SPHS LEGENDS OF THE GRIDIRON

Welcome one and all to the LEGENDS of the GRIDIRON, an event presented by the City of Batesville at the Batesville Civic Center. I am Hal Ferrell, the Mayor of Batesville.

At 6:30 pm Saturday, June 24, 2023, Batesville will honor and recognize former South Panola coaches and athletes, national winning cheerleaders, and many local community leaders and volunteers who have contributed time and financial support for years to enhance South Panola athletics.

The event planning committee of Myra Bean, Shalonda Ford, Angie Ledbetter, Pamela Pope, Yolanda Shegog-Wright, and Patrice Shipp, my A-TEAM, has assembled outstanding tributes and a stellar evening of recognitions, sharing memories and friendships.

Thanks to the Batesville Board of Aldermen and many other financial sponsors, this event is free to attend.

Join us!

Hal Ferrell, Mayor City of Batesville, MS

LEGENDS

OF THE GRIDIRON

C elebrate the epic players of football lore. The Legends of the Gridiron honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the game of football within the nationally recognized South Panola High School football p rogram, either at the high school, collegiate or professional level.

AWARDS PROGRAM

PRESENTATION OF COLORS

SPHS AF JRROTC Color Guard

INVOCATION

Rev. Melvin “Bo” Ellis

INTRODUCTION OF AGENDA GUIDE

Ms. Pamela Pope

Agenda Guides

Yolanda Shegog-Wright and LaSherry Irby

GREETINGS

Honorable Mayor Hal Ferrell

OCCASION

Shalonda Keisha Ford

RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL CHEERLEADER CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

GRID IRON AWARDS & RECOGNITION

THE GOLDEN VOICES OF THE GRIDIRON Judge George Carlson, P.R. Roberts, Late Bob Norris, Stan Smythe, Steve Calvert

GRIDIRON HISTORIANS

Otis Griffin, Robert Shegog, Kenney Hopper, Chris Ware

THE ROOTS

Late Coach Darrell Arnold & Coach Ronald McMinn

THE DYNAMIC DUO

Coach Will Robertson, Jr. & Late Coach Robert Lightsey

THE BEGINNING OF THE DYNASTY

Coach Willis Wright

THE DYNASTY CONTINUES

Coach Ed Stanley & Coach Arnie Oakes

THE WINNING STREAKER

Coach Ricky Woods

THE REIGN OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Coach Lance Pogue

REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF A LEGEND

Late Coach Danny Ray Cole

SONG

Johnson Strong

TRAILBLAZERS

1970 DVC Championship Team

1977 Chickasaw Conference Championship Team

1993 State Championship Team

2010 National Championship Team

Joe Norwood, Al Simpson, Ronald Shegog, Deshea Townsend, Jermarcus “Yoshi” Hardrick, Posthumously Demetric Wright, Marcus Griffin

DANDY DOZEN

Dewayne Rudd (1993), Late Kevin Cooper (1994), Reggie Morris (1995), Kevin Jones (1996)

Toward Sanford (1997), Eddie Strong (1997), Chris Young (1999), James Dean (2000)

Chris Herring (2001), John Jerry (2004), Travis Sanford (2004), Derek Pegues (2004)

Jeramie Griffin (2006), Darius Barksdale (2007), David Connor (2008), Nick Parker (2009)

Nicholas Brassell (2010), Isaac Gross (2011), Temario Strong (2011) Tony Connor (2012), Deon Mix (2012)

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

SUPER FAN AWARDS

Devon Sanford, Glyn Glover, Steve Robinson, Fred Hentz, Dexter Chapman, Patrick Sykes,Late

James L. Pope, Late Herman Ellis, Late Charles Johnson, James Whitten, Late Jerome Pope, Otis Cooper

PROTECT AND SERVE RECOGNITION

Jason Ales, Justin Ales, Shane Phelps, Reginald Lantern, Maurice Market, Greg Chapman, Earl Burdette, Huey McDaniel, Dino Stutts, Albert Perkins

PAY-IT-FORWARD AWARDS (FEEDER PROGRAM)

Jamarca Sanford, Michael Oher, John Jerry, Peria Jerry, Darrell Henderson, Jr., Coach Malikia Griffin Coach

Artee Smith, Coach John Davis, Coach Terrance Pope, Coach Justin Lee, Coach John Jerry,Coach Anthony Kirkwood, Coach Jackie Chapman, Coach Tillman Ballentine

SUPER PATRONS

Lamb Family, Price Family, Barnes Family, First Security Bank, Cadence Bank

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Bob Dunlap

PHILANTHROPIST AWARDS

The Stone Family & Graves Family

CLOSING REMARKS

Honorable Mayor Hal Ferrell

The Roots

Late Coach

Darrel Arnold

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1970 to 1979

Coach Darrel Arnold was a graduate of Sardis High School where he earned All-Conference honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He enrolled in at Northwest Community College in 1953 and was quarterback for the Rangers the next two years, while earning All-State honors as pitcher and short stop for the Ranger baseball team. He graduated Northwest in 1955 and was inducted into the NW Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was inducted into the NW Athletic Hall of Fame.

After NW Coach continued his education at Arkansas State University where he played football and was captain of the baseball team. After graduating from there in 1957, he began his 32 1/2 year career as teacher, coach and administrator at Batesville High School which later became South Panola High School. He served as head football coach from 1970-1979 and had the first two undefeated teams at South Panola. He compiled an 80*21 record that included one Delta Valley Conference and five Chickasaw Conference football championships. This record earned him Conference Coach of the Year honors on six occasions.

Coach Arnold was named principal of SPHS om 1981 and remained there until his retirement in 1989.

In September 2019 the new South Panola varsity football locker room was dedicated in honor of Coach Arnold. He was later inducted into the 2020 inaugural class of the South Panola Hall of Fame as a football coach.

The Roots

Coach

Ronald McMinn

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1980 to 1990

One of South Panola's most notable coaches, Ronald "Runt" McMinn, nicknamed Runt from an early age, he graduated from Batesville High School in 1962 where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball earning second team all Delta Valley Conference in football and was the leading hitter on the baseball team. It was not McMinn’s high school athleticism for which he was named, it was his coaching career at South Panola. He attended Northwest Jr. College and Delta State University, where he was a successful student and a competitor on the diamond

In 1968, McMinn was led home to South Panola High School, where he started as the head boys' basketball coach and an assistant coach for baseball and football. One year later, he also took on the role of head girls' basketball coach, where he led the Lady Tigers to a Grand Slam title in 1970 after winning both state and overall state titles. In 1971, the Lady Tigers won another state title and finished as a runner-up in the overall state championship game.

After spending 10 years with the girls' basketball program, McMinn stepped into the head football coaching role at South Panola in 1980. He spent 10 years coaching the Tigers on the gridiron and was also appointed as the head baseball coach and athletic director during that time. As head football coach his teams won two conference championships and a district title. He was honored with Conference Coach of the Year and District Coach of the Year titles.

McMinn stepped away from the sidelines in 1990 but remained as the Tigers' baseball coach until his 1992 retirement. Today, MMinn continues to reside in Batesville and credits Northwest for inspiring his desire to pursue coaching.

The Dyn amic Duo Coach

Will Robertson, Jr.

Football Coach, Batesville Junior High Batesville, MS 1978 to 2008

Will Earnest Robertson, Jr. was born March 7, 1955, the third child of Will E. and Birdia L. Robertson. In 1961, he was enrolled in the first grade at South Panola Training School which was later renamed Patton Lane. He attended Patton Lane through his eighth-grade year playing varsity basketball and watching football practices and games.

In 1968, the Civil Rights Movement was becoming strong. Desegregation laws had been passed and were being enforced. There was first choice integration where each person decided to go to the white school. In 1969, it was a chosen integration; he was in this group to go to South Panola. South Panola was a whole new experience leaving childhood friends and going into unknown surroundings. Has anyone heard the expression "Like a fly in buttermilk" well that's the way it was in some classes and on the ninth-grade football team. He didn't have too many problems because he was the biggest and fastest on the team.

In 1970, total integration became a reality. Patton Lane was closed, and all students were transferred to South Panola. He cannot say there was not any trouble with the two different ethnic groups together. As the years progressed, the atmosphere at South Panola became better. He graduated in 1973 and had an opportunity to receive an athletic scholarship. His choices were Texas Southern, Alcorn State, University of Southern MS, and Ole Miss. He chose Ole Miss. It was his future that he would be the first black from Batesville to play football. He and his roommate were just the second group of blacks to play. It's ironic that his years at Ole Miss were like the years at South Panola because the next year 12 more blacks enrolled during the summer months. He worked construction jobs with Carothers and Carothers and Panola Construction Co. In 1976, he was fortunate to marry his high school sweetheart, Juldine Chambers, and continued to work towards his degree.

In May 1978, he received his degree and most importantly ~ passed the teachers exam. The fall of 1978, He was employed by South Panola School District with his assigned school being Batesville Junior High. There he taught and coached many students and athletes over the years with pretty good success. Also, he has worked at the Corps of Engineers as a Park Ranger since 1979. In 1990 and 1991, he and Juldine had additions to their family, a son, Jevon and a daughter, Kierra. In 2008, he retired after 30 years and is now enjoying his retirement with his family

The Dyn amic Duo

Late Coach Robert Lightsey

Football Coach, Batesville Junior High

Batesville, MS 1981 to 2008

Robert Lightsey, the youngest of the five sons of Bufkin & Margie Lightsey, was a lifetime resident of Batesville, Mississippi. During his early years whenever he was not busy learning the value of hard work, he developed competitive skills by playing ball with his brothers and neighbors and sharpening his accuracy & throwing ability in their corn cob fights. When Robert was fourteen, he received the life-changing diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. With this diagnosis came daily insulin shots, testing, dietary & other restrictions. Robert was not so concerned about whether he could continue to play ball but rather when he could start playing again. While he didn’t exactly receive the positive assurance he wanted, his determination proved that he could & would indeed play. Most players face only one opponent in playing ball, but Robert also faced this additional adversary 24/7…all day every day. With his erratic coaching schedules, no schedule was normal or the same. When it rained, he was always physically working on ball fields giving him more challenges. Knowing exercise not only made him feel better but was part of the necessary treatment for staying healthy, Robert continued daily exercise for as long as he lived. Looking back over his lifetime, this opponent made life much harder but did beat him. When Robert was in the eighth grade, he received the honor of Most Athletic which foretold of his future athletic accomplishments. He not only worked hard & always tried to do his best but was truly a natural & talented athlete. At South Panola, Robert excelled in football, basketball, & baseball earning all Delta Valley Conference honors in each sport. His DVC honors came as a tight end & punter in football, as a forward in basketball & as a pitcher in baseball. After graduating from South Panola High School in 1970, Robert attended Northwest Junior College where he played football & received honors as an All-State Junior college punter. He also played baseball.

In 1974, Robert graduated from the University of Mississippi. Then he accepted his first job at North Panola High School where he taught physical science & coached football, girls’ basketball, & baseball. While his girls’ basketball teams were quite successful, there was no junior high football program which made successful high school competition almost impossible. Two years later he began teaching & coaching at Batesville Junior High while also assisting in the high school. He also did some scouting for the high school football team. In 1981 the dynamic coaching duo of Coach Robert Lightsey & Coach Will “Pete” Robertson began. For the next 27 years this exceptional duo made a definite mark on South Panola athletics by using profound motivation…sometimes with a board…if it were necessary. This exceptional coaching duo’s responsibilities & duties included 7th, 8th, & 9th grade football, 7th, 8th, & 9th grade girls & boys’ basketball, and all the PE classes in junior high. Robert later served as head baseball coach in the high school, coached tennis, was named teacher of the year & served as AD for the junior high. Coach Robertson also coached track. In 2008 Robert told Pete he would be retiring. So, in 2008 after working together for twenty-seven years, the dynamic coaching duo of Coach Robert Lightsey & Coach Will “Pete” Robertson retired together. On July 18, 2014, Coach Lightsey passed away leaving behind his high school sweetheart & wife Carol Anne Stone Lightsey. Robert also left the other delights of his heart… his daughter Sandra Lynn Bright & husband Josh & his son Brad, wife Kerry, & six precious grandchildren…Sadie, Anson, Easton, Carter, Kate & Reise. They are following in the footsteps, example & legacy of Coach Robert Lightsey, their beloved Pop.

The Beginning of the Dynasty

Coach Willis Wright

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1991 to 1993, 2001- 2006

Coach James Willis Wright attended Winona High School 1959-1963. He attended Holmes Junior College – Goodman, MS – 1963-1965 and Delta State University – Cleveland, MS – 1965-1968

He was head football coach at South Panola High from 1991 to 1993. During his tenure, he earned the following: 1993 squad finished 15-0, district, North State, Class 5A state champions; rated the no. 1 high school football team in the state; team ranked no. 13 in national high school standings in USA Today; defeated Warren Central 42-28 for state title at Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS; Received MAC Championship Coach Award, 1993-94; Named MAC High School Football Coach of the Year, 1993; Named Mississippi Sportswriters Coach of the Year, 1993; Received MAC Service Award, July 30, 1993; MAC Coaching Staff of the Year, 1993; Selected as 1992 Chickasaw Conference Coach of the Year; Received Award of Excellence two times from District Board of Trustees for division, 1992 & 1993; 1991 team finished 5-5; 1992 team finished 10-2, district & Chickasaw Conference titles; Offensive coordinator for Mississippi team in Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic, June 18, 1994; and Received MAC 25 Year Service Award, 1993. He was also Athletic Director of South Panola High from 1993 to 1995.

He returned to South Panola as the Defensive Coordinator from 2001 to 2006 and earned the following achievements: Team was 75-0 at one time and ranked by Sports Illustrated as 3rd in the nation; Team won five consecutive Class 5A state championships: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 4 during his tenure; 2003 team finished 15-0, no. 1 team in the state, no. 9 national ranking by USA Today; only the 4th team in 5A history to complete a perfect season; and a member of MAC Coaching Staff of the Year, 2002.

His additional recognitions include being inducted into MAC Coaches Hall of Fame, July 17, 1998; Football stadium at Saltillo High named “Willis Wright Stadium” in his honor, 2011; and inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The Dynasty Continues Coach ED STANLEY

Head Football Coach

South Panola High, Batesville, MS 1991-2001

Ed Stanley was born on a dairy cattle farm just outside of West Point, Miss. At 10-years-old, his father changed professions and became a high school football coach.

They moved to Smithville, MS in 1976. Stanley graduated from New Albany High School in 1976. After high school, Stanley attended the University of Miami on a football scholarship. He later transferred to Delta State university where he graduated with a master’s degree in physical education.

Coach Ed Stanley came to South Panola in 1991 as an assistant coach and spent the next 10 years being an integral part of South Panola history. After moving to head coach in 1994 on the reference of Coach Willis Wright, Stanley amassed an 81-24 record while directing the team to three state championship appearances in 1996, 1997 and the second state championship in 1998. During his era, he saw eight players chosen as Dandy Dozen Kevin Cooper, Reggie Morris, Kevin “Trouble” Jones, Toward Sanford, Eddie Strong, Chris Young, James Dean and Chris Herring. Numerous players signed National Letters of Intent.

Though he is referred to as a legendary coach, he gives credit to having very good players to coach that led to his success.

After leaving South Panola, Stanley coached at Meridian High School from 2002 to 2005 where he had a 31-19-1 record. From 2006 to 2009 he coached at St. Martin. He was at Newton High. He left his final coaching stint at Magee in 2013 with a 9-3 record.

Stanley coached high school football in Mississippi for 30 years before retiring. He now resides in Miramar Beach, Florida."

The Dynasty CONTINUES

Coach Arnie Oakes

Football Coach – Power Lifting

South Panola High Batesville, MS 1998-

Coach Arnie Oakes came to South Panola in September 1998 and became an important part of the 1998 Championship team. With an extensive background in powerlifting, from athlete to coach, Coach Oakes understood the importance of a strength program to the success of any football program and launched the South Panola Powerlifting team known as the Iron Tigers.

For 16 years, Coach Oakes’s powerlifting program produced a steady stream of remarkable athletes. Under his guidance, numerous lifters dominated their weight classes and set long-standing state records, a testament to the meticulous training methods and unwavering dedication of both coach and athletes.

The impact of Coach Oakes’s powerlifting program extended beyond the realm of powerlifting. The program played an instrumental role in developing the domineering strength and physical prowess that became synonymous with South Panola Football. The team established itself as a formidable force, known for unyielding power and unrelenting determination.

Coach Oakes’s legacy at South Panola is one of immense influence and achievement. Through his pioneering efforts in powerlifting, his dedication to developing well-rounded athletes, his unwavering commitment, and exceptional coaching abilities Coach Oakes left an indelible mark on South Panola football and the lives of the athletes who benefited from his guidance.

The Winn ing Streaker

Coach Ricky Woods

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 2017-2021

Legendary South Panola High School Football Coach, Ricky Woods, had a coaching career spanning over 10 years with the tigers (2002 - 2006; 2017 - 2021). He was head coach for 5 of those years, 20172021.

Woods is best known for his five seasons as head coach at South Panola High School, one of the Top 15 high school programs in the country year in and year out. A four-time Class 5A Coach of the Year and 2005 EA Sports and Clarion Ledger National Coach of the Year selection, Woods compiled a record of 118-18 at the helm of the Tigers, which included an unprecedented 60-game win streak from 2002-06. He also led South Panola to four consecutive Class 5A State Championships, with his teams ranking in the Top 10 every year according to USA Today.

Woods was also named Schutt Sports Southwest Region High School Coach of the Year in 2004 and was chosen Class 5A State Coach of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches on four different occasions.

Before taking the job at South Panola, Woods was the head coach at Ackerman High School for six seasons from 1995-2001. He led Ackerman to Class 2A State Championships in 1997 and 2001 and state runner-up finishes in 1996 and 2000. He was chosen region Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2001 and district Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1999.

As head coach at Eupora High School for five seasons from 1990 through 1994, Woods earned district Coach of the Year honors in 1993.

Woods is a 1982 graduate of Mississippi State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education.

The Reign of National Champions

Coach

Lance Pogue

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 2007 to 2017

Lance Pogue coached 10 seasons at South Panola, winning a state championship in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. He also won a National Championship in 2010.

Pogue’s overall record is 238-67 with 23 seasons as a head coach.

Some is his coaching awards and honors include the 2014 Clarion-Ledger Coach of the Year, 2013 Mississippi Head Coach in the Miss/AL All-Star game, 2013 Under Armour All-American Game Assistant Coach, 2011 East Head Coach for the U. S. Army All-American Game with an East 13-10 victory, 2011 Hall of Fame Holmes Community College, 2010 Russell Athletic National Coach of the Year, 2010 USA Today National Coach of the Year, 2010 Clarion-Ledger Sportsman of the Year, and 2009 ClarionLedger Coach of the Year.

Pogue had the honor of coaching 4 Clarion-Ledger’s Mr. Football with Darius Barksdale (2007), Quinn Griffin (2010), Antonio Conner (2012), and Darrell Henderson (2014).

While at South Panola, Pogue had 9 Clarion- Ledger’s Dandy Dozens with Darius “Tig” Barksdale (2007), David Conner (2008), Nicholas Parker (2009), Nickolas Brassell (2010), Issac Gross (2011), Temario Strong (2011), Antonio Conner (2012), Deon Nix (2012) and Darrell Henderson (2014).

Remembering the Life of a Legend

March 27, 1964

◊ May 31, 2020

Danny ray cole

He graduated from South Panola High School in 1983, and later became the Strength and Conditioning

He attended Northwest Community College, and University of Arkansas at Monticello where he received his B.S. degree in Physical Education in 1991. He was a proud member of the Psi Rho Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was also a member of the Mississippi High School Coaches Association.

Coach Cole was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Northwest Community College. He worked part-time as a Jailer at Senatobia Police Department. He was also a former Ranger at the Sardis Dam Lake. Away from playing the field, coach lifted weights as a hobby, which earned him a place as one of the “Strongest Men in Mississippi”.

THe Trailblazers

THe Trailblazers

Joe Brenel Norwood

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1970 - 1974

Born in Batesville, MS December 1955, Joe Brenel Norwood was a trailblazer on and off the football field. He started attending South Panola in 1969 as a seventh grader, just a year before the school became integrated. Despite the challenges of being one of the only black students at the school, Joe didn't let that stop him from pursuing his passion for football.

In 1970, Joe joined the South Panola football team as the only black player, playing fullback. He continued to play fullback in ninth grade before switching to defensive corner in the tenth grade. By his junior and senior years, had become a strong safety, demonstrating his versatility on the field.

In his senior year, Joe was recognized for his hard work and talent by winning the all-conference award. His remarkable performance on the field earned him a scholarship to Northwest Community College. Through his dedication to football and his unwavering determination, Joe has become a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of football players. His legacy continues to inspire those around him, and his achievements will always be remembered as a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Willie Conner is a homegrown product of Batesville, MS. He attended South Panola High School 1975 - 1978 and is a member of the Class of 1978. During his tenure with the Tiger football program, he was the starting quarterback of the 1977 Undefeated Championship Team which had a record of 10-0. This 1977 Team was the first undefeated team in the Delta Valley Conference after 1970: the 2nd Undefeated Unit in SPHS History. and the 1st back-to-back Chickasaw Conference Championship Team.

After high school, he attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and obtained a Bachelor of General Studies (Telecommunications). He later attended Webster University in Fort Sam, Houston, TX and received an MBA in Computer Resources & Information Management. He has two adult children. His son, Omar Henderson, was a part of the SPHS '93 5A State Championship Team. Willie is currently retired and doing as little as possible!

Willie Conner

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1975 - 1978

THe Trailblazers

Ronald "Rolo" Shegog

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS

1980 - 1982

Ronald "Rolo" Shegog is a 1982 graduate of South Panola High School. He was a member of the Tiger Football Team from 1980 - 1982 during the tenure of Coach Ronald McMinn, Darrel Arnold, Jerry Harper and Will "Pete" Robertson. During his high school career, he was named one of the Mississippi High School All-Stars in 1982 as well as All Conference. It was also during this time that he earned the name "Rolo", which was Coach McMinn's version of Ronald.

After leaving South Panola, he attended Northwest Community College, in Senatobia, Mississippi, from 1982 to 1983. There he was a part of the Rancher Football Team under the leadership of Coach Bobby Franklin. It was during this time that he was named 1982 Juco National Champion and earned the Juno National Track and Field honor in High Jumping.

His football journey then led him to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was a member of the Governors' Football Team from 1984 - 1985. Under the leadership of Coach Emery Hale and John Bowers he made Second Team All American. This paved the way for his NFL Career.

In 1985 he joined the New England Patriots out of Boston, Massachusetts, as an undrafted free agent. He made it to the last cut and was then released. He was invited back to tryout in 1986 and made the team. He was able to play half the season until he was injured and released later that year. He was the first South Panola High School football player to play in the NFL. Although his time in the NFL came to a sudden end, he was able to pave the way for many others to follow. He showed them that with hard work, discipline, and perseverance there is no limit to where you can go, what you can achieve and who you can become. He confirmed that great athletes come from small town coaching.

Ronald is the proud son of Mr. & Mrs. James Cosby and the late Tommy C. Shegog He currently resides in West Tennessee with his wife of 22 years, Lynne, and their son, Lemuel.

Trailblazers

Dewayne Rudd

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1990 to 1993

Dewayne Rudd played for the South Panola Tigers from 1990-1993 under Coach Willis Wright. Dwayne was one of the most decorated football players to come from South Panola. He earned a lot of firsts as a hard-knocking defensive end on the Tiger defense. He was the first Dandy Dozen, the first Parade AllAmerican and first Blue-chip Illustrated’s All-American. He was named to the All-American and All-State teams. In 1992 he received the Chickasaw Conference All-Conference. In 1993, he was No. 1 on the Clarion-Ledger’s top 40 recruits. Sports South named him to the All-South Team in 1993.

Dwayne played a major part of the school’s first undefeated state championship team in 1993. During his senior season for South Panola, Rudd had 61 tackles (31 solo), one sack, two tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and scored one touchdown. He made history as one of five players from South Panola who played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star game. He was named to the MSWA All-State team. Dwayne also signed a full football scholarship at the University of Alabama. In Alabama, he was the SEC Defensive Player of the year.

Dwayne Rudd was the first South Panola football player to be drafted to the NFL as the 20th pick in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1997. He was selected to the NFL All-Pro Second Team in 1998 and retired in 2003. Rudd holds the NFL record for the most total fumble return yards in a single season with 157, which he set in 1998. He also shares the NFL record (with many players) both for the most total fumble recoveries for touchdowns in a season and the most opponent fumble recoveries for touchdowns in season, with two each.

THe Trailblazers

Trevor Deshea Townsend

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1991 to 1993

Trevor Deshea Townsend is a native of Batesville, MS and attended South Panola High School where he played multiple sports throughout his high school career and excelled athletically and academically from 1991-1994. Townsend played quarterback for the South Panola High School football team, under the leadership of Coach Willis Wright. In 1993 Deshea was a part of the first high school football team in Mississippi history to ever win a 5A state championship with an undefeated record of 15-0. He made Alldistrict and all state in 1993. Townsend made All District quarterback, and set state track record 4x 100 with Malikia Griffin, Kevin Jones, and Clifton Willingham.

He went on to play as cornerback at The University of Alabama on a football scholarship, with fellow high school teammate Dwayne Rudd. He was named All-SEC in 1995,1996,1997 as well as named team co-captain in 1997. In 1998 Deshea was blessed to take his talents to the next level, being drafted to the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. During his 12-year stint, he accumulated endless stats and is a 2x Super Bowl champion. This made him the first former South Panola High football player to accomplish this goal. As a true lover of the game, he decided to stay close to the game and entered the coaching realm.

Starting his coaching career with the Arizona cardinals, came closer to home at Mississippi State, took a trip to Nashville with the Tennessee Titans, took a bite of the big apple with the New York Giants, had some deep-dish pizza with the Chicago Bears and now he’s under the palm trees with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a man with many accolades, he is not quite done aa he achieved his latest accomplishment by being inducted into the South Panola Hall of Fame.

Starting in 2000, during his offseason, Deshea hosted his annual football camp in Batesville through his “Pay it Forward” foundation. He brought many teammates and colleagues who people never thought they would meet, let alone be trained by. These camps continued for 10+ years and helped foster the youth’s dreams and gave them a glimpse of who they could become with hard-work and determination. Townsend contributed consistently to the Batesville Boys & Girls Club, Hope Mentoring, INC., the Batesville Tigers Youth Football League, and his high school alma mater. Deshea leads by example following his own footsteps and being the “blueprint” of giving back to Batesville. Mr. Townsend’s Pay-ItForward Foundation, “Feeder Program” displays him to truly be the change he speaks of and helps the community members strive for the dreams they all seek.

THe Trailblazers

Late Demetric Wright

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1995 to 1998

Demetric Wright played for the South Panola Tigers from 1995-1998 under Coach Ed Stanley. He helped lead the Tigers to the Class 5A State Championship, their fifth consecutive district title, their third straight North Half Crown, and a record of 14-1 in 1998. Wright was a skilled defensive back, and his phenomenal talent on the field helped him receive a plethora of recognition. Wright started at cornerback in the Mississippi-Alabama AlI-Star Game and made four tackles; FOX Sports South second team AlI-South; selected first team All-State by The Clarion-Ledger after senior season in 1998; selected by coaches as Most Valuable Defensive Player in Region I Class 5A; intercepted a school-record of 3 passes; recovered three fumbles; and made 52 tackles as a cornerback. He has held the record for the most interceptions for 25 years, a record which has yet to be broken. He was named twice as Q93 Player of the Week. Wright was both a Two-time All-Conference and All-District selection. He was chosen Q93 Student Athlete of the Week.

Rated as one of the top running backs in the south during his senior season in 2003. Selected to the Orlando Sentinel's AllSouthern Team and was voted first team AlI-State by The ClarionLedger. Earned Region 1 Class 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player honors. Was named Nationally player of the week, and Player of the week 14 times out of 30 games played. Rushed for 1,837 and 19 touchdowns in 200 carries in 2003. Totaled 1,546 yards and 11 touchdowns in 205 attempts in 2002. Rushed for a career high and set a state record for 269 yards on 34 carries and scored 2 touchdowns in the 2003 Class 5A State Championship game. Led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 record and their third state crown, Coached by Ricky Woods.

Marcus Griffin

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 1999 to 2003

Jermarcus Hardrick

Football Player, South Panola High Batesville, MS 2004 to 2008

Jermarcus Hardrick is a 2008 South Panola High School graduate and is entering his 12th season as a professional football player. During his career at South Panola, the Tigers remained undefeated and won multiple state championships. After high school, Jermarcus attended Fort Scott Community College in Kansas where he became a national recruit. At Fort Scott Hardrick earned two Jayhawk All-Conference honors, became a two-time NJCAA All-American, and reached the NCJAA National Championship game. Hardrick then earned a scholarship to continue playing college football at the University of Nebraska. While at Nebraska, Jermarcus helped the Cornhuskers rush for an average of 217 yards a game while ranked 15th in the nation.

As an undrafted free agent, Hardrick signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and finished that season with the New Orleans Saints. After spending time in arena football with the Utah Blaze, Jermarcus was signed by the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in 2014. Jermarcus spent 2015 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before finding his current home with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2016. In 2017 Hardrick was selected as a CFL West Division All-Star. In 2019 Jermarcus helped the Bombers win their first Grey Cup Championship in over 30 years. After a canceled season in 2020, Hardrick returned to Winnipeg in 2021 to help the Bombers’ offensive line give up the fewest sacks in the league and win back-to-back Grey Cup Championships. Once again, Jermarcus earned CFL West Division All-Star honors as well as becoming a CFL All-Star and CFLPA AllStar. In 2022 Jermarcus started his 100th game in the CFL and helped the Bombers reach the Grey Cup Championships once again where they fell short of a three-peat in a thrilling one-point defeat. Jermarcus earned his second CFLPA All-Star and finished the season with a new franchise record of 15 wins.

In his playing career to date, Jermarcus has won 7 football championships. Hardrick’s film has been featured in various Coach’s Clinic DVDs as well as at the C.O.O.L Clinic, a well-respected offensive line specialty clinic held annually for coaches. During the offseason, Jermarcus lives with his wife Samantha and their children- Jermarcus Jr., Santana, and Lyla in Lincoln, Nebraska. When he is not playing football, he helps develop youth lineman talent throughout his community.

THe DANDY DOZEN

Late Kevin Cooper (1994)

Chris Young (1999)

Toward Sanford (1997)

Reggie Morris (1995)

Eddie Strong (1997) Kevin Jones (1996) L Ki C 1994

James Dean (2000) Darius Barksdale (2007)

Dwayne Rudd (1993)

Chris Strong (2006) Jeramie Griffin (2006)

THe DANDY DOZEN

Nick Parker (2009)

David Connor (2008)

Nicholas Brassell (2010)

Isaac Gross (2011)

Deon Mix (2012)

Temario Strong (2011)

Darrell Henderson (2014)

Antonio Conner (2012)

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time and energy to invest in our vision and in our event; your sponsorship is integral to our ability to serve and honor our accomplished sports community.

SPONSORS

Applebee’s

Ava Sue’s Flowers

Batesville Tire & Muffler LLC

Belk Ford

Benjamin Boren

Cadence Bank

Crown Me Wellness Spa

Dennis Darby

Rev. Odell Draper

Elite Signs and Graphics

First Security Bank

Gateway Tire

Katie Ragon

Oxford Toyota

Panola County Juneteenth Committee

Panola Partnership

The Panolian Newspaper

Sheriff Shane & Melissa Phelps

Planters Bank

Ray Poole State Farm Insurance

Jay Roze Photography

Justin & Denise Pope

Pride Hyundai

Southern Beverage Company

SPHS Class of 1985 Hospitality Committee

Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering

Vault Entertainment

Vancellis King Printing

GRIDIRON COMMITTEE

Angie Ledbetter

Myra Bean

Pamela Pope

Patrice Shipp

Sholanda “Keisha” Ford

Yolanda Shegog-Wright