OC December 13, 2015

Wayne County’s Benito Jones is ready to be a Rebel Page 14

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Sunday EDITION

oxfordcitizen.com

Volume 2 | Issue 68

nday news s s Su o rd’

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Inside 2 News

Ole Miss clarifies ‘too much Christianity’ statement

7 Lifestyle

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

Caroline Wilson seals a bag filled with six servings of dehydrated food at Regents School of Oxford's "Feed the Need" fundraiser/outreach event on Friday.

Regents School ‘Feeds the Need’

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

Two human assembly lines powered mostly by youthful energy worked for four hours Friday in the gymnasium at Regents School of Oxford. The school’s lion mascot prowled the gym, nodding approval of the work, while several Ole Miss cheerleaders led students

in such chants as “Two, four, six, eight – packing food and feeling great!”

Regents, located in the College Hill community, offers a classical Christian education pre-kindergarten from through 12th grade.

Students, teachers and parents measured food ingredients into plastic bags, sealed them and packed them in

cardboard crates for Oxford Food Pantry and for food ministries in Haiti and one of the poorest areas of Kentucky.

The local event was dubbed “Feed the Need” and served both as an outreach and a fundraiser for the school. Students packed some 10,000 meals that will be distributed through the evangelical Christian outreach Feed the Hunger,

Gingerbread Village open through Saturday

13 Sports

which operates in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and impoverished areas of the United States.

“We did a Feed the Hunger Pack-a-thon last year at the university, and I went on a mission trip with Feed the Hunger to Lynch, Kentucky,” said Rachel Payne, a Regents parent TURN TO REGENTS PAGE 4

Metcalf helps lead Team MS past Alabama

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

Ole Miss student Henri Latigue walks past the university’s Christmas tree in front of the wreath-bedecked Lyceum. After a social media frenzy over a perceived minimizing of the Christian holiday, Chancellor designee Jeff Vitter tweeted, “Please be reassured that we’ll continue to honor our #OleMiss Christmas traditions.”

Ole Miss clarifies ‘too much Christianity’ statement

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

The University of Mississippi has responded to a media backlash to a student spokesman’s statethe ment regarding university’s Christmas celebration that many people took as anti-Christian.

KayP Mayes, co-director of programming for the Student Activities Association, told the campus TV station last week that the name of the event was being changed from “Grand Old Christmas” to “Hotty Toddy Holidays.”

“We really wanted to kind of like change the atmosphere from last year, and that would explain the name change,” he told NewsWatch 99. “‘Grand Old Christmas’ connoted too much Christianity on campus, and so we wanted to have a more in-

clusive environment for the holidays this year.”

From traditional red, green and gold, the theme colors for the event held Dec. 2 were changed to more campus-centric red, blue and silver. Even though there were still activities such as art and crafts and ice skating that would appeal to children, Mayes said, “We’re trying to get, like, a more mature audience, you know, trying to have, like, a winter wonderland kind of thing going on.”

The story was featured on a host of national media from teaparty.org to WorldNetDaily. The American Family Association issued its members an “AFA Action Alert” to contact the Student Activities Association urging a retraction and public apology “for using hateful language directed at a particular faith.”

“Stating that Grand Ole Christmas connoted too much Christianity on campus is an insult to people of the Christian faith and promotes an anti-Christian climate on the Ole Miss campus,” the AFA sample email petition stated.

The Ole Miss story likely gained steam from being compared with a story about guidelines for employee holiday parties at the University of TennesseeKnoxville, published by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. That list, which has since been redacted, was reported to forbid any holiday parties that might be a “Christmas party in disguise.”

“Holiday parties and celebrations should not play games with religious and cultural themes – for example, ‘Dreidel’ or ‘Secret Santa,’” independentsen-

tinel.com quoted. “If you want to exchange gifts, then refer to it in a general way, such as a practical joke gift exchange or secret gift exchange.”

On Wednesday, Ole Miss Public Relations issued a statement, which is reproduced below in its entirety.

“Incomplete and sometimes erroneous reports have created misperceptions about a recent student-led event at the University of Mississippi that has for six years – including this year – involved a Christmas tree lighting and popular Christmas carols.

“Last Wednesday night (Dec. 2), the Student Activities Association arranged for a Gospel Choir performance of ‘Emmanuel’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’ as well as a performance of ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Silent Night’ by

Miss University. Students also organized an ice skating event at the Ole Miss Student Union and photos with Santa Claus, as well as pizza, sweets and hot chocolate. Interim Chancellor Morris Stocks ‘lit’ the Christmas tree.

“The university’s vice chancellor of student affairs, Brandi Hephner LaBanc, was told by a student that his quote to the news media about the event, ‘Hotty Toddy Holiday,’ was taken out of context and that he had insufficient time to give a thoughtful answer. He said the quote does not accurately express his Christian faith or the reason for the name given to the event. “‘This is a 21-year-old student who wanted to make all students feel welcome and come to this annual event,’ the vice

chancellor said. ‘He is very sincere in his wish that he had expressed himself better. It is unfortunate that these reports, including repetition of incomplete information on social media, have misrepresented the nature of the event and his intent as a Christian to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds.’ “‘This student organization led a celebration that continued to honor Christmas traditions while welcoming all students to a holiday gathering.’”

Incoming Chancellor Jeff Vitter attached the statement to his Twitter post, which read, “Please be reassured that we’ll continue to honor our #OleMiss Christmas traditions.” errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

PAGE 3

Three firms vie to update county comprehensive plan

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

Lafayette County officials will interview representatives of three different planning firms this week to move a step closer to the updating of the county’s comprehensive plan.

The plan was last updated in 2008 under the leadership of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District in Jackson. That quasi-public agency and two firms with local connections – A2H PLLC and Slaughter & Associates – will send representatives to visit with county supervisors and supervisors-elect, along with other county officials.

A fourth firm, the Center for Planning Excellence, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also submitted a proposal, but the proposed budget for its work was drastically higher than those of its competitors and will not be further considered, according to Board Attorney David O’Donnell.

A2H Engineers Architects

Planners is a Memphisbased company that opened an Oxford office to oversee the design and construction of the new Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. Its proposal on the Lafayette County update is in partnership with Clarion Associates of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The A2H/Clarion proposal noted two advantages that partnership offered – “balancing the desire for fresh ideas with the benefit of a local team” and “updating the comprehensive plan to become a usable tool for the future.”

