new coach said his squad had a productive spring.

“The kids have talent,” he said.

“They picked up our schemes very well. They responded well to the changes we made, the way we run practices.

“We used the spring to get a lot of players in the right position. We had a good idea early where guys could help us.”

Goode at wide receiver.

The running game features senior Hunter Joyner, a hardnosed, downhill runner.

Up front, starting left guard Dee Pegues returns for his senior season.

DEFENSE

Gehrke is counting on noseguard A.J. Williams and tackle David Jones, both juniors, to counter offenses. “(Williams) is strong and can move,” he said. “(Jones) had a good spring. He was disruptive in our spring scrimmage.

OFFENSE I’m very excited about those two.”

The quarterback job is up for grabs beAt outside linebacker, Keenan Kearney tween senior Caleb Reid, a good decision led the defense with a 12-tackle, fourmaker who sees the field well, and junior sack performance in the spring scrimDylan Goode, a 6-foot-4 prospect who mage. has the arm and athletic ability to operate the team’s up-tempo, no-huddle attack.

SPECIAL TEAMS “We’ll use both early,” Gehrke said.

William Payne and Keldrick Wiseman, “They’re neck and neck with different skill both wide receivers/defensive backs, will sets. We’ll see who fits our scheme best.” handle returns.

Both players will be in the lineup Joyner and Ray Maxcy will likely hansomewhere – Reid at free safety and dle punting.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Hamilton at Bruce at East Union Benton County at Holly Springs open at Coahoma AHS* West Tallahatchie* at Strayhorn* Coahoma County* H.W. Byers* * – Division 2-2A

NOTEBOOK

Two freshmen – running back Alex Hawkins and offensive lineman Kalif Alford – are expected to see a lot of quality playing time. Hawkins rushed for 1,100 yards in six middle school games last season. ...

Only one starter returns on the offensive line.

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BRAVES

BY GENE PHELPS

FAST FACTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braeden Maxcy, So., QB Gives Braves a quarterback who can pass and run.

Caleb McCalmon, So., WR At 6-3, gives Maxcy a tall target. Will also be backup QB. Jonathan Terry, Sr., C Heads up an offensive line that has depth.

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New coach Leathers hopes to change culture

TISHOMINGO CO.

Division: 1-4A 2013 record: 2-9, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Preston Leathers (1st year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

sophomore Braeden Maxcy, who saw some action last fall.

“We’re tickled to have him,” Leathers said. “He hasn’t missed a workout. He’s 5-11, 175 and he’s going to grow.

“He can run and throw, which will allow us to do the things we want to do.”

Preston Leathers The receivers are 6-3 sophomore Caleb McCalmon and junior tight end On getting potential players on board Caleb Smith.

Jonathan Terry, a senior center, leads said. “It’s been great. The adminis- a strong group that includes R.J. Baggett, tration is doing everything it can to Max Miller, Tyler Price, Marcus Rose, make this thing go.”

Casey Slack and Dakota Whirley.

However, changing the mindset of the student athletes may take a DEFENSE little longer.

Randell Mares, a senior linebacker, will “Our goal was to get as many kids work well in a 3-3 stack scheme. He led as we could out for football,” he the team in tackles last season. said. “Our numbers are way down.

Junior nose guard Jamie Powell, at 5We’re still fighting that battle.”

10, 240, is solid up front.

‘Our numbers are way down. We’re still fighting that battle.’

First-year head coach Preston Leathers has Tishomingo County football headed in a new direction.

“Our main goal is to change the mindset, get people believing,” he said. “We want the community to get involved. We want our players proud of the program. We want to max out Leathers our potential.”

Leathers came on board after spending time on Starkville’s staff. He was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2012 when theYellow Jackets won a 5A state championship.

