High School Football 20150816

High school previews

Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015

PETRE THOMAS

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Football Journal 2015

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 |

TEAM INDEX

Aberdeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alcorn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Amory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Baldwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Belmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Benton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Biggersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Booneville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun Academy . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calhoun City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Corinth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 East Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 East Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Falkner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hatley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Holly Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Houlka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 H.W. Byers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Itawamba AHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Kossuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mantachie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Marshall Academy . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mooreville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Nettleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

DAILY JOURNAL

Football Journal

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2015

New Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Oak Hill Academy . . . . . . . . . . 29 North Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Okolona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Potts Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ripley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Saltillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Smithville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 South Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Starkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Starkville Academy . . . . . . . . . 40 Thrasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tishomingo County . . . . . . . . . 41 Tupelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tupelo Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Vardaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Walnut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 West Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 ALSO: Oxford’s dynamic duo . . . . . . . . 3 Players to watch . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Preseason rankings . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bristow seeks encore . . . . . . . 42 Gann stays positive . . . . . . . . . 45

WE NEED YOUR HELP ON FRIDAYS

Coaches in the Journal circulation area, please call in your scores promptly on game nights.

We can’t be at every game, so we must rely on coaches and scorekeepers to call the Journal (678-1601) as soon as possible after games are complete. If you’re on the road outside the area, call toll-free (1-800-2702612, ext. 601).

Be prepared to give scoring information, including score by quarters, names of all scoring players – on both teams – and the distance and type of each scoring play.

SPORTS EDITOR: John L. Pitts INSIDE PAGE DESIGN: Jeff AP Roper (individual team pages South Panola coach Lance Pogue and players hoist the MHSAA trophy after beating from a concept by Brad Locke) Oak Grove in the 6A championship game. For a second straight year, no team in the STAFF HIGH SCHOOL WRITERS: Daily Journal’s coverage area brought home a state championship.

Brandon Speck, Gene Phelps

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DAILY JOURNAL Brandon Speck: @brandonspeck (He also blogs at nemisspreps.com)

Oxford coach Johnny Hill is flanked by WR DK Metcalf, left, and QB Jack Abraham.

Story, 3F

Gene Phelps: @GenePhelps John L. Pitts: @JohnLPitts Parrish Alford: @parrishalford Logan Lowery: @loganlowery PETRE THOMAS

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2F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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3F

WR Metcalf, QB Abraham electrify Chargers’ offense

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

An argument can be made whether or not Oxford WR DK Metcalf is the best 2016 prospect in the state of Mississippi. Some would have Germantown CB Nigel Knott there, others Starkville WR A.J. Brown.

But when one Jacksonarea radio mouthpiece tweeted that Metcalf wasn’t even in the top 10 in the state, Twitter laughed.

There is a reason 247Sports has Metcalf as the state’s top 2016 prospect and a reason Ole Miss is anxious for the hard commit to get to campus.

“It gives me a lot more

confidence, even when he’s double-covered, to throw that sucker up there and give him a chance,” Oxford QB Jack Abraham said.

Abraham, a Tulane commit and maybe the state’s top QB himself, isn’t one to throw many a ball off target. He has led the Chargers to back-to-back Class 5A state title games and in the process thrown for nearly 7,000 yards and 73 touchdowns.

“He can throw the ball exceptionally well,” Metcalf said. “He watches film to break down defenses and I think he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.”

Metcalf could make a TURN TO CHARGERS, 14F

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Jack Abraham, left, and DK Metcalf have led the Chargers to back-to-back 5A championship games.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Seven players to watch this season

H

ere are seven players – certainly not the only seven – we think fans should make time to see this season.

From an excitement factor to a talent factor, colleges are taking notice and we think you should, too.

DK METCALF

School: Oxford Class: 2016 Position: WR Height/Weight: 6-3, 200 His Game: Rated Mississippi’s top player by 247Sports, Metcalf is an imposing Ole Miss commit with big-time strength and a knack to catch everything thrown at him.

PRESEASON RANKINGS

SMALL SCHOOL

2. Calhoun City (2A) RB Brieton Sykes is one of the state's most explosive players. The Wildcats have been to back-to-back Class 2A title games.

School: Starkville Class: 2016 Position: WR Height/Weight: 6-1, 220 His Game: Brown is the 14th best WR in the country according to 247Sports.

His offers include Alabama, Auburn, Cal, Kansas, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Tulsa and Southern Cal. School: Walnut Class: 2017 Position: WR/OLB Height/Weight: 6-2, 180 His Game: Hunt has one offer, Mississippi State, and others are paying attention to the rising playmaker with speed on offense and shutdown corner ability.

Will play OLB in Walnut’s 6-3.

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1. Aberdeen (3A) The Bulldogs have a Memphis commit at WR in Jerrick Orr and a ton of playmakers to catch the ball for new starter Tramonte Prather.

A.J. BROWN

MONTERIO HUNT

DAILY JOURNAL

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Baldwyn’s Duke Upshaw, left, is good for an average of 10 yards any time he touches the football.

VIJAY MILLER

School: Itawamba AHS Class: 2016 Position: QB/S Height/Weight: 6-2, 185 His Game: Miller has a cannon for an arm (2,243 yards/19 TDs as a junior). Potentially the breakout player of the year.

JERRICK ORR

School: Aberdeen Class: 2016 Position: WR/DB Height/Weight: 6-0,180 His Game: Orr is a Memphis commit with speed to burn. Had 907 yards and 11 TDs last season.

DUKE UPSHAW

School: Baldwyn Class: 2016 Position: ATH Height/Weight: 5-11, 170 His Game: Upshaw is explosive and tough to tackle. He averages 10 yards every time he touches the ball.

ANTARES GWYN

School: Corinth Class: 2016 Position: QB/DB Height/Weight: 6-2, 185 His Game: Good passer (1,500 yards as a junior) and runner (1,000 as a junior) close to an SEC offer, where he would likely play corner.

Brandon Speck

3. East Webster (2A) Made it to the North finals last season. Senior QB Jack Wilson leads the Wolverines in one of the state's top divisions, 4-2A against Calhoun City, Okolona, Bruce and Eupora.

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LARGE SCHOOLS

1. Oxford (5A) Chargers have been to the last two Class 5A championship games, looking to send a decorated senior class, including QB Jack Abraham (Tulanecommit) and WR DK Metcalf (Ole Miss-commit) out with a title.

2. Starkville (6A) Yellowjackets lost a lot, but have a lot returning too, including four-star WR A.J. Brown and three-star DT Kobe Jones.

3. Tupelo (6A) Golden Wave has an experienced QB in Daniel Bristow and a talented group of recievers. The defense has a lot of newcomers, including MLB Jett Johnson.

4. Baldwyn (2A) The Bearcats lost 17 seniors, but have ATH Duke Upshaw for 4. Corinth (4A) one more year. He's not the QB Antares Gwyn is getting a lot only one colleges are watchof college attention. His Waring. LB Armontie Price has riors have a tough schedule, tackled some 400 runners in including an opener against three years and junior DT Small School No. 1-ranked Jimmy Tyes stands at 6-footAberdeen.

1, 340.

5. Itawamba AHS (4A) 5. Kossuth (3A) QB Vijay Miller passed for 2,000Aggies have a sneaky chance to plus yards last season. His top light up the offensive stat receiver, Hakee Rainey, also sheet with RB Jaley Adams returns.

Brandon Speck and Gene Phelps and WR Beau Lee. Tough predivision tests against Baldwyn and Corinth both home on Sept. 4 and Sept. 25.

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4F

ABERDEEN

BULLDOGS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2014 record: 10-4, 4-1 (Lost in 3rd round of playoffs) Head coach: Eric Spann (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tramonte Prather, Sr., QB/DB Becomes the starter at quarterback after two seasons as the backup.

Shavez McMillian, Sr., LB/TE Second on the team last season with 117 total tackles.

Tay Carouthers, Sr., WR/DB Led the Bulldogs with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks last season.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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5F

Players, coach still stung by playoff loss

BY MELISSA MEADOR MONROE JOURNAL

The way the 2014 season ended left a bad taste in the Aberdeen Bulldogs’ mouths this fall.

The Bulldogs led early against division rival Kemper County before giving up 52 unanswered points, and first-year head coach Eric Spann Spann said it’s something the players are reminded of at every practice.

“If you look at us, we dominated the first quarter, and they dominated the last three. You have to figure out what happened,” Spann said. “We keep that in their minds because we want them to get to the next level and not just give up.”

Aberdeen will rely once again on an explosive offense to get to that next level in Class 3A. “That’s our MO. We’re going to be fast on offense, and as far as tempo goes, we’re going to have more control,” Spann said. “We’re going to go fast when we need to, and when I say slow it down, it won’t be much slowed down.

Those guys want to go.”

OFFENSE

A group of experienced receivers anchors the offense, led by Memphis commit Jerrick Orr, who missed the first two games last year after having his appendix removed but still had 52 catches for 907 yards and 11 TDs. Also at receiver are seniors B.J. Williams, Tay Carothers, Dorian Fears and Josh McMillian and sophomore Isaiah McMillian.

Senior Tramonte Prather takes over at quarterback after backing up Josh

Williams for the past two seasons.

Donte Carter returns in the backfield where he was just shy of 1,000 yards last season and will be joined by Cameron Blaylock and C.J. Williams.

Justin Drake is the only returner on an offensive line that lost four starters.

Thomas Clay will likely line up at center and Andre Gathings will be on the line.

DEFENSE

Senior linebackers Shavez McMillian, C.J.Williams and Carothers led the Bulldogs in tackles last season. Orr, Prather and B.J.Williams return in the secondary with Drake and Carter up front.

“We have nine starters returning on defense,” Spann said. “I think we have a chance to be pretty physical on that side of the ball, and there’s a lot of senior leadership.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Orr will once again return kicks for the Bulldogs.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Corinth at New Hope at Amory Calhoun City at Itawamba AHS Shannon at Mooreville* Hatley* South Pontotoc* at North Pontotoc* Nettleton* * – Division 4-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

49 2010-14

(14, 7, 11, 7, 10)

Good Luck Area Teams!

Have a great season!

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Seniors look to end decades-long drought

ALCORN CENTRAL

BEARS

BY BRANDON SPECK

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2014 record: 1-10, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jeff Boren (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ethan Carmichiel, Sr., ATH Bears’ top playmaker was lost to injury in the third game last season.

Drake Smith, Sr., DL Nose tackle had 31 tackles in nine games last season and will have to shut down the middle of the field.

Ben McCoy, Sr., OL/DL Will start again at left tackle. Coach says McCoy leads by example.

DAILY JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

Alcorn Central is riding a threedecade playoff drought and hoping a quality group of seniors can lead them out of it.

“The senior class is small, but they all play and they all play a significant role,” Central coach Jeff Boren Boren said.

“They’re great leaders and I really appreciate that. We’re pretty young outside of them.”

The key for any team is staying healthy. That key may be multiplied for Alcorn Central. It wasn’t the case last season when top playmaker Ethan Carmichiel was lost in the third game and senior

playmaker Taylor Johnson was in and out with injuries Boren says were out of the senior’s control.

The numbers are small, a 3A roster that will fill in around 50 players, 50 who want to get into the postseason in a realigned division.

“That’s our goal,” Boren said.

“They want to be that bunch that gets us back, because we know that’s the starting point to build a program and getting it to where we want to be.”

OFFENSE

The offense is going to go as Carmichiel (quarterback, running back, receiver) goes. Saylor Gray emerged from a knee injury to ease the loss of Carmichiel.

“Having both of them at the same time is going to be key for us,” Boren said, “defensively as well.”

The Bears lost several starters up

front. Trey White will be expected to fill a role at tackle and senior Levi Carmen will be asked to anchor the line, along with senior Ben McCoy at left tackle.

DEFENSE

Carmichiel will play linebacker and safety, joined by Gray at linebacker. Staple nose tackle Drake Smith will continue to be counted on there, once he returns from a broken leg suffered in the spring. Boren hopes to have him back at least by division play.

“We’ve got some young guys who are looking to step up,” Boren said. “(Drake) does a great job. He’s developed really well the last couple of years and has helped us shut down the middle of the field.”

McCoy will be on that line, as well.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Biggersville at Tishomingo County Walnut Hatley at East Union Mantachie Booneville* at Benton County* Kossuth* at New Site* Belmont* * – Division 1-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bears will miss German exchange student kicker Leon Cammann, who made 11 of his 13 PATs.

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6F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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7F

Ashley finally has an experienced squad

AMORY

PANTHERS

prediction and doesn’t matter too DEFENSE much,” Ashley said. “But it creOn the line, junior Cortavious Ivy, who ates a little fire in their belly. I told led the Panthers in sacks, will play both For the first time in his three sea- them they have to play with a ways and is joined by fellow returning sons as the Panthers’ head man, chip on your shoulder.” starters Tyler Young and Pat Berry. Tyler Amory coach Ben Ashley is seeing Dobbs, Sybastyian Gilmore and Osa veteran squad OFFENSE trowski are also in the mix on the line. take the field.

Dual threat junior Z. Gates returns at Three-year starting inside linebacker “I’m inspired quarterback where he racked up 1,806 Marcus Glenn racked up 104 total tackbecause I think total yards and accounted for 18 TDs. les last season, while fullback James we have the “He got thrust into that role last year. Bennett moves to linebacker. Jalen Holchance to have a He's a receiver by trade, but he’s put land and Wallace fill in as outside linereally good sea- the time in and learned how to play backers. son. The last cou- quarterback,” Ashley said. “He’s always In the secondary, J.J. Jernighan joins Ashley ple of years we’ve been a phenomenal athlete and able to Fields with Martavious Walker and had pretty big throw it.”

Tamarcus Hardy at cornerback. senior groups, but this group is Ashley called slot receivers T.J. Fields different because they’ve played and Immanuel Jones and running back SPECIAL TEAMS a lot of football,” Ashley said.

Austin Carter the three fastest guys on Three-year starter Caleb Shelly reThat experience comes in the team, and all could be used in difturns at placekicker and is also working handy in tough Division 1-4A ferent ways. Drake Wallace is the lead- at punting this year. that also includes Itawamba AHS, ing returning receiver.

Gates and Aubrey Gillentine are also Corinth and Shannon.

Brandon York, Bailey Doolittle, Austin working at punting.

“We got picked to finish fourth Causey, Stan Ostrowski and Jalen Bell Fields, Jones and Carter will all be in the division, which is just a return on the line. back deep on returns.

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2014 record: 6-6, 3-2 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Ben Ashley (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

T.J. Fields, Sr., WR/RB/DB Rushed for 670 yards and 9 TDs last season as a junior.

Drake Wallace, Sr., WR/TE/LB Panthers’ leading returning receiver with 6 TDs last season who will also move to the defensive side of the ball this year.

Austin Carter, Sr., RB One of the three fastest guys on the team along with T.J. Fields and Immanuel Jones.

MONROE JOURNAL

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Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Madison-Ridgeland Aca. Saltillo Aberdeen at New Albany Center Hill at Northport Christian Itawamba AHS* at Pontotoc* at Shannon* Tishomingo County* at Corinth* * – Division 1-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

33 2010-14

(3, 11, 9, 4, 6)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

BALDWYN

BEARCATS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2014 record: 11-2, 5-0 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Michael Gray (7th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Duke Upshaw, Sr., RB/CB Fifth-year standout starter. Averaged nearly 14 yards per carry and had 19 TDs last season.

Armontie Price, Jr., MLB/WR 112 tackles last season ranked him No. 10 in Class 2A. Jimmy Tyes, Jr., OL/DT Tyes (6-foot-1, 340) led the North in TFLs (18.5), fifth in the state in 2A.

DAILY JOURNAL

Bearcats optimistic despite losing 17 seniors

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Seated in the Baldwyn locker room, wearing his Fitbit, Baldwyn coach Michael Gray hadn’t broke the numbers down, but knew the numbers.

“We lost 17 seniors, majority of the offensive line, some very good defensive lineGray men, couple of secondary guys, quarterback, kicker, punter, wide receivers, a good bit,” Gray said.

“But we’re optimistic about what we’ve got coming back.”

Baldwyn hasn’t lost a division game in two seasons. The 2008 state champion has new opponents this season in Potts Camp and Byers.

Last season, the Bearcats were able to run six and seven players to each line.

“The thing that’s hurt us most, as far as graduation, is depth,” Gray said. “but 2A, what is depth at a small school?”

OFFENSE

Duke Upshaw is finally a senior – to smiles from the rest of 2A. He’ll continue to get snaps at quarterback, but his athleticism and versatility will move him around.

Senior Will Smith and sophomore John Swinney will have opportunities at QB. The Bearcats got a boost when basketball standout Felix Hayes decided to play.

Hayes (6-foot-2) and Armontie Price (6foot-1) will be opposite receivers.

Backs include Upshaw and Marquavious Patterson moving from two-back to fullback. Patterson has gained 15-20 pounds and will help ease the loss of Laquintez Upshaw. Tyran Shinault, who

didn’t play last season, but rushed for 500 yards as a sophomore, is back.

On the line, Jimmy Tyes and Jacob Harper (only senior up front) are the lone returning starters, but Tice Bowdry played a lot and transfer Hunter Ray is now eligible after sitting as a sophomore.

DEFENSE

Up front, Tyes, Bowdry and Patterson and are the only significant minutes returning. There are plenty of sophomores who will get a shot on both sides. At middle linebacker, Price, a junior, has had some 400 tackles in three seasons.

“But we’ve got to find that guy next to him,” Gray said. “We’re looking there.”

It may be Harper. Upshaw and Ovurton Gates are at corner, Hayes and Marquavious Cunningham at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Baldwyn lost kicker Zachary Winstead and punter Keyton Stone. Hayes might kick off.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Mooreville at Booneville at Kossuth Adamsville (Tenn.)

Saltillo Okolona Potts Camp* at Byers* at East Union* Walnut* at Mantachie* * – Division 1-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

41 2010-14

(7, 5, 7, 11, 11)

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8F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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9F

Defensive coordinator takes over Cardinals

BELMONT

CARDINALS

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2014 record: 3-7, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jason Coker (1st year)

As Belmont’s defensive coordinator, Jason Coker’s job was to worry about the Belmont Cardinals’ defense.

Now he has to also make sure the jerseys are in on time and all have a numeral.

Those are the little things a firstCoker year head coach has to deal with, and Belmont’s new head man is still handing the defense, too.

“There’s more to it than I thought,” Coker said, “outside of football has been the hardest adjustment to me.”

What won’t be adjusted is Belmont’s function. While Coker may add just a few passing wrin-

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Peyton Reeves, Jr., ATH Reeves will do it all, run, tackle, even kick and punt.

Isaac Hughes, Sr., OL/DL Leader along both the offensive and defensive line.

Jacob Lynch, Sr., RB/FS As a junior, Lynch rushed for 232 yards and 3 TDs on 38 carries.

Second-leading returner with Reeves.

Good Luck Cardinals

GREAT Season!

on a

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kles to the run-first system, the 42-man roster will still be playing multiple spots.

Coker says the players embrace playing two ways and adapt well to learning more than one part of the game. The down side?

“When we lose somebody, we may lose our long snapper, punter and inside linebacker all in one whack,” he said.

also includes senior Ryan Gray, Peyton Reeves, Parker Bolton, Shawn Puckett, Zack Puckett, Will Pharr, Brewer Moore and Alex Sparks.

Belmont lost leading receiver Lorenzo Braxton. Chad Stephens will play there, as will Clay Underwood, Brett Young and Austin Caldwell, who will split as a back in pro style. Sophomore Alex Sparks and senior Moore will play fullback.

OFFENSE

There isn’t a lot of linemen depth, so the offensive line will pretty much stay out there with Jeremiah Hughes and James Murphy at nose guard, Isaac Hughes, Sauls, Maxwell and Harrison with them.

Replacing leading tackler and linebacker Chandler Higginbottom is a tough task. Pharr will have a chance there.