A2H/Clarion’s 35-page proposal touted its “incredible familiarity with Lafayette County’s issues” as a prime characteristic. It claimed an understanding of Mississippi law’s four required components for a comprehensive plan – Goals and Objectives, a Land Use Plan, a Transportation Plan and a Community Facilities plan.

“We also intend to go beyond that minimum required structure to include

components that can pull the ideas together in a clear and connected strategy to move the county forward from here,” the A2H/Clarion proposal stated. Noting Lafayette County shares borders with seven other counties and the City of Oxford, it added, “Particular attention will be given to the edges, where Lafayette’s jurisdictional authority bumps up against other jurisdictions, to help assure coordinated planning and growth.”

A2H/Clarion’s proposed fee through project initiation, community assessment, development of the draft plan, plan adoption and preparation of the implementation report is $97,000.

Oxford-based Slaughter & Associates Urban Planning Consultants said in its proposal, “Our goal in preparing comprehensive plans for our clients is simple: prepare a plan that is practical, easily understood, and most importantly, one that can and will be implemented, as

opposed to a voluminious document that cost a lot of taxpayer money but just gathers dust on the shelf.”

Its process is likewise simple: “Our goal is to make the comprehensive plan the ‘Community’s’ plan, not a ‘consultant’s’ plan.”

Mike Slaughter said his firm would seek input from county officials and department heads on a wide variety of topics, along with the views of leaders in “commerce, business, industry, medical, retirement, housing, education and any other areas of importance to the community.”

Slaughter & Associates’ proposed fee for the Lafayette County update is $60,000, with a nine-month timeline. The proposal does not include ordinance development and implementation.

The Oxford Board of Aldermen is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to hire Slaughter’s two-man firm to lead its next annexation study.

Central Mississippi PDD’s

proposal is for a 12- to 18month Phase 1, which would be the preparing of the actual comprehensive plan, at a cost of $80,000.

The first phase would inventory existing land use, document and analyze existing demographics, and hold public meetings. It would also develop the four staterequired parts of the plan – goals, objectives and policies; land use plan; transportation plan; and community facilities plan.

CMPDD estimated preparation of zoning ordinances and zoning map would require another six to 12 months, with a fee of $20,000.

Wednesday’s meetings is not expected to result immediately in a contract with one of the firms.

“The board’s not going to take any action until after the first of the year,” O’Donnell said.

Kevin Frye, supervisorelect for District 1, based much of his campaign on a need for more defined direction for county government.

“I think it is important for all of us to remain focused on that fact that state law requires comprehensive planning to be inclusive not just of land use planning but transportation, public facilities and other areas where the county has significant needs going forward,” he said. “My focus is on getting the best firm and the best team of people to help answer a variety of questions for us and to work through a variety of problems. The more comprehensive we can be, the more valuable the planning process will be to Lafayette County.”

Frye added that citizen involvement will be key to the success of the updated comprehensive plan.

“It’s very important that this process be open to any citizens that want to participate,” he said. “The more input we have from the county departments and the people who live in the county, the better the plan will be in the end.” errol.castens@journalinc.com

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

OBITUARIES SHEILA SHANNON Sheila Shannon passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Bethlehem Church of the Lord Jesus Christ located at 100 Overton School Road in Potts Camp. A funeral service will follow at 1. Burial will follow at Bethlehem cemetery. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES ROBERT RAY

MICAH BLANKENSHIP BYHALIA – Micah Blankenship, 55, passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto in Southaven. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m., at Holly Springs Funeral Home.

SHEILA HALE MYRTLE – Sheila Hale, 52, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later

by Glenfield Funeral Home in New Albany.

BRIEFING Hot cocoa for food donations Today marks National Hot Cocoa Day and in celebration, Graduate Oxford is giving back. Head to the hotel’s cozy cafe, Cabin 82, or terrace lounge and restaurant, The Coop, on Sunday, and receive a free cup of hot chocolate with the donation of a nonperishable food item. All food items will then be donated to Oxford Lovepacks, which provides supplemental food for school-age children in need, on weekends and holidays.

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

An assembly line of students, parents and teachers at Regents School of Oxford measure soy protein, rice, vitamin mix and dehydrated vegetables into meal-sized packets to be distributed through the evangelical ministry Feed the Hunger and through the Oxford Pantry

Regents FROM PAGE 1

and the fundraiser’s originator. “While there, I realized Feed the Hunger was truly getting the food to where it needed to go.

These people don’t have running water, no power.

They don’t even have means lots of times to get to the distribution site, so Feed the Hunger is getting it to them out ‘in the holler.’”

It was on that mission trip that Payne realized Regents School could do this same kind of event.

“Several small, Christian schools had begun this as a fundraiser, so not only do we get to raise funds for Regents, but we also get to give back,” she said. “Instead of selling wrapping paper or cookie dough, we’re going to take part of the funds and pack 10,000 meals for needy children and families. It was a way for all our kids to participate and kind of like a way of bringing a mission trip to the gym.”

The food is very basic to be able to make the best use of weight, space and money in impacting hungry children. Each pack contains six servings of rice, soy pro-

tein, vitamin supplement and dehydrated vegetables.

Between measuring, weighing, sealing and packing, there was a job for every student, from the youngest to seniors.

“It’s a whole system. Even the pre-K students could participate and be a valuable part of the team. This has involved everybody,” Payne said. “It was important for us to help our community and the greater world and to teach the kids to look beyond our little world and know that we can impact others, too.”

In addition to the Kentucky and Haiti distributions, some 1,500 of the 10,000 meals packed will stay in Lafayette County for distribution through the Oxford Pantry.

“There are times of the month when people come through and have already used their eligibility for (normal food assistance), but they still need help,” Payne said. “This is a way we could help them through this time.”

Tiffany Taylor, one of the Feed the Need’s day-ofevent coordinators, said, “It’s really united everyone at Regents.”

Students and parents

“

It was important for us to help our community and the greater world and to teach the kids to look beyond our little world.