He was able to put together a OFFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS strong coaching staff with six new Look for Leathers to be flexible, mixing Smith will punt while the search for a hires. the “I” and the spread. kicker and a return game will be decided “I couldn’t be more excited,” he The triggerman at quarterback will be this month.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

Mooreville at Alcorn Central Belmont at Kossuth Boonville at Baldwyn Shannon* at Corinth* Pontotoc* Amory* at Itawamba AHS* * – Division 1-4A

NOTEBOOK

Tishomingo County’s new staff features Ryan Finch, Josh Harrison, Mike Mahoney, Jim McKay, Jeremy Reese and Bo Seago. The lone holdover is Zach Glover. Reese is also the school’s softball coach. ... The Braves may start as many as eight sophomores this season.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

TUPELO

GOLDEN WAVE FAST FACTS

Division: 1-6A 2013 record: 13-2, 6-1 (6A championship game) Head coach: Trent Hammond (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alex Norwood, Sr., WR/QB Expected to be a big-play threat this season.

Jarvis Wilson, Sr., DB Wilson played receiver last season, but has moved to safety.

Justin Clifton, Sr., LB Gives the Wave a playmaker on the defensive side.

DAILY JOURNAL

Key elements returning from North title team

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Trent Hammond didn’t implement a five-year plan last season when he became Tupelo’s head football coach.

“We want to win now,” Hammond said.

The GoldenWave did just that in 2013, finishing 13-2 overall and reaching the MHSAA Hammond Class 6A state championship game, where it lost to Oak Grove.

“You owe it to the seniors in your program,” Hammond said. “We ask, ‘How do we put our players in position to win?What can we do to make our team the best it can be?’

“Each week, we want to give our players the best chance to win.”

Tupelo’s 2014 lineup features

some key players from last fall’s run, including quarterback Daniel Bristow, wide receiver Alex Norwood, defensive back JarvisWilson and linebacker Justin Clifton.

Hammond has been encouraged by his team’s work this summer.

More than 100 players attended 20plus offseason workouts to prepare for the upcoming campaign.

“Our kids have bought into what we’re doing,” Hammond said.

“They’ve worked really hard this summer.”

OFFENSE

Bristow, a junior, is back under center.

He’ll have more responsibilities running the offense, which includes two talented receivers in Norwood and newcomer Jerrico Thompson.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Thompson transferred in last year from Georgia.

Tavonte Hadley and Deamio Garmon bring different skills to the backfield.

Hadley is more of a power back while

Garmon brings quickness.

Nathan Cox, Chase Cannon, Reed Sanders, Dylan Flanigan, London Ruth and Graham Taylor have all seen playing time on the offensive front.

DEFENSE

Wilson, a Mississippi State commitment, played receiver last season, but has moved to the secondary at safety.

Clifton, an Arkansas State commitment, is a big hitter returning at linebacker. Up front, Jamal Wren, Shaun Kohlhiem, Demarcus Rogers and Devin Hadley return.

Tupelo’s defense was rated one of the state’s best last season.

“It’s going to be the same defense ... flying to the ball, knocking people out,” Clifton said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jamie Smith and Zach Ellis will compete for the place kicking/punting chores. Tavonte Hadley and Norwood will handle returns.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

SCHEDULE

at Lafayette Center Hill Shannon Saltillo Open Hernando* at Grenada* at Southaven* South Panola* at DeSoto Central* Horn Lake* at Olive Branch* * – Division 1-6A

NOTEBOOK

John Keith and newcomer Allen Glenn will be co-offensive coordinators. Another new addition, Chris Shoup, will coach defensive backs and kickers. ... DB Malik McGhee (Memphis Northside) and LB Colby Williams (Mobile, Ala.) are transfers.

WANTS TO WISH ALL OUR AREA

GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR! G O WAV E !

3 5 2 6 M C C U L L O U G H B LV D • B E L D E N , M S

662.844.4198

ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo’s Alex Norwood, right, is a big-play threat for the Golden Wave.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

VARDAMAN

RAMS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2013 record: 1-11, 0-8 (No playoffs) Head coach: Larry Gann (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandon Walker, Jr., QB This will be the second season for Walker as the Rams’ starting quarterback.

Kent Casey, Sr., TE/DE Stepped up as one of the team leaders during 2013.

Brady Pendergraph, Sr., OLB Played exclusively on defense a season ago, but could play wide receiver or running back this season.

WALNUT

WILDCATS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2013 record: 9-4, 3-2 (2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: John Meeks (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Armani Linton, Sr., WR/S The 6-foot-3 190-pound athlete is a Dandy Dozen selection, an Ole Miss commit.

