Football Preview 2023

EVERY TEAM HAS A STORY

High School football is more than a game of X’s and O’s. It is the common thread which unites communities. The players are heroes carrying out a bigger story for the kids who look up to them.

In small towns, football takes over the town on Fridays. Buildup to the games is tense as fans make predictions and pontificate what could be the biggest key to victory. Music booms through speakers as players depart their locker room ready for battle.

Stepping into an inflatable tunnel, players might chant, bow their heads for a prayer or stay locked in and silent. Then the switch is flipped, adrenaline starts to pump as they take the field to a marching band playing a fight song and screaming fans.

Whole communities are out in the stands

supporting their boys and hoping to see them become state champions. Football sadly is a cruel sport. Not everyone makes it to the dome, Jackson or Hattiesburg to hoist up a golden trophy but they all have a story to tell.

The gridiron is one of life’s greatest stages where dramas are played out before our eyes. It can be tough as a writer in a close game. You think you have the story planned and written and then there is a twist in the final tale. Football teaches us life lessons. How to persevere, pick yourself up and keep on going. The next four months will be over quickly and for some it will be the last foot-

ball season they ever play. Others will not be able to escape the gravity of the game and return to coach and build boys into men.

Scorecards, scoreboards and Facebook score updates only tell one small piece of the story. At The Natchez Democrat, we believe there is more to the story than the final score and how many passing yards a quarterback had.

Sometimes the story lies in the backup punter who provided the only bright spot in a blowout, or the senior holding back tears as a fellow coach cheers him up. Perhaps it is an injury which could have crippled a team but sparked a rally instead.

The Gridiron preview is just the start of this season’s story and I encourage you to follow along every step of the way.

HUNTER CLOUD

4 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ADAMS COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: AC RETURNS WITH ONE GOAL IN MIND

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Many of the seniors on this Adams County Christian School football team were on the sidelines and part of a state championship team as freshmen in 2019. It is very possible those same seniors could find themselves in the state championship game or at least that is the expectation. Back-to-back seasons have come to an end in the semi-final round of the MAIS playoffs for the Rebels. Rain-drenched fans and tear-stained faces were the last bitter memory of an otherwise phenomenal season in 2022.

Head Coach David King enters his 26th year as a head coach following an 11-1 season. Tri-County beat the Rebels 28-21 a game shy of the state championship and Kirk Academy had handed a similar defeat in 2021.

“It was tough to end the year like that but it says that the expectations are high and we like that. It is a good sign of a good program,” King said. “It is my 26th year and I’m excited. As long as I continue to be excited about it I’ll keep doing it. A lot has to do with these kids. I’m excited to begin another year.”

ACCS has a pretty tough schedule ahead

2022 RESULTS

AC 27-14

AC 31-14

AC 35-28

AC 47-20

AC 37-8

AC 31-28

AC 28-21

AC 21-20

AC 48-29

AC 35-21

AC 15-14

BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY

OAK FOREST ACADEMY

CLINTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

ST. ALOYSIUS

PARKLANE ACADEMY

SILLIMAN INSTITUTE

TRI-COUNTY

CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS FELLOWSHIP

RIVERFIELD

WINSTON ACADEMY

TRI-COUNTY 28-21 AC

PLAYERS TO WATCH

COLEMAN CARTER

of them, King said. The Rebels will play Bowling Green, Simpson Academy, Jackson Prep, Silliman, Oak Forest, Brookhaven Academy, Parklane, Amite, St. Al, Cathedral and Greenville St. Joe. District opponents are BA, Cathedral, Oak Forest and Silliman.

King said despite the brutal schedule with powerhouse teams like Greenville St. Joe, the team has worked hard this summer. He believes the team could surprise some people this year. ACCS moved up from MAIS 4A ball to 5A ball. King said their numbers are geared more towards 4A ball but will still have players playing both ways.

One of the challenges with playing in 5A ball is all of the teams are good, even the weak ones, King said. The long-time coach will face some familiar opponents and coaches. Ron Rushing was a good friend of King’s and is coaching at Parklane Academy now. AC will be a hungry team and ready for the challenge this year.

“They want to go further. We have created a culture here where the expectations are high. We take football seriously and they want to be in a championship game,” King said. “As I’ve grown older, the championship game means less. I like to see teams get better. It is a high task but I like the standard to be the best you can. They expect it and we welcome the pressure.”

Veteran weapons will return for the Rebels. ACCS returns junior starting quarterback Coleman Carter this year with two years of experience in the spot. Carter threw for 2,194 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 588 yards and nine touchdowns and was selected to The Natchez Democrat All-Metro team.

King said he expects great things from Carter and all of the veteran players. Carter has matured in the last two seasons and AC will be able

TRISTAN BURNS

JORDAN BERRY

to do more with him this season offensively. Senior leadership is also strong on the team.

Offensively, the Rebels were powerful last year scoring 31.3 points per game. Tristan Burns returns as a receiver who had 262 receiving yards last season and is a sophomore. Senior receiver Jordan Berry led the program with 494 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year. Berry led the team with 361 return yards on kickoffs, punts and interception returns last season.

Defensively, the Rebels will be led by a new defensive coordinator. Stanley Smith, previous Ferriday Head Coach, replaces Richey Spears who went to Oak Forest this summer. King said he won a lot of games with Spears and will miss him. Smith has since jumped into the program and got to work.

King said the senior class has really stepped up and led by example. AC has a strong sophomore class of players too.

“They have really committed themselves,” King said. “I really feel like their leadership will make the difference. We also have a talented sophomore class that has had a lot of success in junior high and they will contribute heavily.”

King said he has pondered if each team is truly different or just a mixture of previous teams. He seems to have settled on each team establishing its own identity over his 26 years of coaching.

“I embrace each one of them and what makes each team special. They all have personality and quirks,” King said. “We will do similar things to what we have done in the past but it will still be slightly different which makes it fun for the coaches. We will miss those seniors from last year but this group is its own new team. They are close knit, hungry and want to get back to a state championship now they realize how difficult it is.”

ROSTER

1 - DAMION JOHNSON

2 - TRISTAN BURNS

3 - COLEMAN CARTER

4 - ADRIAN WALKER

6 - KENTRELL STAMPLEY

7 - RILEY ROACH

8 - DAMARCUS BLANTON

9 - MICAH MOORE

10 - PARKER ROACH

12 - CALEB DAUGHTRY

13 - JACOBY GAINES

14 - COLTON RABB

15 - JORDAN BERRY

16 - CHRIS SEWELL

17 - DALTON PUGH

18 - CHARLES BROOKS

20 - LANCE WHITE

22 - BRADEN POOLE

24 - CADEN TAYLOR

26 - AIDEN ROCHE

29 - CEDRIC OWENS JR.

30 - SEAN KERRY COTHERN

33 - JEREMIAH CLARK

37 - DUNCAN WALLACE

50 - JAMES CRAFT

52 - MADDOX MCDONALD

54 - DONAVAN RYAN

55 - JOSH DAVIS

56 - ALEX POLLARD

57 - NICK SHANNON

58 - BRADY SULLIVAN

62 - NICK BEACH

64 - JOSEPH ELLIS

66 - JACOB ELLIS

67 - BRYSON HIGGINS

70 - TATE WALSWORTH

76 - PRESTON ANDERSON

77 - KALEB BAILEY

78 - LOUGHTON BARRETT

COACH RETURNS FROM SABBATICAL TO LEAD REBELS DEFENSE

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Newly hired Adams County Christian School Defensive Coordinator Stanley Smith will be back on the sidelines where he feels at home this year. Smith resigned as head coach at Ferriday in January 2022 in order to take a step back, support his wife’s business and work on affordable housing projects.

He said by playoff time and bowl season of last year it started to feel weird to not be on the sidelines coaching. The plan was to come

back to coaching one day especially if he found a better situation with a program that was moving forward.

Adams County Christian School had an opening with Richey Spears going off to Oak Forest Academy and Smith decided to apply. Head Coach and Headmaster David King said he looked for the strongest candidate and Stanley fit the bill.

“Richey and I worked well for a long time. You hate to see people leave. I knew I wanted

to hire the strongest candidate I could,” King said. “Stanley was a great player at Ferriday. He always dropped by here recruiting for Louisiana Christian University and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. I’ve known him for about 20 years. He is outstanding. He has jumped right in and has been a spark plug. He feels well at home and I knew I had a good hire in him.We hate to see Spears leave but we hit a home run with Smith.”

Smith did everything he said he was go-

Stanley Smith is the new AC defensive coordinator and returns to football after a year hiatus. He resigned from Ferriday in January 2022 and took a break to support his wife and work on a housing project.

ing to do when he first resigned from Ferriday’s program. He went to work to support his wife’s business, the Premier Health and Wellness Clinic in Natchez bringing in revenue and creating a brand for the company.

Smith helped lead a project building 36 homes in Monroe, Louisiana, as a project manager. He said everything is going well with the project and they hope to build some homes in Ferriday one day where he has property.

The housing project got started when he first started coaching at Ferriday. Smith said the program took kids to California to play in an All-Star game when he met Christian Richards, CEO of Choose Independence, and they became good friends.

“I wanted to know how to truly help people in need and building affordable housing was one. We are hoping to truly break the cycle of poverty. People may rent for years but never own anything. Choose Independence helps get the ball moving where you have self value and respect. It starts at home and you can own your accountability with affordable homes.”

This past spring, Smith had a chance to get back in coaching college football at Louisiana Christian University. When Spears left, an opportunity opened up at Adams County Christian School and Smith took it.

He has a lot of respect for King and the program built at ACCS. Smith said he has felt welcomed since joining the staff and program. At Ferriday, he was the defensive coordinator and head coach and has dabbled in coaching a little bit of each position.