“

James Robert "Bobby" Ray, 73, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto in Southaven.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at Coleman Funeral Home with Dr. Gary Richardson officiating. Interment followed in the North Oxford Baptist Church Cemetery. Coleman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the North Oxford Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1700, Oxford, MS 38655.

Rachel Payne asked friends and relatives to donate toward the effort, letting potential donors know that both the school and the food ministry would benefit.

“It’s been the most successful fundraiser Regents has ever had,” Payne said.

Taylor said the school’s outreach will continue this week with a different flavor.

“I love the way the Lord

connects things, because Monday morning we’re going to have the Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa here to sing,” she said.

“They’re coming from Uganda and Kenya to perform at 9 a.m., and then they’re going to stay and have a full school day here. I hope today’s ‘Feed the Need’ packing and Monday getting to visit with these children will have a big impact on our students. This is the first mission experience for a lot of them.”

Daryl Cleworth works for Champion Group, the company that provided logistics, including securing the food ingredients, for Regents School’s Feed the Need.

“The idea behind this is, people give to people. What we do at Champion Group is essentially to provide the tools, the experience, the technology and the administrative support to help them be successful in raising money for their school,” Cleworth said. “We’re a company that focuses on not-for-profits and Christian schools.”

Many kids were gratified to be involved in the outreach.

“I’m here to pack for Feed the Need, for people that

don’t have food,” said Brody Everett, a 6-year-old Regents kindergartener.

Fifth-grader Andrew Atchley was moved by a Feed the Hunger video showing the extent of poverty and hunger in Haiti.

“This is going to Haiti, where they eat dirt cookies sometimes when they literally don’t have any other food,” he said. “They were already one of the poorest nations in the world before they had an earthquake in 2010. After that, I’m pretty sure Haiti is the poorest nation in the world.”

Regents Headmaster Michael Johnson said Feed the Need was “the perfect fundraiser.”

“I think that anytime you have an event that pulls in the entire school community, it’s sort of a teambuilding atmosphere,” he said. “There’s a mission component here locally – it helps Lafayette County families – and it feeds many families around the world, so there many layers of service and gospel-centered ministry that takes place.” errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

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OXFORD CITIZEN

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

ROXFORD UNIVERSITY

Roxford University held their Winter Showcase Thursday night at The Lyric. The public was invited to see what students have learned.

Photos by Joey Brent | Oxford Citizen

Lilly Gray practicing

Mary Margaret Chaffe, Gabrielle Lott, Tiffany Webb, Megan Craver, Ron Eubanks and Mary Heather Chaffe

The Leaches played several songs, including "Hey Ho" by The Lumineers. Band members include Anney Lewis, Harper Leach, Lucy Allen, Emma Shelton and Carter Wilkes.

Giraffe Swag members include Evelyn Carmean, Jane Reeves Carmean, Emery Kate Schneider, Mary Kennedy Bowlin, Cody Thurlkill and Stephen Hampton.

The Wingits performed several numbers, including "Crimson and Clover" by Joan Jett. The group is made up of Lilly Gray, Davis Whitwell, Keelan Case,Allie Boutwell and Jefferson Davis.

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

PAGE 7

Gingerbread Village open through Saturday

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

Over here is Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” reproduced in candy, cereal, icing and a Moon Pie. Over there are two versions of William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, one of which included the brick herringbone sidewalk reproduced in jelly beans, the other with gumdrop shingles and candy-cane pillars.

And that’s just a start on the nearly 30 confectionary construction at the sixth annual Gingerbread Village at the University of Mississippi’s Gertrude Castellow Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

Girl Scouts in Daisy Troop 13232 created a whole village of their own, while Anita Kimery crafted a “Christmas in the Country” getaway from sweet treats.

One entry is a three-dimensional, Christmasthemed representation of the children’s board game “Candy Land,” created by Mary and Cody Thurlkill. It’s not just candy – it’s eye candy, too, with bright confections from crushed peppermint to peanut M&Ms, sliced almonds, candy peanuts, gum squares, Twix bars, candy canes, lollipops and, of course, gingerbread.

There’s one display that features both a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple, crafted under the title “Asian Winter Celebration” by the Ole Miss Religious Studies Club. Each year the group depicts a different area of world religion. Last year’s entry was titled “Abraham’s Family Tree” and included confectionary reproductions of a Christian cathedral, a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque.

Another impressive architectural piece is a re-creation of Bramlett Elementary School by children in Mrs. Swingle’s and Mrs. Darce’s kindergarten classes. The work includes crushed-cookie roofing, gingerbread-man children in the courtyards and Tootsie Roll landscape timbers on the playground.

One of the most elaborate designs depicts games in candy, icing and other culinary materials. Among other games it has a remarkable chess set, a realistic

Parcheesi board, and a highly detailed royal flush, with the rest of the deck, equally ornate, stacked into a house of cards.

There’s even a “sustainable” homestead designed by the University of Mississippi Office of Sustainability.

It features solar panels, a garden, compost piles and even a pond for raising food fish. The “green” theme continues with the street, which includes a bike path, sidewalk and transit stop.

The now six-year tradition of the Ford Center’s hosting the Gingerbread Village began under former director Norm Easterbrook.

“He had seem this kind of display somewhere else and thought that would be a fun thing to do here. We started talking about it, and we decided to give it a try, and it’s bigger and better every year,” said Kate Meacham, the facility’s marketing director. “We started with four houses the first year, and this year we have 28 – the most we’ve ever had.”

While no admission is charged to the event, patrons are encouraged to donate either canned goods or cash for the support of local food ministries.

“We collect donations for both the Oxford Food Pantry and the Ole Miss Food Bank,” Meacham said.

Rosie Lee Benson, who came with a group from a local senior center on Friday, said she was most taken with “Candyland.”

“I want to make a gingerbread house now,” she said.

Joan Hall, a lecturer in English at Ole Miss, dropped in Friday for her first-ever visit to the Gingerbread Village.

“I walk by this building every day, and at least three friends told me I needed to go in and look at the gingerbread houses,” she said. “I never have all these years, so I’m glad I came. One of my friends made the ‘Games’ display, and she encouraged me to come and look at it.

“I wanted to get a little in the holiday spirit – I’m on my way to the office to grade exams – and this makes me feel good.”

The Gingerbread Village will be on display through Saturday. Hours vary.