Will Quinn, Sr., QB Quinn is anxious to take the field after missing the last four games of 2013 with an injury.

Monterio Hunt, So., CB He's 6-foot-2, 170 pounds and runs a 4.5 in the 40.

DAILY JOURNAL

Rams hope to erase memories of last season

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Knowledge could translate into victories for Larry Gann.

Stepping into the head coaching role with theVardaman Rams during the summer a year ago, Gann did not know his team.

“I know what to expect from certain players now,” Gann said. “And they know how we’re Gann going to run the program.

“Nobody is happy about last year, and I know the seniors we have certainly weren’t.”

Certainly one of the most consistent Class 1A programs in the area, a 1-11 mark a season ago was not up to Vardaman standards.

“Last year there were so many unanswered questions,” Gann said.

‘Nobody is happy about last year’ Larry Gann

Vardaman head coach “Now, we’re talking about what you can control, and we have control of our approach to the game.”

OFFENSE

form a solid line, with help from tight end Kent Casey.

“We’re going to be in the gun a good bit, but we do multiple sets,” Gann said.

“The kids have a whole lot better understanding of the offensive terminology.”

DEFENSE

The Rams will be looking for a more stable rotation of players on defense.

Casey, Moore, Gordon, Crutchfield, and Bradley Gordon will see time on the line.

Pendergraph, Johnson, Spencer, and Will Vanlandingham will suit up at linebacker.

The biggest question mark might be in the secondary, where Washington might be the only one penciled in.

“Our goal is to get people located, and then leave them there,” Gann said. “We want to get people where they can help us the best, and we’re looking for depth.”

The Rams return an experienced quarterback in junior Brandon Walker, who survived his first season as a starter.

Opposing squads could find it difficult to focus on just one offensive ball handler, beginning with senior wide receiver/running back Brady Pendergraph. Sophomore Brandon Washington will be a threat from multiple positions, and junior SPECIAL TEAMS Deon Johnson will see time at tailback.

Question marks abound at key spots.

Briley Gordon, Hunter Spencer, RemSpencer is the best long snapper, but mington Crutchfield, and John Moore will might end up punting.

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

East Webster at South Pontotoc at Noxapater Hamilton* at. Houlka* Thrasher* at Biggersville* Coldwater* at Smithville* Coffeeville* Open at Falkner* * – Division 1-1A

NOTEBOOK

Vardaman returns seven starters on offense, and seven starters on defense. ... Senior lineman John Moore experimented at fullback during the spring and might see some time there.

Wildcats won’t sneak up on anyone this year

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Everybody knows about the return of Walnut athlete Armani Linton, an Ole Miss commitment, but along with the reigning Division 12A Offensive Player of the Year, a boatload of experience returns for a team that went 9-4 and won a playoff game last season for the first time since 2008.

Meeks Walnut coach John Meeks said last year’s achievements were somewhat of a surprise, but this season is different.With 12 returning starters, success is already an expectation.

“Last year’s wins won’t get wins this season but I think we have the experience and the know how to duplicate or expand on last year,” Meeks said. “We will have to work

‘We will have to work hard and make our own breaks. Teams will be ready for us this year.’

John Meeks Walnut coach

left guard. Malique Williams and Jake Daniels will split time at right guard.

If the line does its part, the offense should click with speed and agility in skilled players Linton, Shawn Thornton, Monterio Hunt, Sydney Spells and Javon Norton.

Linton rushed for more than 1,341 yards as a junior. All four could split out or take their turns in the backfield.

DEFENSE

Their 3-4 set features a mixture of hard and make our own breaks.

Williams, Zuniga, Harper and Bowman in “Teams will be ready for us this the trenches. Nick Duncan, Preston Leak, year.”

Thornton and Linton, who moves from safety, are the linebackers. Hunt and OFFENSE: Spells are back at the corners. Norton The biggest concern is the offensive will play safety along with James Brooks line. They lost just one to graduation but and Will Daniels. there has been a lot of movement.

Seth Bowman remains at left tackle, SPECIAL TEAMS but Wyatt Nelms moves from right guard Thornton will handle field goals and to center. Alex Zuniga goes from left extra points. Harper will kick off and guard to right tackle, while Dontarious Williams will punt. Linton and Norton will Harper, last year’s right tackle is now the share return duties.