“King trusts my role and opinion to chime in here,” Smith said. “The talent is here and they have worked hard. The kids are respectful. They are hard working and it is just the standard here. It is a family atmosphere where everyone pulls the rope in the same direction.”

ACCS will feature a 4-3 base defense but schematically may have multi-faceted looks. Smith said they will do whatever it takes to win ball games. Communication will be important to him as will alignment.

Any former players of Smith might recognize the phrase “Alignment, assignment and execution,” from his years at Ferriday. The

same ideology is being carried over to ACCS.

“That is our motto. It is something I picked up in college from Virginia Tech Head Coach Brent Pry and he taught me it at University of Louisiana-Lafayette. It has been good to me. It is easy once you get it and understand it all works as a whole like a unit. I’ve been very successful doing it and if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it.”

Smith will continue to help his wife when he can and do whatever needs to be done. Early on in his career, Smith said he didn’t have any kids but has since added three daughters to the family.

His oldest, Madison Jackson, is a senior at Vidalia High School and will soon be going to AAU Track Nationals. The youngest daughters are Skye, 6 years old, and Summer, 5 years old. Smith is able to spend more time with them being home now.

“Having kids has softened me up a little bit. My mom and dad are here too,” Smith said. “They are getting up in age and I try to help them out when they need me. I’m enjoying it here. I really am. It is a breath of fresh air.”

CATHEDRAL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL

LOY BRINGS A NEW WAVE OF ENERGY TO PROGRAM

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Cathedral enters the 2023 season with a renewed spirit, hope and coaching staff. Head Coach Josh Loy is leading the team and living his dream job at his alma mater.

Loy replaced Chuck Darbonne who resigned in October from Cathedral. In the offseason, Wright Graning helped lead the football team through a weightlifting regime to build strength. Cathedral’s new head coach came in and continued that work.

Loy said he has seen growth from the team

2022 RESULTS

MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY 50-6 CATHEDRAL

MADISON ST. JOE 35-20

CATHEDRAL 40-14 LOUISIANA KINGS

PARKLANE ACADEMY 46-7

since he was hired in January. Cathedral has embraced the changes and welcomed his challenges. One of the biggest challenges was for the team to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“When you are uncomfortable you are forced to grow and be better. That is how I have approached it since February. Force some growth and ask them to do some things they haven’t done before. I have put them in positions they haven’t been in before. It has been a physical and mental grind.”

Loy employed a speed program, agility drills and new stretches to forge strong play-

CATHEDRAL 45-24 PISGAH

CATHEDRAL 50-20 ST. ALOYSIUS

COPIAH ACADEMY 42-13 CATHEDRAL

CENTRAL HINDS ACADEMY 30-8 CATHEDRAL

SILLIMAN INSTITUTE 35-25 CATHEDRAL

OAK FOREST ACADEMY 42-14 CATHEDRAL

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CAM TANNER

ers. Things have ramped up this summer as they near the football season. Competition is at the center of everything the team does.

Cathedral has a big senior class with 13 players facing their final season. Cayde Jackson and Bennett Gilly were selected to the leadership council and have stepped up as leaders on the team.

Defensively, the Green Wave will be in a new base scheme of 3-3-5. Loy said the change comes from how well it fits the team’s personnel. Cathedral has a lot of linebacker type players and not as many linemen.

“We plan to be active and multiple up front and change our coverages,” Loy said. “We want to bring extra people and be aggressive. We have a scheme which fits the kids we have.”

Vidalia’s former head coach Mike Norris is the defensive coordinator. On the field, Norris and Loy have a great relationship and off the field they are comfortable. Loy said he is blessed to have a defensive coordinator so he can focus on head coaching.

Loy’s offense will be based on the spread offense with changing packages incorporating two tight ends and two running backs. Misdirection and screens will play a role in the offense too.

While previous Cathedral teams were more pass heavy, Loy

CAYDE JACKSON BENNETT GILLY

is bringing the ground and pound game. He plans to attack opponents with running backs and an athletic quarterback.

Tristan Fondren and Trayln Cusic were competing for the starting role at the end of July. Loy said one of the guys was starting to take the lead but he hadn’t named a starter yet. The next quarterback has big shoes to fill in replacing Noah Russ who threw for 5,229 yards and accounted for 61 touchdown passes in his career.

“He had a ton of production but this team will have a new identity,” Loy said. “We will use the quarterbacks more in the run game and have someone who can carry the load. We have linemen who will step up. We lost a lot of production.”

Cam Tanner will be the main workhorse for the running backs. Fred Lane, Matt Kaiser and Paxton Johns round out the stable of backs. Each of them are straight line runners who will do a lot of downhill running.

Fans might notice a new look with this football team. Cathedral’s helmets have ditched the C logo in favor of an angry Green Wave. Loy and his coaching staff are wearing Bill Bilechick style hoodies with cut-off sleeves and black caps with a white rope across the brim and a cursive Cathedral.

Loy said it was time for a reset so they changed the look this season. New helmets and new uniforms brought excitement to the team and boosted morale.

“We tried to implement what we could. We needed excitement because it was low when I got here,” Loy said.

The biggest game of the year in Natchez might be the final week of the MAIS regular season when Cathedral and Adams County Christian School meet. It will be a home game for the Green Wave and Loy would love to have playoff seeding on the line. He said his goal this year is to see his team grow so they can be ready for the last game against ACCS.

“We want to see improvement and we need to be a lot better. I believe we are headed in the right direction and we will get there,” Loy said. “We will have setbacks and we have a tough schedule. This group is coming together and forming as a team. I hope we will continue to see that. Our final game will be a crazy atmosphere. It will be our senior night. I have known Coach David King for a while. I played for him, coached with him and against him. We have a good relationship. His program is at a different level and we are striving to get where they are and be consistent in competing for championships.”

ROSTER

1 - TRIS MCCOY

2 - CAM TANNER

3 - FRED LANE

4 - TROY DILLON

6 - JACKSON SIMMONS

7 - JUSTIN HAWKINS

8 - PAXTON JOHNS

9 - JORDAN HERRINGTON

11 - TERRANCE LEE

12 - TRIPP WIMBERLY

13 - DOUGLAS SMITH

14 - OWEN JORDAN

15 - TRALYN CUSIC

16 - GRAYSON GAY

17 - TRISTAN FONDREN

18 - DAULTON HARVESTON

19 - JASHAUN SMOOT

20 - BRAEDEN GREGG

21 - BRAXTON BRICE

22 - MATT KAISER

23 - HOUSTON EDWARDS

24 -RAEGAN PRATHER

25 - JACK WHITTINGTON

26 - GIBSON HILLYER

28 - CHANCE GRAVES

30 - DANE NOVAK

32 - LOGAN FOSTER

50 - CAYDE JACKSON

51 - LOGAN FOSTER

52 - GABE ORR

54 - HAYDEN COTTON

55 - BENNETT GILLY

56 - AUSTIN HELBLING

57 - CLAYTON ATKINS

58 - SCOTT GWIN

59 - WALKER PROBST

60 - GILES LEES

62 - THANE ALDRIDGE

64 - COREY CONN

65 - BROCK BURGESS

70 - LAYTON MAPLES

71 - LOGAN MOORE

72 - PARKER BARONI

74 - ELIJAH BASS

77 - DRAKE COX

EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

White polos, black shorts and fanny packs. The uniform of Cathedral’s football trainers stands out due to the high participation in the program. Molly Foster, Charlotte Book, Sarah Stewart, Jade Goods, Emma Smith and Ari Jackson are the current trainers.

While some schools might have one or two trainers or waterboys, Cathedral had 10 trainers start the summer workout schedule. Over time the group was whittled down to six girls looking to serve on the sidelines this season.

Loy believes everyone in the program from the coaches, players, parents and boosters

have a role to play. Fans might notice the Rev. Aaron Williams on the sidelines as he paces up and down the field offering words of encouragement or stopping to chat with hurt players.

Trainers are another part of the functioning Green Wave football body helping Loy’s

Front row from left, Jade Goods and Mollie Foster. Back row from left, Emma Smith, Sarah Stewart, Charlotte Book and Ari Jackson.

team.

”They play an integral part. They are imperative to us,” Loy said. “They help the boys get taped up and keep them hydrated and cooled down. They keep the equipment room stocked. The more you have the better your staff can be because we aren’t spread as thin.”

Foster is a sophomore who balances athletics and working as a trainer. Her friend Book said she joined so she could be a part of a school activity. Stewart is a junior and said it has been fun working with the team.

Work as a trainer is not for the faint of

heart. While heat indices climbed into the 100s this summer the girls were out at every practice. They will be on the sidelines rain or shine this season as well. Goods said it is a lot of work.

“We have to pull a wagon with the water and all the necessities in it. It is heavy,” Goods said. “It takes a lot of energy to be there but it is also a fun experience traveling from place to place with the football team.”

Foster said her favorite part of working as a trainer is how they are like the doctors for the team caring for the injured and thirsty.

Goods actually plans to pursue a career in the medical field but is not sure what she will specialize in yet.

Jackson said she hopes to be a therapist and like Goods is not sure what kind of specialization she will have. She said working as a trainer is “super duper fun.”

Goods added that she enjoys the happy bus rides back home from away games.

“I like when they win and it is just good vibes on the way back to Natchez,” Goods said. “If we are at an away game and win it is a fun time on the bus.”

DELTA CHARTER FOOTBALL PREVIEW

DELTA CHARTER

STORM LOOK TO GET REVENGE IN 2023 SEASON

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Delta Charter had a season to be proud of in 2022 and is looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs. Head Coach Blake Wheeler saw his team go toe-to-toe with Hanson Memorial in a 48-46 shootout falling a two point conversion shy of tying the playoff game.

It was the second year in a row for Delta Charter to reach the playoffs and fall a pos-

2022 RESULTS

DELTA CHARTER 54-8 PLAIN DEALING

DELTA CHARTER 16-6 RIVER OAKS

GLENBROOKR 56-8 DELTA CHARTER

LAKEVIEW 36-30 DELTA CHARTER

session shy of winning their playoff game. Delta Charter started the 2022 season on a two game win streak before losing to Glenbrook and Lakeview. They beat Tensas Parish, Sicily Island and Block.

The schedule is the same this year. Delta Charter will open the season with a threegame homestand before going on the road. Wheeler said his squad is hungry.

“They have carried that momentum into this season,” he said. “The loss left a bad taste

DELTA CHARTER 52-8 TENSAS HIGH SCHOOL

DELTA CHARTER 44-16 SICILY ISLAND

DELHI HIGH SCHOOL 40-38 DELTA CHARTER

DELHI CHARTER 46-14 DELTA CHARTER

DELTA CHARTER 48-12 BLOCK

HANSON MEMORIAL 48-46 DELTA CHARTER

PLAYERS TO WATCH

in their mouth. They want to get past the first round this year.”

Delta Charter’s key to success this season will be a strong defense and limiting turnovers. Last season, the Storm scored 350 points over the season but gave up 276 points. On offense they averaged 144.4 yards per game.

Turnovers were most costly to the team last year and ultimately decided the season against Hanson Memorial. A loose snap was recovered by Hanson Memorial on the Storm’s failed two point conversion try to end the game.

“Controlling turnovers will be important. We have to tackle better and protect the football,” Wheeler said. “We are going to focus on that.”

Some leaders who have stepped up on the team include running back Otis Bates who rushed for 269 yards last year and scored three touchdowns.

Davis Cooper has grown into a leader on the football team. Wheeler said Cooper has grown more vocal.

Cooper’s sister Sophie was a leader on the

Delta Charter softball team and was also very vocal. Davis had 20 tackles last year. “He lets his pads do the talking which is a welcome addition,” Wheeler said.

Delta Charter lost just seven players to graduation from last year’s team which is about average turnover for the Storm. Wheeler said he has six guys on the squad this season.

Juvari and Tyrin Singleton are two crucial parts to the team and could make or break the season for the Storm. Juvari Singleton suffered an ankle sprain last year which caused him to miss time and not be 100 percent in games. He said he plans to get revenge for last year.

“I played most games hurt last year so I plan on returning with a vengeance,” Singleton said. “I got hurt at Delhi and we lost that game by two points. It was painful playing the next few weeks and going into Hanson Memorial. I was not 100 percent. I gave it all I had. I always try to give it my all.”

ROSTER

1 - JUVARI SINGLETON

2 - JAYLON GRIFFIN

3 - OTIS BATES JR

4 - JUSTIN THOMAS

6 - LAWSON REYES

7 - TYRONE EDWARDS

8 - GUNNER SMITH

9 - TYRIN SINGLETON

10 - WILL WILEY

11 - LAYNE KING

12 - IDRIK CROCKETT

13 - HYKEEM JOHNSON

14 - HARLEM GILMORE

15 - RAY THOMAS

20 - JADYN JONES

21 - ADAM KEMP

23 - BRADEN FAIRBANKS

24 - DAVIS COOPER

25 - CHASE EVANS

50 - DALIN GHOLSTON

51 - JACE NEAL

52 - STEVEN LEMOINE

53 - JAXON MEYERS

54 - JALEN IVY

55 - BRENNAN WATTS

56 - LANDRY FREEMAN

57 - TITUS HARRELL

59 - ASHTON GEOGHEGAN

64 - EMANUEL WHITLOCK

65 - JEFFERY COOK

68 - AL DAVIS

75 - TIMOTHY HARRELL

82 - JEREMIAH NELSON

TYRIN SINGLETON JUVARI SINGLETON DAVIS COOPER

SINGLETONS LEAD STORM TOGETHER

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Brothers Juvari and Tyrin Singleton are ready for a new football season as Delta Charter approaches opening kickoff on September 1 against Plain Dealing. They have both grown with the program developing as players and leaders.

Tyrin said they started playing football at 5 years old and enjoy it. Most of their free time is spent throwing the football around or working out. Delta Charter’s first day of practice had the brothers out and ready to hit the field.

Each one swung their helmets from side to side, anxious to get to work. Juvari will be a senior this season and his brother Tyrin will be a junior. Delta Charter’s quarterback is Juvari and he has been the anchor for the program over the last few years. He actually started playing varsity in eighth grade.

“It was my favorite memory playing here. Playing up on the high school team so the next year I was ready,” Juvari said. “It was tough because I was small then and I wasn’t as strong. Going into high school games as an eighth-grader changed me. I was determined to get after it.”

Head Coach Blake Wheeler said Juvari’s first game as quarterback in eighth grade was against Peabody. It was a tough test for the young man.

“I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to lead. He is the kid who wants the ball in his hands,” Wheeler said. “He likes to step up and say ‘let me tote this thing.’ Tyrin is the same way. He has always been a super star.”

Determination to bring a district banner to Delta Charter is driving the Singletons this year. Tyrin said it was one of his goals this season. A district title would mean more to Juvari since it is his final season.

Juvari said to win games it will take hard work, discipline and determination from the team. Tyrin said they are “hungry,” this season. A 38-36 playoff loss to Hanson Memorial is one of their core motivations this season. Juvari is also ready for one last season with his brother.

“It has been good playing with my brother. We have been like this since we were little and have a good connection. We depend on each other,” Juvari said. “There have been a lot of good memories I’ve had here and it is sad seeing it come to an

end. It will be hard to leave behind the views, the hype and the support you get here.”

Tyrin’s favorite memory with the Storm came in ninth grade when he scored on a touchdown against Delhi. He said his teammates tossed him up in the air. Juvari and Tyrin have to play well together because Tyrin is the receiver and leads the team in reception yards per game at 61.8 yards per game.

“He is a standout player as a high school guy. He can make a difference on the field and is an X factor for us,” Wheeler said. “Tyrin will start at receiver and corner for us.”

Meanwhile, Juvari leads the team with 101 rushing yards per game as a dual threat quarterback where he will lead the team in the pocket. Wheeler bragged about both of the Singletons. He said they are great kids and the team goes wherever the Singletons take them.

“They are fantastic young men who are leaders of our program. As they go the team goes. They are great athletes and have been the biggest part of

our offense,” Wheeler said. “It is usually because of them that we score. I appreciate them for the young men they are. They have matured significantly throughout the years.”

Juvari’s senior season is a last opportunity to get offers from colleges to play football. He said he would love to play college football and his dream school would be Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. The steady leader has not received any offers yet but it could change this year.

Tyrin said he has dreams of playing college football and his dream school is Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. If both players made it to their dream school it would mean this year is their last season playing together. Tyrin is going to miss his brother.

“We have a good connection and it helps out a lot on the field. We have the same chemistry. I know him and he knows me,” Tyrin said. “This season will be coming by fast. I will be sad when Juvari leaves.”

FERRIDAY FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL

FERRIDAY CONTINUES TO BUILD BRICK-BY-BRICK

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Achecklist covers the whiteboard in Ferriday’s locker room documenting where the program was when head coach Cleothis Cummings Jr. took over the team a year ago. Progress has been made since then noted by updates to the board, dated over time. Players have bought into the program and

the motto brick by brick. Last season, Ferriday spent hours trying to get through a weight lifting session which should have taken half the time. Cummings said the team has made a 180 degree turn from where they were.

“My coaches and I feel like we have made a total turn with the player participation and work ethic. The whole energy level is where we want it to be,” Cummings Jr. said. “Last year coming

2022 RESULTS

SEPT. 2 RICHWOOD 38-12 FERRIDAY

SEPT. 9 PEABODY 27-26 FERRIDAY

SEPT. 16 BASTROP 46-40 FERRIDAY

SEPT. 23 FERRIDAY 34-12 MADISON PARISH

SEPT. 30 FERRIDAY 28-24 VIDALIA

OCT. 7 GENERAL TRASS 22-16 FERRIDAY

OCT. 14 OAK GROVE 57-22 FERRIDAY

OCT. 21 MANGHAM 62-12 FERRIDAY

OCT. 28 PLAQUMINE 52-14 FERRIDAY

NOV. 4 RAYVILLE 20-18 FERRIDAY

in we had kids who were inexperienced with playing time and getting used to working out. It was a gradual thing we had to build brick-by-brick and that is how we got to where we are now. We will keep putting in the work.”

Ferriday opened football practice on August 3 with their first game set for September 1. It will be a tough schedule for the Trojans who won two games last season and narrowly missed the playoffs. Cummings Jr. said it will be the exact same schedule.

Expectations for the program are high this year. He wants to see Ferriday make it to the playoffs and win a district championship. Any team’s end goal is to one day win a state championship but it takes work over each week to get to the superdome in New Orleans.

He said the key to success will be the team working each week in the classroom and on the field to complete the goals. A few leaders will pull the Trojans in the right direction too.

Maurice Smith, a senior, and Shaunterrius “Pug” Conner will be anchors on Ferriday’s line of scrimmage. Desmen Jefferson will lead the receiving corps as a sophomore along with Paityn Collins. Jefferson had four touchdown catches and 595 yards of receiving last year to lead Ferriday and be named to The Natchez Democrat All-Metro team. Collins was selected to the All-Metro team for his punting efforts.

Jerry Griffin steps into the running back spot and Rylen Martin will play both sides of the football at running back and linebacker. Robert Taylor is a freshman from whom the coaches expect a lot. Dorian Taylor is Robert’s brother and will take on the quarterback position.

“All of these guys have picked up weight, speed and confidence,” Cummings said.

Defensively, Howard Curry will lead the Trojans as an energized defensive back. Dayron Brown will be a key player at cornerback as will safety Bird Robinson. C.J. Reed will be a key returning linebacker for the Trojans.

Reed finished last year with 65 tackles and 10 sacks to earn a place on the All-Metro Team.

“He plays a pretty big role for us. He had a multitude of sacks last year and we are looking for big things out of him,” Cummings said. “Caleb Ellis bought into the system this offseason. He treats everyone right and got bigger, stronger and faster. We have a larger variety of players than what we had last year. We expect the guys to step up.”

The eyes of Concordia Parish will be fixated on one game in particular this September. Five games into the season the Trojans will take on cross parish rival Vidalia in the Concordia Parish Classic.

Ferriday has not lost the game since 2017 and rallied last year to win 28-24. A late interception by Ferriday sealed the victory and sent fans home happy. Cummings said the program is focused on more than the rivalry game.

“We focus week by week on the next game on our schedule. We aren’t looking ahead to a rivalry game or classic. We focus on things week by week,” Cummings said. “We will dominate by what we do. It is not something we will let distract us from what we are doing. It will be taken week by week. Our kids just have to stay focused. We have preached to them that they have to stay locked in and hold each other accountable. Take care of business every day.”

Cummings wanted to recognize two more bricks crucial to the Ferriday team. Jordan Smith will lead the Trojans on the offensive line. He transformed over the past year and took care of business in the weight room.

Marvin Davis also grew over the offseason. He stands tall at 6 feet, 4 inches.

“He has come a long way and will be just a sophomore this year. He is working hard to make himself known,” Davis said. “He will help the team. We are trying to get there, it just comes with time.”

ROSTER

0 - HOWARD CURRY

1 - RYLEN MARTIN

2 - DAYRON BROWN

3 - KEVON THOMPSON

4- CALEB ELLIS

5 - ZION THOMAS

6 - CJ REED

7 - PAITYN COLLINS

8 - JERRY GRIFFIN

9 - DORIAN TAYLOR

10 - DES JEFFERSON

11 - ROBERT TAYLOR

12 - MARION SMITH

13 - TEVION EDWARDS

14 - ANDREW FOSTER

15 - ZY SHEPPARD

16 - BIRD ROBINSON

17 - JABARIS EVANS

18 - MARVIN DAVIS

19 - JADEN TURNER

21 - MARQUEZ WASHINGTON

23 - COLLIN VINSON

32 - CHRISTOPHER VINSON

50 - JORDAN SMITH

51 ALBERT LEE

52 - KHYAN MELANCON

53 - MARQUAN TOLES

54 - BUCK CONNER

55 - PUG CONNER

56 - KOBY SCOTT

57 - DALEN GREEN

58 - MAURICE SMITH

59 - KELAN HAWKINS

60 - RASHAD HAWKINS

FERRIDAY: WHERE FOOTBALL IS A LIFEBLOOD

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Nothing beats a Ferriday Friday night each fall. Droves of fans pack the stands, line the endzones and bring an unrivaled energy. Music booms from the proud Trojan band an hour before kickoff as excitement builds in the town.

The band has had some challenges the last few years with COVID hurting participation

numbers but Concordia Parish School District announced a new director for Ferriday in late July. Nathaniel Hood is the next man in charge of the band. He grew up in Ferriday and marched for the Trojans.

Hood said he wanted to give back to the community in the CPSD announcement. Another man who came back home to Ferriday

is assistant coach Derrick Davis. He coached at several other schools before returning to the Trojans.

His family has strong ties to the school. Davis’s dad was a basketball coach, his brother Shawn Davis is the current basketball coach. In Ferriday High School’s gymnasium, Derrick can be seen in two of the pictures of

former state championship teams from the 1987 to 1988 and 1988 to 1989 seasons. He is part of a staff trying to return the Trojans back to a state championship.

“It means everything. Ferriday on Friday nights is about as electric as a Saints game,” Davis said. “Especially when you are winning, it is super electric. It is the real life blood of the town. Ferriday football brings peace and prosperity to town. I think with Ferriday we are proud and believe in winning just like with the Rams.”

The Rams were the former mascot of Sevier High School. Davis said Sevier was always winning games and placing well in track competitions. The school gave birth to an expectation of winning in Ferriday and unwavering support.

Davis said the community provides the juice needed for the team to compete. He

feels pride standing down on the sidelines as a coach. In the classroom, he carries a similar pride and demands respect from his students while working with them as a mentor.

‘We are trying to get the players to compete off the field. As young men and women, you are more than a statistic. You are someone,” Davis said. “It was instilled in me and so many others. No matter where you are you can still compete regardless of the situation and your current financial state. If you compete hard out there and in the classroom you will go far.”

He said the staff are instilling pride in the players and the community with the program. One relative newcomer to Ferriday is Taevion Edwards. A junior, he stands out from the rest of the Trojan team as he is locked in mentally.

While players threw balls around at pic-

ture day and joked around, Edwards looked straight ahead. Davis said Edward’s focus sets him apart and he expects great things from him this year. Football season is where the fun is.

“I enjoy going out there and having fun and putting on for Ferriday. We hope to give the community something good to see this year,” Edwards said. “I was a lifelong fan. I wanted to play for the black and gold. I was there for the 2019 state championship. I was watching them and I wanted to be there and I want to make that happen for us.”

Ferriday’s leader from the state championship game was Kobe Dillon, a player Edwards looked up to. He said the accomplishment of a state championship is something they are trying to achieve again.

“I look forward to winning and having fun with my teammates,” Edwards said.

NATCHEZ FOOTBALL PREVIEW

NATCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL

RIDING THE WAVE

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Head Coach Steve Davis is hoping to ride the wave of a three-game win streak from the end of the 2022 season into this year. Natchez went 5-6 and 3-4 in district play but showed signs of improvement throughout the year.

It will be a new Bulldog team without the magnificent six. Kameron Carter, Traylon Minor, Mike Williams, Landen Sewell, Koren Harris and Damarrco Blanton all signed to play college football last year leaving behind a legacy of hard work.

Davis said they are ready though. The

team will reload players like Jakel Irving will step up into the role of Traylon Minor, a jack of all trades. Troy Jones will be a senior running back leading the back field.

Williams and Blanton will be missed in the receiving corps but Caron Williams, Ken Chatman, Ashton Minor, Dajuan Culbert, Jekari Douglas and Kristin Hardin will fill the gaps. Carter and Harris will be missed in the secondary but Natchez returns Gary Bailey and Martavious Woods to fill their spot. Depth will be an advantage to Natchez this year.

“We feel quite confident in the guys backing the (Magnificent 6) up last year. They

2022 RESULTS

NATCHEZ 55-0 WILKINSON COUNTY

NATCHEZ 14-8 JEFFERSON COUNTY

LAWERENCE COUNTY 43-30 NATCHEZ

HAZLEHURST 24-6 NATCHEZ

HATTIESBURG 36-6 NATCHEZ

WEST JONES 41-7 NATCHEZ

LAUREL 42-12 NATCHEZ

WAYNE COUNTY 33-12 NATCHEZ

NATCHEZ 56-13 SOUTH JONES

NATCHEZ 48-34 BROOKHAVEN

NATCHEZ 38-17 FLORENCE

PLAYERS TO WATCH

learned a lot and we feel we can put more people on the field,” Davis said. “No one player can take their place but we have people who can play up to the role. We have a lot of guys who will fill those voids. They will play and we don’t think the difference will be huge. We will be right where we were last year.”

One of the goals Davis had coming into the program was to transform the culture at Natchez. If the Bulldogs started to trail in games players began to hang their heads and lose hope.

Discipline was one of Davis’s first priorities for the squad. He said they have not had a lot of discipline problems since he took over and the players have now taken ownership of the program.

Players are seeing the fruit of their hard work. Bodies and mindset have been changed since the end of the 2022 season. Natchez got back to work in the offseason.

“We wanted to grow mentally as well as physically,” Davis said. “They have seen their hard work. How they approached things has changed and it is huge. You feel it in the air. We notice it is different. It is good walking into a building and you see kids already doing things they are supposed to be doing. It is a whole year’s worth of work. We have changed our culture in a year thanks to every kid and coach in the program.”

It will take more than a transformed culture for the Bulldogs to find success this year. Davis said running the football well on offense and stopping the run on defense will be keys to success and a hopeful trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Natchez’s linemen are more physical than they were before. Teams could push the Bulldogs around last year but now they are better upfront, Davis said.

Linemen have worked on footwork and gotten stronger so the team can win. Natchez

- JAKEL IRVING

- GARY BAILEY

0 - 23 - DERRICK HAWKINS 24 - JEREMIAH TILLERY 26 - MARKEESE SULLIVAN 27 - CHARZELL WOODFORK 28 - JAVIS JOHNSON 29 - AHMARRION FLETCHER 30 - FRANK MONROE 31 - CAMERON JOHNSON 32 - JOSHUA BARNES 33 - BRAYLON MCDANIEL 34 - TOMMIE QUEEN 35 - MATTHEW ANDERSON 36 - MYLES GAINES 38 - GREG WASHINGTON 39 - MARKENDAL WILSON 40 - DEVIN FORD JR. 41 - CHRISTIAN BATEASTE 42 - DEONDRE KNIGHT 43 - CHRISTIAN EDNEY 44 - KANTRELL MINOR 45 - MALACHI WHITE 46 - JEREMIAH MINOR 47 - KELDON JONES

DARIUS WILLIAMS 1 - TROY JONES 2 - CARON WILLIAMS 3 - DAJUAN CULBERT 4 - KEN CHATMAN 48 - CHANCE MCINTYRE 49 - NICK ANDERSON 50 - KOLBY IRVING 51 - ELIJAH YORK 52 - COLLINS JASPER 53 - ALONZO MCGOWAN 54 - BRAYLEN TURNER 55 - JAMARI WHITE 56 - CAMERON THOMAS 58 - CAMERON WHITE 61 - CARTER HAWKINS 65 - JAYDEN HUTCHINS 68 - AVERY FLEMING 69 - CHRISTIAN ANGELETHY 71 - ERICK WOODS 72 - DERRICK CURTIS 80 - JAYLON SHULER 81 - MARION MOORE 86 - MEKHI YOUNG 98 - JUSTIN LYLES 99 - JAFARIA WOODS

graduated five seniors from the defensive and offensive line last year but three more seniors will take their place this year with a mix of underclassmen. Davis said he feels comfortable with the linemen.

Natchez ran a more spread offense last year and tried to get players into open spaces to make plays. This year, Natchez will have a more power-I offensive look. While they will run the ball, Davis said he will throw the ball too.

“I believe each year we are going to change our scheme to better fit our talent. We will still throw the football but in order to win you have to be balanced. We have to run the football,” Davis said. “With the backs we have, Carl McDonald and Jones, we feel that is going to benefit us. Changing up how we run the football. We have catered the running game to fit Troy’s skill set. We will be more of a power team running between the tackles.”

Davis upped the quality of opponents on

the schedule going into this season. Natchez will play new opponents Ocean Springs, McComb, Vicksburg and Hancock High School to get ready for district play and hopefully the playoffs.

He said one of the things he wanted to do when he took the job was change who Natchez played to help the program develop. Davis added the playoff drought is not weighing on the team.

2023GRIDIRON.indd 29 8/16/23 6:17 PM

COACHES MOLDED BULLDOG LEADERS WALTON, IRVING

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Veteran players Jakel Irving and Kaden Walton will lead the Bulldogs on opposite sides of the ball this season. Irving is a defensive end who saw playing time at middle linebacker and Walton is a quarterback.

The returning starters will lead a team playing in a new division this year. Irving is a junior and hopes to get his first D1 offer this year. He represented Natchez last season in an all star game and was a crucial part of the defense.

Irving made 75 tackles with 58 solo stops and 17 assists. He had five sacks and recovered two fumbles and returned them for a combined 120 yards. He has worked hard for the opportunity, Head Coach Steve Davis said Irving changed his approach to practice.

“We had to teach him how to practice and it made him and his teammates better. He makes his teammates better by playing aggressively,” Davis said. “He is actually wanting to be better and he has to make the team better to rise to the top. They have battled in the weight room and he is battling the competition in practice.”

Irving is a lean tackling machine and stepped into a new role playing defensive end last season. He said he had played at Natchez his whole life and linebacker for the majority of his football career. Last year was the first time he made the move to defensive end.

He said defensively they will be aggressive and come for “heads,” to try and knock down the top scoring teams in their district. Irving looks forward to playing against North Pike, Brookhaven, Ocean Springs and McComb.

Davis is in his second year leading the program and has transformed the program in just a year, Irving said.

“Davis changed everything and now we have prospects. The outsiders all looked down on us,” Irving said. “Davis switched us on to work and grow in places we never thought we would. I respect him. It will pay off this year with the work, it will pay off.”

Davis said Irving is a jack of all trades and similar to Traylon Minor who was a workhorse for the Bulldogs. Irving could play at defensive end, middle linebacker, tight end or running back if needed. Natchez coaches have worked to take Jakel’s skill and talent and mold him into a leader for the team.

Davis said both Irving and Walton have gotten stronger and more vocal over the last year. Both players love the game of football and are passionate about it.

“You can see their passion start to grow and they

start to develop as leaders which is big,” Davis said.

He said Walton is a soft spoken guy so he had to tell him to be more vocal as a quarterback. On the field, a quarterback has to make adjustments and be the coach on the field. Teammates and coaches are starting to see him transform into a vocal leader.

“He is developing as quarterback and is what Natchez needs the other players on the team to be. We have the utmost confidence in him,” Davis said. “He started playing better in the second half of the season. He found his groove, settled in and made a big difference in our offense. We became more consistent and we were scoring more. He is the one we need to stay consistent to keep us going this season. We don’t put a whole lot on him but we want to see him keep getting better.”

Natchez went on a three game winning streak last season scoring 56, 48 and 38 points in each game. Walton had 18 touchdown passes and threw for 1,753 yards with a quarterback ratting of 112.5.

Natchez missed the playoffs but Walton said got straight to work after the last game of the 2022 season. The team has again become stronger and more disciplined over the past year. He is a leader of the team and is a ballast steadying the offensive ship.

“It’s all about maturing. When you are immature it is tough,” Walton said. “Our coaches helped us gain discipline. We started seeing it last year towards the end. I feel like I’m smarter as a football player now and I know what is going on the football field.”

He said playing for Natchez means everything to him. Walton started playing football in sixth grade and really wants to take the program to the playoffs and potentially state. Natchez last made the playoffs in 2018.

Since 1989, the Bulldogs have won just one district title and reached the playoffs eight times. The longest playoff drought was from 1997 to 2008. Walton could be the man to help snap a four year playoff drought.

As a junior quarterback, he said his understanding of the game has improved. He has played quarterback since he started playing football at the age of six.

“To me it has been my passion since elementary school. I wanted to lead the team,” Walton said. “We are now stronger, faster and have more discipline. We have a lot of maturity and we are a better front than last year. I plan to spread the ball around to all of my friends on the receiving corps. We will play it like it is different this year but we are coming to win this year. We shouldn’t lose any district games.”

VIDALIA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL

VIKINGS SET HIGH STANDARDS UNDER NEW COACH

BY HUNTER CLOUD

Vikings have one thing on their mind this football season, book a trip to New Orleans. First year head coach Josh West has set high standards for his team coming off of the team’s first winning season since 2018 and hopes to reach the state championship game.

Mike Norris had coached the program to a 6-5 season in 2022 but resigned at the end of the year to spend more time with his family. Vidalia opened the 2022 season with a four

game winning streak but lost a 28-24 heartbreaker to Ferriday in the Concordia Parish Classic. They managed to make the playoffs and hope to make a run in the playoffs this year.

West likes his chances of making it to the state championship game because of the kids he is coaching in Vidalia. Working hands on with them in the gym, West taught them fundamental defense and motivated each player differently one summer day.

“I’m overly excited about these kids. We have some great kids here,” West said.

2022 RESULTS

VIDALIA 46-0 SICILY ISLAND

VIDALIA 30-29 CEDAR CREEK

VIDALIA 62-20 BLOCK

VIDALIA 32-12 BUCKEYE

FERRIDAY 28-24 VIDALIA

MANGHAM 52-6 VIDALIA

VIDALIA 26-6 RAYVILLE

GENERAL TRASS 58-22 VIDALIA

VIDALIA 36-6 MADISON PARISH

OAK GROVE 49-12 VIDALIA

LOREAUVILLE 50-6 VIDALIA

West is coming from Natchez where he was a head coach of the middle school team and helped them win several championships. At the high school level, he was a wide receiver coach and saw the Bulldog offense produce last year.

Senior Kabari Davis said West has come in leading the team and his teammates have bought into his vision. They hope to be a fast paced team and are conditioning to meet those expectations.

“I feel we are taking it week by week. We have our eyes set on the Ferriday game and we are ready,” Davis said. “West told us this is a day by day process. Rome was not built in a day. Each day you get better. I think that is one of the ways we are buying in.”

West said he expects his team to be physical and play smash mouth football.Thunderstruck by AC/DC will best represent their mentality in the game. Vidalia will also open up the field on offense.

Assistant coach Nathan Muguerza said it will be a different offense and look than fans have seen in the past few years. Vidalia is making a return to hard nosed power football.

“The fans won’t recognize us. We won’t be the same,” Muguerza said. “We are the new Vi-Lou. We are starting fresh with a new everything and new mindset.”

NEW LEADERS

Vidalia will have to replace 10 seniors including Zion Buck, Jaylin Moody, Chris Brooks and James Brixey. 2022 All-Metro Football Player of the Year Sema’j Hayes graduated and will leave big shoes to fill in the quarterback spot.

West said Elmari “Juice” Lewis will step into Hayes’ place. Lewis will be a senior and was the backup for Hayes the past few seasons.

“He is six foot and one inch, weighs 170 pounds. He plays basketball and can dunk and is an athlete,” West said. “He was a backup last year and has played a little bit of everything. He is exceptional and is highly coachable. Lewis applies what he is coached to do. Coaches are there to teach and we have the clay and it is up to us to mold. Fortunately, we have great clay to work with. He has all the tools and has no problem being pushed.”

Davis will be a lead by example player while senior Lewis Jordan will be a more vocal leader for the program. Muguerza has seen him grow over the last two years.

“He has put in the work and effort to be one of those guys,” Muguerza said. “He has been prone to injury and he is building up his body so it isn’t an issue this year. He is great in the classroom and has the initiative inside of him.

ROSTER

KABARI DAVIS

LOUIS JORDAN LUKE KING

JALEN HUEING

JOHN JONES

KI’LE WALKER

GAGE CUPSTID

TRISTAN BRIGGS

MATT LONG EPHRAM CLARK

CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY

TYSON DAVIS

MARC PERKINS JR.

JACOB LOTT

KADEN

JAYDEN GAINES

JADEN LEE

JOSEPH JORDAN

DONALD FRANKLIN

ASHTON BERNARD

JOSHUA MIZE

MICHAEL RANDALL

ELMARI LEWIS

ALLEN WILLIAMS CADEN REID

JAKOBY WILLIAMS CORY REID

DAMION PRINCE MASON LONG

We don’t have to worry about academics with him or anyone on the team. Sometimes he doesn’t have a way to get to practice but he gets here and works hard.”

West said Jordan has a hectic work schedule during the summers but still gets his work outs in. At Grambling State’s satellite camp, Jordan got some attention from coaches.

“He never misses work or a workout. I’m excited for him. He is a dynamic receiver,” West said. “We want to be sure we showcase him this season. He has the potential.”

GAME OF THE SEASON

Muguerza said over the past few years he has really gotten invested in the rivalry game with Ferriday.

“The game has the feel and culture of a Fri-

SEAN WASHTINGTON

TYLER BRIXEY

AIDEN BERNARD

RYDER WINDHAM

JALEN CAGE

KEYLANN WASHINGTON

BRAYDEN DUPLECHIN

KENNEDY HARRIS

day Night Lights in Texas,” he said. West grew up in Vidalia and is familiar with the history of the program under Dee Faircloth and the rivalry between Vidalia and Ferriday. The newly created Concordia Parish Classic trophy has gone to the Trojans the last two years and Vidalia has not beat Ferriday since 2017.

A win against their cross-parish rivals is at the top of their to-do list this season. Vidalia plays Ferriday on Sept. 29 in their third game of the year.

“We will have to go there and win. I grew up here and it was a rivalry game all of my life. I’m excited to coach it,” West said. It will take grit, tenacity and all hands on deck. Everyone has to bring something. It will take adjustments and will power. It will take some pride. We have to have pride as a team.”

DAVIS READY TO LEAD VIKINGS

BY HUNTER CLOUD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Alifetime of preparation, practice, hard work and drive has prepared Vidalia senior Kabari Davis for a leadership role his final year. Vidalia has set its sights on the Superdome and Davis is the workhorse who will help get them there.

Defensive Coordinator Kale Davis first threw a ball to his son at six years old and told

him to run. Kabari said he has played football ever since then. He is a middle linebacker and running back for the Vikings.

Friday nights will be different this year. It is his last season playing for his hometown.

Vidalia has a new coach, a new vision and a new spirit. Last year, the Vikings had its first winning season since 2018 and made the

playoffs but they are hungry for more success under first year coach Josh West.

“I’m excited. I get to play with my teammates one last time. I’m ready to show the community that we are taking the next step as a program,” Davis said. “I feel like we can make it to the Superdome if we buy in. I feel like we are already bought into Coach

West’s vision. I love seeing the Friday night lights, being out in front of the fans and playing for my city. I want to continue playing football wherever I go next.”

Assistant coach Nathan “Mug” Muguerza said Davis has what it takes as an athlete to continue to play at the next level. He has also taught Davis off of the football field in Geometry and Spanish.

Muguerza said Davis embodied being a student first and then athlete. Davis is one of the first kids to class and hardworking. Last fall, Muguerza said Davis was in his Spanish 2 class and had a 100 percent going into the semester finals. Davis had the opportunity to skip on a project but did the work and got an A.

On the football field and in the locker room he can be a bit quiet. Muguerza said Davis is working into a leadership role and will be similar to running back Nick Banks who graduated in 2022. Banks was a fear-

less warrior on the field and gave his all.

“He watched Nick from the sidelines. He was a backup and has taken on his role now,” Muguerza said. “He plays both ways but we will try our best to keep him on one side of the ball so he can get some rest. He has the work ethic you dream of. On and off the field, you can’t ask for a better kid.”

Muguerza is originally from Austin, Texas, and moved to Vidalia two years ago. He said Davis was one of the first players he met. Kids look up to Davis and see the attention he gets at camps. Davis is not shy to ask for help if he needs it and has a bright future ahead, he said.

Head Coach Josh West said Davis has helped in the transition to Vidalia from Natchez where he was an assistant coach. Davis is who he thinks of when he thinks about character.

“He is all of that. I hold him to a high standard and I expect him to be top tier.

It was nice to hear about his character in the classroom and it raises the bar,” West said. “He has a good background and is a great kid. I expect him to be the leader and workhorse for us. We strive for excellence.”

One of the ways Davis is leading the program is by wearing a 25 pound vest in training. Vidalia players are running on the Mississippi River Levee and working out at the gym on their own. Davis is leading the group effort.

Davis said the 25 pound vest helps build explosiveness and gets him faster. Vidalia expects to be a faster and fast paced team this season. West said Davis has high standards and is everything a coach wants. He is motivated.

“My father motivates me. He has always pushed me to be better,” Davis said. “He pushes me to be good and I want to be good for him.”

WILKINSON COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

WCCA RAMS

LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK IN 2023 DESPITE A TOUGH SCHEDULE

BY PATRICK JONES

After reaching the state semifinals of the MAIS 8-Man Class 1A Playoffs in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the 2022 season was considered a down year for the Wilkinson County Christian Academy Rams.

WCCA went 7-4 overall and 2-1 in District 3-1A, finishing in second place in district play behind Tensas Academy after a rough 40-12 loss on the road to the Chiefs in Week 2. But because they had the highest power rating among the non-district champions, the Rams still earned the No. 4 seed and a firstround bye.

Unfortunately, WCCA’s stay in the postseason was a rather quick one after a stunning 64-6 loss at home to the No. 5 seed and district rival Riverdale Academy Rebels — the same team the Rams defeated 36-12, also at home, just two weeks earlier.

“We started slow. Our coaches really coached out players up and we had a good season,” Rams head coach Randy Holloway said. “I tribute that to our coaching staff and our players. We didn’t have the success we usually have. Our playoff bracket was deep last year.”

The Rams will still be in District 3-1A and will still have the same three district opponents — Tensas Academy, Riverdale Academy, and Franklin Academy. Howev-

er, the Rams and the Chiefs will not play each other until Week 7 on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Just like last year, the game will be played at Tensas Academy.

As for what it will take for the Rams to come out on top this time around, Holloway said, “Not make early mistakes. Control the ball. We had a lot of early mistakes that we didn’t recuperate from. They had a senior-laden team. We knew they were going to be good.”

WCCA lost three seniors from last year’s team — Ryan Fisher, who signed with Southwest Mississippi Community College; Nathan Mudd, who signed with Louisiana College; and Gary Veals, who signed with Clark College in Iowa.

However, the Rams have plenty of key players returning in all three phases of the game. The offense, as well as part of the special teams, will be led by junior quarterback/punter Jacob Sessions, who Holloway described as a “dual-threat quarterback, running and passing.” The running game will be led by senior Jack Orgeron and juniors Cole Partridge, Napoleon Howard, and Jared Lanehart. At wide receiver will be a trio of sophomores in Easton Buteaux, Wesley Sanchez, and Tucker Freman.

“Our offensive line will be anchored by 6-6 junior Beau Deville, sophomores Cannon Holland and Jonathon Mer-

2022 RESULTS

WCCA WON VIA FORFEIT PRENTISS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

TENSAS ACADEMY 40-12 WCCA

BEN’S FORD CHRISTIAN 48-42 WCCA

WCCA 18-14 CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

NEWTON ACADEMY 56-37 WCCA

WCCA 36-32 PORTERS CHAPEL

WCCA 50-36 HILLCREST CHRISTIAN

WCCA 61-44 FRANKLIN ACADEMY

WCCA 36-12 RIVERDALE

WCCA 18-0 DISCOVERY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

RIVERDALE 64-46 WCCA

edith, and freshman Davis Randall, who’s the strongest kid on the team,” Holloway said.

Even though the Rams will have an experienced quarterback as well as overall team speed as the strengths of the offense, Holloway is concern about having an inexperience offensive line with just one returning starter.

Defensively, Orgeron will the leader on that side of the ball as a returning All-District middle linebacker. The defensive line will be led by senior Brayden Ready as far as pass rush is concerned. Sophomore outside linebacker Charles Grezaffi is the Rams’ best cover linebacker. The secondary will be led by senior cornerback Gavin Davis, who will also do the

team’s place-kicking duties.

Holloway said the strength of the Rams’ defense is its speed to the ball and its weakness is being undersized.

“Our strength of schedule is probably No. 1 in the state. There’s not easy games on our schedule,” Holloway said. “Riverdale Academy is probably the team to beat in our district. They had a great playoff run last year and they only lost one starter. They have everyone coming back. They’re going to be hard to handle.

“This is a deep district. There’s not weak sister in our district. Franklin Academy will be better than it was last year. You never know what (Tensas Academy) is going to get in. But I think they’re going to take a step back.”

COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

WILKINSON COUNTY

LOOKS TO TURN THINGS AROUND IN 2023 IN MHSAA REGION 7-2A

BY PATRICK JONES

It w as a tough first season for Christopher Brown as head coach of the Wilkinson County High School Wildcats in what turned out to be their final season in MHSAA Region 7-3A for at least the next two years.

Wilkinson County didn’t win a single game in 2022, going 0-10 overall and 0-4 in Region 7-3A. The Wildcats were shut out three times and the only time they scored more than eight points was in Week 6, a 58-16 home loss to Catholic-Pointe Coupee (La.) High School.

Now a new adventure awaits Brown and the Wildcats as they are going down to Class 2A and will be in Region 7-2A with Loyd Star Attendance Center, West Lincoln Attendance Center, Amite County High School, Bogue Chitto Attendance Center.

Brown said he was not at all surprised about the move down from Class 3A to Class 2A when the Mississippi High School Activities Association did its football reclassification for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

“I wasn’t really surprised because the overall student body numbers dropped a lot,” Brown said. As for his own personal reaction to the move, Brown said, “I wouldn’t say it was disappointment. It’s still football. You’ve got to be ready, whether it’s 3A or 2A. Our 2A (region) is still tough with Bogue Chitto, Loyd Star, West Lincoln, and Amite County.”

And while Wilkinson County

2022 RESULTS

NATCHEZ 55-0 WILKINSON COUNTY

NORTHEASTERN LAUDERDALE 25-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

WESSON 33-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

CRYSTAL SPRINGS 44-8 WILKINSON COUNTY

CATHOLIC OF POINT COUPE 58-16 WILKINSON COUNTY

RIDGELAND 56-8 WILKINSON COUNTY

PORT GIBSON 39-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

TYLERTOWN 40-0 WILKINSON COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY 26-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY 30-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

lost all seven seniors from last year’s team to graduation, the Wildcats still have plenty of key players returning with hopes of turning the program back in the right direction.

That includes four seniors, among them are Jaquel Dukes, who Brown said is the team’s top returning athlete and will be playing safety on defense and wide receiver on offense. Another is Tavion Swanson, who will be playing H-back and middle linebacker. Also returning for their final season are Damorn James and Dewayne Herbert. James will be playing at running back and outside linebacker while Herbert will be at wide receiver and will play some defensive back as well, Brown said.

“Those are my four seniors who will lead the way for us, as well as a couple of juniors,” Brown noted.

Those two juniors are Camer-

on Woodard and Jared Harrison. Brown said that Woodard will be defensive back and at times at receiver while Harrison will primarily play outside linebacker. As far as who the quarterback will be, Brown said rising sophomore Janorris Anthony will be under center for the Wildcats.

“We should have played him more last year,” Brown said about Anthony.

Despite a winless season in 2022 and the move down to Class 2A, Brown believes his team has what it takes to not only get back to its winning ways from a few years ago, but also return to the postseason.

“I’ll go out on a limb and say we’ll make the playoffs,” Brown said. As for what it will take for the Wildcat to turn things around in 2023, he said, “We’ll be more disciplined. Our main focus during the offseason was accountability

and discipline.”

Three now-former Region 7-3A opponents comprise half of Wilkinson County’s non-region schedule — the season-opener at home against Jefferson County High School on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., home against Port Gibson High School on Friday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m., and at Franklin County High School on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Brown said he wanted those teams on the schedule for a variety of reasons — one of which is familiarity and another is location.

“I felt like they were familiar faces and familiar coaches. I had a preseason schedule to fill and I wanted to stay close to home. It worked out for us,” Brown said.

As to which team will be the team to beat in Region 7-2A this year, Brown said, “I’m the new kid on the block so I haven’t had much reaction from the coaches. East Marion, they won the region last year and they’re down to Class 1A. That being said, Bogue Chitto is the team to beat. We don’t play them until Week 10. But all those guys are going to be competitive. That whole (region) is going to be tough to play.”

The Wildcats open Region 7-2A play with a trip to Lincoln County to take on Loyd Star on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. and finish the regular season with a home game against Bogue Chitto on Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. They host West Lincoln on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. and then make a trip to Liberty to take on Amite County on Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

NOW IN MAIS CLASS 4A, CENTREVILLE ACADEMY LOOKS TO ADD ANOTHER DISTRICT AND PERHAPS STATE TITLE

BY PATRICK JONES

The Centreville Academy Tigers had a losing overall for the third time in the past four seasons in 2022, but yet, somehow, they made it all the way to the MAIS Class 3A state semifinals.

Now, Centreville Academy will look to get back to their winning ways under legendary head coach Bill Hurst in 2023. However, the Tigers will have to do so not only in a new classification, but a completely new district — District 3-4A against longtime rival Amite School Center, former non-district opponents Bowling Green School and Columbia Academy, and Wayne Academy.

When the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools did its athletics reclassification earlier this year, Centreville Academy was moved up from Class 3A to Class 4A for football for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

“We were right on the bubble. I think we’re probably the smallest 4A school,” Centreville assistant coach Brian Stutzman said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. We’re just going to play. We’re okay with where we are. It makes sense in terms of travel.”

So, after going 5-7 overall and 2-0 in District 3-3A, including a No. 3 seed, a first-round bye, a 52-26 win at home over No. 6 seed Winona Christian School in the quarterfinals before losing on the road to No. 2 seed and eventual Class 3A state champion Canton Academy 42-8 in the semifinals, the Tigers are on the move up.

As for how the 2022 season went for the Tigers, Stutzman said, “We played a lot of young kids, fresh-

2022 RESULTS

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY 44-6 NEW ORLEANS HOME SCHOOL

BOWLING GREEN 26-18 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY 8-0 ST. ALOYSIUS

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY 36-8 SYLVA BAY ACADEMY

ACCS 47-20 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

SILLIMAN INSTITUTE 36-23 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

CENTRAL HINDS ACADEMY 37-6 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

COLUMBIA ACADEMY 42-30 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY 42-14 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY 44-32 AMITE SCHOOL CENTER

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY 52-26 WINONA CHRISTIAN

CANTON ACADEMY 42-8 CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

men. We did fine. We hoped that they improved. We have some good seniors and juniors. They had a good summer and we expect them to lead us. We have pretty much the same group of kids. They’re just a year older.”

Centreville Academy lost only seven players from last year’s team and have several key players who look to help the Tigers not only win yet another district championship, but also lead them to a winning season this year.

Among them are senior offensive tackle, Kade Arnold, senior running back/middle linebacker Ace Sellers, sophomore wide receiver/free safety John Austin Sterling, rising sophomore quarterback Parker Nettles, and senior offensive guard Grant Jeansonne.

Stutzman said that Nettles has improved quite a bit since last season in several areas and will continue to get even better. Stutzman

added that the entire team has been hitting the weights this summer and he hopes the results will be more wins this season.

“Parker is a year older and he’s really worked hard. He’s done a lot of training. He’s got a stronger arm and a stronger body frame,” Stutzman said. “The whole team has been in the weight room and gotten stronger. Hopefully, we can see some results this year as far as strength in these young kids.”

As for how though he believes District 3-4A will be and which team he feels will be the team to beat in this district, Stutzman said, “Take Wayne away. That’s been a common schedule for us forever. It’s nothing has really changed. As far as our district, I feel like Bowling Green will be the team to beat. All of them are pretty comparable.”

There are two new teams in non-district play that the Tigers will face in 2023 — at St. Patrick

Catholic High School in Biloxi on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m., and home against Manchester Academy, will is making its return to MAIS 11Man football after several years in 8-Man football, for Senior Night on Friday, Oct. 20.

Centreville Academy plays host to Riverfield Academy to start the season on Friday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. After playing at Brookhaven Academy on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., the Tigers have back-to-back district games in Weeks 3 and 4. They play at Columbia Academy on Friday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m., then play host to Amite School Center on Friday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

A few weeks later, the Tigers play host to Wayne Academy on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. before traveling to Franklinton, La. to face off against Bowling Green School on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Then they welcome the Cathedral High School Green Wave to Tiger Field for homecoming on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

“Bowling Green beat us last year. So did Columbia. ASC has been very competitive. It’s going to be a tough district,” Stutzman said.

As for what it will take for Centreville Academy to compete for the district championship, Stutzman said, “We just have to stay healthy. We’ve got some holes in our offensive line we have to fill. We’re missing a few pieces. Our offensive line is our biggest question mark. But they have to potential to be pretty good. Our skill players are better than they’ve been in the past. We can do a few more things offensively. They brought in a little more to the meaning of looking at the team and not as individuals.”

JEFFERSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

JEFFERSON COUNTY LOOKS TO REPEAT AT REGION 7-3A CHAMPS, MAKE

DEEP PLAYOFF RUN

2022 RESULTS

BY PATRICK JONES

Coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, and their first winning season since 2019, the Jefferson County High School Tigers are poised to defend their MHSAA Region 7-3A championship and make an even deeper playoff run in Class 3A.

Under head coach Roderick Holmes, Jefferson County went 8-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in Region 7-3A. The Tigers defeated Seminary High School 42-6 in the first round of the Class 3A South State Playoffs only to lose at Magee 36-26 in the second round.

“Last season, we faced a lot of adversity and we were able to overcome a lot of that adversity. The guys had dedicated themselves the summer of last year,” Holmes said. “Two goals we set we were able to accomplish. Number one was winning the (region) championship. Number two was getting a playoff win.”

Now in his fourth season as the Tigers’ head coach, Holmes feels like his team can have an even better overall record and go further in the postseason than it did a year ago.

“This season we’re expecting to do more. That second-round loss put a sour taste in our mouths,” Holmes said.

However, Jefferson County will have to do so after the latest round of reclassification done by the Mississippi High School Activities Association led to big changes in Region 7-3A. Out are Wilkinson County High School, which was

JEFFERSON COUNTY 30-0 AMITE COUNTY

NATCHEZ 14-8 JEFFERSON COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY 22-14 CRYSTAL SPRINGS

JEFFERSON COUNTY 32-29 EAST MARION

HAZLEHURST 12-0 JEFFERSON COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY 42-22 PORT GIBSON

JEFFERSON COUNTY 30-28 FRANKLIN COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY 34-0 TYLERTOWN

JEFFERSON COUNTY 30-6 WILKINSON COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY 42-6 SEMINARY

MAGEE 36-26

moved down to Class 2A for the next two years, and Tylertown High School, which was moved over to Region 8-3A for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Taking their place are South Pike High School, down from Class 4A, and Wesson Attendance Center, over from Region 6-3A and back in 7-3A for the first time since a four-season stint from 2013 to 2016, when James Herrington coached the Tigers. In that span, the Cobra went 1-3 against Jefferson County.

“They did make some changes, but we still have Port Gibson (High School) and Franklin County (High School). Those teams are like ‘forever’ opponents. South Pike is a good school coming down to this (region). Wesson is another school I’m familiar with. We haven’t played them before, but I’m familiar with their coach, Jeremy Loy,” Holmes said. “They are formidable

opponents. We’re going to look at them like we look at any other opponent. We’re going to watch film on them. We’re going to be ready for them. I want to make sure we’re physically prepared and mentally prepared to take on whomever we face this upcoming year.”

With Wilkinson County now down in Class 2A, Holmes decided to replace Amite County High School with the Wildcats for their season opener. The Tigers will travel to Woodville to take on the Wildcats on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Other changes to Jefferson County’s non-region schedule includes playing a pair of Jackson Public School teams in Wingfield High School and Murrah High School.

Holmes added that because Natchez High School decided to take on as he said a “tougher opponent” in McComb High School in Week 2, the Tigers will now play host to

the Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

“Wilkinson County moved down, but (head) coach (Christopher) Brown still wanted to play, so instead of playing Amite County, we’re playing Wilkinson County. Natchez, they decided to change their schedule. We would have played them in Week 2,” Holmes said, “I reached out to the AD for JPS schools and I saw that Wingfield had an opening for the second week. He had an opening week for Murrah. I got him to agree for us to play Wingfield and also Murrah.

For Jefferson County to repeat as Region 7-3A champions, the Tigers will have to do so with a younger team than they had last year. They lost 12 seniors from the 2022 season, and Holmes noted that the majority of them were on the defensive side of the football.

Among the key players returning on offense are three-year starting quarterback Jabari Washington, running back JJ Claiborne, and wide receiver Luke Bolin, are of which are seniors.

“His career with me, he’s thrown for close to 7,000 yards. Our offense still clicks.” Holmes said about Washington. “We have a wide receiver who had a breakout year last year and you could call him the face of the team in Bolin.

“Also returning to the team from ACCS is Zavien Tenner. He’s also a senior. He’s going to help us on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a defensive back. He’ll play cornerback and some safety.”

One of the Tigers’ younger players returning on defense whom Holmes said has some experience

under his belt is DeAnthony Miller. Another key player returning on defense is junior middle linebacker Jermall Williams.

“Miller’s a sophomore defensive back, but had a standout year as a freshman. He held the best receivers in the state in check. Williams, he’s made a name for himself as a middle linebacker, in 3A and in football in general in Mississippi,” Holmes said.

Holmes added that will not be many, if any, changes to the offense or the defense, only that the Tigers will be adding plays on offense and adding new players on both sides of the ball, especially on defense.

“Offense is returning all skill players. These guys, this will be their year. I’m looking forward to a high-powered, high-octane offense. Defense, we lost some good players, but we still have guys who will be returning with us,” Holmes said. “We’ve got to fly around on defense and play fast. I

expect nothing less than that.”

Holmes said he expects Port Gibson to be the biggest challenge to the Tigers in Region 7-3A this upcoming season mainly because they’re a very familiar opponent and because It’s a rivalry game.

“We’re playing at Port Gibson and hosting Franklin County again this year. I would think they (Port Gibson) would have more of a bad taste in their mouths because they haven’t beaten us,” Holmes said. “They’ll have more oomph when they host us. Those two games, the location didn’t change.”

Jefferson County opens up region play on Friday, Sept. 29 at Port Gibson at 7 p.m., followed by hosting Franklin County for homecoming on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Tigers then travel to Magnolia to face South Pike on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. After an open week the following week, they host Wesson for Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

2023 SCHEDULES

CATHEDRAL ACCS

AUG. 11 AC VS BOWLING GREEN

AUG. 18 AC AT ST. ALOYSIUS

AUG. 25 AC VS JACKSON PREP

SEPT. 1 AC AT SIMPSON ACADEMY

SEPT. 8 AC VS BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY

SEPT. 15 AC AT OAK FOREST ACADEMY

SEPT. 22 AC AT SILLIMAN INSTITUTE

SEPT. 29 AC VS PARKLANE ACADEMY

OCT. 6 AC AT AMITE SCHOOL CENTER

OCT. 13 AC VS GREENVILLE ST. JOE

OCT. 20 AC AT CATHEDRAL

FRANKLIN COUNTY

AUG. 25 FRANKLIN COUNTY VS NORTH PIKE

SEPT. 1 FRANKLIN COUNTY AT BROOKHAVEN

SEPT. 8 FRANKLIN COUNTY AT AMITE COUNTY

SEPT. 15 FRANKLIN COUNTY AT SEMINARY

SEPT. 22 FRANKLIN COUNTY VS WILKINSON COUNTY

SEPT. 29 FRANKLIN COUNTY VS SOUTH PIKE

OCT. 13 FRANKLIN COUNTY VS WESSON

OCT. 20 FRANKLIN COUNTY AT PORT GIBSON

OCT. 27 FRANKLIN COUNTY VS LOYD STAR

AUG 18. CATHEDRAL AT CENTRAL HINDS ACADEMY

AUG. 25 CATHEDRAL VS ST. ALOYSIUS

SEPT. 1 CATHEDRAL AT HARTFIELD ACADEMY

SEPT. 8 CATHEDRAL VS OAK FOREST ACADEMY

SEPT. 15 CATHEDRAL AT BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY

SEPT 22 CATHEDRAL AT PARKLANE ACADEMY

SEPT. 29 CATHEDRAL VS SILLIMAN INSTITUTE

OCT. 6 CATHEDRAL VS ST. JOE MADISON

OCT. 13 CATHEDRAL AT CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

OCT. 20 CATHEDRAL AT ACCS

2023 SCHEDULES

CENTREVILLE ACADEMY DELTA CHARTER

AUG. 18 CA VS RIVERFIELD ACADEMY

AUG. 25 CA AT BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY

SEPT. 1 CA AT COLUMBIA ACADEMY

SEPT. 8 CA VS AMITE SCHOOL CENTER

SEPT. 15 CA AT SILLIMAN INSTITUTE

SEPT. 22 CA AT ST. PATRICK

SEPT. 29 CA VS WAYNE ACADEMY

OCT. 6 CA AT BOWLING GREEN

OCT. 13. CA VS CATHEDRAL

OCT. 20 CA VS MANCHESTER ACADEMY

NATCHEZ

AUG. 25 NATCHEZ VS HANCOCK

SEPT. 1 NATCHEZ AT MCCOMB

SEPT. 1 DC VS PLAIN DEALING

SEPT. 8 DC VS WILLOW SCHOOL

SEPT. 15 DC VS GLENBROOK

SEPT. 29 DC AT LAKEVIEW

OCT. 6 DC VS TENSAS

OCT. 13 DC AT SICILY ISLAND

OCT. 20 DC VS DELHI

OCT. 27 DC VS DELHI CHARTER

NOV. 3 DC VS BLOCK

FERRIDAY

SEPT. 1 FERRIDAY AT RICHWOOD

SEPT. 8 FERRIDAY AT PEABODY

SEPT. 15 FERRIDAY VS BASTROP

SEPT. 22 FERRIDAY AT MADISON

SEPT. 29 FERRIDAY VS VIDALIA

OCT. 6 FERRIDAY AT GENERAL TRASS

OCT. 13 FERRIDAY VS OAK GROVE

OCT. 20 FERRIDAY VS MANGHAM

OCT. 27 FERRIDAY AT PLAQUEMINE

NOV. 3 FERRIDAY AT RAYVILLE

JEFFERSON COUNTY

AUG. 25 JEFFERSON COUNTY AT WILKINSON COUNTY

SEPT. 1 JEFFERSON COUNTY VS WINGFIELD

SEPT. 8 NATCHEZ VS VICKSBURG

SEPT. 15 NATCHEZ AT OCEAN SPRINGS

SEPT. 22 NATCHEZ AT JEFFERSON COUNTY

SEPT. 29 NATCHEZ VS HAZLEHURST

OCT. 6 NATCHEZ AT NORTH PIKE

OCT. 13 NATCHEZ VS SOUTH JONES

OCT. 20 NATCHEZ VS FLORENCE

OCT. 27 NATCHEZ VS PROVINE

NOV. 3 NATCHEZ AT BROOKHAVEN

SEPT. 8 JEFFERSON COUNTY VS CRYSTAL SPRINGS

SEPT. 14 JEFFERSON COUNTY AT MURRAH

SEPT. 22 JEFFERSON COUNTY VS NATCHEZ

SEPT. 29 JEFFERSON COUNTY AT PORT GIBSON

OCT. 6 JEFFERSON COUNTY VS FRANKLIN COUNTY

OCT. 13 JEFFERSON COUNTY AT SOUTH PIKE

OCT. 26 JEFFERSON COUNTY VS WESSON

VIDALIA

SEPT. 1 VIDALIA VS SICILY ISLAND

SEPT. 8 VIDALIA AT CEDAR CREEK

SEPT. 15 VIDALIA VS BLOCK

SEPT. 22 VIDALIA AT BUCKEYE

SEPT. 29 VIDALIA AT FERRIDAY

OCT. 6 VIDALIA VS MANGHAM

OCT. 13 VIDALIA AT RAYVILLE

OCT. 20 VIDALIA VS GENERAL TRASS

OCT. 27 VIDALIA VS MADISON

NOV. 2 VIDALIA AT OAK GROVE

2023 SCHEDULES

WCHS WCCA

AUG. 18 WCCA VS HILLCREST CHRISTIAN

AUG. 25 WCCA AT BEN’S FORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

SEPT. 1 WCCA VS DISCOVERY CHRISTIAN

SEPT. 8 WCCA AT CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

SEPT. 15 WCCA VS TALLULAH ACADEMY

SEPT. 22 WCCA AT FRANKLIN ACADEMY

SEPT. 29 WCCA AT TENSAS ACADEMY

OCT. 6 WCCA VS RIVERDALE

OCT. 13 WCCA AT PORTERS CHAPEL ACADEMY

OCT. 20 WCCA VS BRIARFIELD ACADEMY

AUG. 25 WILKINSON COUNTY VS JEFFERSON COUNTY

SEPT. 1 WILKINSON COUNTY VS NORTHEAST LAUDERDALE

SEPT. 8 WILKINSON COUNTY VS PORT GIBSON

SEPT. 15 WILKINSON COUNTY AT MCLAURIN

SEPT. 22 WILKINSON COUNTY AT FRANKLIN COUNTY

SEPT. 29 WILKINSON COUNTY VS LOYD STAR

OCT. 6 WILKINSON COUNTY AT SOUTH PIKE

OCT. 13 WILKINSON COUNTY VS WEST LINCOLN

OCT. 20 WILKINSON COUNTY AT AMITE COUNTY

OCT. 27 WILKINSON COUNTY VS BOGUE CHITTO