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

"Asian Winter Celebration" depicts a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple. It was crafted by the Ole Miss Religious Studies Club as this year's offering in its series on different world religions.

Gingerbread Villiage This week’s schedule for Gingerbread Village at the Ford Center: today – 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Mon. – 1 to 4 p.m.

Tues. – 1 to 7 p.m.

Wed. – 1 to 4 p.m.

Thurs. – 1 to 7 p.m.

Fri. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with toddler/preschool story time at 10:30 a.m.

Sat. – noon to 6 p.m.

Group visits may be scheduled for weekday mornings, 8:30 a.m. to noon, by calling (662) 915-2787 or emailing kmeacham@olemiss.edu

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recreated Rowan Oak complete with herringbone sidewalk, lawn labyrinths, and residents William and Estelle Faulkner.

"Games" by the Zerangue family features detailed representations of mancala, chess, Chinese checkers and poker, with a royal flush spread and the rest of the deck employed to make a house of cards.

This three-dimensional, Christmas-themed representation of the "Candy Land" board game uses a huge and colorful variety of confections from crushed peppermint to sliced almonds.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

BRIEFING UM sophomore wins free tuition

education-related scholarships, causes and programs across Mississippi through its nonMarlee Crawford, a Univerprofit foundation. Crawford’s sity of Mississippi sophomore, victory could yield her an estibested a student from Mississippi State University in a game mated $18,360 in tuition funds.

After she won, her father, of bean bag toss before the Ray Crawford, was there to hug Nov. 28 Egg Bowl to win free tuition for the remainder of her her.

“It’s amazing that C Spire education here.

Crawford, a journalism major would do that for some fortunate individual, but it’s even from Oxford, defeated Emily Ware, a junior at MSU, in the C more incredible that it’s our Spire Toss for Tuition by a score daughter,” Ray Crawford said. of 21-16 as 2,000 friends, fam- “We were shocked and overjoyed that she won. God defiily and spectators cheered.

“Actually playing corn hole at nitely had a hand in this. It’s a huge load off of our shoulders, the game just felt like a as we are helping to pay for her dream,” Crawford said. “I was schooling.” so nervous, but when I won, I Crawford said the money will just couldn’t stop smiling. I was be extremely beneficial to her, so grateful and thrilled for that especially since she is planning amazing opportunity – it was to study abroad in England in truly a blessing.”

The company sponsored the 2016. contest in November at all its 56 store locations in the state.

Upcoming public Hundreds of students and their meetings families had entered the conSeveral public meetings are test, and Crawford and Ware scheduled this week: were chosen as the two final• Monday, 5 p.m. - Oxford ists to battle it out for tuition.

Planning Commission - City The Mississippi-based com- Hall courtroom pany has donated more than $3 • Monday, 5 p.m. - Oxford million since 2008 to higher School District Board of

Trustees - Oxford Middle School Lecture Center • Tuesday, 5 p.m. - Oxford Board of Aldermen - City Hall courtroom • Wednesday, noon - Oxford Tourism Council - Visit Oxford boardroom • Thursday, 9 a.m. - Council on Aging - Brookdale • Friday, 8:30 a.m. - Downtown Parking Commission

Governor to address terrorism awareness Gov. Phil Bryant and representatives of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, Mississippi Army National Guard, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations will host a press conference Monday to promote the “If You See Something, Say Something” terrorism awareness campaign. “‘If You See Something, Say Something™’ is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the impor-

tance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement,” states the U.S. Department of Homeland Safety website (www.dhs.gov).

“Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to strengthening hometown security by creating partnerships with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and the private sector, as well as the communities they serve. These partners help us reach the public across the nation by aligning their messaging with the campaign’s messages and distributing outreach materials, including Public Service Announcements.

“We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”

Turner to direct rural development center STARKVILLE - A longtime department head at Mississippi State University has been named the new director of the Southern Rural Development

Center.

Steven Turner, who has served as head of the MSU Department of Agricultural Economics for 12 years, will officially begin as the center’s director Jan. 1.

MSU Extension Service Director Gary Jackson said Turner will work with 29 land-grant institutions in 13 states to address critical contemporary rural development issues affecting the well-being of people and communities in the rural South.

“As evidenced by the progress shown in the Department of Agricultural Economics since his arrival, Steve has been an outstanding leader and administrator,” Jackson said.

“His commitment to research and service will be as instrumental to the Southern Rural Development Center in his new role there as it has been in the Department of Agricultural Economics at MSU.” Housed at the main campus in Starkville, the Southern Rural Development Center is one of four regional centers coordinating rural development research and Extension education pro-

grams cooperatively with landgrant institutions regionally and nationally. The centers are supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The development center forms multistate research and Extension teams throughout the Southern to address issues unique to rural areas. Priority areas include fostering civicminded communities, building economically vibrant communities, and enhancing opportunities in distressed and low-wealth communities.

Turner’s previous organizational leadership appointments include one year as president of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association and three years as chair of the Board of Directors for the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics.

“Improving the capacity of land-grant universities across the South to address rural development issues improves the quality of life for the people those universities serve,” Turner said. “I am honored that I have been asked to lead that charge.”

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

PAGE 13

AND THE

AROUND SQUARE BEYOND JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Mims celebrates MS-AL game coming to Hattiesburg HATTIESBURG

F

or those that don’t know Johnny Mims, the executive director of Mississippi Association of Coaches, he’s always a happy man. Or he always has been when I’ve been near him, or talking with him.

Mims was in a jovial mood Friday, the day before the annual Mississippi-Alabama AllStar game. This year was the first time that the contest that pits the best high school players from each state against each other was played in the Magnolia State. Let me repeat that. This is the first time that the game has been played outside of Alabama.

Before M.M. Roberts hosted the game Saturday, it was played in Montgomery, Alabama. And it was played in Mobile before that. It also used to be played in June, and if a player got seriously hurt, then there was very little chance for them to play as a freshman in college.

The game coming to Southern Miss, and the Hub City, has been a good move, and Mims has been right behind things every step of the way. Since he started his current position in 2000, the discussion for a change has been pushed by Mims.

“One of the coaches association’s goals is to host the All-Star game. In the process of me trying to coherse them so to speak, to letting us host it every other year, there was no conversation there for a while,” Mims said.

