Football Magazine 2021

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Jones County Football Preview

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

EDITORIAL PAGE

WELCOME TO JONES COUNTY MAYHEM

a division of Buckley Newspapers, Inc.

Ronnie Buckley

Publisher

Sales

Betty Busby Matt Roberts Ellen Paul

BY JAMES PUGH

Graphic Design Stephanie White he year was 2014, and Mississippi football was front and center on the national James Pugh stage. Mississippi State and Ole Miss were positioned in the Top Five of college football and life was good, so good in fact that on the front cover of the October Writers/Photographers James Pugh edition of Sports Illustrated was a touchdown celebration picture of the two bitKevan Lindsey ter rivals. On that cover was the phrase, "Mississippi Mayhem."

Fast forward to 2020.

In a year like no other - at least in our lifetimes - with high school football on Life Alert due to a world-wide pandemic, Jones County football, heavily invested in Region 3-5A, received the news of a major shake up that would impact 2021-2023. In an already tough region, the easy win teams were replaced with teams that in modern times were and are heavy contenders. Joining the region for the next cycle would be Florence, Wayne County, and Hattiesburg. Immediately, my mind went to the cover of that October edition of Sports Illustrated in 2014, and instead of Mississippi Mayhem, I thought, 'Jones County Mayhem.'

In May, when Co-Editor partner Kevan Lindsey and I were brainstorming over what this magazine would look like, we made the easy decision to go with 'Jones County Mayhem,' and in our own version, recreate parts of what that Sports Illustrated cover projected and input our own unique twist.

Every thing from the football field breaking up out of the ground like an post-apocalyptic earthquake to the end zone style celebrations has a message.

We love Friday nights, and we know you do too. Each year is unique and this year is no exception.

More interesting matchups will take place in Jones County this year than I can remember in some time. Nothing is a given, and after talking to our area coaches, nothing with be taken for granted.

We hope you enjoy this year's football preview magazine and hope to see you in person under the Friday night (and sometimes Saturday night) lights.

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67

MALIK ELLIS LAUREL/OL

"I'm excited about the upcoming season.

We have more guys on our team this year that have stepped up and become leaders. My goal is to give 110 percent and challenge others to do the same."

06

JAQUAN MCGILBERRY SOUTH JONES/DB

"My goal is to help us make it back to the playoffs and make it even further than we did last year. This is my last year and I'm ready. We've got a good group of guys and we're excited."

JONES COUNTY ELITE EIGHT SELECTION LAUREL - WEST JONES - SOUTH JONES - NORTHEAST JONES

DEDRIC HICKS WEST JONES/DE-LB

09

BOBBY ROWZEE NE JONES/FB-LB

04

"Our goal is that we make it back to state this year and have fun with this being my senior year. For me, my goal is to give everything I have at practice like it's my last day."

"Make plays, become a better leader, and put NEJ on the map and give Tiger fans some excitement this season are my goals on the year. I'm just ready for the season to get underway."

18

ARJALEN MARSHALL LAUREL/DL

"Our goal is to have a successful year and go undefeated. I'm excited about the season ahead. In the offseason - in the weight room, out the weight room, on the field - we've had more leaders to step up."

08

MATTHEW NIXON WEST JONES/WR-CB

"Like everyone on our team, the goal this year is to make it back to state and repeat a title win. We hope that everything goes smoothly throughout the season, especially with the virus."

JONES COUNTY ELITE EIGHT SELECTION LAUREL - WEST JONES - SOUTH JONES - NORTHEAST JONES

DALTON KEYS SOUTH JONES/WR

11

LAWSON MONCIVAIS NE JONES/DE-G

56

"I want to win. We had a good season last year. We want to build on that and reach for bigger goals this season. We've been working hard at practice every day in the heat so we hope it pays off."

"Every game is a chance for me to improve my highlights. Any chance I get to play is a good day in my book, especially when it comes down to COVID and what all we went through last season."

100

THE CENTURY LONG WAR

WORLD WARS, HURRICANES, AND PANDEMICS HAVE NOT BEEN FORCES POWERFUL ENOUGH TO STOP MISSISSIPPI'S LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY PLAYED RIVALRY...

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES PUGH

T

ARTICLE BY KEVAN LINDSEY

he battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge.” - George S. Patton General Patton spoke those words nearly 100 years ago, leading the United States Army as a General who commanded the Seventh United States Army in the Mediterranean theater of World War II, and the Third United States Army in France and Germany after the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944.

General Patton was right. A battle is the most magnificent competition anyone can indulge in. For the Laurel Tornadoes and Hattiesburg Tigers, that battle that turned into an all-out war will soon hit its 100th anniversary.

Formally known as “The Little Brown Jug” game, the war between these two teams has defied the odds, lasting through wars, natural disasters, and pandemics, always finding a way for these two powerhouses to meet and keep the rivalry as hot as ever. It is the longest continuously played rivalry game in the state of Mississippi. According to AHSFHS.org, the all-time series stands at 49-49-5, with the teams having met in the playoffs also.

It’s also been a game of streaks. Since 2000, Hattiesburg edges Laurel 13-11, however, Laurel has the edge over Hattiesburg in the playoffs, going 2-1 over the Tigers. Between 1936 and 1950, Laurel dominated the series with 12 wins and two ties. Hattiesburg’s lone win came in 1941 by a 19-7 final.

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

THE CENTURY LONG WAR

Hattiesburg took the 1950s with five wins and one tie and won five straight from 1963-1967. The Tornadoes dominated after that into the 70s with eight straight wins, then Hattiesburg returned the favor in the 80s and early 90s, winning 12 of 15 meetings.

Earnest has a unique perspective on the jug game, coming to the stadium as a kid, rooting for the Tornadoes in the final regular-season game of the season, to playing for the team, becoming an assistant coach for the team, to ultimately leading the team as head coach.

“The jug is so special,” says Laurel Tornadoes head coach Ryan Earnest after reminiscing on it for a moment.

“It survived World War II. It survived two major hurricanes [Camille and Katrina]. It survived COVID last season.”

“It’s a blessing to coach this game in any capacity,” said Earnest.

“I had the opportunity to play in it as a player and I’ve been able to see a lot of the changes over the years.

I remember growing up being a Laurel Tornado fan and coming to the last game of the year which were these two teams every season. I was on the team the last time the two teams played each other to end the regular season, then I was on the first team that played the game early in the season. So, to get to see it change, then come back full circle is cool,” added Earnest.

Now South Jones head coach Todd Breland who served as head coach for eight seasons and started as an assistant coach in 1996 at Laurel also discussed how special the rivalry is.

"It is one of those highlight games in my entire coaching career," said Breland. "Going back to 1996 when I was an assistant, then being a head coach in that game for eight seasons, it is definitely something you cherish and remember. It is humbling when you take the time and look back on the game. To be a part of the longest rivalry in the state of Mississippi, I've had a chance to coach in some great games over the years."

In 2005, the southern region of the United States had one of the worst natural disasters ever experienced. Hurricane Katrina made landfall, destroying Louisiana and gut-punched Mississippi. Katrina took down Laurel’s scoreboard as it ravaged nearly everything in its path, but the war still needed to be waged on the gridiron between Laurel and Hattiesburg.

The communities rallied together to make it happen.

“I remember when Hurricane Katrina came through, I was on staff at the time. We found a makeshift scoreboard and put it in the back of the endzone. We played it in the boiling hot sun at 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Hattiesburg beat us 6-2, and we were up 2-0 with about two minutes left when they scored with about a minute and a half left. It was brutal and the heat didn’t help,” said Earnest.

Breland also recalled several games that he coached in that were memorable. .

"There were good and bad ones," laughed Breland. "A few years ago they come back to beat us in the losing minutes, but I can go back to when I was an assistant and we flipped the tables on them when Hattiesburg was up big on us at halftime. The best game I was a part of was a playoff game, but we came out on top 45-42. That was one of the most exciting football games I've ever been a part of."

Throughout the years, times changed along with regions, so the game was moved from the season finale to the second game of the year. Now, with the two teams

"IT WAS ONE OF OUR GOALS EVERY YEAR. OF COURSE, EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, WIN THE DISTRICT, ALL THAT, BUT WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT SETTING GOALS, WE WANTED TO KEEP THAT JUG HERE. WITH THIS BEING THE 100TH, THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE OVER IT BEING BACK IN LAUREL.”

HATTIESBURG

49 - WINS, 49 - LOSSES 5 - TIES 10 - WIN STREAKS 9 - LOSING STREAKS 6 - WINS IN A ROW 8 - LOSSES IN A ROW 38 - LARGEST MARGIN WIN 1 - PLAYOFF VICTORY

HEAD -TOHEAD LAUREL

49 - WINS 49 - LOSSES 5 - TIES 9 - WIN STREAKS 10 - LOSING STREAKS 8 - WINS IN A ROW 6 - LOSSES IN A ROW 42 - LARGEST MARGIN WIN 2 - PLAYOFF VICTORIES

in Region 3-5A, both Earnest and Hattiesburg head coach Tony Vance wanted to put the game back in the place it once started.

“Back in the day, Hattiesburg was 5A and we were 4A, so it was scheduled for the last regular-season game of the year. In 1997, it moved to the second game of the year.

We have played it that way until now since Hattiesburg is in our district. When we had our region meeting, me and coach [Tony] Vance talked and agreed that the Little Brown Jug game needs to be the final game of the regular season. Our region coaches were cooperative with that. We are having it on a Saturday this year because we want old players, coaches, and any fans that want to come out to be here,” explained Earnest.

Earnest also knows the pressure that comes with the Little Brown Jug game, and he understands the importance it means to the Laurel community.

“If you don’t have it, the community here will let you know,” laughed Earnest. “We’ve had interesting conversations over the last 300+ days over why the jug isn’t in Laurel.”

Recently, Hattiesburg had upended Laurel as they reeled off five-straight from 2014 until 2018, and then they took the jug home last season. A new season means a chance to bring the jug back to Laurel, and they are welcoming the pressure.

“It was one of our goals every year. Of course, everyone wants to win a State Championship, win the district, all that, but when we talked about setting goals, we wanted to keep that jug here. With this being the 100th, there is a lot of pressure over it being back in Laurel.”

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Jones County Football Preview

August 25, 2021

11

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

TORNADOES

2020 TORNADOES PREVIOUS YEAR STATS

LAUREL

PREVIOUS SEASON : 7-4

2021 SCHEDULE MERIDIAN WILDCATS AUGUST 28 (AWAY)

D'IBERVILLE WARRIORS SEPTEMBER 3 (HOME)

MENDENHALL TIGERS SEPTEMBER 10 (AWAY)

PETAL PANTHERS

SEPTEMBER 17 (HOME)

FLORENCE EAGLES *

SEPTEMBER 24 (DRAGON NIGHT)

BROOKHAVEN PANTHERS * OCTOBER 1 (AWAY)

NATCHEZ BULLDOGS *

OCTOBER 8 (HOMECOMING)

ANOTHER REGION TITLE?

287

POINTS FOR

233

POINTS AGAINST

26

POINTS PER GAME

8-5

SEASON PREDICTION:

21 POINTS GIVEN UP PER GAME

VS. HATTIESBURG (NOV.6) KEY GAME

HEAD COACH: RYAN EARNEST

THREE SEED

T

here are few things more consistent than the product the Laurel Tornadoes put on the field each year. Things did not change in 2020 when head coach Ryan Earnest took over after Todd Breland left for South Jones.

Fast-forward to the 2021 season, Earnest is excited for the next group of players to fill in the gap.

“I don’t want to say it’s the typical Laurel football team because we lost some great players, but we feel very good about the guys that are taking over," said Earnest.

The Tornadoes will need to replace their trigger-man this season.

“We feel good about the replacement at quarterback," said Earnest. "We are bringing in junior Javonta Caldwell. He was in the mix last year but got hurt."

After losing last spring and most of the summer due to COVID, Earnest was excited to see the tenacity in the athletes who returned.

“Last year left a bad taste in their mouths the way it ended," added Earnest. "I’m proud of our kids being disciplined to be here and it has spilled over into the summer.”

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION 3-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND 13

9

10

10

9

SOUTH JONES BRAVES * OCTOBER 15 (AWAY)

WEST JONES MUSTANGS * OCTOBER 22 (AWAY)

WAYNE COUNTY WAR EAGLES * OCTOBER 29 (HOME)

HATTIESBURG TIGERS *

NOVEMBER 6 (SENIOR NIGHT) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

From the Coach's Perspective Javonta Caldwell - QB "It all starts with the quarterback," said Earnest.

Caldwell will be the successor in 2021 to Dexter Scott. '"How well Caldwell plays is going to be a factor in how well we play. He's different from what we've had the past couple of years because he's more of a runner while being a capable passer. He's got to play well for us to navigate through

the season and this district."

Arjalen Marshall - DL "Arjalen Marshall will be a three-year starter for us on the defensive line," said Earnest.

"He's one of the top defensive linemen in the state, in my opinion. He's a young man who will have the opportuntiy to play and contribute at the next level of football," continued Earnest.

Earnest also expects Marshall to continue to grow in his senior season with the Tornadoes.

"He's going to continue to show growth as the season goes on. He had a good year last season, and we are looking for him to take that next step not only from an athletic standpoint but a leadership standpoint as well."

Malik Ellis - OL "Malik is our cornerstone at left tackle," said Earnest.

"He's a young man who has been heavily recruited for a while and has drawn a lot of interest. He anchors the offensive line for us with a group where he brought

all five starters back and four of the reserves behind them."

Earnest continued about Ellis' ability on and off the field.

"He's the catalyst for the entire offensive line and the offensive group as a whole.

He is such an impoertant player for us as soon as he steps onto the field or in the locker room."

"I know he will continue to draw more attention as the season progresses and we get into Region 3-5A," continued Earnest.

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13

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

MUSTANGS

2020 MUSTANGS PREVIOUS YEAR STATS

WEST JONES

PREVIOUS SEASON : 13-2

2021 SCHEDULE

MADISON CENTERAL JAGUARS AUGUST 27 (AWAY)

NORTHEAST JONES TIGERS SEPTEMBER 3 (HOME)

OPEN

SEPTEMBER 10

WINGFIELD FALCONS SEPTEMBER 17 (AWAY)

BROOKHAVEN PANTHERS * SEPTEMBER 24 (HOME)

NATCHEZ BULLDOGS * OCTOBER 1 (AWAY)

SOUTH JONES BRAVES * OCTOBER 8 (HOME)

BACKTOBACK?

349

POINTS FOR

191

POINTS AGAINST

201.2

PASSING YARDS PER GAME

10-3 SEASON PREDICTION:

169.5

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

VS. LAUREL (OCT.22)

HEAD COACH: SCOTT PIERSON

KEY GAME

B

ack to back: that is the question? While Shakespeare didn't pose that exact question in Act III, Scene I of Hamlet, the West Jones 2021 season poses the question.

There'll be a new trigger-man on offense in Soso, but the Mustangs return a stable of athletic running backs, three talented offensive linemen, and nearly everyone on the defensive side of the ball - minus notables Tyjuan Keyes and Cedric Bender.

"We have a lot of good players coming back," said Scott Pierson. "This class of seniors all started as sophomores. It'll probably be one of the more talented classes that we've had. Now, there might be teams out there better than us, but that's not to say we don't have good players and a good team."

West Jones will be held to the fire in Week 1, as they travel to 6A Madison Central, and Region 3-5A is no laughing matter with Hattiesburg and Wayne County joining the fold. Still, the Mustangs have enough to make beating the reigning 5A champs a very daunting task and something to boast about if all is said and done.

ONE SEED

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION 3-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND 12

13

13

8 5

FLORENCE EAGLES * OCTOBER 15 (AWAY)

LAUREL TORNADOES *

OCTOBER 22 (SENIOR NIGHT)

HATTIESBURG TIGERS * OCTOBER 29 (AWAY)

WAYNE COUNTY WAR EAGLES * NOVEMBER 5 (AWAY)

* DENOTES REGION GAMES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

From the Coach's Perspective Kendorean Russell - LB "Obviously, things start with last season's [Impact601's] Defensive Player of the Year," said Scott Pierson. "Kendorean Russell at outside linebacker is the straw that holds our defense together."

Russell played snaps on offense in 2020 at running back and once again Pierson will look to Russell to do more of the same.

"We want him to run the ball more," said Pierson. "Of course, we said that last year and didn't give him enough carries because he's so vaulable defensively."

Dedric Hicks - DE "Dedric Hicks won the state's shotput competition as a freshman," said Pierson.

"Last year he couldn't compete because of COVID, but he's the strongest kid I've ever coached. And I've coached a lot of strong kids in my day.

Hicks led the Mustangs in TFL (Tackles For Loss) in

2020 with 11.

"We're not sure if he'll play DE for us this year or at Mike Back, but we are working through that. We have some kids we are trying out at Mike Back so we can let Hick play DE. He's one of the two defensive kids we're excited about and looking to make big strides."

Marlon Lindsey - QB "Marlon Linsdey will be our quarterback this year," said Pierson. "Lindsey played the slot for us last season. We think he'll be a really good player. The

downside is that he'll only be a junior. Last year we didn't play JV [due to COVID], so he didn't have any reps at quaterback."

Pierson said the struggle with Lindsey is that he'll be compared to Alan Follis.

"Comparing Lindsey to Follis during his sophmore year is a good comparsion, but comparing him to the young man (Follis) who played last year as a senior is not fair We have to make sure we manage Lindsey and make sure we don't ask too much of him."

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

BRAVES

2020 BRAVES PREVIOUS YEAR STATS

SOUTH JONES PREVIOUS SEASON : 6-5

2021 SCHEDULE SUMRALL

AUGUST 28 (AWAY -*JAMBROEE DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS)

FOREST HILL

SEPTEMBER 3 (HOME)

FCAHS

SEPTEMBER 10 (HOME)

NORTHEAST JONES TIGERS SEPTEMBER 17 (AWAY)

WAYNE COUNTY *

SEPTEMBER 24 (AWAY)

HATTIESBURG *

OCTOBER 1 (HOME)

WEST JONES MUSTANGS * OCTOBER 8 (AWAY)

LAUREL *

OCTOBER 15 (HOME)

NATCHEZ *

OCTOBER 22 (HOME)

FLORENCE *

OCTOBER 29 (AWAY)

BROOKHAVEN *

NOVEMBER 5 (HOME) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

PLAYOFFS IN 2021?