Aug. 22 Aug. 28 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

SCHEDULE

at Booneville Falkner Alcorn Central at Middleton, Tenn.

South Pontotoc Benton County at Hatley* East Union* New Site* at Baldwyn* Mantachie* * – Division 1-2A

NOTEBOOK

Armani Linton became the second Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection from Tippah County since Falkner’s “Pig” Prather (’97) and first fromWalnut. ... Coach John Meeks has been impressed with freshmen Wesley Cox and Drew Pitney.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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Lookingtoreboundfrom‘disappointing’2013

WEST POINT

GREEN WAVE

BY PAUL JONES

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2013 record: 7-5, 5-2 (1st round of Class 5A playoffs) Head coach: Chris Chambless (9th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Donald Wesley. Sr., OL Two-year returning starter on the offensive line.

Quincy Starks, Sr., RB Rushed for 646 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.

Steffon Moore, Sr., WR Leading returning receiver for the Green Wave.

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Finishing with a winning season and advancing to the postseason would be considered accomplishments for most schools in the Magnolia State. But that isn’t the case at tradition-rich West Point.

By Green Wave standards, last year was disappointing.

West Point finChambliss ished 7-5 overall and was eliminated in the first round of the 5A playoffs, a rarity in Clay County.

“It wasn’t because of a lack of effort,” said coach Chris Chambless.

“But in this day and age, if you don’t get rolling along then that confidence level goes down and doubts start to get in the minds of your players. It is a domino effect.

Our guys played hard last year and did what we asked of them. Their confidence just took a hit and we never recovered it.”

The Green Wave have a relatively young squad. Running backs Aeris Williams and Roger Thomas have now moved on.

But Chambless liked what he saw this offseason from an attitude standpoint.

“Our guys are optimistic,” Chambless said. “We’ve got a lot of new faces and they worked hard. I am eager to see how we gel it together going into the season.”

OFFENSE

The Green Wave return a handful of experienced playmakers, particularly in the backfield. Senior running back Quincy Starks rushed for 647 yards and six touchdowns in 2013 while senior Dason Thomas returns at quarterback.

Senior Steffon Moore is West Point’s leading returning receiver..

Up front is where the most experience returns, including a trio of senior linemen in Chris Humphries, Donald Wesley and Josh Burchfield.

DEFENSE

Another rarity last season was having a defense that allowed 30 points or more in nine games. Chambless and his staff expect major improvement on that side of the ball and will look to a veteran core of linebackers to lead the way.

Senior Kadarious Forside and junior Tony Rush return at inside linebacker while senior Tyler Logan and junior Nick Melton are returning starters at outside linebacker.

“So far the team speed has improved a bit on defense,” Chambless said. “They want to get back on track and that was huge for them this offseason.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior Omar Lemus will handle all of the placekicking and punting duties for the second straight season.

Aug. 22 Aug. 28 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

Grenada South Panola at Starkville at Columbus Noxubee County Oxford* at Clarksdale* Center Hill* at Lake Cormorant* at Saltillo* New Hope* at Lewisburg* * – Division 1-5A

NOTEBOOK

The Green Wave’s first-round exit last year was the program’s earliest playoff exit in eight years...The rugged non-division slate features Class 6A programs South Panola, Starkville, Grenada and Columbus and Noxubee County, the 2012 Class 4A state champion.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER DAILY JOURNAL Brandon Speck: @brandonspeck Gene Phelps: @GenePhelps John L. Pitts: @JohnLPitts Parrish Alford: @parrishalford Logan Lowery: @loganlowery JOURNAL INC. NEWSPAPERS Dennis Clayton, New Albany Gazette: @denclayton John Davis, Oxford Citizen: @oxfordcitizenjd Melissa Meador, Monroe Journal: @MelissaMeador14

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

Be sure to join us for our Community Tailgate Friday, August 29th at THS from 4:30pm-7:00pm Game Time at 7:00pm Please wear #allblue for the Wave's 1st home game on Friday, August 29th Download our TPSD App (see our QR Code below)

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