“Finally, I think it was about two years ago, I went to them and said it was time. We need to do this. We need to have a shot. They really didn’t embrace it at first. I don’t know if they wanted to let the game go.”

Alabama officials were essential territorial of the venue, and wanted it kept right there.

Mims said he met with Steve Savarese, which is the executive director of the AHSAA, and Don Hinton, who heads up the MHSAA. TURN TO SQUARE PAGE 17

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Tunica-Rosa Fort’s Hal Northern, middle, holds the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic trophy following Mississippi’s 28-21 win over Alabama at Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium Saturday.

Streak buster Metcalf helps lead Team MS past Alabama

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

HATTIESBURG – Team Mississippi responded to the challenge. And the state's best high school players did it in historic fashion. The football All-Stars of Mississippi defeated Team Alabama 28-21 Saturday afternoon at Southern Miss' M.M. Roberts Stadium. It was the first victory over Alabama since 2007.

The talk all week leading up to Saturday's game was putting an end to the seven-game losing streak. Mississippi's defensive line was the biggest reason for optimism for the streak to come to an end. Having two talented skill players like Oxford's DK Metcalf and Starkville's AJ Brown also helped tremendously. Both shared the honors for the Most Valuable Player in this year's game.

“We started Monday talking to these guys about losing seven straight. We wanted to

Oxford’s DK Metcalf, left, and Starkville’s AJ Brown were named CoMVP of the annual All-Star game, a first in the 29 years of the game. break that streak with us playing in Mississippi for the first time,” Mississippi coach Jeff Breland said. “We wanted to break it right here in front of our people. They played extremely well. They bought into it and they did everything we asked them to do. They played their hearts out today.”

Keon Howard of Laurel was one of the two quarterbacks on the Mississippi roster. He finished with four touchdowns. Two of them went to Metcalf, while the other two went to Brown, who finished with nine catches for 147 yards.

Breland felt as the game

wore on, Howard got into a good groove with Brown and Metcalf, who really put Mississippi in good position with a 32-yard touchdown with 6:54 left in the game.

“I felt like if we could have ever gotten that third score, that would be big for us,” Breland said. “We got the lead with AJ there and then with the way that our defense was playing, I felt we were in pretty good shape. Then when we got that other one from DK there at the end, that kind of iced it. AJ and DK are incredible. They have bright futures.

And that defensive line is pretty good, too.”

Mississippi had a bevy of big, beefy and fast linemen on defense. Led by Jeffrey Simmons on the outside and Ole Miss commitment Benito Jones inside, Mississippi held Alabama to just one offensive touchdown the first 47 minutes of the game. Alabama TURN TO ALL-STAR PAGE 17

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 14

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

It’s a good time to be Wayne County’s Benito Jones

“

BY JOHN DAVIS

It feels great to have won the title in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It was fun to get out and play on the field. I’m 100 percent with Ole Miss.

HATTIESBURG – If there was anything bothering Benito Jones during the past week, he sure didn’t show it. Jones was in a good mood as he helped team Mississippi get ready for their annual All-Star matchup with Alabama Saturday at Southern Miss.

The Wayne County defensive tackle, who is headed to play for Hugh Freeze and the Ole Miss Rebels, is now just a week removed from winning a state championship. He is less about a month away from starting classes in Oxford. In a nutshell, it’s a good time to be Jones “It feels great to have won the title in VaughtHemingway Stadium,” said Jones, who watched games at Ole Miss and gone through drills at camp before playing there against Oxford on Dec. 5. “It was fun to get out and play on the field. I’m 100 percent with Ole Miss.”

0

$

“

SPORTS EDITOR

Benito Jones frey and (Starkville’s) AJ Brown,” Jones said. “We’re all real close. We all get along together.”

The defensive line was the talk of the All-Star game heading into the game.

Outside of Jones and Simmons, Tunica’s Hal Northand Meridian’s ern Raekwon Davis were two JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN others that were highly reWayne County defensive tackle Benito Jones is ready to be a Rebel. He led the War Eagles to garded, and very large. Ana state title in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium last week, and showed his talents here at the MS- other lineman that Ole AL All-Star game.

Miss would love to sign is Starkville’s Kobe Jones.

And because Jones is all join him in Oxford. His as one of the top overall Davis and Simmons were red and blue, he has been main target was Noxubee prospects in the nation, re- the two players Jones said working on other members County defensive end Jef- gardless of his position. he hung out with during of the Mississippi team to frey Simmons, who is rated “I’ve been talking to Jef- the week.

“It all starts up front, on both sides of the ball,” said Jones, who is listed at 6foot-3, 310 pounds. “I haven’t been around this much talent. Not in pads anyway. I’ve been around a lot of talent at camps, and this is similar to those.”

As for recruiting, Jones said that Simmons was having fun with things, and not in a rush to make a final choice.

“You have to go where your heart is at,” Jones said simply. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

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JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford quarterback Jack Abraham talks with teammate DK Metcalf during Thursday's practice session at Hattiesburg High. Abraham was unable to play Saturday after breaking his collarbone in the MHSAA Class 5A state title game.

Abraham makes best of missing MS-AL All-Star game

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

HATTIESBURG – Todd Breland was sound asleep when he got the text message from Michael Abraham saying that Oxford’s Jack Abraham suffered a fractured collarbone, and that he was not able to play in the annual MississippiAlabama All-Star game.

Breland, who was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the All-Stars, recalled yelling out, and so loudly, that that his wife wondered what was wrong.

The Laurel head coach helped picked Abraham for the team this past October.

He admired the way he led the Chargers against his Tornadoes in the 2014 MHSAA Class 5A state title

game, and he wanted Abraham to lead Mississippi to a win past Alabama for the first time in eight seasons.

“I’ve gotten to know Jack playing in the state championship and then over the last year we’ve communicated a little bit,” Breland said. “He’s just an outstanding young man. I was looking forward to coaching him this week. It’s been on my mind for a while. It’s unfortunate, but what he accomplished his high school career has been phenomenal. I know that he will go on and be successful.”

It was obvious that the players who made up the roster for Team Mississippi were in pain along with Abraham, who suffered the injury on the second-to-

last play from scrimmage in the MHSAA Class 5A state title game on Dec. 5.