DEFENSE

The Cardinals will likely use two quarterbacks, juniors Kirk Sparks and Colin Peppers. Up front will be Jacob Coker at center, flanked by senior Isaac Hughes, Jeremiah Hughes, Camron Sauls and Bubba Harrison and sophomore Skylar Maxwell. Tight ends will be by committee, including junior Peppers, Cade Haney and Tanner Allen, Kole Montgomery and Maxwell.

SPECIAL TEAMS Returning in the backfield will be senReeves will handle the kicking and ior Jacob Lynch among a big rotation that punting.

Good Luck Cardinals

from

OLE COUNTRY STORE Belmont, MS 662-454-7920

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Smithville Mantachie Tishomingo County at South Pontotoc Open at Red Bay (Ala.) Benton County* at Kossuth* New Site* Booneville* at Alcorn Central* * – Division 1-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

29 2010-14

(12, 5, 6, 3, 3)

Good Luck from

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Bucs hope to keep improving in 1-3A

BENTON COUNTY

BUCCANEERS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2014 record: 5-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Eric Rice (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richard Brooks, Jr., ATH Brooks rushed for 1,053 yards in 2014, but lines up everywhere, including QB, LB, CB and WR. Juwan Martin, Jr., LB/RB Martin had 55 solo stops and rushed for 340 yards. Rice calls him an “old-school” player.

Phillip Tatum, Sr., QB The fourth-year player passed for 553 yards in 2014.

DAILY JOURNAL

program we’ve tried to instill here, evidenced by a few more wins last year,” said Rice. “We Following three years of Inde- step into division and we expect pendent football, the Benton even greater things.”

County Buccaneers are stepping into Division 1OFFENSE 3A. Expect to see great things from junThat’s good ior athlete Richard Brooks. Rice said news for a Benton you’ll see him “all over the field.”

County team that Brooks rushed for 1,053 yards last seahas shown steady son, but expect to see him at QB and growth.

That’s WR. Philip Tatum will draw the start at possible bad QB. He’s been with the program for four Rice news for new years, passing for 442 yards in 2014. league such as “Richard is an all-around dynamic Booneville, Kossuth and Bel- football player. He does everything but mont. sell popcorn,” added Rice. “He can Under fourth-year coach Eric make a play anywhere on the field and Rice, the Buccaneers have im- we’ll need that from him to be successproved from zero wins in year ful. one to a 5-4 record in 2014.

“Phillip has grown tremendously as a “It’s been an uphill type of a passer and we’re looking forward to deal, but I’m definitely proud of throwing the ball some. the guys. They’ve bought into the Juan Martin returns at fullback.

BY KEDRICK STOREY

Saturdays, August 22-November 7

SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Ladarius Fields and Tanner King will also get carries. Those backs will run behind a line of returnees LG Jeremy Shoup, C Courdarian Nesbit and RT Shayne Smith. Sophomores Sydarius Reed (LT) and Jeffery Evans (RG) will also start.

Sophomore Wesley Thomas, senior Joseph Denham and Jerrick Hamer are the receivers.

DEFENSE

The Benton County defense doesn’t have a senior starter but they return experienced juniors Brooks (OLB), Martin (MLB), Issac Garza (OLB), Demarious Hardin (T), Kevin Stricklin (CB) and sophomore Rod Reeves at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Rice hasn’t decided on a kicker, but Brooks, Reeves and Fields will return kicks.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

H.W. Byers at West Tallahatchie at North Panola Potts Camp at Walnut at Belmont* Alcorn Central* at Booneville* at Kossuth* New Site* * – Division 1-3A

FOUR-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

6

2011-14 (0, 0, 1, 5)

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10F

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

BIGGERSVILLE

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2014 record: 2-9, 2-6 (No playoffs) Head coach: Ronnie Lawson (13th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Quay Davis, Fr., RB On a team full of freshmen, Davis will be prominent on offense.

Colin Parvin, Sr., WR The Lions will run first, but Parvin is a senior who needs to catch passes when they do get thrown.

Matthew Loveless, Jr., OL/DL On a young and small roster, Loveless is a junior who will be relied on on both sides.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

Alcorn Central at New Site at Tupelo Christian at West Lowndes* Smithville* at Vardaman* Hamilton* at Coffeeville* Thrasher* Houlka at Coldwater* Falkner* *- Division 1-1A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

14 2010-14

(6, 2, 2, 2, 2)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

11F

NEW REDUCED RATES Lawson: Heading

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BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Its first year on a block schedule, Biggersville was on the practice field the first week of practice without managers to help gather the gear. Usually, junior high kids Lawson manage teams.

Some of the Lions’ players are barely out of junior high themselves as they aim for the school’s first winning season since 2010.

“We’re heading in the right direction. We’re going to be very young,” head coach Ronnie Lawson said.

Biggersville has only three seniors and will play freshmen in several key spots, but it is a young group that got a taste of winning in junior high.

“They’re very good freshmen, they’re used to winning,” Lawson said. “The biggest thing is trying to get rid of the losing mentality.”

OFFENSE

‘They’re very good freshmen, they’re used to winning. The biggest thing is trying to get rid of the losing mentality.’

Ronnie Lawson Biggersville coach

back,” Lawson said, “because everybody’s getting every rep we do.”

It’s a balancing act to get everything into the run-heavy offense. Wide receivers include seniors Collin Parvin and Nathan Carroll, Eaton and Alex Guevara.

DEFENSE

On the defensive line are Logan Mitchell, Cameron Barnett and Matthew Loveless, with a fourth who was still to-be-determine in practice.

Guevara, Dylan Ellis and Peyton Nelms will work at linebacker. Lawson, Davis, Carroll and Eaton or Parvin will be in the secondary.

“We’re going to have to be in shape,” Lawson said. “They’re playing offense, defense and special teams. We’ve got to pick and choose our spots to get them off the field.”

Senior starting quarterback Derrick Gunn tore his ACL in the spring. He is expected back in September. Until then, the Lions will likely have a freshman quarterback (Noah Lawson), freshman running back (Quay Davis) and several freshmen linemen.

Freshmen Drew Nelms, Chase SPECIAL TEAMS Johnson, Ethan Eaton and Dylan Ellis will handle the kickoffs, Sanders will be on the offensive as well as extra points and field line, if not all starting, all playing. goals. Ellis or freshman Dylan “With the numbers that we’ve Taylor will punt. got, you’ve got to get everything in and you’ve got to go full speed, but at the same time, sometimes you’ve got to pull

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DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Mattox likes work ethic from young squad

BOONEVILLE

BLUE DEVILS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tyrese Bell, Jr., WR Leading returning receiver (36-446-2) will be big for a new quarterback.

J.B. McKinney, Sr., LB Senior will be asked to carry the load at a thin position.

Weston Coggin, Jr., K/P Coggin has big shoes to fill as he takes over for the big leg of Austin Holloway.

who’s thrown a pass in a varsity Harper Hughes and Rhett Reich should game,” Mattox said. also work into the line rotation.

BY BRANDON SPECK

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2014 record: 5-6, 2-3 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Mike Mattox (6th year)

DAILY JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

The Blue Devils are pretty green.

Booneville has the youngest group Mike Mattox’s staff has had.

“The kids we have, they’re young, but they’re working harder than any group we’ve had,” Mattox said. “You can’t get upset Mattox when they’re giving you everything they’ve got.”

Two starters are back on offense, three on defense. The majority of 2014 starters were seniors and three-year starting quarterback Jack Simpson is gone.

A lot of positions are wide open.

“We haven’t got a kid back

GOOD LUCK!

OFFENSE

Two are battling for quarterback, junior Preston Stroupe and true freshman Dallas Gamble. Both will likely play.

Mondarius Davis, freshman Austin Williams, Kameron Patterson and Mason Foster are all working at tailback.

Senior Kobe Saylors, Javen Taylor and Kevin Patterson and converted lineman Matthew Edge are working at fullback. Tyrese Bell, Jarius Crump, Adam Baggett and Trevin Moore are receivers.

Freshman Jay Moore, Tate McCoy and freshman Seth Tennison will be in the receiver mix.

Whoever wins the skill positions will be running behind either sophomore center Hunter Bullard or freshman Reed Davis. At guards, Reed Hill was a parttime starter last year and senior Levi Cox is one of the two returners. Ross Michael and Max Mauney are working at tackle.

DEFENSE

On the line, Taylor, Kevin Patterson, Saylors, Jeffery Welch and Isaiah Hill were working at the ends, Hughes and Gabe Leister at nose guard.

Sophomore Joseph Davis started at middle linebacker in the spring, but was badly injured in a car wreck. Senior J.B. McKinney was sick to start camp, but will be one linebacker. Foster, a sophomore, will get a shot there, as will Kevin Patterson, Edge, Williams and Bullard.

Two starters return at corner in junior Bell and sophomore Crump. Gamble is at free safety, Baggett and McCoy also at defensive back.

GOOD LUCK!

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Junior Weston Coggin will take over kicking and punting duties for Austin Holloway, who pinned 18 punts inside the 20 last season.

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Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Walnut Baldwyn at Nettleton at Corinth Tishomingo County at Alcorn Central* New Site* Benton County* at Belmont* Kossuth* * – Division 1-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

35 2010-14

(5, 8, 9, 8, 5)

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12F

BRUCE

TROJANS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2014 record: 5-7, 1-3 (Lost 3rd round of playoffs) Head coach: James Ray (10th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wesley Ross, Jr., QB/OLB Accounted for 2,030 yards of offense as a junior Antarius Glass, Sr., DB Three-year starter at safety Rod Freelon, Sr., OL One of four returning starters on offensive line

CALHOUN ACADEMY

COUGARS FAST FACTS

Division: MAIS Eight-Man District 7 2014 record: 4-6, 1-3 (No playoffs) Head coach: Gerry Winters (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Riley Dotson, Sr., RB/LB Ranked second on team in 2014 with 670 rushing yards and seven touchdowns Scott Shankel, Sr., QB/DB First-team All-Division in 2014, totaled 1,300 yards of offense and 19 touchdowns as a junior Dalton Poyner, Sr., WR/K/P Earned first-team All-Division honors as a junior

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

13F

Ray pleased with his players’ chemistry

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Bruce High School experienced a roller-coaster ride in 2014 with peaks and valleys that extended into the postseason. Finishing 5-7, the Trojans opened the season with a bang before posting a 1-3 mark inside Division 4-2A. Ray Then head coach James Ray saw his squad get hot in the postseason before falling in the Class 2A North State semifinals to division-rival Calhoun City.

Some of the top producers off last year’s team have graduated but Ray is encouraged by what he saw this offseason.

“We have hard workers with

great work ethic and guys that love each other,” said Ray. “We haven’t had that in a couple of years. We may not be as talented as previous teams. But they make up for it with how hard they work and their chemistry.”

OFFENSE

front than we’ve ever been. And you always like to have returning linemen.”

Junior Fisher Ray is one experienced receiver back in the fold and he is the team’s leading returning receiver.

DEFENSE

Senior safety Antarius Glass is a three-year starter and paces the veteran secondary. Glass is joined by senior corner Ike Willis and junior corner Jordan Gillespie while Ray is also back at safety.

“We changed defenses so we are still figuring that out but our speed and size will be key in our 3-4 scheme,” Ray said.

Ross will also go both ways and start at outside linebacker. Freelon, Byrd, Maddox and Longest will pull double duty on the defensive line.

The Trojans will rely on an experienced quarterback and offensive line.

Senior Wesley Ross is back under center and he passed for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior.

Seniors Rod Freelon and Josh Byrd are returning starters on the offensive line and will be joined by juniors Walt Maddox and Ethan Longest.

“We’ve got all of our linemen back except for one starter,” said Ray. “We’re good there and also at quarterback with SPECIAL TEAMS Wesley. We’ve just got to find the right Handling the placekicking duties will fit at running back and throw in a cou- be either Ross or Ray. Paul Tutor is a reple of more receivers. Our run game turning starter at punt and Maddox is will be a strength and we’re bigger up slated to be the long snapper.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

New Albany at Vardaman at Coffeeville at North Pontotoc South Pontotoc at Choctaw County Winona* at Eupora* Calhoun City* at East Webster* Okolona* * – Division 4-2A game

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

37 2010-14

(4, 10, 11, 7, 5)

Cougars counting on better health this season if one of them gets hurt there’s not much to reach back and pull from the bench.”

Calhoun Academy enters this And if the Cougars stay away season with high expectations from injuries, a return to postseaand rightfully so with a heavy in- son could be a real possibility. fluence of seniors on the roster. But OFFENSE moreso than any Senior quarterback Scott Shankel level of football, and senior tailback Riley Dotson comhead coach Gerry bined for nearly 1,500 rushing yards a Winters said the year ago and combined for 21 rushing top key is staying touchdowns. Fullback Bo Walker is anhealthy. other returning senior and senior Dalton Winters The Cougars Poyner is the leading returning receiver. suffered a few in“We’ve got a good quarterback in juries late in the 2014 season and Scott and he throws it well, too,” said that led to a disappointing 4-6 Winters. “But I think running the ball is record and an absence from the his strong suit and he likes to run it. playoffs. Playing in the MAIS That veteran backfield is a key for us Eight-Man league, injuries are and we have all of our offensive line never a good recipe for success. starters back.”

“We just had too many injuries Senior offensive tackles in Danner at the end last year,” saidWinters. Tedeer and Forest Shoemaker lead the “When you only have 11 players, offensive line.

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

DEFENSE

Naturally, many of those same names will be counted on heavily on defense, too. Walker and Dotson return at linebacker while Shankel headlines the secondary at the safety position.

“We should be pretty stout on defense,” said Winters. “We do have some youth at cornerback but other than that, we should be good to go. I expect it to be tough to run on us and that will be our biggest thing.”

That defensive line includes Shoemaker and Tedder at the defensive end slots, and both were first-team all-division in 2014. Senior Preston Blue is a returning starter at defensive tackle and also starts at center.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Poyner will serve as the team’s kicker and punter for the second straight season. He also earned firstteam all-division honors a year ago.

Blue is the Cougars’ long snapper.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Humphreys Academy Delta Academy at Marvell (Ark.) Academy at Strider Academy Delta Streets Academy North Sunflower Academy at Kemper Academy at Hebron Christian Central Academy Calvary Christian

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

27 2010-14

(1, 5, 11, 6, 4)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Wildcats look to finally break through

CALHOUN CITY

WILDCATS

BY PAUL JONES

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2014 record: 14-1, 4-0 (Lost state championship game) Head coach: Perry Liles (7th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brieton Sykes, Sr., RB Rushed for 1,533 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2014

Jesse Nabors, Jr., RB/DB Earned all-division honors as a sophomore Tyrese Quinn, Jr., DB Younger brother of Ole Miss receiver Derrick Jones

DAILY JOURNAL

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Could the third time be the charm for Calhoun City?TheWildcats have reached the Class 2A championship game the past two seasons only to come up short.

Last season Calhoun City posted a 14-1 mark and the lone loss was sufLiles fered at the hands of Bassfield in that title game.

“This group has been to the championship game two straight years now,” said head coach Perry Liles. “So they know what the expectations are and we expect to go back. But they know we have to take it one game at a time and one practice at a time.”

Liles returns several key pieces from the 2014 squad, particularly at the skill positions. In order to return to the final weekend of the postseason, theWildcats do need some linemen to grow up quickly.

“I feel good about our returning starters,” Liles said. “We just need our linemen on both sides to come through. They need experience and we need them to go with our veteran skill guys.”

OFFENSE

The Wildcats boast a strong run game and have several options in the backfield. That includes talented senior tailback Brieton Sykes, who rushed for over 1,500 yards last year with 28 TDs. Junior Jessie Nabors also had 858 rushing yards last year while senior Jaalen Thomas returns and will play various skill positions. Senior Easton Doles is the lone returning starter on the offensive line while junior Taylor

Liles did earn reps last year up front.

Thomas may also earn reps at quarterback or those duties could go to sophomore JoJo Gray, who Liles called the team’s future at quarterback.

DEFENSE

Similar to offense, the skill guys on defense will set the tone. Nabors is a returning starter at safety and was all-division a year ago. Junior Tyrese Quinn is another returning starter at safety while Thomas and Sykes will have their normal roles on defense at linebacker or in the secondary. Junior A’Tarius Moore is a returning starter at linebacker.

“We have basically our whole secondary back and our linebackers will be a solid group,” Liles said.

FROM 3F

Abraham can put it where a bad receiver would be the only one to get it. Together, their numbers are staggering.

In Metcalf’s sophomore season, in a system that had eight receivers catch at least 10 balls, he had 52 catches for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, he had 79 catches for 1,229 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“He’s a really good route runner,” said Abraham, the 2013 Journal Player of the Year. “He runs crisp routes. He’s really good at adjustment if the ball’s not perfect. He can adjust and make the play.”

Sure the two complement (and compli-

ment) one another, Abraham’s arm, accuracy and smarts; Metcalf’s 6-foot-3 size, strength and magnetized claws.

“He knows me, that if he just gives me a chance, I’ll try my hardest to go get it,” Metcalf said. “He rarely throws a poor ball.

I’ve never caught a football from him that I had to go talk to him about. If I didn’t catch it, it’s usually my fault.”

Separately, you would still be talking about them. Together, the show lasts for only one more season. One more season for Twitter to roast wayward opinions, that lonely wayward opinion. brandon.speck@journalinc.com Twitter: @brandonspeck

‘He knows me, that if he just gives me a chance, I’ll try my hardest to go get it. He rarely throws a poor ball.’

DK Metcalf

Oxford standout receiver, talking about quarterback Jack Abraham

All 15 10 9 8 6 5 3 4

0 3 4 4 6 6 8 7

Div. 7 0 6 1 5 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 1 6 0 7

CLASS 5A All 13 2 10 3 9 5 6 6 8 4 5 7 4 8 0 11

Div. 7 0 5 2 5 2 4 3 4 3 2 5 1 6 0 7

CLASS 4A

Division 1-4A All Itawamba AHS 7 5 Corinth 8 4 Amory 6 6 Shannon 3 8 Pontotoc 2 9 Tishomingo County 1 10

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

2010-14

(15, 13, 9, 11, 14)

2014 DIVISION STANDINGS PF 562 378 310 278 233 305 279 317

PA 210 238 259 154 244 288 390 426

Division 2-6A All Div. PF PA Starkville 13 1 7 0 529 173 Clinton 10 3 6 1 402 262 Warren Central 9 3 5 2 329 118 Northwest Rankin 5 7 3 4 241 278 Columbus 4 7 3 4 224 299 Madison Central 6 5 3 4 283 259 Murrah 6 6 1 6 301 243 Greenville 1 10 0 7 125 390 Division 1-5A Oxford New Hope West Point Clarksdale Saltillo Center Hill Lewisburg Lake Cormorant

62

SPECIAL TEAMS

CLASS 6A

Division 1-6A South Panola Southaven Grenada Tupelo DeSoto Central Olive Branch Hernando Horn Lake

SCHEDULE

at Coffeville Houston Water Valley at Aberdeen Velma Jackson Notre Dame (Tenn.) at East Webster Okolona at Bruce Winona

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

Sykes will handle the placekicking duties and punting duties for the Wildcats. Liles expects Thomas or Brandon Clanton to serve as the long snapper. |

Chargers: Metcalf, Abraham a dynamic combo

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 30

PF 621 424 421 222 362 365 405 179

PA 278 268 307 311 318 415 477 400

PF 338 392 319 194 108 199

PA 256 251 320 314 367 362

Division 2-4A Lafayette Ripley Rosa Fort Senatobia New Albany Byhalia

All 8 5 9 4 4 8 6 5 1 10 0 10

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 263 461 311 285 167 30

PA 185 23 342 259 352 385

Division 4-4A All Div. PF PA Noxubee County 14 2 5 0 567 232 Kosciusko 11 3 4 1 405 255 Caledonia 6 6 3 2 333 382 Houston 5 7 2 3 279 307 Leake Central 6 5 1 4 329 223 West Lauderdale 3 8 0 5 210 306

CLASS 3A

Division 1-3A North Pontotoc Mooreville Kossuth Booneville Belmont Alcorn Central

All 11 2 8 4 9 4 5 6 3 7 1 10

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 484 388 364 312 191 96

PA 335 244 242 303 284 420

Division 2-3A Charleston Water Valley North Panola Holly Springs Independence Palmer

All 12 7 7 6 4 0

3 5 5 6 7 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 587 374 435 332 173 92

PA 248 374 374 336 242 345

Division 4-3A Louisville Aberdeen Kemper County Winona Nettleton South Pontotoc

All 9 10 11 3 3 2

5 4 4 9 8 9

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 433 492 650 243 219 210

PA 278 352 260 409 342 416

|

Division 1-2A Baldwyn Walnut Hatley New Site Mantachie East Union

CLASS 2A All 11 9 6 6 4 3

2 3 6 6 7 7

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 533 384 263 304 203 191

PA 203 204 278 325 316 281

Division 2-2A Coahoma AHS West Tallahatchie Strayhorn Byers Potts Camp Coahoma County

All 9 7 6 5 2 2

2 5 5 5 8 8

Div. 5 0 4 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 0 5

PF 356 352 178 292 129 87

PA 90 254 173 305 411 344

Division 4-2A Calhoun City East Webster Eupora Bruce Okolona

All 14 11 10 5 3

1 3 3 8 7

Div. 4 0 3 1 2 2 1 3 0 4

PF 607 429 436 292 240

PA 185 227 250 332 309

Division 1-1A Coffeeville Falkner Smithville Coldwater Hamilton Thrasher Biggersville Houlka Vardaman

CLASS 1A

All Div. PF PA 12 2 8 0 595 106 7 5 6 2 369 314 8 4 6 2 269 179 5 7 5 3 268 300 6 5 4 4 306 283 5 6 4 4 257 239 2 9 2 6 141 468 1 10 1 7 118 458 0 11 0 8 132 495 Source: misshsfootball.com

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14F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

15F

Seniors seeking elusive postseason victory

CORINTH

WARRIORS

Tupelo is a former Big 8 rival foot-3, 260) will be up front. last played in 2004, a Corinth win.

BY BRANDON SPECK

FAST FACTS

DAILY JOURNAL

Division: 1-4A 2014 record: 8-4, 4-1 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Doug Jones (4th year)

Corinth has lost in the first round of the playoffs the last three seasons. All three times were tough draws and one of them ended on an improbable hail mary two years ago as a one-seed. “(The seniors) have been really focused this sumJones mer,�

Warriors coach Doug Jones said. “They're obviously wanting to make a run in the playoffs.

That's a big deal.�

The schedule should have the Warriors ready, with early tests against Aberdeen, Tupelo, Ripley and rival Booneville, a rival Corinth is still sore about unexpectedly losing to last season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Antares Gwyn, Sr., QB Gwyn has an offer from Alcorn State.

Some scouts think Mississippi State and Ole Miss could be next.

Deonte Keith. Sr., LB The 5-foot-8 ball of fury had 36 tackles in two games before injury sat him for the next seven.

Quentin Patterson, Sr., WR He was clocked with a 4.4 40-yard dash at Mississippi and Alcorn State, the latter which offered.

OFFENSE

It starts with senior quarterback Antares Gwyn. Gwyn threw for 1,500 yards and rushed for 1,000 last season.

Gwyn loses center J.R. Burns, now at Northwest and lineman Brandon Strickland and backs Demarkus Prather and Issac Haney. Dee Brown and Jay Cobbs return at running back. In four-wide, Brown goes to wideout. “Not a lot of people know about (Cobbs),� Jones said. “He had a great spring.�

All the wideouts return, including seniors Armad Wicks and Quentin Patterson, who with Gwyn, has an offer from Alcorn State. With attention on those two, talented junior Tameric Perry is going to have a chance to shine.

Justin Duncan started at guard and tackle last season. He moves to center and big sophomore Shyron Rodgers (6-

DEFENSE

Deonte Keith had 36 tackles before an injury in the third game made him miss the next seven.

Tairek Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 245pound senior, will play on both lines, the third Warrior with an Alcorn State offer.

Tada Strickland was likely going to start at corner, but a broken tailbone has him out, at least early on. Javen Morrison will play corner. “He got clocked sub-4.5 at Mississippi State and I think he's a sleeper,�

Jones said, “extremely fast. He’s kind of got a DB mentality, a little attitude about him. That's OK sometimes, if you play DB, you've got to.�

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FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

36 2010-14

(4, 6, 8, 10, 8)

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SCHEDULE

at Aberdeen Tupelo at Ripley Booneville New Albany at Kossuth Pontotoc* at Tishomingo County* Itawamba AHS* at Shannon* Amory* * – Division 1-4A

Good Luck Warriors!

Go Warriors!

Stephen Blair, D.M.D.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Freshman Michael Baugus will kick.

Jones said he does the same amount of work as the linemen and hasn't missed a workout.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

PEST CONTROL “The Little Critter Gitter�

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

EAST UNION

URCHINS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2014 record: 3-7, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Kevin Walton (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Joel Wilkinson, Fr., RB/DB Talented freshman will see action on both sides of ball.

Chase Hall, Sr., RB/LB Returns after missing most of 2014 season with injury; key element on offense for Urchins.

Cade Bell, Fr., QB Freshman steps into starting QB role, has great arm and excellent mobility.

EAST WEBSTER

WOLVERINES FAST FACTS

Division: 4-2A 2014 record: 12-4, 4-1 (lost North finals) Head coach: Doug Wilson (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tyler Cosby, Sr., K/P A starter since the eight grade, he can score points and control field position with his 40.3 punting average.

Jack Wilson, Sr., QB He accounted for 2,790 yards total offense and 30 touchdowns.

Luke Wilson, Jr., LB/H-back Led team in tackles with 127, which included 84 solo stops.

DAILY JOURNAL

New-look Urchins plan to be physical

BY DENNIS CLAYTON NEW ALBANY GAZETTE

East Union will feature a new look this season beginning with first-year head coach Kevin Walton as well as a new offense that the Urchins installed during the spring.

The Urchins will also face a rebuilding project Walton on the offensive line as they return only one starter from last year.

“We’ve got a lot of new faces and some of the injured from last year are returning,” Walton said.

“We are going to be primarily run (offensively). We are going to have to try to pound the ball and be physical.”

The Urchins lost a key player

during the offseason when TJ Hamblin died in a swimming accident.

Hamblin was a starter in the defensive line last season and was sure to have been a fixture in the defensive front again this year.

OFFENSE

Cade Bell, a 6-foot-2, freshman will start at quarterback and will direct the new shotgun double wing offense.

East Union will have a trio of talented runners to complement Bell, senior Chase Hall and freshman Joel Wilkinson are at running back. Junior Craig Hutchens, who, according to Walton, is the best athlete on the team, will be at wingback and slotback.

Cody Taylor (6-foot-4, 220-pound senior) will be a huge target at tight end and is a returning starter.

Other key linemen for the Urchins will be seniors Jeremy Jensen and Tyler

Bennett at the guard positions.

DEFENSE

The Urchins received a huge addition over the summer with the addition of Caledonia transfer Chandler Bobo, a 6foot-3, 245-pound defensive end. Noah Ford has the size to be an impact player on the defensive front with his 6-4, 295-pound frame.

“Dallas Wooten will be our safety and is the toughest kid on the team and a very good leader,” Walton said.

Sophomore Ray Hughes will complement Hall and Hutchens at linebacker.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Cody Taylor will handle most of the kicking duties for the Urchins. Hall and Wilkinson will be the key punt and kick returners with freshman Josh Basil working as the long-snapper on special teams.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sep. 4 Sep. 11 Sep. 18 Sep. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Falkner at Hamilton Thrasher Strayhorn Alcorn Central at New Site H.W. Byers* at Mantachie* Baldwyn* at Potts Camp* Walnut* * – Division 1-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

18 2010-14

(2, 2, 4, 7, 3)

Wilson optimistic about tough division schedule “I’m optimistic about the season, but I’m also realistic,” he said. “Our division is so tough Calhoun City played for the and now they’ve dropped Class 2A state championship last Winona in there with us … like season, but only after it defeated we needed them.”

Division 4 rival East Webster in OFFENSE the North state fiThe coach will look to his son, Jack, a nals. three-year starter at quarterback to diEast Webster rect the offense. Wilson rushed for 1,226 coach Doug Wil- yards on 242 carries and 13 touchson says the tough downs. He also completed 109 of 190 division competi- passes for 1,564 yards and 17 scores.

Wilson tion has been “We have to keep him healthy; he runs turned up a notch as much as the running backs do,” Doug with addition of Winona, who Wilson said.“He’s rather run it than throw joins Bruce, Calhoun City, Eupora it.” and Okolona in the six-team Wilson is 5-foot-8, 170 pounds and league. “that’s stretching him,” Doug Wilson Wilson is thrilled to have 15 said, then laughed. starters back – seven offense, The Wolverines’ H-backs are younger eight defense. He also has a class brother Luke Wilson, John Williams and of sophomores that includes five Rivers Moore. All three play defense, too 6-footers.

– Wilson, linebacker; Williams, linebacker

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

and Moore, defensive back.

The O-line is the team’s strength with the return of center Christopher Shurden, tackles Jacob Gordon and Josh McMullen, and guard Dillan Silver. Gordon is 6-4, 280.

DEFENSE

A.J. Johnson, an 5-10, 240-pound junior nose guard, returns to clog the middle.“He’s the team’s strongest player and we hope he causes some trouble,” Wilson said.

Talented sophomore Cole Morgan will start at end.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker/punter Tyler Cosby, the son of former Mississippi State standout kicker Artie Cosby, returns for his senior year.

He has handled the team’s kicking chores since the eighth grade.

Last season, he averaged 40.3 yards per punt and connected on six field goals, including one 46-yarder. He was 47 of 50 on extra point attempts.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Vardaman at Noxapater Choctaw County at Houston Ray Brooks at South Pontotoc Calhoun City* at Winona* at Okolona* Bruce* Eupora* * – Division 4-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

44 2010-14

(13, 5, 9, 6, 11)

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16F

FALKNER

EAGLES

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2014 record: 7-6, 6-2 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Quess Hood (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dillon Davis, Sr., LG The two-time powerlifting champ could be the strongest lineman in 1A. Deshaun Alexander, Sr., WR/CB The newcomer was an athletic spark on both sides of the ball in 2014.

Jarrett Walden, Sr., LB/RB He had 81 total tackles last season, including 11 tackles for loss.

HAMILTON

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: Division 1-1A 2014 record: 6-5, 4-4 (Missed playoffs) Head coach: Josh Baty (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keshon Heard, Sr., RB/WR/DB ATH with a Mississippi State offer and known as one of the fastest guys in the state.

Samuel Peloquin, Sr., QB/DB Moves from wide receiver to quarterback for his senior season.

Aaron Fontenot, Sr., RB/LB Led the Lions in tackles since his sophomore season.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

17F

Hard work has Hood excited for season asked them to but on their on.”

Even sophomore center Pierce Johnston was among the group.

FALKNER – The Falkner Eagles “He’s been up here getting a are pushing for a fifth straight whole lot better with his feet,” winning/playoff season in 1A. added Hood. “We’re excited. The They’ll have to chemistry is there.” do it without twotime Division 1OFFENSE 1A Player of the Sophomore RB Alex Caldwell should Year, QB Jase start in the one-back set, with Jarrett Stroupe and Walden as his backup. There’s experi1,000-yard back ence outside with seniors WRs Deshun Jeramie Law- Alexander, Emonti Peterson and Avery Hood rence, but sec- Russell all back. ond-year coach Terrance Edgeston, a 6-1, 180, junior Quess Hood was impressed by transfer from Ripley will see time as his skilled guys’ work over the well. summer to gain more continuity.

Sophomore Autry Windham will have “Overall I’m pretty pleased,” big shoes to fill as he steps in as the said Hood, who led Falkner to a 7- possible starter at QB. He’ll be backed 6 record in his first season. “We up by senior Dermonti Adams. Windhad a group of kids, especially our ham got a few snaps, last season, comskilled guys, who came up here a pleting all three of his passes, including lot this summer, not just when we one TD.

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

No offensive line may have two more experienced players in LG Dillon Davis LT Keith Kimery. They’ve started every game since freshmen – 29 games. RG Josh Richardson and RT Rashun Luster are back. Johnson is the only newcomer.

DEFENSE

The Eagles 3-4 defense will feature a front line with Davis and senior John Elliott at the tackles. Kimery and senior Judd Glissen will man the ends. Walden and senior Cody Rodriguez are the middle linebackers with Caldwell and sophomore Cole Wilbanks outside.

Hood has a mix of players competing for time in the secondary, including Alexander, Edgeston, Russell and Adams.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at East Union Walnut (Joe Bowl) North Pontotoc Coldwater* at West Lowndes* Smithville* at Vardaman* Hamilton* at Coffeeville* Thrasher* at Biggersville* * – Division 1-1A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

35

SPECIAL TEAMS

Peterson will handle kicking duties.

Caldwell and Alexander will return kicks.

2010-14

(4, 8, 9, 7, 7)

Baty: Missing playoffs again not an option

BY MELISSA MEADOR MONROE JOURNAL

In a brutal Division 1-1A, one or two good teams are going to be left out of the playoff picture. Last year, that team was the Hamilton Lions, and this year’s veteran senior group plans on it not happening again.

“You can tell it’s on their minds Baty because they talk about it. They say, ‘We’re not going to do that this year.We’re going to go as far as we can go this year and not be left out,’” said first-year coach Josh Baty, a Hamilton graduate.

“You can tell it on the field because our first two practices might be the best we’ll have all year because it’s in the back of their heads

that we’re not going to stop.”

A string of injuries sent the Lions on a late season slump, and Baty said luck in that area is key this year.

“Most of those guys got hurt in practice, and you can’t stop that,” he said. “You just have to hope and pray that they keep healthy.”

The biggest question marks on offense is on the line, but Baty said he sees potential in the young group that includes one returning starter in senior James Melton; possible guards Michael Harrison, Hunter Alvis and Austin Meyers and possible tackles Tyler Phillips, Stone Crawford and Laderick Despenza.

OFFENSE

The defensive line includes tackles Phillips and John Vaughan and Lancaster and Despenza at the ends.

Fontenot led the Lions in tackles the past two seasons and will be joined at linebacker by Tyler Gordon and Branson Shields.

Heard and Taylor line up at corner with Washington and Kaminski Bankhead at safety.

The Lions’ offense centers around speedster ATH Keshon Heard, who ran a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash this summer.

Heard saw most of his time at running back last season but will also line up out wide this year.

Senior Samuel Peloquin moves from the slot to quarterback to replace Byron Butler, who transferred to Aberdeen.

Aaron Fontenot returns at fullback.

Daniel Washington will be in the slot with Austin Taylor, Austin Lancaster, Branson Shields and Tucker Welch in the mix as outside receivers.

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Lions have an exchange student from Belgium working at the kicking duties. Peloquin will handle punting.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

South Pontotoc East Union at Hatley Open at Coffeeville* Thrasher at Biggersville Coldwater at Falkner* West Lowndes* at Smithville* Vardaman* * – Division 1-1A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

33 2010-14

(5, 9, 4, 9, 6)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

HATLEY

TIGERS

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2014 record: 6-6, 3-2 (Lost in 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Patrick Schoolar (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chance Lindsey, Sr., RB/S Rushed for 1,454 yards and 14 TDs as a junior.

Keyshawn Forshee, Fr., WR/LB Started for the Tigers as an eighthgrader and had 23 catches for 330 yards.

Jared Roberts, So., DL/OL Leads all returning starters on defense with 54 tackles last season.

HOLLY SPRINGS

HAWKS

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-3A 2014 record: 6-6, 2-3 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Donald Deans (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jarron Delvridge, Sr., QB Did not take any snaps last season behind starter Danny Crumb.

Ded’trey Faulkner, Jr., DB/WR Led team in tackles and returned two INT for touchdowns.

Joseph Stone, Jr. DB Attracted interest from Alcorn State and Memphis with his work in summer camps.

DAILY JOURNAL

Tigers look to build off first playoff appearance like we had it easy before,” Hatley replaces nearly all of the ofSchoolar said. “We had to play fensive line except Cody Hood and some pretty good football teams Brock Kidd who should be joined by Hatley had its best football sea- like Baldwyn and Walnut in 2A.” Nathan Snyder, Hunter Taylor and son in school history last year with James McCaine. its first playoff appearance. ThirdOFFENSE year coach Patrick The Tigers will pound the running DEFENSE Schoolar is ready game this season behind nearly-1,500 Schoolar named the defense as the for the Tigers to yard rusher Chance Lindsey. strength of his team. build off that.

Jacob Feaker will be the primary fullJared Roberts moves from line“We’re preach- back but gets help from Josh Metcalf, backer to the defensive line, and Hood ing it to everyone Josh Trimble and possibly Paul Williams. returns there. over and over Dru Stanford replaces Jonathan Inside linebacker Josh Metcalf is again that we don’t Waycaster at quarterback after playing back after missing most of last season.

Schoolar want to forget wide receiver last year.

Josh Trimble at outside linebacker, about last year,” “He’s a runner, and he does that reand Jernighan, Forshee and Moffett in Schoolar said. “It was a great year, ally well. He’s not very big and doesn’t the secondary are all returning starters. but you don’t want to be the team look much on a picture, but he’s very Caleb Bates is a likely starter at cornerthat goes back down from that.” tough with the ball in his hands,” back.

The Tigers will have a tougher Schoolar said. road this year as they seek anThe Tigers’ two primary targets are SPECIAL TEAMS other playoff appearance after back out wide in junior Jaylon John-Michael Woods handled kickmoving up to Class 3A. Jernighan and freshman Keyshawn offs and extra points last season and “It’s going to be a pretty big Forshee. Drew Moffett will also see continues to work at it in fall practice. transition, no doubt. But it’s not more time at receiver.

Bates will handle punts.

BY MELISSA MEADOR MONROE JOURNAL

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Potts Camp at Smithville Hamilton at Alcorn Central at Mantachie Houlka at South Pontotoc* at Aberdeen* North Pontotoc* Nettleton* at Mooreville* * – Division 4-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

19 2010-14

(5, 4, 0, 3, 6)

Deans seeks even more success in second year

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Donald Deans spent eight years as an assistant coach at Holly Springs before taking the head coaching job last season.

Deans had success right away, directing the Hawks to six wins, two in Division 23A, after the team Deans had finished 2-9 and winless in the division the previous campaign.

“I’ve grown a lot after my first year as a head coach,” he said.

“I’ve learn a lot about dealing with the players, keeping them focused in the offseason.”

On the playing field, Deans quickly learned to have more than his starting 22 ready for the

kickoff. “You have to have your 1s was an all-division selection at safety as and 2s in place and ready to rock a sophomore last season. He led the and roll.”

Hawks in tackles, forced five fumbles and returned two interceptions for TDs. OFFENSE Davonte Faulkner, who rushed for Deans has definitely settled on a No. 100-plus yards in the spring scrim1 quarterback to replace the talented mage, is just a sophomore, but he’s Danny Crumb, who gave defenses scheduled to start at running back. nightmares last season with his running and throwing abilities.

DEFENSE Jarron Delvridge, a 6-foot, 180Five starters, led by Ded’trey pound senior who watched from the Faulkner at his safety spot, return. He’s sidelines in 2014, is now the team’s joined in the secondary by junior corleader under the center. ners Sanders and Joseph Stone. “(Delvridge) has a good arm,” Deans Twins Ira Pegues and Ireal Pegues, said. “He’s not as quick as Crumb, but nicknamed “Big P” and “Little P,” are the he’s just as fast. He’s a leader. He made remaining returning starters. The 200every offseason workout. He’s also a pound Ira played defensive end as a star in the classroom. We’re expecting sophomore but has moved to linebacker. big things from him.”

Ireal, who is 5-9, 265, remains at tackle.

The key for Delvridge, Deans said, is to continue to work on his timing with SPECIAL TEAMS the receivers.

Deangelo Robles returns at kicker, Javarus Sanders and Ded’trey Kylan King is the punter and Wayne FidFaulkner are the wide receivers. Faulkner dis the long snapper.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Byhalia at Hamilton, Tenn. at Lake Cormorant Marshall Academy O’Bannon Memphis Central at Independence* M.S. Palmer* at Charleston* Water Valley* at North Panola* * – Division 2-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

22 2010-14

(6, 4, 4, 2, 6)

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18F

HOULKA

WILDCATS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Quintavin Beaty, Sr., RB/LB Provides needed experience as only healthy senior.

Keshun Gunn, Jr., CB/WR Pound for pound, perhaps the strongest player on the team.

Matt Huffman, Jr., LB/RB A perfectionist who does everything to the best of his ability.

|

19F

Undermanned Wildcats drop to independent

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: Independent 2014 record: 1-9, 1-7 (No playoffs) Head coach: Sid Burt (1st year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Losing eight players to graduation is certainly a big deal to even an established small-school football program, much less a program still in its infancy.

The Houlka Wildcats lost eight players to graduation and Burt the logistics of competing at a high level forced the school to chose the route of independent football for the 2015 season.

“We’ll only have 19 total kids out, and a lot of players are only in the eighth and ninth grades,” said first year Houlka head coach

Sid Burt. “We want to be competitive, and establish things from an effort standpoint.

“By the time we get back to division play, I want kids who have played both junior high and high school ball.”

OFFENSE

The ground game might be the way to success this season, but where various players line up still needs to be hashed out.

Burt would like to line Quintavin Beaty up at running back, but lack of depth might move the senior to quarterback. But Houlka has options in the backfield, with Matt Huffman and Juquez Austin able to lineup in the backfield.

Just as vital to the team’s success will be the offensive line, where Rock Webb, Alex Pearson, Daniel Ballas, and

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Weston Warren are slated for key roles.

“If we can block, we have some guys who can really run the football,” Burt said.

DEFENSE

Houlka ran a four-man front on defense a year ago, but the limited numbers of jerseys on the sideline will force the Wildcats into a three-man front.

“It’s a numbers game on the line for us,” Burt said. “But I think our linebackers are good enough for the change.”

Huffman, Beaty and Jaquez Foster, who led the team in sacks last season, will be three of the key linebackers.

Gunn, and Odarious Foster will be two of the plays getting time in the defensive backfield.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Burt reports many decisions are yet to made as far as special teams for the Wildcats.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

SCHEDULE

at Vardaman at H.W. Byers at Potts Camp at Hatley at TCPS at Biggersville

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

9

2010-14

(3, 0, 2, 3, 1)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

HOUSTON

HILLTOPPERS FAST FACTS

Division: 4-4A 2014 record: 5-7, 2-3 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: William Cook (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Denver McQuary, Sr., DB Is a Mississippi State baseball commit as a pitcher/shortstop J.J. Brownlee, Sr., OL/DL A four-year starter on the offensive and defensive line.

Tanner Bullock, Jr., MLB A season ago, was fourth in Class 4A in tackles.

H.W. BYERS

LIONS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2014 Record: 5-5, 2-3 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head Coach: Chris Daniels (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Joseph Gomez, Sr., LB/TE/TB/FB Called “tougher than a $2 steak” by his head coach Chris Daniels, Gomez could be on the field for the entire game.

Malcolm James, Sr., TB/DE/LB Had more than 500 yards rushing last season in a backup role.

Cameron Euell, Sr., LG One of the few four- year players for H.W. Byers - part of an experienced offensive line.

DAILY JOURNAL

Hilltoppers prep for tough division slate

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

What is the challenge for the Houston Hilltoppers in the coming 2015 season?

Many football watchers in this neck of the woods mostly do not get to see the Hilltoppers, who play in a division that heads South and Cook West from other schools in this corner of the state.

That division includes Noxubee County, Louisville, and Kosciusko, not only division favorites, but Class 4A favorites.

“Those schools are some of the toughest teams in 4A,” said fourth-year head coach William Cook, who has been at Houston

12 years.

And it will certainly be a shame if football fans do not get a taste of Houston defensive back Denver McQuary, who could become the state of Mississippi leader in career interceptions by picking off three this season.

McQuary is also a recent committ to Mississippi State in baseball.

OFFENSE

The Hilltoppers will have seven returning starters on offense, good experience that could serve the team well.

That experience begins with the high-profile position of quarterback, where Houston will have the duel threat of junior Taylor Baskins and sophomore Urriah Sheppard. Both started games a season ago.

With the receiving crops perhaps becoming more of a threat, McQuary, Wes Parker, and Jerrell Hamilton are in the

rotation for that position.

Along with J. J. Brownlee on the line, Brumlon Samuels, Aaron Fisckerly, James. Hopson, and Omario Johnson will provide key blocking.

DEFENSE

With his chase for the interception record, McQuary will get a lot of the attention for the Hilltoppers defense, but he is not the only key player on a unit that returns nine starters. He will be joined in the backfield by Kaeompe Marvell and Jaylon Gates.

Brownlee will also be a key player on the defensive line, along with Johnson.

Tanner Bullock anchors the front of the defense from inside linebacker, with Tay Bowden at outside linebacker.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Pontotoc at Calhoun City at Okolona East Webster Choctaw County at Eupora* Caledonia* at Kosciusko* at Leake County* at Louisville* Noxubee County* * – Division 4-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

19

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicking-wise, Parker should handle the field goal duties, while Bullock is slated to be the punter for the Hilltoppers.

2010-14

(2, 6, 5, 1, 5)

Daniels: Move to Division 1-2A won’t be easy

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

The H. W. Byers Lions are certainly a young football program, which has known only division play against the likes of Coahoma County and Coahoma AHS. Football life for the Lions will certainly have a much different Daniels view in 2015 as Byers moves into Division 1-2A, a Northeast Mississippi dominated league.

“It’s going to be a difficult move for us,” Byers head coach Chris Daniels said. “Just taking Baldwyn as an example, they can compete with any 2A school in the state every year.

“And it will be a difficult move

for us because of our graduation loses. Those are difficult losses for a small school like us.

“Football is a simple game. If you can run the ball on offense, and stop the run on defense, it will keep you in games.”

DEFENSE

Playing both offense and defense will be the norm for the Lions, with Gomez and James playing key roles on defense. Trevor Stevens at strong safety will be another key player, perhaps strongly involved in run support.

“We’ll need to create turnovers, and OFFENSE make the plays we’re suppose to While Byers has minimal experience make,” Daniels said. among its skill ranks, the Lions do re“The defense will need to be a bigturn all five starters on the offensive line play defense, getting off the field on in the form of Cameron Euell, Cornelius third down.”

Rubbin, Jaylen Lewis, Q’Tavious Jones, and Quattierus Jones.

SPECIAL TEAMS Byers will need a stout effort from Early practices have James returning the line, as a sophomore will be penkicks, along with Marquavious Jenkins. ciled in as quarterback. Douglas Hill has “We’re in the process of finding out that job in hand, and will get help from about our special teams,” Daniels said. multiple-position specialist Joseph “I lost a lot of points from my first Gomez, and tailback Malcolm James. two years to graduation on special “We’re not going to be an explosive teams.” offense,” Daniels said. “We’ll need to put our quarterback in positions to be productive.”

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Benton County Nanih Waiya at Coldwater Houlka at Strayhorn West Tallahatchie at East Union* Baldwyn* at Walnut* Mantchie* Potts Camp * – Division 1-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

28 2010-14

(2, 6, 5, 10, 5)

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20F

ITAWAMBA AHS

INDIANS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2014 record: 7-6, 5-0 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Clint Hoots (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Vijay Miller, Sr., QB Threw for 2,243 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 10 more scores as a junior last season.

Hunter White, Sr., RB Senior is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including 1,145 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

Daniel Freppon, Sr., LB Led the Indians with 127 total tackles (109 solo) last season.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

21F

High hopes in Hoots’ first season as coach OFFENSE

BY SCOTTY NICHOLS ITAWAMBA TIMES

After serving as defensive coordinator at IAHS for nine years, Clint Hoots begins his first season as head coach and inherits one of the most deep and talented rosters in recent years.

“We’re returning 10 starters on Hoots offense and eight starters on defense from a group that hit their stride in division play,” Hoots said.

After a disappointing 1-4 start last season the Indians went 6-1 in their final seven games, including a perfect 5-0 in division play and a berth in Round 2 of the playoffs.

Of the 10 starters that IAHS returns on offense, the centerpiece is third-year starter at quarterback, Vijay Miller.

Last year, Miller threw for 2,243 yards and 19 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

Miller will be joined by third-year starting tailback Hunter White, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and a junior.

White will share touches with junior David Lacy and sophomore Chris Chandler.

Wide receivers, senior Taylor Mears, along with juniors Ha’kee Rainey, Caleb Whittle, Austin King, Raderius Dilworth and Russell Bunch accounted for 16 of Miller’s 19 touchdown tosses a year ago.

Four starters return along the offensive line, as Cameron Orr, Moe Bellamy, Grant Adams, Cody Ozbirn, and Beau Wiggington project to start.

DEFENSE

While the offense may garner most of the attention, the defense will also be a salty unit.

Senior Daniel Freppon leads a ferocious linebacking corps, along with fellow senior Brandon Gates and sophomore prodigy Jamal Shumpert. Freppon averaged 10.6 tackles per game last season and, at 6-foot-1, 225, can plug the middle and run sideline-to-sideline.

On the defensive line, 300+ pound.

Oscar Marino will wreak havoc.

Desmond Shumpert returns as a starter at cornerback, along with safeties Tray Miller and Austin King.

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Seth Bishop will punt, while Harris Brown will kick.

Thomas Cox will take care of long snapping and Vijay Miller will be the kickoff specialist for the Indians.

Ha’kee Rainey, Chris Chandler and Caleb Whittle will handle returns.

Wishing Our Coaches & Athletes A Healthy & Prosperpous Season

Fulton: 802 East Main 662•862•3333

|

Aug 21 Aug 28 Sep 4 Sep 11 Sep 18 Sep 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30

SCHEDULE

at Ripley New Albany at Saltillo Open date Aberdeen Kosciusko at Amory* Shannon* at Corinth* Pontotoc* at Tishomingo County* * – Division 1-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

27 2010-14

(6, 7, 4, 7, 7)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Aggies reshuffle after graduation losses

KOSSUTH

AGGIES

BY BRANDON SPECK

FAST FACTS

DAILY JOURNAL

Division: 1-3A 2014 record: 9-4, 3-2 (Lost 2nd round playoffs) Coach: Brian Kelly (5th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jaley Adams, Jr., RB Had 59 carries as a sophomore. Will get a featured role this season.

Blake Arnold, Sr., NG The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder is trusted to anchor the defensive line.

Beau Lee, Jr., WR At 6-foot-4, like Adams, Lee is going to get a featured spot in the offense. He averaged 27 yards on 10 catches last season.

Kossuth lost four offensive weapons from 2014, including quarterback Weston Bobo to Itawamba CC. Bobo passed for 1,400 yards and rushed for nearly 1,000 more. Left tackle Ty Dickson signed with Gulf Coast and the AgKelly gies are without their top three receivers.

“But at the same time, we can say that we do have eight starters back on offense,” Kossuth coach Brian Kelly said.

Kossuth lost six starters on defense, but the returning five are in different positions. New names and new positions, but also a

|

CLASS 6A

First round South Panola 32, Northwest Rankin 0 Clinton 38, Grenada 7 Southaven 17, Warren Central 7 Starkville 30, Tupelo 0 Brandon 41, Hattiesburg 34 D'Iberville 14, Meridian 13 Oak Grove 42, Hancock 28 Ocean Springs 34, Petal 17 Quarterfinals South Panola 9, Clinton 7 Starkville 34, Southaven 10 Brandon 49, D'Iberville 20 Oak Grove 42, Ocean Springs 7 Semifinals South Panola 36, Starkville 26 Oak Grove 36, Brandon 35 Championship South Panola 27, Oak Grove 21

CLASS 5A

First round Oxford 62, Ridgeland 14 West Point 28, Germantown 14 New Hope 35, Callaway 12 Pearl 55, Clarksdale 14 Laurel 71, East Central 41 Pascagoula 24, West Jones 17 Wayne County 56, Gautier 20 Picayune 38, Pearl River Central 26

DAILY JOURNAL

Quarterfinals Oxford 42, West Point 14 Pearl 27, New Hope 14 Laurel 28, Pascagoula 14 Wayne County 42, Picayune 7 Semifinals Oxford 48, Pearl 7 Laurel 34, Wayne County 30 Championship Laurel 29, Oxford 26

CLASS 4A

First round Itawamba AHS 13, Gentry 6 Kosciusko 37, Rosa Fort 26 Ripley 48, Caledonia 14 Greenwood 35, Shannon 14 Lafayette 41, Houston 16 Cleveland 31, Amory 6 Yazoo County 26, Corinth 7 Noxubee County 35, Senatobia 0 Northeast Jones 55, North Pike 51 Saint Stanislaus 42, Mendenhall 20 Magee 28, Moss Poin 25 Forrest County AHS 28, McComb 7 Vancleave 53, Florence 50 Purvis 42, Newton County 7 Quitman 43, Columbia 25 Poplarville 48, Richland 13 Second round Kosciusko 30, Itawamba AHS 13 Greenwood 60, Ripley 29

handful of names colleges will foot-4 junior caught 10 passes last seakeep an eye on. son, five for touchdowns. Charlie Bonee will play receiver, joining from the baseOFFENSE ball team. Dusty Roberts comes from the Four starters return on the offensive basketball team and will play in the slot. line, as well as tight end Sam Mathis.

The new quarterback was a running DEFENSE back, 19-year-old senior Elijah Potts, Six-foot-3, 280-pound junior nose who last season ran for 584 yards and guard Blake Arnold will anchor the line five touchdowns. That opens a full-time for the run-first bunch. spot for Jaley Adams, who on 59 car“He can really move,” Kelly said. “Exries as a sophomore rushed for 480 pect a lot of good things out of him.” yards and seven touchdowns. He averAll four linebackers had to be reaged 8.1 yards per carry. placed. Adams will split some time there Junior center Hunter Bullard is surat outside, joined by Brooks and Bonee. rounded by seniors Chazz Bain at right Lee at safety had a team-high five intackle, Jordan Crum at right guard, Jon terceptions last season. Potts is a strong Allen Spencer at left guard and Brian safety, joined in the secondary by Mitchell Morrison at left tackle. and four or five guys vying for spots.

Hunter Books, Joel Crum and Hunter Swindle will work at fullback. Reed SPECIAL TEAMS Mitchell returns this season to run at Junior Diego Longoria has shown a tailback. big leg for field goals and extra points.

Another guy expected to get a lot of Lee will punt and Dakota Jones will attention is receiver Beau Lee. The 6long snap.

2014 MHSAA PLAYOFF SCORES

Cleveland 14, Lafayette 6 Noxubee County 34, Yazoo County 7 Saint Stanislaus 55, Northeast Jones 34 Forrest County AHS 21, Magee 14 Purvis 48, Vancleave 24 Poplarville 39, Quitman 14 Quarterfinals Greenwood 30, Kosciusko 23 Noxubee County 42, Cleveland 14 Saint Stanislaus 42, Forrest Co. AHS 21 Purvis 31, Poplarville 28 Semifinals Noxubee County 21, Greenwood 0 Saint Stanislaus 48, Purvis 14 Championship Noxubee County 48, Saint Stanislaus 27

CLASS 3A

First round North Pontotoc 46, Ruleville Central 22 Aberdeen 46, North Panola 16 Kemper Co. 64, Water Valley 34 East Side 42, Booneville 34 Charleston 48, Winona 6 Kossuth 32, Humphreys Co. 22 Mooreville 35, O’Bannon 0 Louisville 38, Holly Springs 8 Choctaw Co. 47, Wesson 19 West Marion 28, Prentiss 14 Morton 38, Seminary 20 Forest 14, Franklin Co. 0

Collins 48, Perry Central 0 Raleigh 46, Hazlehurst 20 Philadelphia 39, Wilkinson Co. 26 Tylertown 44, Velma Jackson 14 Second round Aberdeen 66, North Pontotoc 30 Kemper Co. 42, East Side 6 Charleston 35, Kossuth 10 Louisville 42, Mooreville 28 West Marion 40, Choctaw Co. 21 Forest 27, Morton 8 Collins 48, Raleigh 0 Tylertown 38, Philadelphia 0 Quarterfinals Kemper Co. 52, Aberdeen 14 Charleston 35, Louisville 13 West Marion 38, Forest 13 Collins 36, Tylertown 34 Semifinals Charleston 31, Kemper Co. 28 Collins 50, West Marion 28 Championship Collins 28, Charleston 20

CLASS 2A

First round Baldwyn 52, West Bolivar 6 East Webster 37, Strayhorn 0 Eupora 51, West Tallahatchie 44 Simmons 44, New Site 0 Bruce 20, Coahoma AHS 14

SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 Independence Aug. 28 at Pontotoc Sept. 4 Baldwyn Sept. 11 at Tishomingo County Sept. 18 at Nettleton Sept. 25 Corinth Oct. 2 at New Site* Oct. 9 Belmont* Oct. 16 at Alcorn Central Oct. 23 Benton County* Oct. 30 at Booneville* * – Division 1-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

33 2010-14

(5, 12, 3, 4, 9)

|

George 37, Hatley 7 South Delta 38, Walnut 36 Calhoun City 57, Byers 12 Lake 55, West Lincoln 0 Mize 54, Leake County 12 Bay Springs 56, Puckett 14 East Marion 43, Scott Central 0 Pisgah 45, Richton 28 Bassfield 56, Enterprise (Clarke) 20 Union 38, Amite County 20 Taylorsville 54, Saint Joseph (Madison) 7 Second round East Webster 34, Baldwyn 7 Simmons 38, Eupora 31 Bruce 39, George 6 Calhoun City 49, South Delta 0 Mize 50, Lake 34 East Marion 22, Bay Springs 14 Bassfield 53, Pisgah 6 Taylorsville 41, Union 6 Quarterfinals East Webster 21, Simmons 8 Calhoun City 28, Bruce 14 East Marion 28, Mize 26 Bassfield 60, Taylorsville 27 Semifinals Calhoun City 35, East Webster 14 Bassfield 18, East Marion 12 Championship Bassfield 60, Calhoun City 35

CLASS 1A

First round Coffeeville 63, Greenville St. Joseph 14 Shaw 39, Smithville 0 Broad Street 47, Falkner 34 St. Aloysius 35, Coldwater 12 Nanih Waiya 35, Salem 18 Resurrection 38, Sebastopol 8 Pelahatchie 63, Lumberton 25 Cathedral 49, Pelahatchie 13 Quarterfinals Coffeeville 40, Shaw 0 St. Aloysius 49, Broad Street 8 Nanih Waiya 24, Resurrection 0 Cathedral 42, Pelahatchie 13 Semifinals Saint Aloysius 35, Coffeeville 6 Cathedral 8, Nanih Waiya 19 Championship Cathedral 49, Saint Aloysius 14

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22F

COMMODORES

BY JOHN DAVIS

FAST FACTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tyrell Price, Sr., RB Rushed for 991 yards and scored 13 TD as a junior.

Quin Jones, Sr., LB/TE Second on the team with 97 tackles in 2014.

Rashun Rockette, Sr., WR/RB/S/KR Has ability to play all over the field on offense. Finished with 22 tackles on defense in 2014.

|

23F

’Dores run to the ball, throw better on offense

LAFAYETTE

Division: 2-4A 2014 record: 8-6, 5-0 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Eric Robertson (4th year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

OXFORD CITIZEN

About eight plays into the first scrimmage of the season, Eric Robertson knew his defense could run to the ball, and that his offense was improved in the passing game.

“We’ve had those Saturday scrimmages every Robertson year since I can remember and it was probably as evenly matched as I remember one being,” Robertson said.

“I like our football team, and the kids on it. They seem to be playing together and have a lot of confidence in one another which is important.”

A focal point for the Com-

modores on offense this year is to convert more on third down.

“We were able to move the chains in the scrimmage, and that was important because that is one of our goals this year,” Robertson said. “There was a lot of good stuff. We saw some improvement on things we had been stressing.”

OFFENSE

Last season, the Commodores had trouble throwing the ball, garnering only 590 total yards. Will Ard, the new starter at quarterback, was 8-for-8 in the scrimmage.

“Will had a good day throwing, and the receivers caught it well,” Robertson said. “Throwing is going to be a bigger part of our game plan. We don’t have great speed at receiver. We have a few that can really run, but we have guys that can catch, and Will has a really strong arm.”

DEFENSE

Lafayette may be replacing two starting linebackers, but seeing the new guys, or players at new positions, run to the football was a plus.

“You always want to get as many around the ball as you can and we were having seven, eight and sometimes nine get to the ball,” Robertson said.

“That’s something you want to see early on.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Commodores will have a new kicker this season, and the battle was ongoing to find a new starter.

“I would say going in Bryce Hertl would be the guy to kick extra points and field goals for us,” Robertson said.

“He is edging out Robbie Langley for that due to his experience.

“They’re both right there. Robbie will handle punting for us, with Bryce backing him up.”

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 29

SCHEDULE

at Horn Lake Clayton (MO) Grenada Oxford Louisville at Charleston Ripley * at Tunica-Rosa Fort New Albany * at Senatobia * Byhalia * * – Division 2-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

60 2010-14

(16, 16, 10, 10, 8)

We love our Commodores and Chargers and wish both teams good luck this season!

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce

2197 Jackson Ave. W. Oxford, MS

662-234-6152

Oxford Toyota

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Mustangs adopt triple-option offense

MANTACHIE

MUSTANGS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2014 Record: 4-7, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: TJ Seago (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Logan Pettigo, Jr., RB Averaged 128.5 yards per game and 7.3 yards per carry as a sophomore before an ankle injury during the Mustangs' first division game ended his season.

Tristan Daniel, Sr., QB Transfer from Saltillo provides senior leadership and will orchestrate Mantachie's new double wing rushing attack.

Trey Hughes, Sr., WR/DB Leading receiver from 2014 scored five total touchdowns as a junior (3 receiving, 1 interception return, 1 punt return).

DAILY JOURNAL

fensively, in 2013 and we were re- vides Mantachie with an explosive playally trying to find our identity last maker on the outside. season,” Seago said. “This season, Second-year Mantachie head we know who we are on that side DEFENSE coach TJ Seago put it pretty of the ball.”

Defensively, the Mustangs suffered bluntly last week. graduation losses along the front but “We had some OFFENSE Seago will implement a 3-5-3 scheme pretty good sucPettigo coming into the season healthy to utilize quickness rather than size. cess running the is the biggest positive.

“We’re a little smaller than we have ball last year and “Logan is a downhill runner,” Seago been, so running the 3-5-3 allows us to all those guys re- said. "He’s always falling forward for play to our strengths,” he said. turn. Looking at that extra yard.”

Offensive linemen Reeves, Dill and what we have this Joining Pettigo in the backfield will Hayes will all pull double-duty and anSeago season, we’re be senior Alston Dill at fullback. chor the defensive line. going to do our Juniors Bryce Parker and Drake FraTwins, and leading tacklers from a best to imitate the Georgia Tech zier and senior Hayden Farquhar will year ago, Brandon and Brison Loden reoffense.” provide speed at wingback. turn to lead the linebacking unit.

The 2014 division slate went The Mustangs also picked up Tristan south quickly as the Mustangs Daniel, who transferred from Saltillo, at SPECIAL TEAMS lost leading rusher Logan Pettigo the quarterback position.

Daniel Mangels will handle most of for the year with an ankle injury.

Paving the way for the running game the kicking and Daniel will handle puntSeago hopes that 2015 will be a will be returning starters Gabe Reeves, ing duties, while Hughes will return different story.

Andrew Dill and Drew Hayes up front, punts and kickoffs along with Frazier “We were really balanced, of- and senior receiver Trey Hughes proand Parker.

BY SCOTTY NICHOLS ITAWAMBA TIMES

Good Luck Mustangs!

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Aug 21 Aug 28 Sep 4 Sep 11 Sep 18 Sep 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30

SCHEDULE

Tishomingo County at Belmont at South Pontotoc Mooreville Hatley at Alcorn Central at Walnut* East Union* Potts Camp* at H.W. Byers* Baldwyn* * – Division 1-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

24 2010-14

(3, 3, 5, 9, 4)

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24F

PATRIOTS

BY GENE PHELPS

FAST FACTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ryan McAlexander, Jr., WR/DB Talented two-way player who will see plenty of action.

Josh Feathers, Sr., OL/DL One of two returning all-district linemen for the Patriots.

Canaan Pearson, Jr. QB/LB/WR A three-way threat who will throw passes, catch passes and make tackles.

|

25F

Three-way race for starting quarterback

MARSHALL ACA.

Division: MAIS 1-A 2014 record: 11-2, 4-0 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Sam Pearson (2nd year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

You don’t replace a Dakota Dailey at quarterback – 11,391 yards career total offense, 157 total touchdowns accounted for – but that’s the task facing Marshall Academy head coach Sam Pearson.

“Dakota was the headliner of a Pearson really good senior group,” Pearson said. “Job No. 1 is to figure out how to get it done without him.

You don’t really replace (Dailey).

You have to have more people pitch in and do more.”

The Patriots better find a quarterback early. They play Starkville Academy and Bayou Academy the first two games. They also play

a first-ever meeting (Sept. 11) against hometown Holly Springs.

“It’s a game that has the people in the community talking,” Pearson said.“We’ve played each other in 7-on-7.We’ve played each other in summer league basketball. We have a good relationship.”

OFFENSE

Three players are in the hunt to take the quarterback job. All three could see action, especially early in the season.

Two are juniors – Canaan Pearson, the coach’s son, and Will Summerlin. The third is sophomore Eli Pearson, also the coach’s son.

All three bring something different skill-wise.

“Canaan is an athlete. Eli is a dual threat. Will is a true pro-style passer,” Pearson said. “They all have things they do well. They all might be situational quarterbacks. We’re not going to ask them to do something they can’t do.”

Canaan Pearson, when he’s not under center, and Cortez Love will be the backs.

Boyce McKinney, Ryan McAlexander and Cordarius Thomas will be the receivers.

Wyatt Bain, Wesley Bolden, Everrett Hickman, Hunter Huff and Josh Feathers return with experience on the line. Hickman and Feathers were all-district selections last fall.

DEFENSE

Whitt Rodgers, Canaan Pearson and Wesley Bolden are the linebackers.

McAlexander, McKinney and Thomas will play in the secondary.

“We’re going to be semi-platoon on offense and defense,” Pearson said. “I feel good about our depth. We’re junior and sophomore heavy. We have only three or four seniors.”

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

SCHEDULE

at Starkville Academy at Bayou West Memphis* at Holly Springs Oak Hill at Fayette Tunica* at Lee, Ark.* North Delta at DeSoto* * – MAIS 1-A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

SPECIAL TEAMS

Huff will be the long snapper. The kicking and punter jobs will be decided in August.

53 2010-14

(8, 11, 11, 12, 11)

MHSAA STATE CHAMPIONS 2014

Class 4A: St. Stanislaus Class 3A: Tylertown Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Mount Olive

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: Laurel Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Collins Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Cathedral

2008

Class 5A: Meridian Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: Baldwyn Class 1A: Puckett

2013

Class 6A: Oak Grove Class 5A: Picayune Class 4A: Forrest County Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: French Camp

2007

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Laurel Class 3A: Louisville Class 2A: West Bolivar Class 1A: Ray Brooks

2012

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Hazlehurst Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Stringer

2011

Class 6A: Olive Branch Class 5A: Picayune Class 4A: Lafayette Class 3A: Charleston

FILE

Jamie Mitchell hoists the Class 5A trophy for 2006 Starkville in 2012. He’s now in Arkansas.

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Wayne County Class 2A: West Boliver Class 3A: Forest Class 3A: Franklin County Class 1A: Noxapater Class 2A: Lumberton Class 2A: East Marion Class 1A: Mount Olive Class 1A: Puckett

2010

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: West Point Class 4A: Lafayette

2009

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: West Point

2005

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: West Point

Class 3A: Hazlehurst Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Ray Brooks

2004

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Brookhaven Class 3A: Senatobia Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Mize

2003

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Wayne County Class 3A: Greene County Class 2A: Seminary Class 1A: Weir

2002

Class 5A: Wayne County Class 4A: D’Iberville Class 3A: Collins Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Weir

2001

Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Collins

Class 2A: Ackerman Class 1A: Pelahatchie

Class 1A: Weir

1996

2000

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: Northeast Jones Class 3A: Shannon Class 2A: Bruce Class 1A: Weir

1999

Class 5A: Starkville Class 4A: Louisville Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Mize

1998

Class 5A: Warren Central Class 4A: Starkville Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Weir

1997

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Louisville Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Okolona Class 1A: Smithville

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: McComb Class 3A: Magee Class 2A: Booneville Class 1A: Mize Class 5A: Madison Cent.

Class 4A: Lawrence Co. Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Booneville Class 1A: Pelahatchie Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Smithville Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Magee Class 2A: Ackerman

1995

1994

1993

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Troopers not riding on last year’s success

MOOREVILLE

TROOPERS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tay Rucker, Sr., WR/RB/QB/S Had a combined 32 touchdowns as Mooreville's starting quarterback a season ago,but is likely to play other positions on offense this season.

Max Crew, Sr., LT A four-year starter on the offensive line.

Carson Cyrder, Jr., TE/DE Probably one of the best pass catchers, and best defender on team this season.

OFFENSE

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2014 Record: 8-4, 4-1 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Kevin Austin (9th year)

DAILY JOURNAL

A season ago, quarterback Tay Rucker posted 32 touchdowns. And yet the Troopers might be in good enough shape to move Rucker to another offensive position.

“Our offense is going to look very different,” head coach Kevin Austin said. “We lost all of our skill players, except for Tay Rucker and Andrew Peugh, but, I have a good young group of players.

“But they are young.”

Rucker is slotted to split time at running back and wide receiver, opening the door for sophomore Mitchell Tharp.

“If football was a gym, Tharp would be a gym rat,” Austin said. “He’s the smartest young football player I’ve ever been around.”

Other offensive skill players will include Peugh, and John Tyler, and tight end Carson Cryder.

The Troopers offensive line will feature Max Crew, Malik Ivy, and Jacob Beard.

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Mooreville laid out a successful foundation for its football team in 2014.

The Troopers played the last game of the regular season with a chance to win the Division 1-3A championship.

The Troopers Austin notched a playoff win in Class 3A. And yes Mooreville suffered its share of graduation losses.

But a new division, and a reloaded team, could set up another regular season title run, and postseason run for the Troopers.

GOOD LUCK TROOPERS

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“I feel we’ll throw the ball more than in the past,” Austin said. “And we’ve got to protect our tenth grade quarterback.”

DEFENSE

“The strength of our defense will be our defensive line,” Austin said. “I think it can be as good as anybody in the division.”

That strength will see Cryder at nose guard, with Ivy and Crew rotating up front as well.

Ends Tristan Gillard and Hayden Davis will be keys to the success of the defensive front.

Nathaniel Smith linebacker, and Rucker and Santo Jamerson in the backfield are returning starters for the defensive unit.

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SPECIAL TEAMS

The kicking game was by committee a season ago, and two-thirds of that committee is back for 2015 in Peugh and Skylar Grissom.

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Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Baldwyn at Caledonia New Site at Mantachie at independence Aberdeen* North Pontotoc* at Nettleton* at South Pontotoc Hatley * – Division 4-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

31 2010-14

(7, 8, 5, 3, 8)

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26F

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

TIGERS

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

Division: 4-3A 2014 record: 3-8, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Mike Scott (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Coleton Ausbern, So., QB Started at quarterback the second half of his freshmen season.

Chris Long, Sr., DE/WR Missed all of his junior season with an injury but being heavily recruited.

Drae Smith, Sr., LB/WR Fourth-year starter at linebacker who will become more involved on the offensive side of the ball.

MONROE JOURNAL

Fourth-year Nettleton coach Mike Scott sees a lot of positives in this year’s football team, but perhaps the biggest being a positive attitude, despite last year’s 3-8 showing and missing the playoffs.

“Our strength right now is our Scott attitude. I think our kids are really looking forward to getting started,” Scott said. “I think they see that good things can happen, especially after the hard work they put in this summer.”

Nettleton lost 15 seniors off last year’s team, but Scott said there’s experience coming back, particularly on offense.

OFFENSE

The Tigers’ offense begins with sophomore quarterback Coleton Ausbern, who was ushered into the starting role midway through last season.

“He’s got all the tools. He has learned a lot over his ninth grade year. He was thrown into the fire,” Scott said. “We’re expecting big things out of him, but we remember he’s still a sophomore. He made great strides the last four ballgames. No doubt, he’s our future.”

Junior running back Jaylin Harris returns after a successful sophomore season, joined in the backfield by Braxton Crayton.

Wide receiver Damien Ealy is another sophomore expected to be a key contributor, and he will be joined out wide

by Drae Smith, the Tigers’ leading returning receiver, and Chris Long.

Seniors Bailey Minich and Cody Payne are the only returning starters on the offensive line and could be joined

by Cody Cates and Nathaniel Tackett.

DEFENSE

The Tigers lose nine starters on defense, and Scott said he expects more to play both ways this season.

Nettleton’s defensive line is anchored by 6-foot-5, 240-pound senior defensive end Chris Long, who is back after missing his entire junior season.

“He had a tumor removed from his shin just before the season started, and it cost him a year of playing,” Scott said. “He’s being highly recruited. We expect big things out of him.”

Drae Smith, Dalton Combs and Janson Sexton all return at linebacker while Nettleton starts completely over at cornerback after losing Dre Sharp and Caleb Bates. Jarvel Bowers and Blake Hester are likely starters at corner. Jay Graham returns at safety.

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FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

17 2010-14

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Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct.16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

F IGHT T IGERS F IGHT

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Ausborn will punt, while Graham returns as the placekicker. Crayton and Sexton will be back deep on kicks.

Good Luck Nettleton Tigers!

Ole Miss

27F

Tigers upbeat despite disappointing 2014

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

NEW ALBANY

BULLDOGS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-4A 2014 Record: 1-10, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jake Hill (First year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braudrique Boyd, Sr., WR Led the Bulldogs with 512 receiving yards last season.

Sam McMillian, Jr., QB The 6’3” junior played both sides of the ball last year. This year he will lead the team under center.

Austin Cook, Sr., DB After scoring three rushing TDs in 2014, Cook shifts to defense where he will lead the secondary

DAILY JOURNAL

Upperclassman hunt for return to playoffs

BY DONICA PHIFER NEW ALBANY GAZETTE

First-year Bulldogs coach Jake Hill is expecting big things from his New Albany team.

Featuring 16 seniors and a crop of underclassmen, the Bulldogs are looking to improve from a disappointing 2014 Hill campaign.

“I like to say there are three seasons,” Hill said, “Preseason, division and playoffs.”

New Albany hasn’t appeared in the Class 4A playoffs since 2012 when the Bulldogs won Division 2-4A with an overtime win over the Lafayette Commodores.

“This is a school and a program

with a winning tradition,” Hill DEFENSE said, “And we are looking to bring The biggest shift for the Bulldogs will that back to New Albany.” be on defense where several key players have made the shift from offense to OFFENSE defense. Former running back Austin Leading the charge will be first-year Cook moves to defensive back, and felquarterback Sam McMillin. The 6-foot-3 low classmate Miller Dunham transijunior started nine games in 2014 as tions from left tackle to linebacker. both a wide receiver and a defensive “I’m not a believer in playing guys back and took a few snaps under center. both ways,” Hill said, “You really can’t “He’s a running quarterback, but he do it in today’s game…I’d rather a kid can also throw the ball. And I’m really be really good on one side of the ball excited to have him and use him as a than average on both sides.” weapon. That’s what he is,” Hill said.

Austin Burks and Perry McKinney will New Albany’s offense will return a lead the defense as seniors, joined by crop of wide receivers and running sophomore Overton Johnson at corner backs who Hill expects big things from. and Matt Morris at safety.

Isaiah Powell and Eddie Barry will anchor the running backs as seniors, SPECIAL TEAMS while the Bulldogs’ leading receiver, Special teams will also be made up Braudrique Boyd, will also hit the field of young players still in the hunt for for his final season. starting jobs heading into the final week Stacking up the offensive line will be of preseason practice. a crop of young faces who will be led “We’re going to find some young guys by senior Hunt Parks at center. who want to get into the game,” Hill said.

S A L E S

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Bruce at Itawamba AHS Pontotoc Amory at Corinth North Pontotoc at Senatobia* Byhalia* at Lafayette* Rosa Fort* at Ripley* * – Division 2-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

35 2010-14

(13, 9, 8, 4, 1)

A N D

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28F

NEW SITE

ROYALS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-3A 2014 Record: 6-6, 2-3 (No playoffs) Head coach: James Lowery (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

C. J. Courtright, Sr., FB Great work ethic, an on-the-field leader.

Blake Woolridge, Jr., MLB A team leader in the weight room, great attitude.

Tillman Floyd, Sr., QB Expected to be a team leader.

OAK HILL

RAIDERS FAST FACTS

Division: Division 2-Academy AA 2014 Record: 5-6, 3-2 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Chris Craven (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Drew Riley, Sr., RB/LB All-conference performer and leading returning rusher Mac Newell, Jr., OL/DE Earned all-conference honors as a sophomore Kaleb Darnell, Sr., LB/P Returning starter on defense and allconference punter in 2014

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

29F

Lowery getting accustomed to his new team

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Admittedly, first-year head coach James Lowery of the New Site Royals has a big question mark in his brain about his new team.

Hired in late June, Lowery has barely seen the Royals with a helmet on, a probLowery lem that will be cured in the coming weeks.

“We’ll figure out our depth charts, people who will be in backup roles,” said Lowery, a 35year coaching veteran. “We’ll find out who can come in if somebody goes down, find out the kind of depth we have.”

Answering questions about his

‘They’re going to carry the load for us.’

James Lowery

New Site coach on team’s run game

“They’re going to carry the load for us,” Lowery said.

The other important piece of the running puzzle will be the blocking of the offensive line for the Royals.

Center Hunter Hall, guards Joey Johnson and Hunter Blaxico, and tackles Samuel Thompson and Hunter Dees are the leading candidates for the job.

new team might be the easy part of equation, as the Royals face a DEFENSE bigger challenge – how will the Being a small 3A school, New Site will fledgling program handle its first have its fair share of two-way players. season in Class 3A? Floyd and Taylor Floyd will play safety; Woolridge and Devon Stacy will OFFENSE play linebacker; and Johnson and A simple game plan might be the Blaxico will be tackles. plan going into the new season for the “We’ll need quickness and be able to Royals – run the football. react to the football,” Lowery said.

Fullback C. J. Courtright has the early edge for Lowery in executing the runSPECIAL TEAMS ning game.

Lowery recognizes that special Quarterback Tillman Floyd and runteams is one-third of the game and has ning back Christian Stacy will also see Johnson that he can count on as his their share of the football. place kicker.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Thrasher Biggersville at Mooreville Walnut East Union Kossuth* at Booneville* at Belmont* Alcorn Central* Benton County * – Division 1-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

8

2010-14

(0, 0, 0, 2, 6)

Long-time assistant Craven set to lead Raiders The Raiders finished 5-6 last year but reached the first round of the Academy AA playoffs. The The normal introduction pe- key to making a deeper run is riod for a first-year head coach playing to the team’s strengths, will not be needed this season for said Craven.

Oak Hill Academy.

After spending OFFENSE eight years on the Playing to their strengths means restaff as an assis- lying on a strong ground game on the tant coach, Chris offensive side. Senior running back Craven takes over Drew Riley leads that charge following the Raiders’ pro- an all-conference campaign. Junior gram this year in Buddy Dill is a returning starter at quarCraven hopes of making a terback and sophomore fullback Collins deeper run in the Brown is also a running threat. playoffs.

“We anticipate having a very strong “It’s been a good transition for run game,” Craven said. “We should be me mostly because I know my able to line up and run the ball down players,” Craven said. “I’ve known hill. At the same time we have good them since they started playing skill guys and a quarterback that can football in the 7th grade. So I don’t throw it.” have to try to figure out quickly The offensive line for the Raiders is what they can do on the field. I al- led by senior guard Caleb Robertson ready have a good idea.” and junior guard Mac Newell.

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

DEFENSE

The middle of the defensive attack is expected to lead the charge with a veteran group of linebackers. Riley, Brown and Kaleb Darnell are returning starters at linebacker and the defensive line is also led by experienced playmakers.

“Our strength on defense will be the fact we have good linebackers,” Craven said. “We’re not stocked full of a bunch of defensive linemen but we have a lot of skill guys and linebackers. We run a 3-5 defense so that caters to our skill set. We have very good athletes at linebackers and we expect them to lead us on defense.”

Robertson and Newell will pull double duty, as well, and are returning starters on the defensive line.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Darnell earned all-conference honors as a punter a year ago while freshman Grayson Easterling gets his first opportunity as the varsity placekicker.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

SCHEDULE

Newton County Academy Tupelo Christian Prep at Heritage Academy at West Memphis (Ark.) at Marshall Academy Leake Academy Columbus Christian Aca. Carroll Academy* at Winona Christian* at Deer Creek Academy* *-MAIS 2-AA

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

19 2010-14

(3, 0, 6, 5, 5)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

NORTH PONTOTOC

VIKINGS

High expectations after record-setting season

BY RYAN MOODY

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-3A 2014 Record: 11-2, 5-0 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head Coach: Brian Sutton (6th Year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Xavier Cullens, Jr., RB: 1-3A All Division. Rushed for 1,587 yards, 8.1 YPC and 14 touchdowns in 2014.

Caleb Todd, Sr., WR-LB: 27 receptions, 383 yards, 6 touchdowns. 29 tackles, 1 fumble recovery.

Jaylon Simpson, Jr., MLB: 49 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks

DAILY JOURNAL

PONTOTOC PROGRESS

The 2014 season was one of the best versions in North Pontotoc history. The Vikings won a school record 11 games, including a school-record 10-game winning streak, and were crowned division champions for the second Sutton straight year.

“People now expect us to win,” said coach Brian Sutton. “That’s great for the program. It puts a little pressure on our players, but I think it is good pressure.”

OFFENSE

On offense, the Vikings return eight starters and look to rely on a steady run

Good Luck Vikings!

‘People now expect us to win.’

a first-year starter at quarterback,” Sutton said. “We have a lot of confidence in him, especially after the summer he had in 7-on-7.”

Brian Sutton

DEFENSE

North Pontotoc returns only three starters on defense but still expects to hold their own. The front seven will be game. Four starting offensive lineman re- the strength as they are big and quick turn and their workhorse running back at linebacker and on the defensive line.

Xavier Cullens, who racked up more than “You always have question marks 1,500 yards on the ground last season. when you lose eight starters on defense,” “We average 290 pounds across the said Sutton. “Our defense will be quick front,” said Sutton. “The offensive line is and physical. We’ve watched a lot of film a smart group and they work well tothis summer trying to figure out who can gether. Of course, we look for Cullens to play where. The first few games will be have a big year for us.” key to becoming a steady defense.”

Sophomore Clark Mills will be taking over at quarterback for the Vikings. Mills SPECIAL TEAMS and wide receiver Tanner Turk attended North Pontotoc returns senior John the Manning Passing Academy this Gonzalez to do the place kicking and summer and Sutton has no hesitation in kickoffs. Look for Cullens, Todd, and giving Mills the ball to start the year.

Turk to do most of the kick and punt re“Were not nervous about Mills being turns.

North Pontotoc coach

Good Luck to all Pontotoc County Schools!

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Saltillo Ripley at Falkner Bruce at Pontotoc at New Albany Nettleton* at Mooreville* at Hatley* Aberdeen* South Pontotoc* * – Division 2-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

42 2010-14

(6, 9, 6, 10, 11)

Go Vikings!

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30F

OKOLONA

CHIEFTAINS FAST FACTS

Division: Division 4-2A 2014 Record: 3-7, 0-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jack Clark (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

J.C. Buchanan, Sr., RB Two-year starter returning but first year to start at tailback Josh Ford, Sr., LB/OL Veteran on both sides of the ball Randy Shaffer, Sr., TE Proven blocker and pass-catcher

POTTS CAMP

CARDINALS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-2A 2014 record: 2-8, 1-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Mike Bush (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dylan Goode, Sr., WR Played quarterback last season, but has been moved to receiver.

A.J. Williams, Sr. OL/DL The 220-pound lineman is the most experienced returning starter up front.

Jacob Harrill, Soph., QB Will battle with a freshman, Collin Massengill, for starting job. Can also play receiver.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

|

31F

Chieftainslooktoclimboutofdivisionbasement squatting 500 pounds. That alone shows they have worked their tails off.”

Playing in one of the toughest Yes, the roster is full of youth divisions in the state, Okolona again but many of those young High School went winless in faces got valuable experience Division 2-4A last last year. year and again “Most of them played last year faces the likes of as freshmen and sophomores,” Calhoun City, Eu- said Clark. “So they are not topora, Bruce and tally new to the game.”

East Webster this fall. To make a OFFENSE move up that list, The Chieftains do have the luxury of Clark one key factor is returning a few seniors on offense, being stronger on however. That includes the likes of runthe line of scrimmage and head ning back J.C. Buchanan and tight end coach Jack Clark saw his team Randy Shaffer. Junior Tyler Hodges is make strides in that area. expected to direct the offense from the “We definitely have a young quarterback position. Buchanan, a forballclub but we’ve gotten mer receiver, has starting experience stronger since last year,” said but enters his first year at running back.

Clark. “By the end of the sum“The offense will be balanced with mer we’d emptied out all of the the run and pass,” Clark said. weights and have more guys Opening up the holes for the run

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

game is an offensive line paced by senior Josh Ford.

DEFENSE

Ford is also a returning starter at linebacker while Buchanan and Shaffer will have defensive roles in the secondary and at linebacker, respectively. Another two-way performer will be Hodges and he draws a starting role at one of the safety slots.

Clark expects a pair of position groups to lead that defensive charge.

“Once some guys get experience I think we will be stronger on defense this year,” Clark said. “Our strength will be the secondary and at outside linebacker. We do have youth on the line but the secondary and outside linebacker play should be solid.”

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Nettleton at Blytheville (Ark.) at Caledonia Shannon at Baldwyn Eupora* at Calhoun City* East Webster* Winona* at Bruce* * – Division 4-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

29

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Chieftains normally go for two points after touchdowns and that will be the case this fall, too.

2010-14

(12, 5, 4, 5, 3)

New coach familiar, confident about Cards’ roster

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Mike Bush has been a part of Potts Camp’s football program since its inception seven years ago, but this will be his first season as head coach.

He took over the program in July, when former head coach Matt Gehrke stepped Bush down to take a job closer to his home in DeSoto County.

One advantage Bush has over other new coaches is that he knows the players well.

“I was head coach for three years at the middle school,” he said. “I’ve coached the players we have now, so I’m familiar with them.”

Last season’s team finished with only two wins, one in the division, but Bush believes the Cardinals can once again have the success they enjoyed the first four years of the program. The 2012 team went 9-1 as an independent.

“We had some adversity the last two years, but we’re going to be better this year,” he said. “I think we have a shot at the playoffs. I’m excited about our chances.”

Jacob is a good passer and has some speed.”

Harrill can also line up at wide receiver if needed.

Alex Hawkins and Lavontae Howell are the running backs. Reggie Turnage will join Goode at receiver.

The offensive line will feature Kalif Alford, Cameron Bing, David Jones, A.J. Williams and a pair of freshman – Hunter Skelton and Dillon Rikard.

OFFENSE

Many of the offensive linemen will play on the defensive front.

Bing, Cade Crouch and Javontez Ward are expected to be the starting linebackers. Howell, Hawkins and Monterrian Donnell will work in the secondary.

Last season’s quarterback, senior Dylan Goode, takes his talent to wide receiver and defensive back. His replacement will be one of two young contenders – sophomore Jacob Harrill at 6-foot-1, 150 or freshman Collin Massengill, 6-0, 165.

“We’ve got two good young quarterbacks and we’re changing some of our offensive scheme,” Bush said. “Collin is a good athlete who needs some work.

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hawkins and Howell will handle the kick returning chores. Goode has the inside track on the punting job while the kicking position is wide open.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Hatley Thrasher Lee (Ark.) Academy at Benton County Houlka open at Baldwyn* Walnut* at Mantachie* East Union* at H.W. Byers* * – Division 2-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

22 2010-14

(3, 7, 9, 1, 2)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Departing Hill feels final team is his best

OXFORD

CHARGERS

BY JOHN DAVIS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2014 Record: 13-2, 7-0 (lost in 5A championship game) Head coach: Johnny Hill (19th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jack Abraham, Sr., QB Threw for 3,304 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior. Headed to play at Tulane.

DK Metcalf, Sr., WR Caught 79 passes for 1,229 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2014.

Headed to Ole Miss.

Dee Fair, Sr., LB Is the anchor on defense heading into 2015. Made 68 tackles as a junior.

DAILY JOURNAL

OXFORD CITIZEN

This is the final season for Johnny Hill at Oxford High School.

And the offensive mastermind feels like this year’s group of skill players may go down as the best the school has ever seen.

Led by quarterback Jack AbraHill ham, the Chargers are loaded on the offensive side of the ball. They have a bevy of playmakers, including one of the nation’s best wide receivers in DK Metcalf. And the entire offensive line back to protect.

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel with so many back on offense,” Hill said.

Good Luck Chargers!

‘We don’t have to reinvent the wheel with so many back on offense.’

DEFENSE

The Chargers always do a lot of work in the summer, and Hill felt his defense got better through passing league games.

“I thought all of that helped our defense, a lot,” Hill said. “We are a lot better Johnny Hill on defense because of that work. I think they made the most gains, and I feel very Oxford coach good about where our defense is right now.”

“We’re not putting in new plays Senior end Korbin Harmon anchors a or that kind of stuff. I guess we’re deep defensive line. Harmon finished just trying to grease the wheel so with 65 stops in 2014. DQ Thomas reto speak.” turns at safety, while Devin Rockette and CJ Terrell have impressed at cornerback.

OFFENSE

Oxford scored 621 points last season, while five players caught at least 20 passes. One of those was tight end Zach Cousar, who had 48 catches and six scores.

Jimmy Greaser, a senior this year, is expected to at least double the 21 catches he made.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Chargers will rely on senior Connell Yoste for the kicking duties. Liam Cooper is back to handle the times Oxford’s offense needs to punt. Tias Hilliard has returned kickoffs before, while Preston Perkins and Ken Presley, who both returned punts last season, are back.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Southaven at Starkville Madison Central at Lafayette West Point* at Saltillo* Lewisburg* at New Hope* Clarksdale* at Center Hill* Lake Cormorant* * – Division 1-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

52 2010-14

(9, 5, 11, 14,13)

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32F

PONTOTOC

WARRIORS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jacob Carter, Jr., QB: Second year starter that threw for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014.

Austin Morphis, Jr., RB/WR: 1,069 total yards and nine touchdowns.

Brandon Hale, Jr.,DB: 40 tackles, four interceptions, six passes deflected.

|

33F

Several questions await new coach Carter with a chance to win it.”

BY RYAN MOODY

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2014 Record: 3-9 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jeff Carter (1st year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

PONTOTOC PROGRESS

In January, Pontotoc hired Jeff Carter to become the new head football coach and leader of the Warrior program.

Carter inherited a very young team that is coming off a 3-9 campaign in 2014.

The Pontotoc currently has 33 Carter underclassman compared to three seniors on the roster. Many of them played last year and more newcomers will be asked to produce this year.

“Our guys need to build trust in one another and they need to believe in one another,” Carter said.

“Our goal is to compete in every game and to be in every game late

Go Mighty Warriors

OFFENSE

The Warriors return second year starter Jacob Carter at quarterback and coach Carter looks for him to make good decisions with the football.

The offensive line made strides this spring in run blocking and pass protection.

“The offensive line struggled last year,” said Carter. “They made big strides in the spring game and we are happy with what we see in the offensive line.”

Carter continued, “On offense we just need some early success and to be more consistent. We have some playmakers that can do some things with the ball but we just need to make plays and build our confidence.

“Jacob will be smart with the football and make the right decisions. We have to string together some eight-play drives and limit three-and-outs.”

DEFENSE

The strength of the Warriors defense will be the speed of their linebackers and secondary. The question mark on defense will be if the defensive line can stop the run.

“We have really good speed on defense,” Carter said. “I believe we can match up with the spread attack offense pretty well. If our defensive line can hold up against the run, we will be okay.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

On special teams the Warriors have a lot of young inexperienced players.

“We will be more athletic on special teams than we were last year,” said Carter. ”We have a lot of newcomers on special teams. Right now we are suspect in that area.”

Have A Great Season

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Houston Kossuth at New Albany at Water Valley North Pontotoc Ripley at Corinth* Amory* Tishomingo County* at Itawamba AHS* Shannon* * -Division 1-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

20 2010-14

(5, 6, 4, 3, 2)

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

Tigers will rely on running backs during rebuild

RIPLEY

TIGERS

Bennett and J.D. Johnson and junior Darius Gaillard helped Ripley total 5,000 yards a year The Ripley Tigers are going ago. They could line up anythrough a small rebuild that where. Holcomb and Johnson are fourth-year head coach Chad two-year starters.

Cook hasn’t experienced in a while.

OFFENSE “It’s been a long Cook will use a committee of backs time since I’ve in seniors Stefan Massie and Ant lost all receivers Mullins, junior Tavion Prather and sophand all defensive omore Michiko Adams, backs and that’s “That offensive line logged a lot of hard. It’s a lot of minutes last year and we’ll go as far as Cook new faces out they can carry us,” said Cook. “With the there,” Cook said. running backs, I think we’ve got more Gone are 1,000-yard receiver collectively than last year.”

Isaiah Howard, talented CB SanThere’s uncertainly at WR, but one terio Prather and leading rusher thing is not in question – senior QB Garfield Campbell.

Tucker Childers. Last season, he set a However, Ripley does return new Ripley record with 29 TD passes. some experience. Cook said a His 2,348 yards passing ranks second veteran offensive line will be the all-time. team’s strength.

Coming in at 6-4, 200 pounds – 30 Seniors Ben Holcomb, Nolan pounds lighter than 2014 – Childers

BY KEDRICK STOREY

FAST FACTS

Division: 2-4A 2014 Record: 9-4, 4-1 (Lost 2nd round of playoffs) Head coach: Chad Cook (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tucker Childers, Sr., QB Set school records of 13 consecutive games with a TD pass and 29 for a season.

Antonio “Ant” Mullins, SR. LB/RB Ended the year with a season-high 131 tackles, despite a slow start.

Ben Holcomb, Sr., OL One of four returning starters who helped Tigers gain more than 5,000 yards and score more than 460 points in 2014.

SOUTHERN SENTINEL

said he feels better and is moving much better in the pocket.

“In practice, he’s looking more natural with his reads, his command in the huddle and his progressions. He’s seeing what’s going on,” added Cook.

DEFENSE

Five of Ripley’s top 10 defenders return – including Mullins, who had 131 tackles at MLB but will move to rover along with junior Owen Childs, who will handle kicking. Gavin Lefler and Mason Clemmer man the middle. They had a combined 202 stops in 2014.

Up front, Zac Blanchard returns at end and will play along side Luke Smith and Johnson and Holcomb, who’ll be asked to go both ways. Gym-rat Stephon Foote and Ryan Melton are return some experience at defensive back.

Prather and Massie are the kick returners.

SCORE A TOUCHDOWN!

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FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

34 2010-14

(2, 4, 8, 11, 9)

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SCHEDULE

Itawamba at North Pontotoc Corinth at Saltillo at Pontotoc at Lafayette* Senatobia* at Rosa Fort* Byhalia* New Albany* *-Division 2-4A

Have a Great Season Tigers, Wildcats & Eagles!

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34F

SHANNON

RED RAIDERS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

J.T. Loving, Sr., ILB Understands coming to work every day, and has even played quarterback for the Red Raiders.

John Morgan Coleman, Sr., C Third-year starter who stuck behind what he wanted to do in football.

Quan Phelps, Sr., SS/QB Coming off a good spring and offseason.

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35F

Rotation gives Raiders chance to make a run OFFENSE

BY DAVID WHEELER

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-4A 2014 Record: 3-8, 2-3 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head Coach: Darryl Carter (4th year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

It is not unusual for the Shannon Red Raiders football team to have high expectations.

In 2015, expectations might meet reality.

“The off-season went well, the spring went well, the summer went well, and the first Carter week of practice went well,” Shannon head coach Darryl Carter said. “We have a lot of guys who could get a chance to play, and make plays when they do.”

Potentially one of the deepest Shannon squads ever, how quickly players gain experience and translate that into victories will determined how successful it can be.

The numbers of players that could rotate through the Shannon offensive huddle might make opposing coach’s film sessions a very head-scratching proposition.

Take quarterback, where four players are listed on the depth chart. Sophomore Martavious Fells and Jordan Gilleylen might be the two front runners, with Quan Phelps and J. T. Loving ready to step in as well.

Fells had seven starts a season ago.

A deep receiving corps is always expected at Shannon, and this season is no different, with long and lean Augusta Cox, Corey Finney, Erick Rogers, Tyler Floyd, Chris Talley, Jerry Marion, Kelly Gordon, and Shane Kelly libel to be on the field for any given play.

And do not leave out the tight end or H-back, where another six or so players could rotate.

The offensive line should be beefed up as well, with Jaylan Riley, Shawn

DEFENSE

Here, the Red Raiders will boast nine returning starters, potentially a formidable and veteran group.

Loving will be the quarterback of the unit from inside linebacker. Erin Curry will be a key outside linebacker, with Bobby Vines, Keonte Thompson, Damion Fields, and Eric Jones in the mix.

The line has Baqwerius Huddleston, Jarvarius Clark, and Vincent McIntosh,Mitch depth provided by Carparious Hodges, and Jozy Nabors.

Kenneth Bell and Phelps are the corners, with depth by Jaquarious Williams, Kelly Gordon, and Eric Rogers as backups.

Tyrrick Bell and Keondra Lockridge are at safeties, with initial depth by Cortez Edwards.

Trey McMasters

662-767-3014

Red Raiders!

From All of Us Here At

Chancery Clerk

2010-14

(9, 5, 3, 4, 3)

RE-ELECT

TOM HENRY

“PUNNIE” LYLES

Check Out Wednesday’s Paper For Weekly Specials!

• Passports • County Financial Info • Prior Year Property Tax • Recording Deeds • of Trust Phone 662-841-9100 Recording Deeds Office Hours: • Recording UCC’s Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

24

SPECIAL TEAMS

Shannon, MS • 767-9789

Prompt • Efficient • Courteous HAVE A GREAT SEASON!!!

For Information Concerning:

Bill Benson

SCHEDULE

Caledonia Nettleton at Tupelo Okolona at Aberdeen Tishomingo County* at Itawamba AHS* Amory* Corinth* at Pontotoc* * – Division 1-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

“Everybody will be key,” says Carter about his special teams.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

SALTILLO

TIGERS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2014 Record: 8-4, 4-3 (No playoffs) Head coach: Pat Byrd (6th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clayton Knight, Jr., QB Started the last seven games of the 2014 season, throwing for over 1,000 yards.

Drake McCarter, Sr., P/PK Very live leg, makes Saltillo a threat to get points inside 40 yards.

Daniel Blassingame, Sr., C/ILB Just a tough, hard-working high school football player, a three-year starter.

Tigers working to replace departed weapons

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

There is a big ghost of an elephant in the room when talking about the 2015 Saltillo Tigers football team.

Really, it is as big as a thundering herd of the large animals.

Gone is running back Diamante Pounds, who ran Byrd through opposing defense like a herd of elephants, and who had more than 5,600 yards of all purpose yards in two seasons at Saltillo.

Now at East Mississippi Community College, Pounds might be slated to play linebacker.

But time stands still for no football team, and head coach Pat |

CLASS 1A

(*-Three 1A teams left the MHSAA for the MAIS after out-ofstate players were banned from playing.)

Division 1 Biggersville Coffeeville Coldwater Falkner Hamilton Smithville Thrasher Vardaman West Lowndes Division 2 Broad Street J. F. Kennedy Ray Brooks Shaw Simmons St. Aloysius* St. Joseph-Greenville* Division 3 Durant Ethel French Camp Leake County McAdams Montgomery County

Nanih Waiya Noxapater Sebastopol Division 4 Bogue Chitto Cathedral* Dexter Lumberton Mount Olive Resurrection Sacred Heart Salem Stringer

CLASS 2A

Division 1 Baldwyn East Union H.W. Byers Mantachie Potts Camp Walnut Division 2 Coahoma AHS Coahoma County J.Z. George Strayhorn West Tallahatchie Division 3 Leflore County Leland

DAILY JOURNAL

O’Bannon Riverside South Delta West Bolivar Division 4 Bruce Calhoun City East Webster Eupora Okolona Winona Division 5 Bay Springs Clarkdale Enterprise-Clarke Heidelberg Newton Union Division 6 Lake Pelahatchie Pisgah Puckett Scott Central St. Joseph-Madison Division 7 Amite County Bassfield Enterprise-Lincoln Loyd Star Prentiss

Byrd has moved on from last season to the task at hand – the 2015 season.

Certainly, there is a tough task ahead for the Tigers, whose squad has only six seniors, and resides in a division with everyone’s Class 5A favorite Oxford, and always tough West Point.

OFFENSE

With the loss of impact players, and the yardage they accumulated, a lot of the weight of the offense falls on junior quarterback Clayton Knight, who started the last half of the season.

Saltillo will rotate in a number of running backs - sophomore Dontell Young, and juniors Marlon Sanders and Kolby Williams. An up and coming group of receivers will include Sirmarcus Evans, Kane Wilbanks, and Tytus Heard.

The offensive line has the most experience of the group, led by senior center Daniel Blassingame, and guard

Braden Cates and tackle Jackson Smith. About eight other players are vying for the other spots.

DEFENSE

The 2015 Saltillo defense will bear no resemblance to a season ago, with only one starter returning – Williams at strong safety.

Four players are vying for the other safety slot, with Sanders, Heard, and Allen Ross penciled in for time at corner.

The Saltillo front could see Jason Atkinson at nose guard, with ends Blake Parmer and Jacob Owens. Smith, Brooks Kenny, and Jackson Kenny, along with as many as eight others, could see time on the line.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Here, senior Drake McCarter will reinforce the strength of the Saltillo special teams with his kicking, certainly a threat from 40 yards and inside that.

MHSAA 2015 FOOTBALL DIVISIONS

West Lincoln Division 8 East Marion Mize North Forrest Richton Taylorsville

CLASS 3A

Division 1 Alcorn Central Belmont Benton County Booneville Kossuth New Site Division 2 Charleston Holly Springs Independence M.S. Palmer North Panola Water Valley Division 3 Amanda Elzy East Side Humphreys County Ruleville Velma Jackson Yazoo County

Division 4 Aberdeen Hatley Mooreville MSMS Nettleton North Pontotoc South Pontotoc Division 5 Choctaw Central Choctaw County Forest Kemper County Philadelphia SE Lauderdale Division 6 Crystal Springs Magee McLaurin Morton Raleigh St. Andrew's Division 7 Franklin County Hazlehurst Jefferson County Port Gibson Wesson Wilkinson County

Division 8 Collins Perry Central Seminary St. Patrick Tylertown West Marion

CLASS 4A

Division 1 Amory Corinth Itawamba AHS Pontotoc Shannon Tishomingo County Division 2 Byhalia Lafayette New Albany Ripley Rosa Fort Senatobia Division 3 Cleveland Gentry Greenwood Raymond Yazoo City

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

North Pontotoc at Amory Itawamba AHS Ripley at Baldwyn at Lake Cormorant* Oxford* at Clarksdale* Center Hill* at West Point* at Lewisburg* New Hope* * – Division 1-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

28 2010-14

(3, 2, 7, 8, 8)

|

Division 4 Caledonia Houston Kosciusko Leake Central Louisville Noxubee County Division 5 Mendenhall NE Jones NE Lauderdale Newton County Quitman West Lauderdale Division 6 Florence Lawrence County McComb North Pike Richland South Pike Division 7 Columbia Forrest County AHS Greene County Poplarville Purvis Sumrall Division 8 Bay East Central

Moss Point Pass Christian St. Stanislaus Vancleave

CLASS 5A

Division 1 Center Hill Clarksdale Lake Cormorant Lewisburg New Hope Oxford Saltillo West Point Division 2 Canton Germantown Grenada Holmes Central Lanier Neshoba Central Ridgeland Vicksburg Division 3 Brookhaven Laurel Natchez Provine South Jones Wayne County

West Jones Wingfield Division 4 Gautier Hattiesburg Long Beach Pascagoula Pearl River Central Picayune Stone West Harrison

CLASS 6A

Division 1 Columbus Desoto Central Hernando Horn Lake Olive Branch South Panola Southaven Tupelo Division 2 Callaway Clinton Greenville Madison Central Murrah NW Rankin Starkville Warren Central

Division 3 Brandon Forest Hill Jim Hill Meridian Oak Grove Pearl Petal Terry Division 4 Biloxi D'Iberville George County Gulfport Hancock Harrison Central Ocean Springs St. Martin

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36F

SCORE A TOUCHDOWN!

Good Luck Tigers!

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Good Luck Tigers!

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37F

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

Collumsfacinggreatexpectationsinsecondyear

SMITHVILLE

SEMINOLES

“There are some guys who will will be joined by baseball players Stuart have to do some growing up at Coggins and Bradon Kimbrough, Stone their positions, but we think we Hunter and Dax Payne.

Smithville native Chad Collums have the chance to be a really good is in his second year as the head football team,” Collums said.

DEFENSE coach and the expectations have Returning starters on the defensive raised for a SemiOFFENSE line include Smith, Payne, Trevor noles team two Senior Blake Comer returns at quar- Cantrell, J.P. Cromwell and Tyler Ligon, years off a state terback after starting the last few who led the Noles with five sacks. c h a m p i o n s h i p games of last season.

Ward is the only returning linebacker appearance.

“Blake does good throwing the ball. after losing leading tacklers Cole “We feel like we We have to get the baseball out of him Williams and Tristan Hawkins on the inhave some pretty a little bit,” Collums joked of Comer, side. Caleb Cox, Chris Lockhart and J.C. high expecta- who’s also a pitcher/infielder.

Coleman join him there.

Collums tions,” Collums Junior running back Dee Moore Grier returns at cornerback, while said. “We lost nearly rushed for 1,000 yards last sea- Moore moves from linebacker to safety. some really good players from son, and senior Nate Ward moves from Moffett and Young fill out the secondary last year, too, and we have some fullback to tailback. Caleb Cox and Joe at the other safety and cornerback spots. young guys filling their place that Freeman will be the fullbacks. we feel are more than ready.”

Speedy junior Wesley Grier returns at SPECIAL TEAMS Smithville lost eight starters receiver and is joined by Fisher Young, Ward will be the placekicker while from last year when they fell to backup quarterback Cameron Wardlaw Cox takes over punting duties.

Shaw in the first round of the and Dustin Moffett.

Grier returns kicks and punts again playoffs but return several key ofJunior Daniel Smith is the only reafter taking four punts to the house last fensive weapons. turning starter on the offensive line and season.

BY MELISSA MEADOR

FAST FACTS

MONROE JOURNAL

Division: 1-1A 2014 record: 8-4, 6-2 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Chad Collums (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Blake Comer, Sr., QB Started the final few games last season after the Noles lost two quarterbacks to injury.

Nate Ward, Sr., RB/LB Was second on the team in rushing with 538 yards.

Daniel Smith, Jr., OL/DL Lone returning starter on the offensive line for the Seminoles.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

Belmont Hatley at Eupora Thrasher* at Biggersville* Coldwater* at Falkner* West Lowndes* Nanih Waiya at Vardaman* Hamilton* at Coffeeville* *Division 1-1A game

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

43 2010-14

(9, 6, 9, 11, 8)

Good Luck Seminoles from

The Town of Smithville Mayor, Board of Aldermen & Employees

Wishing All Area Schools

A Successful 2015 Season!

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38F

SOUTH PONTOTOC

COUGARS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-3A 2014 Record: 2-10, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head Coach: Michael Bradley (2nd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hunter Jolly, Sr., FB-MLB 2014 All-Division 2-3A

J.A. Staten, Jr., LB 61 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles.

Cole Brown, So., QB First-year starter

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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39F

Youth has Cougars optimistic about future

BY RYAN MOODY PONTOTOC PROGRESS

South Pontotoc head coach Michael Bradley is heading into his second year leading the program.

The Cougars’ roster will be young, with 31 freshmen and sophomores compared to just nine seniors.

“We are going Bradley to be extremely young team,” said Coach Bradley. “We will have as many as five or six freshman starting both ways for us. It is the youngest team that I’ve ever been a part of as far as young players being asked to play varsity snaps.”

“The future is bright for us. We have some really good younger

Good Luck Cougars!

players but they’re going to have DEFENSE to play a lot earlier than should The Cougars look to the defensive be expected of them.” line and linebackers to be the strength of their defensive unit. Seniors Jake OFFENSE Nelson and Hunter Jolly will be the Sophomore Cole Brown will be a leaders of the defense. first-year starter at quarterback for the “Jake is going to be our anchor on the Cougars. defensive side of the ball,” said Bradley.

The coaches have been impressed “Hunter isn’t a rah-rah guy but he leads with the young signal caller. by example. He has worked extremely “Cole Brown had a good spring for hard in the weight room and is very us,” said Bradley. “Cole has come a strong. He has done a good job on both long way. He threw the football well all sides of the ball this spring.” spring and did a good in the spring game. Our staff is really pleased with SPECIAL TEAMS his progression.”

Sophomore Logan Rainwater returns The Cougars will be young and expe- as the Cougars place kicker and kickoff rienced on the offensive line but they specialist. Also returning for the have three running backs in Hunter Cougars is their talented long snapper Jolly, Ladarius Catledge and Tyrese Fitz- Andrew Rackley. patrick that have practiced well.

“The summer workouts went well.

“Hunter Jolly is a three-year starter The kids have bought in and they are all for us and he had a good spring,” said in. It is going to be a process and take Bradley. “Tyrese and Ladarius have some time to get where we want to both ran the ball really well for us.” be,” Bradley said.

Have A Great Season

Affordable Furniture Mfg. Co., Inc. 6496 Redland Sarepta Road Houlka, MS 38850 (662) 568-7981

GOOD LUCK C OUGARS!

Aug.21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept.11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Hamilton at Okolona Mantachie Belmont at Bruce East Webster Hatley* at Nettleton* atAberdeen* Mooreville* at North Pontotoc* * – Division 2-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

13 2010-14

(4, 3, 1, 3, 2)

Go Cougars!

Melinda Nowicki Pontotoc County Circuit Clerk

Voter Registration • Marriage License • Notary Public

Monday - Friday 8-5

11 East Washington St. • Pontotoc, Ms

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

STARKVILLE

YELLOWJACKETS FAST FACTS

Division: 2-6A 2014 Record: 13-1, 7-0 (Lost North finals) Head coach: Ricky Woods (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

A.J. Brown, Sr., WR Collected 1,019 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior Kobe Jones, Sr., DL/OL Starter on both sides of the line and one state’s top prospects Lorenzo Dantzler, Sr., DE Louisiana Tech commit and had team-best five sacks in 2014

STARKVILLE ACA.

VOLUNTEERS FAST FACTS

Division: District 1, Division 2-3A 2014 Record: 11-2, 5-0 (Lost 3A championship game) Head coach: Chase Nicholson (1st year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Clark, Sr., QB All-conference as a junior and twoyear starter Carter Wood, Sr., OL Three-year starter and receiving Division I recruiting interest Colt Crestman, Sr., WR/S Will also see time as wildcat quarterback

DAILY JOURNAL

Jackets look to finish what they started last year

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Starkville High School begins a new coaching era this season after Jamie Mitchell left for North Little Rock HS. Mitchell led the Jackets’ program for five years and that span included a state championship.

His replaceWoods ment is no stranger to Class 6A football, however. Former South Panola coach Ricky Woods took over Starkville’s program in late spring and is also familiar with the area after a long coaching stint at Ackerman High School.

“It’s good to be back close to home,” said Woods. “I am familiar with 6A football and I realize

how tough it is at this level. But the transition has been a good one. We have a veteran team and that always helps.

“This program has a high level of expectations and it’s our job to maintain that level.”

The Jackets finished 13-1 last year and their lone loss came to South Panola in the Class 6A North State title game.

OFFENSE

The Jackets must replace the talented arm of Brady Davis at quarterback, who is now at Memphis. But Starkville returns plenty of weapons to aid senior Montario Montgomery in his first season as the starting quarterback.

Senior receiver A.J. Brown, who is rated a consensus four-star recruit, had 1,019 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Senior Kobe Jones, another top recruit in the state, returns on the offensive line while senior center

Connor Reinike has transferred in from Starkville Academy.

DEFENSE

The Yellowjackets had one of the top defenses in the state and could be even better this year.

The defensive line returns Jones, Lorenzo Dantzler and Malik Bell - all seniors. Linebacker Willie Gay already has SEC offers from Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Junior Abdural Lee returns at safety while Edwards will also see time in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Jackets will have to replace last year’s kicker and punter. Handling the placekicking will be junior Wesley Albritton while senior Ben Griffith takes over as the starting punter. Sophomore Brandon Gilliland will back up both Albritton and Griffith. Seniors Cameron Johnson and Connor Reinke will serve as the long snappers.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at Noxubee County Oxford at West Point KIPP (Tenn.) Collegiate at Callaway* Northwest Rankin* at Greenville* Madison Central* at Murrah* at Warren Central* Clinton* *-Division 2-6A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

51 2010-14

(5, 12, 12, 9, 13)

New coach, same confidence for Volunteers

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Starkville Academy reached the Division II, Academy AAA championship game a year ago before falling to Oak Forest (La.) Academy.

Now the Volunteers look to take that next step and will do so with a new coach. Jeff Terrill retired after Nicholson five seasons with the Volunteers and long-time assistant coach Chase Nicholson steps into his first opportunity as a head coach.

“Being around this program has been huge for the transition,” said Nicholson.“It is kinda cheating for me because I’ve been here so long and most coaches don’t have that luxury coming into a new job.”

Nicholson spent the past seven seasons as an assistant coach at Starkville Academy. He has several veteran coaches on his staff, too.

“I’m lucky to have this staff around me,” said Nicholson. “We have Tony Stanford who has been coaching for 40 years and Bubba Davis is also helping us this season. That’s a lot of coaching experience. And knowing these kids and their families makes it an easy transition, too.”

OFFENSE

Directing the Volunteers’ offense is senior Houston Clark, a returning twoyear starter at quarterback and an allconference performer in 2014. Senior reciever Colt Crestman will also see time as the wildcat quaterback.

“We have eight returning starters back on offense,” said Nicholson. “So there’s experience there and most have been starting for three years. They

know what it takes to win and how to score points.”

Senior Carter Wood was an all-conference player last year, too, and is a two-year starter at left tackle.

DEFENSE

Crestman will play a big role on defense, too, and is a returning starter at safety. Senior Drake Gordon is another veteran at cornerback while senior Houston Massey headlines the linebackers’ group.

Nicholson will have to fill more holes on defense due to graduation. But overall, the speed and athleticism on defense has Nicholson optimistic.

“The biggest thing on defense is our athleticism with our skill guys,” said Nicholson. “We have good speed there.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Sam Cox will handle kickoffs and field goals/extra points while Crestman returns at punter.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

SCHEDULE

Marshall Academy West Lowndes at Magnolia Heights at Lamar School Pillow Academy Washington School at French Camp Academy at Heritage Academy* Leake Academy* at Winston Academy* *-District I, Division 2-3A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

33 2010-14

(3, 10, 5, 4, 11)

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40F

BRAVES

BY GENE PHELPS

FAST FACTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandon Maxcy, Jr., QB Maxcy started and played in all 11 games last season as a sophomore.

Caleb McCalmon, Jr., WR Gives the Braves a 6-foot-3 target in the passing game.

Casey Flack, Jr., OL Played left guard last season and was the team’s most valuable offensive lineman.

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Fast start would help teach ‘how to win’

TISHOMINGO CO.

Division: 1-4A 2014 record: 1-10, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Preston Leathers (2nd year)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

Life’s not easy when you’re trying to build a football program and your neighborhood is Division 1-4A. Preston Leathers, who enters his second season as head coach at Tishomingo County, knows about the fight Leathers when you line up week to week against Amory, Corinth, Itawamba AHS, Pontotoc and Shannon.

Leathers’ Braves finished 1-10 overall and winless in the division last season. However, they did come close – losing by seven points to Amory and falling to Pontotoc in overtime.

GOOD LUCK!

“The big thing is our athletes expect more,” Leathers said. “We want to do better.”

Leathers believes a good start before division play begins – one laced with victories – is crucial.

“The most important thing for us is to come out hot the first six non-division games,” he said.“We need to win some of those games … understand how to win.”

OFFENSE

Junior Brandon Maxcy bulked up from 186 to 202 pounds and returns at quarterback. His backup will be senior Harrison Moss.

Another junior, 6-foot-3, 170-pound wide receiver Caleb McCalmon gives the quarterback a big target. McCalmon had solid 7-on-7 play in camps at Ole Miss and Mississippi State. “(McCalmon) has phenomenal ball skills,” Leathers said.

Caleb Smith is the tight end and Ethan

Murphy, who rushed for 500-plus yards last season, are back. Up front are two juniors, Casey Flack and Dakota Whirley return, along with three-year starter Tyler Price, a senior.

DEFENSE

Last season’s team defensive MVP, linebacker Greg Moore, returns for his senior year. He will be joined by junior Skylor Dill and sophomore Caleb Garner.

Three juniors return in the secondary – cornerbacks Jermaine Duckett and Wheeler Brewster, and safety Jacob Rushing. Brewster impressed the coaches with a solid spring.

Up front, nose guard Jamie Powell will be a senior.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

at Mantachie Alcorn Central at Belmont Kossuth at Booneville Caledonia at Shannon* Corinth* at Pontotoc* at Amory* Itawamba AHS* * – Division 1-4A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

SPECIAL TEAMS

Caleb Smith was an all-division punter last season. Brady Whitaker, a soccer player, is the kicker. McCalmon is the long snapper and Rushing will be the return specialist.

9

2010-14

(1, 2, 3, 2, 1)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

TUPELO

GOLDEN WAVE FAST FACTS

Division: 1-6A 2014 record: 8-4, 4-3 (lost 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Trent Hammond (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Daniel Bristow, Sr., QB Three-year starter passed for 1,061 yards last season.

Donte Freeman, Jr. RB Averaged 6.6 yards per carry on 53 carries.

Chase Cannon, Sr. DE Was switched from offensive line to defense in spring.

DAILY JOURNAL

Hammond’s focus is winning division the title game. In the regular season, the Tigers beat the Wave 148 in Batesville.

To be the best, you have to beat “The great thing playing in this the best. Tupelo faces that task division you get to test where you every season in Division 1-6A, a are,” he said. home it shares with 11-time state OFFENSE champion South Daniel Bristow, a 6-foot-4 senior, rePanola. turns for his third season with a 21-6 “We’re trying to record as a starter. He completed 75 of make our mark,” 119 passes for 1,061 yards last season. third-year coach “We’re going to put more on (BrisTrent Hammond tow’s) shoulders,” Hammond said. “We Hammond said. “A lot of peo- have receivers who could have breakple in our division out years.” are going to be really good.

The receiver corps features Chris “I tell our kids, ‘If you win this Shannon, Jaylen Pounds and Quien division you’ve got a chance to Salters. The running backs are Donte play for a state championship.’ ” Freeman, Austin Watkins, Kegan HudTupelo came close in 2013, dleston, Labryant Siddell, David Birks Hammond’s first season with the and Jaquarious Williams.

Golden Wave. That season, TuThe offensive line returns guard Jarvis pelo defeated South Panola 12-3 Smithey and tackle Reed Sanders. Harriin the state semifinals to reach son Broadaway and Matthew Ray are

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

the centers. Jemarion Gillard and former defensive lineman Devonte Thomas are guards. Jaleel West, Austin Bailey and D.J. Rudd are tackles.

DEFENSE

Daiquarrius Pounds starts at nose.

He’s joined up front by Chase Cannon, McKenzie Richardson, Andrew Ray, Max Southworth and Kejon Dowdend.

The linebackers are Tyler Gilbert, Trabor Hill, Jett Johnson and Alduan Foster.

The outside backers are Kyree Bradford, Tyler Randall, Diesel Howell, Greg Williams and Colby Williams.

In the secondary, the corners are Rdarious Edwards, Deshun Evans, Jarques Davis, Issac Edwards and Julian Warren. The safeties are Jaren Giuhan, Tvario Standifer and Iggi Free.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Josh Smith and Mason Quaka will kick. Jamie Smith returns as the punter.

Laquaveon Webb will likely return kicks.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at Clarksale at Corinth Shannon at Brandon at Hernando* Columbus* Southaven* at South Panola* DeSoto Central* at Horn Lake* Olive Branch* * – Division 1-6A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

38 2010-14

(7, 6, 4, 13, 8)

Senior QB Bristow seeks return to state championship game

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Tupelo quarterback Daniel Bristow played in the state championship as a sophomore, an experience he still often thinks about.

Tupelo quarterback Daniel Bristow played on high school football’s biggest stage – the MHSAA Class 6A state championship game – as a 15-year-old.

It’s an experience the Golden Wave senior will never forget.

“It was fun; I think about it all the time,” Bristow said, following a preseason practice. “I still have a lot of friends from that team. I always talk about it with them.

“From an experience standpoint, it’s something you want to get back to.”

That 2013 season, the thensophomore Bristow directed Tupelo to a 13-2 record and a North state championship game win against South Panola. He showed his versatility in the state title game against Oak Grove by making

a 30-yard pass reception from running back Quinn Tiggs in the third quarter that set up the team’s lone touchdown to tie the score at 7-7.

Oak Grove eventually won the game, 14-7, on a trick play at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

‘HE’S ELUSIVE’

“He’s a lot more athletic than people give him credit for,” Tupelo offensive coordin-ator/quarterback coach John Keith said. “For a big kid (6-foot-4, 200 pounds), he’s elusive.”

Quarterback is Bristow’s natural position. He’s played in 27 games and helped his team compile a 21-6 record.

“The best thing about Daniel is he has a complete understanding of what we do,” Keith said. “He’s really grown in that aspect. He understands what we’re trying to do with each play.”

Bristow, who completed 75 of 119 passes for 1,061 yards and three touchdowns last season, hopes his talented receiving corps can give the offense a boost.

“We’ve got a lot more playmakers and weapons,” he said. “The first thing we have to do is get them the ball.

That’s on me.”

Tupelo head coach Trent Hammond expects a lot more production from his quarterback this season.

“It’s time he carried us,” Hammond said.

Bristow wouldn’t mind a return to the 6A championship game, which is being played this season at Ole Miss.

“I think we have the potential to do a lot of good things,” he said. gene.phelps@journalinc.com Twitter: @genephelps

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42F

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

TUPELO CHRISTIAN

EAGLES

FAST FACTS

Division: Independent 2014 record: 2-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Shaune Holiday (4th season)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Caleb Kitchens, Jr., QB Coach Shaune Holiday says camping has helped Kitchens' arm. Expects Kitchens to lead a potent offense.

John Mark Jolly, Jr., ATH Jolly is a jack of all trades. Will run, catch, play linebacker and punt.

Rob Pillow, Sr., DB Pillow had a team-high three interceptions last season.

DAILY JOURNAL

Holiday: Offense ‘leaps and bounds ahead’

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo Christian will spend one more season as an independent before going back into the Mississippi High School Activities Association.

Eagles coach Shaune Holiday expects points from his offense Holiday after a whole year under former Tupelo and South Panola offensive coordinator David Wilkerson.

“We’re leaps and bounds ahead of where we were this time last year,” Holiday said. “Offense and defense. They believe in what we’re doing.”

After canceling the 2013 season, the Eagles played seven

games last season and picked up a couple of wins.

“For those kids to go out and win a couple games and play good at the end of the year,” Holiday said. “I think it helps their confidence. It makes them want to work.”

OFFENSE

Former Biggersville quarterback Caleb Kitchens returns as a junior with a season under his belt.

“Caleb’s been to a lot of camps over the last two summers. He’s really improved. His arm strength is good,” Holiday said. “Caleb can throw any ball you want.”

Kitchens will face his former team in the season’s third game. He has weapons, led by do-it-all junior RB/WR John Mark Jolly and junior TE/WR Jack Gilmore.

The Eagles will run a host of sophomores to the front line, starting with

Dennis Hudson and Brandon Wood and junior Chase Harbison. Those three return the most experience.

DEFENSE

The same names appear on the defense side.

“When you’re playing independent and you’ve got 25 kids at the most, you play ironman football, baby,” Holiday said.

Jolly, freshman Cody Coggins and sophomore Bo Robertson will play linebacker. In the secondary, junior Rob Pillow returns after intercepting a team-high three passes last season, joined by Josh Myles.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

SCHEDULE

Tipton-Rosemark (Tenn.) at Oak Hill Academy Biggersville Columbus Christian Aca. at Lee Academy at Macon Rd. Baptist (Tenn.)

Fayette Academy (Tenn.)

Houlka at Rossville Christian (Tenn.)

FOUR-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jolly will punt and Woods will kick.

Holiday said Woods had made as far as a 45-yard field goal in practice.

13 2010-14

(7, 4, 0, DNP, 2)

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VARDAMAN

RAMS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2014 record: 0-11, 0-8 (No playoffs) Head coach: Larry Gann (3rd year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandon Washington, Jr., WB/DB Led Rams on offense and defense last season before being sidelined by an injury.

Trey Owen, Soph., QB Took over starting job as a freshman last season and kept it during the spring.

Wesley Casey, soph., TE The “still growing” 6-foot-4, 192pounder is a former offensive guard.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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Gann confident Rams are turning the page

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Larry Gann’s return toVardaman hasn’t been an easy one – 22 losses in 23 games. Be patient, the veteran coach says, a lot of progress was made in the spring.

“We’ve got 26 players and 11 didn’t play last year,” said Gann, Gann 63, who is beginning his 36th year in coaching. “Those 11 kids had a big impact in the spring.

“Why they haven’t played, I don’t know.”

How successful was the spring?

The Rams won three quarters in a scrimmage against Byhalia, H.W. Byers and Potts Camp. The lone scrimmage loss was by a

touchdown to Holly Springs, a six-win team from 2014.

“Winning those 30-play (scrimmages) was a big deal for our team,” Gann said. “That was the first time for success for those players. It did a lot for our attitude.

“I’m proud of our players. I was glad to see them have some success. It carried over to their work this summer in the weightroom.

They have a little confidence now.”

OFFENSE

Trey Owen, a sophomore, returns at quarterback after taking over for starter Brandon Walker as a freshman. Walker has been moved to wide receiver. “(Owen) didn’t do anything to lose the job in the spring,” Gann said. “He can just make plays.”

Owen’s favorite target could quickly become junior wingback Brandon Washington, a talented player who was sidelined with a broken hand in last

season’s fifth game.

(Washington) is the kind of kid you love to have on your team,” Gann said.

“We really struggled on offense and defense when he went out last season.”

Washington scored five touchdowns and was also a playmaker at free safety.

DEFENSE

Gann is counting on linebackers – senior Devin Wilson and freshman Payten Crestman – to provide steady play.

Hunter Spencer, Wesley Casey, Will O’Barr, Dillon Williams and Chance Thart are all scheduled to play on the offensive and defensive lines. Casey was moved from guard to tight end.

Williams is looking to bounce back from a broken arm suffered in spring drills.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Deon Johnson and Washington will handle returns, Owen or Walker will punt, and the kicking job is open headed into fall practice.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at East Webster Bruce Houlka Coffeeville* at Thrasher* Biggersville* at Coldwater* Falkner* at West Lowndes* Smithville* open at Hamilton* * – Division 1-1A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

26 2010-14

(9, 9, 8, 0, 0)

Coach stays positive amid losing seasons

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Despite watching his Vardaman football team lose 22 games the last two seasons, third-year Rams head coach Larry Gann flat out refuses to give in to negativity.

Instead, @RLGann cranks out daily sports motivational tweets to his players and followers on social media: “Football games are won and lost by teams, not individuals.”

“Keep pushing yourself to reach your potential.”

“Good work this morning. Need the same this afternoon. Go Rams!”

“I learned a long time ago from my daddy and Coach (Charles) Faulkner you can either give in or keep fighting,” said Gann, 63, who is beginning his 36th season on the sideline. “Things are not always going to go your way.

“This is the way it is. How are you going to respond?”

Gann returned to Vardaman in

2013 after spending five years as assistant principal and assistant athletics director at Center Hill in DeSoto County. He last coached in 2006 at Horn Lake. He coached at Vardaman from 1979 to 1984, before joining James “Booty” Sloan in 1985 in Clinton.

Northeast Mississippi fans will remember Gann’s successful tenure from 1988 through 1999 at Baldwyn.

BETTER DAYS AHEAD

Gann is optimistic better days are ahead for the former 1A powerhouse.

“They’ve worked their tails off and keep getting closer,” he said of his players. “Last year we were three or four plays from winning three or four games. We didn’t make a tackle, didn’t catch a ball. We just couldn’t get it done, but we saw signs of improvement.”

This season’s 26-player roster features 11 newcomers, but Gann believes they are players who can help

bring positive results.

“The attitude of this team has been remarkable,” he said. “Not that they’ve had a bad attitude.

Everybody just needs a little success, even the coach.”

This season, four sophomores start on the offensive line. All four played last year. Another key starter, wingback/defensive back Brandon Washington returns after an injuryplagued sophomore year. Gann has a sophomore quarterback, Trey Owen, who experienced some success last season and during spring practice.

“I feel like these kids are trying,” Gann said. “They know I’ll come after them if I feel the effort is lacking.”

And Gann still has that burning desire to coach. “I enjoy the practices, the prep work and games,” he said. “Other than losing, there’s nothing I get tired of.” gene.phelps@journalinc.com Twitter: @genephelps

TWITTER.COM/@RLGANN

Some recent tweets from Larry Gann’s Twitter account.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2015

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

THRASHER

REBELS

FAST FACTS

Division: 1-1A 2014 record: 5-6, 4-4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Lamart Harvey (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kendall Guy, Jr., RB Rushed for 823 yards and 9 TDs as a sophomore.

Zach Bryant, Jr., OL/DL Right tackle is 6-foot-1, 305 pounds and has started since the seventh grade.

Leonardo Robinson, Jr., OL/DL Six-foot-3, 345 strong pounds to give the Rebels another big man to run behind and to also stop the run.

WALNUT

WILDCATS FAST FACTS

Division: 1-2A 2014 record: 9-3, 4-1 (Lost 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: John Meeks (4th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Monterio Hunt, Jr., RB/OLB Totaled more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage and scored 19 TDs as a sophomore.

Preston Leak, Sr., FB/MLB Returns as Walnut’s leading tackler.

Had 40 solo stops as a junior.

Sydney Spells, Sr., WR/CB The Wildcats leading defensive back has quickness and speed.

DAILY JOURNAL

Harvey confident in potential of his starters

BY BRANDON SPECK DAILY JOURNAL

If not for being in crowded Class 1A, Thrasher would likely have already been a yearly playoff contender for fourth-year coach Lamart Harvey.

But with nine teams in the 1A division, Thrasher’s 4-4 marks in division the last two Harvey seasons have still left the Rebels on the outside looking in.

“You can go 5-3 and finish No. 4 and have to go to the Delta on the road that first game,” Harvey said.

Loaded divisions, plus the regular-season division games, can be a burden. There are 115 miles between Thrasher and Cof-

feeville and 101 miles between Thrasher and West Lowndes. In the state’s middle classes, two divisions wins are enough to make the playoffs.

The division is deep. The Rebels are not, but Harvey trusts assistants Cal Worley, Jason Allen and Lionel Gaines with the Rebels’ thin crew.

“I feel like my first 11 are as good as anybody,” Harvey said.

OFFENSE

Junior Jalen Warren will take over at quarterback. He’ll have a junior to hand the ball to in running back Kendall Guy. As a sophomore, Guy rushed for 823 yards and nine touchdowns. Up front, junior right tackle Zach Bryant (6-foot-1, 305) has been a starter since seventh grade. Junior Garrett Reece is the center, his second year to start. Junior Leonardo Robinson (6-foot-3, 345) is at left tackle.

“Sometimes I’ll put (Leo) and Zach

on the same side and we’ll just run over somebody,” Harvey said. “They’re pretty good size for 1A.” Harvey says freshman Shawn-Dalton Weatherbee is explosive. He will start at receiver and be the backup quarterback. The Rebels won’t throw much, but when they do, senior Daniel Boren is likely the target.

DEFENSE

Robinson and Bryant will double up on the defensive front, along with sophomore Luke Ballard. Keaton Fugitt is a sophomore defensive end. Hard-hitting Booneville transfer Malek Justice will play middle linebacker. Weatherbee is the team’s best athlete. He will play safety. Sophomores Montavious Walker and Travis Taylor and junior Tyler Williams are also in the secondary.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

New Site at Potts Camp at East Union at Smithville* Vardaman* at Hamilton* Coffeeville* Open at Biggersville* Coldwater* at Falkner* West Lowndes* * – Division 1-1A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

21

SPECIAL TEAMS

2010-14

Weatherbee will return kicks and punts.

(1, 5, 5, 5, 5)

Not much depth, but Meeks likes what he sees

BY KEDRICK STOREY SOUTHERN SENTINEL

Besides lack of depth that will cause fourth-year Walnut coach John Meeks to make some adjustments in how he prepares, he likes his Wildcats’ team.

“Having 10 less players is going to change the way we practice. I love Meeks to hit, but we’ll cut down on some of that,” said Meeks.

“Last year if a kid went down, I could put someone in and there would be just a slight dropoff.

This year if someone goes down it’s gong to hurt us. I like the team. We just need to build depth.”

Walnut returns six starters on

both sides of the ball, most notably, junior RB/CB Monterio Hunt. He holds an offer from Mississippi State and will be asked to fill the void left by Dandy Dozen Armani Linton, a twotime 1,000-yard rusher now at Ole Miss.

OFFENSE

Hunt, senior FB Preston Leak and first-year starting sophomore QB Drew Pitney will do the heavy lifting for Walnut’s pro-style offense.

As a junior, Hunt averaged 7.3 yards per carry and scored nine rushing TD. He led Walnut in receiving with 24 grabs for 606 yards and 10 more scores.

Up front, the Wildcats will use a seven-man rotation with C Ryder Mills , RG Nolan Buse, Luke Devore or Lee Bryant at RT, LG Matthew Erb and LT Seth Bowman.

Ricken-ta Garth could line up at any

position except center. James Brooks, Jordan Nelson and Kadarius Jones will vie for time at TE Out wide is senior returnee Sydney Spells, Chris Perry, Cade Robinson and Kylan Story.

DEFENSE

Defensively, Walnut will run a 3-6 defense that features the linebackers.

Bowman, Garth and Bryant will do their best to keep linemen off of linebackers Leak, their top returning tackler, Hunt, Brooks and Wesley Cox. Spells and Perry will be the corners, Robinson, Jones and Nelson will be in the mix at safeties.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Meeks hasn’t decided on a kicker, but look for Hunt to return punts and kicks.

He scampered 90 yards for a score against Booneville to start the 2014 season.

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

SCHEDULE

Booneville at Falkner at Alcorn Central Middleton at New Site* Benton County Mantachie* at Potts Camp* H.W. Byers* at Baldwyn* at East Union* *Division 1-2A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

33 2010-14

(8, 4, 3, 9, 9)

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WEST POINT

GREEN WAVE FAST FACTS

Division: 1-5A 2014 Record: 9-5, 5-2 (Lost 2nd round playoffs) Head coach: Chris Chambless (10th year)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Scott Lashley, Sr., OL Top offensive lineman prospect in the state.

Tony Rush, Sr., DL/LB Two-year starter and all-division performer.

Nick Melton, Sr., OLB Started as a sophomore but missed junior season with ACL injury.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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Wave veterans challenged to step up, lead counted on more than ever.

“Our older guys have to step up and be leaders,” said Chambless.

West Point’s football program “They have to show the young has been accustomed to playing guys the way and be vocal leaders.” for championships for several decades. If the OFFENSE Green Wave are to The Green Wave backfield will be relmake a run this atively new, although the offensive line season, head features a pair of veterans in seniors coach Chris Devin Morton and Scott Lashley, who is Chambless said considered the top 2016 offensive linethe coaching staff man prospect in the state. will need patience.

Junior Mario Edwards will step in at Chambless That’s due to the quarterback and may also see time at youth on the West receiver, said Chambless. In the backPoint roster this season.The Green field, West Point has a pair of talented Wave finished 9-5 last season and sophomores in Chris Calbert and Maradvanced to the second round of cus Murphy. And both guys will get their the Class 5A playoffs. But several shot to make a quick impact. prominent playmakers on offense The team has to replace long-time graduated off last year’s team. offensive coordinator Lee Grisham.

Chambless noted that the roster “Our same plan is to run the ball,” said does feature a few veterans and Chambless. “We lost our offensive coorthose upperclassmen will be dinator that was with us for 16 years. But

BY PAUL JONES

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Casey Welch and Brett Morgan are cooffensive coordinators now and they have been with us a while, too. So not much will change with our scheme.”

DEFENSE

Senior Tony Rush is the leader of the defensive line and will line up at defensive end/linebacker. Tay Hampton is a returning starter at linebacker. West Point also returns senior linebacker Nick Melton, who missed his junior season with an ACL injury.

“It’s the same deal on defense with a lot of new faces,” Chambless said. “But we do have more veterans on defense than offense.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Green Wave will feature a new kicker after losing three-year starter Omar Lemus. Junior Jose Garcia will fill that void and handle the placekicking and punting duties. Nick Melton will serve as the team’s long snapper.

Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SCHEDULE

at Louisville Starkville Columbus at Noxubee County at Oxford* Clarksdale* at Center Hill* Lake Cormorant* Saltillo* at New Hope* Lewisburg* *-Division 1-5A

FIVE-YEAR WIN TOTAL:

51 2010-14

(14, 8, 11, 9, 9)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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