Golden Triangle High School Football Preview 2010 by Peter Imes

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

2 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010 About the cover: Front: Heritage Academy’s John Laws Ferguson, New Hope’s Zak Thrasher, and West Point’s Tommy Keys. Back: Starkville’s Jaquez Johnson, New Hope’s Earnest Lang, Columbus’ Chris Richardson, Noxubee County’s Corey Williams, West Point’s Justin Cox, and Columbus’ Drew Jordan. (Kelly Tippett photo)

WHAT’S INSIDE Aberdeen Bulldogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 New Hope Trojans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Aliceville Yellow Jackets . . . . . . . . . . 27 Noxubee County Tigers . . . . . . . . . . 17 Amory Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Oak Hill Academy Raiders . . . . . . . . 16 Caledonia Confederates. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Pickens Academy Pirates. . . . . . . . . 25

FOOTBALL 2010

Central Academy Vikings . . . . . . . . . 18 Pickens County Tornadoes. . . . . . . . 26

A publication of

THE DISPATCH

Columbus Falcons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 South Lamar Stallions . . . . . . . . . . . 28

P.O. Box 511 • Columbus, MS 39703 (662) 328-2424

Editor and Publisher Birney Imes Sports Adam Minichino Henry Matuszak David Miller

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Cover Design Jackie Taylor

East Oktibbeha Titans . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Starkville Academy Volunteers. . . . . 11

Photographers Luisa Porter Kelly Tippett

East Webster Wolverines . . . . . . . . . 22 Starkville Yellow Jackets. . . . . . . . . . 10

Graphic Artists Jackie Taylor Holona Yarber

Hamilton Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sulligent Blue Devils . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

How to reach us Sports Department: 327-1297

Hebron Christian Eagles . . . . . . . . . 14 Victory Christian Eagles. . . . . . . . . . . 7

To report game scores (24-hour line): In Mississippi: 241-5000 In Alabama: 1-888-477-1555

Heritage Academy Patriots . . . . . . . . 8 West Lowndes Panthers . . . . . . . . . . 9 Immanuel Rams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 West Oktibbeha Timberwolves. . . . . 13

E-mail: n sports@cdispatch.com, n aminichino@cdispatch.com, n hgmsports@cdispatch.com, n dmiller@cdispatch.com

Lamar County Bulldogs . . . . . . . . . . 29 West Point Green Wave . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fax: 662-329-8937

Louisville Wildcats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Winston Academy Patriots . . . . . . . . 24

places to be

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

teams to see 10 8 26

22 21

12 11 6 24

7 14 28

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL

100 Bulldog Blvd., Aberdeen 662-369-8933

ALICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 417 3rd St. SE, Aliceville 205-373-6378

AMORY HIGH SCHOOL

1006 Sam Haskell Circle, Amory 662-256-5753

CALEDONIA HIGH SCHOOL

111 Confederate Drive, Caledonia 662-356-2001

CENTRAL ACADEMY

300 Hale Street, Macon 662-726-5846

COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL

215 Hemlock Street, Columbus 662-241-7200

EAST OKTIBBEHA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 178 Moor High Road, Crawford 662-272-5603

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

EAST WEBSTER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 195 Old Cumberland Road, Maben 662-263-5321

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL

40201 Hamilton Road, Hamilton 662-343-8307

HEBRON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 6230 Henryville Road, Pheba 662-494-7513

HERITAGE ACADEMY

625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus 662-327-5272

IMMANUEL CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 6405 Military Road, Steens 662-328-7888

LAMAR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 43880 Hwy. 17 S, Vernon 205-695-7129

LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 200 Ivy Avenue, Louisville 662-773-3431

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

19 18

NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL

3419 New Hope Road, Columbus 662-244-4701

NOXUBEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 16478 Hwy. 45, Macon 662-76-4428

OAK HILL ACADEMY

800 N. Eshman, West Point 662-494-0301

PICKENS ACADEMY

225 Ray Bass Road, Carrollton 205-367-8144

PICKENS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 205 4th Ave. SE, Reform 256-375-2344

SOUTH LAMAR SCHOOL 300 Sls Road, Millport 205-662-4411

STARKVILLE ACADEMY

505 Academy Drive, Starkville 662-323-7814

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

603 Yellowjacket Drive, Starville 662-324-4130

SULLIGENT HIGH SCHOOL 661 Elm Street, Sulligent 205-698-9254

VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 374 Mill Road, Columbus 662-327-7744

WEST LOWNDES HIGH SCHOOL

644 South Frontage Road, Columbus 662-244-5070

WEST OKTIBBEHA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2459 Holland Street, Maben 662-263-8106

WEST POINT HIGH SCHOOL

950 S. Eshman Avenue, West Point 662-494-5083

WINSTON ACADEMY

111 Richardson Road, Louisville 662-773-3569

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

COLUMBUS FALCONS MHSAA Class 6A, Region 1; 2009 Record 3-8

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch staff

Columbus 2010 team: 1-Jimmy Cockrell, 2-Damian Baker, 3-Rashad Meeks, 4-Cedric Jackson, 5-Jalen Buchanan, 6-Keith Brooks, 7-Randy Brown, 8-Sharkee Robinson, 9Jabari Edwards, 10-Jamarcus Jones, 11-Martavious McKinney, 12-Demarcus Vancy, 13-TJ Robinson, 14-Jarius Chatman, 15-Deontae Jones, 16-Trace Lee, 17-James Gunter, 18-Gemriah Williams, 20-George Lowery, 21-Tyler Sanders, 22-Jamie Taylor, 24-Quan Latham, 25-Byerson Cockrell, 26-Willie Porter, 27-Jason Davis, 28-Roydrick Bailey, 29Eric Roberts, 31-Chris Richardson, 32-Josh Thomas, 33-Steve White, 34-Ramadus Beasley, 36-Larry Williams, 37-Wesley Petty, 38-Ian Williams, 39-Ronald Gore, 40Emmanuel Edens, 41-Brent Petty, 42-Jarvis Ellis, 43-Devontress Harris, 44-Corey Brown, 45-Tevin Oglen, 46-Martell Railey, 47-Chris Conner, 48-Tyler Calvert, 49-Tyler Davis, 50-Wymon Mixon, 51-Brendon Harris, 53-Drew Jordan, 54-Orlando Taylor, 55-Jamel Grant, 56-Kenny Averhart, 57-Jaymarcus Sherrod, 58-Tim Hudgins, 59-Jeremy Morgan, 60-Chris Wolfe, 62-Brodrick Trimel, 64-Jerome Monroe, 65-Cedric Jones, 66-Lyndon Johnson, 67-Jamal Robertson, 68-Ryan McDonald, 70-Austin Andrews, 71-Kyler Ward, 72-Bryant Hudgins, 74-Justin Verner, 75-Martavious Mitchell, 77-Tyshawn Carter, 78-Jake Thomas, 80-Tyler Brock, 81-Anturio Brooks, 82-Dalon Moore, 83-Deon Taylor, 84-Iziah Jones, 85-Jarcquarius Clark, 86-Greg Giles, 87-Michael Sturdivant, 88-Vidal Harris, 89-Martin Sherrod.

Richardson, Jordan plan to change course BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com

To establish a tradition, a team needs leaders. The Columbus High School football team has had its share of athletes the past few years attempt to set the example required to help the Falcons recapture their winning ways. It has been since 2004 since a Columbus High football team has had a winning season. Chris Richardson and Drew Jordan plan to make this the season that changes. On a team with 13 seniors and a talented group of juniors, first-year coach Tony Stanford said the play and leadership of Richardson and Jordan will help determine if the Falcons change their course. “I think the biggest thing they want to do, and we have talked a lot about it, is they want to get a tradition started,” Stanford said. “They want to be the class that makes the playoffs and do something in the playoffs instead of every year we get close and don’t make it. ... They don’t have anything to build off of. The only thing we have to build off is we have lost, we have lost. You have to start somewhere. We hope this class will be it and you can say, ‘So and so was the leader of that team.’ The kids all knew it. We need that type of tradition here, and we hope the senior class will be the ones who start it, and these two young men are part of that class.” In their third year on the varsity team, both players worked hard in the offseason to position themselves as leaders. They weren’t standouts in their first two seasons, but they focused in the spring and in the sum-

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Tony Stanford (first year as head coach, third at school) n ASSISTANTS: Jim Hamilton, Jeremy Orsagh, Brandon Brown, Matt Snow, James Richardson, Chris Childress, Paul Killen

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Columbus center Drew Jordan (53, left) and running back and outside linebacker Chris Richardson, (31, left) are willing to fight to lead the Falcons to a winning season.

mer on molding themselves into better football players. They feel they are ready and willing to accept the daunting challenge of transforming a program that has won four games in the past two years into a contender. “I didn’t step it up like I was supposed to,” said Richardson, who saw the majority of his action on special teams and at linebacker last season. “This year, I am stepping up to the highest level as much as I can.” Richardson said he made

COLUMBUS SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

At Aberdeen NOXUBEE CO. WEST POINT Open At Louisville At Tupelo SOUTHAVEN At South Panola DESOTO CENTRAL At Horn Lake OLIVE BRANCH At Starkville

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

a lot of excuses last season for his performance. He thought he had a lot of time to make his mark but realized many players only have one chance to play the game. It hit him that if he didn’t take his opportunity he might miss it. As a result, Richardson has positioned himself to earn playing time at running back and seeing more action at outside linebacker. “I have to give glory to God because without Him I wouldn’t be in the spot I am now and I wouldn’t have made it,” said Richardson, a 5-foot-9, 180-pounder. “When I first got on the team, I saw the seniors leading and I am trying to be like them. They are the reason I got better every day and why I am trying to be a senior role model.” Richardson said the seniors he has played with have

said. Jordan replaced Billy Autrey at center last season. He sensed a year ago that his footwork and his handwork needed to improve, so he focused in the offseason on ladder drills, cone drills,

trained like they were “going to battle,” and he is trying to carry that mind-set forward this season. “I believe this season should be very successful because we have worked super hard,” Richardson

and work in the weight room to transform his game. The result is a stronger, more confident player who is anxious to lead by example. “I have learned seniors See COLUMBUS, 19

O% FOR 60 MONTHS* SALES EVENT

OR CHOOSE $1,000 CASH BACK!

Get Ready To Roll this season with a new TT-A Series (45-75 hp) or Workmaster™ Series (45 and 55 hp) tractor from New Holland. Buy now and get 0% financing for a full five years. But hurry! The New Holland Ready to Roll Sales Event ends September 30, 2010, so stop by today for complete details. • Available 8X8 Synchronized Shuttle Transmission (Workmaster™ Series) • Available 4WD • Biodiesel approved • Flip-up hood for fast servicing • Excellent visibility to front & back of tractor

Have a Great Season! GO ! ONS FALC

Martin Truck and Tractor Co., Inc. 566 Highway 182 E. • Columbus, MS 39702 662-328-5341

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

www.martintruckandtractor.com

“Serving East MS & West AL Since 1933”

*For agricultural use. Offer subject to CNH Capital America LLC credit approval. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good through September 30, 2010, at participating New Holland dealers in the United States. Offer subject to change. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2010 CNH America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland and CNH Capital are registered trademarks of CNH America LLC.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

4 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

NEW HOPE TROJANS MHSAA Class 5A, Region 1; 2009 Record: 11-2

Credit?

New Hope 2010 team: 2-Trae Collins, 3-Tanner Ryals, 4-Daniel Gregory, 5-Horace “Roc” Carr, 6-Curtis Shirley, 8-Kris Douglas, 9-Franklin Richardson, 10-Darius Petty, 12Desmond Psalms, 14-Justin Dayhoff, 15-Zak Thrasher, 16-Ryan Lee, 17-Dylan Hawkins, 18-Lonnie Stephenson, 19-E.J. Jenkins, 20-Johnny Beamon, 21-Jameel Johnson, 22Devin Walton, 23-JoJo Reeves, 24-Todd Harris, 25-Dylon Pritchett, 26-Terrance Dentry, 27-Ryan Lowe, 28-Ben Saint, 30-Austin Oswalt, 31-Fred Harrison, 32-M.J. Shirley, 34-David Richardson, 35-Dalton Hodges, 36-Jeremy Washington, 37-Ben Veazey, 38-Terance Taylor, 42-Jarmar Payne, 44-Terrence Payne, 45-Tyler Warnat, 49-Dustin Owens, 50-Mike Love, 52-Quentin White, 53-Zack Graves, 54-Kearick Patterson, 55-Q Newby, 56-Derek Pierce, 57-Justin Sherrod, 58-Thomas Fisher, 59-Charles Thompson, 60-Trever Weeks, 61-Eric Romans, 62-Nate Saint, 64-Dalton Gray, 70-Christian Thornton, 72-Park Stevens, 74-Shawn Gray, 75-Lee Pegram, 76-Earnest Lang, 78-Marcus Johnson, 79-Corey Council, 80-Leebo Davis, 82-Tavoris Crowell, 86-Lawrence Brown. Head coach: Michael Bradley. Assistant coaches: Dale Hardin, Jacob Owen, Matt Keith, Bob Reeves, Tony Odom.

Three-headed monster set to make things go BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com

Have a Great Season! GO ! JANS O TR

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

Adam Minichino/Dispatch Staff

From left: New Hope High School seniors Terrance Dentry, Johnny Beamon, and Franklin Richardson Jr. will try to terrorize teams when they are on the field at the same time on offense.

you on carry No. 3 just when you’re tr ying to catch your breath. Now that’s an attack that is bound to scare any defense. Those will be just three of the weapons at the disposal of New Hope coach Michael Bradley. The Trojans showcased all three on the field at the same time occasionally last season. But opponents figure to get a bigger taste of the senior trio this year. “We’re going to try to have all three of them on the field quite a bit this year,” Bradley said. “Frank is a very valuable member of our defense, and we have basically kept him of f of fense because we really didn’t have anybody to take his place on defense. We

have some younger players who have come along and maybe can give him some relief on defense. "He is a very versatile player. He runs well and he catches the ball well. Putting him on the field with Johnny and Terrance will definitely make us more of a threat. It will open up things, hopefully, for the other two to have more room.” Dentry, Beamon, and Richardson Jr. are just three pieces in a multi-talented offense that also includes senior quarterback Zak Thrasher, a three-year star ter, running back Darius Petty, and tight end Lawrence Brown. But the three-headed monster figures to give New Hope, which is coming off a program-best 11-

Next to Belk • Columbus • 327-3332 www.monogramsplusgifts.com

Show your team pride! All Area High School & College Cheerleader Outfits Hairbows Bloomers Socks Pompoms Blankets & More

Make An Initial Impression That Lasts!

2 season in 2009, something most teams in the state don’t have: Three experienced players who can change a game with one touch. “We say we’re monsters,” said Dentry, a 5foot-9, 175-pounder. “We tell any other team that is looking at us they better be ready and bring all they have.” Dentry is the leader of the group after rushing for a team-best 1,279 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He led the Trojans in rushing every game except one, a season-ending 41-21 loss to eventual Class 5A state champion West Point. The defeat was one of two New Hope suf fered to West Point. The losses served as motivation for Dentr y, Beamon, and

DID

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Michael Bradley (fifth season, 26-20) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Dale Hardin, Bob Reeves, Jacob Owen, Matt Keith, Tony Odum, Bill Ford

NUMBER’S GAME

16 Number of returning starters, including nine on offense.

NEW HOPE SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Open Aug. 27 At Tupelo Sept. 3 At Amory Sept. 10 Open Sept. 17 At Caledonia Sept. 24 OXFORD Oct. 1 At West Point Oct. 8 LAKE CORMORANT Oct. 15 SALTILLO Oct. 22 CLARKSDALE Oct. 29 At Hernando Nov. 5 INDIANOLA GENTRY HOME GAMES IN CAPS

OU KNOW?

Tyson Lee (former quarterback for MSU) and the YMCA will offer Flag Football Ages 6 thru 10

Registration August 9-30, 2010 Downtown Y only MUST Bring Birth Certificate YMCA Members $40.00 Program Members $50.00 Pr

In Interested in coaching?? Pleas call Perry at the YMCA. Please 662-328-7696

www.columbus-ymca.com

The scariest monster comes off the screen with a tenaciousness that makes you squirm in your seat. But your parents told you time and time again there are no such things as monsters, right? If you believe that, you better make a point to attend a New Hope High School football game this season. The attraction won’t be under a carnival tent, and it won’t have neon lights illuminating the way to a once-in-a-lifetime oddity. Instead, the Trojans’ three-headed monster will appear on a green field every Friday night this fall and will try to run past you or over you, depending on who is carrying the ball. On the first carr y, Terrance Dentr y might bulldoze you into the turf. On the second, Johnny Beamon is likely to dance past you, setting the stage for Franklin Richardson Jr. to jet past

Richardson Jr. in the offseason and pushed them to train with each other nearly every day. "When you lose to a team twice and you have lost to them every year, plus your eighth grade year, something has to click,” Beamon said. “We have something on our chest. Every time we take the field this year it is coming from our heart.” Beamon had 54 carries for 384 yards, an average of 7.1 yards per carr y. He also led the team with 24 catches for 388 yards and four touchdowns. At. 5-7, 160, Beamon is the smallest of the three playmakers, but that doesn’t mean he is any less dangerous. He uses his shiftiness and his quick feet to make people miss and to stretch defenses for his teammates. Beamon admits he isn’t fond of monster movies. After all, Beamon spends most of his spare time watching ESPN, and the network hasn’t branched out to that genre yet. Still, Beamon named more than a few names when asked who he considers monster athletes. He said Ray Lewis, Warren Sapp, Terrell Owens, Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, Jerr y Rice, and Chad Ochocinco are players whose work ethic made them monsters in his eyes. That’s the mind-set — See NEW HOPE, 23

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

CALEDONIA CONFEDERATES MHSAA Class 4A, Region 4; 2009 Record: 0-10

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Caledonia High School offensive lineman Alex Reed works on his blocking technique with the help of Noe Estrada, right. Reed will be one of the senior leaders up front who will try to use his speed and quickness in the Confederates’ new offense, a hydrid Wing-T installed by new coach Ricky Kendrick.

Senior offensive linemen to lead charge in Wing-T BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com

CALEDONIA 2010 TEAM

CALEDONIA — Change can be an ideal remedy. But when that change involves scrapping an offense that was put in one year earlier for something completely different, the transformation can slow to a crawl. But Ricky Kendrick’s decision to do away with the spread offense coach David Boykin installed last year and bring in the Wing-T appears to be a god fit with offensive linemen Kendrick Hunter Foster, Alex Reed, and Tres Peacock and the rest of the Caledonia High School football team. “The way coach Kendrick introduces it is very powerful,” said Reed, a 6-foot-1, 190-pounder. “He has done it for a long time, and other teams have won championships with it. South Panola won quite a few championships with the Wing T, so maybe in the years coming we can hopefully reach those standards.” Reed’s comment reflects the positivity Kendrick has fast-tracked into the program. After a 1-9 season in 2008 and an 0-10 finish last season, a positive approach likely is the only one that would work. Kendrick appears to be ready to stick around for a few years to make sure it sticks. If he does, he would end the revolving door nature to the Caledonia football job. Boykin replaced Jack Hankins after the 2005 season and coached two years before leaving. Jason Forrester

1-Randy Randle, 2-Jon Jon Phinezee, 3-Jarrett Winston, 4Eric Douglas, 5-Tyrus Hill, 6Kevin Kugel, 7-Trey Lancaster, 8-Ben Marchbanks, 10-Jonathan Pagaduan, 12-Caleb Roebuck, 13-Joshua Kugel, 14-Ryan Unruh, 15-Richard Keen, 16Joshua Betts, 18-Lucas Eads, 20-Onterrio Lowery, 21-Chris Griffin, 22-Quavis Betts, 23Nathan Brauer, 24-Tyler Lowe, 25-Peter Pagaduan, 30-William Breen, 31-Tyler Armistad, 32Colton Gilbreath, 33-Cole ReedWood, 45-Dario Marques, 53Tres Peacock, 55-Hunter Griffin,

guided the team for one year before Boykin returned last season Now it’s Kendrick’s turn to try to transform Caledonia into a winner. The former head coach at Nettleton coached most recently at Amory High, a Class 4A Region 4 rival of Caledonia’s. Amory’s 28-0 victory against Caledonia last year gave Kendrick a glimpse of what he would eventually inherit. Seeing the Confederates made Kendrick realize a Wing-T might be a better fit for their personnel. Reed won’t disagree. He is expected to team with Hunter Foster, Tres Peacock, Cole Carter, Hunter Griffin, and tight end Ryan Unruh up front to help the Confederates erase the memory of last season that saw them score only 34 points. Caledonia was shut out five times, including four games in a row in the middle of the season. Reed is confident the Confederates will be able to excel at the Wing-T because it is easier to understand than Boykin’s spread

56-Noe Estrada, 57-Will Mainka, 60-Tyler Blain, 61Michael Ward, 63-Lane Greggs, 64-Jarrett Hopper, 67-Zachery Harrell, 70-Alex Reed, 71Garrett Wester, 74-Reed School, 75-Jaylon White, 77Cole Carter, 78-Nicholas Moore, 79-Hunter Foster, 80-Jonathan Comer, 83-Tyler Schultz, 84Hunter McBride, 85-Jason Bryant, 86-Xavier Hill, 88-Tyler Treece. Head coach: Ricky Kendrick. Assistant coaches: James Moore, James Reed, Larry Wright, Mark Hysaw.

concepts. He also said Kendrick has brought a sense of pride to the program and a desire to get things done that has renewed everyone’s enthusiasm. “He keeps us together as a family,” Reed said. “He treats us like a coach should and coaches us as hard as he can.” Foster agrees that the Wing-T has been easier to pick up. He said the Confederates are having more fun with the offense and that they look pretty good through the first part of the preseason. “We’re using our speed to get people sealed really quick and to get the ball upfield,” Foster said. “It is all about working the ball upfield.” Kendrick said the Wing-T’s pulling and trapping of linemen disguises the Confederates’ lack of size up front. He said Reed, Peacock, and Foster have good mobility and are able to get out and move to create running lanes. More importantly, Kendrick said

they have bought into the new system and encouraged their teammates to do the same. “Coming in new, you don’t expect to see such leadership,” Kendrick said. “Off a team that was 0-10 last year these guys are fired up about football. They love the game, they enjoy the team, and they are excited about the team, and it is carrying over to the younger folks. “It seems like they’re buying in and really accepting things. They are very attentive at practice, and we’ve had some of the best practices I have been involved with. They have been eating it up.” Kendrick plans to have the programs that feed into Caledonia High run the Wing-T, too. The ability of younger players to run the offense earlier in their careers will make the transition to high school even easier. Reed and the other four seniors on this year’s team likely won’t be around to see those classes mature into Wing-T experts. That’s OK, though, because Reed and his teammates intend to enjoy being the first class to run the offense that helped transform the Caledonia High football program. “It will be a challenge this year, but we’re going to rise to the challenge,” Reed said. “We have really had that embroidered into our brains so it will run smoothly and that we can take each step forward and no steps back “I think this year is really going to change some things, and it is going to be a change for the better. With a new coaching staff and coach Kendrick, it is time for Caledonia to step forward instead of taking a step back.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CONFEDERATES QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n RICHARD KEENE, TREY LANCASTER, GARRET WINSTON Keene, who also plays baseball, didn’t play football last season. He played two years ago. He came to summer workouts and Kendrick encouraged him to stick with it.

n TYLER ARMISTAD (FULLBACK) COLE REED-WOOD (FULLBACK), TYLER LOWE (TAILBACK), CALEB ROEBUCK Kendrick likes the grittiness of Armistad and Reed-Wood and the speed of Lowe.

n ERIC DOUGLAS, JONATHAN COMER Kendrick doesn’t disguise the fact that Caledonia will run the ball. But don’t be too eager to stack the box because he said the Confederates will burn you if you forget.

n HUNTER FOSTER, ALEX REED, TRES PEACOCK, COLE CARTER, HUNTER GRIFFIN, RYAN UNRUH This group makes up for what it lacks in girth with athleticism and quickness.

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “That’s what you look for in someone in the Wing-T, somebody who has a little sand to them,” Kendrick said. “They both get after you pretty good.”

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “They better be able to block, too,” Kendrick said. “Everybody on our team needs to be able to block.”

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “ We don’t have big kids, but we have decent size,” Kendrick said. “In the Wing-T we can utilize the speed and quickness of the smaller linemen.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n FOSTER, REED, PEACOCK, CARTER, GRIFFIN, UNRUH, NOE ESTRADA, NICK MOORE: Kendrick said the Confederates will run a 3-4 and try to rotate players in to keep them fresh.

n BREEN AND ARMISTAD (INSIDE), LANCASTER AND UNRUH (OUTSIDE) Size also isn’t a priority at the position. Kendrick likes the attitude these players have shown in the preseason.

n ROEBUCK, TYRUS HILL, RANDY RANDLE, JON PHINIZEE, BEN MARCHBANKS A blend of youth and experience that includes decent speed.

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “Our quarterback has to be a little different athlete than the spread,” Kendrick said. “(Keene) has come on and done a fine job of running (the Wing-T). Even though he didn’t play last year he shows some poise, which is what you look for in the position.”

SPECIAL TEAMS n BREEN (PUNTING), JOSH AND KEVIN KUGEL n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “I have been pleasantly surprised,” Kendrick said.

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “All three of the guys up front have to be interchangeable,” Kendrick said. “We have got some young kids who will be able to help us.”

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “They are as big as nothing but they like to mix it up and get after you,” Kendrick said.

n COACH KENDRICK SAYS: “The safeties will be asked to fill the lanes, and we feel they will be pretty solid,” Kendrick said.

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Ricky Kendrick (first season at school) n ASSISTANT COACHES: James Reed, Mark Hysaw, James Moore (defensive coordinator), Larr y Wright

NUMBER’S GAME

11 Returning Starters: 6 –offense; 5 – defense

19 The number of games the Confederates have lost in a row, dating back to the 2008 season.

KEY IN 2010 n RICKY KENDRICK: “I realize they have had some good coaches, and I am not sure I am as good or better than anybody they have had here, but nobody has been willing to endure the storm. To me, it is going to take somebody who makes a commitment to the kids and to the community and is going to see a ninth-grade group graduate.”

CALEDONIA SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 26 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct.1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29

At Ruleville At Saltillo At West Lowndes At Nettleton NEW HOPE HAMILTON AMORY At Houston LOUISVILLE At Kosciusko NOXUBEE CO.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Have a Great Season! GO S! ATE DER

FE CON

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

6 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN RAMS MAIS Class A, District 3; 2009 Record: 1-9

Rams look to have turnaround season BY JAN BLAINE Special to the Dispatch

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Shawn Gates (Second year, 1-9) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Daniel Merchant (Defensive Coordinator), Greg Gates (Quarterbacks), Bubba Davis (Offensive Line and Special Teams), Will Sullivan (Wide Receivers), Aaron Lee (Linebackers)

NUMBER’S GAME

8 Returning Lettermen

8 Returning Starters: Offense – 8; Defense – 8

KEY IN 2010 n COACH GATES: “ We have more players this season (20 on the roster). That is a major improvement from last season, when our numbers seemed to be a huge issue. We have also been able to improve our strength and speed and gain a better knowledge of the game. Hopefully that all adds up to a turnaround next season.”

STEENS — The Immanuel Christian football team has struggled the past few years. Most recently, the Rams finished 1-9 season in Shawn Gates’ first year as a head coach. “There were a lot of growing pains we had to go through,” Gates said. “We did struggle with various aspects of our performance and execution on the field, but our biggest weakness was our lack in depth.” Gates believes the Rams have remedied that major hindrance thanks to the return of several players returning from last season in key positions and the addition of some newcomers who will bring add to the talent pool. “We got eight guys returning that gave me a good effort last season,” Gates said. “We were also able to add a couple of kids, which puts our roster to 20 players. That is a major boost for us.” One of the newcomers is junior tailback and linebacker Norris Harris. Gates is ver y high on Harris’ ability to help the Rams this season. Although Harris is a newcomer to Immanuel, he is well aware of the Rams’ recent struggles and doesn’t want to see the same outcome this season. “My goal is for us (Immanuel) to make the playoffs,” Harris said. “If we get there, I feel we will have confidence and be able to do something special.” Gates said Harris brings speed and power and will be a major boost for the rushing attack. Harris also will play a huge role as a linebacker. Gates hinted Harris’ speed and power might help him find his way into the return game. Harris’ versatility and quickness also has caught his the eyes of his teammates. “We added speed this year Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

See IMMANUEL, 9

Immanuel Christian’s Norris Harris (2) and Michael Tate will lead the Rams’ ground attack this season.

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Immanuel 2010 team: 2-Norris Harris, 4-Brendan Bailey, 5-Josh Dantzler, 8-Jacob Rhodes, 10-Joel Meek, 12-Michael Tate, 14-Sam Mayo, 19-Ross Moore, 23-Wesley Lake, 25-Justin James, 33-Zach Stricklin, 40-Bradley Briggs, 53-James Wriley, 54-Josh Davidson, 57-Zach Kimbrell, 65-Ryan Watkins, 66-Wil Harmond, 74-Jeremy Davidson, 75Luke Hudson, 79-Christopher Randazzo, 81-Dustin White.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RAMS

IMMANUEL SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At Hatley Aug. 27 At Central Aca. Sept. 3 CARROLL ACA. Sept. 10 At Calhoun Aca. Sept. 17 At Winona Chr. Sept. 24 N. RIVER, ALA. Oct. 1 HOULKA Oct. 8 At Heidelberg Oct. 15 HEBRON CHR. Oct. 22 CENT. HOLMES Oct. 29 NEW SITE HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Have a Great Season! GO S! RAM

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n ROSS MOORE, JR. The Rams hope an improved Moore, who was the starter last season, will provide solid leadership.

n MICHAEL TATE, JR.; NORRIS HARRIS, JR. The Rams return experience with Tate and have added a speedster in Harris to bring an extra punch to the running attack.

n JOSH DANTZLER, SO.; JUSTIN JAMES, SR. The height of James, who is 6-foot-5, and the speed of Dantzler should give the Rams two valuable weapons to help move the ball.

n JAMES RILEY, JR.; JEREMY DAVIDSON, JR.; DUSTIN WHITE, SR. Immanuel Christian has muchneeded experience at the position this season.

n COACH GATES SAYS: “Ross (Moore) is looking much better with his passes and techniques. He definitely turned out a good summer.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “By adding Norris we have definitely improved our speed. We are definitely stronger with the two backs, and they have done a good job of gaining good weight this offseason.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “Justin (James) is a big target for us with his height, and Dantzler has done a great job improving his speed this offseason.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “Jeremy (Davidson) was all-area last season as a sophomore, so having him return is huge for our experience,” Gates said. “James (Riley) was honorable mention. They will definitely be a boost for us.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n JEREMY DAVIDSON, JR.; ZACH KIMBRELL, SO.; DUSTIN WHITE, SR. Running a 3-4 defensive scheme has its challenges, but the Rams possess speed in the trenches, which could be a plus in their ability to rush the passer this season.

n NORRIS HARRIS, JR.; JAMES RILEY, JR.; MICHAEL TATE, JR.; JOSH DANTZLER, SO. These appear to have the speed necessary to contain the rush and to drop back in coverage in select schemes.

n WESLEY LAKE, SR.; JUSTIN JAMES, SR. With two seniors returning, the Rams could be threats when opposing teams want to throw the football.

n DUSTIN WHITE, SR. Dustin White was an all-area selection as a punter last season and is bidding for the kicking job as well. With the addition of Harris, Immanuel Christian could have a secret weapon next season in the return game.

n COACH GATES SAYS: “ We are very quick upfront, which is necessary for us so the other guys can drop back in coverage and not worr y about much scrambling.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “Our linebackers are a very strong unit. We have experience and speed. I am looking forward to seeing what they can do.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “The one thing this unit has above any other is stamina. Those two (Lake and James) don’t get tired often. Add their speed and strength to the mix and they could be dangerous.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “It is good to have Dustin (White) back as a punter. We are still trying to figure out who our kicker and returners might be, but I have my eye on a couple of guys.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

VICTORY EAGLES Christian Football Association; 2009 Record: 10-0 (CFA champions)

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Victory Christian 2010 team - 8 Marcus Sims, 10-Brandon Foster, 12-Ben Williams, 20-Will Pitts, 21-Landon Ellis, 22 -Tyler Jones, 23-Tayler Frye, 24-Hunter Austin, 32-Jay Pace, 33-Charlie Price, 34-Kaleb Holliness, 48-Paul Blair, 50-Bo McCrary, 52-Joshua Foxworthy, 55-Destin Edwards, 56-Brandon Shaw, 62-Joey Shirah, 64-Aaron Ott, 67Hunter Johnson, 70-Clinton Spencer, 80-Nick Hairston, 88-Sam Fisher

Seniors look to maintain Eagles’ streak BY JAN BLAINE Special to the Dispatch

A winning streak is something any team wants to conjure. But when the streak reaches 22, winning almost appears to have transformed into habit. The Victory Christian football teams enters this season riding a 22-game win streak thanks to consecutive Christian Football Association championships. The Eagles’ five senior leaders have been there for every one of those victories. “We have special leadership on this team, and it will be important for this season,” said Victor y Christian coach Chris Hamm, who is in his 14th year. “This group of seniors works hard and are good leaders for the younger guys. I believe the mark on this season’s team is the senior leadership.” Many believe leadership is a trait that is untaught. If that is true, Victory Christian is blessed to have five senior leaders who have all played with each other since junior high. “That is a good thing for us,” said senior lineman Destin Edwards, “because we know how to play with each other and know what to expect from one another.” That familiarity, plenty of hard work and determination and yes, some talent has helped the Eagles remain unbeaten for so long. With such an impressive mark standing, one might assume the leaders of would feel added pressure. But senior fullback Ben Williams said they shy away from any pressure. “There is no pressure on us, we just have one goal,” Williams said. “That goal is to win another championship. Coach Hamm does a great job of keeping us complacent and not letting us get caught up in the win streak.” The seniors are replacing a stellar group of seniors from last season’s team, but the variety that exists among this year’s group could be a formula for another

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Chris Hamm (10-0 in 2009; 14 years) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Kevin Harrell (Defense/Special Teams) Todd Dyer (Defense) Ronnie McDaniel (Offense)

NUMBER’S GAME

13 Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Front row, from left: Victory Christian will look to Ben Williams, Landon Ellis, Tyler Jones and back row, from left, Destin Edwards, Joey Shirah, and Hunter Johnson to help the team contend for a third consecutive Christian Football Association title.

successful season for Hamm. Edwards, Williams, tailback / cornerback Landon Ellis, receiver / defensive lineman Hunter Johnson, and receiver / linebacker Tyler Jones are friends who have taken control of their roles as leaders. “As seniors we can’t goof off during workouts,” Ellis said. “It is OK to be fun, but there is a time to be serious, and it is up to us to be there and lead the younger guys when they need it.” This leadership role the seniors have seized goes beyond wins or losses. The seniors see their influence expanding past the gridiron and past this season. “As seniors, our goal is a championship, but it is also to be the best leaders we can be,” Johnson said. “It is up to us to show the younger guys how to carry themselves, not only on the field but off it as well, and, hopefully, it will carry on into the future.” Those quality characteristics

are just part of the formula that has helped Hamm and the Eagles be so successful. “The kids work hard,” Hamm said. “They love to win and they know that is impossible without giving it their all during workouts.” This of fseason, hitting the weight room three times a week and tossing in a dash of conditioning helped the Eagles build strength and improve stamina, both weaknesses according to the five seniors. “We all needed to add some muscle and size to our bodies,” Ellis said. “But also, we all play both ways so it was important for us to keep our stamina up in the offseason.” Normally, a major concern for a program that has experienced so much success is apathy or complacency hindering a team’s mentality, preparation, or effort. That doesn’t appear to be a factor for Victory Christian. “We want to win them all. We

want a three-peat,” Jones said. Williams interjected to make the claim that the championship was more impor tant than an undefeated season, shortly after Edwards comically admitted an undefeated season wouldn’t be a bad thing. The camaraderie between the seniors proves why the Eagles have been so successful. They share a special bond that has existed since they were in junior high and has turned them into what Edwards described as a family. “We all hangout with each other, even away from football,” Edwards said. “We hang out after the games and enjoy being around each other. We are a very tight-knit group.” With the challenge of the upcoming season and with the opportunity to defend its winning streak and its championships, Victor y Christian appears to be in good hands led by a special senior unit.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EAGLES QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n MARCUS SIMS, JR. The Eagles look to replace three-year starter Parker Eaves, but Hamm is confident Sims is up for the challenge.

n BEN WILLIAMS, SR.; LANDON ELLIS, SR. Victory Christian is experienced and solid in the backfield and with Ellis leading the attack.

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Marcus has got the size to play the position and is still growing. Add a great arm to that and all he lacks is experience.”

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Ben (Williams) is hard-nosed and loves to hit, and does it well. Landon (Ellis) returns as our starter, and we are very glad to have him back.”

n TYLER JONES, SR.; HUNTER JOHNSON, SR. Jones is Victory Christian’s most experienced receiver, while Johnson will attempt to prove himself as he moved from lineman to a tight end.

n DESTIN EDWARDS, SR.; AARON OTT, JR.; PAUL BLAIR, JR. There’s some question marks on the line with Johnson moving to receiver, so the Eagles will depend on Edwards.

DEFENSIVE LINE n BEN WILLIAMS, SR.; PAUL BLAIR, JR.; HUNTER JOHNSON, SR.; NICK HAIRSTON, JR. With all four starters returning the first wave will be strong again. n COACH HAMM SAYS: “The defense did a good job last season shutting people down. I especially see big things from the front line this season.”

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Tyler has good hands and knows how to use his size. Hunter has always been a big guy, but he is also capable of catching some passes.”

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Destin is making a position switch from guard to center, but I don’t see him having a problem. We have had some health issues on the line, but if we can resolve those I feel they will perform well.”

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n TYLER JONES, SR.; JAY PACE, JR. Jay Pace gets the nod to replace Daylon Hairston. The return of Jones should bolster the unit.

n LANDON ELLIS, SR.; KALEB HOLINESS, JR. Ellis has been the anchor at this position for a couple seasons, but Holiness looks to ride the momentum from a great championship game last year into this season.

n TYLER JONES, SR.; LANDON ELLIS, SR.; KALEB HOLINESS, JR. Jones returns to handle the punting duties. He also will be the team’s kicker. Ellis and Holiness will return kicks and punts.

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Landon does a good job in coverage, but also is great at containing the outside rush. Kaleb is smaller but has worked hard and continually keeps improving.”as

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “We are replacing our kicker from last season (C.J. Bell), but I am confident in Tyler’s leg. Landon and Kaleb have been consistently good for us at returning the ball.”

n COACH HAMM SAYS: “Tyler will bring the experience to the position, but Jay has the chance to be really good there as well.

Returning Lettermen

10 Returning Starters: Offense – 4; Defense – 6

KEY IN 2010 n COACH HAMM: “We have special senior leadership on this team, and it will be important this season. This group of seniors works hard and are good leaders for the younger guys. The mark on this season’s team is the senior leadership.”

VICTORY CHRISTIAN SCHEDULE Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22

ELLWOOD CHR. At New Life At Tabernacle At Victory Baptist TBA HERITAGE Open NORTH RIVER CHR. TUSCALOOSA CHR.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Have a Great Season! GO ! LES EAG

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

8 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Credit?

Heritage Academy 2010 team: 1-Miller Puckett, 2-Cade Lott, 3-Tyler Marchak, 5-Stance Henderson, 7-Brandon Bell, 8-John Laws Ferguson, 13-Parker Turner, 21-Taylor Fields, 22-Hudson Bean, 24-Parker Dunaway, 25-Aaron Studdard, 31-Hunter Buxton, 33-Tyler Knight, 34-Zach Taylor, 43-Tyler Sundman, 44-Mark Adams, 50-Colton Younger, 51-Wesley Swedenburg, 54-Matthew Morrison, 55-Blake Sharp, 56-Colby Upton, 60-Clint Markham, 70-Tyler King, 71-Will Bonner, 73-Marshall Tomlinson, 74-Drew Johnson, 75-Bryant Bonner, 80-David Hardy, 85-Glenn Akins. Head coach: Brad Butler. Assistant coaches: Marcus Davidson, Greg Sykes, Steve Morgan, Randy Edmonson.

HERITAGE ACADEMY PATRIOTS MAIS Class AAA, North Division I; 2009 Record: 3-8

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Brad Butler (second season, 3-8) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Marcus Davidson, Greg Sykes, Steve Morgan, Randy Edmonson

NUMBER’S GAME

10 Returning Starters: Offense — 5; Defense — 5

KEY IN 2010 n COACH BUTLER: “We have more depth even though we have only 29 on the roster. We have a lot of guys who play different positions. They have to become dogs rather than puppies.”

HERITAGE ACADEMY SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At Oak Hill Aug. 27 WINSTON Sept. 3 At Starkville Sept. 10 LAMAR Sept. 17 MRA Sept. 24 At Pres. Chris. Oct. 1 At Magnolia Hts. Oct. 8 At JA Oct. 15 PILLOW Oct. 22 At Washington Oct. 29 LEE HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Have a Great Season! GO S! RIOT T PA

1120 Gardner Blvd Columbus, MS 328-5776

Seniors want to plot different ending BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com Stance Henderson would love to remember the positives about the 2009 season. Unfortunately, the way the Patriots ended the campaign erased any of the momentum the team generated early in the season. After winning its first three games, Heritage Academy stumbled in its next two games against Lamar School and MadisonRidgeland Academy. Those losses proved to be more damaging than believed, as the Patriots lost the next six games en route to their fourth losing season in a row.

Henderson and his five senior teammates don’t intend to allow the same scenario to play out this season. “The personnel (last year) wasn’t any more athletic (than it is this year),” Henderson said. “It is that the personnel this year has the football mind-set and they know how to dig deep when it gets tough.” Henderson, a 6-foot, 205-pound fullback/middle linebacker will lead a senior group that includes left guard/nose guard Colton Younger, wide receiver/cornerback Glenn Akins, running back/linebacker John Laws Ferguson, defensive tackle/offensive tackle Tyler King, and wide

these days compared to when I played, and probably 20 years earlier than that. “As young as we are, it is important our seniors step up as leaders because these guys have some athletic ability and have had success before but this is new to them, too.” The “these guys” Butler refers to are a group of sophomores that is the core of the team. Last year, the Patriots’ freshmen went undefeated, which has created optimism that this year can be different from the past four years. It has been since 2005, when Heritage Academy lost to

See PATRIOTS, 14

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PATRIOTS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n BRANDON BELL, CADE LOTT Bell, a junior, is a transfer from Caledonia High, where he was the starting quarterback. He will adjust from a spread formation to more work as a pocket passer. n COACH BUTLER SAYS: “Brandon (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) runs well for a big guy, and he has a good arm. Lott also will be used in some packages. We feel good about having him because if something happens we can keep going without having a drastic dropoff.”

n JOHN LAWS FERGUSON, STANCE HENDERSON, AARON STUDDARD, MILLER PUCKETT, HUDSON BEAN Bruisers — Ferguson, Henderson, Studdard — will try to soften defenses so Puckett and Bean can run past them. n COACH BUTLER SAYS: “John Laws Ferguson is a power runner. Hudson played tailback and Miller played out side on the freshman team last year. Both guys give us a different dimension with speed and quickness.”

n CADE LOTT, PARKER DUNAWAY, TYLER MARCHAK, ZACH TAYLOR (SLOT), DAVID HARDY, TAYLOR FIELDS (TIGHT END) At 6-2, Lott is a big target, while Taylor, a sophomore, is one of the state’s top sprinters. n COACH BUTLER SAYS: “Cade is not too big, but he has good speed and we feel like we should be able to get him open and get one-on-one matchups. Tyler has great hands. In the running game, we feel like David becomes another lineman.”

n BLAKE SHARP, COLTON YOUNGER, WILL BONNER, CLINT MARKHAM, MATTHEW MORRISON, WESLEY SWEDENBURG, MARSHALL TOMLINSON, COLBY UPTON, BRYANT BONNER, TYLER KING Several players on the line need to develop mean streaks to take their play to another level. n COACH BUTLER SAYS: “Tyler King has been the most improved lineman since day one. He had a great summer and is coming off the ball well.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n SHARP, DAVID HARDY, SWEDENBURG, CLINT MARKHAM, DREW JOHNSON, KING, BONNER, TAYLOR FIELDS Sharp has “all of the tools” but needs to play with an attitude.

n HENDERSON, FERGUSON, TYLER KNIGHT, MARK ADAMS, STUDDARD, TYLER SUNDMAN Butler said the Patriots have a difficult time running the ball against Henderson, a 6-foot, 210pound senior who led the team in tackles last season, in practice.

n GLENN AKINS, RETURNING STARTER, RANGY, GOOD AGAINST THE RUN; MARCHAK, LOTT, BEAN, HUNTER BUXTON, PARKER TURNER, PARKER DUNAWAY, PUCKETT Akins, a senior and returning starter, is rangy but good against the run. n COACH BUTLER SAYS: “ We’re counting on Hudson being able to make some plays against the run at the line of scrimmage. Parker Turner has a great nose for the ball, and Parker Dunaway has great closing speed.”

n BEAN (FIELD GOALS), HENDERSON (KICKOFFS); TAYLOR HENDERSON (PUNTING) Cade Lott will do all of the snapping, while Dunaway will do the holding.

n COACH BUTLER SAYS:

“David Hardy is long and can run. We feel he can pursue the ball up and down the line of scrimmage. At nose guard, Swedenburg is a strong kid with a lot of quickness. Clint Markham has probably had the best summer in two-a-day practices as anybody.”

n COACH BUTLER SAYS:

“Stance is the leader of the defense. Even in practice he plays every down. John Laws plays on the strong side, and he is probably as good on defense as he is on offense.”

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, SORBENT WAREHOUSE, LLC

Toby Lott

receiver/cornerback Hunter Buxton. Heritage Academy secondyear coach Brad Butler isn’t sure how effective this year’s group of senior leaders will be, but he likes what he has seen from the players in the offseason and in the preseason. He hopes they can help keep the team focused and motivated through the ups and downs that are bound to pop up this season. "They have been leaders,” Butler said. “Even those who haven’t been in leadership roles have stepped their game up a notch. Leadership ability is a lot harder to find these days than athletic ability is. That is the biggest thing that is missing

We wish you

Ed Lott

402 Wilkins-Wise Rd. •Suite 23-26• Columbus, MS 39701 662-327-5432 Sorbents Spill Control Products Secondary Containment Safety Equipment & Supplies

A GREAT SEAS N! Fidelity National Loans 507 18th Ave. N., Ste. 5 Columbus, MS 662-243-1223 © The Dispatch

1085 Stark Road, Ste. 303 Starkville, MS 662-338-5165

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

Credit?

West Lowndes 2010 team: 1-Jeremy Thomas, 3-Brandon Clark, 4-Deundrea Brooks, 5-DeAndra Lewis, 6-Gerald Sanders, 7-Darius Farmer, 8-Jamarquis Humphries, 10Antonio Wilson, 11-Roy Miller, 12-Ladarius Snell, 13-Justin Stephenson, 15-Dearivs Douglas, 20-Trevor Stowers, 21-Raheen Brewer, 22-Donald Henley, 23-Marvin Monroe, 24-Kendrick Sanders, 25-Dominique Kelly, 30-Roderick Johnson, 32-Marquise Johnson, 34-Deion Ameis, 38-Latrell Moore, 52-Robert Barker, 55-Breshon Brook. 54-Fredrico Moody, 58-Ronnie Porter, 59-RaHeen Clemmons, 60-Korey Wilson, 62-Daniealgie Rice, 64-Ryan Stowers, 70-Jaboris Davis, 72-Jalen Douglas, 74-Levonte Cambell, 77Demarcus Hill, 79-Herman Phillips, 80-Shaquille Sharp, 82-Kovi Rice, 83-Quantavis Snell. Head coach: Bobby Berry. Assistant coaches: Todd Stanley, Chester Harris, Eddie Chapman, Robert Hintont.

WEST LOWNDES PANTHERS MHSAA Class 2A, Region 2; 2009 Record: 5-5

Senior leaders willing to sacrifice for success BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com Donald Henley believed in the 2009 West Lowndes High School football team. T h e linebacker/fullback/wide receiver has so much confidence in last year’s squad that he felt it should have made the playoffs. A 5-1 start to the season has a way of building confidence. But the momentum the Panthers built evaporated just as quickly as it grew. Losses to J,Z. George, Ackerman, and Eupora still left West Lowndes in contention for a playof f berth and a chance to finish with a winning record. Neither materialized after a disappointing 24-0 loss to East Webster. The result helped the Wolverines earn the four th

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Tony Stanford n ASSISTANT COACHES: 662-241-7200 or 662-241-7310 662-241-7200 or 662-241-7310 662-241-7200 or 662-241-7310

WEST LOWNDES SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29

West Oktibbeha at East Oktibbeha Caledonia at Philadelphia at Wheeler Open Hamilton at J.Z. George at Ackerman Eupora at East Webster

Adam Minichino/Dispatch Staff

From left: West Lowndes High School seniors Brandon Clark, Fredrico Moody and Donald Henley.

playoff spot in the district and sent the Panthers packing. Henley doesn’t remember when it started, but he said inflated egos and a lack of team chemistry ruined a promising season. “It is not just about that one person, it is about the whole team,” Henley said. “If one person goes down, we all go down.” Henley and senior teammates Fredrico Moody and Brandon Clark don’t intend to let individualism to disrupt the 2010 season. That’s why they set out in the offseason and in the preseason to set a positive beginning. The players agree teammates are communicating and helping each other more to address issues before they become unmanageable. “This year, everybody is on point and nobody has a big

head,” Henley said. “Everybody helps each other out. They talk when they run plays.” Henley, a 5-foot-8 1/2, 161pounder, will split time this season at linebacker, fullback, and wide receiver. He said too many players on last season’s tea thought they could do whatever they wanted, and do it better than anybody. That attitude ruined a fast start to the season that included victories against West Oktibbeha, East Oktibbeha, Caledonia, Wheeler, and Hamilton. But the energy lagged as the losses mounted en route to a 55 finish. “It never clicked because it seemed like some people had their own opinions and they didn’t want to listen to the captains,” West Lowndes offensive

lineman/middle linebacker Fredrico Moody said. “This year, we really don’t have any attitudes on the team, and ever ybody wants to work hard.” Moody ser ved as a team leader last season but “helped” Brandon Hill and other seniors. Earlier this year, he realized West Lowndes would have a pretty good team and that he should take more responsibility to set the example of how things are supposed to be done. So far, the example set by the seniors is paying off. “Last year, our work habit wasn’t as good as it is this year,” said Clark, a 5-7, 150pound safety/wide receiver. “We had a lot of attitudes last year. This year, everybody tries to listen to the captains to make the team better.” West Lowndes High football

coach Bobby Berry has been pleased with the efforts of his leaders. He said they worked hard in the summer to attend workouts and to encourage their teammates to stay involved. He, too, believes that work shows the potential of this year’s team. “I think we have a little bit more leadership in this group,” Berry said. “We have kids who want to step up and do better and lead to make things better. They want to win, and when you want to win you’re willing to step up and pay the price and do whatever it takes. “They are willing to sacrifice themselves to do the thing for the team and not have a selfish attitude. It is more of a teamoriented approach. Those qualities, you can’t teach. They are in born and they are things kids want to do.”

One of the returnees for the Rams will come at a marquee position, as junior Ross Moore will return as quarterback. “Ross has improved his leadership in the offseason,” Gates said. “He also looks better in his passing and technique. He definitely turned out a good summer for us.” The Rams also return three players on the offensive line to help protect Moore, two of Jeremy whom — junior Davidson and Riley — received all-area honors last season. Harris will join junior tailback Michael Tate in the backfield, and Moore will have a

familiar big target in the slot in 6-foot-5 receiver Justin James. Speedy sophomore Josh Dantzler will provide another option to help the Rams spread the ball out and move the chains. On defense, Immanuel Christian returns three in the trenches, but Gates believes linebacker will be his strongest unit. The Rams also have two returning in the secondary. On special teams, all-area punter Dustin White is back for his senior season. With the addition of experience and a year under Gates’ system, Immanuel Christian

appears ready for a change of tide and is eager for the season to start. Riley admits that while it was ver y dif ficult to go through a losing season he learned from it and is better prepared this season. “Last season was very rough for us,” Riley said. “It is miserable losing, and we are all tired of it. We are ready to win some football games, and we have all been working ver y hard to make sure we change some things.” The hard work Riley speaks of is already showing off in the preseason. Tate said the team continues to work hard in the

weight room and in conditioning. More importantly, he said this year’s team has a new attitude when it comes to football. “We have a much better attitude when we come to practice,” Tate said. “We take things more serious and are working harder than we have before.” This new-found hunger appears to be contagious. As a result, the players are eager to begin changing the fortunes of Immanuel Christian football. “I anticipate a big turnaround,” Harris said. “I play to win football games, and that is why I came to Immanuel, to win.”

Immanuel Continued from Page 16

with Norris (Harris),” junior lineman James Riley said. “We do lack in size but we make up for that with speed. We also have been lifting hard, and I feel we have all gotten a lot stronger.” Coming off a difficult season is never easy, but one way to ease the transition to success is building experience. Gates hopes that won’t be as big of a problem this season as it was last year. “We struggled in the area of experience and depth,” Gates said. “Fortunately, that will be much less of an issue this season.”

10 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

STARKVILLE YELLOWJACKETS MHSAA Class 6A, Region 1; 2009 Record: 4-9

Courtesy of Starkville High School

Starkville 2010 team: 2-Bryce Henderson, 3-Taego Catlege, 4-Stanley Childs, 5-Jakarta Agnew, 6-Stanley Higgins, 7-Priston Henderson, 8-Eddie Brown, 9-Martavius Foster, 10-D.J. Jordan, 11-Michael Newman, 12-Jaquez Johnson, 13-Lavon Miller, 14-Haden Higginbotham, 16-Eric Reed, 17-Shaquille Hill, 18-Gabe Myles, 19-Devonte Davis, 20Colby Runnels, 21-Garrett Smith, 22-Raphael McClain, 23-J.B. Barriare, 24-Antoine Rieves, 25-Daniel Rumo, 26-Johnny Smith, 27-Daniel Jessie, 29-Preston Baker, 30-Cory Cannon, 31-Jermaine Gillespie, 32-Devin Mitchell, 33-Eric Powe, 34-David Fair, 35-Dennis Ware, 36-Scotty Pittman, 37-Wesley Montgomery, 38-Jerreal Shields, 30Corderra Frizell, 40-Shyquell Spruell, 41-Lamonte Reed, 42-Zaquarius Kilborn, 43-Vinnie Vozzo, 44-Leedward Jefferson, 45-Jacoby Smith, 47-Tony Bishop, 48-Devious Gandy, 50-Demetre McCleon, 51-Eric Rogers, 52-Chris Prater, 53-Chris Crosby, 54-Kelvin Young, 55-Cody Smith, 56-Jarrod Atterberr y, 57-Ben Newman, 58-Murphy Buckner, 60Marcus Tate, 61-Javian Mobley, 65-Josh Kitchens, 67-Alex Hobbs, 72-Alandra Jones, 74-Kirk Kinard, 76-Chris Madison, 80-Jimmy Saulsberr y, 81-Quavarious Robertson, 85Kentrell Spencer, 86-Charles Hughes.

Johnson wants to have consistent year BY DAVID MILLER dmiller@cdispatch.com

STARKVILLE — Jaquez Johnson has a state championship he can always tout from his prep playing days. It’s just not a football title. A three-sport athlete, Johnson was a junior guard for the Starkville High School boys basketball team’s Class 6A state title team. He hit clutch 3-pointers, played stout defense, and, most importantly, made the right pass. The senior quarterback’s missing part to his skill set has been what made him an ideal starting guard for Greg Carter’s Yellow Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff Jackets — making the right pass. Jaquez Johnson will try to put together his best season this year in For a quarterback who has coach Jamie Mitchell’s first season at the school. shown the ability to make every throw on the field and to be a phys- hopes will be his best football sea- that fire, albeit, indirectly. “I learned from basketball just ical runner, Johnson is putting all son at Starkville High. the pieces together for what he Basketball, ironically, is fueling how hard you have to work to get

to that title,” Johnson said. “But football is my sport; I can’t wait for this every year. I feel like I’ve got to step it up and lead my team to some more wins. Most of the games we lost last year, I’d make a big play then I’d take us out with a bad play. “I feel I’ve got to step up and make good plays consistently.” The responsibility of leading the offense is magnified because of a lack of experience at receiver and running back. Johnson no longer has standout Chuck Tillery or Justin Rogers to lean on. Instead, he hopes senior tight end Martavious Foster can help lead a receiving group that returns zero catches from last season. “We’ve told him that as he goes we’re going to go with him,” firstyear Starkille High coach Jamie See STARKVILLE, 21

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Jamie Mitchell (first year; 130-40 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Brooks Oakley (defensive coordinator), Tate Fischer (linebackers), Willie Gillespie (defensive ends), Steve Denson (defensive backs), Rob Morgan (quarterbacks), Carlos Kemp (running backs), Preston Leathers (wide receivers / offensive coordinator), Charlie Smith (offensive line).

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE YELLOWJACKETS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

n JAQUEZ JOHNSON, MICHAEL NEWMAN Johnson is a two-year starter and a dual-threat.

n JAKARTA AGNEW, PRESTON BAKER, DEVIN MITCHELL Agnew is coming off an injuryplagued junior year and has moved to fullback.

n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “We’re going to ride Jaquez as far as he’ll take us.”

RECEIVERS

Good Luck MSU, Starkville High School, Starkville Christian, Starkville Academy, East Oktibbeha & West Oktibbeha!

n MARTAVIOUS FOSTER, SHAQUILLE HILL, GABE MYLES, KENTRELL SPENCER Foster is Johnson’s favorite target and is a flexible tight end. The rest of the group is inexperienced. n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “Another young group, but the talent is there to help Jaquez in the passing game.”

n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “Preston and Devin are a couple of sophomores who’ll need to grow in a hurr y.”

OFFENSIVE LINE n JARROD ATTERBERRY, CHRIS PRATER, ERIC ROGERS This trio started last year and will also see time on defensive line. n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “Jarrod’s our leader. We’re expecting our line to be a strength.”

DEFENSIVE LINE n DAVID FAIR, CHRIS PRATER, ERIC ROGERS

LINEBACKER

An area that lost several starters,

n D.J. JORDAN, DEVIN

but coaches are high on Rogers.

MITCHELL, JAKARTA AGNEW Jordan has added 10 pounds of

n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “This group is fast and explosive.”

muscle and could garner major college looks with a stellar senior season.

SECONDARY n JAQUEZ JOHNSON, GARRETT SMITH, BRYCE HENDERSON, GABE MYLES

n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “We’re expecting big things from D.J. and Devin, while Jakarta has really picked up his game.”

An area in which the team struggled

From all the residents and staff at Montgomery Gardens Senior Living!

last year, expect improvement and more man-coverage. n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “We’ve worked hard in the spring and this fall to avoid the big plays in the passing game.”

Montgomery Gardens senior living by Americare 1351 Old Hwy. 12 West • Starkville, MS 662.323.4663

KEY IN 2010 n JAMIE MITCHELL: “We’ve got talent, but our depth is paper thin. We’ll have a lot of players who’ll go both ways, and we’re going to have to be a tough team.”

SPECIAL TEAMS n WESLEY MONTGOMERY, COLBY RUNNELS The Jackets have been searching for a reliable kicker and punter for the past four seasons, and competition this fall is too close to call. n COACH MITCHELL SAYS: “ We’re not going to get beat in the kicking game, and we’re pleased with Colby’s progress.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

STARKVILLE ACADEMY VOLUNTEERS MAIS Class AAA, Division 1; 2009 Record: 0-11

Terrill will look to Henson to help revitalize Vols BY DAVID MILLER dmiller@cdispatch.com STARKVILLE — Kyle Henson remembers the pressure of stepping into one of the most dismal situations he has faced. As the backup quarterback for Starkville Academy, he replaced injured starter Will Goodwin when the team had lost confidence and was in the middle of a winless season. He then realized he was in a position he wasn’t prepared to handle. “It was a big change,” Henson said. “I’d had quarterback experience in junior high, but it tested my ability to handle pressure in a big way. It’s hard to be positive going 011, and it was a tough time for the entire team. But that experience will help me in the long run. I think I handled it the best way I could.” As the Volunteers’ full-time quar terback, Henson is charged with turning around an offense that averaged 11.36 points per game last season. He’s in charge of a new, run-oriented offense and has a strong stable of running backs to help provide a spark. But that’s just par t of Henson’s responsibility this season. He also will ser ve as a leader for a program that is in the middle of one of the biggest rebuilding periods in the area. The Volunteers, who are riding a 15-game losing streak dating back to 2008, have had three head coaches in four

years. Class AAA, Region I play hasn’t been kind, either, as they have gone 4-21 in region play since ’06. There’s a lot on the plate heading into this season, Henson admits. “I don’t know if they realize they’re testing my ability to handle the pressure, but in my heart I know it,” Henson said of the coaches. “They’ll be saying ‘Someone has to make a play, someone has to step up

work it’s going to take get back to championship form. “They still lack some confidence, and they’ve got to understand what it really takes to compete for four quar ters,” Terrill said. “It’s still a big concern, but the ef for t and enthusiasm we have is great. The kids are hungr y and have embraced ever ything we’ve thrown at them.” That includes Henson, who

“I’m looking at it like they’re talking to me. It may sound selfish, but I want to have the ball in my hands to make the play. I feel like they want to see me play under pressure every time we’re at practice.” Kyle Henson, backup quarterback for Starkville Academy right here.’ I’m looking at it like they’re talking to me. It may sound selfish, but I want to have the ball in my hands to make the play. I feel like they want to see me play under pressure ever y time we’re at practice.” For new coach Jeff Terrill, who left the junior college ranks after a successful run at Itawamba Community College, Year 1 of his rebuilding project is more about building a foundation rather than orchestrating a remarkable turnaround. Sure, it’d be nice to earn enough wins for a playof f berth, but with a roster with less than 30 players and one winning season in the past six years, he’s realistic about the state of the program and the

will see significant time at cornerback in addition to starting under center. “Being the man” comes with the heightened responsibility of doing ever ything as the team’s unquestioned leader. “There’s got to be some understanding — it’s a learning cur ve being a leader,” Terrill said. “The biggest thing we tr y to talk about is a great leader being even keeled. He’s going to show that confidence in the midst of adversity. He’s got to be the reassuring guy. You got to have that guy to help teammates keep focus. It’s a situation where you’re tr ying to train him to be that consistent guy.” Terrill is thankful his quar-

terback has taken charge and is ready to make the most of the 2010 season. Henson’s willingness to play multiple roles and to do what’s best for the future of the program has impressed Terrill the most. “These kids know what they’re up against,” Terrill said, “and having someone like Kyle is a big plus. He has excellent skills and is a great person to build a team around.” What Henson brings to the field is quality in the running game, which makes him an ideal quar terback to run Starkville Academy’s offense. But the passing game, where Terrill and Co. hope to utilize play-action, is where Henson still has to grow. Henson’s leading targets look to be firstyear player Pat Jones and speedy Hamilton McBride. The Volunteers also are searching for depth at receiver. Henson sees the passing game as one of the many challenges the team will face this year. “I could sit here and tell you, I’m still not the greatest passer,” Henson said. “But the run is going to set up the pass. I’ve got to throw for us to be successful, and those will be our big plays. I’ve been throwing ever y day since spring. I could tell during 7-on-7 that it’s been improving. “We’ve already come a long way, so this is just another step for us to make.”

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Jeff Terrill (First year) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Chad Crowe, Chase Nicholson, Neal Henry, Chad Peterson

NUMBER’S GAME

12 Returning Lettermen

13 Returning Starters: 5 – Offense; 8 – Defense

15 Current Starkville Academy losing streak dating back to 2008

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VOLUNTEERS

KEY IN 2010 n JEFF TERRILL: “The biggest thing we’re working to build is restoring confidence and pride in this program. We know we’ve got a streak hanging over our head, but we’re practicing like winners.”

STARKVILLE ACADEMY SCHEDULE Aug. 19 At Ackerman Aug. 27 LAMAR Sept. 3 HERITAGE Sept. 10 At Parklane Sept. 17 J.A. Sept. 24 WINSTON Oct. 1 WASHINGTON At M.R.A. Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Clarksdale Oct. 22 MAG HEIGHTS Oct. 29 At Pillow HOME GAMES IN CAPS

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n KYLE HENSON, HAMILTON MCBRIDE An explosive runner, Henson took over midway through last season and has worked to improve his passing mechanics.

n MATT WARD, RYAN MANN, RYAN MCKELL Ward is a bruising fullback who provides toughness and energ y.

n PAT JONES, HAMILTON MCBRIDE, ADAM CRITTENDEN Jones joined the team earlier this year, while Crittenden has experience at tight end and receiver.

n JORDAN DENNIS AND CODY WARE Ware and Dennis are senior guards who’ll provide a good push up the middle.

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “Coming back after the work through the summer, you could tell they had retained a good grasp of the offense.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “ We’ve got a little depth and have shown great things in practice. We’re excited to see how we perform.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “Pat has been a pleasant surprise, and Hamilton McBride brings speed to the edge they didn’t have last year.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “It all starts with those guys, who’ve given us great consistency and effort.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n JAMES MAPP, ADAM CRITTENDEN Mapp brings speed off the edge, while Crittenden will be a force against the run.

n MATT WARD, RYAN MANN, STEVEN ROBERTSON This group was a question mark last season, but Ward has found a home inside, while Mann and Robertson will start outside.

n RYAN MCKELL, HAMILTON MCBRIDE, TAYLOR HUNT McBride and McKell will play both ways, while Zach Thomas and Michael Temple are battling for a starting safety spot.

n MATT WHITE, RYAN MANN, HAMILTON MCBRIDE White has earned kicking duties, while Mann and McBride are competing for the punter job.

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “This group could be our strongest suit. We’ve got depth with Clint Wall and Nathan Berr y.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “Each player brings something different to the group and gives us some flexibility.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “They complement each other well. Our ends are the line’s strong point. Good anchors.”

n COACH TERRILL SAYS: “ We’ll be new at all these positions, but punting is more of a concern.”

Provided

Starkville Academy 2010 team: 2-Campbell Dobbs, 3-Will White, 6-Zach Slaughter, 7-Hamilton McBride, 8-Jyle Henson, 9-Ryan McKell, 11-Patrick Jones, 17-Taylor Hunt, 20-Micheal Temple, 22-Sam Miller, 33-Ryan Mann, 36-Nathan Berry, 40-Matt Ward, 41-James Mapp, 48/55-Stephen Robertson, 50-Lane McClendon, 52-Jack McReynolds, 54-Zack Thomas, 57-Jordan Dennis, 58-Clint Wall, 61-Cole Phelps, 62-Harrison McBride, 64/88-Adam Crittenden, 66-Angus Catchot, 70-Johnny Wyman, 72-Collin Stokes, 75-Kaden Hunt, 77-Cody Ware, 78-Landon Scrivner. Coaches: Jeff Terrill, chad Crowe, Chase Nicholson, Chad Peterson, Near Henry, Casey Orr.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

12 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Roster not available at press time.

EAST OKTIBBEHA TITANS MHSAA Class 1A Region 3: 2009 Record: 4-7

Horsley focuses on getting stronger to reach goal BY DAVID MILLER dmiller@cdispatch.com

CRAWFORD — Get quicker. Get stronger. all Monte That’s Horsley could think about once his junior season ended at East Oktibbeha High School. The stout defensive tackle finished 2009 as the team’s leader in sacks (10) and spearheaded a ground attack that accounted for 2,190 of the Titans’ 2,786 yards of offense. Still, he felt something was lacking. It was an element ideal for his position, and an attribute he knew

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Randy Brooks, first year

NUMBER’S GAME

13 Returning Lettermen

16 Returning Starters:

he needed to make the most of his final season as a Titan: Physicality. Horsley figured he had the mind-set to be a tough, hard-nosed player, but he had to have his body at 100 percent fitness to reach his goal of being the top defensive player in Class 1A football. And with a dearth of new players, he knew he’d have the future of the program looking to him as an example. “It’s just the guys out here, people in school, and people who watch us play,” Horsley said, “so I knew I’d have to go hard on both sides of the ball and make sure I was ready to go this season.” The offseason solution was simple: Live in the weight room and take breaks on the field. “I think I did really good last year, but I knew I had to get better at watching the ball, getting a little faster off the snap, and getting stronger,” Horsley said. “I’ve been in the weight room and doing a lot of running. I’ve been concentrating on how I can achieve my goal.” The Titans, who’ve been in a state of flux since the unexpected departure of coach Anthony King, are looking to build on last season’s four-win total under new coach Randy Brooks. Although Brooks took over the first week of practice, he is familiar with the

players. He has coached the boys track and field team the past two seasons, leading them to third place at the 2009 1A state meet. He also was an assistant on King’s staff and has witnessed Horsley’s progression the past two seasons. “He’s gotten bigger, stronger and worked on his speed,” Brooks said. “I’ve seen him grow from being a chubby kid to getting his bench in the 290 range. I expect him to be more physical. I’ve told him people know who he is and you won’t be able to sneak up on people.” Brooks also stressed of the importance Horsley’s dominating the defensive line because the team lost its top two linebackers. Having Horsley at the top of his game is vital, Brooks said. “He’s a senior and a veteran on both sides of the line,” Brooks said. “Paired with Jalen Peterson, they both go about 255 and 260. He’s going to be very important to us.” Brooks admits the timing of his hire has made it difficult to gauge how much progress his players made in the offseason. He’s keen to get his players into game shape but won’t have jamborees or scrimmages against other schools to help that process. One certainty is

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

East Oktibbeha High School’s Monte Horsley has worked hard to get into top shape and to help the Titans improve on a 4-7 record last season.

Horsley, who feels he’s one of many who’ve gotten tougher and more physical.

“The bigger, stronger teams like Weir, they have a strong line and fast players,” Horsley said. “We

have to think quicker, be quicker, and be physical like a Weir team. We want to be that better team.”

8 – Offense; 8 – Defense

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TITANS

Number of games the

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

Titans lost by six points

n CHRIS HUNTER,

n MARLON FAIR, LEXIE EDWARDS, TERENCE RICE Edwards was second on the team with 664 yards last season.

n ARTHUR GILLESPIE, TERENCE RICE Only six of the Titans’ 29 offensive touchdowns came through the air last season.

n MONTE HORSLEY, JALEN PETERSON, JAMARQUIZ PAGE, JAMAL HALBERT This is one of the team’s most experienced groups. Helped pave the way for 2,190 rushing yards last season.

or less in 2009.

KEY IN 2010 n RANDY BROOKS “Our biggest task is playing consistent for four quarters. We missed out on a few wins last year because we had bad halves or bad quarters.”

EAST OKTIBBEHA SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept.17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

MNTGMRY CO. WEST LOWNDES WEST OKTIBBEHA SOUTH LEAKE At French Camp NOXAPATER At Thomastown EDINBURG At Weir Open At Nanih Waiya ETHEL

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

KORTLAND PETTY Hunter is a second-year starter who showed potential in 2009.

time in some capacity.”

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “ We’ve got a lot of talent at that position, and Lexie and Marlon both rushed for nearly 1,000 yards.”

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “They’re big, tall track guys who can run. We’re excited about them.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n MONTE HORSLEY, STEVEN BELL, FREDDIE WILLIAMS Horsley is the leader after posting 10 sacks last year.

n TINNIE PETERSON, JIRTAVIOUS COX Cox is a Starkville High transfer and will look to step in immediately after the Titans lost their top tackler, Dee Garth, to graduation.

n ARTHUR GILLESPIE,

n CHRIS HUNTER, DAVALYN BELL The Titans didn’t kick extra points last year and struggled to get consistent punting.

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “Veteran leadership and they’ll both be on the field at the same

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “Just like the offensive line, this will be a strong group inside and out.”

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “This group is a big question mark, but hopefully we’ll have someone step up.”

KORTLAND PETTY, JUWAN ROBERTS Gillespie had three interceptions last year, and with Petty helped the Titans to a third-place state track meet finish. n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “Our corners and safeties have been doing 7-on-7 all summer and have done a great job.”

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “Big, tough, physical group will be a strength.”

n COACH BROOKS SAYS: “Chris will punt and Davalyn will handle kicking duties. Both are veterans.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

WEST OKTIBBEHA TIMBERWOLVES MHSAA Class 1A, Region 3: 2009 Record: 5-6

David Miller/Dispatch Staff

West Oktibbeha 2010 team: 1-Von Smith, 2-Kelsey Jefferson, 3-Bishop Robinson, 4-Drake Powell, 10-Aaron Brownlee, 11-Dwight Quinn, 12-Shun Fair, 13-Jonathan Love, 14-Josh Powe, 15-DeShaun Brown, 20-Colby Lucas, 23-Richard Richmond, 31-Ryan Hughes, 32-Damarcus Cunningham, 33-Tyas Baker, 36-Tiberias Lampkin, 42-LaVante Tate, 44-Lamorris Cunningham, 45-Darvis Reed, 46-Jeb Hawthorne, 50-Vasquez Clark, 51-Shareck Clark, 52-Pavious Lawrence, 56-Donovan Henderson, 63-Steven Robinson, 70-Alex Dawkins, 74-Andreas Brandt, 76-Sharad Stafford, Charles Mulling.

Lowrey, Timberwolves not worried about numbers BY DAVID MILLER dmiller@cdispatch.com MABEN — West Oktibbeha High School football fans should get used to being the underdog. It’s a role the Timberwolves don’t mind playing, and senior wideout

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Adam Lowrey (Second year, 6-16) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Kelvin Cistrunk (Off. Line/Def. Coordinator); Joseph Lampkin

KEY IN 2010 n ADAM LOWREY: “We’re not worr ying about low numbers anymore because we’ve got the talent to be a playoff team.”

D w i g h t Q u i n n prefers opponents secondguess his team’s talent and heart. U n d e r - Lowrey s t a n d a b l y, there’s more pleasure derived from winning with just enough people to field a team. Quinn and Co. have watched countless classmates talk about joining the team, show up for a practice or two, then walk away from a program that was a touchdown away from making the Class 1A playoffs a year ago. However, Timberwolves players and coaches all agree on one thing: You’re missing the train to the postseason 2010. The Timberwolves lost one senior — Quadaris Thompson — from last season, which is even more reason to believe the team will end its four-year playoff drought. “With the players at our school, it really doesn’t matter about how many come,” Quinn said. “We know the 13 that are here are going to be committed to playing football. You can get 20 people out here at the end of the season or right before the season starts, but it’s still going to be the same 13 that have always been here.” West Oktibbeha High coach Adam Lowrey has 18 players in fall camp, and expects to add two more before the team opens the

season Aug. 20 at West Lowndes. Lowrey said he had more players during the spring period, but the tight ship he and assistant coach Kelvin Sistrunk run in Maben turned into a reason for players’ defection. But unless you’ve experienced the one-win season in 2008 and the frustration that came with not being able to run a scout team and hoping all 15 players stay healthy, you’ll never know how tough you have to be to play for Lowrey. “We got too many ingredients that are going to be big for us to slack off to please one or two boys that want me to make it easier for them,” Lowrey said. “No team that we’re going to play is going to take it easy on us. They’re going to see our small numbers and they’re going to attack us with depth. They’re going to see our small line and they’re going to attack us with blitzes. We’re not going to take it easy on anybody because it’s unfair to this team.” If it sounds like Lowrey and Quinn are bitter, don’t put too much stock into their tone. They and the rest of the team are as optimistic as ever ahead of Year 3 of the Lowrey era. Quinn is a big reason for that. He is coming off a breakout season in which he led the team with 48 catches for 572 yards and six touchdowns. He managed those numbers with

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

West Oktibbeha’s Dwight Quinn hopes more of the teammates on a bigger roster decide to stay with the team as it makes a push to return to the playoffs.

first-year quarterback Von Smith, who threw for 1,454 yards at a 58-percent completion rate. Smith’s yardage total was second in Class 1A. Quinn, described as the fastest player on the roster, is expected to make a bigger impact after the Timberwolves’ standout performances in Starkville’s 7-on-7 passing league. Playing against powerhouses West Point and Noxubee County in the 7on-7 league should make life easier against 1A defenders,

Quinn said. “It’s a better experience because coming from a 1A school you’ve got smaller people,” Quinn said. “When you get to playing 5A and 6A schools that have bigger cornerbacks who are way stronger than you, they can jam you off the ball. But if you can get around that, when you get to 1A you’ve been playing a lot better and faster. “This year, (the passing game) is going to be quicker because we’ve had that

repetition.” The 5-foot-10 speedster admits last year’s learning curve was steep in Lowrey’s pass-oriented attack, but the senior is keen to see his quarterback continue the development that started last fall and ended with a 5-6 record. Last year’s goal was to protect the 5-foot-6 Smith — then a freshman — with plays designed to get the ball out of his hand as quickly as possible. Lowrey said the team’s receivers had just four routes last year but he expects a more detailed passing attack this season with running back Josh Poe, The Dispatch’s 2009 Small Schools Player of the Year, and Aaron Brownlee back in the fold. With more experienced weapons, Quinn could find himself as a decoy as teams look to stop the Timberwolves’ top offensive threat. But don’t expect it to bother him because he embodies the leadership Lowrey needs to help the team make a playoff run. “He doesn’t demand the ball, and he understands the offense is a system,“ Lowrey said. “I don’t want to reduce the game down to one-onone matchups. I don’t want it to be, ‘If Dwight can’t do it, we lose.’ His experience and leadership — he’s not going to crack. It can be 11 seconds to go in the game, and we can be on our own 30 — he’s not going to crack. You’ve got to have a player like that on your team.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TIMBERWOLVES NUMBER’S GAME

11 Returning Lettermen

11 Returning Starters:

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n VON SMITH Started as a freshman and finished second in 1A with 1,454 passing yards.

n JOSH POE, TIBERIAS LAMPKIN Poe led the team with 391 yards and five touchdowns last season in a pass-oriented offense.

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “Von’s done nothing but grow since last year, and the offense will grow as well.”

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “ We’re going to set up our run with the pass, so we’ll see more lanes to run with a better passing game.”

n DWIGHT QUINN, DRAKE POWELL, AARON BROWNLEE As Smith grows at quarterback, so too will the wideouts. Quinn had 48 catches for 572 yards last year.

n JEREMY BROWN, PAVIOUS LAWRENCE, DONOVAN HENDERSON Lawrence is the strongest of the group, which, like last year, is a bit undersized.

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “ We were limited to four routes last year, but take that and times it by 10 this year and that’s where we’re at.”

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “We’re feeling better about our pass protection and what we’ll be able to get done in the passing game.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n DONOVAN HENDERSON, PAVIOUS LAWRENCE, TIBERIAS LAMPKIN Lampkin had seven of the team’s 41 sacks last season.

n JEREMY BROWN, JOSH POE Without a doubt, the strength of the Timberwolves defense. Poe was The Dispatch Small School’s Defensive Player of the Year in ‘09.

n DRAKE POWELL, DWIGHT QUINN, VON SMITH Powell led the team with three interceptions in ’09, while Quinn and Smith will go both ways.

n DWIGHT QUINN Not a strength of the Timberwolves, but Lowrey isn’t worried.

10 offense; 10 defense

WEST OKTIBBEHA SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At West Lowndes Aug. 27 At East Webster Sept. 3 At East Oktibbeha Sept. 10 NOXAPATER Sept. 17 At Thomastown Sept. 24 EDINBURG Oct. 1 At Weir Oct. 8 ETHEL Oct. 15 NANIH WAIYA Oct. 22 Open Oct. 29 SOUTH LEAKE Nov. 5 At French Camp HOME GAMES IN CAPS

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “It’s a lot of the same guys from our offensive line, and coach Cistrunk has them working hard and playing aggressive.”

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “Fast, strong and a nose for the ball. Those boys bring it.”

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “I know there’s some concern with Von, and whether we should or shouldn’t take that chance, but he’s an athlete we’ve got to have on the field.”

n COACH LOWERY SAYS: “We’ll put in whoever we need to get the job done.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

14 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

HEBRON CHRISTIAN EAGLES MAIS Class A, District 3; 2009 Record: 4-6

Watkins hopes to avoid injuries this season BY JASON BROWNE jbrowne@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Greg Watkins (third year, 4-6; 41-16 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: David Foster (defensive coordinator), Tri Nason (special teams, linemen), Bro. Andy Parrish (linemen)

NUMBER’S GAME

6 Returning Lettermen

4 Returning Starters: 4 — Offense; 3 — Defense

HEBRON CHRISTIAN SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At Newton Aca. Aug. 27 DESOTO Sept. 3 At W. Memphis Chr. Sept. 10 BENTON ACA. Sept. 17 OAK HILL ACA. Sept. 24 Open Oct. 1 At Ctl. Holmes Chr. Oct. 8 At Carroll Aca. Oct. 15 At Immanuel Oct. 22 CALHOUN ACA. Oct. 29 WINONA CHR. HOME GAMES IN CAPS

KEY IN 2010 n COACH WATKINS: “Some teams are playing eight-man (football) with 15, 16, or 18 guys. We would love to have that many guys. We just pray God will be with our team and keep our guys safe and healthy.”

PHEBA — To continue playing 11-man football this season, Hebron Christian has to avoid unlucky accidents; be they pulled hamstrings, concussions or lightning strikes. “Some teams are playing eightman (football) with 15, 16, or 18 guys. We would love to have that many guys,” Hebron Christian coach Greg Watkins said. “We just pray God will be with our team and keep our guys safe and healthy.” The Eagles enter Watkins’ second year as coach with 14 players. Six of those players played last year, and only four were starters. Experience is a concern, but health is a bigger concern, which is why conditioning was a priority earlier this month at a football camp at the school. “We started out doing two-a-days and wound up doing four-a-days. Three of those (workouts) we spent time doing conditioning and during one we did offense and defense,” Watkins said. Senior guard and linebacker Kevin Simmons, one of four returning starters, said the team is shaping up better than expected with so many inexperienced players. “We’re not looking too shabby,” Simmons said. “Everybody is going to have to go both ways, so we’re in pretty good shape. Coach (Tri) Nason is the master drill sergeant. He comes up with all kinds of random (exercises) to keep you in shape.” Two years ago, Hebron Christian finished 8-5 to claim the District 3-A MAIS title. After graduating most of its firepower from that team and losing coach Sam Pearson to Pickens Academy, the Eagles went 4-6 in 2009 under Watkins. “We lost a lot of close games at the beginning of the year, but we kinda turned it on toward the end of the year and won three of our last four,” Watkins said. This year, experienced players are in shorter supply, but that might not be a bad thing. Watkins installed a new offense last year and experimented with multiple defenses. After settling on a 3-5 defense and continuing with a double-wing offense, new players aren’t uncomfortable outside Pearson’s system. “They’ve run a certain type of offense for years and we’re changing that,” Watkins said. “They were kinda in a spread formation, more of a quarterback read. Now we run a speed set, double wing. We do a ball fake every single play.” The new offense is designed to keep opposing defenses disciplined and to punish them when they abandon their reads.

“This offense makes a middle linebacker stay at home,” Watkins said. “If he steps off, with (senior fullback) Jae Shaw’s speed, if (Shaw) breaks through there he’s gone.” Shaw, who functioned primarily as a blocker last year, will split carries with junior tailback Marquez Robinson and sophomore Will Corbin Rogers. Watkins expects Shaw’s bruising style to draw attention in the middle and to create opportunities for Robinson on the outside. Rogers also is the team’s No. 2 quarterback behind 6-foot-2-inch senior Chad Smith, who hasn’t played football since his freshman year. Watkins said Smith’s lack of experience shouldn’t hamper him in the system. “We feel pretty good with his height and arm strength,” Watkins said. “He’s pretty smooth back there and has adjusted to the offense. The biggest thing for the quarterback is carrying out the fakes and getting your footwork down,” he said. Senior Carlton Clay is a wildcard at quarterback. The 6-4-inch basketball standout suffered a spinal cord concussion in his sophomore year and doctors advised him to abandon the gridiron for the hardwood. Clay attended camp with the Eagles, sitting out full-contact drills, but he hopes to receive clearance from doctors to suit up for his senior year. He said he won’t risk it if doctors advise against playing. “If he gets cleared, we probably won’t use him on defense,” Watkins said. “But if he does come out, he’s probably the most athletic kid at our school. It would lift the team tremendously.” Simmons and fellow senior and three-year starter Jacob Crow will anchor the offensive line. They’ll be flanked by some big boys, but not a lot of experience. Watkins will look to his guards — Simmons and senior Chase Ray — to use their speed and aggressiveness on pulling plays to clear running lanes. A group of young receivers will need the running game to succeed before the passing game can get started. Senior Jacob Crow (6-1, 250) will anchor the defensive line at nose guard in the 3-5. “It’s going to be hard for a center to take (Crow) on one-on-one,” Watkins said. “He’s probably going to help the linebackers by taking on two guys.” Simmons is the only returning linebacker. Junior Harley Thompson (6-1, 225) will roam the middle while the outermost linebackers play dual roles as cornerbacks. Rogers will be the deep man at safety, but Watkins said he’ll play forward whenever possible.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EAGLES QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

n CHAD SMITH, SR.; WILL CORBIN ROGERS, SO.

n JAE SHAW, SR.;

n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “Chad hasn’t played football in two years, but he stepped right in this spring and did some real good things.”

