MudandMagSept2022

Magnolias

Football + Fashion

TAILGATING SIPS & SNACKS

Ger your tailgate and football season off to a great start with these tailgating recipes.

MEET THE PLAYERS

Get to know some of the top players from the Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Northeast Mississippi Community College and Itawam ba Community College football teams.

FALL FASHION

Andi Nolan’s pair of Airbnbs offer the pefect lodging for any Elvis fan visiting Tupelo for a night or two.

AWAY GAME DESTINATIONS

The Natchez Trace Parkway offers 444 miles of adventure … if you know where to begin. Fortunately, Mandi Toy, acting chief of interpretation at the Natchez Trace, is here to help.

CHARACUTERIE QUEEN

Stephanie Hall turns a struggle into a success with her new Tupelo-based business, Charcutie.

TOUCHDOWN AND TEA

Julia Cannon is an area manager for Milo’s Tea Company, the beloved Alabama-based beverage company, and also wife to Itawamba Community College football coach Sean Cannon. Some days, it seems like life is always pulling her in multiple directions. But, somehow, she keeps it all together.

DIY CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Ten minutes is all you need to build your own charcuterie board.

Cover Photo by Thomas Wells

The crisp fall air has arrived, and with it comes the thrill of football season.

Southern football puts most other areas of the United States to shame with their deep-seated traditions of tailgating, fashion and food. The sacred autumn Saturday morn ing in the South might look like getting up at the crack of dawn to begin setting up a tailgate tent, laying out a spread of delicious food or starting your day with a Bloody Mary before getting decked out in the latest fash ions to make an appearance at the pregame festivities.

Whether you’re cheering on a local high school team under the Friday night lights or sitting in the nosebleeds in an SEC stadium to see two in-state rivals play, this time of year offers a sense of community like no other.

If you’re like me, you might attend the tail gate to snack on some delicious food and see friends but depart for the comfort of your home shortly after. Whatever your football rituals are, this time of year reminds us that even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, you can still enjoy the togetherness that this season brings by way of your favorite sports teams, alma maters or just the school whose colors you like most. M

If you have any thoughts about this issue, please email us at editor@mudandmag.com.

Johnny F. Miles,MD

Kristen Y. Turner,MD

BrandiS. McGehee,MD

BrittneyC.Billsby, DO

Rachel Prust, WHNP-BC

Dietriche “Dee” Jones,FNP-BC

Mark A. Ray, MD

J. Bennett McGehee,MD

Neeka L. Sanders,MD

L. Elizabeth Stokes,MD

Tanya Underwood,WHNP-BC

1041SouthMadisonSt. • Tupelo|495SouthGlosterSt. • Tupelo (662)844-8754

Tailgating SIPS & SNACKS

Old Fashioned

Muffuletta

Greek Potato Salad

By GINNA PARSONS Photos By ADAM ROBISON

MUFFULETTA

1 (9-inch) round loaf Muuletta bread or Italian bread

1 cup olive salad, such as Boscoli Italian Olive Salad

4 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham 4 to 5 thin slices Provolone cheese 4 to 5 thin slices Swiss cheese 4 ounces thinly sliced Mortadella or bologna

Slice the round bread in half and open both sides on a at surface. Brush both inner sides of the bread with oil from the olive salad.

On the bottom half of the bread, place a layer of salami, followed by a layer of ham. Top with cheese slices. Top cheese with Mortadella slices.

Add the olive salad to the center out and spread it, leaving about a half-inch around the edge. Place the top half of the bread over the olive mixture, and press down to let the bread absorb the olive salad juices.

Wrap the sandwich and refrigerate for at least four hours. Using a bread knife, slice into 4 to 6 wedges.

Note: Olive salad is a mixture of chopped green and black olives with pimientos; pickled cauliower, carrot, celery and bell pepper; capers; garlic; oil and spices.

GREEK POTATO SALAD

12 red potatoes (about 3 pounds)

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon white sugar

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled 1 pinch ground red pepper

Place red potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain and chill in freezer until cold, about 30 minutes.

Slice potatoes and place into a large salad bowl; toss potatoes with green onion. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, rosemary and red pepper in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and

toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

SAVORY CRACKERS

1/2 box Extra Toasty Cheez-Its crackers

1/2 box Keebler Club Mini crackers

1/2 package oyster crackers

1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch dressing

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup canola oil

1 to 2 tablespoons red pepper akes

Combine crackers, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, canola oil and pepper akes in a large ziptop bag. Turn the bag every 15 minutes for an hour to thoroughly mix.

WHITE WINE SANGRIA

1 lime, sliced in thin rounds

1 lemon, sliced in thin rounds

1/4 cup granulated sugar, agave or maple syrup, or stevia

1/4 cup apple brandy

1/2 medium green apple, diced

1 medium ripe nectarine, thinly sliced

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 bottle chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh mint (optional) Sparkling water (optional)

Add lime, lemon, and sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a muddler or gently crush with a wooden spoon for 45 seconds.

Add apple brandy and muddle again to com bine for 30 seconds. Add apple, nectarine and strawberries and stir to incorporate. Then add wine and stir once more.

Taste and adjust avor as needed, adding more sweetener of choice for sweetness, lemon or lime juice for acidity, or fruit. Stir to combine.