190

POINTS FOR

286

POINTS AGAINST

17

POINTS PER GAME

5-6

SEASON PREDICTION:

26

POINTS GIVEN UP PER GAME

@ WAYNE COUNTY (SEPT. 24) KEY GAME

HEAD COACH: TODD BRELAND

S

outh Jones returns the county's most experienced starting quarterback in junior Luke Griffin.

Experience elsewhere on the field will be the foundation of the 2021 Braves. Not just in the returning players but for the coaching staff as Breland begins his second season in Ellisville.

"We're excited to be playing football," said Braves head coach Todd Breland. "I believe that can be said across the board for every team this year.

"We've been able to have a normal spring and a normal offseason since I've been here and given the opportunity to know our kids better and what their capabilities are. Last year we played a lot of young kids on the field. Fortunately for us, we have a lot of those kids back."

Several teams in Region 3-5A in 2021 will be on the bubble as potential playoff teams. South Jones looks to be one of them, thanks to the experience the Braves are returning. But with the addition of Wayne County and Hattiesburg in 3-5A due to reclassification, it will be an uphill climb.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

From the Coach's Perspective Jaquan McGilberry - DB "Jaquan McGilberry is a kid we'll rely heavily upon on the defensive side of the ball," said Todd Breland.

"He'll play the corner position as a senior."

Breland says McGilberry's leadership in the secondary was key for the Braves in 2020 and will continue to be so in 2021.

"He's been a leader on our team in the past," said

Breland. "He'll continue to be a leader this year with our group of players in the secondary.

"We have high expectations for him in 2021."

In 2020, McGilberry recorded 35 tackles and two interceptions on defense for the Braves.

One of his interceptions resulted in a pick-six.

Sawyer Griffith - DL "Up front on defense, we expect big things from Sawyer Griffith," said Breland. "He's put on about 30-pounds in the offseason.

He's bulked up and is one of the hardest workers I've ever coached.

"We look forward to what he'll do for us this year on defense and leading our group of kids upfront," added Breland.

Griffith had 67 tackles, four sacks, and 16 TFL (Tackles For Loss) last season in Ellisville.

Dalton Keys - WR "On the offensive side of the ball, Dalton Keys will be back at wide reciever," said Breland. "Keys had a great year for us last season.

5TH PLACE

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION 3-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND

8

8 6

6 4

"Keys is a big, long rangey receiver who does things the right way."

"He runs great routes and has great hands," added Breland. "We'll be asking him to lead that bunch on offense."

Keys racked up 47 receptions for 612 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Braves' offense.

With experience at the quarterback position with the return of junior Luke Griffin, Keys will likely be Griffin's go-to receiver on offense.

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www.LFHC.net Jones County Football Preview

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August 25, 2021

17

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

REGION 3-5A

3-5A REGION 3-5A

"NEVER HAVE I EVER"

REGION 3-5A WILL BE A GAUNTLET OF 5A FOOTBALL ELITES. SCOTT PIERSON, TODD BRELAND, AND RYAN EARNEST HAVE NEVER SAW IT SO STACKED

BY JAMES PUGH

I

magine for a second a round table discussion featuring Scott Pierson, Todd Breland, and Ryan Earnest, and for fun, a coach's version of "Never Have I Ever" was played.

On the table before them was a piece of paper with a straightforward instruction: Write down three statements regarding your coaching career that involves the phrase, 'Never Have I Ever."

A simple knowledge of the events involving Class 5A football over the past decade and the redistricting of Region 3-5A in the offseason would give someone a pretty good guess as to the phrase that is likely to be written down by each coach.

It would look something like this: “Never have I ever seen Region 3-5A so stacked.”

Last October, the MHSAA announced its 2021-2023 Football Reclassifications and Regions. The changes to Region 3-5A were jaw-dropping, to say the least. For the next two seasons, Region 3-5A would include West Jones, Laurel, South Jones, Brookhaven, Natchez, and the addition of Florence, Hattiesburg, and Wayne County.

"Region 3-5A is tougher," said West Jones head coach Scott Pierson. "It's a lot tougher. We might not be undefeated [in Region 3-5A], as we have been in previous years.

We might stumble somewhere along the way [with this new group of teams], which, right or wrong, might make us better. Competition makes you better as long as you're not getting key players hurt. We can't afford to have guys hurt this year."

South Jones head coach Todd Breland, who spent most of his time in Region 3-5A as Laurel's head coach, had similar words regarding the change.

"I've seen it from all angles," said Breland. "Obviously, with the teams we lost in the region (Jim Hill, Wingfield, and Forest Hill) and the teams we've added (Florence, Hattiesburg, and Wayne County), it's going to be a lot tougher

"COMPETITION MAKES YOU BETTER AS LONG AS YOU'RE NOT GETTING KEY PLAYERS HURT. WE CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE GUYS HURT THIS YEAR."

and more competitive.

"But as a coach and as a team, that is what you want.

You want to go out every Friday and compete. And boy, don't we have the opportunity to do that now. It's going to be challenging, that's for sure."

Of the three Jones County 5A coaches, Earnest has spent the least amount of time involved in Region 3-5A, but the second-year Laurel head coach echoed Pierson's concern about injuries and depth.

"This will be the toughest district I've ever coached in, hands down," said Earnest. "I've had those opportunities to coach in tough districts, but this is by far the toughest. Top to bottom, this region is as good as I've ever seen it, not just from a player's standpoint but from a coach's standpoint.

You have to work hard as a coach on Sunday so you can get your players into the idea that they have to bring it every week."

"Having a region like this challenges your team's depth.

Unfortunately, when you have so many big, physical football teams like this, injuries are part of it. It challenges coaches to not only develop their two-deep guys but beyond that. There is a likelihood that the third guy might have to come in and have significant playing time. That's one thing as a staff that we talked about going into the spring. We wanted to take an even bigger intentional approach to improve depth. Kudos to our coaches because they've done a phenomenal job at that."

Two of the three teams added are no strangers to West Jones, Laurel, and South Jones. From 2009 to 2016, Wayne County competed in Region 3-5A. Both Wayne County and West Jones received a bump in classification in 2009 and competed against each other for playoff seeding

REGION 3-5A 2021 SEASON PREVIEW

before the War Eagles joined Region 4-5A in 2017.

The same is true for Laurel, who has competed in Region 3-5A since its move from 4A to 5A in 2013 and competed for the top spot against Wayne County till the War Eagles moved to 4-5A in 2017.

Hattiesburg, however, is new to Region 3-5A, but not new to the teams that have been involved in the region for some time.

First, there's its 100-plus game history with rival Laurel.

The Little Brown Jug game represents the longest continuously played rivalry in Mississippi and enters year 100 this season. Three other games played between the two schools are playoff meetings — all three of which are recent.

It's been an evenly matched Little Brown Jug series too.

Both teams hold an even 49-49 record, with five games ending in a tie.

"The rivalry survived World War II. It survived two major hurricanes [Camille and Katrina]. It survived COVID last season," said Earnest. "I had the opportunity to play in it as a player, and I've been able to see a lot of the changes over the years. I remember growing up being a Laurel Tornado fan and coming to the last game of the year, which were these two teams every season. I was on the team the last time the two teams played each other to end the regular season, and then I was on the first team that played the game early in the season.

"To get to see it change, then come back full circle is cool.”

While West Jones and South Jones don't have quite the history with Hattiesburg as Laurel does, both Jones County teams have recently met the Tigers in playoff action. When South Jones made the playoffs in 2018 and 2020, Hattiesburg ended both playoff runs by 40 and 50-point margins in the first round. Those meetings are the only two in both programs history.

For West Jones, its last meeting with Hattiesburg will likely not be forgotten. In 2019, Hattiesburg was the South's

"THERE ARE FIVE TO SIX PERENNIALS, WHAT WE COULD CLASSIFY AS POWERHOUSES...THEN YOU HAVE TEAMS LIKE NATCHEZ WHO ARE ON THE RISE...THEN THE TODD BRELAND FACTOR."

favorite to win 5A. It would have been the first title for the Tigers in modern history and second ever in school history.

But West Jones ruined said plans, stunning Hattiesburg in the second round, 37-14.

Before the 2019 meeting, the two schools had only met twice before, both in the late 1990s.

Pierson and Breland said Region 3-5A will be as good as it’s ever been.

"The division is as good as it's ever been," said Pierson.

"There was a year when Laurel was really good, and Wayne County was really good. I want to say that was in 20142015. Laurel won the 5A title in 2014, and Wayne County won it in 2015. Both years we'd be 7-0 or 8-0 and play Laurel and Wayne County back-to-back towards the end of the regular season. I believe Laurel beat us in overtime one game, and Wayne County beat us late on a touchdown.