“It was upsetting. As a tight end, I was excited about Jack Abraham slinging them out there to me,” said George County’s Brandon Walley.

Abraham, who was named the Gatorade Player of the Year and threw for over 5,000 yards just this year, was in attendance at Saturday’s game, cheering on the team. He was also able to watch practices all week, and he roomed with the players at Camp Shelby. Outside of being able to throw on the field at Southern Miss, Abraham did everything the others did.

“It’s been fun just to make all these friendships.

It’s been fun to watch them

practice even though I know I won’t be able to play,” Abraham said about the experience.

“All around, we’re stout. The receivers, up front, on both sides of the ball. We’re stout.”

Breland said he was very happy to find out that Abraham would be making the trip down.

“I’m glad that we were able to spend some time together. It’s been special,” he said.

When Abraham first learned that he was injured, he said that he was devastated. He really wanted to compete in the game, so he was very grateful to the organizers for letting him come down regardless of his playing status.

The injury bothered

Abraham from time to time when he watched practice. His arm was in a sling, allowing his body to heal naturally and without him doing anything more to aggravate things.

“I knew when I got up something was wrong,” Abraham said of the injury.

“It felt like somebody had stabbed me in my shoulder.”

Abraham may not have been unable to throw the ball on the last play from scrimmage, he said, if that was the call. Oxford coach Johnny Hill ended up having DK Metcalf take the last snap, trying to score on a run.

“I think I could have thrown because of all the adrenaline pumping. It didn’t hurt as bad as it did right after the game,” he

said. “It hurt a good bit though.”

Oxford was denied a championship, as Abraham, and Metcalf, were both ruled down short of the end zone. Abraham said he felt like he scored.

“It would have been tough. Even if they had called me, there would have been a bunch of complaining,” he said. “It’s just one of those calls that didn’t go our way. That’s how the game is. I left it all out there. Our offense, we can’t hang our heads low because we gave it our all. I know DK has said this a couple of times, we did everything we could. The game is just funky, that’s just how it is.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 16

Herod, Hobson's heroics topples unbeaten Pats

BY BEN MIKELL SPORTS WRITER

The Oxford Lady Chargers failed to get a win the last time a contest was decided by one possession. Friday night, the Lady Chargers executed on both ends of the floor to survive against MAIS foe Jackson Prep Lady Patriots 47-46 in the "O"-Town Showdown held at the OHS Gym. Aliyah Herod was wide open underneath the basket on a designed play coming out of an Oxford timeout. She made the layup to put the Lady Chargers ahead with 18 seconds left. Oxford (7-1 overall) then caused havoc on defense, never allowing Jackson Prep (10-1) to get a shot off.

The Patriots forced an illadvised pass, allowing Oxford's Maggee Hobson to garner a steal in the final seconds ending any hope the Lady Patriots had of keeping its unbeaten season intact.

Except for about 15 seconds at the beginning of the fourth quarter, neither team never let a lead get bigger than six points.

Oxford coach Cliff Ormon was proud of the effort given in the game especially late in the contest to allow the Lady Chargers to escape with a win.

“I was proud of the kids, it was an exciting game,” Ormon said. “We

knew Prep was 10-0 for a reason. I told them after the game I was proud that we won, but whatever would've happen I was proud of the kids' effort. We played our tails off and was able to make some big plays down the stretch. They executed and believed what we were doing and gave us a chance to win a big game.”

Kyla Malone was in foul trouble all night and forced Ormon to bring in Jordan Freeze while Malone had to sit with the fouls. Freeze responded by knocking in four 3pointers for 12 first-half points that allowed Oxford to stay in the game and even have a 22-20 lead at halftime. Freeze finished with 15 points from the bench, including 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. She also added a game-high eight rebounds.

“Definitely gave us a boost once Jordan came in,” Ormon said. “She is a very capable shooter.

We've been waiting on that. She is one of those that if she ever gets going and sees it go through the net she can heat up. She really kept us in the game.

Kyla is a definite major piece we have going into games. I was so proud in the way we responded to that situation. Jordan knocking those down made Prep have to guard a lot of other areas on the

floor and that's what we want.”

Herod led all scorers with 16 points and added eight rebounds and four steals to lead the Lady Chargers. Beth Graeber led the Lady Patriots with 12 points, six assists and three steals.

JOINER, CHARGERS WIN Jarkel Joiner was responsible for more than a third of all the points scored in the game with 31 and helped pull away in the second half as his Chargers defeated the Jackson Prep Patriots 5339 in the nightcap.

The game was not without a parade of mistakes by both teams.

There were a total of 40 turnovers in the game with each team committing 20 of them. Oxford coach Drew Tyler believed the only reason his team was up 24-21 at halftime was that Jackson Prep (5-4) didn't take advantage of the Charger turnovers or blown defensive assignments that slowed Oxford (5-1) down in the first half because of its own miscues.

“There was a lack of communication (in the first half) on defense, leaving guys wide open,” Tyler said. “Six games into the season, we should have that shored up. I think Jackson Prep shot themselves in the foot offensively. Our missed as-

signments didn't always lead to points because they had some self-made turnovers. It was a real ugly first half for both teams.

“Second half, we came out into straight man-toman defense and didn't switch between three different defenses,” Tyler continued. “We simplified the defenses, so that may have something to do with the improvement (in the second half).”

Oxford and Jackson Prep continued to struggle scoring after halftime but the Chargers were able to increase their lead to seven at 34-27 after three quarters. Oxford used an 11-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to help provide the final margin.

TIP-INS In the other contests during the Showdown, North Pontotoc boys defeated Amory 46-36. Millsap, Texas girls used a 28-9 run to end the game and defeat Amory 60-46.

Two Rivers, Ark. girls survived a scare from Madison-Ridgeland Academy 41-37. In the game before the contests involving Oxford, MRA boys clipped Two Rivers 67-59. … Oxford's next contest will be at cross-town rival Lafayette Friday night.

Girls will tip at 6 with the boys game following the conclusion of the girls game.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

SPORTS IN DEPTH COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

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

Capital One Orange Bowl Clemson vs. Oklahoma – Dec. 31, 3 p.m. (ESPN)

Russell Athletic Bowl North Carolina vs. Baylor – Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.