Chill. To serve, pour some sangria and fruit into a glass. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired. To dilute the mixture, top off lasses with a bit of sparkling water.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though it’s best when enjoyed within the rst 1 to 2 days. Serves 6.

BLOODY MARY

1 (46-ounce) bottle V8 juice

2 cups vodka

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 to 2 teaspoons horseradish, or to taste

2 teaspoons Worcestershire

1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

3/4 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Celery sticks, olives, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, etc., for garnish

In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcester

shire, Tabasco, celery salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish as desired. Makes 2 quarts.

BOURBON OLD-FASHIONED

1 teaspoon sugar

3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon water

2 ounces good bourbon

Orange twist

Maraschino cherry

Add the sugar and bitters to a rocks glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved.

Place one large ice cube in the glass, add the bourbon, and gently stir to combine.

Express the oil of an orange twist over the glass, then drop into the glass to garnish, along with a maraschino cherry. Makes 1 serving.

Note: You can substitute rye for the bourbon, if desired. M

Meet The Players NICK

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

I’m a business major, and I chose that just because it’s the kind of thing I like to do, and it’s a broad area so there’s more for me to pick from.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

As far as the week goes, I always just prepare the same with practicing hard and watching extra film. As far as game day goes, I always eat a Snickers and put the wrapper in my left sock. I did it before a basketball game when I was 12 or 13 years old and scored 40 points, so I haven’t stopped since.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? I don’t really have one. I like music, but I don’t feel like I have a go-to song that I play.

Q: Favorite Ole Miss memory so far? The Egg Bowl and winning it this year.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete? Time management and just trying to really balance everything out.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever hard anything really major challenge me.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? Just my parents and my grandparents for me. Those were kind of like the big role models in my life.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Either Chick-Fil-A or Southern Coop.

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Wow, cookies and cream. It’s just my go-to.

Q: Desert island records? Drake, Kanye West and Gunna.

Q: Favorite horror movie? Insidious for sure.

Q: What show currently has you hooked? I’m not much of a TV show guy, I’m more of a movie person. I feel like I haven’t binge watched a TV show in a long time.

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel I like to golf and cook. I’m pretty low-key, so those are my two main things.

Courtesy Ole Miss athletics

Meet The Players

Courtesy

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

My major here is business and the reason I came here is because whenever Coach (Nick) Coleman was here I just knew he was a good offensive mind and Northeast has a great eduction here, so I decided to come here for both aspects.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

Every gameday, I go out to eat for lunch and then I listen to music and play Madden until I have to report back to the locker room.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Blood on the Leaves” by Kanye West.

Q: Favorite NEMCC memory so far?

My favorite memory here is when we beat ICC last year when it came down to the wire.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

The biggest challenge of being a student athlete is definitely time management because you have meetings, you have to be everywhere at a certain time and there’s not much off time so you have to make time for football and academics.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

From a sports thing, the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome

was state championship 10th grade year when we weren’t a great basketball team, but we went out there and did everything we were taught to do, and then we ended up coming out with a win.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?

My biggest inspiration growing up was definitely my dad and my mom. They supported me so much in everything that I did. My dad played college football, so growing up, I always wanted to be like him. He pushed me to become the player I am today.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Pizza.

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookies ‘n’ cream.

Q: Favorite horror movie? One of the “Insidious” movies.

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Stranger Things”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Playing video games, traveling, going and seeing new places and hanging out with friend and family.

NEMCC athletics

Q: Desert island records? Cody Johnson. Q: Favorite horror movie? “Insidious” (the entire series) Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Rick and Morty” Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Playing “Call of Duty: Warzone”; Watching Major League Baseball

can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it

vanilla and butter pecan.

Mississippi State Offensie Lineman LaQuinston Sharp (#63) during the game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Austin Perryman

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

Business administration, because I want to take over the family business when I get older.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

I like to picture myself making big plays before the game and say a quick prayer and talk to my deceased aunt. She played a big role in my life and she was one of my number one fans. And text my mom. She always keeps me motivated and humbled.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song?

“In & Out” by Lud Foe and “See Me Coming” by Pooh Shiesty.

Q: Favorite ICC memory so far?

When ICC football took over the rec in a basketball tournament.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Keeping up my grades and separating yourself from the crowd.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

Staying focused in school instead of going out and hanging with people when I know I had homework to do.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? My momma.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Cereal and steak.

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Chocolate.

Q: Desert island records? “Pray 4 Love” and “SoulFly” by Rod Wave.

Q: Favorite horror movie? “Insidious”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Young and Hungry”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Riding four wheelers.

Courtesy ICC athletics

Mississippi State Wide Receiver Christian Ford (#24) during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR. Photo By Austin Perryman

Mississippi State Wide Receiver Christian Ford (#24) during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR. Photo By Austin Perryman

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

I’m an integrated marketing and communications major. I chose that as my major because in high school I had to market myself to schools through social media. I was originally just a business marketing major, but whenever I found out about the integrated marketing program, I felt like it was a more updated way of seeing business. It brought in the social media and internet aspect.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

The night before the game, I watch some of my favorite players highlights. The day of the game I listen to a few songs that I’ve been listening to since high school that remind me of playing for fun and keeping the same attitude.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Computers” by Montana 300.

Q: Favorite Ole Miss memory so far?

I’ll have to say one of the top ones is when we won the Egg Bowl here during the COVID year because we had lost the year before. Doing that and then celebrating with the team. We jumped in the crowd and all type of stu. That’s probably my favorite memory.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Juggling all these practices and school at the same time. It’s a grind because we practice in the mornings, and you’re tired, but you’ve got to be able to balance all the classwork and film work for football and do both.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life? Accepting change and taking an opportunity that’s been presented to me.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? I’d have to say my parents. Both of them came from small towns and to see them become successful in both of their respective fields has meant a lot to m.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Vanilla bean

Q: Desert island records? It’ll have Rod Wave, Lil Durk and Mariah the Scientist.

Q: Favorite horror movie? “Insidious” (the whole series)

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “All-American Homecoming”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel I enjoy cooking, collecting shoes and that’s about it.

Courtesy Ole Miss athletics

Meet The Players

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

Kinesiology, because I still wanted to have something to do with sports and football when I’m done playing.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

I get locked in, get in my zone, get a little quiet, play all the songs that I like and get me ready and then go out there and play.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song?

“Back Again” by King Von (feat. Lil Durk and Prince Dre)

Q: Favorite NEMCC memory so far? Bridge parties

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Balancing school and football. Keeping the grades up and going to class all day while you handle all your football business.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

Having to work for a spot on the team. When I first got her, I started at the bottom of the depth chart, just work, work and now I’m starting.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? My big brother

Q: Favorite comfort food? Fried chicken

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Chocolate

Q: Favorite horror movie? “Hereditary”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Stranger Things”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Playing the game, hanging with my boys. I get on the field and get some work in.

Courtesy NEMCC athletics

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

Business. I know there is a wide range of options to choose from in the workforce. I also would like to own my own business one day.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

Listening to music and eating a good pregame meal.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Moneytalks” by AC/DC.

Q: Favorite ICC memory so far?

Taking my first college snap against Southwest. I will always remember that moment.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Make sure I get enough studying in for a test.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

My biggest challenge to overcome in life was when I was in Le Bonheur for two and a half weeks. I had to get stuff removed and drained from around my heart. I also had to get my right aortic arch fied, too. It was very challenging mentally and physically, but that is definitely the biggest things I have had to overcome.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? John Little, my dad. I always admired how hard he worked and still works to provide for my family. He has always been there for me, too. I have always tried to push myself to work as hard as him.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Mom’s meatloaf

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookies and cream

Q: Desert island records?

From “Elvis in Memphis,” and “Dangerous” by Michael Jackson.

Q: Favorite horror movie? “Child’s Play”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Stranger Things”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Duck hunting and working out.

Courtesy ICC athletics

Meet The Players QUAY

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

I chose sports medicine because I wanted to stay around the game. So to be able to stay around the game and help people, that’s a win-win either way.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

For a big game, I try to isolate myself and get my mind right. I try to go over calls and stuff in my head. i just get on my heaphones and start vibing.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill

Q: Favorite NEMCC memory so far?

I’d have to say when we beat ICC. That’s one of my best memories.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Balancing, giving the best effort to both of them

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life? Proving everybody wrong, just beating the odds.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? I’d have to say my grandaddy and my mom. They pushed me to do everything. They wanted me to go all out.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Honey buns and Skittles.

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookie dough

Q: Favorite horror movie? “It”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? I just started this TV series about Aaron Hernandez and everything that happened to him.

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Working out and playing basketball.

Courtesy NEMCC athletics

Mississippi State Linebacker Jordan Davis (#6) during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo by Austin Perryman

Meet The Players

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it? Business administration, because I would like to open several fitness related businesse

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

I always go out to the 50-yard line and reflect on the week and begin the mental preparation for the game. Right before we go out I watch videos of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin beating people up.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “I’m Broken” by Pantera

Q: Favorite ICC memory so far? Our team pool party after our last day of summer school

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete? Getting important days in the classroom confused with important days on the fiel

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life? Adjusting to the COVID rules for my senior football season and trying to stay positive

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? My dad

Q: Favorite comfort food? Dressing with cranberry sauce

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookies and cream

Q: Desert island records? “Jar of Flies” by Alice in Chains and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

Q: Favorite horror movie? “American Psycho”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Breaking Bad”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Working out, boating and traveling

Courtesy ICC athletics

Meet The Players

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

I graduated in community development. I chose it because it was something that I was already into. I wanted to make a career out of that and turn it into education. At home, from Michigan is where I’m from, we have a program called Four City Five Elite Training where we help train kids and aim their talents to where they can make it to the next level. We also do ACT and SAT workshops to help them on that side so they can get accepted into schools. Community development was just something that was closest to that, so that’s why I chose it.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

What people don’t know is that I like to sleep before the game. I don’t know why. All of your adrenaline is pumping and everybody just likes to be up and listening to music. I just like quiet and peace. I just fall asleep. I’ll probably be asleep most of the time – maybe an hour or hour-and-a-half – before the game.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song?

“Yes Sir” by Chief Keef.

Q: Favorite Ole Miss memory so far?

It’s the weirdest one, but it’s the most exciting one: This girl put crickets and two mice in my room freshman year. She thought it was funny.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Changing positions and having to come to terms with that. It was very hard for me because I felt like I worked at that position for a significant amount of tim. It felt like a slap in the face to say that you have to do something else.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

Being a father. I’m a father of two. I have a 4-year-old daughter

and a 2-year-old son. I had my daughter right when I came out of high school. That was a turning point in my life when I had to grow up and change my image. That made me grow up as a man and as a person really quick. I was 18 years old.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?

By far my grandmother. She was the sweetest lady ever. She held me whenever I cried or ran away from somebody. I was the baby of, at the time, 13 grandkids that were at her house. I was always the one that was right there up under her. She’s the lady that I will remember the most.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Macaroni and cheese and yams

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookies and cream

Q: Desert island records?

Definitely Chief eef, Lil Baby, Durk and people from my hometown. I listen to a lot of music too, though.

Q: Favorite horror movie?

I just watched “Don’t Breathe 2” last night. That was a really good scary movie. It wasn’t really that scary, but it was good.

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “BMF.” If anyone hasn’t watched “BMF,” I definitely advise you to tune in.

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel

I like to draw. I love to play games. And, I’m a hooper. People don’t know I get a bucket.

Courtesy Ole Miss athletics

Meet The Players

J.D.

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

My major is civil engineering because a lot of my family are engineers so I like the field

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

Definitely a big meal the night before a gam, lots of fluids and just trying to narrow my focus down.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill

Q: Favorite NEMCC memory so far? Fall camp and hanging out with all the guys

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Time management. Being at meetings all the time and practices at certain times. You got to be there 10 minutes before. Making sure you’re on time.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

Overcoming sin and accepting Jesus into my heart. That was a big challenge to overcome in my life and I’m glad I accepted him into my heart.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? My favorite football player is Clay Matthews. I looked up to him a lot. That’s football wise. My uncle, I looked up to him as a person.

Q: Favorite comfort food? Buffalo Wild Wings chicen wings

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Chocolate

Q: Favorite horror movie? “It”

Q: What show currently has you hooked? “Stranger Things”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel Hunting, going to sports games and hanging out with my girlfriend.

Courtesy NEMCC athletics

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it? Coaching. I want to coach because after my college career, football will still be part of my life. Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game? I eat a pregame meal and lay down until 5:00 p.m. Q: What’s your go-to hype song? “Faneto” by Chief Keef Q: Favorite ICC, memory so far? When we won against Co-Lin and went to the student section with the band.

Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

my time

Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life? Learning not to procrastinate Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? Chris Jones because he made it to the NFL from Houston, which is 30 minutes from my hometown.

Q: Favorite comfort food?

chicken sandwich from Wendy’s Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Vanilla Q: Desert island records?

Youngboy 2” and “Top” by NBA Youngboy. Q: Favorite horror movie?

Courtesy ICC Athletics

Meet The Players CEDRIC JOHNSON

Q: What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

Computer science, and I chose it because I’ve always been interested in computers and talking stuff lie that. In high school, I took a software development class and AP computer science, so I just like it then. Plus, I know it’s a good major to go into, and there’s really good jobs in that field. S, I just felt like that it’d be a good major to go for.

Q: What are your game-day rituals? How do you like to prepare for a big game?

It actually just started last year, but it’s this show ”See” that’s coming out and I watch it before every game.

Q: What’s your go-to hype song?

Anything Lil Wayne honestly because he’s just my favorite rapper. But old Lil Wayne; old for sure.

Q: Favorite Ole Miss memory so far?

Winning the Egg Bowl. That’s definitely been the most meorable as of right now. There’s other small things, but that’s what’s popping out the most right now. Both times, that is.

Q: Biggest challenge as a student athlete?

Time management. They definitely help us out with it her, but even then it’s still just a lot with classes and practice and games. Some classes might be harder than other ones, then you go to practice and then you’re tired, then you don’t want to do your work today and push it off and all of a sudden you have all this work that you have to get done now. It just can get crazy.

Q: Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

Honestly I don’t know. I think I’ve been blessed enough where I haven’t had too many challenges to overcome in my life.

Probably just deciding where to go to college and choosing

to come and play here just because the decision process was challenging.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?

My dad, or honestly just my parents, period. They’re my reason why I do what I do. I never really had like a celebrity or someone like that that I looked up to in that way.

Q: Favorite comfort food?

I’d probably just say my mom’s spaghetti. I eat that every time I head back home.

Q: You can only eat one ice cream flavor forever; what is it Cookies and cream. That’s just my favorite, I don’t know why. I like Oreos, too. It’s just perfect.

Q: Desert island records?

Besides Lil Wayne, I gotta say Lil Durk, Lil Baby, NBA YoungBoy, but then I’ll switch it up. I also listen to Adele and Beyonce, just to be a little different

Q: Favorite horror movie? Just because it’s the first one I ever watched, probably “Fredy vs. Jason.” Also, the “Insidious” movies are pretty great, too.

Q: What show currently has you hooked? It was just “Stranger Things,” that was crazy good, but now it’s “The Boys” and then “See.”

Q: Hobbies off of the fiel

Really just gaming. I play mainly “Apex Legends,” the new multiverse game that just came out, and then “Horizon Forbidden West” when that came out, too. Gaming is just my thing.

Courtesy Ole Miss athletics

Mississippi State Linebacker DeMonte Russell (#9) and Offensie Lineman LaQuinston Sharp (#63) during the Egg Bowl game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Austin Perryman

fall fashion

By BROOKE BURLESON

Photos by THOMAS WELLS

Fall brings the return of weekend tailgatesx, comfort food and crisp breezes. But most of all, it brings a chance to re-envision your wardrobe. Local retailers are here to help.

L.A. Green – Tupelo

Show Me Your Mumu dress Price available upon request.

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Away Game Destinations

By DAVID HITT

Every college football fan knows how electric the atmosphere can be on their fa vorite team’s home field. Being surrounded by thousands of fellow fans screaing and cheering at every play is a feeling like no other.

But away games offer their own unique sense of thrill xcitement, especially for those willing to spend a little time exploring their host cities. Local restaurants, fun attractions and exciting nightlife can turn an away game into a thrilling weekend full of adventure.

This issue, we explore two cities — Atlanta, Georgia, and Tucson, Arizona — which each will host a Northeast Mississippi college team this season to give those who don't mind doing a bit of traveling to see their favorite team play some activities to enjoy outside of the stadium.

Tucson, Arizona

Toto, we’re not in Starkville anymore.

Of all the destinations on Mississippi State’s away game sched ule this year, none are more starkly different rom Starkville than Tucson, Arizona.

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is home to the Arizona Wildcats. Those making their way west from Northeast Mississippi to watch the Bulldogs play will experi ence a weekend in a place where the landscape has a few more cacti and the cuisine has a few more chili peppers, but they’re both beautiful in their own way.

“To the fans headed out to Tucson for the game, I say ‘Get ready to experience a beautifully lush desert filed with amaz ing food, attractions, and people,’” said Cindy Aguilar, PR and Communications Manager for Visit Tucson.

We’ve compiled a few must-visit spots for those in Tucson for the weekend, although – like the desert itself – the city is vast and beautiful and features far too many wonders to see in just a couple of days.

What to Eat

El Charro Café

This year marks a full century that Tucson locals have been eating at El Charro. It’s not only the city’s oldest restaurant, it’s the oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant in the

United States.

The food is a Tucson take on the flvors of the Sonora region of Mexico, and El Charro is the birthplace of the chimichanga –the story goes it was accidentally invented there when a burrito fell into the fryer.

El Güero Canelo

When a hot dog wins one of the nation’s most prestigious food awards, that’s got to be a good hot dog.

In 2018, El Güero Canelo won the James Beard Award for American Classics for its Sonaran Style Hot Dog, a ba con-wrapped hot dog served in a Mexican version of a baguette. The menu also offers burrios, tacos and more, but you’ve got to try that hot dog.

Bobo’s Restaurant

If you need a touch of home in the middle of the desert, Bobo’s can set you up with some breakfast comfort food worthy of a Southerner – eggs and sausage and a mess of biscuits and gravy (no grits, but you can’t have everything in life). But if you want something uniquely Tucson, try their bigger-than-theplate banana pancakes.

MSU Bulldogs vs. Arizona Wildcats Sept. 10

Prep & Pastry.

Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale for your breakfast or brunch, check out Prep & Pastry. It’s a place where the biscuits are accompanied by duck-fat sausage gravy and the “Beni” features goat cheese hollandaise.

Things to Do Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Located in the Saguaro National Park, a visit to the Desert Museum is a great way to experience the local flora and fauna aroundTucson, combining the experiences of a zoo, botanical garden and national history museum into two miles of paths that are home to 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants.

Mercado San Agustin

Mercado San Agustin and the nearby MSA Annex offer to oppor tunities for shopping, with open-air walkways lined with small local shops and restaurants.

Pima Air and Space Museum

If you’re interested in airplanes, you’ll want to include this on your

itinerary.

Pima features about 400 different aircrft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner, as well as relics telling the story of the space race to the Moon.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Home to more than 20 telescopes that have given scientists a better understanding of our cosmos, Kitt Peak is one of the reasons that Tucson has laws to ensure the night skies there are as dark as possible. Even if your trip doesn’t include a visit to the observatory, be sure to find time o get away from the lights and gaze at stars you won’t see back home.

Where to Stay Hotel Congress

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Hotel Congress bills itself as an “urban, historic, rock ‘n’ roll hotel.” Its original phone switchboard at the front desk is still in use and the website lists which rooms are most haunted. The interior reflects the same styl as when bank robber John Dillinger was captured there in 1934. M

Opposite Page: COURTESY - The desert landscape that surrounds Tucson is known for its painterly sunsets. Top left: COURTESYThis promotional image from Visit Tucson features cyclists biking their way through the beautiful Sonora Desert. Top right: COURTESY - Hotel Congress bills itself as an “urban, historic, rock ‘n roll hotel.” The interior of the hotel still features the same style it did when notorious gangster John Dillinger was captured there in 1934. Bottom left: COURTESY Robert Glynn I - Pima Air and Space Museum features roughly 400 diffeent aircraft. Bottom right: COURTESY - Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Atlanta, Georgia

There are five oppotunities during the regular football season this fall to travel to watch the Ole Miss Rebels play, but only one stop provides a very real chance of seeing you end up in the College Football Hall of Fame.

That game, of course, is the Sept. 17 matchup against Georgia Tech. The stadium is about a mile from the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, meaning you could easily end up there the day before or after the game while enjoying a long weekend in Atlanta.

“The South is known for college football, so it is only fittin that Atlanta is home to the Chick-filA College Football Hall of Fame,” said Lindsey Raimondi, manager of public relations for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Extend your stay in the city and immerse yourself in the history of Ole Miss football at this interactive attraction located in the heart of downtown.”

Of course, there’s more to see and do in Atlanta than just brush up on the history of college football. The city is absolutely brim ming with places to visit, food to eat and sights to see. Here are a few other places to check out while you’re there:

Where to Eat

The Varsity

The “What’ll ya have?” greeting as you approach the counter at this beloved eatery is iconic to anyone who’s ever visited the

Atlanta institution.

It’s not a complicated question – burgers and hot dogs are the stars of the menu – just as they have been since the restaurant first opened its doors in the 1920s. ost of the choices involve how much of what you want. No matter your answer, it’s hard to go wrong at this true Georgia classic.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Speaking of classic, for over 75 years, “Atlanta’s Dining Room” has been serving good, old-fashioned Southern food, less than a mile from GT’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Serving up a tableful of scratch-made Southern classics –meatloaf, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried livers, pot roast, shrimp and grits and much, much more – this eatery has been serving the people of Atlanta from the same location at the corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Myrtle Street since Harry Truman was president.

If you drop by, which you should, be sure to save room for the fresh Georgia peach cobbler for dessert.

Holeman & Finch

Look, don’t take my word for it. Google “Holeman & Finch Burger” and see how many lists of the best burgers in the coun try it comes up on.

Ole Miss Rebels vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Sept. 17

And now, be glad you’re living in an age of miracle and wonder – back in the day, the original double-beef patty H&F Burger was only available at 10 pm, and only 24 were made each night. Today, they’re made to order, all day. Ain’t life grand?

What to Do

If you’re traveling with kids, you’re probably already aware of Six Flags Over Georgia on the west side of town. But for those who like their thrills a bit closer to the ground, here are a couple of downtown options to make your weekend a little more fun. (And the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is near both, if you want to make your visit interesting and educational.)

World of Coca-Cola

Who knew a soft drink could have so much history?

This museum, located in vibrant downtown Atlanta, is a celebration of the origins of another local icon. More than just a history of the company itself, the museum tackles the enor mous impact Coca-Cola has had on America’s (and the world’s) culture. It’s also an opportunity to sample a near-endless variety of flvors from all over the globe – including Italy’s beloved/hat ed flvor, Beverly – and to buy more Coke swag than you realized you needed.

The Georgia Aquarium

Five words: Dolphins. Sharks. Penguins. Sea otters. There. Now you know all you need to know about why you should visit the Georgia Aquarium, a sprawling attraction (and the largest aquarium in the United States) packed to the gills with sea life (and ocean life and lake life), live shows and more. Yes, there’s a whole more to be seen in their six massive galleries, ranging from Cold Water Quest to Tropical Diver; but if one of those five ords doesn’t convince you to drop by for an after noon of underwater fun, you probably will not be convinced.

Where to Stay

Atlanta has no shortage of places to rest your head.

If you’re looking to stay with a particular chain, you’re probably going to find a location somwhere near Bobby Dodd Stadium. But if you’d like to try something close, local and distinctive, check out the historic Georgian Terrace. Beautiful architecture that blends classic and modern, accommodations that are com fortable and elegant, and the “going home with a story” rights of staying in the place where people like Clark Gable and Walt Disney celebrated movie premieres. (Atlanta’s Fox Theatre is just across the street.) M

Opposite page: Gene Phillips - Night shot of the PWC building and STK on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. Above: Shutterstock - Exterior view of the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.

Top right: Courtesy - Varisty Bottom right: Gene Phillips - Atlanta Beltline Entrance to Ponce City Market.

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Charcuterie Queen

By GINNA PARSONS

Photos By ADAM ROBISON

Tupelo woman turns struggle into success

I n the spring of 2020, to support herself, Stephanie Hall was han dling marketing for small businesses. But when COVID came along, all those small businesses shut down, and Hall lost her client base.

“And then it was August, and my son was getting ready to go back to college, and my savings were dwindling,” said Hall, 49. “I gath ered my best friend and my daughter together to brainstorm some ideas about what I could do to make money.”

Hall prepared a cheese board with some nibbles for them to snack on while they talked.

“It wasn’t even a real board,” she said. “It was a round coffee tabl top. My daughter said, ‘Lets’ take a picture of this and put it on Facebook.’”

Within 24 hours, Hall had 19 orders for charcuterie boards, and the majority of people paid for them in advance.

“I had enough money to send my son back to school,” she said. “And every month since then, this is how I’ve supported myself. It’s just grown.”

Hall worked out of her home for several months, then moved to a small commercial kitchen for about a year. In June, she took a leap of faith and, along with two business partners – her first ousins Clare Brooks Shankle and Cayla Brooks – she opened a brick-andmortar shop in Tupelo.

Charcutie, located on the corner of Clayton Avenue and West Jack son Street, offers grab-and-go charcuerie boxes, custom charcuterie boards, and ingredients to make your own board. It’s open Wednes day through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a sit-down lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and on Saturdays f rom 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for grab-and-go boxes and custom-order pickups.

Opposite page: Charcutie offers a ariety of premium meats and cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, olives, spreads, crackers. Top left: Stephanie Hall opened Charcutie in June, where she specializes in custom charcuterie boards and grab-and-go charcuterie boxes. She also stocks ingredients so you can build your own charcuterie board. Top right: Charcutie is located at the corner of Clayton Avenue and West Jackson Street in Tupelo.

“What pays the bills is not the grab-and-go boxes,” Hall said. “It’s the custom orders. People call for orders for their oe, or the hospital might need 100 box lunches, or people order boards for entertaining in their homes. I’m already getting orders for tailgates this fall. That’s my bread and butter.”

Hall has also been teaching charcuterie classes for more than a year, with most being limited to 24 people. Since moving to her new location, she has had a packed house for both her July and August classes, and September is almost full.

“I am still so humbled that people pay money to come hear me talk about building a charcuterie board,” she said. “In a traditional makeand-take class, we talk about cheese pairings, wine pairings. I show them the tricks of the trade, how to make boards special. But most of them just come here to eat and have a good time.”

She offers girls’ night out clsses and couples’ classes, and she can also teach private classes for book clubs, bunco groups, bridesmaids’ lun cheons, wedding and baby showers and birthday parties.

“We’ve got a game-day class planned, and one for Halloween and Christmas,” she said. “We also have wine and cheese tastings in the works.”

In Hall’s grab-and-go refrigerator, she had individual charcuterie boxes for $14 that include premium cheeses and meats, fruit, homemade pick les, olives and baguette slices. The medium box, with enough ingredients

to feed two to three, is $35. A slate board, which is reusable, is $55 and feeds four people.

For those who want to build their own boards, Hall stocks wooden charcuterie boards made by Back 40 Customs, jams and preserves, gourmet mustard, honey, and Parmesan crackers, sourdough flatbrea and truffle crisps, along with premium meats and cheeses. She also sls whipped feta with herbs and spices, assorted cheese balls and simple syrups.

Hall said the best part of Charcutie is how much support she’s received from other businesses in Tupelo.

“It has completely blown me away,” she said. “If this were to end tomorrow – and I hope it doesn’t – it has been worth it to feel so sup ported. I’ve never felt so cared about in my life. I’ve had so many other business people – food people like Forklift, Noon, Neon Pig – who have gone above and beyond to help me. I have felt loved on.”

Whether you pop in for lunch, order a custom charcuterie board or buy ingredients to build your own, Hall is just glad to have the business.

“COVID, for a lot of reasons, was horrible – lives lost, businesses lost,” she said. “But if things had not been dire for me during that time, I would never have thought, ‘Hey, I’m going to put some cheese on my coffee table op, take pictures of it and put it on Facebook.’ Some times, it’s those moments, those times of struggle, that end up being life-changing.” M

Above: A traditional charcuterie board can include triple-cream brie, herbed goat cheese, pickled Brussels sprouts and carrots, salami, prosciutto, marinated Mozzarella, marinated olives, nuts, fruit and baguette slices.

TOUCHDOWNS AND TEA

By BLAKE ALSUP Photos by ADAM ROBISON

Julia

Cannon is not only an area manager for Milo’s Tea Company, a staple at any college football tailgate; she’s also the wife and self-de scribed “head coach of the head football coach” to Itawamba Communi ty College’s Sean Cannon.

Cannon, 43, is a native of Mendenhall, Mississippi. She lives in Fulton with her husband, Sean, and their three children, Wade, Jenna and Josie.

She graduated from Delta State University, which is where she met her husband. He was an assistant coach, while she served as a graduate assis tant, for Delta State’s 2000 national championship football team.

The couple married in 2001 and Sean continued to coach at Delta State until 2005. He went on to coach for one year a junior college in Roswell, New Mexico, before spending four years at the University of North Alabama.

In 2010, Sean joined Itawamba Community College as an assistant football coach, and he’s served as the college’s head football coach since 2014. Throughout all of the moves and title changes, Julia has been by his side.

Working for a beloved Southern brand

Cannon has worked for about five years s an area manager for Milo’s Tea Company. She’s been in the grocery business off and on for 20 year – previously working in similar roles for Coca-Cola and Sara Lee. One thing that sets Milo’s apart though is that it’s a people-firs company. And Cannon oversees a four-state area – Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee.

Needless to say, she spends a lot of time on the road, living out of her car and hotel rooms much of the time.

On top of working to get Milo’s into retail locations, she oversees com munity events, partnering with nonprofits lie Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis or the Salvation Army in Tupelo.

“I’m fortunate to have the autonomy to support different ommunity events by serving Milo’s tea,” Cannon said.

Cannon spends a lot of her day interacting directly with consumers – so much so that people in Fulton often associate her more with the Milo’s brand than ICC football.

“Our chief responsibilities are going out there and making what we call #MilosMoments,” Cannon said. “We know that it’s important to get out there and focus on the brand and sell new items, but they want us engaging with our customers and the consumer.”

She’s seen the Alabama-based company grow by leaps and bounds over

the past five years, and it is’t slowing down. Despite the mid-south being her target area, Cannon has traveled coast to coast to promote the launch of Milo’s tea at retail stores.

More than two decades of football seasons

Cannon has spent 21 years – and 21 seasons – as a football coach’s wife.

“Football season really is year-round for us,” Cannon said.

As soon as a season ends, they’re preparing for the next. With neither having a typical 9-to-5 job, the Cannons have learned to juggle responsi bilities to take care of their children and their needs.

But rest assured, Julia Cannon does her best to be there to help with anything Sean and the team need every football season.

This fall, she’ll even be on the field during a game

She’ll serve as water girl for one game so that she, Sean and their son, Wade, the team’s long snapper, can be together on the field at the sam time for a final time before he graduaes in December.

“It’s a bittersweet year for me because our son has been on the sidelines with his dad since 2010,” Cannon said.

When Sean began coaching at the community college level, it took a while for Julia to get used to playing on Thursday nights.

“I love Thursday night games now because you have a lot of students on campus who are willing to come cheer on the Indians,” Julia said.

And it doesn’t hurt that her weekends are free to catch up on house work... and watch more football on Saturdays.

Juggling responsibilities

During football season, all of Cannon’s responsibilities converge: her work, being a wife and being a mother.

Her biggest challenge is working out the logistics week by week.

“I might be in a hotel one to two nights per week and working four or five hours away rom home,” Cannon said. “So I am constantly trying to remember which kid has to be where, what they’ve got going on during the week or if I need to line up a babysitter, who can shuffle the ki around when I need it?”

The family has a large support system, Cannon said, including church members, babysitters and friends. So when she and Sean are both out of pocket, somebody is always willing to jump in and help.

Cannon covers almost the entire state of Mississippi in her role with Milo’s.

So when ICC has an away game at a school down south, she sets her schedule to allow her to make it to every game. M

Julia Cannon on working for Alabama's most beloved tea company and being ICC football coach's wife

Charcuterie Board DIY

By GINNA PARSONS

Photos By ADAM ROBISON

MATERIALS

• Green or red grapes, on the stem

• Cheeses, sliced or in wedges

• Small fruits, like strawberries or blackberries

• Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans or shelled pistachios

• Small bowl of pitted or stuffed olive

• Cured or dried meats, such as salami, prosciutto, capocollo, soppressata or ham

• Small jar or bowl of fruit preserves, honey or a savory jam, like bacon-onion

• French baguette slices or crackers

Opposite page top left: Hall begins to frame the charcuterie board, starting in a corner with green grapes on the stem and adding a wedge of Bellavitano Merlot cheese. Top right: She adds strawberries and blackberries to each side of the cheese, then sprinkles in some Marcona almonds.

Bottom left: A small bowl of marinated olives and some capocollo dry meat round out the board.

Bottom right: A jar of lavender-infused honey and crackers are the finishing touches

Above: This traditional do-it-yourself charcuterie board takes just a few minutes to put together.

Build Your Own Board

Stephanie Hall, owner of Charcutie in Tupelo, has been building charcuterie boards for customers for more than two years. Here, she gives some tips for building your own board at home.

• Charcuterie boards come in all shapes and sizes. You can use anything from wood or slate to pottery or glass.

• Most charcuterie boards are best served at room temperature.

• Always finish a board with either cracers or French baguette slices. If you need to refrigerate your board for any length of

time, opt for bread, because crackers will get soggy in the fridge. Or you can add the crackers just before you serve the board.

• If you’re serving the board as an appetizer, figure 2 to 3 ounces of cheese and 2 to 3 ounces of meat per person.

• If you’re serving the board as an entree, figure 5 to 6 ounces of cheese and 5 to 6 ounces of meat per person. M

Tailgating Hacks for Game Day

1. Create a mobile tailgating kit. Turn a toolbox into an essentials collection for tailgating. Fill a metal toolbox with necessary gear, such as barbecue basics, bottle openers, condiments, trash bags, zip-baggies, and paper towels. Then simply grab the toolbox and set out for your tailgate party location.

2. Prep the night before. You’ll want to get the best spot in the lot, so do the bulk of the work the night before the event. Pre-chill beverages so they will stay at the right temperature in the cooler. Sort out recipe items and ensure that all the food staples are well secured and ready to put in the cooler. Pre-purchase ice so it’s ready to go.

3. Pack smart. Store plates and silverware in a plastic bin with a lid. Dirty dishes and other soiled cooking tools can be kept securely inside and toted home for washing.

4. Choose menu items wisely. Keep in mind that foods that are portable and eaten out of hand are best at tailgates. This limits the trash and how many utensils will need to be discarded or washed. Burgers, hot dogs, kabobs, sliders/sandwiches, and the like are ideal tailgate foods.

5. Label coolers. Make sure guests know where to find the iems they need. Label coolers to differentiae between beverages and other supplies. Freeze water bottles to use in place of ice in the coolers so that the cold water can be consumed as the bottles thaw.

6. Create a warming oven. Coolers insulate warm or cold items. Grilled foods or foods cooked at home can be kept warm until eaten.

7. Establish a washing station. A clean, rinsed out, spigot-style laundry detergent container can be transformed into a washing station.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connections