"And we were good those years, but after playing both of those teams back-to-back, we were banged up and caught Picayune in the playoffs and weren't able to recover."

"No," said Breland quickly when asked if he'd ever seen the region so stacked. "But I think it's good for the area. It's good for football with the way that it is. We've been in situations in the past where it was almost a one-game season, and it's definitely not going to be that way this year. There's going to be one or two really good football teams in the region that won't make the playoffs."

The term “powerhouse” could describe many teams in Region 3-5A this year, according to Earnest.

"There are five to six perennials, what we could classify as powerhouses," said Earnest. "Then you have teams like Natchez who are on the rise, and their coach is doing a phenomenal job. At South Jones, you have the Todd Breland factor where any time he is on the sidelines, their team has a chance. They will always be well-coached and motivated.

Florence was likely going to be a top team in 4A, and now you insert them in 5A. “There’s not a week you can look on the calendar and say, ‘this is going to be tougher than the next.’ You’re going to have to be ready to play week-in and week-out in this district.”

Staying healthy is no doubt the key to success for all teams involved. A critical injury here and there could mean the season in such a competitive region. So much so that it's been mentioned throughout and on multiple occasions by Pierson, Breland, and Earnest.

"The back end of our schedule - having to play Hattiesburg, Wayne County, and Laurel in a row - all of us now, because we all stacked those games towards the end of our schedule, is brutal," said Pierson, "Whoever can play well in those three games at the end of the year and who can keep their guys' healthy will [be the one that comes out on top].

“Everyone of those teams is a playoff team. So basically, you’re playing playoff team after playoff team before you even get to the playoffs. And for the team that makes it to South State, that’s seven high-level games in a row.”

Gird up your loins, Jones County. Football is here, and it's about to get real, real fast.

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

TIGERS

2020 TIGERS PREVIOUS YEAR STATS

NORTHEAST JONES PREVIOUS SEASON : 1-6

2021 SCHEDULE

NE LAUDERDALE TROJANS AUGUST 27 (HOME)

WEST JONES MUSTANGS SEPTEMBER 3 (AWAY)

PERRY CENTRAL BULLDOGS SEPTEMBER 10 (AWAY)

SOUTH JONES BRAVES SEPTEMBER 17 (HOME)

FLORENCE EAGLES

SEPTEMBER 24 (AWAY)

QUITMAN PANTHERS * OCTOBER 1 (AWAY)

RICHLAND RANGERS * OCTOBER 8 (HOME)

PLAYOFFS IN 2021?

34

POINTS FOR

151

POINTS AGAINST

48.1

PASSING YARDS PER GAME

3-7

SEASON PREDICTION:

117.4

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

VS. RICHLAND (OCT. 8)

HEAD COACH: KEITH BRADDOCK

KEY GAME

D

efense kept Northeast Jones in enough games last season to keep itself above .500. Its offense, however, did not. The result was a 1-6 season.

The Tigers, breaking in a new offensive scheme known as the Wing-T in an already tough COVID year without spring practice and a typical summer, struggled tremendously. The offense averaged 4.8 points per game in 2020.

Defense will once again be a bright spot for the Tigers in 2021. Northeast Jones held five of its seven opponents under 25 points per game last year, with nearly everyone returning this year.

"We had a good spring and summer," said NEJ head coach Keith Braddock. "If we have some success early, I think we'll have a chance to be successful down the stretch."

If its offense can make significant strides in year two, things will run more smoothly.

"I feel like we're light-years ahead of where we were last year," said Braddock. "It takes time. I'm not a patient person, but you have to be with a new offense."

FOURTH PLACE

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION 5-4A FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND

6 4

3 1

1

NEWTON COUNTY COUGARS * OCTOBER 15 (SENIOR NIGHT)

GREENE COUNTY WILDCATS OCTOBER 22 (AWAY)

MENDENHALL TIGERS * OCTOBER 29 (AWAY)

* DENOTES REGION GAMES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

From the Coach's Perspective Bobby Rowzee - LB/FB "Bobby Rowzee plays the linebacker position for us," said Keith Braddock. "He also plays fullback for us some on offense.

"Rowzee had a good year for us in 2020 and he's back for his senior year."

Rowzee led Northeast Jones on defense last season with 46 tackles, but he'll be asked to play snaps on offense this year after an

impressive offseason.

"He led our defense in tackles last year and over the spring and the summer, he's showed us what he's capable of at the fullback position," added Braddock.

"We knew what he could do on defense, but he's really developed well over the offseason at fullback."

Lawson Moncivais - DE "Lawson Moncivais is a two-year starter on the line for us," said Braddock. "He plays both sides of the ball as the game goes on.

"Moncivais mainly plays

on the defensive side of the ball but we also ask him to play on the offensive side when we need him to."

Moncivais recorded 28 tackles last season for the Tigers.

"He's a really good player with a high motor."

Kye Braddock - LB "We've asked a lot out of Kye Braddock over the last few years and he's done everything we've asked," said Braddock. "He plays on defense and offense for us and he'll need to continue to do that for us.

Kye shined on defense in 2020. He also gave the Tigers a boost on offense when called upon. Kye led the Tigers on offense in rushing yards (172) and yards-per-carry (4.4) last season "He ran the ball extremely well last year and we'll need him to do that again for us this year. He also helps us on special teams," said Braddock. "He's a big part of what we do, so we'll need him to step up and have another good year. Hopefully, that will happen."

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Jones County Football Preview

August 25, 2021

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

TYRONE JONES DAYTON COOLEY ZHMARIAN GAVIN JEREMY PORTER JATAVIAN CLAYTON CADEN ARRINGTON KIRON BENJAMIN DERRICK WALKER QUANDARIUS KEYS JD LAWRENCE CARLOS MARTIN JAVONTA CALDWELL JAVEON LASTER LARTROY MCCURDY KOBE PIERCE JORDAN MACK ARJALEN MARSHALL ELIJAH MILSAP BRONZE MACK MYRON WHITE KEENON JOHNIKIN TAYSHAWN MCCRAE BRAYDON JORDAN DARION HUGHES STEVEN EARNEST CANDEN TOWNSEND ANTHONY ROGERS KYRIN CHAPMAN JUAN SPENCER

TORNADOES ROSTER

WR WR LB RB/LB LB RB RB DL WR DB WR QB LB WR/TE QB QB DL DB DL DB RB/WR QB RB DB LB DL/LB DB DL QB/WR

SR. SR. SR. JR..

SR. JR. SR. SR. JR. SR. SR. JR. SR. JR. SO. JR. SR. SR. JR. SR. SO. FR. SO. JR. SO. SR. SO. SR. SO.

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

TERRION MCCULLUM JAYVIEN LINDSEY CARSON WARD GHDARIAN HOSEY YATAVIAN DUCKSWORTH MALCOM TERRELL JAYLAN MCCREE CAMERON MALONE MALACHI DAVIS RAYSHAD MCGRUDER OMARION EDWARDS RAQUAIN CLINTON LESEAN JORDAN KERMITT OVILLE TYWAN POWE JORDAN PRUITT MICAH TERRELL ARQUAN MOFFETT DAKOTA GRAY JASON HILTON KHEGAN JONES HOMER WASH DEE JIMISON DEMARCUS MCCLELLAN MALIK GRAHAM JEREMIAH KEYHEA ARTHUR BURKES TYLER MILLER BRIAN JONES

DL TE/DL DB DB TE/WR WR/DB TE/DL DB DB DB DB LB DB DB DB LB DB/WR DL DL LB OL DL DL DL DL OL DL OL OL

JR. SO. SO. JR. JR. SO. JR. JR. JR. SO. SO. SR. SO. SO. SO. SO. FR. SO. SR. JR. SR. JR. FR. JR. SR. SO. SO. FR. SO.

61 62 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92

KEION SULLIVAN ALONZO POLLARD TRISTAN HUTTON MARSHALL OVILLE MALIK ELLIS JAKALEB SMITH ERIN WHITE JR. JA'MEL KNIGHT MALACHI BRELAND MIKYAL TROTTER DONDIEGO COLLINS ZYAUN CURRY JEREMY JONES KRISTIAN HOSEY DONALD WILLIAMS RAYQUAIN GARDINER JA CORI COOK CAYDEN MALONE KAMERON SMITH MARLON ULMER DYLAN SCOTT JAMES GAVIN TAVION KEYS ESCYEON BLAKENEY KAVARIAN JOHNSON CALVIN MCDONALD JAVONTAE COLLIER JAMES HARRIS TRAVEON MCKAY

OL OL LB OL OL LB LB LB OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL WR WR WR WR QB LB WR WR RB WR WR DL DL

SO. JR. FR. SR. JR. FR. SO. FR. JR. JR. SO. SO. FR. SR. FR. FR. SO. FR. FR. SO. FR. FR. SO. SR. SO. FR. FR. FR. FR.

RYAN EARNEST - HEAD COACH, WILLIAM CLAY - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/OFFENSIVE LINE, DEMORRIUS JONES - DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, KYLAN POLLARD - SPECIAL TEAMS/WIDE RECEIVERS COACH, RICO MCCANN DEFENSIVE LINE COACH, JERRY FLETCHER - LINEBACKERS COACH, FREEDMAN JIMISON - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH, WILLIAM FRAZIER - TIGHT ENDS COACH, ANTHONY HARDY - WIDE RECEIVERS COACH

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August 25, 2021

MUSTANGS ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

KENNON LOFTIN ANTWOINE GAVIN DAVION BARNES JOSHUA MCDONALD RASE JONES ZYQUAN WILLIAMS MARLON LINDSEY MATTHEW NIXON DEDRIC HICKS JAIRUS KEYS JAMARION KEYS JT ELIAS DIONTRE SMITH KENDOREAN RUSSELL TYZAVIER HOPKINS BEN COLE OMARI KENNEDY DRAVYONNE CLINTON LOGAN ENGLADE CAMERON TONEY JAVEN TUCKER JORDAN BENDER JOHN FRENCH SHAWN KEYS COREYON GRAHAM DYLAN BUTLER ISAIAH LINDSEY DALTON SULLIVAN WYATT CLARK

DE RB DB RB LB WR QB WR DE TE DB WR WR LB DE WR DB DB LB LB TE DB LB WR DL DL LB DL LB

JR. SR. SR. SR. SO. SR. JR. JR. SR. SR. SO. SR. JR. SR. SO. SO. JR. SR. SR. SO. SR. SO. JR. JR. SO. SR. SO. JR. SR.

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 64 65

JOSEPH HERNANDEZ JACKSON HOLIFIELD DAWSON STRINGER BRAXTON GRAVES CHAZZ FOUNTAIN BRAXTON MYRICK JALEN JOHNSON REDDING DAY KEANDRE GRAVES PRESTON LEGGETT JOSE BLADIMIR ALLEN JONES MASON JENKINS CHAVIS KNIGHT KADARIUS KYES OMARION BENDER CARTER KILPATRICK JATHYN TUCKER PATRICK JORDAN BRODY BEECH LANDON SAUL CADE THOMPSON LOGAN DEARMAN LANE LANDRUM COLE SPRADLEY CONNER LANDLEY CADEN MCKINNON KADEN STEVISON BRADYN HOSEY

KR LB DE WR RB DE LB LB DE TE KR DL DE DL DL XX OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

SO. SR. SR. FR. SR. JR. SR. FR. SR. SO. SR. S0.

JR. SO. SR. SO. SR. SO. SR. SR. SR. SR. SR. JR. SR. JR. JR. JR. JR.

66 67 68 75 76 80 82 85 88 90 99

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

CHARVARUS THIGPEN REECE PITTS BRODY FURR MATTHEW WILSON QUINCY MILLSAP KROSS SMITH MICAH COOK ELIJAH CROSBY BRYCE KISSINGER JONATHAN KEYS WILLIAM LOPEZ

OL OL OL OL OL WR WR RB TE DL DL

S0.

SO. S0.

SO. SO. SO. SO. FR. S0.

S0.

SO.

COACHES: SCOTT PIERSON - HEAD COACH BUD BLACKLEDGE - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR CECIL HICKS - DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR KOBY EASTERLING - DEFENSIVE LINE COACH ADAM THOMPSON - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH KYLE WATSON - OFFENSIVE LINE COACH DENNIS CROSBY - WIDE RECEIVERS COACH CODY WINDHAM - RUNNING BACKS COACH OMAR WHITLOCK - FILM

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1148 South 16th Ave. • Laurel, MS Jones County Football Preview

601.649.1172

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

August 25, 2021

23

2021 SEASON PREVIEW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

WALKER GRIFFITH MATT SMITH FRAN'DARIUS HOLDER KYRIN MURPHY DEXTER SIMPSON JAQUAN MCGILLBERRY ASHTON MAGEE LUKE GRIFFIN DAYTON COOLEY JYRION COOK DALTON KEYS DARRIN MCGILLBERRY OMARION ROGERS DEVONTE BROWN PAYTON BLACKWELL JAKOBE CLARK DANTHONY PRUITT JOSHUA MARSHALL BLANE HERRINGTON MICAH COUTTA EMMANUEL PHILLIPS LANE BRUMELY CHASE BILLIOT KADE PHILLIPS ISAAC WALTERS GABE BUTLER KEN ARRINGTON JAMES JONES BRANDON FLOWERS

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BRAVES ROSTER WR DB/K TE QB DB DB WR QB WR LB WR QB RB RB WR WR DB QB WR QB RB RB WR LB LB LB WR DB DB

JR. SR. SR. FR. JR. SR. FR. JR. JR. FR. SR. SO. SO. FR. SO. JR. SO. 8TH SR. FR. FR. JR. JR. JR. SR. SO. FR. SO. SO.

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 49 50 51 53 54 55 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66

ZACH FLOWERS RJ WARD GREG JACKSON COLBY MILLS BRYCETON BEY RILEY BUTLER SAWYER GRIFFITH CAYDEN KINMON BRADY TAYLOR KYSON KEYS JAMARIUS NEWELL SHON MORGAN RICSHAWN FAIR RENDELL BARNES JULY WALTERS ARTURO HERNANDEZ ZACH HORNER HAGEN CAMPBELL RJ KELLEY MICHAEL LANDRUM GUS MURRY ROBERT GIPSON BRONSON ROGERS CONNER DAVIS BRANDON RAMIREZ SAM GRIFFITH PETE RANDOLPH JAMORIUS DUCKSWORTH ASA SATCHER

DB LB DB LB LB LB DL WR DB DL DL DL LB TE WR WR OL OL LB LB OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL

JR. 8TH SO. FR. FR. SO. SR. FR. JR. SO. SO. SO. SR. SO. FR. SO. FR. FR. SO. JR. FR. FR. FR. JR. JR. JR. SO. FR. SO.

68 69 70 72 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 87 88

DONAVON WILSON WARREN PHILLIPS JALEAL BOLTON SKYLAR KANE RUSTIN ROUNSAVILLE CHAD CHAPMAN BRADY LAMBERT BRANNON BROOKS D'MARI STERLING WYATT DAVIS VICTOR HERNANDEZ KAMERON DAVIS HAYDEN WEBB

OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL WR WR WR TE WR

COACHES: TODD BRELAND - HEAD COACH DAVID PARKER - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR BRAD GRIFFIN - QUARTERBACKS/RUNNING BACKS COACH CASEY HERRINGTON - DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR LUCAS GLEASON - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH MATT SMITH - DEFENSIVE LINE COACH ROSS BANKSTON - DEFENSIVE LINE COACH SHANE BARNES - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH JON MARSHALL - LINEBACKERS COACH THOMAS TUCKER - OFFENSIVE LINE COACH IRA MCGILBERRY - WIDE RECEIVERS COACH BRIAN KERN - JUNIOR HIGH COACH

Standing left to right: Joe Berlin, Sheriff; Bart Gavin, Chancery Clerk; Phil Dickerson, Beat Three; Travares K. Comegys, Beat Five; Charles Miller, Chief Financial Officer; Danielle Ashley, Chief Administrative Officer and Board Attorney.

Seated left to right: Vice-President David Scruggs, Beat Four; President Johnny Burnett, Beat One; T. Larry Dykes, Beat Two.

Jones County Football Preview

August 25, 2021

SO. FR. FR. JR. JR. FR. SO. JR. FR. FR. FR. FR. FR.

TIGERS ROSTER 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 25 27 31 33 34 35 37 38 40 44 48

RAYCE MORGAN KIJUAN MCMILLIAN BOBBY ROWZEE TYWONN KELLER JACOB URIBE KYE BRADDOCK KARSEN LIGHTSEY JUSTIN ULMER DAMIEN BLANKENSHIP KAM WASHINGTON TYQUAN TRUNNELL CHRIS NEWELL MALCOLM GAVIN CALEB BRYANT ZACH DYESS JAKENDIS JONES CHARLES SIMS DECORY BRELAND TONY VENTO DEVON HUDSON GAGE ALLEN LANDON POOL ANTHONY COOLEY BRAYDON HOLIFIELD BRADON DELANCEY JETT JOHNSON PEYTON PERDUE DYLAN BURNHAM JACOB SCOTT

WR RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB QB/LB QB/DB WR/DE WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/DE RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE TE/LB

JR. SO. SR. SR. SO. JR. FR. SR. SO. JR. SR. FR. SO. JR. JR. JR. JR. SO. FR. FR. FR. FR. FR. FR. FR. FR. JR. SO. JR.

49 50 52 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 69 70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 80 82

JOHNNY WHITE BRYCE BROWN COLE WARD ANDREW KEYES LAWSON MONCIVAIS WYATT WARD LANDON DENNIS ETHAN COOLEY JEFFERSON RIDGEWAY CAYDEN FLETCHER SETH MCNEIL MATTHEW WYNN GLENNDARRIUS TRAYLOR RYLAN MARTIN CAIDEN CASE OMARION CLAYTON ELI JONES JACK BUCKHAULTS TUCKER MILNER ISAAC BANKSTON CHASE BROWN KAHMAREE BROWN TYREE HENLEY KYJUAN ARRINGTON

1808 HWY 84 W Laurel, MS

RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL TE/DL

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

COACHES: KEITH BRADDOCK - HEAD COACH RYAN MILNER - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MASON MOSS - DEFENSIVE END COACH RONNIE COCHRAN - DEFENSIVE LINE COACH CHARLIE FALL - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH ZACH CULLPEPPER - OFFENSOVE LINE COACH BRAYDON DOSS - WIDE RECEIVERS COACH TIM HARPER - JUNIOR HIGH COACH RYAN BUTLER - JUNIOR HIGH COACH TROY JONES - JUNIOR HIGH COACH

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

JONES COUNTY PREDICTIONS

LAUREL TORNADOES PREDICTED FINISH : 8-5

L

WEST JONES MUSTANGS PREDICTED FINISH : 10-3

T

aurel head coach Ryan Earnest took the reigns of a talented team with a core group of experienced players. After a rocky start, he guided the Tornadoes to a 7-0 district record and second-round playoff appearance. This season, he will need to break in a new quarterback and other position players on offense.

Thankfully, having a spring and summer not hampered by COVID should give the Tornadoes plenty of time to make strides to become more polished.

Games will be won between the trenches for Laurel, as they bring back experience on both sides of the line. That experience will make them contenders once again in Region 3-5A and put them back in the playoffs for the 12th straight season.

he biggest question as to the Mustangs' 2021 season trajectory lies at quarterback. Alan Follis' experience, smarts, and athleticism as a senior in 2020 lifted West Jones into history making territory. But now he's graduated and gone, leaving the Mustangs with a vacancy that's difficult to both fill and match.

Scott Pierson says West Jones' quarterback - Marlon Lindsey - in 2021 is "a really good player." The problem though is that due to COVID in 2020 and the absence of JV games, Lindsey lacks real game experience.

But still, there's enough supporting cast around Lindsey to help with the early struggles that may come. As experience grows, the better things will get and West Jones is more than capable to make for another successful playoff run.

SOUTH JONES BRAVES

NORTHEAST JONES TIGERS

PREDICTED FINISH : 5-6

B

ack in October of 2020, when the MHSAA released the new classifications and regions for the 2021-2023 football seasons, the first thought that came to mind was, 'this is going to vacuum (for a lack of a better word) for South Jones.'

South Jones has always been a 'bubble team' in Region 3-5A, a team that may or may not make the playoffs, depending on how one or two games go in the regular season.

With the addition of Wayne County and Hattiesburg to Region 3-5A, the task is even harder and means the Braves must win the games it should on paper and beat a team like Wayne County.

It's possible. Wayne County has struggled over the last few seasons and are not what they used to be. That's good news for South Jones.

PREDICTED FINISH : 3-7

A

s Braddock says, how the Tigers compete early in the season will determine how they finish down the stretch.

To put things bluntly, Northeast Jones has struggled over the past several years to put everything together at the same time, and a lot of that has been out of Braddock's control. Overwhelming injuries, a new offense in a COVID induced year that no one could foresee are just a few of the struggles the Tigers' have had to face.

Braddock is correct, how the Tigers build momentum early in the season will have a lot to do with how they finish in 2021.

The good news is that it's defense that impressed in 2020 is back, and the offense has had more time to work out its kinks.

Too many variables are in play to accurately predict its outcome.

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

JASPER AND SMITH

SYLVA BAY ACADEMY PREVIOUS RECORD : 4-8

FOUR FOR FOUR?

HEIDELBERG

PREVIOUS SEASON : CANCELLED

SURPRISE TEAM IN 2A FOOTBALL? Last season the Heidelberg Oilers opted out of the season due to the COVID pandemic. This season, first-year head coach Jim Nowell says that the team is excited to get back on the gridiron.

“We’ve been getting after it,” said Nowell.

“We’ve been going about four days a week from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., just trying to install our offense, defense, and special teams.

We’ve been working to get our weight program and running program off the ground and going. It’s been great to get to meet and talk with the kids to find out how they are doing.”

Nowell said things could not be going better on how fiery the Oilers are.

“They love what we are doing on a philosophical level with the schemes.

They love the weight program we have. Everything has been positive and the kids have been excited since they haven’t played since 2019. We hope to control the COVID pandemic and play football.”

Nowell also discussed the parents and fan excitement.

"They have been amazing. The parents are excited for their kids, and fans are excited to see the kids back on the field on Frtiday nights."

TEAM TO BEAT IN 1A?

4-6 PREVIOUS SEASON

T

he time is now for Bay Springs head coach Dan Brady and Bay Springs. With a talented roster that moved down to 1A football, the Bulldogs are preseason title favorites. Still, Brady expects those expectations to be high every season, and for his team to live up to those said expectations.

“Our expectations are high at Bay Springs,” said Brady. “We return a lot of guys with experience and playing time over the past few years. We also have a lot of young guys who should contribute too.”

Brady believes this may be one of the deepest Bulldog teams he has coached in his time at Bay Springs.

“This is one of the deepest teams I’ve had skill-wise and depth-wise," said Brady.

"We feel like this year the sky is the limit for as far as the team goes. We are hoping and praying that COVID will be good to us and all the schools in the area.”

Several players Brady says to keep an eye on are Cartize Booth, Ty Jones, Demarion Campbell, Charles Carr, and Anthony Newell.

STRINGER

PREVIOUS RECORD : 7-5 Stringer will have a new challenge presented to them in 2021 as they made the move from 1A football to 2A football, but with that comes excitement and new challenges for head coach Morris Cascio and the Red Devils football team.

“We moved up from 1A to 2A, so that of course means stiffer and tougher competition, but the kids are excited because we won’t

be playing a district game nearly every week. We have five weeks to tune-up, get ready, and look at all the pieces of the puzzle,” said Cascio.

He also discussed who will be playing key positions, including at the quarterback position.

“We have Jeremiah Williams at running back who is a senior,” said Cascio.

“Waylon Tullos and Kane Welborn will be starting at quarterback since we are replacing Jackson Parker who started at quarterback last

season. Jared Hosey will be back at wide receiver after having a big season for us last year. He's a fast, slippery kid. We have a couple of seniors on the line of scrimmage like Carter Bales and Colton Graham who will play both sides of the ball. We have four or five players that are returning on both sides of the ball this fall. We are all ready to get out there each Friday night and play.”

Cascio also discussed the benefits of having only five district games compared to

Sylva-Bay is coming off of their third-straight season where they have been crowned District Champions. For head coach Terry Underwood, they are working towards making it four-straight in 2021.

“We have a good senior group as far as numbers go, but we are also an inexperienced group,” said Underwood.

“We have a group of seniors who are good leaders, though. We are optimistic about that,” added Underwood.

The Saints coach also mentioned two players he expects to contribute during the season.

“Raymond Morales is our kicker and punter and is outstanding in that area.

He has the potential to hit 50+ yard field goals and can punt extremely well.

He’ll also play various positions for us such as on the line. Jaden Henderson will play running back and linebacker. He’s been a solid player in our program, so we are looking for big things out of him.” nine last season.

“Last season, we had nine district games and only two weeks to really get prepared for those games. If there is anything we are excited about, it is getting those extra weeks to play nondistrict teams. You look at those district games and see Collins, North Forrest, and Heidelberg. It’s going to be a challenge with speed and athleticism out there, probably more so than there was in 1A, but we are up for the challenge and the kids are ready for that challenge.”

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

JASPER AND SMITH

MIZE

PREVIOUS RECORD : 1-5

RALEIGH

PREVIOUS SEASON : 7-4

DARK-HORSE IN 3A?

Second-year head coach Ryan Higdon surprised many in 2020 as he took the Lions to the third round of the playoffs in year one.

With higher expectations and added pressure in year two, Higdon wants his team to embrace said pressure.

"We should be able to be more diverse and more versatile with the return of JiaVonte Jones at quarterback. We have a strong stable of running backs and a solid offensive line," said Higdon.

Division-I prospect Suntarine Perkins, who has received offers from schools across the country, will be a key to the team as an all-around player, playing on both sides of the ball and special teams.

"We expect the passing game to be better this season," added Higdon.

"We are also excited about the front seven on defense led by Damond Keyes at linebacker. We also have several young players who are stepping up in key positions."

Higdon was also ecstatic about the fan support the team had during the 2020 campaign, and expects his team to return the favor in their 2021 season.

"Raleigh nation can expect us to see our best effort on the field this season," said Higdon.

ANOTHER TITLE IN T-TOWN?

BYNUM ENTERS YEAR ONE AT MIZE...

10-2 PREVIOUS SEASON:

T

aylorsville reached dynasty status in the past four seasons. Three out of four 2A State Championships, along with another appearance, the expectation has been win or bust for the Tartars.

The 2021 season, however, will be one of rebuilding as firstyear head coach Jay Blackledge takes over in Taylorsville.

"I know the expectations in Taylorsville," said Blackledge. But

I like the challenge."

Freshman Laza Beavers is currently in line to win the starting quarterback position, which was held by Ty Keyes, while Colby Craft, David Ivy, and Larry Shelby will see time at running back.

"The defense is growing and communicating well, with good pursuit," continued Blackledge. "The players are off to a good start, but still, we still need to see improvement on both sides of the ball."

"My coaches and players have joined me in embracing the challenge of maintaining a winning tradition. I'm feeling better about our team every day," added Blackledge.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN JASPER AND SMITH COUNTY

Taylorsville Laza Beavers will look to replace famed quarterback Ty Keyes who now resides at the University of Southern Mississippi. Beavers played in one game last season where he went 8-9 for 78 yards and a touchdown. Like his predecessor, he is entering his freshman year with the potential to be a four year starter. Other key players to keep a look

out for on the Tartars roster are the trio of senior wide receivers Kelby Jordan, Cedrick Beavers, and Dereco Crosby. Jordan returns after garnering over 200 receiving yards throughout the 2020 season.

Raleigh The Raleigh Lions return several key players but none bigger than Suntarine Perkins. Division-I colleges are now fully aware of his playmaking ability and the Lions will utilize him everywhere they can in 2021.

JiaVonte Jones should

give Raleigh a bit more of a dynamic with his ability to throw the ball, while being a capable runner. Damond Keyes will be the player expected to lock up the front seven while Perkins keeps an eye on the quarterback.

As should be expected with a Ryan Higdon team, expect the offensive line to be the unsung heroes that compliment the skill position players around them.

Bay Springs Talent is something that Bay Springs does not lack, but one player that stands

First-year Mize head coach Steven Bynum takes over a program that finished 2-5 in 2020. Bynum says he's excited to get to work.

"I'm very proud of the young men who have dedicated themselves to their conditioning, weight lifting, and even in their fundraising," said Bynum.

"They have done everything I have asked them to do throughout the spring and summer."

"We are small but athletic," said Bynum about the offensive line. "They are fast and gutsy."

Trenton Keyes, Al Garner, and Talon Warren will lead the team offensively at skill positions, while Will Ragsdale and Chris Hart will handle special teams.

"Our team is a work in progress, and we still have a ways to go, but success is going to happen for us. I just don't know how soon.

It's not how we start, but how we finish with the last four games being the district games," said Bynum. out is outside linebacker/defensive end Cartize Booth.

The Class of 2022 defender is garnering more and more attention and will look to anchor an already talented offense. Booth accumulated 37 tackles and three sacks last season.

Offensively, Ty Jones will be the feature-back and workhorse offensively.

Jones picked up 586 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. He looks to continue to help the Bulldogs to wins while gaining more college attention.

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

BOBCATS

2020 BOBCATS PREVIOUS YEAR STATS

JONES COLLEGE PREVIOUS SEASON : 3-2

2021 SCHEDULE NORTHEAST CC

SEPTEMBER 2 (HOME)

NORTHWEST CC

SEPTEMBER 9 (HOME)

EAST CENTRAL CC *

SEPTEMBER 16 (AWAY)

ITAWAMBA CC

SEPTEMBER 23 (AWAY)

HINDS CC *

SEPTEMBER 30 (HOME)

SOUTHWEST CC *

OCTOBER 9 (HOMECOMING)

PEARL RIVER CC * OCTOBER 14 (AWAY)

MS GULF COAST CC * OCTOBER 21 (HOME)

CO-LIN CC *

OCTOBER 28 (AWAY) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

BACK ONTRACK

135

POINTS FOR

98

POINTS AGAINST

217

PASSING YARDS PER GAME

8-3

SEASON PREDICTION:

157.6

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

VS. NORTHWEST CC (SEPT. 9)

HEAD COACH: STEVE BUCKLEY

KEY GAME

J

ones College, like all MACCC schools, will field an experienced football team in 2021. Because of a COVID-shortened 2020 season, all players were granted an extra year of eligibility. Therefore, all schools across the conference will have numerous thirdyear sophomores and second-year freshmen on their rosters. The Bobcats return 17 starters off of last year’s team that finished 3-2.

“Last year was just so hard,” said Jones College head coach Steve Buckley. “We played five games and it was just so much uncertainty day-to-day, not just week-toweek. Personally, last year was just a wash. I don’t even consider it even happening.

They gave us a free year for the kids and deservedly so."

The Bobcats open the season with a pair of difficult North Division foes, facing Northeast at 7 p.m. on Sept. 2 and Northwest on Sept. 9.

“Our first two ballgames are against the two best teams in our league last year on paper,” Buckley said. “It will be a challenge and make us better. We will know right where we are on Sept 3, the day after our game against Northeast.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

From the Coach's Perspective Offensively, Jones returns a 3-year player at quarterback in Quaterius Hawkins (Bastrop, Louisiana), known as DaeDae to his teammates.

One of the state’s top prep quarterbacks last season, Alan Follis (West Jones), will also play. Follis guided the Mustangs to its first-ever MHSAA 5A championship last year.

Hawkins is listed at

6-foot, 180 pounds and Follis is 6-foot-1, 185 pounds.

“I feel really good about both of our quarterbacks with DaeDae coming back and Alan coming in as a freshman,” Buckley said.

“They are two kids with great football IQs that can run our offense. I feel very comfortable with both of them.”

A returning player from 2019 is running back La’Damian Webb (Opelika, Alabama).

Webb, a 5-foot-8, 210-pound sophomore, led

the MACCC in rushing two years ago with 940 yards and had 10 touchdowns. He transferred to Florida State, where he played seven games and started three for the Seminoles in 2020.

Webb had 369 yards rushing and three touchdowns at FSU and also caught nine passes for 68 yards.

The Bobcats have a gifted receiving corps, including Bud Tolbert (Water Valley), Markell McLaurin (Collins), Ashton Nickelberry (Brandon), Kendall Cole-

2ND

PREDICTED FINISH IN SOUTH DIVISION FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND

10 8 6

7

3

man (Choctaw County), Qua Sanders (West Lowndes) and Andrew Moffett (Pass Christian).

Tolbert (6-2, 190) and McLaurin (5-10, 195) were First Team All-MACCC performers last year.

Tolbert had 17 catches for 287 yards and a touchdown and McLaurin had 21 receptions for 417 yards and three scores.

“I have been so pleased with our receiver group just going to work every day and bringing the new kids along,” Buckley said.

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

OLE MISS

PREVIOUS RECORD : 5-5

MISSISSIPPI STATE PREVIOUS SEASON : 4-7

PIRATE SHIP DOCKED AND LOADED IN STARKVILLE FOR YEAR TWO...

The first year of the Mike Leach era came crashing into the harbor with an upset victory over LSU, but the pirate ship began to sink a bit as an early-season injury to the Pirate’s quarterback, then player opt-outs came quickly. The season did end on a good note at least in the win column as they defeated Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl.

With a year of spring and summer workouts under everyone’s belt, the question next is who will step up to the plate to lead the air raid attack.

Will Rogers was tossed in at quarterback as a true freshman and had his moments, but the offense scored less than 14 points in five of their 11 games. Rogers is the favorite to win and keep the job.

Freshman All-SEC cornerback Emmanuel Forbes returns along with Martin Emerson and the duo looks to anchor the back of the defense down. Aaron Brule will be the leader on defense as he keeps control of the front seven at linebacker.

Depth could be a concern, but if the Bulldogs stay healthy improvement should come.

The key to all of this is if Leach’s offense can find an offensive consistency throughout the season.

LANE TRAIN DOCKED AND LOADED IN OXFORD FOR YEAR TWO...

NEW ERA IN H-TOWN?

3-7 PREVIOUS SEASON

L

osing seasons are something Southern Miss fans are not accustomed to as they've had a total of four in the past 25 seasons.

The 2020 season couldn't have started any worse for the Golden Eagles, with players opting out, head coach Jay Hopson resigning after one game, and injuries piling up quickly.

It did not get better for them as the season went on, with interim head coach Scotty Walden taking the Austin Peay head coach job mid-season. A 3-7 record left a sour taste in the mouths of Golden Eagle faithful, until Southern Miss made the move to hire Tulane offensive coordinator Will Hall as head coach.

Since Hall's takeover, excitement is building while recruiting and morale is on the upswing. Hall comes in with a 56-20 overall head coaching record in Division II football, and a resume for making any offense hum.

Southern Miss is shaping up to have a solid roster overall, with leaders such as Swayze Bozeman anchoring the defense, and Frank Gore Jr. carrying the load on offense. Southern Miss has the tools to be a contender in the C-USA if they put it all together.

LOCAL PLAYERS TO WATCH From IMPACT601's Perspective

Charles Cross - OL Charles Cross was highly recruited out of Laurel High School. He wasn't the first, and he certainly won't be the last.

What made teams salivate at the idea of Cross joining their roster was his quick feet and movement on the offensive line. Pure power and strength will give you a chance to play at the college level, but quick feet

will give you a chance to play in the SEC. At Mississippi State, Cross has gained praised for just that. He's even been listed as a possible firstround NFL Draft pick when he wants to make that next step. The future is bright for Cross.

Dontario Drummond- WR Dontario Drummond has shined whereever the former Laurel standout has gone.

At East Mississippi - like he did in his years as a Golden Tornado - Drummond made the hardest

catches look downright easy. He's speed helps too, but his hands are what Drummond is know for.

Last year Drummond had some incredible moments at Ole Miss and it looks as though there is more to come for the Rebel. With Elijah Moore gone, Drummond will get to showcase more of what he can do.

Ty Keyes - QB While Ty Keyes is not expected to be the day one starter, it will be interesting to see if he sees any action in 2021. With the redshirt

What Matt Corral was able to do in year one of the Lane Kiffin era was truly remarkable - that is when he wasn't throwing four or five interceptions a game. Eleven of Corral's 14 interceptions in 2020 came in two games - vs. Arkansas and vs. LSU. For Corral, improvement in the mental aspect means resisting the urge to force plays, which caused those two bad games he had in 2020.

Even without Elijah Moore, the Rebels are talented at receiver, who racked up over 1,000 yards receiving last year. They're talented at running back as well, with everyone returning who led them in rushing yards last season, including Corral at quarterback.

The question remains on the defense, but then again, what's new under the sun in Oxford.

Even if the improvement is two or three extra stops a game, Ole Miss is poised for a Top 25 finish. rule allowing players to take the redshirt, but still see playing time, there could be times where the true freshman gets a chance to get onto the field and see some snaps. In a perfect world, Keyes will see snaps not because of injuries ahead of him, but due to the success of the team. This season will be a time where Keyes can come in, get a grasp of the playbook, take valuable reps, and grow into the star he was at the high school level that saw him become a multi-time State Champion.

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

WEST JONES/SOUTH JONES CHEER

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SOUTH JONES CHEERLEADERS:

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS:

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

WING-T OFFENSE

PHILOSOPHY OF THE WING-T OFFENSE

BY JAMES PUGH

I

'm no expert of the Wing-T offense. I'm just an expect observer of the Wing-T. I've watched good teams - heck, even some great teams - crumble under the pressure of the ground-and-pound offense.

On the sidelines of the 2014 Class 2A State Championship, I watched as Bassfield ran the exact same play five times in a row against Calhoun City late in the third quarter. After about the third or fourth time, head coach Lance Mancuso shouted, "until they stop it!" to the question of why they were running the same play over and over again.

Bassfield, who ran the Wing-T like no other in 2A football under Mancuso till it's consolidation with Prentiss in 2017, claimed the 2014 state title for the third straight year, 60-35.

The power of the Wing-T offense at the high school level is often a topic of discussion.

"You struggle," says West Jones head coach Scott Pierson. "If you have the players, you can line up against [the Wing-T] and adapt in a hurry, but even then it's a struggle.

"I remember our game against Bay Springs here a few years ago. It took a goal-line stand late in the game to beat them."

The Wing-T can be a great equalizer.

If you don't believe me, ask Scott Pierson or even Laurel head coach Ryan Earnest, who had the same struggles against Bay Springs in 2020.

This column isn't about Bay Springs, even though they've been mentioned twice already. Bay Springs just happens to be one area team that runs the Wing-T efficient enough to be mentioned twice.

Dave Nelson is said to have invented the Wing-T offense at Maine in 1950. He later perfected the offense at Delaware in the years that followed.

If the offense is 70 years old then why

is it so hard to defend? Seems like a legitimate question, right?

The answer isn't complicated: modern day defenses rarely have to practice against it or prepare for it. When you do, you have less than a week to do so.

The same held true decades ago when the spread offense was introduced at the high school level. Head coaches like Scott Pierson and offensive cooridnators like Bud Blackledge bewildered defenses by adapting spread formations into it's offense.

"I've been coaching long enough to where when the spread came in and everyone was running the Power-I and the Outside-Inside Veer," said Pierson.

"So when we were throwing quick-game concepts like the slant and bubble, we were beating people [left and right] because everyone was used to running the Veer, the Power-I, and the Wing-T and defending against it in practice.

"Now things have changed in the other direction."

It's part of the reason why Northeast Jones recently adopted the Wing-T offense.

"You don't see it every day," Tigers head coach Keith Braddock quickly noted when asked about the change.

"There's a certain brand of toughness you have to have in order to run it, and most importantly, to defend against it. That's the short answer for me."

"Coming from the defensive side of the ball for so many years, especially in the last decade, defenses are made for the Spread," added Tigers offensive coordinator Ryan Milner. "So in a threeday period on a game week, [defensive coordinators] have to take their guys that are used to defending against the Spread in space and locking them in on different keys and things of the sort to defend against a different type of offense. And I can tell you from experience that it's a hard thing to do because I did not like

"THERE'S A CERTAIN BRAND OF TOUGHNESS YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN ORDER TO RUN IT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO DEFEND AGAINST IT. THAT'S THE SHORT ANSWER FOR ME."

having to defend against it."

Implementing the Wing-T has struggles of it's own too, epecially for the Tigers in 2020, who, by no fault of their own didn't have spring pratice to properly work out the kinks in year one of installing the offense. This offseason, Northeast Jones made significant strides says Milner.

"We made good strides over the offseason, but it wasn't against bodies," said Milner. "We had bright spots in our Spring game, but we are still piecing things together. Coaches are learning and players are learning."

But Braddock and Milner didn't make the switch necessarily for immediate success.

"Based off of personnel, and not necessarily this year, but three, four, five years down the road," said Braddock.

"Ryan and I talked and we agreed that we needed to do something to give ourselves an advantage."

Both Braddock and Milner played at Northeast Jones years ago.

"The last time I was around the Wing-T I was here," said Milner. "That is what we ran when I was here in school.

Of course, we had really good players then but we had good players that made it work. We started getting used to the [Wing-T] when I was in eighth grade and our offense [progressed] from there.

"The younger you can get kids to start running and understanding it, the better off you'll be."

There's a mental aspect needed to run and defend the 70-year old offense, layered with ebb and flow.

"It's an offense of deception," added Milner. "It's a mentality thing as well.

This is more of a we're going to come at you. Now we're going to do some window-dressing and different things, but most of the time others are going to know where we're coming but they'll stop have to stop it."

Braddock and Milner leaned on other coaches in the area to soak in all they could to learn about the offense, coaches like Bay Springs head coach Dan Brady, who has successfully run the Wing-T for many years.

"We talked to a lot of coaches in South Mississippi who run the Wing-T and have been successful at it," said Milner. "The coaches we've reached out to have been real helpful."

The Wing-T takes time to learn, but once it is learned, it can equalize the cycle of dynamic to average athletes that comes through a program from year to year.

Good luck to all teams!

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2021 SEASON PREVIEW

GAMES TO WATCH

SOUTH JONES AT WAYNE COUNTY SEPTEMBER 24 (REGION 3-5A OPENER)

C

RICHLAND AT NORTHEAST JONES OCTOBER 8 (KEY REGION 5-4A MATCHUP)

T

all me crazy, but this is the game that I am excited to see in 2021, barring the Jug game.

South Jones will need to steal a district game or two to make the playoffs for their second consecutive season, while Wayne County will be breaking in a seasoned, but still first-year head coach named Jack Hankins in Region 3-5A football.

If you go by history, it says Wayne County will win this game. However, Todd Breland is 5-3 against the War Eagles.

The fact is, history doesn’t mean a hill of beans when you have Breland as your head coach.

With that said, Wayne County will not want to lose this game or be sitting at home during the postseason, which means this game will be a fun one to watch. That’s why it is a no-brainer,

o make the playoffs this year, Northeast Jones has to beat Richland. Of course, there are ways around that mathmatically, but Richland is the Tigers' best shot for an entrance in the W column in Region 5-4A. Northeast Jones beat Richland at home in 2019, 35-6, but lost by a touchdown in 2020, 14-6.

Scoring was a problem last season, but the defense kept the Tigers competitive and in nearly every game.

This season, with spring football under their belt, the offense should be able to help in a game like Richland.

If you like hardnose football, this is easily a game to watch.

A win against Richland could be the domino the Tigers need to fall in order to win a few more and improve seeding.

LAUREL AT WEST JONES

HATTIESBURG AT LAUREL

OCTOBER 22 (SENIOR NIGHT)

T

wenty-twenty football didn't get any better than when these Region 3-5A titans kicked it off against one another. The football gods enjoyed round one so much that we were treated to another meeting in the playoffs with more on the line.

What made this matchup so entertaining was that prior to both games neither were a lock for the win and evident by the fact that both teams got a win against the other in 2020. Both stole something from the other that both wanted - one was the Region 3-5A title, the other was a chance to keep playing for a title.

Things begin to heat up in Region 3-5A on the night those two meet. What a way to start the fireworks for Jones County football.

NOVEMBER 5 (SENIOR NIGHT/LITTLE BROWN JUG)

I

don’t have to spell this one out for you.

It’s the Little Brown Jug - the longest-ongoing rivalry game in the state of Mississippi and the series is tied 49-49-5.

The only way you could have a reasonable excuse to miss this game is if you are getting married, attending a funeral, or have a family member playing in a local game.

Laurel will look to avenge last season’s loss to Hattiesburg and bring the jug back, while Hattiesburg who has won four out of the previous five meetings is getting used to having the famed jug in Hattiesburg.

The game was moved to the final game of the regular season, back where it started. It will be cold, but the action on the field is sure to be hot. Don’t miss this one.

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