(ESPN)

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

(ESPN) College Football Playoff National Championship Clemson-Oklahoma winner vs. Alabama-Michigan State winner – Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Houston vs. Florida State – Dec. 31, 11 a.m.

(ESPN) Fiesta Bowl Notre Dame vs. Ohio State – Jan. 1, Noon (ESPN) Rose Bowl Stanford vs. Iowa – Jan. 1, 3 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss – Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m.

(ESPN) OTHER GAMES Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Alcorn State vs. North Carolina A&T – Dec. 19, 11 a.m. (ABC) Cure Bowl San Jose State vs. Georgia State – Dec. 19, noon (CBS Sports Network) Gildan New Mexico Bowl Arizona vs. New Mexico – Dec. 19, 1 p.m.

(ESPN) Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl BYU vs. Utah – Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. (ABC) Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Ohio vs. Appalachian State – Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m.

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

(ESPN) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Akron vs. Utah State – Dec. 22, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Marmot Boca Raton Bowl Temple vs. Toledo – Dec. 22, 6 p.m. (ESPN) San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Boise State vs. Northern Illinois – Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) GoDaddy Bowl Bowling Green vs. Georgia Southern – Dec. 23, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan – Dec. 24, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Hawaii Bowl Cincinnati vs. San Diego State – Dec. 24, 7 p.m.

(ESPN) St. Petersburg Bowl Marshall vs. Connecticut – Dec. 26, 10 a.m.

(ESPN) Hyundai Sun Bowl Miami vs. Washington State – Dec. 26, 1 p.m.

(CBS) Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl Washington vs. Southern Miss – Dec. 26, 1:20 p.m. (ESPN) New Era Pinstripe Bowl Duke vs. Indiana – Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m. (ABC) Camping World Independence Bowl Virginia Tech vs. Tulsa – Dec. 26, 4:45 p.m.

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

70,000

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

662-801-9607.

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

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Colorado State vs. Nevada – Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m.

(American Sports Network) AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl Texas Tech vs. LSU – Dec. 29, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Birmingham Bowl Memphis vs. Auburn – Dec. 30, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Belk Bowl North Carolina State vs. Mississippi State – Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Louisville vs. Texas A&M – Dec. 30, 6 p.m. (ESPN) National University Holiday Bowl Wisconsin vs. USC – Dec. 30, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN) Outback Bowl Northwestern vs. Tennessee – Jan. 1, 11 a.m.

(ESPN2) Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Michigan vs. Florida – Jan. 1, Noon (ESPN) TaxSlayer Bowl Georgia vs. Penn State – Jan. 2, 11 a.m. (ESPN) AutoZone Liberty Bowl Kansas State vs. Arkansas – Jan. 2, 2:20 p.m.

(ESPN) Valero Alamo Bowl TCU vs. Oregon – Jan. 2, 5:45 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl West Virginia vs. Arizona State – Jan. 2, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)

OXFORD BASKETBALL • Oxford (G) 47, Jackson Prep 46 Jackson Prep 9 11 8 18 – 46 Oxford 12 10 12 13 – 47 Leading Scorers: OXF – Aliyah Herod 16, Jordan Freeze 15 Prep - Haley Litchliter 13, Beth Graeber 12, Kristina Zouboukos 10 Records: Oxford 7-1, Jackson Prep 10-1.

• Oxford (B) 53, Prep 39 Jackson Prep 7 14 6 12 – 39 Oxford 14 10 10 19 – 53 Leading Scorers: OXF – Jarkel Joiner 31 Prep – Healy Vise 10 Records: Oxford 5-1, Jackson Prep 5-4

OPC BASKETBALL Tuesday's Results 7-8 Boys League • Pacers 16, Heat 8 Offense: Pacers – Braylon Judson. Heat – James Desler.

Defense: Pacers – Camden Ball. Heat – Luke Abraham.

Game Hustle: Pacers – Fisher Giles. Heat – Lawson Sheldon.

• Nuggets 10, Celtics 4 Offense: Nuggets – Christian Clark. Celtics – Demaire Frierson.

Defense: Nuggets – Jarvis Oliver. Celtics – Karson Guest.

Game Hustle: Nuggets – Hudson Clark. Celtics – Larkin Dowling.

• Spurs 8, Grizzlies 2 Offense: Spurs – Kingston Gregory. Grizzlies – Hogan Overby.

Defense: Spurs – Ryan Casey. Grizzlies – Griff Hill.

Game Hustle: Spurs – Bradley Beard. Grizzlies – Conner Hill.

Thursday's Scores 7-9 Girls League • Lakers 12, Warriors 12 Offense: Lakers – Maggie. Warriors – CeCe. Defense: Lakers – Caroline. Warriors – Breanna.

Game Hustle: Lakers – Layla. Warriors – Madison.

10-12 Girls League • Nuggets 15, Bulls 13 Offense: Nuggets – Madison Buford. Bulls – Jaida.

Defense: Nuggets – Molly Swingle. Bulls – Addison.

Game Hustle: Nuggets – Aubrey Stinson. Bulls – Annie.

9-10 Boys League • Clippers 26, Heat 17 Offense: Clippers – Ajay. Heat – Collin.

Defense: Clippers – Zahir. Heat – Tyler.

Game Hustle: Clippers – Julian. Heat – Leland.

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

PAGE 17

Square

sky boxes with the heated air conditioning and the bathroom is 20 yards away and they’re catering FROM PAGE 13 the food for us,” Mims said. “It’s just been awesome. I think it was “We all sat down and said we’re a good deal to move these games going to make this happen. We fito these venues. If you haven’t nally agreed to it and now we’re been in one of our state champigoing to start playing it on an onship games, you need to come. every-other-year basis,” Mims It is an experience in itself the said. “Every odd year, it will be in way we put it on now. The colMississippi.” leges know what to do. That’s There have been some inwhat they do. The All-Star game quiries from Ole Miss to host the has also been a plus to bring back game when Vaught-Hemingway to our state. This game has always Stadium is not the host site for featured 80 of the best players in the MHSAA state football chamboth states.” pionships.

Former Ole Miss running back “After they go to Oxford in 2017, Duece McAllister spoke to the they are scheduled to bring the players on Friday. He played in state championships down here the 1997 edition and 11 of those for two years in a row,” Mims said players that McAllister shared a of USM. “So Ole Miss has apfield with ended up playing in the proached saying that since NFL. Southern is going to have the “And two more played Major state championships for back-toLeague Baseball, in the bigs, so back years, could we move the All-Star game that particular year JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN that’s the kind of talent that is on to Ole Miss. We’ll talk about it.”

Lafayette tailback Tyrell Price was all smiles in between drills at Thursday's practice. He was one of three Com- these teams,” Mims said. “This just gives our players a chance to Mims added that Ole Miss modores who took part in the annual All-Star game with Alabama. come together. They’ve been coming to him, asking to host a game, shows just how much the game, too,” Mims said. “There are last January after this game last of Champions. The city of Oxford competing against each other for three years in high school. Believe state of Mississippi embraces certain things we can’t do at USM year. It’s all come together and could not have been any better. it or not, the four or five days that football. do to NCAA infractions, so they’re we’re excited and I think the com- They embraced it. The Ole Miss munity is excited,” Mims said. we’ve been here, the ones that are “Everybody loves football here being very careful to keep everystadium embraced them. It was jawing at each other during the because it brings our communithing above board. The rule is like a college atmosphere. It was season, they’ve made friends. ties together. It brings all of our they can not administer the just tremendous. Last year, the MOVING AROUND coaches together,” Mims said. game. That’s an NCAA rule. I’ve The change from Jackson to kids got a taste of what they do at They’ve come together. Some of “We’re excited. This is our first actually had to get names from Starkville and Oxford for the state State. I think it was a no-brainer. I them are going to same colleges them on who they use for secugame and I’ve been trying to football title games has also gone know we caught a lot of flak when together and they get to break rity and their ticket takers and all well. Mims said there was “no cross all my t’s and dot all my I’s we moved it out of Jackson, but it bread everyday and they start of the stuff it takes to operate the to make this happen.” doubt” that everything has been a really has turned out well. I know pulling for one another. For them to come together as a team in this stadium. I’ve basically had to do The reception from the city of positive for the players. we’ve had coaches write me letshort period, it’s just amazing.”

Hattiesburg has been great, Mims that myself because they couldn’t “Our goal for these young men ters to say how nice it was.”

Those are all facts that should do it for me.” said. He added that the mayor was to play in something like There were days in the past, all make us as happy as Mr. Rewarding was the next word has embraced the game and that. For 95 percent, or more, that Mims recalled, where he was Mims used to describe the work couldn’t have been any better to would have been their last high bundled up, with a heater next to Mims. completed, and the work he deal with. school game to ever play and him, underneath a stadium just “Our sponsors have embraced helped complete this past week John Davis is the Oxford Citizen sports edwhat a better way than to go out trying to get water so they could leading up the game. us to be able to put this on. I itor. He can be reached at playing on a college venue,” boil it to make hot chocolate or “I’ve spent a lot of hours in Hat- Mims said. “To be able to dress in coffee. couldn’t have asked for anything john.davis@journalinc.com. Follow him on tiesburg. I started working on this their locker room and do the Walk better. USM has embraced the Twitter at @oxfordcitizenjd.

“And now our coaches in the

All-Star FROM PAGE 13

scored with 39 seconds left, but it was too little, too late.

“I thought they made a big impact with their pass rush. I know Hal Northern got back there two times that I know and hit the quarterback as he delivered the ball,” Breland said.

“Those kinds of things wear on the quarterback. They rush his delivery. It was just relentless, the whole day. We had some good depth up front and that helped us. The inside play of Kobe (Jones), Hal, Benito and Jerome (Johnson) was great all day. Then we had Simmons and (Dre) Porter coming off the edge. Jacques Tuner from D'Iberville also had a huge play late. Our strength was our dline. No doubt.”

Metcalf posed for a picture with Brown a few minutes after

the memorable win. In his final game before heading to Ole Miss, Metcalf caught five passes for 151 yards, which led Mississippi.

“It felt great. It's a blessing.

This one is going down in the history books,” Metcalf said. “(Alabama) knew that we were going to throw the ball but oneon-one coverage, nobody can hold me or the rest of our wide receivers.”

Metcalf, who caught his first touchdown pass on a 69-yard pass in the first quarter, praised the play of Howard, who drew the start with Oxford's Jack Abraham out of the lineup with a broken collarbone.

“He responded very well. He made big plays,” Metcalf said.

“He stood in the pocket and took some hits while he was delivering the ball down the field. He's a real good quarterback.”

Lafayette running back Tyrell

Price posed for pictures with his family in the end zone following the game. He ended up leading Mississippi with 31 yards on eight carries.

“I felt good coming in. I knew we had the best receivers in the nation over here, and a good quarterback,” Price said. “I knew our game plan was to throw the ball, but I got me a couple of runs in there. I thought I ran hard. To be against their defense, I know they have the No. 1, No. 2 linebackers in the nation, so the way I hit the hole on them, I feel real good about myself.”

Eli Johnson was the center on offense for Mississippi. He will play the position at Ole Miss. Johnson played offensive tackle during his career for the Commodores, but he felt good about his contribution.

“It went great. It was like I had been playing it for five years,” Johnson said. “I was

glad with how smooth it went.

I definitely feel like it's my natural position in the future. This win feels good. Getting to be a captain on the team that broke the streak, that's a pretty cool thing. That's something I will be able to tell my kids and grandkids about.”

EXTRA POINTS Mississippi finished with 395 total yards on 58 plays. Alabama was limited to 309 on 64 plays. Howard finished with 304 yards through the air, completing 17 of 27 passes. He did have three interceptions, with his first being returned for a touchdown. … Brown finished with nine catches for 137 yards. … Ole Miss RB commitment Jarrion Street finished with six JAMES PUGH / LAUREL CHRONICLE carries for just 10 yards for Al- Oxford wide receiver DK Metcalf scored on a 69abama. yard touchdown in the first quarter.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

More photos on Page 18

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 18

MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA ALL-STAR GAME Photos by John Davis

Team Mississippi defeated Alabama 28-21 in the annual All-Star Classic. These are some of the scenes from the sidelines at Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium.

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