MARQUEZ ROBINSON, JR.; WILL CORBIN ROGERS, SO.; TAYLOR COGGINS, SO. n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “Marquez is probably not going to outrun anybody, but he’s as quick as anybody within 10 yards.”

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n JOE CROW, JR.; TAYLOR COGGINS, SO.; WILL CORBIN ROGERS, SO.

n KEVIN SIMMONS, SR.; JACOB CROW, SR.; CHASE RAY, SR., HARLEY THOMPSON, JR.; JARED JONES, SR.; JACOB WEIR, SO.; CODY TATUM, SO.; TROY ARNOLD, FR.

n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “We use our backs out of the backfield a lot, but our run usually opens up our pass.”

n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “Our guards, Kevin and Chase, are two quick guys who will hit you in the mouth.”

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n JAE SHAW, SR.; TAYLOR COGGINS, SO.; CHAD SMITH, SR.; WILL CORBIN ROGERS, SO.; MARQUEZ ROBINSON, JR.

n CHAD SMITH, SR. (PUNTER)

n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “I feel good about (safety Corbin Rogers) coming up and finishing a tackle like a linebacker.”

DEFENSIVE LINE n JACOB CROW, SR.; CODY TATUM, SO.; TROY ARNOLD, FR.; JACOB WEIR, SR.; JAROD JONES, SR.; JOE CROW, JR.

n COACH WATKINS SAYS: “ We have three guys we’re evaluating. One may kick off and another kick extra points.”

LINEBACKER n KEVIN SIMMONS, SR.; HARLEY THOMPSON, JR.; CHASE RAY, SR. n COACH WATKINS SAYS:

n COACH WATKINS SAYS:

“Kevin is the only one coming

“Jacob Crow is 6-1 and 225

back from last year that started.”

pounds at the nose. “It’s going to be hard for a center to take him on one-on-one, which will probably help the linebackers by taking on two guys.”

“I like a safety that plays more like a linebacker,” Watkins said. “I feel real good about a guy who’ll come up and throw a punch.” The roles on special teams are undecided. Smith could handle punts, but Nason is trying out several players at kicker. If the Eagles can remain healthy,

Watkins believe they have the talent to return to the playoffs. If the injury bug does bite, they’re not going to give up. “Eleven-man is where we really want to play,” Watkins said. “Until we drop down to 10 players, we’re going to play 11-man.”

Patriots Continued from Page 8

Starkville Academy, Butler’s former team, in the state title game that the program has had a winning season. Butler said the seniors will have to deliver and help to instill a work ethic and an attitude that drives the program to greater heights. “Last year when things were going good we were pretty good, but when they started getting bad they sure went sour in a hurry ,” Butler said. “We just didn’t handle adversity very well. Whether it is a game, a season, or life, you’re going to go through some times where there is some adversity. Your success depends on how you handle it. “You’re going to turn the ball over, you’re going to have a costly penalty, you’re going to have a touchdown called back. Something bad is going to happen in each game, but you can’t say, ‘Here we go again.’ That play is over and done with. Now let’s see what we can do. Somebody has to make a play to overcome that, rather than saying, ‘Here we go again.’ I feel this bunch has that ability to fight through some adversity.” The seniors feel they have what it takes, too. They talked about how the team lost its direction after a 49-12 loss to Lamar School and a 28-10 defeat

to MRA. The team also saw its offensive coordinator quit in week six. All of the issues created an atmosphere that devolved into a blame game. To compound matters, this year’s seniors said everyone wasn’t focused last season They said there were too many distractions in and out of the huddle that pulled the team apart. Ferguson put it best when he said the “me, me attitudes” drowned out the team concept. Things appear to have started differently this season. The seniors said everyone is policing huddles and training sessions better, getting on teammates when they lose focus or make a mistake. “It is definitely a different atmosphere in practice,” Buxton said. “Everyone has stepped up, it is more serious between the play and after the plays.” Henderson said this year’s squad is focused on work ethic. He said everyone has to give their best at all times if the Patriots will realize their goal. He said the seniors are ready to do their part to make sure ever yone stays in line. Butler hopes that is the case. He said he doesn’t always feel the coaches have to be the ones to motivate layers. He hopes all of his players, especially

the seniors, will encourage and chastise their teammates when things are done right or wrong. That didn’t happen enough last season. "It seemed like the second (loss) was really kind of the turning point,” Butler said. “Then it started to become a blame game. Nobody wanted to step up and say, ‘Hey, that is my fault. I am going to do better.’ Some of them wanted to talk about what we were doing offensively. I brought them in here and asked them, ‘Are you doing ever ything you’re supposed to do help us be successful?’ ... I want you to come in here and watch film and I will show you and you can watch yourself. If that is the best you can do then really we need to find somebody else. It just became an effort problem. In my years of coaching, I have never had that problem as far as effort.” Butler said it was difficult to overcome that “here we go again” mind-set that seemed to hang over the team. He said the Patriots were in a lot of games in the second half of the season but hurt themselves with turnovers and penalties. Heritage Academy scored 14 points only one time in the final six games, and was shut out twice. "It got to the point last year that we got beat and some of them didn’t care,” Butler said. “Hopefully, we

have eliminated some of that, but it takes leaders. It ain’t what I know and what I can do. It is what they can do.” Butler has seen more enthusiasm in practice and the potential for leaders to emerge. But he said the seniors will provide the integral leadership that the team needs if it is to reverse its fortunes. “Stance has led by example,” Butler said. “John Laws has been through some tough times with injuries, but he is a leader. He gets done what needs to be done. I am counting on him to give effort. Stance is going to give effort. Glenn is going to give effort. I don’t fault those guys’ effort, and didn’t last year. They weren’t the problem. What they have to realize that if you have somebody who is straying away, or who is a selfish player, or who gets to playing the blame game, you can’t get in there with them. Let’s separate ourselves from him. Some of them got caught up in that last year. There were some that got caught up in the fact that this is my buddy here and he is starting to say this, now which way do I go? Too many got into the blame game rather than separate themselves from it.” That’s a memor y the Patriots would just as soon forget.

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Heritage Academy senior running back John Laws Ferguson also will play on defense this season. If he stays healthy, he should provide a stabilizing presence on both units.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

WEST POINT GREEN WAVE MHSAA Class 5A, Region 1; 2009 Record: 14-1

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

West Point High School’s Justin Cox, left, and Tommy Keys played integral roles last season in helping the Green Wave win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state title. This season, they will take on a bigger leadership role as the team tries to repeat at champions.

Green Wave prepare to defend championship BY LOGAN LOWERY Special to the Dispatch

WEST POINT 2010 TEAM

WEST POINT — When Chris Chambless was promoted to head coach in 2006 he inherited a team that had just won a state championship under Dennis Allen. After three years at the helm of the Green Wave, Chambless finally got his squad back to Jackson and hoisted the gold ball once again. “Since I got here we’ve won a whole lot of games but never really a championship, other than district championships,” Chambless said. “Last year, we were finally able to get over the hump and win the big game when it counted. We’ve been close ever y year but never could get by that big game. We’ve always had something go wrong. The past year, injuries didn’t matter because we had other guys step up and get the job done.” But the 2009 season didn’t begin the way West Point wanted. The Green Wave dropped a heartbreaking 27-20 opener in the waning moments to Shannon. The loss could have been the breaking point for the young squad.

1-Justin Bobo, Justin Cox, 3Jamarius Tallie, 4-Jaquille White, 5-Li’Erick Walker, 6Kendrin Thompson, 7-Michael Bush, 8-Nelson McIntosh, 9Stefon Branham, 10-Anthony Johnson, 11-Stephen Burnett, 15-Dequinten Spraggins, 16Adrian Smith, 17-Steve Vance, 18-William Harrell, 19Tommy Keys, 20-Mario Virges, 21-Jacoby Lee, 22Chaddrick Chandler, 24LaKenderic Thomas, 26Deismon Robinson, 27-TJ Minor, 28-Tez Pulliam, 29Stephon Ivy, 30-Jamal Petty, 32-Brandon Edwards, 34-Eric Johnson, 35-Jerry Randle, 36Chris Glover, 38-Willie Collins, 39-Makarios Sears, 40-Mark Minot, 42-Kris Pernell, 44-Freddie Reed, 45Javaris Quinn, 50-Romia Wilson, 51-Willie Swift, 52-

“We had a young team last year with a lot of inexperience,” Chambless said. “We needed that first-game experience. When you go back and look at the film you can see we fought hard that game. We just came up on the short end of it and made some mistakes. We came back at practice and cor-

LeDerrius Taylor, 53Demondtae Donald, 54-Josh Price, 55-Anreon Benett, 56Ed Brown, 57-Keidrick Samuel, 58-Octavius Doss, 670-Eric Lemus, 61-Ronald Matthews, 62-Carson Miller, 63-Leandrew Hampton, 65Chris “Swag” Fuller, 66Vontarrius Dora, 69-Monty McIlwain, 71-Thomas Tiffin, 72-Riley Morton, 73Fredricus Mickens, 74-Alex Hall, 75-Nadarruis Eckers, 76-Jonathon Jones, 77Martivuis Jefferson, 78Jordan Johnson, 80-Kwame Williams, 81-Cody Brown. Head coach: Chris Chambless. Assistant coaches: Lee J. Grisham, Floizell Wilson, Rockey Melton, Casey Welch, Kendall Pickens, Roger Burton, Brett Morgan.

rected those mistakes and played together as a team.” A bye week was what West Point needed to get back on track. The Green Wave put that game behind them and reeled off 14 straight victories, capped by a 35-14 victor y against Wayne County in the Class 5A state title game.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE GREEN WAVE QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

n JUSTIN COX, SR.

n LAKENDERIC THOMAS, SR., JACOBY LEE, SR.; MARIO VIRGES, SO. (FULLBACK)

n JAMARIUS TALLIE, SR., STEFON BRANHAM, SR., WILLIAM HARRELL, JR., CODY BROWN, SR.; MICHAEL BUSH, SR., TJ MINOR, SO.

n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “We’re a running team and throw it when we need to. He gets the job done.”

DEFENSIVE LINE n DEISMON ROBINSON, SR., JAMAL PETTY, SR., ANTREON BENNETT, SO.; VONTARRIUS DORA, SR., MONTY MCILWAIN, SR., TOMMY KEYS, SR. n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “If we can solidify a couple more spots on our defensive front we’ll be OK.”

LINEBACKER n JUSTIN BOBO, SR., BRANDON EDWARDS, JR. n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “We’ve got one returning. We’ve got to replace one and we’re on the verge of doing that.”

n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “Lakenderic Thomas and Jacoby Lee are coming back even though we lost Xavier Hogan. We’ve also got Mario Virges coming up. He is Curtis’ little brother.”

SECONDARY n CHRIS GLOVER, SR., JAQUILLE WHITE, SR., DEQUINTEN SPRAGGINS, JR., LI’ERICK WALKER, SR. n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “We’ve really only got one guy in the secondary coming back and that’s Jaquille White. We’re inexperienced in the secondary and to be good you have to play together for a while. It’s going to take a couple of games, but they’ll get it together. Our secondary is going to be fast, and that’s what we want for them to run to the ball and make some tackles.”

n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “We lost Michael Carr, so that was a big loss, but we’ve got some guys coming up this year that will step in and do a great job coming off the ball and blocking. They run good routes and we’ll be OK on the receiving end.”

OFFENSIVE LINE n WILLIE SWIFT, SR., ALEX HALL, JR., LEDERRIUS TAYLOR, SR., ROMIA WILSON, JR., JONATHAN JONES, JR. n COACH CHAMBLESS SAYS: “We’re an inexperienced offensive line, but they are coming together real well. I look for them to have a lot of success.”

SPECIAL TEAMS n KWAME WILLIAMS; CODY BROWN

But even the returning players understand being a defending state champion means opponents will be gunning for you in the next season. “They say there has always been a target on West Point’s back,” senior nose guard Tommy Keys said. “People are always after us, and we like it that way. It makes us work harder.” Not only is there pressure from within the team to repeat this season, but the players also face pressure from Clay County residents. The tightknit community seemingly lives for Green Wave football in the fall. “Every year there is high expectations for West Point,” Chambless said. “There is pressure from ourselves, the players, and the community. It’s good to have great community pressure for the kids to let us know they are behind us. It’s a good feeling to coach football in West Point.” The Green Wave took a big hit losing standouts Michael Carr and Curtis Virges to graduation. Both have started their careers at Mississippi State. West Point returns two senior standouts on offense who were vital to the 2009 title run. Quar terback Justin Cox returns after accounting for 1,869 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior. The Mississippi State commitment completed 66 of 130 passing for 1,247 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 622 yards on 122 carries and nine more touchdowns. “We’re working hard,” Cox said. “All I can say is I think we’re going back. We’re still going to play hard regardless and are shooting for a no-loss season.” Workhorse running back LaKenderic Thomas also returns. The 5-foot-10, 200pounder rushed 194 times for 1,221 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. West Point outscored its opponents 485-177 in 2009, including 146-42 in the playoffs. Keys and classmate Vontarrius Dora will be the stronghold of a traditionally stout defense. “We’re more mature this year because more people have played,” Dora said. “It should be a good outcome just like last year.” Chambless is counting on his 21 seniors to lead the team. He also wants all of the players to rely on the valuable game experience everyone gained in the run to the state title. “We’ve got some experience

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Chris Chambless (45-8 in four seasons at West Point; 47-16 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Casey Welch (running backs), Lee J. Grisham (offensive coordinator), Kendall Pickens (defensive line), Roger Burton (offensive line), Ricky Melton (linebackers), Brian Sellers (secondary), Brett Morgan (receivers).

NUMBER’S GAME

27 Returning Lettermen

10 Returning Starters: 6 – Offense; 5 – Defense

WEST POINT SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

SHANNON Vs. Mainland, Fla. At Columbus STARKVILLE NOXUBEE CO. At Indianola Gentry NEW HOPE OXFORD At Lake Cormorant SALTILLO At Clarksdale At Hernando

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

coming back,” Chambless said. “But up front all we have is our center and tight end coming back. Offensively, I thought we came together real well this spring and guys are fired up to do what we do which is play tough, physical football. We have to replace five starters on defense, but we’ve got some guys with some experience over there. We’re going to play through and get better every practice and every game.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

16 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

OAK HILL ACADEMY RAIDERS MAIS AA, District 2; 2009 Record: 3-9

Raiders set to deal with smaller roster BY LOGAN LOWERY Special to the Dispatch WEST POINT — On one hand, 2009 was a successful season for the Oak Hill Academy football team. Yes, the Raiders qualified for the playoffs for only the second time in 17 years, but their 3-9 record left plenty to be desired. If Oak Hill Academy has any playoff aspirations again this year it will have to realize them with limited numbers. The Raiders have only 16 players on the roster, and nearly every member of the team will have no alternative but to play both ways. “Sometimes when your numbers are really bad like what’s going on with us right now you have to get kids ready for multiple positions,” Gregg said. “It is what it is. I’m very glad I’m here, and it’s a cool place to work. These kids work hard and they do what the coaches ask them to do. They are representing their school correctly, and you can’t really ask much more than that.” Depth will be a concern all season, but it was expected. Gregg and his staff have been preparing the squad to go both ways since the spring. “One of the things you have to do as a coach is pre-

NUMBER’S GAME

7 Returning Lettermen

8 Returning Starters: 4 – Offense; 4 – Defense

pare kids not for the best situation but for the worst situation,” Gregg said. “If you prepare them for the worst and then the worst doesn’t happen then there is a lot of achievement. Our numbers have been down and this team knew it the whole time. We knew we’re going to have 14 to 17 players and have talked about it since the spring. Some of them even ran track because I

told them it would help them in football, and it’s really come to fruition.” A majority of the roster is made up of newcomers. Oak Hill Academy has only two seniors: running back / linebacker Doss Miller and lineman Jordan Hawkins. The Raiders do have three alldistrict performers back from a year ago in Miller, wide receiver / defensive back Clay Henley, and offensive lineman / linebacker Reid Posey. Offensively, the Raiders will seek continued success from Miller out of the backfield. He started only seven games last year but managed nearly 1,200 yards rushing. However, Oak Hill managed only 21 points twice last season and Gregg hopes his two sophomore

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Leroy Gregg (third season, 4-18 overall)

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Oak Hill Academy’s Doss Miller, left, and Jordan Hawkins are ready to be marathon men this season for a team that has less than 20 players on the roster.

quarterbacks and offensive line scheme will allow for more productivity. “I really love what we do

on offense,” Gregg said. “I think that gives our kids a lot of success. It’s a hybrid out of the shotgun of what

n ASSISTANT COACHES: Bradley Simmons (Defense), Carl Middleton (Special Teams)

we did at Amory. It gives your line a chance to give double team blocks at the point of attack. A kid that’s

See OAK HILL, 20

OAK HILL SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29

HERITAGE PILLOW At Indianola At Leake At Hebron CARROLL LAMAR At Manchester KIRK MARSHALL At Winston

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Oak Hill 2010 team: 1-Chance Livingston, 4-Bo Sanford, 6-Mike Brown, 7-Jeb Stevens, 9-Phillip Liu, 12-Conner Baird, 22-Doss Miller, 23-Clay Henley, 27-Adam Turney, 28-Rusty Tait, 41-John Robert Wilborne, 52-Reid Posey, 53-Chad Moore, 55-Cole Fowler, 57-Cole Knowles. 65-Jordan Hawkins, 667-Palmer White, 77-Cooper Orman. Coaches: Leroy Gregg, Bradley Simmons, Carl Middleton.

DID YOU GET CARRIED AWAY AT THE GAME? We’re Here To Help... FREE SPORTS INJURY CLINIC SATURDAYS 8am-9:30am • During Football Season

2429 5th Street North Location ONLY

All Local School Athletes Welcome!

The leaders in effective, personalized physical therapy. NORTH COLUMBUS 2429 5th St. N. 662-328-4542

NORTH COLUMBUS 670 Leigh Drive

(At Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic)

662-327-4540

BROOKSVILLE 214 Hwy 388 662-738-4546

EAST COLUMBUS 65 Dutch Lane

(Off Lehmberg Road)

662-241-4545

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

NOXUBEE COUNTY TIGERS MHSAA Class 4A, Region 4; 2009 Record: 12-2

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Noxubee County 2010 team: 1-Janardreon Jones, 2-Daquarrius Mallard, 3-Fernando Phillips, 4-Jared Johnson, 5-Kamal Chamberlain, 7-Ladarrell Hunt, 8-Rodriques Brown, 9Brandon Sanders, 12-Breylon Spencer, 13-LaQuinton Ashford, 14-Lamadrick Macon, 15-Alan Clay, 17-Terrence Barron, 18-Deangelo Ballard, 19-Jacoby Jones, 20-Rodrick Joiner, 21-Todderick Tate, 23-Davion Pruitt, 24-Javoris Glenn, 26-Dennis Brooks, 27-Devonte Sanders, 28-Darrell Robinson, 29-Javancy Jones, 31-Dequalo Martin, 32-Vernon Scott, 33-Jeremy Hunt, 34-Corey Williams, 35-Jarvis Taylor, 40-Antonio Ryland, 52-Keshun Smith, 54-Martize Mitchell, 55-Byron Hill, 56-Tommy Lane, 57-Demarcus Barnett, 58-Demarcus Wilborn, 61-Ivan Goodwin, 64-Dylan Bradley, 65-Ralph Franklin, 67-Justin Clemmon, 71-Jonathan Orr, 73-Marcus Jackson, 74-Jared Farmer, 76Jacoby Harris, 77-Keahnte Mitchell, 78-Ryald Mitchell, 79-Javodkis Tate, 80-James Hill, 86-Miles Ellis, 87-Robert Neal, 88-Nathaniel Peterson, 90-Taiwan Williams, 91Anthony Skinner, 98-Pierre McCoy. Head coach: Tyrone Shorter. Assistant coaches: James Patterson, George Richardson, M.C. Taylor, Michael Ashford, Montez Miller, Anthony King, Johnathan Hunter, Gary Naylor.

Tigers expect Williams to be among the best BY ADAM MINICHINO aminichino@cdispatch.com MACON — The greatness rolls with ease from the lips of Tyrone Shorter. From Vincent Sanders to Chris Jones to Omarr Conner to Joey Sanders to Brandon Tate, just to name a few — and not to get Shorter into trouble — the Noxubee County football team has been blessed with a plethora of great players. As assistant coach and now as first-year head coach, Shorter has seen all of the Tigers’ mainstays in the past 12 seasons. All of them have had personalities and charac-

ter of champions and leaders. If things play out like Shorter believes, he could be primed to add another name to that list: Corey Williams. “Corey is in that group. He is the same kind of kid,” Shorter said. “He is a very good person and a good leader. When you talk about the great players who have come through Noxubee County, Corey Williams will be mentioned in that group.” Williams, a 6-foot, 215-pound middle linebacker, is equally versed in the history of Noxubee County. He mentions Andrew Wright, who is now at Jackson

State, and Ladarius Mitchell as two of the “great” players who have come through the program in recent years. Williams said those two taught him a lot of things, especially how to be a player and not to be “lazy.” His goal this season is to show those two, and the rest of the Tigers’ extended family, he is ready to build on the program’s legacy, which includes a state runner-up finish in 2007 and a championship in ’08. "I got to go all out,” Williams said. “That is my motivation every morning when I come up here. I have to make it, I have to do better.

Hurray! Proud to support all area teams! Priscilla King 940 Tuscaloosa Road Columbus, MS 662-328-9988

www.shelterinsurance.com

See NOXUBEE, 22 Coach Tyrone Shorter

NOXUBEE COUNTY SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At Starkville Aug. 27 At Columbus Sept. 3 MURRAH Sept. 10 GREENVILLE Sept. 17 At West Point Sept. 24 MEMPHIS SHEFFIELD KOSCIUSKO Oct. 1 Oct. 8 At Amory Oct. 15 HOUSTON Oct. 22 At Louisville Oct. 29 At Caledonia HOME GAMES IN CAPS

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

18 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

CENTRAL ACADEMY VIKINGS MAIS A District 3; 2009 Record: 6-3

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Ronnie Sciple (third year, 13-5) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Josh Jacobs (defensive coordinator), Mike Green (backs), Pete Papas (assistant line), Nick Papas (assistant backs)

NUMBER’S GAME

Ferris McGuire

n RONNIE SCIPLE: “Most of them have started since the ninth grade. And this is probably the first time in 10 years (Central Academy players) have been in the same system three years in a row.”

CENTRAL ACADEMY SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29

At Franklin Aca. IMMANUEL CHR. TENSAS ACA. At Briarfield Aca. CALHOUN ACA. At Veritas School DELTA ACADEMY N. SUNFLOWER Open At Calvary Christ. At Kemper Aca.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Rowdy Rigdon

Will Disbrow

Jay Jones

Threes wild for Central Academy in ’10 BY JASON BROWNE jbrowne@cdispatch.com

Returning Lettermen

KEY IN 2010

Matt Taylor

MACON — Threes keep popping up for Central Academy’s football team. Ronnie Sciple is entering his third year as coach. The Vikings lost three games last year and wound up in a threeway tie for the top spot in the North District in eight-man football. This year, by the way, will be the Vikings’ third year in the eight-man league. “Hopefully the third time’s a charm,” Sciple said. Central has compiled a 13-5 record under Sciple. It advanced to the playof fs last year after finishing second in a three-team, roundrobin-style over time tournament with Ridgeland Veritas School and Meridian Calvar y Christian.

The logjam could have been solved with a series of coin flips, but the district chose not to let fate decide. “I would rather see the kids settle it than settle it on the flip of a Sciple said. coin,” “Letting the kids settle it on the field took a lot of pressure off of me.” There was already enough pressure on the Vikings after senior quar terback Hunter Campbell was lost for the season with an injur y in the third game. Senior tailback and North District offensive MVP Trevor Eaves carried the team with junior quar terback Ferris McGuire, but Central Academy couldn’t escape the first round. Eaves and Campbell graduated last year, but the largest group of seniors to play during Sciple’s tenure will step up to take their place.

Five of 14 players Sciple expects to see the field this season are seniors. He hopes their experience will propel the Vikings back to the playof fs and past the first round. “All of our seniors have probably played since their freshman years,” Sciple said. “Most of them have started since the ninth grade. And this is probably the first time in 10 years (Central players) have been in the same system three years in a row.” The Vikings will tr y to squeeze ever y drop of experience out of their upperclassmen to make up for the team’s lack of depth. With just 14 players and no sophomores, “Ever yone’s a sub, even down to the ninthgraders,” Sciple said. “As long as the injur y

bug don’t hit us we should be all right.” Sciple expects this year’s squad to resemble year’s after last Campbell’s injur y: A run-first of fense, a big line, and an emphasis on speed. “Eight-man is a game of speed,” Sciple said “The more you can spread the field, the more gaps you have to run. We have a good, fast group of backs and receivers.” Playing both ways at full speed will burn a lot of gas, but Sciple said his men are better conditioned this year than any other during his tenure. “I think we’re going to look good,” he said. Just in case, Sciple is drilling his players to make sure ever yone can do ever ything. “I tell our backs all the time, if all three quar terbacks get hur t, we’ve got three backs

left and one of them has got to play quarterback,” Sciple said. “Anybody can go in at any position at any given time. “We’ve got a great bunch of kids. They’ll tr y whether they’re playing of fensive line or tailback. They’ll give you ever y bit of ef for t they’ve got because they know you don’t have anybody else.” When he’s not leaning on a three-man rotation of running backs, Sciple will dabble in a passing game that took a major hit last year when Campbell went down. The of fense lost its balance and was forced to stick to the ground. Now Sciple said the team has a big enough line to protect McGuire while his receivers get down the field, or the Vikings will be able to spread the field for quick strikes.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VIKINGS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n FERRIS MCGUIRE, SR.; COLE NEWMAN, JR.; ROWDY RIGDON, SR.

n WILL DISBROW, SR.; JAY JONES, SR.; COLE NEWMAN, JR.; ZAK COTTON, FR.

n ROWDY RIGDON, SR.; BRITT REYNOLDS, JR.; DREW PEARSON, JR.; STEPHEN LANE, FR.; RUSS TAYLOR, FR.

n MATT TAYLOR, SR.; REDMON BUTLER, JR.; WILL SCIPLE, JR.; CODY BROWN, JR.

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “Ferris started six games last year counting the playoffs. Cole played some in ’08 at quarterback as s sophomore and some last year, too. Even Rowdy has done some mop-up duty.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “Will played for the last two years and was used primarily as a blocker, but he runs the ball well. We’re going to depend on him a lot.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “Rowdy was probably the go-to receiver last year when we were in regular formation.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n CODY BROWN, JR.; REDMON BUTLER, JR.; WILL SCIPLE, JR.

n COLE NEWMAN, JR.; DREW PEARSON, JR.; FERRIS MCGUIRE, SR.; WILL DISBROW, SR.

n JAY JONES, SR.; ROWDY RIGDON, SR.; ZAK COTTON, FR.

n FERRIS MCGUIRE, SR. (ALL KICKING DUTIES)

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “All had experience last year, but hopefully we’ll get to be a little faster. We may go with a different group of guys to get a little more pressure.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “ We’re going to be smaller but we’re going to be faster.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “Hopefully we can get some help from our freshmen to cover or get a break here or there.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “Our O-line has been together since last year. The same three started all year.”

n COACH SCIPLE SAYS: “A lot of his kicking practice is done on his own.”

Credit?

Central Academy 2010 team: 1-Jay Jones, 3-Will Disbrow, 4-Drew Pearson, 11-Cole Newman, 17-Steven Lane, 19-Britt Reynolds, 21-Ferris McGuire, 25-Rowdy Rigdon, 48Russ Taylor, 51-Redmon Butler, 71-Cody Brown, 72-Matt Taylor, 76-Will Sciple. Head coach: Robbie Sciple. Assistant coaches: Josh Jacobs, Pete Papas, Mike Greene, Nick Papas.

CONTACT INFORMATION n TELEPHONE: 662-726-4817; 662-726-5846

n ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Mike Greene

n WEBSITE: w w w.caviking.org

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HAMILTON LIONS MHSAA Class 2A, Region 2; 2009 Record: 5-6

Accountability could mean success in Hamilton BY DON ROWE Special to the Dispatch HAMILTON — Hamilton High School football coach Ray Weeks has instituted a new program he calls, “Earning Your Stripes,” and he feels it will benefit his team. “It’s an accountability issue,” Weeks said. “We, as coaches, talk every day about paying attention to the little things, intangibles such as doing everything right, being disciplined, arriving on time, not being a disruptive problem in class. “These traits, along with effort, enthusiasm, not making the same mistake over and over, and working hard in practice or in the weight room will make us a better football team. ‘Earning Your Stripes’ is our way of developing these habits and then recognizing those efforts on the part of the players. When you hold people accountable for their actions, you get better results.” Weeks said helmet stripes will be awarded to players who strive to improve their habits. But those stripes can also be taken away. “Just because you earn them doesn’t mean you get to keep them,” Weeks said. Starting his seventh year at the helm of the Lions’ program after stops as head coach at Leake Academy in Madden and Heritage Academy in Columbus and as an assistant at Aberdeen High, Weeks welcomes the return of six offensive starters, including quarterback Austin Welch, fullback Cole Gill, slot back Cojuante McMillian, and wide receiver Zarratt Sims. Junior Kyle Dahlem and senior Tyler Gill return to anchor the line. Welch (6-foot-1, 170 pounds), a starter last year as a sophomore, will pull the trigger for Weeks’ offense. “He’s gotten taller and lost some weight, and that’s allowed him to become more mobile and also improved his speed,” Weeks said. “He looks to be more comfortable, more confident this year, and we’re looking for him to improve his performance.” When the tough yards are needed, Gill (5-11, 215), a senior, will get the call at fullback. “Cole’s big and strong and we’ll be looking to him to be our go-to guy in tough situations,” Weeks said. Slot back duties will go to McMillian (6-0, 185), a junior with two years starting experience.

“Cojuante is just a good football player who works hard and has a great attitude,” Weeks said. Another junior, Sims (6-1, 150) will line up at wideout and also will see action at quarterback. “Zarratt is just one big muscle,” Weeks said. “There’s not an ounce of fat on him. He’s a great team leader who also runs the option well, so he could see some quarterback duties in certain situations.” Hamilton High returns the nucleus of its skill people, but needs help along the offensive line. “We don’t have a lot of depth there or on the defensive front, so if one or two go down with injuries it could be tough,” Weeks said. The already thin front line took a hit recently when it was determined that back problems will force junior tight end/offensive tackle Collin Sanders (6-8, 260) to miss at least half the season. “He’s a mighty big target at tight end, but he can also play offensive tackle,” Weeks said. “A week doesn’t go by that one college or another doesn’t call to check on him.” Ten seniors departed the scene, including Devin Hopper, Skyler Conwill, and Bryson Lindsey, who were mainstays on the offensive line. Dahlem (5-10, 190) at center and Gill (6-4, 255) at left tackle are the only front-line returning starters. “Kyle is the leader and is just like having a coach on the field,” Weeks said. “He knows everyone’s responsibilities and is a hard-working dependable kid — everything you want in a football player.” Weeks said Gill has the most important job on the team: Protecting the quarterback from his left tackle position. “Tyler has good technique and has gotten a lot stronger and a lot quicker,” Weeks said. “He does a good job protecting our quarterback.” With the departure of Hopper, Conwill, and Lindsey, senior Blake Holley (5-11, 230) is expected to start at right tackle, while juniors Ryan Gilbert (5-10, 160), Cedric Bell (5-10, 175), and Jeremy Howard (5-10, 215) are battling for the two guard spots. Gilbert accepted a move from running back to guard, while Bell sat out last year. “Ryan’s not big, but he’s tough,” Weeks said. “Same goes

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LIONS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

n AUSTIN WELCH, JR. With a year of experience, Weeks looks for improved performance. Junior Zarratt Sims could see spot duty in option situations.

n COLE GILL, SR., COJUANTE MCMILLIAN, JR., DEION HOWARD, SOPH. Solid group that could be strength of the team.

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n SIMS AND COLE RICHARDSON, SOPH. Sims started a year ago opposite senior Kevin McCartney, while Richardson needs some experience. Senior Noy Cungy, an exchange student from France, could work his way into starting lineup.

n KYLE DAHLEM, JR., TYLER GILL, SR. Dahlem anchors the line at center, while Gill is a wide body at left tackle. Senior Blake Holley and juniors Ryan Gilbert, Cedric Bell, and Jeremy Howard are all relatively untested.

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

n KYLE DAHLEM, JR., TYLER GILL, SR., BLAKE HOLLEY, RYAN GILBERT, CEDRIC BELL Bell, Dahlem, Gill, Holley, and Gilbert will play both ways. Gill and Holley are the only returning starters.

n COJUANTE MCMILLIAN, COLE GILL Cole Gill and McMillian started last year. They also start on offense.

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n ZARRATT SIMS, NOY CUNGY Sims is the only starter with experience, although Cungy has played in Europe.

n KYLE DAHLEM, JR. Dahlem will handle the kicking and punting chores.

for Cedric who, once he knocked the rust off, has progressed well.” Weeks also said Howard has been a pleasant surprise. “Over the course of the summer, Jeremy has gotten stronger and he hustles on every play,” Weeks said. Asked who will fill in for Sanders, Weeks didn’t have an answer. “That’s a good question,” he said. “Right now, we don’t have one, so we may not go with a tight end.” Should Weeks opt for two wideouts, sophomore Cole Richardson should get the call. Slot back Deion Howard (5-9, 170), a sophomore who played a great deal as a backup last year, will round out the offense. “Deion is a tough runner, but, more importantly, he has great field vision and makes great cuts,” Weeks said. “He sees the field really well. “We’ve got good size and lots

of experience in the backfield, but everything hinges on the offensive line. We don’t have a lot of depth there, so we’ve got to stay healthy.” As such, Weeks is counting on the development of younger players such as center Nick Owens to provide some much needed depth along the offensive front. Not uncharacteristically for a 2A school, no less than eight or nine offensive regulars will start on defense. “That’s something you come to expect at a small school,” Weeks said. “Most of our offensive starters will see double duty, so it’s imperative we are physically ready to go both ways.” Weeks said Bell and Dahlem should be at defensive end, Tyler Gill and Holley at tackle, Gilbert at nose tackle, Cole Gill at middle McMillian and linebacker, Howard at the outside linebacker slots, Sims at free safety, and Brandon Fikes, Curtis

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Ray Weeks (Seventh year)

n ASSISTANT COACHES: Jonathan Honeycutt, Devin Hill, Matt Atkins, Jason Junkin, Victor Cunningham.

NUMBER’S GAME

11 Returning Starters: 6 offense; 5 defense

HAMILTON SCHEDULE Aug. 20 WEIR Aug. 26 At Smithville Sept. 3 NETTLETON Sept. 10 HATLEY Sept. 17 At Houlka Sept. 24 At Caledonia Oct. 1 At West Lowndes At Eupora Oct. 8 Oct. 15 EAST WEBSTER Oct. 22 ACKERMAN Oct. 29 At J.Z. George HOME GAMES ON CAPS

Thompson, or Richardson at the corners. Silas Gill and Will Logan, who could provide some relief help at several positions, also will try to break into the starting lineup. A welcome addition to the program is foreign exchange student Noy Cungy from France. He is expected to help at cornerback and wide receiver. “Usually when you get a foreign exchange student, he turns out to be a soccer player who can kick and that’s it,” Weeks said. “Not Noy. This cat can play. He’s been to several NFL camps. He covers well defensively and runs great routes on offense, so it’s easy to see he’s played the game before and has been well coached.” Dahlem, who will play both ways, also will find time to handle the kicking and punting chores.

Brenda Owens/Special to the Dispatch

Hamilton 2010 team: Curtis Thompson, Tyler Gill, Blake Holley, Soloman Coleman, Cole Gll, Brandon Fikes, Zarratt Sims, Ryan Gilbert, Will Logan, Mason Perkins, Jay Cob Barden, Jordan Jackson, Collin Sanders, CoJuante McMillian, Kyle Dahlem, Austin Welch, Jeremy Howard, Cedric Bell, Deion Howard, Evan Phillips, Silas Gill, Dallas Stockman, Adam McDaniel, Cole Richardson, Caleb Garvin, Seth Dement, Pallas Fair, Rudy Trimble, Ryan Pickle, Sydney Davis, Chance Maharrey, Curry Smith, Devin Davis, Casey Cantrell, Ken Spruill, Davis Hankins, Sequintis Coleman, Brett Garrison, Drew Randolph, Nick Owens, Cole Robinson, Quinshay Heard, Noy Cungy. Head coach: Ray Weeks, Assistant coaches: Jonathan Honeycutt, Devin Hill, Matt Atkins, Jason Junkin, Victor Cunningham.

Columbus Continued from Page 3

aren’t here to punish the underclassmen, they’re here to motivate It is the coaches’ job to punish,” said Jordan a 5-9, 260-pounder. “I am just hoping everybody will jump on board so we can have a better season than the previous ones.” Jordan said he and Richardson intend to let teammates know when they do something good. He said they also will encourage teammates not to yell at someone if they do something wrong. He said the players will be urged to take them aside to let them know what they

did and how they can correct it. Stanford said both players have impressed him with their discipline and attention to detail. He believes they will set a positive example as yes sir, no sir leaders who will be on time and do whatever is needed to help the team succeed. "(Chris) is not a different person,” Stanford said. “He has always worked hard, and he has always been where he is supposed to. The biggest thing with Chris is he didn’t make a play. He was right there to make a play and he never made it, and we told him that. This year, it

looks like he is there. He was probably the best coached kid last year, but he would not make a play. This year, we hope he steps up and makes some plays. “The improvement (Drew) has made with his footwork has been the biggest thing. Drew did not have real good feet. He got a little quicker with it, he comes off the ball a little quicker. He got a lot stronger in the weight room, and we expect him to have a big year. He is going to be one of the leaders on our offensive line. We feel that is one of our strong points.”

Stanford said Richardson and Jordan likely won’t be rah-rah leaders who make commotions slapping backs and hands. That’s fine with him because he knows they will be at the front of the line in conditioning drills setting the tone for everyone. Columbus High has had leaders like that the past few years, the naysayers will say, so there is bound to be doubt that things will turn this season. Jordan said people doubt the Falcons at their own risk. “I think they’re wrong,” said

Drew of the naysayers. “I think we have gotten a whole lot better since last year and we are here to win games.” Richardson and Jordan intend to realize that goal the old-fashioned way: with hard work. “I just want to continue to working hard and motivating everybody and, like C.J. (Richardson) said to play hard until the game is over,” Drew said. “I want to do that throughout life, too.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

20 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Credit?

Amory 2010 team: 1-Quartez French, 2-Justin Lackey, 3-Braxton Polk, 4-Johnathan Randle, 6-Anthony Spratt, 8-Ryan Hill, 11-Chris Harper, 12-Clay Todd, 14-Forest Williams, 15-Dee Evans, 16-Zack Khima, 18-Jeremy Roberts, 19-Fred Garth, 21-Charles Polk, 22-Chandler Riggs, 24-Lester Freeman, 26-Tashari Collins, 27-Shamar Wright, 28-Robert Maharrey, 29-Alex Sullivan, 32-Tyler Crump, 35-Hayden Williams, 38-Jailon Lowe, 43-Jake Shelly, 47-Walton Chaney, 48-Bradley Riggs, 49-Larr y Sanders, 51Channing French, 53-Javontae Randle, 55-Cory Daughty, 56-Alex Farrar, 57-Greg Hadley, 58-Korie Jenkins, 62-Hunter Williams, 64-Duane Gilleylen, 66-Jason Talley, 69Shaquille Perks, 71-Hunter Chism, 72-Deiontae Ivory, 73-Ben Oswalt, 74-Dusty Bryan, 75-John Mark Howell, 76-Michael Weirauch, 77-Ashton Cooper, 83-Leighton Todd, 84-John Lenior, 86-Ryan Howell, Dario Robinson. Head coach: Trent Hammond. Assistant coaches: John Keith, Josh Baty, Linzy Patterson, Seth Lee, Ty Trahan, Jason Kelly.

AMORY PANTHERS MHSAA Class 4A, Region 4; 2009 Record: 3-9

Hammond hopes to rebuild tradition BY DON ROWE Special to the Dispatch

AMORY — First-year Amory High School football coach Trent Hammond has several concerns entering this season. The fact that the Panthers have only three returning starters on either side of the ball is chief among Hammond’s concerns, but trying to live up to the school’s storied football tradition isn’t one of his main worries. “I’m well aware of Amory’s great football tradition, and it is a welldeserved reputation, which has been built over the years,” Hammond said. “I’m not trying to downplay its importance because it’s great to coach in a place that has such a winning tradition. But traditions don’t take snaps on Friday night — football players do.” Hammond said most of the players on his team weren’t born or were very young when that winning tradition was established, so the Panthers are going to have to do whatever it takes to make their mark and improve on last year’s 3-9 record. “Make no mistake, a winning tradition is a positive, but our players are going to have to establish their tradition and play for themselves,” Hammond said. “We can’t waste time worrying about what happened 10 or 20 years ago. We’re going to have to do our own thing, the things we believe in, and if we are successful, these players will leave their own legacy.” Hammond beat out over three dozen applicants for the job after veteran coach Pat Byrd resigned at the close of the 2009 season. He has a proven track record as a successful coach — both as an assistant and as a head coach. After a year as an assistant at Bogue Chitto in 1995, Hammond served four years (1996-99) as defensive coordinator at Lawrence County, where he helped guide the Cougars to a state championship in 1999. He made it two consecutive state titles as co-defensive coordinator at McComb the following year (2000) before returning to Lawrence County to become head coach from 2001-03. Leaving Monticello, Hammond took over the Water Valley program from 2004-07 and served as Franklin County’s head coach the past two years (2008-09). “Coach Hammond came to us highly recommended and in the short time he’s been on the job,

he’s lived up to his press clippings,” Amory High Principal David Poss said. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from the players and their parents.” Under no illusions when he accepted the position at Amory High, Hammond knows he’s facing a rebuilding year this season. “We have less than a dozen returning lettermen and just six starters back on offense and defense, so it’s going to be a rebuilding year,” Hammond said. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a successful season. It just means we’re going to have to work really hard to make up for a lack of experience.” Seventeen seniors exhausted their eligibility last season, many of whom were regulars, so Hammond will have to find replacements for eight players on offense and eight more on defense. “We’ve got some young, talented players who we are counting on, and the only negative to that is they lack experience,” Hammond said. “We went through spring drills with most of them, but a few others are a little behind because our baseball team made it all the way to the finals. “But whether they participated in spring drills or not, they still lack that all-important game experience, so that puts us a little behind.” Seniors Ryan Hill and Shaquille Perks and junior Forest Williams will provide the leadership on offense, while seniors Channing French, Duane Gilleylen, and Charles Polk will lead the defensive charge. “That’s it as far as returning starters,” Hammond said, “so that means there are a lot of opportunities for some of the younger guys to step up and claim a spot in the starting lineup.” On the plus side, Williams, who stated last season, provides experience at the all-important quarterback position in Hammond’s WingT offense. “Forest is about 6-2, 180 and has a good arm,” Hammond said. “He’s a leader in the huddle and he carries himself well.” Despite a lack of size, Hill should be one of Williams’ main targets at wide receiver. “Ryan is one tough kid who might weigh 125 pounds soaking wet with rocks in his pockets,” Hammond said. “But what he lacks physically, he makes up for by giving everything he has on every snap.”

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

n FOREST WILLIAMS, JR. Only returning starter in the offensive backfield.

n JOHN RANDLE, SR., DARIO ROBINSON, SOPH. An extremely quick utility player who will be in the lineup somewhere.

RECEIVERS n WALTON CHANEY, SR. Big target with great hands at tight end. Justin Lackey, Jr. Played some last year. Ryan Hill, Sr. Not blessed with great speed, but tough as nails.

OFFENSIVE LINE

n DUANE GILLEYLEN, SR., CHARLES POLK, SR., LARRY SANDERS, SR., LESTER FREEMAN, SR. AND JAVONTAE RANDLE, JR. Gilleylen only returning starter.

n SHAQUILLE PERKS, SR. Only returning starter. Dusty Bryant, Soph. Hard work and lots of effort got him in the starting lineup. Greg Hadley, Jr. Always where he’s supposed to be. Korie Jenkins, Sr. Tough and hard-nosed in first year back after giving up football for Mixed Martial Arts competition. Deiontae Ivory, Soph. or Michael Weirauch, Soph. Locked in a battle to start, but Ivory a little ahead.

SECONDARY

LINEBACKER

n QUARTEZ FRENCH, JR., ABARIS WOODRICK, SOPH., ZACK KHIMA, JR., CHANDLER RIGGS, SR., CHRIS HARPER, SR. AND ROBERTS. Lack game experience, but possess speed and physical tools to get the job done.

n CHANNING FRENCH, SR. Bradley Riggs, Jeremy Roberts, Jr. and Hayden Williams, Soph. battling for first-team status.

DEFENSIVE LINE

SPECIAL TEAMS n ZACK KHIMA, JR. Khima, last year’s kicker, or Chaney in battle for top spot. Jake Shelly, Sr., is the punter.

Like Hill, Perks (5-7, 200) isn’t blessed with tremendous size, but he is the only returning offensive lineman and will start at pulling guard. “Shaq has played in the trenches before and he does a good job,” Hammond said. “He makes up for his lack of size with good quickness.” Rounding out the list of replacements on the offensive line are sophomore Dusty Bryant (6-2, 290) at center, junior Greg Hadley (6-1, 200) at guard, senior Korie Jenkins (6-0, 200) at right tackle, sophomores Deiontae Ivory (6-1, 230) or Michael Weirauch (6-2, 210) at left tackle, and senior Walton Chaney (6-2, 200) at tight end. The skill positions should be filled by junior Justin Lackey (6-2, 185) at flanker/wide receiver, sophomore Dario Robinson (5-9, 160) at wide receiver or at wingback, and

senior John Randle (5-11, 190) at fullback. Defensively, only one lineman and a pair of linebackers return — one of whom could line up at any of three positions. Gilleylen, a defensive tackle, is the biggest of the three veterans (60, 260). Hammond’s goal is to turn him into a dominating player. “We want him to dominate the line of scrimmage,” Hammond said. “He’s worked extremely hard to increase his bench (press) 50 pounds since I’ve been here, and he runs well, and I think he’s poised to have a good year.” Channing French (6-0, 210) anchors the linebacking corps and, despite having to master new defensive schemes, “has developed into a pretty good football player,” Hammond said. Possibly the team’s most versatile player, Polk (5-10, 225) is a

n HEAD COACH: Trent Hammond (first year) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Ty Trahan, John Keith, Josh Baty, Linzy Patterson, Jason Kelly, Seth Lee

NUMBER’S GAME

10 Returning Lettermen

7 Returning Starters: 3 – Offense; 3 – Defense; 1 – Special Teams

AMORY SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At Nettleton Aug. 27 ITAWAMBA Sept. 3 NEW HOPE Sept. 10 At Aberdeen Sept. 17 At Shannon Sept. 24 PONTOTOC Oct. 1 At Caledonia NOXUBEE CO. Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Kosciusko Oct. 22 HOUSTON Oct. 29 At Louisville HOME GAMES IN CAPS

hybrid-type player who might line up at defensive tackle, defensive end, or at linebacker depending on the scheme. A dozen or so Panthers have positioned themselves to claim the eight remaining spots, including senior Larry Sanders (5-10, 185) at defensive end, senior Lester Freeman (5-7, 180) and junior Javontae Randle (5-8, 200) at nose tackle, junior Jeremy Roberts (5-10, 180), sophomore Hayden Williams (5-10, 160), and Bradley Riggs (6-0, 190) at linebacker, junior Quartez French (5-8, 180) and sophomore Abaris Woodrick (5-10, 170) at cornerback, junior rover Zack Khima (5-9, 170), and seniors Chandler Riggs (6-0, 190) and Chris Harper, along with Roberts, at free safety. The kicking duties will fall to Chaney or Khima, while senior Jake Shelly will handle the punting chores.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RAIDERS

Oak Hill Continued from Page 16

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PANTHERS

STAFF

QUARTERBACK

not 6-foot-4, 275 but has another kid about his size n JEB STEVENS and if they are both coming off the ball correctly and are n COACH GREGG SAYS: step for step, an average“Our quarterbacks are doing a good sized kid becomes a better job of delivering the football.” blocker.” While the Raiders’ lack of size is a disadvantage offensively, Gregg feels he can n JOHN ROBERT WILBOURNE, turn the tables on the other JR., CHAD MOORE, JR., COLE side of the ball. He hopes to use his overall team speed to FOWLER,SO., JORDAN HAWKINS, SR., COOPER ORMAN, SO., attack on defense. PALMER WHITE, SO. “We’re going to base out of a 50 front, and because of n COACH GREGG SAYS: size there is not going to be a “We’re going to have a little depth lot reading on our defense,” but it’s all young kids. There’s not a Gregg said. “We’re going to lot of size but we really don’t want a have to do some attacking. lot of size. We want quickness and We do have a lot of quickness and a lot of closing speed out guys who are going to command of a couple of our players. double teams and penetrate the line Our coaches are working of scrimmage, and with our starters very hard at improving techthat’s what we have.” niques out of every position.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n DOSS MILLER, SR., MIKE LANE, JR., BO SANFORD, SO.; PHILLIP LIU, SO.

n CLAY HENLEY, JR., RUSTY TAIT, JR. , ADAM TURNEY, SO.; JOHN ROBERT WILBOURNE, JR.:

n COACH GREGG SAYS: “Our running backs are going to have speed and a lot of toughness,” Gregg said. “Doss Miller only started seven games at running back last year and had nearly 1,200 yards rushing. The harder the ballgame, the better his numbers were.”

n COACH GREGG SAYS: “Our receiving corps are going to be strong. They run good routes and catch the ball in traffic real well,” Gregg said. “J.R. is a big kid and he’s easy for our quarterbacks to see. He’s an easy target to see and he’s got soft hands.”

n JORDAN HAWKINS, SR., REID POSEY, JR., CHAD MOORE, JR., COLE FOWLER, SO., COOPER ORMAN, SO., PALMER WHITE, SO. n COACH GREGG SAYS: “Our offensive line is not going to have a lot of size to it. Strength-wise it’s going to be average. The cohesiveness is really good and are doing a good job on our blocking schemes.”

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n REID POSEY, JR., MIKE LANE, JR., DOSS MILLER, SR. n COACH GREGG SAYS: “(This) is going to be the strength of our team. We’ve got kids that will run and strike you when they get there.”

n CLAY HENLEY, JR., RUSTY TAIT, JR., ADAM TURNERY, SO., BO SANFORD, SO. n COACH GREGG SAYS: “Our defensive back area is already better than we were last year. We’ve got some returners that covered a lot of fast people.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

ABERDEEN BULLDOGS MHSAA Class 3A, Region 2; 2009 Record: 13-3

New QB Jones has plenty of confidence BY DON ROWE Special to the Dispatch

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Chris Duncan (fourth year, 33-9) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Justin Moss, Patrick Schoolar, Latorrence Bivens, Alex Williams, Sammie Burroughs

NUMBER’S GAME

13 Returning Starters: 7 — Offense; 6 — Defense

ABERDEEN SCHEDULE Aug. 20 COLUMBUS Aug. 27 At Ray Brooks Sept. 3 PONTOTOC Sept. 10 AMORY Sept. 17 OKOLONA Sept. 24 At Houston Oct. 1 At Winona Oct. 8 WATER VALLEY Oct. 15 At Mooreville Oct. 22 S. PONTOTOC Oct. 29 At Nettleton HOME GAMES IN CAPS

ABERDEEN 2010 TEAM 1-Victor Hodges, 2Desmond Jones, 3Tamarkus Payne, 4Corino Blanchard, 5Braxton Anderson, 6Joshua Ewing, 7Aaron McMillian, 8Jalen Devauld, 9Sammy Burroughs, 10-Justin Lucas, 11Tyler Fields, 12Jeremy Brandon, 13Johnny Wilson, 14Keon Spratt, 15Ramontez Hodges, 16-Chris McMillian, 17-Nick Sims, 18Patrick Lockett, 19Trey Mims, 20Brandon Walker, 21Demario Wilson, 22Chico Harrison, 23Johnny McMillian, 24Brandon Smith, 25Andre Jernigan, 26Erick Cunningham, 27-Travis Garth, 28Devontae Fudge, 29David Foster, 30Jordan Walker, 31Tylan McMillian, 32William Peterson, 33John Randle, 34-Tevin Jones, 43-Janorris Blanchard, 44-Jordan Walker, 50-Fred Ward, 51-Channing Ward, 52-Brandon Hodges, 53-Richie Boone, 54-Zavi Forshee, 55Alexander Harper, 56Latherio Cox, 57Jordan Gathings, 58Tavarus Eckford, 59Bobby Ward, 60Rickie McAllister, 61Devontae Walker, 63Damien Walker, 64Jarius Garth, 65James Randle, 66Sebastian McFarland, 67-Jahrel Wilson, 68Aaron Wilson, 72Antonio McFarland, 73-Cortavian Doss, 74-Jamarkus Irons, 75-Theodore Boyd, 80-Michael Hodges, 84-Jalen Bell.

ABERDEEN — Never let it be said that Aberdeen High School quarterback Desmond Jones lacks confidence. A senior who has started one game under center for the Bulldogs, Jones feels he has the tools to lead Aberdeen back to Jackson in December. “I have a great deal of trust in my teammates and they trust me,” said the 5foot-10, 170-pound Jones. “If everybody does their job and I do mine like I’m capable of, there’s no reason why we can’t make it back to Jackson again this year.” Aberdeen High coach Chris Duncan is confident Jones can get the job done. “Des is a good leader who runs the ball well and throws adequately,” Duncan said. “He played some cornerback for us last year, so having a tough kid in that position is a plus.” Jones, who transferred to Aberdeen from Nettleton his sophomore year, will be looked to to replace Aaron Andrew, a talented passer who threw for 2,823 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 362 yards during last year’s 13-3 campaign. Jones won’t have the luxury of throwing to three of the best receivers to suit up for the Bulldogs at one time – Erik Buchanan, Rashad Pargo, and Mario Lucas, all of whom signed to play football at Itawamba Community College after combining for 114 catches, 2,432 yards and 22 TDs. Nor will he have the good fortune of handing off to Jamerson Love, who ran for 1,773 yards on 195 carries and scored 19 touchdowns. He also caught 19 balls for 434 yards and six scores. Duncan downplays Jones’ inexperience and said he doesn’t expect him to match Aaron Andrew’s gaudy stats this season. “We’re not expecting

him to carry the load for us,” Duncan said. “With what we’re asking him to do, we think he’ll do fine. When the lights come on, he’ll be up to the task.” The loss of such talent not withstanding, the cupboard is far from bare. The one advantage Jones has over his predecessor is the return of a veteran offensive line that features three seniors and two juniors – all of whom started for the Bulldogs last season. “Having the offensive

on at Mississippi State as a defensive back, garnered most of the attention offensively last year, Jones will have no less than four quality backs behind him this season, not to mention three receivers who Duncan said are quicker than last year’s receiving corps. Heading up the list of backfield returnees is senior Victor Hodges (5-7, 180), a punishing type runner who rushed for more than 800 yards last year despite playing behind

“Having the offensive line coming back is a big advantage for us. They have been tested in the past, and their experience takes some of the pressure off me.” Aberdeen quarterback Desmond Jones line coming back is a big advantage for us,” said Jones. “They have been tested in the past, and their experience takes some of the pressure off me.” Senior left tackle Fred Ward (6-4, 250), a threeyear starter, anchors the front line. “Fred is my Michael Oher,” Duncan said. “He’s a phenomenal athlete and the only one on the team who can block Channing Ward, his cousin.” Ward’s counterpart on the opposite side of the Oline is Damien Walker (60, 235). He will line up next to guard Rickie McAllister (6-1, 250). Both are juniors. “They’re both experienced, they’re good pass blockers and both are extremely competitive,” Duncan said. Senior center Richie Boone (6-0, 260) and senior guard Cortavian Doss (6-0, 240) round out the offensive front lineup. “Richie does a good job snapping the ball out of the shotgun and is very strong, while Cortavian has been in our system four years and has very good technique,” Duncan said. While Love, who signed

Love. “Victor is not as explosive a runner as Love, but he is everything a true running back should be,” Duncan said. “He relishes contact and he’ll run over you, he’ll run around you, or he’ll run past you. He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid who, if he was stretched another inch or two, could play anywhere.” The fullback chores will fall to sophomore Justin Lucas (5-11, 200). “Justin’s picked up about 30 pounds since last year, and he’s what you want in a fullback,” Duncan said. “He’s a bruiser who’s not afraid to stick his nose in there.” Seniors Brandon Smith (5-11, 170) and Andre Jernigan (6-0, 205) will provide backup help at tailback and fullback, respectively. Wide receiver is one of Duncan’s chief concerns centers. “We’re fast and real athletic, but not really skilled yet,” Duncan said. “I know you can’t teach athleticism, but you can work to get better and better.” Senior Jalen Devauld, a three-year starter, is the only returning wide receiver with more than

token experience. “Jalen catches the ball well and runs good routes,” Duncan said. “He’s our most polished and most experienced receiver.” Rounding out the receiving corps are senior Johnny Wilson (5-11, 165) and sophomore Aaron McMillian, both of whom, according to Duncan, are faster than any of last year’s receivers. “Johnny’s the fastest of the bunch, a real burner who can play,” Duncan said. “Aaron, who is the second fastest, runs well and can catch the ball, but is young and needs some polish.” Junior Jalen Bell, a starter on last year’s state runner-up squad, will return at tight end. “Jalen is tough and plays hard,” Duncan said. “He makes the plays.” Four offensive starters on offense will go both ways, including Fred Ward at tackle, Lucas at linebacker, Smith at dog safety, and (strong) Wilson at cornerback. Highly recruited junior Channing Ward (6-3 1/2, 235) will join his cousin, Fred, to form one of the region’s best defensive tackle combinations. “Both of them are about the best around,” Duncan said. “With one on one side and one on the other side, they look to dominate the line of scrimmage.” The Wards will sandwich junior nose tackle Jordan Gathings (5-11, 180), a returning starter from last year. “Jordan is a tough character who isn’t real big but who uses his quickness to get to the ball,” Duncan said. “He doesn’t mind mixing it up.” Senior Andre Jernigan (6-0, 225) and junior Braxton Anderson (6-0, 205) man the defensive ends posts. “Andre is a good athlete and a three-year starter who knows the ropes, while Braxton is really physical and runs well,”

Duncan said. “I’m excited about having both of them at either end of the line.” Linebacking chores will fall to Lucas and junior Johnny McMillian (5-11, 175). “Johnny is the fastest player on the team, but he needs to improve his tackling,” Duncan said. Brandon Smith and junior Corino Blanchard will start at dog safety and free safety, respectively. “Brandon is a good cover guy who has started the past three years,” Duncan said. “Blanchard is very smart, a straight-A student who won’t make many mistakes. He’s played corner the last two years and is very physical.” A pair of Wilsons will handle the cornerback slots, senior Johnny Wilson and junior Demario Wilson (5-11, 155). “Johnny is one of the best athletes on the team, and the sky is the limit as far as he is concerned,” said, “and Duncan Demario was the surprise of the spring despite never having played before.” Sophomore Robert Gardner and senior soccer player Antonio Crayton are in the mix to handle the kicking and punting duties. As the defending Class 3A North State champions, Duncan realizes everyone will be gunning for his Bulldogs, but he shares his quarterback’s confidence in Aberdeen’s chances to get back to Jackson. “We’re solid up front as well as defensively,” Duncan said. “We have a good mix of experience and good, young talent and the kids expect to win here now. They’re more confident and they don’t accept defeat. “As long as they keep working hard and doing the things the way they do them, we have just as good a chance as anybody to take another shot at Jackson.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n DESMOND JONES, SR. Will guide a more run-oriented team this year.

n VICTOR HODGES, SR. Leads a solid foursome that includes Justin Lucas, Soph., Brandon Smith, Sr. and Andre Jernigan, Sr.

n JALEN DEVAULD, SR., JOHNNY WILSON, SR., AARON MCMILLIAN, SOPH., JALEN BELL, JR. Devauld is only wideout with experience. Wilson and McMillian are both untested speed-merchants. Bell is a dependable returnee at tight end.

n FRED WARD, SR., RICHIE BOONE, SR., CORTAVIAN DOSS, SR., RICKIE MCCALLISTER, JR., DAMIEN WALKER, JR. All are veterans who started last year.

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n FRED WARD, SR., CHANNING WARD, JR. ANDRE JERNIGAN, SR. BRAXTON ANDERSON, JR., JORDAN GATHINGS, JR. Fred Ward and Channing Ward have the tools to play at the next level. Jernigan and are both solid defensive ends. Gathings is small in stature, but extremely fast.

n JOHNNY MCMILLIAN, JR. AND LUCAS Both are relatively inexperienced.

n JOHNNY WILSON, SR., DEMARIO WILSON, JR., CORINO BLANCHARD, JR., AND SMITH The Wilsons are both very athletic, but untested at the corners. Smith brings two years experience to the dog safety position, and Blanchard is a heady, physical free safety.

n ROBERT GARDNER, SOPH. AND ANTONIO CRAYTON, SR. Both punting and kicking positions are up for grabs.

Starkville Continued from Page 10

Mitchell said of Johnson. “Whether that’s fair to a senior or not, I don’t know. But I think he relishes that spot and wants that responsibility.” Johnson is prepared to shoulder the load of guiding a young group of skill players and having an increased role on defense. Ideally, Mitchell wouldn’t want his starting quarterback to play very much at safety, but the experience-strapped Jackets have no choice, Mitchell said. In turn, the extra work in practice has given Johnson an extra level of physical and mental toughness, he said. “By the time we go to

team offense I’ve already done the full practice on defense,” Johnson said. “I’ve still got to get back there, make the right reads, and make the throw. Even if I’m tired, I’ve got to push through it. “It’s more like a game situation.” Johnson helped lead the Jackets to a 4-9 record and a playoff berth last season, though many in the program thought the results should have been better. Starkville lost to Louisville 26-21. Turnovers also contributed heavily to losses at Southaven and at home against Olive Branch. Fumbles and interceptions

played a role in both losses, which came by 11 and 10 points, respectively. Consistency, in Mitchell’s mind, is the key to Johnson becoming the quarterback expected of someone with his skill set. “He can make any throw on the field — the deep out, the comeback, the takeoff — and has great ability,” Mitchell said. “Not completing the shallow routes sometimes and taking the shot when he doesn’t need to are the times when the consistency is lacking. That’s the big thing for him. That 2- to3-yard route can turn into a big play just as easy as the pass down the field can.

Make the easy throw.” Though the 6-foot, 205pound Johnson will play with increased pressure to lead the Yellow Jackets back to the playoffs, the new coaching staff and renewed optimism in the program provides a stress-free routine every time the team practices. A big part of the pressureless feel is having an experienced offensive line with returners Chris Prater, Jarrod Atterberry, and Eric Rogers. Running back Jakarta Agnew, who missed all of last season, is back healthy and has impressed in his move to fullback. All that’s left is for

Johnson to get in sync with the likes of first-year player and basketball teammate Shaquille Hill, and sophomores Kentrell Spencer and Gabe Myles, all of whom will make up the top end of Starkville’s receiving corps. “We’re good protection wise, but we’re still learning all the routes and just trying to get on the same page,” Johnson said. “Kentrell runs good routes and isn’t afraid to drop his shoulder and make a move once he catches the ball. That’s encouraging, and I don’t think it’ll take us long to get it down. “By the time we hit district, everything should be smoothed out and ready. We

shouldn’t have to call the play in the huddle — everybody knows where to go. I expect by Meridian, we should be good.”

STARKVILLE SCHEDULE Aug. 20 NOXUBEE CO. Aug. 27 At Louisville Sept. 3 At Meridian Sept. 10 At West Point Sept. 17 Open Sept. 24 At Desota Central TUPELO Oct. 1 Oct. 8 At Horn Lake Oct. 15 SOUTHAVEN Oct. 22 At Olive Branch Oct. 29 SOUTH PANOLA Nov. 5 COLUMBUS HOME GAMES IN CAPS

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

22 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

EAST WEBSTER WOLVERINES MHSAA Class 2A, Region 2; 2009 Record: 7-7

Carden hopes team can build off 2009 BY AUSTIN BISHOP

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Jimmy Carden (15th season) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Doug Wilson (defensive coordinator), Kenny Williams (special teams), Philip Jordan, and Jason Smith.

NUMBER’S GAME

15 Returning Starters: 8 – Offense; 7 – Defense

14 Number of seniors Carden is counting on

Special to the Dispatch

EAST WEBSTER 2010 TEAM

MABEN — If you ask members of the East Webster High School football team what the turning point of their 2009 season was, to a man they likely will give you the same answer. “It started back at the second half of the J.Z. George game,” said senior defensive tackle Lilton Vance. “We came out at halftime with a different attitude. Coach (Jimmy Carden) just told us to get our minds right or we wouldn’t be going to the playoffs.” While the Wolverines, who trailed 19-0 at halftime, went on to lose 19-14, the team learned something about itself. “We just came together as a team,” Demetrius O’Briant said. “We all got on the same page. The coaches just kept pushing us and we began to work together.” After falling to 4-6 and 0-4 in Region 2-2A play, the Wolverines defeated West Lowndes 24-0 to close the regular season and wound up winning a tiebreaker to take fourth place in the region and a spot in the playoffs.

1-Bret Flora, 2-Miguel Graham, 4-Bolo McCurry, 5-Darius Dear, 7-McKinley Hollenhead, 8Clayton Hudspeth, 10-Cody McKee, 11-Damien Britt, 12Ledrick Patterson, 15-Ryan Johnson, 16-Timakis Bell, 20Terry Shaw, 22-Marques Reives, 23-Jayson Latham, 25Josh Gladney, 26-Tyler Doss, 27-Cody Silver, 30-Demetrius O’Briant, 32-Thomas Brooks, 35-Nick Reynolds, 38-Tyler Story, 50-Brennon Sparks. 52Austin Harrison 53-Colby Williamson, 54-Xavier Moye, 55-Lilton Vance, 56-Jacob

to lead the team to an

n JIMMY CARDEN: “We just need to get a little luck, get some bounces, and stay healthy.”

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n LEDRICK PATTERSON,

n TIMAKIS BELL, DEMETRIUS O’BRIANT, BOLO MCCURRY, DAMIAN BRITT Bell, O’Briant, and McCurr y give the Wolverines dangerous options.

n MIGUEL GRAHAM, LEDRICK PATTERSON, JOSH GLADNEY When not quarterbacking, expect Graham or Patterson to be in the game at wide receiver.

n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “We have a lot of experience returning here. We expect to be able to run the ball.”

n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “Those are all seniors and are all pretty good.”

n TYLER GREGG, HUNTER CUNNINGHAM, AUSTIN HARRISON, BRODY WHITE, LILTON VANCE, XAVIER MOYE, COLBY WILLIAMSON, CHARLES MOSELEY, AND AUSTIN HALFORD The line has a mixture of experience and youth.

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n BOLO MCCURRY, BRENNAN SPARKS, LILTON VANCE, AUSTIN HARRISON, DILLON DORSEY, AND CHARLES GUYTON The Wolverines are counting on this unit to shut down running games.

n XAVIER MOYE, DAMIAN BRITT,

n CODY SILVER, JOSH GLADNEY, MIGUEL GRAHAM, RYAN JOHNSON East Webster will have some speed at this position.

MIGUEL GRAHAM Patterson and Graham have big-game experience. n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “ We will use both of those guys to kind of change the look.”

EAST WEBSTER SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At South Pontotoc Aug. 27 WEST OKTIBBEHA Sept. 3 At Vardaman Sept. 10 At Houlka Sept. 17 BRUCE Sept. 24 At Alcorn Central EUPORA Oct. 1 At Ackerman Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Hamilton Oct. 22 J.Z. GEORGE Oct. 29 WEST LOWNDES HOME GAMES IN CAPS

makes us want to work even harder now.” Ackerman beat East Webster 1412 and went on to play for the State Championship. Now the Wolverines hope last year’s amazing turnaround leads to good things this season. “I think we have a lot of good expectations,” offensive tackle Brody White said. “We are looking to have a great year and are trying to continue to improve.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WOLVERINES

outstanding season.

KEY IN 2010

Then the unexpected happened. First East Webster knocked off top-seeded Coahoma County 33-8 in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Playoffs, before beating Calhoun City 28-14 in the second round to set up a rematch with undefeated Ackerman. “Nobody gave us a chance against Ackerman,” linebacker Xavier Moye said. “We played them good and almost beat them. It

Newland, 57-Andy Dunn, 58Charles Mosley, 60-Austin Halford, 63-Scott Winfield, 64Austin Cunningham, 65-Laterris Powell, 66-Trey Chism, 67Curtis Helms, 68-Jonathan Collins, 70-Charles Guyton, 71Tanner Pritchard, 73-Dillon Dorsey, 75-Jake Williams, 76Brody White, 78-Hunter Cunningham, 88-Jermarcus Ivy, 99-Tyler Gregg. Head coach: Jimmy Carden. Assistant coaches: Doug Wilson, Philip Jordan, Kenny Williamson, Jason Smith.

“Last year, we surprised a lot of people because we were the underdogs,” quarterback/wide receiver Miguel Graham said. “But we came out and proved some things to a lot of people. This year will be a little different. Most folks will be aiming at us, so we have to be ready.” “We really gained a lot of confidence last year. That’s the biggest thing,” Carden said. “We had kids who had not played much other than in a mop-up situation. We were replacing so many starters. It took them a while to learn what it took to win.” Carden, who is entering his 15th season as a head coach, admitted expectations might have been low last year, but pointed out that the Wolverines didn’t get embarrassed in any games. “We were competitive,” he said. “Then in the second half (of the J.Z. George game) we just decided to come out and smack them in the mouth. That turned everything around.” Said O’Briant, “We still have a whole lot to prove. We got disappointed in the third round of the playoffs last year, so we’re not done yet.”

n COACH STANDFORD SAYS: “ We need some big plays anytime we can get them.”

LEDRICK PATTERSON, DEMETRIUS O’BRIANT, TYLER GREGG, AND AUSTIN HALFORD Two-way players will be the key. n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “ We will be needing these guys to

n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “When teams go deep, we have to be ready.”

n COACH CARDEN SAYS: “We will be counting on Hunter Cunningham and Austin Harrison for leadership.”

SPECIAL TEAMS n TIMAKIS BELL, CONNER GRAHAM Bell brings experience to the kicking game.

be in the middle of things.”

Noxubee Continued from Page 17

If I am tired, I am still going to go 110 percent and I am going to give everything I have.” Williams said Wright first taught him focus when he was a sophomore on that Class 4A title squad. The instructions helped a player who wasn’t sure where he would wind up on the field find a place at linebacker, one of the focal points on defense. It has turned out to be a perfect home for Williams, who has developed a reputation for speed. “Corey can run and he is a big kid,” Shorter said. “He is one of the fastest guys on the team. The way he plays, he doesn’t have to say a word. A lot of the kids see how he plays and play as hard as he does. he just gets everybody pumped up. He is like a coach on the field. Some of the past linebackers, they see things on the field and come back and tell you so you can make the adjustment. He is that kind of player.” Shorter said Williams is so fast — 100 mph in practice and in games — that he often has to tell him to slow down so he doesn’t overrun plays or allow his aggressive nature to put him out of position. That’s a minor quibble to make about a player who will lead another chapter of a Noxubee County defense known for its team speed and swarming nature. "I feel a linebacker should have more leadership and be more of a team leader,” Williams said. “The best linebackers lead their team, and that is how I picture myself. I see myself as a leader on and off the field.” Shorter, who has coached Williams since the seventh grade, could tell immediately he had a future leader. He

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TIGERS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

n JARED JOHNSON, JACOBY BALLARD Noxubee County played two quarterbacks in the spring and in the summer. The system paid off as the Tigers won 7-on-7 passing camps at East Mississippi Community College and at the University of Mississippi. They also had a strong showing at Mississippi State’s event. n COACH SHORTER SAYS: “Jared has the edge. He is pushing Jared. It is looking like we probably will play two quarterbacks again. They are battling, but I think Jared has the edge in experience.”

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n ANTONIO RYLAND,

n TERRENCE BARON,

DARRELL ROBINSON

JANARDREON JONES,

Shorter admits the Tigers will be

DAQUARRIUS MALLARD,

n KESHUN SMITH, DEMARCUS BARNETT, JAVODKIS TATE While the team might not have an abundance of size, most of it is at this position, led by the return of three starters

young at a position that hasn’t

BREYLON SPENCER

been a focal point in recent years,

Baron, a junior, filled in nicely last

but he feels there is plenty

season when Vincent Sanders,

of depth.

who is now at the University of

n COACH SHORTER SAYS:

Mississippi, was injured to give

“ We have maybe five running

season, he will lead a cast of

backs this year. We are very

young and speedy receivers.

talented.”

LINEBACKER n COREY WILLIAMS, TODDERICK TATE

the Tigers a deep threat. This

n COACH SHORTER SAYS: “From this summer, we like what we saw. I thought going into the spring we probably were going to have to run the ball a little more,

DEFENSIVE LINE

n COACH SHORTER SAYS: “The strength of our defense is our linebackers.”

n JACOBY HARRIS

SPECIAL TEAMS

SECONDARY

n KAMAL CHAMBERLAIN / JARED JOHNSON OR JONES (WR) Chamberlain, a junior, kicked last season, while Johnson or Jones will compete for playing time at punter.

n LADARRELL HUNT, BRANDON SANDERS, BARRON, MALLARD, JONES, RODRICK JOINER The Tigers return only one starter at this position, but Shorter feels confident the players who had a taste of action last season will step up.

Another position filled with youth that Shorter said could be a concern. He said the return of Harris, a senior, will help make up for the loss of two ends. n COACH SHORTER SAYS: “In the spring we gave up a lot of

n COACH SHORTER SAYS: “I think that is the strength of our offense,” Shorter said. “We have some more guys who played a lot last year, so we have a lot of confidence in our offensive line. If we go back to Jackson, it is going to be through the offensive line. We’re going to depend on the offensive line to carr y us this year.”

but these guys came along during the summer and I think we’re

STAFF

going to be able to be balanced.”

n HEAD COACH: Tyrone Shorter (first year) n ASSISTANT COACHES: James Patterson, George Richardson, M.C. Taylor, Michael Ashford, Montez Miller, Anthony King, Johnathan Hunter, Gary Naylor

yards rushing. We are trying to strengthen our defense.”

saw Williams try to motivate his middle school teammates and knew he would be special. As a sophomore, Williams had a chance to experience a state title. This season, he hopes Williams will take what the great players before him have done and make his mark to set championship pace. “He will play college foot-

ball, no doubt,” Shorter said. “A lot of people are recruiting him as a safety. He could have been a great running back, but he is so aggressive and he wanted to play defense, and that’s where we needed him. “His tools, his mechanics, his techniques, fit in that category of being one of the greatest players to come

through here.” Williams doesn’t know what his legacy at Noxubee County will be. He isn’t even sure where he will go to play football in college. He said he hasn’t received any scholarship offers but is interested in Southern Miss, Mississippi State, and Auburn. If football doesn’t work out, he plans to go to

school to study computer science or physical therapy. There’s no doubt Williams will apply the same intensity to those pursuits that he uses on the football field. But before he takes that next step he has unfinished business for the Tigers, and it involves making sure another great chapter is added to the program’s

annals. “I feel I can do better and I can make it happen,” Williams said. “This year is going to be all out. I am going to give it all I have. I am going to work very hard to be a better player than I was last year and the year before. I am going to strive to be the best.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

LOUISVILLE WILDCATS MHSAA Class 4A, Region 4; 2009 Record: 8-5

New coach Miller to go with freshman QB

STAFF n HEAD COACH: M.C. Miller (First year)

BY AUSTIN BISHOP

n ASSISTANT COACHES: David Boykin (offensive coordinator), Wayne Jones (defensive line), Ryan Thompson (offensive line), Robert Finch (offensive line), Chad Gibson (linebackers), Jake Hill (safeties), Tee Miller (cornerbacks), Chris Jones (wide receivers), Tremond Miller (running backs)

NUMBER’S GAME

3 The number of Division I prospects the Wildcats have at wide receiver in Tahj Ford, C.J. Bates, and Blake Cunningham.

KEY IN 2010 n M.C. MILLER: “We want to throw the ball every time we can, but it’s all going to come down to the offensive line. That’s what we are working hard to find more than anything else. We have all the way up to district time to do it, but the sooner the better.”

LOUISVILLE SCHEDULE Aug. 20 At NW Rankin Aug. 27 STARKVILLE Sept. 3 QUITMAN Sept. 10 At Tupelo Sept. 17 COLUMBUS Sept. 24 At W. Lauderdale Oct. 1 HOUSTON Oct. 8 At Kosciusko Oct. 15 At Caledonia Oct. 22 NOXUBEE CO. Oct. 29 AMORY HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Class 3A

Region 1, District 1 Alcorn Central Belmont Booneville Corinth Kossuth Ripley Region 2, District 1 Aberdeen Mooreville Nettleton South Pontotoc Water Valley Winona Region 3, District 2 Charleston East Side Holly Springs Independence M S Palmer Ruleville Central Region 4, District 3 Bailey Leflore County Leland Riverside S V Marshall South Delta Region 5, District 5 Clarkdale Choctaw Central Heidelberg Kemper County Philadelphia SE Lauderdale Region 6, District 6 Carthage Forest McLaurin Morton Raleigh St Andrews Velma Jackson Region 7, District 7 Amite County Franklin County

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WILDCATS

Special to the Dispatch LOUISVILLE — When Wyatt Roberts steps under center for the Louisville High School Wildcats at Northwest Rankin High School on Aug. 20, it will likely be a first for the historic football program that is the proud owner of seven state championships. “I don’t remember a freshman starting at quarterback at Louisville, so I guess it will be something new,” said LHS head coach M.C. Miller, who is coaching his hometown team after 24 years at neighboring Noxubee County. “Right now, he’s who we are looking at. We think he can get the job done.” With such a long list of top-level quarterbacks before him — including former Ole Miss star Tim Ellis who started as a sophomore in 1972 — Roberts says he is trying to not think too much about how old he is, but just doing what he’s asked to do. “I just look at it as playing quarterback,” said Roberts, who has yet to get his driver’s license. “I just have to do what I need to do for us to win.” When Roberts transferred to LHS from Winston Academy last spring, he said he had no idea he would wind up starting the 2010 season as the No. 1 quarterback for the varsity. “I thought I would be getting ninth grade reps, but I had no idea about high school,” he said. “In the Spring I started getting some reps and they started working me in and it just went from there.” Miller, who played at Camille High School in Louisville before integration, said the decision to go with Roberts wasn’t so much out of necessity, but was a move that was best for the team. “We have (Tajh) Ford and C.J. (Bates) who can play quarterback,” Miller said of the senior and junior who both have had game experience at the position. “But they both would rather and play receiver and they make us a better team when they are out there. “With him coming in and taking over he will throw the ball to them and that’s what they want,” he said. “They know I like to throw the ball.” Roberts admits it will certainly help his game day jitters when he looks around and sees the likes of Ford, Bates and senior Blake Cunningham to throw too. “It just takes away a lot

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

n WYATT ROBERTS, C.J. BATES, TAHJ FORD Bates and Ford have experience to back up Roberts who will get his chance to lead the team as a freshman. n COACH MILLER SAYS: “He (Roberts) throws a real good pass and those receivers (Bates, Ford and Blake Cunningham) will just make him better.”

n DAVAIS SCHAFFER, CHAD LOVE Schaffer brings experience to the position. n COACH MILLER SAYS: “I would to throw the ball 100 percent of the time, but we want to run it we need to be able to.”

n TAHJ FORD, C.J. BATES, BLAKE CUNNINGHAM, JAY HUNT, DALTON HUDSPETH, CORY HARDY, JORDAN FLEMING. Miller says Ford, Bates and Cunningham are all Division-I prospects and compares them to the best receivers he coached while at Noxubee County. n COACH MILLER SAYS: “This may be the best group of receivers I’ve ever had at one time.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n QUINTARUS PARKS, TAVAROUS TISDALE, BRENT LOGAN, KENTRELL MCCULLY, CHAFFIN TRIPLETT, MARCUS ODOM, ANTHONY DAVIS Several players were still battling for playing time as preseason practice wound down.

n JONATHON COLEMAN, KEVIN WASHINGTON, ROCKWELL GRAHAM, TAHJ FORD Wildcats still looking for linebacking depth.

n C.J. BATES, ZAN CARTER, BLAKE CUNNINGHAM, DAVID MATTHEWS, COREY HART The front-line guys — Bates, Carter, and Cunningham — are experienced and are outstanding cover guys.

n COACH MILLER SAYS: “A lot of guys may get a chance to play there.”

of the pressure to make perfect throws,” Roberts said. “If you just give them a chance they will make plays on the ball and do good things for you.” “That helps a whole lot,” Miller said. “He has three college receivers to throw to. If he gets in there and gets the job done, we should be strong.” Miller said if Roberts struggles early, he won’t hesitate to bring Bates or Ford in to give his young a little quarterback breather. “We’ll just rest him a little and then work him back in. “We are going to go ahead and work with him and built the team around him,” Miller said. “He wants to do whatever you tell him to do and he’s pretty confident he can do the job. He’s a good, low key kid that is going to give it his best every time he tries and ever ybody sees that.” Roberts, who says the speed of the game has been his biggest adjustment, knows he will face a steep learning curve. “I’m hoping I will get into the rhythm in the first game, but it will probably be the second or third game before I really get comfortable,” Roberts said. And as far as being so young he can’t drive himself to the games, Miller has that figured out as well. “I think Mom and Pop will just have to bring him on,” he said with a laugh. “And I will be sure to give them directions.”

MHSAA ALIGNMENTS

Hazlehurst Jefferson County Tylertown Wilkinson County Region 8, District 8 Collins Perry Central Seminary St Patrick Sumrall West Marion

Class 4A

Region 1, District Itawamba New Albany North Pontotoc Pontotoc Shannon Tishomingo Region 2, District Byhalia Center Hill Lafayette Lewisburg North Panola Rosa Fort Senatobia Region 3, District Amanda Elzy Cleveland Greenwood Humphreys County McClain Yazoo County Region 4, District Amory Caledonia Houston Kosciusko Louisville Noxubee County Region 5, District Laurel NE Jones NE Lauderdale Quitman South Jones

West Lauderdale Region 6, District 6 Florence Magee Mendenhall Newton County Raymond Richland Region 7, District 7 Columbia Crystal Springs Lawrence County North Pike Port Gibson South Pike Region 8, District 8 Bay Forrest County AHS Greene County Pass Christian Poplarville Purvis St Stanislaus

Class 5A

Region 1, District 2 Clarksdale Gentry Hernando Lake Cormorant New Hope Oxford Saltillo West Point Region 2, District 6 Callaway Canton Lanier Neshoba Central Pearl Provine Ridgeland Yazoo City Region 3, District 7 Brookhaven Forest Hill McComb Pearl River Central

n COACH MILLER SAYS: “We need our linebackers to play well in order to keep the offense off the field.”

n COACH MILLER SAYS: “ We need to work on our depth. Those guys can’t play all the time.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

SPECIAL TEAMS

n LAMARCUS CISTRUNK, JUSTIN MARSHALL, DEONTA HAWTHORNE, JACK VOWELL, ANDREW HUGHES, CHAD METTS, NOAH CORCORAN, BRENT LOGAN This is the area of the team that gives Miller the most concern. n COACH MILLER SAYS: “We have to find us some lineman who can play. If we don’t, we’re going to get our freshman quarterback killed.”

n DALTON HUDSPETH Expected place-kicker Zach McGarr transferred after last school year. n COACH MILLER SAYS: “I’ve never had a kicker before and I might not this year.”

Help us help them. The Humane Society 662-327-3107

Picayune Stone County Wayne County West Jones Region 4, District 8 D’Iberville East Central Gautier Long Beach Moss Point St Martin Vancleave West Harrison

Class 6A

Region 1, District Columbus DeSoto Central Horn Lake Olive Branch Southaven South Panola Starkville Tupelo Region 2, District Clinton Greenville-Weston Grenada Madison Central Murrah NW Rankin Vicksburg Warren Central Region 3, District Brandon Hattiesburg Jim Hill Meridian Natchez Oak Grove Terry Wingfield Region 4, District Biloxi George County Gulfport Hancock Harrison Central Ocean Springs Pascagoula Petal

™

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

24 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

WINSTON ACADEMY PATRIOTS MAIS AA, District 2; 2009 Record: 6-5

Seniors want to help restore championship magic BY AUSTIN BISHOP Special to the Dispatch — LOUISVILLE Sometimes it’s the history you learn when you are 4 years old that sinks in the most. That’s what first-year Winston Academy coach Harold Wisdom is hoping for as his Patriots take the field this season looking to play for the school’s seventh MAIS state championship. “We have five seniors who have been at the academy since K-4,” Wisdom. “They are our leaders because they are the most invested.” They also have the richest memories of WA’s six state titles. “I was really young, but I still remember getting ready for the games on Friday night,” senior linebacker Rob Mof fitt said. “We looked up to all of the players. I can remember them coming around and signing photos for us. That was when we were winning all of those championships in a row.” “When we talk about tradition and restoring pride and all of that, it really hits home to the kids who have been here,” Wisdom said. The last state title for Winston Academy came in 2000. That’s something both Moffitt and Wisdom hope to change. football Winning games in Winston County — whether it be at Winston Academy, Louisville, Noxapater or Nanih Waiya — is something that is expected, not hoped for. “If you win on Friday night you will have a good week of school the next week,” Moffitt said. “If you don’t, it’s going to drag out and practice is going to be slow and people won’t even say hey to you on the weekends.” Last year the Patriots went 6-5, but Moffitt said Wisdom and assistant coach Sam Hathorn have

KEY IN 2010

STAFF

WINSTON ACADEMY SCHEDULE

n HEAD COACH: Harold Wisdom (first year)

Aug. 20 At Leake Aug. 27 At Heritage Sept. 3 SYLVA BAY Sept. 10 At Carroll Sept. 17 KIRK Sept. 24 At Starkville Oct. 1 MANCHESTER Oct. 8 Open Oct. 15 At Lamar Oct. 22 CANTON Oct. 29 OAK HILL HOME GAMES IN CAPS

n ASSISTANT COACHES: Sam Hathorn (offensive coordinator), Matt Young ( running backs/linebackers), Ryan Parks (wide receivers), Michael Hineman (defensive backs), Joe Ward (quarterbacks)

NUMBER’S GAME

n HAROLD WISDOM “It’s come a point where winning district champions just isn’t satisfying. Getting back to the tradition of the program — the six state championships and competing year in and year out for a state championships — that’s the level we want to be at every year.”

17 Returning Starters: 9 – Offense; 8 – Defense

14 Number of seniors among the 53 players on the roster.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PATRIOTS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n TYLER SULLIVAN The 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior passed for 1,500 yards as a sophomore.

n ZACK TAYLOR AND PARKER BULLOCK Taylor, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore is expected to provide some tough inside running, while Bullock will add speed to the backfield.

n CAMERON PASCHAL, TYLER GOLSON, AUSTIN FLAKE, SMITH ASHLEY, AND PARKER BULLOCK The Patriots have a combination of athletic possession and speed receivers to give opponents different looks.

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “He’s (Taylor) a bull in a china shop. He’s a downhill runner and a big kid for his age.”

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “(Paschal) has unbelievable athletic ability. When he’s going, he’s dangerous.”

n TRENT BRANTLEY, TOMMY RUSSELL, REED WATSON, CASEY MOFFITT, JACOB ROGERS, NICK MORROW, PARKER JONES This could be key to offensive production. The unit lost three starters from last year.

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n J.P. ARNETT, JACKSON

n PARKER BULLOCK, TYLER GOLSON, CAMERON PASCHAL, AND SMITH ASHLEY A lot of experience returns.

n TYLER GOLSON AND ROB MOFFITT This is expected to be a strong suit, as Moffitt is one of the state’s top returning punters. Golson can kick with either foot.

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “ We expect good things out of him.”

DEFENSIVE LINE n JOHN HAMILTON, NATHAN STONE, AND PARKER JONES The Patriots run a three-man front n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “ We feel real good about these guys.”

FORRESTER, NICK MORROW, AND ROB MOFFITT Stephen Arnett, the two-time MAIS leader in tackles has graduated, but plenty of talent returns. n COACH WISDOM SAYS:

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “They know what we are looking for them (to do).”

“We are complex in what we do.

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “We think we have some guys who are going to fill in well.”

n COACH WISDOM SAYS: “He (Moffitt) has a couple of D-I offers as a punter.”

We do a lot of things.”

brought a high level of intensity that should make a difference as the season wears on. “We weren’t in shape the first two games last year, but I’m pretty sure we will be one of the most in-shape teams around this year,” he said. “Winning close games

early is going to be important to us,” Wisdom said. “Last year we started 0-2 with last-second losses to Leake and Heritage. Great teams find a way to win close games, good teams don’t.” Wisdom says Moffitt’s presence on defense makes his job as both

head coach and defensive coordinator a whole lot easier. “What makes him so unique is that he doesn’t have to think,” Wisdom said of the 5-foot-10, 200 pound outside linebacker. “He can finish the (defensive) call before I even make it. He is an emotion-

al leader and the spark plug for our defense. “He can really run, and he will thump you,” he said. “He can really bring it.” Moffitt is also an accomplished punter, who is drawing attention from Division I schools. But before he moves

on, Moffitt has one more thing he wants to do. “We are just going to concentrate on beating Leake right now, but of course you think about a state championship,” Moffitt said. “If we win that last one, I’m not going to be sad walking off the field for the last time.”

New Hope Continued from Page 4

or a feeling that “enough is enough” — he said he and his New Hope teammates have as they prepare for this season. For the three-headed monster, that attitude has been percolating since the eighth grade when the players started to work together in the offseason. Their focus has the potential to be scary. “A monster sleeps with that attitude,” Beamon said. “A monster eats with that attitude. He wakes up early. It is him, and nobody can take it away from him.” Richardson Jr. has played defense with that mentality. Last season, he was second on the team with 52 tackles while playing free safety and cornerback. This season, he likely will build on his offensive production from 2009 (193 yards rushing, two touchdowns; 17 catches for 250 yards, three touchdowns). “It excites me a lot and kind of puts pressure on me,” said Richardson Jr., who is 5-10, 185, of his chance to see a bigger role on offense. “It feels great to know you have different weapons. If one gets tired you can replace them with another one and it is like someone never left the game.” Richardson said he added about 10 pounds from last season and feels a whole lot stronger and a little faster. The improvements are part of a workout regimen that featured running, pulling tires,

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TROJANS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n ZAK THRASHER, E.J. JENKINS Thrasher is about to enter his third full season at the position. He has matured as a game manager. Jenkins, a sophomore, hasn’t taken a varsity snap.

n TERRANCE DENTRY, JOHNNY BEAMON, FRANKLIN RICHARDSON JR. The Three Amigos should have a lot of fun trying to outdo each other in a ground game that is equal parts lightning and thunder.

n LAWRENCE BROWN (TIGHT END), DARIUS PETTY, DILLON HAWKINS, KRIS DOUGLAS, RYAN LEE This position would have been even deeper if Daniel Gregory hadn’t suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring.

n COREY COUNCIL, EARNEST LANG, MIKE LOVE, LEE PEGRAM, PARK STEVENS, TREVER WEEKS, MARCUS JOHNSON Three starters return in what could be one of the keys to the team. If the line opens holes for Dentry, Beamon, and Richardson Jr. to run through, the Trojans could enjoy a long playoff run.

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “We have a lot of experience there. Zak started a couple of games as a freshman. E.J. has a lot of talent. We hope we’re going to be able to play him at other places this year. The quarterback position is in pretty good hands.”

DEFENSIVE LINE n TERRENCE PAYNE, JOJO REEVES, JOHNSON, COUNCIL, LEEBO DAVIS, DALTON HODGES, DEREK PIERCE This could be another question mark solely to find out how the Trojans replace Seth Stillman, who was one of the team leaders last season. n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “We have four or five guys who could step up into the defensive end spots. We have a lot of experience returning.”

jumping rope, and lifting weights that have put the three-headed monster on track to be a terror this season. Bradley said his seniors will be able to share the spotlight if they remember to help each

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “Those three are god ballplayers that probably would start for a lot of teams.”

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “I feel pretty good about our wideout situation. JoJo Reeves will get some time at tight end with Lawrence.”

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

n CURTIS SHIRLEY, DOUGLAS, HORACE CARR, BEN VEAZEY Shirley and Douglas have a knack for making things happen. Last year, Douglas created nine turnovers and returned an interception for a touchdown.

n JENKINS, PETTY, RICHARDSON JR., LEE, JAMEEL JOHNSON, TODD HARRIS The development of some of the younger players could mean Richardson Jr. gets more touches on offense.

n TANNER RYALS, HAWKINS Ryals is in his fourth year as kicker and could be a valuable weapon in close games. Hawkins will compete for time at punter.

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “ We feel pretty good about our linebacking group.”

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “ We have a number of players who have the potential to play some.”

other and their teammates. “They know for them to be successful they have to make sure the other two are successful, not just those team, but the team as a while,” Bradley said. “Johnny Beamon is

one of our best blockers. Frank Richardson is a real good blocker. Terrance Dentry gets real excited when Darius Petty does something real good or Lawrence Brown makes a good catch. They are unselfish. They are very

n COACH BRADLEY SAYS: “We are very excited about our kicking game. I think we have a chance to have one of the best kickers (Ryals) in the state. He has worked very hard the last couple of years to become a great kicker. He does a great job.”

concerned about the team first. They are the reason I love to coach, kids like that. We have a bunch of them at New Hope.” Bradley might not want to admit it, but he also loves to coach monsters. This season, he might

have the most in his coaching career, and the only three-headed beast in the state. It should be enough to make most opposing coaches uneasy as they pace the sidelines. Lights, camera, action.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Pickens Academy 2010 team: 2-Andrew McElroy, 8-Oliver Owens, 9-Sam Beachler, 11-Jacob Acker, 12-Arron Jones, 14-Joel Pratt, 17-John Morgan Owens, 20-Lance Acker, 21-Justin McGahey, 22-Josh Lewis, 24-Meherg McKinley, 26-Garrett Estes, 31-Forrest Lewis, 32-Judson Smith, 45-Caleb Carr, 50-Hunter Booth, 53-Jamison McCrary, 55-Chase Britt, 59-Herbie House, 60-Bryant Turner, 62-Brad Lowery, 65-Preston McGahey, 70-Caleb Gardner, 76-Jonathan McDaniel, 79-Travis Noland, 81-Logan Potts, 82-Phillip Fikes, 83-Reece McGlawn, 85-Daniel Cameron, 97-Mark Johnson.

PICKENS ACADEMY PIRATES

Gartman follows in father’s footsteps BY HENRY MATUSZAK

with (the 1984) team for the first time in 25 years,” Gartman said. “A lot of players from that team, their sons are now playing for me. That’s an interesting situation. “My dad is still good friends with a lot of people he knew 25 years ago. I probably have more support and good will because of that than if I would have if it was someone these people didn’t know. The fact there are some deep roots from years ago, I knew that would help me get acclimated to everything.” said his Gartman father, who is coach at Sumter Academy in York, Ala., was excited he got the job at Pickens Academy. “We don’t play them, thank goodness,” Gartman said. “I don’t think my mom could han-

hgmsports@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: John Gartman (first season as coach) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Wallace Crawford (offensive line, defensive line), Wade Goodman ( receivers, defensive backs), Josh Thompson ( running backs, defensive backs)

NUMBER’S GAME

19 10

Returning Lettermen

CARROLLTON, Ala. — John Gartman is following in the footsteps of his father as he begins his first season as head football coach at Pickens Academy. Gartman has taken over the reins of the football program at the school where his father, Robert, was head coach in 198384. Gartman, 31, looks to have the same success as his father, who coached Pickens Academy to the Alabama Independent School Association Class 3A state championship game in 1984. “Some of my earliest memories are from here,” Gartman said. “I was 6 or 7 years old when we were here. My dad’s second year in 1984 we played Fair view in the state

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Pickens Academy coach John Gartman has benefited father, Robert, built at the school when he was coach in championship game. I on to play at the remember that. That was University of Alabama in the only time Pickens 1997 and lettered as a Academy was in the state receiver in 2000, replaces championship game in 3A. Sam Pearson, who left That’s some of my earliest after one season to memories of being around become the coach at Southern Baptist the football team.” Gartman, who walked Educational Center in

from the relationships his the 1980s. Olive Branch. Gartman’s first day on the job at Pickens Academy was July 6. Since then he has met people he knew from when his father was the coach. “I’ve seen a lot of people who were involved

See PICKENS, 27

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PIRATES

Returning Starters 4 — Offense;

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

6 — Defense

n JACOB ACKER

n JOHN MORGAN OWENS, GARRETT ESTES, JOSH LEWIS

n JUDSON SMITH (SPLIT END),

n JONATHAN MCDANIEL

JOEL PRATT (FLANKER),

(CENTER),

n COACH GARTMAN SAYS: “They’re all very tough. We’ve got three or four that we’ve got a lot of confidence in. I don’t think we’ll have one back who will carr y the ball the bulk of the time. It will be spread out pretty good. We don’t have one workhorse. We’ve got a few we’ve got confidence in.”

FORREST LEWIS (TIGHT END)

KEY IN 2010 n JOHN GARTMAN: “I think we’ll be a solid team. We’ve got some tough teams that we’ll play.”

PICKENS ACADEMY SCHEDULE Aug. 27 RESTORATION Sept. 3 At Springwood Sept. 10 SO. CHOCTAW Sept. 17 At Tuscaloosa Sept. 24 EDGEWOOD Oct. 1 At Evangel FLINT HILL Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Lakeside Oct. 22 BESSEMER Oct. 29 At Marengo HOME GAMES IN CAPS

n COACH GARTMAN SAYS: “He’s a very smart kid. He’s a 4.0 student. He’s very savvy. He sees things that you don’t necessarily coach. He handles the ball well. We run a lot of option, and very rarely have we put the ball on the ground. He reads well and pitches well. He’s just a very good game manager.”

n COACH GARTMAN SAYS:

TRAVIS NOLAND (TACKLE),

“All I can tell you is they’re get-

BRAD LOWERY (TACKLE)

ting pretty good at blocking because that’s what they’re going

n COACH GARTMAN SAYS:

to be doing most of the time. We

“They’re coming along pretty

do throw it some and they’re exe-

good. They’re smart. They pick

cuting pretty well. We have some

things up. They execute well. I

confidence there.”

think they’ll perform well for us.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n FORREST LEWIS (END), JUDSON SMITH (END), BRYANT TURNER (TACKLE), MARK JOHNSON (TACKLE), BRAD LOWERY (NOSE GUARD)

n HUNTER BOOTH, ANDREW HOUSE n COACH GARTMAN SAYS: “They’re both pretty tough. Andrew House, he’s done what I expected. I heard a lot of good things about him this summer, and everything I heard has been true. Hunter Booth has really stepped up. He’s just a sophomore. I really wasn’t expecting him to be in the mix at linebacker but he has been very impressive this August.”

n JOEL PRATT (CORNERBACK), JOSH LEWIS (CORNERBACK), JACOB ACKER (FREE SAFETY), JOHN MORGAN OWENS (STRONG SAFETY) n COACH GARTMAN SAYS: “They’ve done a good job. Jacob Acker is a very smart and instinctive player. Josh Lewis at cornerback has been impressive. They’re not real big, but they’ll come up and hit you. John Morgan Owens plays free safety and he’s our fastest player for sure.”

n COACH GARTMAN SAYS: “We have a lot of size, more than most teams we play. Bryant Turner and Mark Johnson and Brad Lowery are pretty-good sized. They move well. I’ve been impressed with them so far.”

CHASE BRITT (GUARD), ANDREW HOUSE (GUARD),

About Our Prep / College Coverage From Special Reports

we can provide the best possible coverage to this area. All fall sports coaches are reminded to If you have any questions, call sports report their game results to The editor Adam Minichino at 662-327-1297. Commercial Dispatch. parents Coaches, scorekeepers, Prep Football Results / Statistics and/or players can call 662-327-1297, 662High school football coaches who don’t 241-5000 (toll free in Mississippi) and 1- speak to a reporter from The Commercial 888-477-1555 (toll free in Alabama), or e- Dispatch are asked to call the sports departto ment Friday night with information from mail information sports@cdispatch.com. their games. Please give us the final score, where Coaches also are asked to supply us with the game was played, the team records, game statistics and season cumulative statisleading performers, the team’s next game tics by 3 p.m. each Wednesday to be puband any other notable information. lished in The Commercial Dispatch each Since The Commercial Dispatch is an Thursday. afternoon paper, we will try the next The Commercial Dispatch will attempt to morning to track results of all games not publish leading rushers, leading passers, called in to the newspaper. We will try to leading receivers, and leading tacklers if call at a reasonable hour and don’t mean enough programs are able to supply us with to disrupt any coach, teacher or profes- information. sional at work, but our goal is to recognize the performances of as many student-athPrep / College letes as possible. Players of Week If you are a coach, scorekeeper or parEvery Tuesday, The Commercial ent who reports information to us, please Dispatch will recognize a standout prep pergive us the best time and the best number former. to reach you. Every Wednesday starting Sept. 2, The If the result of a game isn’t in The Commercial Dispatch will feature a former Commercial Dispatch, please work with us local high school athlete who has gone on to encourage that coach to contact us so to play a sport in college.

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in Academics and Athletics. Our mission is to provide a quality education in a well-disciplined, Christian environment.

~Success at Pickens Academy in 2010~

•

Class of 2010 received over $500,000 in scholarships.

•

The Lady Pirates win it all! “2010 AISA State Champion Basketball Team”

• 100% of the Class of 2010 enrolled in Post Secondary Education. • •

The Marching Pirates received “Superior Performance” at the 2010 AISA State Band Festival. The Varsity Cheerleaders received the honor of 2010 AISA/UCA East Division State Champions.

• Championship athletic programs for boys and girls at the Pee Wee, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. • Pee Wee, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Cheerleading Squads have won numerous awards.

• Award winning Marching Band Program with Junior Varsity and Varsity Majorette Squads.

Pickens Academy • 225 Ray Bass Road • Carrollton, AL 35447 • 205-367-8144 Accredited By The Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS) And The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) www.pickensacademy.com

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

26 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PICKENS COUNTY TORNADOES AHSAA Class A, Region 4; 2009 Record: 12-2

Tornadoes set sights on 1A state title BY HENRY MATUSZAK hgmsports@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Scott Marchant (second season, 12-2 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Eddie Lee Doss (running backs, linebackers), Malcolm Giles (receivers, defensive backs), Antonio Lanier (receivers, defensive backs), Chris McCrary (defensive coordinator), Chan Mullenix, Heath Simpson

NUMBER’S GAME

20 Returning Lettermen

10 Returning Starters: 5 — Offense; 5 — Defense

KEY IN 2010 n COACH MARCHANT: “I hope (coming up a game shy of playing for a state championship last season) motivates the kids. I hope they understand they didn’t quite reach their goals and they will re-affirm what they need to do to get better. We can’t live on last year’s victories, and we’re not going to die on last year’s defeats.”

PICKENS COUNTY SCHEDULE Aug. 27 ACA Sept. 3 SHADES MTN CHR. Sept. 10 At Keith Sept. 17 JOHN ESSEX Sept. 24 At Aliceville Oct. 1 At Autaugaville Oct. 8 MAPLESVILLE Oct.15 At Sunshine Oct. 22 At Holy Spirit Oct. 28 GORDO HOME GAMES IN CAPS

REFORM, Ala. — Beginning his senior season, Deion Curry has his sights set on a state championship. The talented quarterback and safety is determined to lead Pickens County to a state title after coming up short last season. Curry took it personally when Pickens County had its season end in a 22-6 loss to Reeltown in the semifinals of the Alabama H i g h Marchant S c h o o l Athletic Association Class 2A state playoffs. The 5-foot-11 1/2, 175pound Curr y, The Dispatch’s West Alabama Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, has vowed to lead Pickens County to the Promised Land this season. “Last year, we were expecting to win state,” Curr y said. “This year, I’ve promised my team I will not let that happen again. Ever ybody had high hopes in football and thought we were going to do it, and then we fell short. I told my team I will never let them down again. I’m going to put them on my back, and I promised them we’re going to win state.” Curry was instrumental in leading Pickens County to a state championship in boys basketball in February. That title has wet his appetite to be crowned a

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Pickens County High School again this season. football champion. He isn’t the only Pickens County player hungry for a state title in football. Senior running back and linebacker Tim Simpson wants to do his part, too. “All we need is leadership,” Simpson said. “We want to win every game because we don’t like losing. “We’re motivated. We want to get there. Our seniors really want it. I want it. I hope everybody else will want it.” Simpson appreciates having a teammate like Curr y who has such a

coach Scott Marchant, left, will rely on the playmaking ability of senior Deion Curr y

strong will to win and is a team leader. “He said he can’t let us down and he won’t let us down,” Simpson said. “He’s going to give it his all. That’s somebody we need. I wish everybody else had the same confidence he has. I’ve got it. He’s the quarterback, and it’s good to have a quarterback that has all of that confidence.” Pickens County coach Scott Marchant, The Dispatch’s West Alabama co-Coach of the Year in 2009, hopes the Tornadoes will remember last year’s loss to

Reeltown and that it helps them get over the edge this year. “I hope that motivates the kids,” Marchant said. “I hope they understand they didn’t quite reach their goals and they will re-affirm what they need to do to get better. ... We can’t live on last year’s victories, and we’re not going to die on last year’s defeats. We have a fresh slate, and we’ll make out of it what we will.” Pickens County returns five starters on both sides of the ball as it begins its quest to reach Legion Field in

Birmingham, Ala., he site of the state title game. But Pickens County has to replace 12 seniors from last year’s team that finished 12-2. Marchant said there are questions that have to be answered before the Tornadoes can declare themselves a state contender. “We expect to work hard and try to get better every practice and every game,” said Marchant, who begins his second season as head coach after being the defensive coordinator. “If we do that and

See TORNADOES, 27

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TORNADOES QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n DEION CURRY, DEMARCO HALL, DEVONTE SIMON Curr y begins his third season as the starter.

n JAMES ADAMS, TIM SIMPSON

n LAJUAN DOSS, DEMARCO HALL

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “ We’re a little undersized, but I feel they’re going to do a real good job. They’ve not big backs, but they’re adequate. They’re very elusive.”

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “ We’ve got some new guys that didn’t play football last year. We’ve got one returning starter in LaJuan Doss. He’s a big-play guy.”

n ZEB FINCH (CENTER), TRAVIS BAILEY (GUARD), NICK STEWART (GUARD), JORDY BARTON (GUARD), LAMARCUS JACKSON (TACKLE)

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n NICK STEWART (END), WILLIAM STEWART (TACKLE), TERRIEN STEELE (TACKLE)

n TRAVIS BAILEY, TIM SIMPSON

n DEION CURRY (STRONG SAFETY), DEMARCO HALL (FREE SAFETY)

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “ We’ve got a returning starter at quarterback who’s thrown for 1,000 yards the previous two years. We feel that’s a big asset for us.”

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “They’re pretty hard to block kids that can really anchor the middle for me. I feel pretty confident how they’re going to play. They got a lot of playing time last year and I kind of know what they can do.”

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “I feel great about our returning starters. I feel like we have talent. We have a couple of guys competing for the other position and I feel like we’ll have a pretty good player there. Returning two out of three isn’t bad.”

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “We’ve got a lot of new guys on the offensive line. I feel like we’re going to be big. I don’t know how good we’re going to be. I feel good about their potential. They work hard. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

n COACH MARCHANT SAYS: “The cornerbacks, we’re still working on those,”

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Pickens County 2010 team: 1-Deion Curr y, 4-LaJuan Doss, 7-Devonte Simon, 14-Warren Betts, 20-William Stewart, 25-James Adams, 33-Decarius Burton, 54-Nick Stewart, 56-Travis Bailey, 75-LaMarcus Jackson, 77-Zeb Finch, Demrcus Hall, Tim Simpson, Terrien Steele.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

ALICEVILLE YELLOW JACKETS AHSAA Class AAA, Region 4; 2009 Record: 5-6

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Eddie Hill (first season) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Charles Moody (assistant head coach, defensive coordinator), Quintin Prude (defensive backs), Billy Sterling (defensive line), Alphonso Wilder (offensive line), Fred Woods (offensive coordinator)

NUMBER’S GAME

3 Eddie Hill is Aliceville’s third head coach in three years.

ALICEVILLE SCHEDULE Aug. 27 GREENE CO. Sept. 3 At Sipsey Valley Sept. 10 MONTEVALLO Sept. 17 At Sumter Co. Sept. 24 PICKENS CO. Oct. 1 GORDO At Hale Co. Oct. 8 Oct. 15 GREENSBORO Oct. 22 At Northside HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Hill gives back to Aliceville in a big way BY HENRY MATUSZAK

ALICEVILLE 2010 TEAM

hgmsports@cdispatch.com ALICEVILLE, Ala. — Eddie Hill will coach out of the goodness of his heart this season. Hill is beginning his first season as the coach of the Aliceville High School football team, and he’s not being paid a dime to do it. Hill agreed to coach the Yellow Jackets without being paid as a way to give something back after sur viving cancer surger y five years ago. “I told the Good Lord if He let me out from under this, I’d give something back,” said Hill, who will only say he’s in his 60s. “I think we all need to give something back. I don’t charge them anything. I do it from my heart. I love working with youngsters.” Hill becomes Aliceville’s fourth coach in four years, following Patrick Plott, James Rush, and Robin Tyra. Aliceville was 5-6 last season and hasn’t had a winning season since going 10-2 in Plott’s second year at the helm in 2006. “They’d been going through a lot of coaching changes, so I told a friend of mine that I’d coach them,” Hill said. “I was talking to the athletic director (Joe Hurst) and I told him I’d coach them. I told him, ‘You don’t have to pay me.’ I told him, ‘I’ll coach them for a couple of years and I’ll get your program back on solid ground.’ ” Hill has 21 years of coaching experience, but Aliceville High is his first head coaching position and his first coaching job since 1993. He last coached linebackers at Opp (Ala.) High. He also was an assistant coach at Samson (Ala.) High, Kinston (Ala.) High and Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala. Hill stepped away from coaching and moved into school administration. He was superintendent at Daleville (Ala.) High and Wilcox County (Ala.) schools. His last job was in the finance department of the Alabama State

Isiah Wilder, Mack Burden, Victor Windham, Jevoris Long, Dalvin Owens, Alexander Hood, Demario Brown, Darrius Hughes, Gerald Sterling, Javaris Dancy, Jerwayne Lavender, Terry Mayhew, Marquise Mayhew, Lawrence Scott, Demarkus Hall, Harry McCaa, Rashawn Colvin, Tremaine Jackson, Jermaine McMullen, Joe Robinson, Antonio Cole, Marquise Colvin, Anthony Colvin, Tyquindez Richey, Lyzell McCaa, Tyshon Wingham, Stephon Dunner, Demetrius Bell, Rockem Shenre, Johnny Bush, Jaterrius Steele, Tebvise Hughes, Azariah Sterling, Quandarius Hinton, Jakari Garner, Tevin Winn, Thomas Colvin, Robert Taylor, Wesley Little, Curmonteal Taylor, Anthony Jones, Demetric Walker, Brandon Colvin, James Ingram, Kadarius Little, Anthony Brown.

Department of Education. Pickens County was one of the counties Hill worked with at the Alabama State Department of Education, which is how he learned Aliceville High had a football opening. Hill and his family live in Enterprise, Ala., and he’s renting a house in Aliceville to coach the football team. Hill is retired and he’s financially stable enough to take a job away from home and not get paid. “A friend of mine told me I must be losing my mind,” Hill said. “I’m not rich, but I’m not poor. I can eat. I live in Enterprise, Ala., which is four and a half hours from here. I drive up and stay in a house and I go home on the weekends. Through the season I’ll stay here and help the

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Aliceville High School football coach Eddie Hill is renting a house in Aliceville while he coaches the team for free.

young men. “It’s a love. It’s a labor of love. My wife says I ought to call ESPN. I’m not interested in something like that. I’m just happy to get up in the mornings. I love people.” Hill intends to get the program back on solid ground financially and hand it over to Charles Moody, who in his first season as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. The 25-year old Moody played at Daleville when Hill was the superintendent. Moody believes Hill is the ideal coach to get Aliceville High back on sold footing. “One thing about coach Hill is he’s very charismatic,” Moody said. “He can get people to gravi-

tate toward him. He’s a good leader. He can get people to do pretty much whatever it is he wants done.” Moody believes Hill is more than capable of transforming the program even though he hasn’t coached in 17 years. “It’s like riding a bicycle,” Moody said. “Once you do it, you never forget. He still knows what he’s doing.” Hill hopes to restore the rich tradition of Aliceville High football. He wants the community to relive the glory days when the Yellow Jackets won Class 3A state championships in 1997 and 2000. “Football is the mecca of this little community,” Hill said. “The thing about it is stability. I think we’ll get there.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE YELLOW JACKETS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

DEFENSIVE LINE

n JAVARIS DANCY n COACH HILL SAYS: “We’ll be OK. He didn’t get to play a lot last year, but he’ll be OK.”

n JEREMY MCMULLEN (FULLBACK)

n MACK BURDEN,

n HARRY MCCAA (CENTER), DEMARKUS HALL (GUARD), DALVIN OWENS (GUARD), ALEXANDER HOOD (TACKLE), JERWAYNE LAVENDER (TACKLE)

n DARIUS HUGHES, GERALD STERLING

n COACH HILL SAYS: “They’re seniors but they’ve got to get used to us (coaches). They’ve got to get used to our scheme and how we’re blocking.”

SECONDARY

n COACH HILL SAYS: “ We’re still trying to find someone to step up. So goes the line so goes the running backs, we hope. They’re competing with each other for the positions.”

JOE ROBINSON n COACH HILL SAYS:

LINEBACKER n UNDECIDED

“We’ve got one senior back. We’ve got a lot of freshmen out there. We’re young out there.”

n UNDECIDED

CONTACT INFORMATION n TELEPHONE: 205-373-6378

n ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Joe Hurst

Tornadoes

Pickens

Continued from Page 26

Continued from Page 25

work hard and do the little things you have to pay attention to, we should have a pretty good football team. “It’s hard to judge. We have so many new guys. We have so many new faces. We have a good nucleus of returning guys, but we lost an awful lot of good seniors who were great football players. We’re going to have to see if the kids step up and take on leadership roles and work as hard as they need to. If they do, the potential is there for a great season.” It starts with Curr y, who was a key cog on both sides of the ball last season. He directed an offense that scored 458 points (an average of 32.7

points per game). He completed 89 of 161 passes for 1,530 yards and 19 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He rushed 91 times for 274 yards and two scores. Curry also led a stingy defense that allowed 170 points (an average of 12.1 points per game). He led the Tornadoes with 136 tackles and intercepted three passes, returning one pick for a touchdown. “Deion is a winner,” Marchant said. “He wants to win. He’s a very competitive young man. I have a lot of faith in him that he’s going to try his best to lead his team. He leads by example. He’s a leader on defense and a leader on offense.”

dle that. I don’t know if it would bother him or me very much, but my mom would be pretty torn on that.” Gartman embarks on his first job as head coach after being the defensive coordinator at Morgan Academy for five years and Montgomery Macon-East the past three years. Morgan Academy has won more AISA state championships (11) than any other school. Gartman was part of championship teams in 2003 and 2005. Gartman is Pickens Academy’s fourth coach in six years since L ynn Wright resigned after a 17year tenure from 19882004. He follows Bill Rickman, Matthew Lavender and Pearson since Wright resigned. “I hope to be here for a while,” Gartman said. “We’ve got some young talent coming up. The JV team was 5-1 or 6-1, so there’s some young talent coming up.” Wright coached the Pirates to state championships and undefeated seasons in 1994-96, ’98, and ’99, and led them to the championship game in

2004. Pickens Academy has the longest winning streak in AISA histor y (47 games). It started in the 1994 season and lasted through five games of the 1997 campaign Gartman hopes he can restore that winning tradition. “I kept up with Pickens through the years, so I know all about the teams in the ’90s,” Gartman said. “I’m good friends with a lot of those people. I went to school with them when I was real, real young. I know coach Wright. I played for him in the AllStar game. His oldest son, Josh, is a friend of mine. He coaches at Bessemer Academy. I know Jody and Jonathan, also. I coached against Jonathan when I was at Morgan in 2003. My second year at Morgan we played Pickens in the second round of the playoffs to go to Troy to play Faith, and we won in double overtime.” Gartman said he was very interested in becoming Pickens Academy’s coach when the position became open. “Traditionally Pickens is one of the top schools in

n WEBSITE: w w w.ahs.pickens.k12.al.us

the AISA,” Gartman said. “Five state championships and played in a couple more. They played for it in 2004 and 1984, so they’ve been involved in seven state championship games since 1984, winning five of them. “I’m very familiar with everything that’s gone on here. It’s a football school, and that’s something I wanted to be involved in.” Pickens Academy senior running back and safety Forrest Lewis said the players are excited about having Gartman as their coach. “He hasn’t been here long, but the plays he runs are real easy and we’ve caught on real fast,” Lewis said. “We’ve run this before when we were in junior high, so it’s pretty easy to catch on to. “When coach Pearson was here we had more of a spread offense. When coach Gartman got here he came with the ‘I’ and we ran that in junior high the three years I played. It was easy to catch on. It’s real easy to understand.” Gartman learned a lot of what he knows about football from his father, and he believes their

philosophies and schemes are very similar. He said Pickens Academy will be a run-oriented team that will run out of ‘I,’ split-back and triple option formations. “We’re not real complicated in what we do,” Gartman said. “It’s mostly about execution rather than a real complicated scheme. It’s just fundamentally sound and outexecuting other teams. “There will be some similarities to what we do and what coach Wright did as far as being physical and outexecuting people more so than using smoke and mirrors. We’re going to do things the players can handle. It’s not what the coach knows, it’s what the players know. I can know everything in the world, but if they don’t know it out there it doesn’t make any difference in the world. We’re not going to do anything we can’t do well. This being my first year, we need to keep it pretty basic.” Gartman hopes it’s all the start of leading Pickens Academy back to being a dominating team in the AISA again.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

28 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SOUTH LAMAR STALLIONS AHSAA Class A, Region 5; 2009 Record: 1-9

Mitchell wants game to be in his hands BY HENRY MATUSZAK hgmsports@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Josh Harper (second season, 1-9 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Shane Foster (linebackers), Justin Hayes (junior high), Johnny House (offensive and defense lines), Les House (running backs), Morris Moore (defensive coordinator), Greg Weathers (junior high), Lane Wright (offensive coordinator)

NUMBER’S GAME

18 Returning Lettermen

15 Returning Starters: 7 – Offense, 8 – Defense

KEY IN 2010 n HEAD JOSH HARPER “I feel we’re competitive. I feel we’ve got a chance to do good things. I feel like we’ve got a winning attitude. What makes us a better team is the kids. They’ve come and worked. Everybody has been picking everybody up. We don’t want to go through (a 1-9 record like last season) no more.”

SOUTH LAMAR SCHEDULE

MILLPORT, Ala. — Ken Mitchell has lofty expectations for his senior season with the South Lamar High School football team The diminutive tailback and cornerback expects the Stallions to be much improved from last season when they won just one game in Josh Harper’s first season as head coach. “We’ve been coming out here all summer long working hard,” the 5-foot7, 170-pound Mitchell said. “I think we have a chance to do a lot of great things. I think we can win a lot more games and make the playoffs. Our ultimate goal is to make it to the state championship (game). We’re working hard and trying to get better every day.” South Lamar returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense from last year’s 1-9 team that was outscored 370-121 and shut out twice. Mitchell is a returning offensive starter along with quarterback Trent Wilson, fullback Hank Parker, tight end Josh Elliott, guards Cory Jones and Cole Trull, and tackle Chris Knight. Mitchell is also a defensive returning starter along with Trull at nose tackle, Tremaine Willingham at end, Elliott, Jones and Parker at linebacker, Jordan Smith at

cornerback, and Blake Mitchell at free safety. Mitchell wants to do everything he can to help the Stallions avoid a disappointing season like they had a year ago. “It’s a team effort, but I would like for coach Harper to put the game on my back in tough situations because I would love to take that role,” Mitchell said. “I want the ball in my hands when we’re fourthand-2 and we need a first down. I want to be that running back to get that first down.” Mitchell wants to carry the ball as much as possible, and Harper is willing to oblige. Without attaching a number, Harper said he intends to get Mitchell the ball as many times as possible for the team to be successful. “It’s the same way with the other kids,” Harper said. “Trent Wilson is back and I want him throwing accurate passes as many times possible. I want our receivers catching as many passes as possible. Same thing on defense. I want these kids making as many tackles as possible.” Going through a disappointing season in 2009 hasn’t kept Mitchell from being optimistic about this season. “It’s just like coach Harper says, you’ve got to put it behind you,” Mitchell said. “We’ve had

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

South Lamar High School’s Ken Mitchell will play both ways and will be a key leader in the Stallions’ attempt to improve on their 1-9 record in 2009.

to put last season behind us and work on a new season. “We’ve got a lot of people coming back, a lot of starters. A lot of people got experience last year. They know we can’t do

much worse than we did last year. We’re going to get better.” Mitchell hopes to be healthy this season after playing with cracked ribs in 2009. He missed the first half against Brilliant

(third game) and didn’t

play against Lynn (fourth

game) and Sulligent (10th game).

See SOUTH LAMAR, 30

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE STALLIONS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n JORDAN SMITH, TRENT WILSON Wilson suffered a slight muscle tear in his back and the healing process has been slow

n KEN MITCHELL, HANK PARKER, JORDAN SMITH

n KYLE ROBERTSON, NICK FISHER, DANIEL ATKINSON, JOSH ELLIOTT

n JAROD BEASLEY, CORY JONES, COLE TRULL, DAKOTA RIVERS, CHRIS KNIGHT

n COACH HARPER SAYS: “We’re not going to be very big. We’re going to have good hands, though. We’re going to be throwing the ball enough hopefully to keep teams off balance.”

n COACH HARPER SAYS: “The offensive line is going to be anchored by Cory Jones. We’re still going to be very small up front and it depends on how aggressive we’re going to be.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n TREMAINE WILLINGHAM, SHANE WRIGHT, COLE TRULL

n CORY JONES, HANK PARKER,

n JORDAN SMITH, KEN

JOSH ELLIOTT, NICK FISHER

MITCHELL, DANIEL ATKINSON,

n COACH HARPER SAYS: “We’re going to have to replace our quarterback, Brad McCool, from last year. That’s an untested position. It’s going to be a young position, but the good thing about it is for the future they’re going to get a lot of valuable experience this year.”

Aug. 27 LAMAR CO. Sept. 3 At Hubbertville Sept. 10 MARION CO. Sept. 17 At Brilliant Sept. 24 WINFIELD Oct. 1 BERRY At Lynn Oct. 8 Oct. 15 PARRISH Oct. 22 MEEK Oct. 28 At Sulligent HOME GAMES IN CAPS

n COACH HARPER SAYS: “I think on the offensive side of the ball, that’s our most positive position. We’ve got some valuable experience returning. If we stay healthy, I think good things are going to happen.”

n COACH HARPER SAYS: “I think we’re going to be pretty salty. I think we’re going to be good up front. We’ll fluctuate between a three-man front and four-man front. I’m excited about our defensive line.”

n COACH HARPER SAYS:

BLAKE MITCHELL

“We’ve got four gritty guys who I

n COACH HARPER SAYS:

trust will go find the football. Last

“Our corners, for so long we were

year, we didn’t return any starters

iffy and not knowing what to

and this year we return all four of

expect, but we’ve got a lot of

our linebackers.”

experience coming back in Ken Mitchell and Jordan Smith. I think we’ve got two of the best cornerbacks in the region.”

SOUTH LAMAR 2010 TEAM 1-Kyle Robertson, 2-Trent Wilson, 3-Jordan Smith, 4-Blake Mitchell, 5-Chris Cobb, 6-Daniel Atkinson, 7-Canaan Fleming, 8-Justin Sanford, 11-Hank Parker, 12-Josh Elliott, 16-Lance Jones, 17-Tyler Riley, 21-Ken Mitchell, 22-Marquis Mitchell, 25Talbert Pate, 32-Avery Ward, 34-Tremaine Willingham, 50-Colby Robinson, 53-Chris Knight, 55-Jason Lawson, 58-Landon McGee, 57-Dakota Rivers, 58-Dustin Crowe, 62-Issac Humbers, 63Dustin Weathers, 64-Dustin Homan, 70-Jarod Beasley, 71-Davey Long, 72-Aaron Oglesby, 73Todd Aldridge, 74-Cole Trull, 75-Luke Palmiter, 77Shane Wright, 78-Cory Jones, 82-Nick Fisher, 86Cody Daniel. Head coach: Josh Harper. Assistant coaches: Morris Moore, Lane Wright, Shane Foster, Justin Hayes, Johnny House, Les House, Greg Weathers.

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

LAMAR COUNTY BULLDOGS AHSAA Class AA, Region 8; 2009 Record: 13-1

Peyton Bobo/Courtesy of The West Alabama Gazette

Lamar County 2010 team: 1-Eric Hudson, 2-Josh Smith, 3-Kendall Smith, 4-Ken Hill, 5-Caleb Randolph, 6-Jacob McLemore, 7-Ty Waldon, 8-Justin Perkins, 9-Ryan Price, 10Bryer Bolton, 11-Alex Wheeler, 14-Eric Smith, 15-Dallas Cockerham, 20-Brantley Stanford, 22-Hunter Cunningham, 25-Devin Dias, 26-Ryan Barham, 27-Brady Merchant, 30-Jonathan Allen, 34-Lemetrius Williams, 37-Briggs Roberts, 45-Jacob Smith, 50-Spencer Martinez, 52-Joshua Smith, 53-Randall Graham, 54-Tyler Sprouse, 55-Chess Moore, 56-Alex Denton, 57-Phillip Powers, 59-John Isabell, 62-Kyle Galloway, 69-Garrett Moore, 70-Jacob Smith, 73-Coby Bradford, 83-Eriberto Casas.

Lamar County has speedster in ‘Turbo’ BY HENRY MATUSZAK hgmsports@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Ken Adams (25-11, three seasons) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Ryan Atkins, Tim Bobbitt (quarterbacks, linebackers), Steve Brock (junior high), David Easley (wide receivers, defensive backs), Justin Lann (offensive line, defensive line), Heath Pennington ( running backs, linebackers), Don Thornton (offensive line, defensive line)

NUMBER’S GAME

12 13

VERNON, Ala. –– From Mighty Mights up, Eric Hudson has been nicknamed “Turbo” because of how fast he can run on a football field. The Lamar County High School junior has also been known for his versatility and this season he’s going to get his chance to showcase his skills at more than one position. Hudson will start at quarterback, but he’ll also be used as a tailback and wingback. “Turbo’s an athlete,” Lamar County coach Ken Adams said. “We’ve got a couple of guys that are competing (at quarterback) because we’d like for Turbo to play a couple of positions on the field. “I’m comfortable with him at quarterback, but I’m also comfortable with

being able to put him at tailback and put him at wingback.” The candidates to direct the offense when Hudson lines up at tailback or wingback are Dallas Cockerham and Ryan Price. Hudson will get his first chance to quarterback the team after being used as a tailback and wingback the past two years. Hudson takes the quarreins from terback Michael Bradford, who led Lamar County to a 131 record in his second season at the helm of the offense a year ago. Hudson is just the third quarterback in seven years for Lamar County as Brad Barnes was the starter for four years prior to Bradford. Adams believes Hudson has the athletic ability and is familiar with the offense to make the move to quarterback.

7 — Offense; 6 — Defense

KEY IN 2010

n COACH ADAMS: “It was hard being one game away (from playing for a state championship last season). It was nice to get to 13 (a school record for wins in a season). It’s just work. We’ve got to work. We’ve got to go out there at practice and work.”

LAMAR COUNTY SCHEDULE Aug. 27 At South Lamar Sept. 3 CHEROKEE Sept. 10 At Phil Campbell Sept. 17 RED BAY Sept. 24 At Am. Christ. Aca. Sept. 30 SULLIGENT CLBRT HEIGHTS Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Lexington Oct. 22 At Hatton Oct. 29 WINFIELD HOME GAMES IN CAPS

big shoes to fill since Michael left, but the backfield is looking right right now,” Hudson said. “We’ve got enough power. Everybody has just got to step up and be ready.” Lining up behind Hudson in the backfield will be Kenneth Hill and Demetrius Williams. Hill and Williams are confident that Hudson can lead the Bulldogs offensively. “To me, Turbo is the best person (at quarterback),” Hill said. “He’s a great athlete.” Williams said, “He’s a good quarterback. That’s all I can say. I want to see what he can do this year. I believe he’s got good accuracy. He’s smart at football. Being a safety (on defense) he’s got good football sense.” Hudson is confident he’ll be able to run the offense. “I can see the entire

field,” Hudson said. “I feel good about pitching the ball. I believe I can move the ball around.” Defensively Hudson was a ballhawk for the Bulldogs last season when he intercepted 14 passes. Hudson got his nickname from his uncle, George Sneed, while playing Mighty Mights in Vernon. “When it’s time to run, I can run,” Hudson said of getting the nickname. “We were racing at practice one day. Will Frankns and I had to race to see who was the fastest on the team and ever since I’ve been called Turbo. It just stuck with me and everybody started calling me that.” Hudson’s goal is to lead Lamar County to a state championship after the Bulldogs came up short of a title last season when it lost to Clay County in the semifinals.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS

Returning Lettermen

Returning Starters:

“He understands what we’re tr ying to do,” Adams said. “Hopefully he’ll be able to run the offense, which is what Michael was good at last year. The thing about it is Turbo’s been a tailback and he’s been a playmaker. The quarterback isn’t necessarily the playmaker. The quarterback’s job is to run the offense. “He understands what we’re doing offensively and that’s the key. That’s more important than anything else.” Hudson takes over for Bradford, who directed a high-powered offense that scored 529 points in 14 games for an average of 37.8 points per game. Bradford completed 47 of 91 passes for 626 yards and 11 touchdowns on a run-oriented team and was the Bulldogs’ leading rusher with 1,014 yards and 19 touchdowns. “I’ve got some pretty

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n ERIC HUDSON, DALLAS COCKERHAM, RYAN PRICE Hudson takes over as the starter for two-year starter Michael Bradford after starting at tailback last season

n KEN HILL (TAILBACK), DEMETRIUS WILLIAMS (FULLBACK)

n JUSTIN PERKINS, JONATHAN ALLEN, DALLAS COCKERHAM

n COACH ADAMS SAYS: “ We’ve got to find a wingback. It gives an opportunity for some of these guys to step up.”

n COACH ADAMS SAYS: “We’ve got some guys that’s got some experience. They got some experience this summer in 7-on-7.”

n BRANTLEY STANFORD (CENTER), KYLE GALLOWAY (GUARD), TYLER SPROUSE (TACKLE)

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n COBY BRADFORD (DEFENSIVE END), KYLE GALLOWAY (DEFENSIVE TACKLE), TYLER SPROUSE (DEFENSIVE TACKLE)

n LEMETRIUS WILLIAMS (INSIDE), KEN HILL (OUTSIDE), JUSTIN PERKINS (OUTSIDE)

n ERIC HUDSON (FREE SAFETY), DALLAS COCKERHAM Hudson is the only returning starter.

n COACH GATES SAYS: “ We have to find some guys to fill in at the inside linebacker spots.”

n COACH GATES SAYS: “Turbo (Hudson) had 14 picks last year. He’s a leader back there. He does a great job of setting our defensive secondary.”

n COACH ADAMS SAYS: “I feel good about the guys we’ve got there. Those are the guys that worked there in the spring. We have three guys that have totally different qualities.”

n COACH ADAMS SAYS: “ We want to close the gaps. We’re not looking for big guys. A lot of times we’re looking for speed. We’re looking to be aggressive.”

n COACH ADAMS SAYS: “ We have a couple of guys that have some experience and some others that have to come along.”

CONTACT INFORMATION n TELEPHONE: 205-695-7717

n ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Vance Herron

n WEBSITE: w w w.godogs.us / www.lamarcountyfootball.com

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

30 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SULLIGENT BLUE DEVILS AHSAA Class AA, Region 8; 2009 Record: 7-4

Johnson focused on championship reward BY HENRY MATUSZAK hgmsports@cdispatch.com

STAFF n HEAD COACH: Dwight Bowling (36-15 in four years; 225-78 overall) n ASSISTANT COACHES: Brandon Crawford ( receivers), Garr y Holmes (defensive coordinator), Ronnie Hubbard (defensive backs), Mario Ortiz (special teams), James Tidwell (offensive line, defensive line)

NUMBER’S GAME

21 Returning Lettermen

10 Returning Starters: 5 — offense; 5 — defense

KEY IN 2010 n COACH DWIGHT BOWLING: “We’ve had to replace a lot of good players and we’ve moved some people around to new positions. We had a real good spring. We’re probably going to have a little more team speed than we’ve had. We’re going to be competitive.”

SULLIGENT 2010 TEAM 1-L’il D Coleman, 2John Potmesil, 3-Peter Swaningan, 4-Daniel Richards, 5-Cody Mosley, 6-Coco Metcalfe, 7-Ryan Reeves, 8-Victor Swain, 9-Jagger Eastman, 10-Rocky Sides, 11-Deion Jenkins, 12-Tyrin Bankhead, 13-Nathan Hollis, 14-Wesley Parson, 15-Kiley Smith, 17-Dominique Wallace, 21-Logan Barnes, 22-Nich Johnson, 23-Teddy Dennis, 25-Jacob Spruill, 26-Mason Franklin, 30-Benji Clay, 32-Hunter Wright, 33Taylor Nethery, 34Storm Plunkett, 35Steven Willingham, 36Cameron Coleman, 38Nathan Kerr y, 40Andrew Taylor, 42Devin Carruth, 44Ishmael Riggins, 48Tray Trentham, 52Drew Hankins, 55Parker Northington, 59-Dustan Reeves, 60Jessee Kimbrough, 62Dillon Barnes, 63Austin Pinkerton, 65Josh Trentham, 68Matt Hankins, 69Jordan Moore, 72-Tony Johnson, 74-Garrett Guyton, 75-Mario Casas, 77-Cody Holmes, 78-Jalen Martinez, 79-Zach Hankins, 82-Keenum Davis, 84-Brent Cribbs, 85-Tyler Smith.

SULLIGENT, Ala. — Tony Johnson has one goal in mind entering this season. The Sulligent High School senior has his sights set on winning a state championship. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound guard / linebacker wants to help Sulligent High atone for the 2008 season when it lost to Leroy 41-8 in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A state championship game. “I want a (state championship) ring before I graduate, and this is my senior year, so I have to do it this year,” Johnson said. “We have to do it this year.” The Blue Devils will attempt to get back to the state title game after they lost last year to Tanner in the first round of the playoffs to finish 7-4. Johnson said the loss to Leroy still serves as motivation. “We’ve just got to get it,” Johnson said. “We didn’t get it done last year. We talk about it every day at practice and at workouts. We always talk about it. It’s a lot of motivation.” Johnson believes this year’s team has what it takes to get back to the championship game and win. “I think we’re going to go to the championship this year,” Johnson said. “We’ve been practicing hard this season. When you work hard, good things happen. “We play together as a team. We want it more than any other team. We work harder than any other team. We just want to get it.” Johnson believes the Blue Devils are faster, bigger, and stronger and have a better defense than the 2008 team. Johnson is the most experienced player on the team. He has been on the varsity since the ninth grade, and has started since the 10th. Sulligent High coach Dwight Bowling believes Johnson has all the qualities to lead the Blue Devils to a state championship. “Tony is an excellent player,” Bowling said. “He has great leadership abilities. He’s real aggressive. He makes a lot of plays. He seems to figure out where the ball is going in a hurry and he gets there.

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Sulligent High School football coach Dwight Bowling will try to lead 21 returning lettermen back to the playoffs in hopes of making another run at a state title.

Defensively he is a great player. “He’s got good size. He runs well. He’s got good size and he can move. He’s pretty strong. He’s got a good work ethic. He’s got the whole package.” The Blue Devils will have to contend with a difficult region schedule before they can think about winning a state championship. Sulligent has been moved to Class 2A, Region 8, which includes Cherokee, Colbert Heights, Hatton, Lamar County, Lexington, Phil Campbell, and Red Bay. “(The region) is much stronger than the one we’ve been in,” Bowling said. “There’s not any weak sisters in this one. There were several weak ones in the other one. We counted six teams where any of those six could win the region. It’s

going to be tough. There’s not going to be any off weeks this season.” As a junior a year ago, Johnson had 67 tackles for an average of 7.4 tackles per game. He had two sacks for a loss of 7 yards, intercepted a pass with a 15-yard return, caused a fumble, and had two fumble recoveries. Bowling believes any college would be fortunate to sign a player of Johnson’s caliber. “Everybody that came by this spring and looked at him was really impressed with his physique and size,” Bowling said. “He went to a couple of camps. I know he went to the UAB camp, and I talked to that coach and he was really impressed with him. They even thought of him maybe as a tight end. Some of the people might even look at him on the

offensive side. He hasn’t played tight end for us, but he might could do that, too.” Johnson has participated in linebacker and tight end drills at college camps. Johnson would prefer to be recruited to play linebacker in college, but he isn’t ruling out tight end. “I like tight end,” Johnson said. “I like to receive the ball. People tell me I’ve got good hands for a lineman. I don’t see myself as a lineman.” He said the thing he likes about defense is hitting opposing ballcarriers. Johnson said he’s being recruited by the University of Mississippi, Auburn, UAB, Alabama State, and Jacksonville State. “I like Ole Miss,” Johnson said. “I just like the way they play. I like their style of play. I (also) like

Auburn. I’ve been an Auburn fan ever since I was a little kid. I’ve always wanted to go there.” But before he worries about where he’s going to go to college, Johnson’s focus will be on helping Sulligent High win a state championship.

SULLIGENT SCHEDULE Aug. 19 At Smithville Aug. 26 HAMILTON Sept. 3 At Hatton Sept. 10 LEXINGTON Sept. 17 At Colbert Heights Sept. 24 MARION CO. Sept. 30 At Lamar Co. RED BAY Oct. 8 Oct. 15 At Cherokee Oct. 22 At Phil Campbell Oct. 28 SOUTH LAMAR HOME GAMES IN CAPS

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BLUE DEVILS QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

n JOHN POTMESIL

n WESLEY PARSON, DEION JENKINS, ISHMAEL RIGGINS

n PETER SWANINGAN, MASON FRANKLIN, LOGAN BARNES

n DUSTAN REEVES, TONY

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “ We lost some speed and experience. We’re going to be youthful and inexperienced, but we have some ability.”

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “A lot of big-play ability there with Peter. He’s capable of making the big play.”

NORTHINGTON, JALEN

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “Much improved over last year. The experience from last year is going to carr y over. We’re going to be much better at that position.”

JOHNSON, PARKER MARTINEZ, MATT HANKINS n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “Experience and size and should be our strong point on offense.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

n ISHMAEL RIGGINS, PARKER NORTHINGTON, DUSTAN REEVES, MATT HANKINS, CODY HOLMES

n TONY JOHNSON, MASON FRANKLIN, COCO METCALF, WESLEY PARSON

n RYAN REEVES

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “Up front we’re going to be experienced. That’s going to help us.”

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “Linebacker will be one of our strengths. We have a lot of speed there.”

n COACH BOWLING SAYS: “The secondary is a key point. We have people we haven’t decided on yet.”

South Lamar Continued from Page 28 He showed he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team when he played the second half against Brilliant and led the team to a 39-14 victory. He carried the ball twice and scored on runs of 34 yards and 70 yards. “We were trailing at halftime 7-6,” Harper said. “He came to me and said, ‘Coach, I’ll play, we’ve got a chance to win this.’ That was our first chance to win a ballgame. He said, ‘Coach, give me a chance, give me a chance

to play,’ so I put him on the opposite side so if he did get hit he’d get hit on the other side of his good ribs. He touched the ball twice for two touchdowns. Those two touches helped us pull away.” Despite being injured last season, Mitchell rushed for 829 yards in eight games (an average of 103.6 yards per game). He also scored 11 touchdowns. Mitchell’s goal this season is to rush for 1,500 yards and to

score 15 or more touchdowns. South Lamar has a history of producing quality running backs, and Mitchell wants to add his name to the list. Kevin Hayden started the tradition when Millport and Kennedy high schools consolidated to form South Lamar High in 1986. Steve Hayden, the first 2,000-yard rusher in school histor y, Tim Harton, Reggie Hayden, Kasey Jones, and Justin Brock have kept up the tradition.

“I really do (want to follow in their footsteps) because I look at film of how those players played the game and loved the game,” Mitchell said. “They weren’t scared of anything. They did ever ything they could ever y week to try to help their team win.” Harper believes Mitchell can add his name to the list of great running backs in South Lamar history. “It’s been a steady trek,”

Harper said. “He can become a league of his own. I can see me talking to kids in the future and say, ‘Hey, I want you to be as quick as Ken was with the ball on the first cut, I want you to be as positive as Kasey was, I want you to be as good making moves as Kevin and Tim, I want you to have the power Steve had.’” Mitchell is counting on being the next great South Lamar running back and leading the Stallions to a memorable season.

THE DISPATCH â&#x20AC;˘ www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

Collect the best sports coverage in the Golden Triangle!

ADAM MI

NIC Spor ts Ed HINO itor aminichin o @cdispatc h

.com

SZAK U T A M Y R N HE er Sports Wr ittch.com dispa

hgmspor ts@c

DAVID M

Spor ts W LLER r iter dmiller@ cd ispatch.c

S P O RT S D E PA RT M E N T cdispatch.com sports@cdispatch.com 662.327.1297 Office 662.241.5000 Sports Line 888.477.1555

32 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL