4OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL
4LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL
4SCHEDULES & PHOTOS
4Q & A WITH CHARGERS & COMMODORES
4EASY FOOTBALL GAME DAY RECIPES
4PLUS: REGENTS SCHOOL OF OXFORD
INTRODUCES FIRST FOOTBALL TEAM
Last week when those cooler days came, William Faulkner’s famous words reminded me once again that the “ber” months are coming on fast and with them... football!
When the bright lights come on at Oxford’s Bobby Holcomb Field and Lafayette’s William L. Buford stadium and they illuminate the town, you can feel the electricity in the air.
Our community comes alive when football season starts. Those lights showcase a serious tradition built on a deep love for the game and a sense of community pride.
Whether you’ve got kids or friends on the team, in the band, cheering on the sidelines, or you’re a longtime fan in the stands, the high school stadium becomes a community center as the first kickoff approaches.
We are blessed to live in a place that is growing with a thriving business community. Oxford is becoming a small city instead of a small town.
Perhaps the thing about high school football in a town like ours that makes it something we long for, is that when you walk up to the stadium and hear the buzz of the crowd, smell of popcorn popping and burgers on the grill, feel the music from the band and the overall excitement…you are enveloped with a feeling of small town.
The people in the stands at high school football games are moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, neighbors down the street, students, alumni, and longtime residents of the community.
People in the stands know the players on the field. Win or lose, their support and love is always there. It is so important that we support our local school districts.
Make plans on an upcoming Friday night to join us at the stadium. You’ll be glad you did.
Let Friday Night Lights begin!
“...in August in Mississippi there’s a few days somewhere about the middle of the month when suddenly there’s a foretaste of fall, it’s cool, there’s an ambiance, a soft, luminous quality to the light,...”
And with all small towns, football produces heroes through the many storied seasons and the ages.
Bobby Holcomb’s name adorns the Oxford High football field, while Ed Moak is forever remembered at the baseball field. They left us long before their time.
Walter Denton is still with us. He was our Archie. Together with Jim Jackson, they showed us how best friends acted and gave us the earliest thrills of victory we had known.
The agony of defeat found some, but it is the risk we take when fall comes to call and football is here again.
Are You Ready?
Go Chargers! Go ‘Dores! Go Rebels!
A5-5 regular season with just three district wins in 2022 was far from satisfactory, but not a reason to panic, either. If anything, the prospect of a playoff season this year under the guidance of veteran coach Chis Cutcliffe is anticipated, if not assured by the players who wear the Chargers jerseys.
“All the way, this is our year, we have what it takes, and winning it all” were oft-repeated phrases during a recent visit to the Oxford High football training facility for a photo session and Q & A’s with a few players.
“There’s a familiar excitement this year,” the eighth-year head coach said, as he divided up players into groups. “They come in ready, we have a good group here.”
Last week’s scrimmage game with WInona was encouraging for the coaching staff and fans alike. Game speed action gives coaches their final pieces of information before the whistles blow on opening night, and players have the chance to work out pre-season jitters and make final preparations for game one on the schedule.
Game one for the Chargers is the Crosstown game where friends, and often extended family - will meet for the yearly gridiron bragging rights in a contest where school size and classification mean little to the outcome of the Lafayette High versus Oxford matchup.
Oxford will be young on offense, especially up front, but there’s plenty of senior leadership on the field. Look for young players to mature quickly and learn the pace of 7A football on the job.
Defensively the Chargers are veteran laden, and playing with something to prove. A couple of games from last year’s campaign are bitter memories - the players mention those in the following interviews. And while the returning starters are bigger, stronger, and faster, it may well be that seed of bitterness from last year’s near-misses that will bloom a tree of success with branches of victories in 2023.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD?
Feels great. After baseball I was able to get back for summer workouts with my teammates.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON? I tried to hit the weight room really hard and put on some weight, and I was able to put on about 21 pounds. I tried to work on speed and agility. I’m stronger and faster.
WHAT IS THE COACHING STAFF EXPECTING FROM YOU?
Obviously to play my position at a high level but also being a leader in my position group. Teamwise, being fast as lightning. We really emphasize going as fast we can on the offensive side of the ball.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/STUDENTS/STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON? Do what they always do, coming out to support us win or lose.
TALK ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF.
Coach Cut is obviously a mastermind. And then Coach Buse on the defense side and he knows a ton. They work with us on both sides of the ball, doing drills and making sure we get better. They put it all together really well to make sure we have a plan to succeed every week.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
The Tupelo game. It’s going to be really fun and I’m looking forward to it. Those boys don’t like us and we don’t like them, so it’s a good rivalry game.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME? I like to hang out with friends and spend time with my family. Maybe go out on the boat. I like to lift, too.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
My mom’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs. I like to eat fruit.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY?
My parents, and then probably my aunt and uncle that come to every game, Debbie and Doug Wheeler.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
My ninth grade season. My first play with varsity I got to score a touchdown against Olive Branch.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD? Coming off two injuries and it’s my first time to be back with the guys on the team, so it feels great.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON? Weight room work and trying to put on weight.
WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF AND THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
For myself, trying to end the season with at least seven or eight pickoffs, and a pick six in a game. For the team to make it to the playoffs, I feel like we are going to make it there.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY?
I want to play ball, but if that doesn’t work out I want to do real estate. I want to live in Texas or Georgia.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
Starkville. Last year we were supposed to win that game and we just lost the energy and momentum coming back after halftime. I’m looking forward to that game.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
Football, nothing else really.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
Shepherds Pie. Favorite snack would be strawberry gummies sour.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? My parents.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
Probably in middle school playing against Lafayette in the eighth grade. I had three touchdowns in that game.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND TO THE CHARGERS’ FANS AND SUPPORTERS?
Bring the energy and keep us up on the sideline.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD?
It feels good to be back with my brothers. I missed them.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Being active and being a better leader. I added a lot of weight, about twenty or thirty pounds. Just a lot of working out and eating.
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM YOU AND THIS TEAM THIS YEAR?
Being a leader and someone to look up to when things are going wrong and bringing everybody else up with me. My goal is getting a ring, and getting all my brothers a ring.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/STUDENTS/STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
Being the biggest and loudest fans we’ve ever had out of all the years of Chargers nation.
IS THERE ANYTHING FANS WILL BE IMPRESSED BY AT THE START OF THE SEASON?
For sure our energy. We are going to bring from the first game. This year we are going to have a huge chip on our shoulder from not meeting expectations last year.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
Most people would think I would say Lafayette because I have a lot of cousins over there, but it would Tupelo. That’s the game I want to get to this year.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
Fishing. I love fishing. It gets me away from life and lets me be stress free. Bass or bream it don’t matter, I just like it when the rod bends.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
Chicken and rice from Chow King. Probably say donuts.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY?
My parents and my oldest brother. He’s always there for me telling what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS YET FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
I want to play college football but if that doesn’t work out then it will be a game and fish warden.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
Last year against Madison Central even though we lost. I just came back after being sick off of food poisoning and it was like second or third snap of the game and I made this big star from Madison fumble in the backfield.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD?
Feels great. We have lots of hungry football players. It’s what we’ve all been working for going back to spring camp.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
How consistent can I be day in and day out. And one percent better. If I can improve one percent every time I come out then when the season gets here I will be where I need to be.
HAVE YOU ADDED ANY INCHES OR WEIGHT IN THE OFFSEASON?
I have put on about ten pounds, thankfully. A shout out to Coach Wilfong, he knows what he’s talking about.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM YOURSELF AND THE TEAM THIS YEAR?
I’d say being a better leader. Coming into my third year as a starter us older guys have to be there for the new guys, especially on special teams. At Oxford we take special teams very seriously and how can we teach them that aspect of the game. We are trying our best to go win state.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/ STUDENTS/STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
We need them to show up. If the fans come they will see a show.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER HIGH school? What do you want to study?
Hopefully play college football if it’s my path, but if not then being an orthodontist. I’d
like to stay in Oxford if that opportunity comes.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
I took my boat out a bunch this summer, and I like to fish.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
If we’re being specific, then probably wings at Jensei, they have the best in Oxford I think. I’m a big gummy guy, usually sour, or the little Welch’s packs.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY?
Beside my parents my little sister is a huge fan. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, they all come up for the games. It’s a family thing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
I’d say last year against Clinton. I was able to hit a game-winning field goal.
KICKERS CAN BE FLAKY SOMETIMES. IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOU THAT FANS WOULD FIND FUNNY?
Well, I have lots of superstitions. I get really weird with some things. I put my right knee pad on my left knee and the left on the right. I always get a new mouthpiece before every game. I always wear the same socks, but I do wash them. I’m not that weird.
WHAT CAN CHARGER FANS EXPECT FROM YOU AND THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
From me, a good year and not a lot of misses, hopefully none. And a lot of wins this year, that’s what we are rooting for.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD?
It feels amazing. These past two months have felt like a long time, but it’s great to be back.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Definitely hitting the weight room. I knew I would have a bigger role than I did last year, so for sure the weight room.
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM YOU AND THIS TEAM THIS YEAR?
Embracing a much bigger role as a leader. I was looked at as a leader last year but not as monumental. I feel like we have a special group of guys. Coming into spring from last year we didn’t much a vision of what we are capable of, but over the course of these past two months we have figured out who we are and what we can do.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/STUDENTS/STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
In my opinion they need to embrace the role of the 12th Man. That’s a huge role in the games and it really helps the team.
IS THERE ANYTHING FANS WILL BE IMPRESSED BY AT THE START OF THE SEASON?
For sure our energy. We are going to bring from the first game. This year we are going to have a huge chip on our shoulder from not meeting expectations last year.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
I don’t want to go too far into the season. Our mindset is going to be on the next one coming up. So Lafayette.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
My little brother and I have picked up pickleball.
WHO’S BETTER?
For sure me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
A burrito bowl from South Depot. Let’s go with fruit snacks.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY?
Other than my parents, it would be my brother. We’ve been working day in and day out with each other putting our noses down and getting to work.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
That first year of getting in the swing of football. I was in the seventh and we moved here from Texas. That first year was a great memory, being able to experience for the first time what it was like being around a team.
Regents School of Oxford took a big step in the school’s pursuit of building a football program last week when the first ever Lions football team traveled to Carroll Academy to take the field and begin the inaugural season.
The Lions will field a JV team this year and next, with the goal of having a full high school team for the 2025 season.
First year head coach JoJo Pearson took the young Lions on the road on Thursday, Aug. 17, and although the team was on the short end of a 40-18 final score, the ride home was raucous and cheerful.
“We took them in two vans and it was amazing,” Pearson said. “They were jacked up. It was the most encouraging part of the whole night for me, just to see their excitement after playing their first football game.”
“I’ve never lost a game and had that much positivity,” he said. “We went from learning how to put on our pads to our first game in a very short time. I’m expecting a lot of growth as the season goes on. I just want to encourage the kids to see God’s sovereignty and his love, and to learn to play unto the Lord and not unto man.”
Regents, in its 23rd
year, has experienced profound growth in recent years, spurring an ongoing capital campaign that will increase the school’s footprint with academic and athletic additions.
Pearson said school officials wisely chose to start the program with students in grades 6 to 9 and compete only as a
JV program for two years allowing coaches and staff to train and prepare a high school team to compete with established academies including Marshall, North Delta, and Carroll.
Regents chose to play all away games this season because of a lack of suitable playing sur-
face, but long term plans include new facilities for football, softball, baseball, track, and other athletic programs.
The Lions will have home games next year, officials said, and while it might not be the team’s “forever home” there will be football played on the Regents campus in 2024.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD? It feels good, it feels like we have been away a long time.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON? I focused on not skipping reps and making sure my teammates didn’t skip.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT? Bench press and squats were my biggest increase. Then being a better teammate, and showing more leadership.
WHAT IS THE COACHING STAFF EXPECTING FROM YOU THIS SEASON? They are expecting us to come out with the most energy we can and make sure we sure we show it every day.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/STUDENTS/STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON? Do what they have always been good at, supporting us every week so we can make it to the end.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY?
Not really sure yet. I will probably be going to Ole Miss. I think it will be something in health sciences and also on the criminal justice side.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE? The Tupelo game. They did us pretty bad last year, but I think we are going to be coming back strong this year.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK? Burrito from Chipotle is my favorite meal. Welch’s gummies for snack.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? Probably my mom.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY? It was back in Bucs, peewee football. I used to play linebacker back then and one time I picked up a fumble, but I got tackled and fumbled again. I felt so bad, but now when I look back it’s funny to me. I was seven then.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND TO THE TIGERS FANS AND SUPPORTERS?
It’s going to be a fun, fun run this year. Y’all need to get there. It’s going to be fun, and all roads lead to Jackson.
Anthony Hart will lead the Commodore football team this season after returning to the school where he built an 80-16 record, including an 18-5 mark in playoff games, from 2005-11.
“In some ways I feel like a first year coach, it’s a little different view from when I was here before, but it’s a lot of fun to be back,” Hart said last week. He led the Commodores to backto-back undefeated Class 4A state championships in his final two seasons at the helm, becoming the first coach in Mississippi high school football history to lead his team to a perfect 16-0 record.
The ‘Dores outscored opponents 1,316-293 over that stretch
as they secured the first two championships in program history. He also amassed a 6-1 record against Oxford High during those seasons.
This year’s team is deep on defense, but will be lacking early in the season with game experience on the offensive.
“We are very old on defense, we have a lot of seniors on that side. On offense, Coach (Will) Wolfe said we have only three players who played at all last year, so we have a lot of new guys,” he said.
On special teams, Hart said the coaches will emphasize the fundamentals. “We will keep it simple and solid and I think we will be okay. We have a kicker
that I think will make the field goals and extra points that we are supposed to make.”
With Will Wolfe as offensive coordinator and Jay Jones running the defense, Hart said he is confident players will be prepared on both sides of the ball. ”I hope we can play fast and hard with enthusiasm and do things right.”
Hart said the Commodores’ schedule will demand top performance each week.
“Oxford game one is a big challenge. And then you have West Point sitting there,” he said. “Those two teams are at the top, but there’s no team on the schedule that’s not good. So we have a big challenge.
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WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Got my legs stronger coming off an injury. I’m completely healthy now.
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE FANS/STUDENTS/ STAFF TO HELP THE TEAM THIS SEASON?
We need them to come watch to help support our team.
TALK ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF.
We have some new coaches and they are ready for the job. They get us prepared for what we have to do.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
The Oxford game is really big to everyone around here.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
Playing games, or just chilling with my teammates.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
Sonic hamburgers. Lifesavers candy. Who is your biggest fan? Why? My family. They are always keeping me up and they support me no matter what.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
Beating Oxford my 10th grade year.
HOW EXCITING IS IT TO BE BACK ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD?
I can’t wait. We’re excited to go against Oxford and win.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Conditioning, working out in the weight room and just getting better.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS DID YOU MAKE PERSONALLY?
Knowing the plays and route running and knowing where I need to be on the offensive line. I’ve been working on blocking, working on technique and how to dig people out, and blocking on the perimeter.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
West Point. I think we haven’t done so good against those guys in the past but this year we are going to show up and show them who we are.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR COMMODORE FANS?
Show up every night and be supportive.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
Hunt and fish.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
Steak. Probably candy.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? My dad.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
Probably 10th grade year beating Oxford at home with all the seniors.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON? Worked hard, got bigger, got stronger, got faster. I will be playing a lot more defense this year than I usually do, and I have to be ready for that.
WHAT IS ONE THING FANS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m actually really country.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Play football in college. My second choice is auto mechanics.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE? Oxford because it’s our rivalry. It’s always been our rivalry.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME? Either working out trying to keep my body active, or just at home trying to stay healthy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK? Chicken and chips.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY? My dad. My family is a sports family so he’s like that side person I go to in case I need something.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON? Lifted weights and worked on the things the coaches told us to do.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS IS THE COACHING STAFF EXPECTING FROM YOU? Catching and running routes, and having more touchdowns this year than I did last year.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE? West Point
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK? Chicken wings. Skittles.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? My mom
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Worked out a lot, working on a lot of little things. We want to be fast and furious.
WHAT WERE YOUR PERSONAL TRAINING GOALS?
I lost a little weight and just got stronger and faster. Currently benching twenty times more than last season.
TALK ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF. Coach Hart is strict, a very guy. Coach Wolfe is just always about getting after it.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
Diesel mechanics
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME? Fishing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK?
I like sushi. Probably chips.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY? My mom
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? Catching my first pick at D line my 10th grade year.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO PREPARE FOR THIS SEASON?
Worked on being a better football player. I got bigger and stronger in the weight room.
WHAT IS THE COACHING STAFF EXPECTING FROM YOU?
The best from all of us. More effort. We are working hard every day.
TALK ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF.
The coaching staff is great all around. They’ve been getting us ready.
WHAT GAME ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT ON THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE?
All of them. All of them are big to me and we just have to be ready for each one.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH FREE TIME?
I’m either working with my pops or at the house sleeping.
WHAT IS ONE THING FANS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I still like to watch Liv and Maddie.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? SNACK? Chicken nuggets and Zebra cakes.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN? WHY? My mom and my dad.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SO FAR IN FOOTBALL? WHY?
Against D.J. Burgess in my 9th grade year.
I have a confession to make. Unless it’s Homecoming and I want to see what the court’s gowns look like, I sometimes skip the main event and stay in the tailgate tent.
It’s too early to nail down any specific item just yet, and in the meantime, I’ve been perusing a column I wrote in 2016 on the occasion of Super Bowl 50. It almost killed me, but I managed to create, gather or edit 50 appetizer recipes to publish before the big game. Here are just a few of my favorites from that column to provide inspiration as tailgate…I mean football season, approaches.
KARA KIMBROUGH
DELISH BACON-ONION DIP — Cook 2 thinly sliced yellow onions in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Remove onions and cool; fry 6 slices of bacon in same skillet. Chop bacon and cooked onions and combine with a cup of sour cream, 2 chopped scallions and seasoning salt to taste.
SPICY FOOTBALL SPREAD — With mixer, combine 3, 8-ounce packages softened cream cheese, 3 cups cheddar, 1 cup of grated Romano cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, teaspoon of Worcestershire and dash of hot sauce. On plastic wrap, mold mixture into football shape or (or use a lined, medium plastic football dish). Place football on serving dish and
cover with chopped toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
OLD BAY SNACK MIX — Toss together party-size bag of regular potato chips, 2 cups each Cheez-Its and Goldfish crackers and mini pretzels, ½ stick melted butter and a tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes, stirring once.
Vegetable Pockets — Warm 12 pita pockets in the microwave. Snip off the tops and fill with a mixture of hummus, crumbled feta, chopped olives, cucumber, lettuce and tomato. (Can add sliced sandwich meat if you want). Serve with fresh dill dipping sauce.
FRESH DILL SAUCE — Combine 1 cup each mayo and sour cream, 2 tablespoons dill weed, 2 tablespoons Beau Monde seasoning and 1 teaspoon minced onion. Cover and refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Serve with Healthy Vegetable Pockets, sliced vegetables or crackers.
BETTER THAN STORE-BOUGHT PIMIENTO-CHEESE DIP — Mix ½ pound each grated cheddar and pepper jack, ¼ cup each mayonnaise and sour cream and 2 tablespoons diced pimientos. Season with hot sauce, onion and garlic powders and mix well; serve with crackers.
TOUCHDOWN DRUMSTICKS — Combine a cup of jarred picante sauce, ¼ cup of honey, tablespoon of soy sauce and ½ teaspoon grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Brush half the mixture on 12 chicken legs (can use chicken tenders) in a foil-covered baking pan; bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn legs and brush with remainder; continue baking 20 minutes or until tender. Serve with picante sauce.
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi and a travel agent. Email her at kkprco@yahoo. com.
