Issuu

BAY SPRINGS 601-764-2161 ELLISVILLE 601-477-3312

SELECTION • SERVICE • VALUE

• HARDWARE • RENTAL • FLOORING • BUILDING SUPPLIES • FURNITURE • APPLIANCES • GIFTS

PROUDLY SERVING SOUTH MS FOR OVER 97 YEARS GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON! 2021 SCR Football Preview

GOOD LUCK! FROM OUR TEAM TO YOURS

Ben Ford TAYLORSVILLE

601-785-4756

Proudly supporting our educators, athletes, and students in Smith County.

Welcome to the Smith County Football Season Preview Magazine By Ron Manning, The Smith County Reformer, James Pugh, Co-Editor of the Laurel Impact, and Kevan Lindsey, Co-Editor of the Laurel Impact. The hard work that goes into becoming a football team, a marching band, and a cheerleading squad all culminates under the Friday Night Lights during high school football season and the fans eagerly look forward to it throughout the year. Bulldog fans, Lions fans, and Tartar fans all love their football teams, their marching bands, and their cheerleaders, and they appreciate the work everyone does to make it happen annually. In anticipation of another exciting season with two new head football coaches and a second-year head football coach coming off of a successful inaugural season, the Smith County Reformer along with the Laurel Impact Staff has visited with the coaches and the teams and is happy to provide Smith County fans this Smith County Football Season Preview Magazine. Unfortunately, Covid has raised its ugly head again, and no one knows how it may affect the seasons. Discussing it with the coaches, they have all agreed they will follow the guidelines in protecting their students and their fans as the situation requires of them. They love the game and are eager to hit the field, but the safety of their students and fans is their priority. Preview the teams, comments of the coaches about this year’s teams, grab your stadium seats and get ready for another exciting season of Smith County High School Football. Like you, the Smith County Reformer and Laurel Impact love Smith County High School Football, and we are looking forward to joining you under the Friday Night Lights this season.

Smith County Reformer PUBLISHER Ronnie Buckley GENERAL MANAGER Zach Buckley

SCR EDITOR Brenda Ingram WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Zach Buckley Kevan Lindsay Ron Manning James Pugh Heath Walley Jennifer Clark

Betty Busby Ellen Paul

GRAPHIC DESIGN Candice Pittman Stephanie White SALES Brenda Ingram Matthew Roberts

Smith County Reformer Magazine is a production of Buckley Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, without written permission, is prohibited. For advertising inquiries about BNI products, call 601.782.4358. Visit our website at: www.Impact601.com.

SPONSORED BY

BEST WISHES & GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS!

Caitlin Moore, Patrick Myrick and Angelia Lott

Smith County Farm Bureau 224 White Oak Ave | Raleigh, MS

601-782-4268 BI003

Patrick Myrick - Agent

Magee General Hospital Supports our Smith County Teams! MGH is has been a member of this community for over 70 years, and we are a proud supporter of our local athletic teams! Our fully staffed emergency department is available 24/7 to serve you.

Here’s to a great season!

mghosp.org 2021 SCR Football Preview

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

BULLDOGS

2020 BULLDOGS PREVIOUS YEAR AT-A-GLANCE

MIZE

PREVIOUS SEASON : 2-5

2021 SCHEDULE LOYD STAR

AUGUST 27 (AWAY)

MOUNT OLIVE

SEPTEMBER 3 (AWAY)

ENTERPRISE

SEPTEMBER 10 (HOME)

BOGUE CHITTO

SEPTEMBER 17 (AWAY)

WESSON

SEPTEMBER 24 (HOME)

PHILADELPHIA

OCTOBER 1 (HOME)

COLLINS *

OCTOBER 8 (AWAY)

HEIDELBERG *

OCTOBER 15 (AWAY)

STRINGER *

OCTOBER 22 (HOME)

NORTH FORREST *

OCTOBER 29 (HOME) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

WINNING 2021 SEASON?

POINTS FOR

151

POINTS AGAINST

SEASON PREDICTION:

4-7 HEAD COACH: STEVEN BYNUM

ize head coach Steven Bynum hit the ground running when he stepped on campus this spring and the first-year coach is 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 be handling things on 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.

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND

7 4

4 2

Photo Credit: Ellis Photography

#1 Dave Garner, #2 Kobie Dye, #3 Kadin Lott, #4 Brandon Hancock, #5 Cornelius Ducksworth, #6 Brad Garner, #7 Talan Warren, #8 Tyson Barnes, #9 Briceton Barnes, #10 Machaelle Kennedy, #11 Quincy Hogans, #12 Kyaline Kennedy, #13 Jamaree Feazell, #14 Brady Sullivan, #15 Christopher Hart, #16 Al Garner, #17 Dakottah Allen, #18 Coleson Cross, #20 Brandon Clinton, #21 Connor Ferguson, #22 Brantley Sullivan, #23 Trenton Keyes, #25 Austin Allen, #26 Jesse Runnels, #27 Sage Warren, #38 Brody Blakeney, #44 Ben Stewart, #52 Thad Magee, #54 Jamy Craven, #55 Wyatt Ducksworth, #61 Gabe Stringer, #62 Brody Speir, #63 Drake McNeil, #64 Wyatt Davis, #66 Trenton Amason, #68 Tyler Ainsworth, #72 Adrian Pennington, #73 Cameron Hart, #74 Preston Wood, #76 Brayan Bravo M, #78 J.R. Holifield

2021 SCR Football Preview

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

TARTARS

2020 TARTARS

TAYLORSVILLE PREVIOUS SEASON : 13-1

2021 SCHEDULE MAGEE

AUGUST 26 (AWAY)

MORTON

SEPTEMBER 3 (AWAY)

RALEIGH

SEPTEMBER 10 (HOME)

LAWRENCE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 17 (HOME)

ENTERPRISE LINCOLN

SEPTEMBER 24 (AWAY)

MT. OLIVE *

OCTOBER 1 (AWAY)

SALEM *

OCTOBER 8 (HOME)

LUMBERTON *

OCTOBER 15 (AWAY)

RICHTON *

OCTOBER 22 (HOME)

BAY SPRINGS *

OCTOBER 29 (AWAY)

RESURRECTION *

NOVEMBER 5 (HOME) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

08 06

PLAYOFFS IN 2021?

PREVIOUS YEAR AT-A-GLANCE

509

POINTS FOR

223

POINTS AGAINST

SEASON PREDICTION:

9-5 HEAD COACH: JAY BLACKLEDGE

aylorsville has reached dynasty status in the past four seasons in Smith County. 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 first-year head coach Jay Blackledge takes over the reins. “I know the expectations in Taylorsville and I like the challenge,”

said Blackledge. 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 the winning tradition of our Taylorsville Tartars. We are working hard, and I am feeling better about our team, every day,” added Blackledge.

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND 15

15 13

Photo Credit: Darrin’s Photography

#1 Alex Feazell, #2 Cedrick Beavers, #3 Reco Crosby, #4 Cobey Craft, #5 Dereco Crosby, #6 Collin Cline, #8 Noah Westbrook, #9 Larry Shelby, #10 Laza Beavers, #12 Aldrevian Keyes, #13 Jaleir Ducksworth, #14 Treydric Barnes, #15 Ladarius Pittman, #16 Thazai Keyes, #17 Kyren McCann, #18 Kelby Jordan, #21 Elan Brown, #22 Damarion Booth, #23 David Ivy, #30 Jabien Knight, #31 Lajaylen Keyes, #32 O’ryan Clark, #34 Easton Ford, #35 Ladarius Horne, #38 Brian Johnson, #39 Alex Ulmer, #42 Ty Blakeney, #44 Brady Quinn, #50 Rayshun McGill, #51 Brayden Williams, #54 Ford Eaton, #55 Kholbie Reid, #56 Eljavion Brown, #58 Jershard McGill, #60 Chase McCoy, #61 Benton Barber, #65 Tyqyan Mickell, #66 Ayden Hawkins, #75 Javon Page, #77 Dontrell McGill, #78 Lederick Knight, Jamarques Keys, Jose Garcia, Cage Blakeney

Specialties Include: Allergy Testing Covid-19 Testing & Vaccination • EPSDT Screening • Family Planning • Medical Screening • Social Services • •

Family Health Center, Inc. Quality Care Because We Care So Much! We offer a wide range of services including the following:

• Internal Medicine • Obstetrics & Gynecology • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • Dentistry

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV Prevention • Ryan White Program • Tobacco Cessation • Veterans Welcome • WIC •

Locations: We have clinics in Laurel, Taylorsville, Sandersville, Ellisville and Waynesboro, MS

Laurel Main Clinic - 117 South 11th Avenue, Laurel, MS 601-425-3033 Mon & Tues ��8:00 am - 7:00 pm Wed & Thur ��8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday ��8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday �� 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Pediatrics Only)

Laurel OB/GYN Clinic - 103 South 12th Avenue, Laurel, MS 601-399-1970 Mon & Tues ��8:00 am - 7:00 pm Wed & Thur ��8:00 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday �� 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bernard DeAsis, MD, FAAP Chief Medical Officer Rashad N� Ali, MD, JD, FACOG Chief Executive Officer

www.LFHC.net 2021 SCR Football Preview

BAB4427

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

LIONS

2020 LIONS

PREVIOUS YEAR AT-A-GLANCE

RALEIGH

PREVIOUS SEASON : 8-4

2021 SCHEDULE BAY SPRINGS

AUGUST 27 (AWAY)

NEWTON COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 3 (HOME)

TAYLORSVILLE

SEPTEMBER 10 (AWAY)

SEMINARY

SEPTEMBER 17 (AWAY)

MRA

SEPTEMBER 24 (HOME)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS * OCTOBER 1 (AWAY)

WESSON *

OCTOBER 8 (AWAY)

MAGEE *

OCTOBER 15 (HOME)

McLAURIN *

OCTOBER 22 (AWAY)

HAZLEHURST *

OCTOBER 29 (HOME) * DENOTES REGION GAMES

08 10

ALL THE WAY?

360

POINTS FOR

191

POINTS AGAINST

SEASON PREDICTION:

11-2 HEAD COACH: RYAN HIGDON

econd-year head coach Ryan Higdon surprised many in Smith County as he took the Lions to the third round of the playoffs in year one. Now with higher expectations and pressure, Higdon wants his team to embrace it. “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. D-1 prospect Suntarine Perkins will be a key to the team as an all-around player, playing on both sides of the ball along with 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.” “Raleigh nation can expect us to see our best effort on the field this season,” said Higdon.

FIVE-YEAR WIN TREND 13

Photo Credit: Ellis Photography

#1 Jameon Page, #2 Jay Owens, #3 Jia’Vonte Jones, #4 Suntarine Perkins, #5 Javarious Walker, #6 Kyvryn Moncrief #7 Cameron Keller, #8 Damond Keyes, #9 Jatavious Ducksworth, #10 Jayden Blachard, #11 Isaiah Strickland, #12 Jermaine Keyes, #13 Shamir Horne, #14 Christian Vance, #15 Hayden Bowen, #17 Jacob Bowen, #22 Eli Eason, #23 Javarious Page, #24 CJ Moncrief, #25 Joell Page, #28 Rodriquez Heard, #30 Marcus Perkins, #35 Tanner Middleton, #44 Timothy Westbrook, #50 Iman Gavin, #51 Jacob Harris, #53 Matthew Roberts, #54 Jeteric Ellis, #55 Johnny Dinkins, #56 JaShun Boyd, #57 Alex Evans, #58 Clay Craft, #59 KeShaun Carter, #60 Braden McKinley, #62 Keshawn Moffett, #63 Jessie Maas, #66 Connor Adcock, #70 Logan Dearman, #74 Jacob Keyes

LIGHTHOUSE GYM

2021 SCR Football Preview

2021 SEASON PREVIEW

SAINTS

2021 SAINTS KEY GAMES

CENTREVILLE 9-3 AMITE 10-15 HILLCREST CHRISTIAN 10-22

LEADERS ON THE FIELD JADEN HENDERSON AUGUST JONES OMARI JONES RAYMOND MORALES KRISTOPHER MOSS PAXTON BREWER

DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2021? HEAD COACH: TERRY UNDERWOOD

By Heath Walley

ylva-Bay Academy’s 2021-22 football season has already got off to a rocky start due to Covid-19. Due to increased cases throughout the state and a handful of cases on campus a couple weeks ago, the school decided to be proactive with the virus in concern for several days and throughout a weekend with virtual learning before a quick return to school the next week. However, the virus caused the cancellation of two Sylva-Bay games, including one with cross-county team Stringer that was set for August 27. Fortunately, before the two-game hiatus, the Saints had taken on a successful summer workout camp, played a jamboree game, and had opened the regular season against Canton Academy weeks before. Head coach Terry Underwood and his Saints are expected to be back in action in their district opener at home against Centreville Academy on September 3. Of course Underwood and his young team are disappointed about the setback, but the Saints will be excited to be back on the field when that opportunity arises. That excitement began with summer works with the rebuilding year group and has carried on. “We’ve always had good (summer) participation since I’ve been here. This year it was pretty solid again with about 80 to 85 percent participation. I was proud of the participation, especially considering the fact that we have such short summers now,” Underwood explained. “Overall, I was proud of the summer participation. We had some kids that missed some, but I understand why since the summers have become so short.” Speaking of a rebuilding season, Underwood mentioned team numbers, tenth grade through twelfth grade, are at approximately 24. He has moved a handful of junior varsity ninth graders to the high school squad to help make ends meet with the depth situation. He does have a veteran senior group, but many with limited playing experience. With that, he expects his team to work hard together to achieve goals. “We do have a veteran senior group. We have ten-to-twelve seniors, but only half of them have ever played or started, so we are inexperienced. Even though we do have a lot of seniors, we are inexperienced. And, then we also lost some kids over the summer through ‘this and through that,’ and that hurt us some, for various reasons. Some kids went back to their local public schools, and some kids moved from the area. We did pick up a couple kids, but I would say overall we are an inexperienced team, and we are not a deep team,” he explained. The thought of that hasn’t bothered the team as far as working hard in practice, which began in a heat wave during the middle of July with private schools, and wanting to achieve goals. “As far as the kids’ attitudes, they have been great. They have worked hard and have responded to everything I and our coaches have asked them to do,” Underwood mentioned. “What is going to be key for our guys is staying healthy and in good enough shape to make it through four quarters until we can get through all this extreme heat. If we can get to that point and not have any injuries, I think we will have a chance.” The Saints have one particular goal in mind this season and that is to win another District Championship. Sylva-Bay has captured the MAIS 3A District 3 title the past three years in a row. Number four would make history at the school, and would put the Saints in a good place for the playoffs. “We have one goal to start with and that is to win our district. We’ve done it three times in a row, which we are very proud of. That’s only been done here once before. It’s never been done four times in a row, which would be a first for us if we could accomplish that,” he said. “It encompasses a lot if you win the district. Number one, if you win the district, you get a trophy. There’s no other thing you do than winning the championship that guarantees you a trophy. Number two, it guarantees you a playoff spot and a bye. So, getting that district championship, a lot comes with it – a trophy, a first-round bye, a host in the first round (playoffs), and a top 4 seed. That’s worth a lot of weight to me, and it’s worth a lot of weight to this program.”

10 12

Photo Credit: Scruggs Photography

2021 SYLVA-BAY SAINTS - Heath Burkeen (2), Hunter Pugh (3), Paxton Brewer (6), Kristopher Moss (7), Dalton Blakeney (8), Kam Smith (9), Larkin Meaux (12), Matthew McNeil (14), Brody Boyd (20), Rhys Holder (21), Jaden Henderson (22), Zach Buckley (24), Nate Myers (28), Preston Sims (35), Cord Blakeney (44), Matthew Haralson (52), Chris Hillman (53), Rex Brown (54), Ryan Sims (55), Jabari Jones (56), Omari Jones (57), Raymond Morales (60), Timothy Moss (65), August Jones (67), Cayden Hillman (71), Case Thurston (73), Blain Northrup (77), Eli Blakeney (81). Coaches are head coach Terry Underwood, Jarrod Jordan, and Tyler Reeves.

2021 SCR Football Preview

10 12

Photo Credit: Ellis Photography

Photo Credit: Darrin’s Photography Photo Credit: Scruggs Photography

2021-2022 TARTAR CHEERLEADERS

2021-2022 SBA CHEERLEADERS 2021 SCR Football Preview

10 16

Photo Credit: Ellis Photography

Photo Credit: Darrin’s Photography

2021 TAYLORSVILLE BAND Congratulations

Good Luck THIS SEASON!

2021 SCR Football Preview

Good Luck To All Our Area Teams!

SMITH COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Student banking that fits you to a

Make the grade with Trustmark’s Student Checking account. You’ll have quick and easy access to your money with online and mobile banking, and there’s no monthly service fee. Our account just for students is banking that fits you to a T. Learn more at trustmark.com.

OWNER/OPERATORS NEEDED! McDonald Trucking, Inc. 191 Industrial Drive Pelahatchie, MS

(601) 854-7775

Wishing all the Smith county teams a great and safe year! 2021 SCR Football Preview

TAYLORSVILLE TARTARS

MIZE BULLDOGS SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

ENTERPRISE BOGUE CHITTO WESSON PHILADELPHIA COLLINS HEIDELBERG STRINGER NORTH FORREST

HOME AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME

SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29 NOV. 5

RALEIGH LAWRENCE COUNTY ENTERPRISE LINCOLN MT. OLIVE SALEM LUMBERTON RICHTON BAY SPRINGS RESURRECTION

RALEIGH LIONS

HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY HOME

SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

TAYLORSVILLE SEMINARY MRA CRYSTAL SPRINGS WESSON MAGEE MCLAURIN HAZLEHURST

AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME

SYLVA-BAY ACADEMY SEPT. 3 SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22

CENTREVILLE DELTA STREETS BOWLING GREEN WAYNE ACADEMY OPEN BROOKHAVEN AMITE HCS

HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY