Football Journal 2017

High school previews

Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

©JPC’16

www.reedsms.com 842-6453 1-800-627-3337

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FootballJournal 2017

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017 |

Aberdeen Alcorn Central Amory Ashland Baldwyn Belmont Biggersville Booneville Bruce Calhoun Academy Calhoun City Corinth East Union East Webster Falkner Hamilton Hatley Holly Springs Houston H.W. Byers Itawamba AHS Kossuth Lafayette Mantachie Marshall Academy Mooreville Nettleton New Albany New Site

TEAM INDEX 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 12 14 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

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North Pontotoc Oak Hill Academy Okolona Oxford Pontotoc Potts Camp Ripley Saltillo Shannon Smithville South Pontotoc Starkville Starkville Academy Thrasher Tishomingo County Tupelo Tupelo Christian Vardaman Walnut West Point

ALSO

Tupelo defenders Players to watch Preseason rankings MHSAA champs West Point’s Murphy College updates

ON THE COVER

Tupelo High School defenders Tay Standifer, Peter Gray and Jett Johnson. Read about them on Pages 3E and 11E.

daILy JOuRnaL

WE NEED YOUR HELP ON FRIDAYS

36 37 38 39 41 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 51 52 53 55 51 56 56 57 3 4 4 14 43 59

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 us at 678-1601 as soon as possible after games are complete.

If you’re on the road outside the area, call toll-free (1800-270-2612, 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.

You can also email us at djournalsports@yahoo.com with game information, but call us to make sure it arrived and we have no questions.

We count on hearing from all local teams by 11 p.m. to ensure we can get your game into Saturday’s paper.

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sports editor: John L. Pitts Inside page production: Lee Smith, John L. Pitts from a concept by Brad Locke and Gene Phelps KEITH WARREN | MHSAA Staff high school writers: The Daily Journal’s circulation area had three MHSAA state champions last Dalton Middleton, Brad Locke season – from top, Calhoun City (2A), Lafayette (4A) and West Point (5A).

www.careers.iqor.com

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2E |

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 3E

Tupelo ‘Gold Bricks’

Trio of talented veteran defenders lead the Golden Wave

BY GENE PHELPS DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo’s Golden Wave defense returns less than a handful of starters from a successful 2016 season.

However, defensive coordinator Brian Jones has three valuable, sparking, solid “Gold Bricks” to anchor his defensive unit’s construction: senior inside linebacker Jett Johnson, senior outside linebacker Peter Gray and junior safety Tavario (Tay) Standifer.

“All three of these guys bring something different to the table,” Jones said. “All three have tremendous work ethic. All three had great springs. They’ve all worked really hard to improve. The younger players have seen that. That can’t help but rub off.”

Johnson (6-3, 220), the Daily Journal’s 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, has averaged 125 tackles in his two seasons as a starter.

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM “He has a great grasp of Tupelo will be relying on three defensive stalwarts this fall – from left, Tay Standifer, Peter Gray and Jett Johnson. what we do,” Jones said.

“He’s really impressive to be one of his two fumble recovabout this game.” support, but he can cover the experience returning to join around. He sees things on the eries for a TD. Standifer (6-3, 195), who hash and cover deep. He’s a forces with Gray, Johnson and field faster than anybody I’ve “The first day last year, has started since his freshplaymaker.”

Standifer. ever been around.” we were running drills and man year, has averaged 7.5 Jones played enough “We’ve got eight or nine Gray (6-4, 240), who transI hadn’t talked to him about tackles per game over two people last season – Tuguys who saw significant ferred in after starting as a the calls,” Jones said. “After seasons. pelo finished 12-1 and lost playing time last year,” he sophomore in Texas, recordthree snaps we sent him in.

“He has a physical presin the second round of the said. “We consider them all ed 87 tackles, five sacks, three He knew exactly what we ence about him,” Jones said. state playoffs – that he’s not fairly experienced.” interceptions and returned were doing. He’s so intelligent “We use him more for run concerned about a lack of Player Q&A, Page 11E

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

daILy JOuRnaL |

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

East Union’s Joel Wilkinson takes off on a touchdown jaunt last season.

Twelve impact players to watch

BY BRAD LOCKE daILy JOuRnaL

Football talent abounds in Northeast Mississippi, so it’s hard to single out a handful of players as being the best ones, especially before the season has begun.

But this list isn’t just about who’s best or who has the most potential to play in college; it’s about players who deserve your attention because of the impact they’re expected to make for their teams.

MATTHEW BOBO KOSSUTH

Class: Junior Position: QB Vitals: 5-foot-10, 185 Buzz: Dual-threat guy who completed only 45% of his passes last year, but at 22.1 yards per completion.

He threw 19 TDs against just 3 INTs. On the ground, Bobo gained 595 yards with 15 TDs.

TERENCE CHERRY WEST POINT

Class: Senior Position: DL Vitals: 6-2, 250 Buzz: A nightmare for offensive linemen with his size and speed, Cherry recorded 79 tackles and 18 sacks last season.

Coach Chris Chambless said Cherry is “an SEC linebacker playing defensive tackle.”

PETER GRAY TUPELO

Class: Senior Position: LB Vitals: 6-4, 230 Buzz: After moving from Texas prior to last season, Gray stepped right in and was a big factor in one of the state’s top defenses.

He made 107 tackles and 7 sacks and showed a nose for the ball, with 3 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries. Has more than a dozen offers, including Memphis, Texas-San Antonio and Western Michigan. tuRn tO IMPACT, 24E

PRESEASON RANKINGS

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LARGE SCHOOLS

SMALL SCHOOLS

1. Tupelo (6A) The Golden Wave posted a 12-1 record and went undefeated in Division 1-6A, but they were eliminated from the playoffs by Madison Central in the quarterfinals. LBs Jett Johnson and Peter Gray lead a stout defense. Junior QB Stephon McGlaun is poised for a big season.

2. West Point (5A) The Green Wave ended their longest championship “drought” since the forgettable ’90s by claiming their first title in six years.

Chris Chambless (12th season) has kept this program in contention year after year, and with MSU commit Marcus Murphy back, a repeat could be in the cards.

3. Lafayette (5A) After winning the 4A title, Lafayette was rewarded by getting bumped up to 5A. It will be in the same division as West Point, but RB Jamarcus Quarles (2,140 yards, 19 TDs) gives the Commodores a chance.

4. Oxford (6A) The Chargers also got bumped up a classification and will be in the same division as Tupelo and South Panola. Second-year coach Chris Cutcliffe has more than half his starters back from last season’s 8-5 squad.

5. Amory (4A) In his first year as coach, Allen Glenn restored the Panthers to their former glory – and their deepest playoff run in five years (third round). QB Hunter Jones is a freshman but is surrounded by plenty of talent, like RB J.J. Jernighan.

1. Kossuth (3A) The Aggies averaged nearly 40 points per game en route to an 11-2 mark, but the season ended in the second round of the playoffs with a 40-7 loss to East Side. Gone is productive RB Jaley Adams, but junior QB Matthew Bobo is a dual threat – 1,196 yards passing and 595 rushing last year.

2. North Pontotoc (3A) QB Clark Mills (2,400 yards, 31 TDs) returns to lead the Vikings, who went 10-4 last year and won their third division title in four years. Andy Crotwell has taken over as coach and must replace two-way star Zay Cullens, who led the team in rushing (1,754 yards) and was second in tackles (94).

3. Houston (3A) The Hilltoppers went 8-4 and lost 21-19 to Cleveland in the first round of the 4A playoffs. Led by QB Urriah Shepard – who accounted for 2,239 yards of total offense and 25 TDs – Houston will be a big factor after dropping down to 3A. 4. Calhoun City (2A) The Wildcats are coming off their second state championship, but must replace All-Area firstteam RB/LB Jesse Nabors. Thirdyear QB Jojo Gray (886 yards, 10 TDs rushing) will try to pick up the slack, along with RB Keshun Parker (1,054 yards, 19 TDs).

5. Baldwyn (2A) QB John Swinney and RB Johndrix Robinson return to lead an offense that averaged close to 40 points per game. The Bearcats will try to get over a playoff hump, having lost in the 2A state semifinals each of the last two seasons.

Compiled by Brad Locke, Dalton Middleton and David Wheeler

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4E |

ABERDEEN

BY THE NUMBERS

2 0 State championships 2 State runners-up (2009-10) 7 Division titles (last in 2015) 17 Playoff appearances (last in 2016) 17 Winning seasons 17 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

L.C. Cook is in his first full year as defensive coordinator and says the Bulldogs’ defense will be much improved.

Eric Spann, in his third year as head coach, will build off the program’s 10– straight playoff appearances.

OFFENSE

QB Fred Fields (Jr.) passed for over 2,000 yards and rushed for nearly 700 yards in his first year as the starter.

RB Dajoun Dobbs (Sr.) was a 1,000– yard rusher and had eight touchdowns.

WR Isiah McMillian (Sr.) is a threeyear starter but missed five games last year due to injury. Terrance Rowe, Jacoby Carruth and Brandan Williams round out the group.

OLs Dalvin Johnson, Chris Ewing and Mike Carrothers make up a young group.

DEFENSE

DB Jacoby Carruth (Sr.), Brandan Williams (Jr.), Terrance Rowe (Sr.) and Jaquan Jones (Jr.) are all returning starters for a talented secondary. Williams had two interceptions and 51 tackles.

LB Kordell Hoskins (Sr.) will be joined

by Terrell Johnson (Sr.) on the outside.

Jonathan Moore (Fr.) has potential.

DL Jamarques Whitfield (Sr.) is the lone returning starter up front. Dalvin Johnson (Jr.) and Tyreque Daniels (Fr.) round out the line.

KICKING GAME

K Jacoby Carruth has handled the role for the last three seasons. Punting was still being ironed out in camp.

Brandan Williams, Dajoun Rogers, Terrance Rowe and Tywann Walker will all be back deep on kicks.

SUNDAY, AUgUST 13, 2017

X-FACTOR

Aberdeen will need to keep a group of athletic receivers healthy. The Bulldogs struggled to catch the ball last season as most were starters for the first time.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Bulldogs add Houston and Choctaw County to their division slate. Once again, they will tangle with 2–4A members Amory, Pontotoc and Itawamba AHS in non-division games. Aberdeen looks for a ninth–straight A–Game win over Amory.

COACH SPEAK

“This group is going to show you a lot more work. We had so much inexperience last year, so when you start talking about no leadership or experience, that’s not a good combination.” – Eric Spann Melissa Meador

| 5E

BULLDOGS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 BRUCE Aug. 25 CALEDONIA Sept. 1 at Amory Sept. 8 at Pontotoc Sept. 15 NEW HOPE Sept. 22 at IAHS Sept. 29 NETTLETON* Oct. 6 at Choctaw County* Oct. 13 at Hatley* Oct. 20 HOUSTON* Oct. 27 SOUTH PONTOTOC* *–Division 4-3A game FAST FACTS Division: 4-3A 2016 record: 3-9, 2-3 (Lost in 1st round of playoffs) Head coach: Eric Spann (3rd year)

Good Luck!

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Amory • Aberdeen • Nettleton

Have a great season!

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Brunson Odom Ward 4 Alderman 125 W. Commerce St. • Aberdeen, MS

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Jim Buffington Ward 5 Alderman

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: ABERDEEN

DAILY JOURNAL

56

0 State championships 0 State runners-up 1 Division title (last 1989) 1 Playoff appearance (last 1989) 4 Winning seasons 31 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

OFFENSE

Sophomore Cameron Rorie will enter his first year with the starting job behind center. He is a pure athlete that makes great decisions for a young QB. Joining him in the backfield are Harley Barnes and Will Ray, who both have high expectations this year.

TE Homer Pitts can be a dual threat with great hands and a solid blocking technique. Gage Porterfield (6–4, 200),

XP. SE AR E Y

GOLD BOND

who is a senior that will play football for the first time, provides a nice target at wide receiver.

DEFENSE

Seniors Jacob Holloway and Justin Simmons command the line with their 6–2, 280–plus pound frames.

The Golden Bears will be slightly younger in the backfield, but do bring back returning starters Jaxson Bailey at OLB and S Jake Pellizzer.

KICKING GAME

Kevin Hernandez was impressive as a punter one year ago. He will work alongside new long snapper Jonathan Derrick.

X-FACTOR

The Golden Bears’ opponents were

PEST CONTROL

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held to their lowest point per game average in well over a decade last season. The defensive line must take charge if Alcorn Central wants to make additional improvements in that area.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Alcorn Central closes September with three straight road matchups, including its division opener with Mantachie. The Golden Bears do get three of their last four at home.

COACH SPEAK

“I hope that this year we can turn the corner. We competed very well last year, but it’s time to start winning some games. I want to see our guys battle all four quarters so that’s our main focus this year.” - Brandon Cherry.

Blake Long

GOLDEN BEARS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 TISHOMINGO CO. Aug. 25 at Middleton, Tenn.

Sept. 1 THRASHER Sept. 8 HATLEY Sept. 15 at East Union Sept. 22 at New Site Sept. 29 at Mantachie* Oct. 6 BOONEVILLE* Oct. 13 BELMONT* Oct. 20 at North Pontotoc* Oct. 27 KOSSUTH* *–Division 1–3A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–3A 2016 record: 3–8, 1–4 (No Playoffs) Head coach: Brandon Cherry (2nd year)

www.fmbms.com

OV ER

4

COACHING ’EM UP

Brandon Cherry enters the second season of his first head coaching position with a majority of his staff from one year ago intact.

The only new face for the Golden Bears is Forrest Wright, who comes to Glen from East Webster and will instruct the offensive and defensive lines.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: ALCORN CENTRAL

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

CA LL THE PRO

6E |

AMORY BY tHE NUMBERS

3 3 State championships (1994, 95, 98) 3 State runners-up (1987, 88, 2002) 12 Division titles (last 2016) 27 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 24 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Allen Glenn led the Panthers to their first undefeated division record since moving up to 4A last year and their deepest playoff run in five seasons in his first year as head coach.

OFFENSE

RB J.J. Jernighan (Sr.) rushed for 1,088 yards and 18 touchdowns while splitting time last season.

WR Immanuel Jones (Sr.) hauled in 21 catches for 451 yards and 4 touchdowns. Antwaun Johnson, Darius Smith and Trendon Gillon (Jrs.) round out the group of wideouts.

QB Hunter Jones will be the first freshman starter in the role in several years for Amory.

OL Ethan Bell (Sr.) is the lone returning starter. Jazevian Ezell, Daevyan

“Down Home, Down the Street”

Amory • Aberdeen • Nettleton

Latham, Scotty Wait and Jacob Cox round out the line.

DEFENSE

DBs Tamarcus Hardy, Martavious Walker, Derrick Wade and Zach Herron (Srs.) are returning starters. Herron tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions.

LB Jernighan, Hastings McMillian and Mike Williams are all returning starters. LB Jacoby O’Neal transferred from North Pontotoc.

DL Marshaun Ruff, Ezell and Jaheim McMillian fill a line that lost several key players.

KICKING GAME

K Aaron Goldman (Sr.) and P Alex Box (Sr.) came out from the soccer team.

Jones averaged 33.4 yards per KO return. Jernighan will also be back deep.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

X-FACTOR

Amory’s skill players provide plenty of explosiveness on offense and are primed for big seasons. A veteran secondary will be the strength of the defense.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Amory will be tested immediately by 6A DeSoto Central and 5A Saltillo in Weeks 1 and 2. The Panthers close out the regular season with their two new division rivals, Caledonia and Mooreville.

COACH SPEAK

“Winning the division for them last year was obviously a big deal, but that has to be a goal every year. That has to become not necessarily expected, but we want to move past that and take the next step.” – Allen Glenn Melissa Meador

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| 7E

PANTHERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at DeSoto Central Aug. 24 SALTILLO Sept. 1 ABERDEEN Sept. 8 at New Albany Sept. 15 NETTLETON Sept. 22 at Houston Sept. 29 ITAWAMBA AHS* Oct. 6 at Pontotoc* Oct. 13 at Shannon* Oct. 20 CALEDONIA* Oct. 27 at Mooreville* *–Division 2–4A game FAST FACTS Division: 2-4A 2016 record: 11-3, 5-0 (Lost in 3rd round of playoffs) Head coach: Allen Glenn (2nd year)

931 True Tempe Circle Amory, MS 38821

662-256-5605

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: AMORY

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: ASHLAND

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

ASHLAND By tHE nuMBERS

3 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 2 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 3 Winning seasons 3 Losing seasons 0 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

and Zayvon Knox (Jr.).

LT Sydarius Reed (Sr.) and LG Coudarian Nesbit (Sr.) anchor the line.

daILy JOuRnaL

X-FACTOR

BLUE DEVILS

SCHEDULE The Blue Devils have plenty of skill players but is having to use some of them Aug. 18 at Walnut Aug. 25 EAST UNION to shore up their lines.

Sept. 1 at Holly Springs DEFENSE Sept. 8 HICKORY FLAT LB Romiello Morris (Jr.) is a big key SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 15 OKOLONA* on defense. He had 49 tackles and an What was originally a 10-game Sept. 22 at Biggersville* interception last year. LB Genero Mejia schedule became 12 games with the Sept. 29 FALKNER* OFFENSE (Fr.) has a lot of promise. additions of Holly Springs (Sept. 1) and Oct. 6 at Thrasher* Wesley Thomas (Sr.) and Tavionne DE Chris Hayes (Sr.) and DL Jarvis Hickory Flat (Sept. 8) – the two weeks Oct. 13 SMITHVILLE* Stigger (Jr.) are competing for snaps at Jefferies (So.) highlight the D–line. leading into division play. Two key 1–1A Oct. 20 at Potts Camp* QB. Both were starters at WR last year Agyekum will start at FS, while Jones games against Okolona (Sept. 15) and Oct. 27 TCPS* and have limited experience under center. and Stigger will hold down the CB Smithville (Oct. 13) are at Ashland.

Nov. 3 at Byers* Cox expects to have four players work positions. Agyekum had 53 tackles, 9 *–Division 1–1A game at RB, including Cornelius Jones (Sr.) TFL and 2 INTs last fall.

COACH SPEAK FAST FACTS and Eric Bell (Jr.).

“I really considered us a 1A school WR Davieon Nash (Sr.) is a 6–3 basKICKING GAME playing 3A talent last year. So we’re down Division: 1–1A ketball player who Cox expects to have Agyekum and the QB Thomas will playing with teams we’re supposed to be 2016 record: 7–4, 4–1 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) a big impact. In this run–heavy option battle for punting and kicking duties. playing with.” – Rolandus Cox Head coach: offense, receivers will often be like extra Agyekum, Jones and Stigger are RBs, including Ocquavion Agyekum (Sr.) expected to contribute on kick returns.

Brad Locke Rolandus Cox (1st year)

Rolandus Cox was an assistant under Eric Rice the past two years when Ashland and Hickory Flat athletes combined to form the Benton County squad.

Scottie Perry and Sammy Greer are the assistant coaches.

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8E |

BALDWYN BY tHE NUMBERS

1 1 State championship (2008) 2 State runners-up (1984, 86) 19 Division titles (last 2016) 25 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 26 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Continuity continues to be the theme for Michael Gray, who is now in his 24th year overall at his alma mater. His staff has remained intact for several years and features a hometown feel with Baldwyn natives Gregg Tucker as WR coach, Drew Allen as line coach and DC Neal Allen.

OFFENSE

The Bearcats return five starters, most notably QB John Swinney. He threw for 2,269 yards and 21 touchdowns during his junior campaign.

Not to be overlooked is Johndrix Robinson, who was Baldwyn’s leading rusher as a sophomore. He totaled 981 yards on just 103 carries for an average of 9.5 yards per touch.

FB Corion Doss (6–0, 220) will be beneficial as a downhill runner.

Senior WR Dequantrae Welch has improved tremendously since joining the program last season.

Jaleel Agnew, TC Doss and Zach Richardson were OL staples as juniors.

DEFENSE

Likewise, Baldwyn brings back five starters on defense with several athletes starring on both sides.

Braxton Nabors and Welch are the featured CBs while Jahquantee Rogers and Dustin Wildmon will be the safeties.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

at the skill positions. An experienced line featuring three seniors must give them the proper time to allow their plays to develop.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Baldwyn lost four consecutive non–division games last season before reeling off nine straight victories on its way to the 2A semifinals. The Bearcats will again test themselves early against four opponents that qualified for the playoffs in higher classifications.

KICKING GAME

COACH SPEAK

“I tell people all the time that we’re Richardson is in charge of kickoffs, a young team, but we have 17 seniors. extra points and field goals. Garrett Gray a A lot of those seniors were role players, very reliable long snapper. but now it’s their turn to be a starter and they’re going to make a lot of plays X-FACTOR hopefully.” – Michael Gray The Bearcats have several playmakers Blake Long

BEARCATS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 NEW ALBANY Aug. 25 at Booneville Sept. 1 at Kossuth Sept. 8 at Nettleton Sept. 15 SALTILLO Sept. 22 NORTH PONTOTOC Sept. 29 STRAYHORN* Oct. 6 at Bruce* Oct. 13 WALNUT* Oct. 19 at East Union* Oct. 26 Open *–Division 1–2A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–2A 2016 record: 10–5, 5–0 (Lost in state semifinals) Head coach: Michael Gray (9th year)

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| 9E

Get Better.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: BALDWYN

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: BELMONT

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

BELMONT By tHE nuMBERS

16 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 1 Division title (last 2010) 16 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 22 Winning seasons 13 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

In two years as head coach, Jason Coker has help to guide Belmont into the playoffs both seasons. Coker has been at Belmont 10 years.

key unit of the Belmont squad.

DEFENSE

OLB Parker Bolton (Jr.) was one of the top three tacklers last season for the Cardinals, is a good run stopper.

OFFENSE OLB Will Pharr (Sr.) can cover a lot of QB Kirk Sparks (Sr.) brings a wealth ground on defense for Belmont, and was of experience to the offense, entering his one of the team’s top three tacklers a third year as a starter. season ago.

LT Skylar Maxwell (Sr.) has been playILB Jarred Rodregez (Jr.) played ing a significant role on the line since his outside linebacker last season, and will be freshman season. making the defensive calls this season for RG Gage Shearon (Sr.) is athletic for Belmont. his size, and has good work ethic.

RB Will Pharr (Sr.) was the leading KICKING GAME pass catcher last season for the Cardinals.

P Kirk Sparks (Sr.) averaged just under RB Parker Bolton (Jr.) will get the 40 yards per punt last season. tough yards for Belmont.

KR Will Pharr (Sr.) will handle the bulk LG Mydrion Brock (Jr.) key member of of the returns.

daILy JOuRnaL

X-FACTOR

With the loss of five starters on both offense and defense, how quickly will newcomers step up to the task?

CARDINALS

SCHEDULE Aug 18 SMITHVILLE Aug 25 SOUTH PONTOTOC Sept 1 TISHOMINGO CO. SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept 8 Open The non–division slate for the Cardinals Sept 15 at Mooreville includes perennial 1A power Smithville, Sept 22 at Red Bay (Ala.) along with rivals Tishomingo County and Sept 29 at North Pontotoc* Red Bay (Ala.).

Oct 6 MANTACHIE* Belmont opens the division with North Oct 13 at Alcorn Central* Pontotoc and Kossuth, and ends its division Oct 20 at Kossuth* schedule with Booneville.

Oct 27 BOONEVILLE* *–Division 1–3A game COACH SPEAK FAST FACTS “For us to be successful, the offense Division: 1–3A has to come together. We want to set 2016 Record: 3–8, 2–3 the tone and control our own destiny.” (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Jason Coker Head Coach: Blake Long Jason Coker (3rd year)

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10E |

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 11E

Q&A with Tupelo’s defensive leaders

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

JETT JOHNSON

Inside Linebacker, Senior … MSU commitment, had nine offers, including Ole Miss and Louisville … Preseason Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen Q: You went from middle school quarterback to high school inside linebacker. What was that process like?

A: It was a weird transition. I knew coming in Daniel Bristow was going to be the quarterback. Coach Hammond wanted me on the field to be kind of the quarterback of the defense. I really like it now.

Q: Can you evaluate your improvement after 25 games as a varsity starter?

A: I don’t get as nervous. I have a lot better knowledge on my reads. My explosiveness and tackling are a lot better. My biggest improvement from my sophomore to my junior year was getting off blocks. I’m seeing the field a lot better.

Q: You’re one of three returning starters. What do you bring to the mix from your position?

A: I think I bring leadership and knowledge. I know more about the other positions so I can get guys lined up for the blitzes and things. I hope I bring energy and leadership, and hopefully a lot of tackles.

Q: The preseason expectations are at an all-time high for this team. What’s your take?

A: That’s been a motivation factor. We’ve worked hard this summer and want to prove to everybody that the hype is real.

PETER GRAY

Outside Linebacker, Senior … Has 13 offers, including Texas-San Antonio –where he recently commited –Memphis, Southern Miss and Western Michigan.

Q: You were a newcomer last season after transferring from Texas. What the process like settling in at your position?

A: At my old school I was more of a defensive end, played with my hand on the ground. Now I play standing up and it fits me. I’m more versatile going left to right.

Q: How you rate your play last season and rate the level of play in 6A football compared to what you experienced in in 6A Texas football?

A: I played at probably a seven out of 10 last year. The difference between Texas and here, here you’ve got four or five hard games. In Texas, you’ve got seven or eight.

Q: You’re one of three returning starters. What do you bring to the mix from your position?

A: Just my versatility. I can play down the line or in the pass coverage.

Q: The preseason expectations are at an all-time high for this team. What’s your take?

A: I really don’t look at all the preseason expectations. If we stay humble and we keep working like we did last year, we have the talent to make it.

TAY STANDIFER

Safety, Junior … Has received seven offers, including Ole Miss, Memphis, Marshall, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech.

Q: You started at safety as a freshman. Could you talk about your development as a player in two seasons?

A: I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better as a player and as a team leader. I know the position a lot more and how to handle myself.

Q: You’ve already received seven college offers as a junior. What your take on recruiting with 20-plus high school games remaining in your career?

A: It’s good to know that I’m getting notice for all the hard work on the field and in the classroom. I don’t pay much attention to the recruiting. I still have two years left.

Q: You’re one of three returning starters. What do you bring to the mix from your position?

A: I’m a hard hitter and I bring good leadership, helping the young players.

Q: The preseason expectations are at an all-time high for this team. What’s your take?

A: We’ve got to live up to those expectations by going onto the field and doing what we need to do.

Interviews by Gene Phelps

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

BOONEVILLE By tHE nuMBERS

3

COACHING ’EM UP

Booneville has reached the playoffs each year under Mike Mattox.

One big advantage for the Blue Devils is very little turnover on the coaching staff over the years. All six assistants return this fall, including second–year offensive coordinator Kyle Bond.

OFFENSE

3 State championships (1990, 99, 2000) 4 State runners-up (1997, 98, 2003, 04) 10 Division titles (last 2012) 25 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 26 Winning seasons 6 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

BIGGERSVILLE By tHE nuMBERS

2 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 2 Playoff appearances (last 1997) 4 Winning seasons 28 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

Dallas Gamble (Jr.), a do–it–all player last year, takes over at QB. A dual threat, he rushed for 484 yards, 5 TDs in eight games last season.

RB William Jackson (So.) moves into a starting role after making a strong impression late last season.

Three of the offense’s returning starters are on the line: Hunter Bullard (Sr.), Rhett Reich (Sr.) and Reed Davis (Jr.). Mattox is looking at several players to fill the last

COACHING ’EM UP

Stan Platt, who returned to the sidelines last year after over a decade away from football, made two additions to the staff after Blake Hendrix became the school’s first volleyball coach.

Jeff Anglin brings a defensive mindset from Ripley while Shelby Waddell comes to the Magnolia State after leading Cherokee (Ala.) to its first playoff appearance in 14 years as its offensive coordinator.

OFFENSE

The Lions’ growing pains may finally pay off after playing predominantly underclassmen at skill positions.

Quonn Mayes provides an athletic presence at QB with his 6–1, 200–pound frame. He rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore.

Fellow junior Ethan Eaton and sopho-

two spots.

Juniors Jarius Crump and Cameron Young lead the WR corps.

DEFENSE

Bullard is a coach on the field at MLB. Jackson and Austin Williams (Jr.) join him as returning starters at LB. Gamble will still play FS, where he made 49 tackles last year, but Mattox hopes to limit his snaps there. Crump, Young, Tryson Agnew (Jr.) and Jay Moore (Jr.) will also see time in the secondary.

Several players will have a shot at playing time up front, including seniors Trace Sparks and Trace Duvall.

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Gamble, who had a 70–yard kickoff return against Independence last year, will split duties with Crump, Young and Davian Price.

X-FACTOR

Mattox likes his freshman class and will need several of them to contribute.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Kossuth and North Pontotoc figure to be contenders in 1–3A. Booneville opens division play with the Aggies (Sept. 29) and faces the Vikings on the road (Oct. 13).

COACH SPEAK

“Even though we’re younger than we’ve been, skill–wise we feel we have potenKICKING GAME tially as much talent as we’ve had since K Noah Sisk (So.) returns. He made 3 of I’ve been coach here.” – Mike Mattox 6 field goal attempts last season.

Brad Locke

more Telick Barnett were both playmakers at WR one year ago.

RB Quamon Davis missed five games last season but averaged over 100 yards per game when healthy.

Golden Butler, Chase Johnson and Hayden Samples are expected to be leaders on the line.

DEFENSE

Senior DT Cameron Barnett (6–4, 250) has gained the attention of multiple colleges after solid camps.

LBs John Garrett Overstreet and Butler control the middle of the field for the Lions.

Platt is confident in his secondary, which includes Davis, Eaton and Mayes.

KICKING GAME

Biggersville will be filling some special

teams roles during practices, but Davis and Mayes have secured their duties as returners.

X-FACTOR

Success may eventually be determined in how quickly its freshmen class, which won the Tri–County championship as eighth graders, transitions to the varsity level.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Biggersville closes the regular season with a critical road stretch at Okolona, Falkner and Smithville. The Lions have four straight home games in September.

BLUE DEVILS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 MOOREVILLE Aug. 25 BALDWYN Sept. 1 at Nettleton Sept. 8 at Saltillo Sept. 15 TISHOMINGO CO. Sept. 22 Open Sept. 29 KOSSUTH* Oct. 6 at Alcorn Central* Oct. 13 at North Pontotoc* Oct. 20 MANTACHIE* Oct. 27 at Belmont* *–Division 1–3A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–3A 2016 record: 7–4, 3–2 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Mike Mattox (8th year)

LIONS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 MIDDLETON (Tenn.)

Aug. 25 at New Site Sept. 8 TCPS* Sept. 15 ROSSVILLE (Tenn.)

Sept. 22 ASHLAND* Sept. 29 THRASHER* Oct. 6 at Potts Camp* Oct. 13 BYERS* Oct. 20 at Okolona* Oct. 27 at Falkner* Nov. 3 at Smithville* *–Division 1–1A game

FAST FACTS Division: 1–1A “As long as we get better each week 2016 record: 4-7, 2-5 and see growth, then we’ll have a chance (No playoffs) to be a pretty good team.” – Stan Platt Head coach: Blake Long Stan Platt (2nd year)

COACH SPEAK

Follow us on twitter at @dJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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12E |

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

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| 13E

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

BRUCE By tHE nuMBERS

1 1 State championship (1996) 2 State runners-up (1991-92) 7 Division titles (last 2012) 21 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 25 Winning seasons 10 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

CALHOUN ACADEMY By tHE nuMBERS

2 0 State championships 1 State runners-up (2012) 0 Division titles 2 Playoff appearances (last 2012) 2 Winning seasons 11 Losing seasons 1 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP line this season.

Clint Faust is entering his first year as a head coach after serving 13 years DEFENSE as an assistant coach at Water Valley DL Ryder Ward (Jr.) is the leading and Itawamba AHS. He is replacing Ken defensive lineman this season. Gordon Chandler, who served as head coach for and Glaspie also look to help on the line. one season.

Cullin, Lindley, and Tedford will be the three returning linebackers.

OFFENSE DB Jay Cullin, Davis and Adams will QB Trent Hall (Sr.) looks to take the round out the secondary for the Trojans. lead role this season. Hall caught one pass for 10 yards last season.

KICKING GAME RBs Dee Cullin (So.), Stone Lindley Trey Logan and Davis will split reps (Jr.), and Donte Tedford (Jr.) will split reps at kicker this season. this season. Lindley is the leading returner Hall will line up at punter. with 230 yards and a touchdown.

Davis, Adams, Cullin, and Trey WR Quin Davis and Jared Adams Wofford will return kicks and punts this (Jr.) will be the starting receivers for the year.

Trojans.

OL Dolton Gordon (Sr.) and Quan X-FACTOR Glaspie (Jr.) look to lead the offensive After losing 19 seniors, Bruce is going

COACHING ’EM UP

DEFENSE

Jerry Winters is entering his seventh year as head coach for the Cougars and is looking to bring them to the playoffs after missing them last season.

Over the last five years, Winters is averaging six wins, and he reached 11 wins in 2012.

Enochs is the lone returner on the DL. MLB Preston Bailey (Jr.) returns after he earned conference MVP honors at linebacker last season.

Pruitt is the Cougars’ lone returner in the secondary.

OFFENSE

Winters said he has not found a starting punter, kicker, or returner for the season.

QB Cody Pruitt (Jr.) returns for his second year leading the team.

RB Peyton Crestman (Jr.) returns to lead the ground game. Drew Enochs (Jr.) helps add depth to the position.

TE C.J. Bowling (Jr.) is going to be one of the tight ends this year while Levi Gosa plays the tight end on the opposite side.

Riley Crutchfield, Caleb Goodwin, and Cody Blount will be the starting offensive linemen.

KICKING GAME

X-FACTOR

Keeping the players healthy this season is the biggest factor for the Cougars. With only 12 players on the team, they cannot afford any injuries. The season can go downhill fast if a player goes down.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Three out of the first four weeks of the

daILy JOuRnaL

to depend on the minimal experience it is returning.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

After changing from 4–2A to 1–2A, Bruce is playing four division games against opponents it didn’t play last season.

The Trojans will face a tough start with three of the first four games on the road. That stretch looks to set the tone for the season.

COACH SPEAK

“I think we can win the division we are in right now. We are pretty fortunate to be in the division we are in in. Our guys are hungry, and they are ready to win it this year.” – Clint Faust Dalton Middleton

season will be against new teams.

After that, the Cougars begin to face familiar foes, which they went 1–5 against last season, with the lone win coming against Hebron Christian.

COACH SPEAK

“I think we have a really good shot at making the playoffs this season if we stay healthy. If we can consistently get players on the field Friday after Friday, we should be in the playoffs.” – Jerry Winters

FOOTBALL IS FOOTBALL

Winters on the 8-man game: “There is no difference to the fans. ... Football is football. We have three less people playing but we play the same brand of football.

We are still going out there and passing, running, and tackling.”

Dalton Middleton

TROJANS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Aberdeen Aug. 25 at Vardaman Sept. 1 COFFEEVILLE Sept. 8 at Water Valley Sept. 15 SOUTH PONTOTOC Sept. 22 CALHOUN CITY Sept. 29 at East Union* Oct. 6 at Baldwyn* Oct. 13 at Strayhorn* Oct. 20 FALKNER Oct. 27 WALNUT* *–Division 1–2A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–2A 2016 record: 4–8, 2–3 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Clint Faust (1st year)

COUGARS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 PRENTISS CHR Aug. 25 at Rebul Academy Sept. 1 KEMPER ACADEMY* Sept. 8 at Sharkey Aca.* Sept. 15 HEBRON CHR.* Sept. 22 N. SUNFLOWER* Sept. 29 HUMPHREY’S ACA.* Oct. 6 at Marvell Aca.* Oct. 20 DELTA ACADEMY* *–Division 1 game FAST FACTS Division: MAIS 8–Man Division 1 2016 record: 5–5, 2-1 (No playoffs) Head coach: Jerry Winters (7th year)

Follow us on twitter at @dJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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14E |

CALHOUN CITY BY tHE NUMBERS

2

COACHING ’EM UP

Perry Liles has led his team to eight straight postseason appearances, including a 2016 state championship and 15-1 record last season. His Wildcats have reached the title game four times in his eight years as head coach.

OFFENSE

2 State championships (1989, 2016) 9 State runners-up (1983, 88, 94, 95, 2006, 08, 10, 13, 14) 21 Division titles (last 2016) 30 Playoff trips (last 2016) 31 Winning seasons 3 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

QB Jojo Gray (Sr.) returns after passing for 403 yards and 6 TDs last season.

He rushed for 886 yards and 10 TDs. RB Keshun Parker (Sr.) rushed for 1,054 yards and 19 TDs. Treshon Cooper (Sr.) comes back after rushing for 462 yards and 5 TDs. Anfernee Campbell (Jr.) adds depth in the backfield.

OL Erik Goodwin (Sr.) is in the military and won’t be ready until Week 2.

Jalen Armstrong (Jr.) will return for Calhoun City. The Wildcats will look to

newcomers on the line to step up.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

healthy and having a good season will very much help decide this team’s fate.

DEFENSE

OLB Campbell had 113 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. MLB Keshia Parker (Sr.) and OLB Davione Hull add depth.

DL Jordan Guy (Jr.) had 49 tackles and 3 sacks. DK Wortham (Sr.) adds depth to the line.

Cooper is back in the secondary and had 50 tackles and six picks last season.

KICKING GAME

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Wildcats play two tough 4A teams within the first three weeks of the season.

They host Houston in Week 2 and then travel to Ripley in Week 3. Houston has defeated them the last two seasons. That will set the course of the season.

COACH SPEAK

“Our goal is always to make it there (state championship). This team has the potential to make it there again. We will see how good we are in our preseason games, which is the non-division games. I feel good about where our chances will be when we get to 2A play.” – Perry Liles Dalton Middleton

McGreger Lee (Jr.) was 30 of 41 on PATs. Cooper will punt and also serve as the lead returner for the Wildcats.

X-FACTOR

Gray is the leader on offense and makes the option click. Keeping him

| 15E

WILDCATS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Coffeeville Aug. 25 HOUSTON Sept. 1 at Ripley Sept. 8 WEST BOLIVAR Sept. 15 WATER VALLEY Sept. 22 at Bruce Sept. 29 Open Oct. 6 at East Webster* Oct. 13 WINONA* Oct. 20 at Leflore County* Oct. 27 EUPORA* *–Division 2–2A game FAST FACTS Division: 2-2A 2016 record: 15-1, 5-0 (Won 2A state championship) Head coach: Perry Liles (9th year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: CALHOUN CITY

DAILY JOURNAL

56

daILy JOuRnaL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

CA LL THE PRO

16E |

CORINTH BY tHE NUMBERS

19 0 State championships 1 State runner-up (2001) 9 Division titles (last 2015) 19 Playoff appearances (last 2015) 20 Winning seasons 10 Losing seasons 6 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Todd Lowery has a year under his belt in north Mississippi after moving from his native Pine Belt last summer.

Justin Dye and Case Ingram are now co–defensive coordinators following the retirement of veteran Steve Carter.

OFFENSE

QB Jon D. Warren took over midway through last season and had an exceptional summer in preparation of taking the lead role full time.

Fourteen players had at least one carry for the Warriors one year ago. A bulk of those rushers return, including Chris Kelly and Tameron Patterson.

Jawon Shields will transition from RB to WR. Incoming freshman lineman Billy Johnson has been impressive with his 6–3, 260–pound frame.

DEFENSE

Corinth has the rare luxury of returning all 11 starters.

LB Carter Bonds was the Warriors’ leading tackler last year as a freshman with 181 stops. He’s gained 30 pounds during the offseason and should be dynamic once again.

Shields will see time at both OLB and safety. Shyron Rodgers (6–4, 280) begins his senior year as a leader on the line.

KICKING GAME

Michael Baugus is a 4–star punter that averages over four seconds of hang time and consistently reaches 50 yards per boot. He’ll also handle place kicking duties.

X-FACTOR

Lowery, who was hired in June 2016,

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

was able to go through his first spring training and full summer at Corinth. The results are a vastly stronger team with a better grip on its schematics.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Warriors have one of the better non-division slates in the area with matchups against perennial playoff participants Itawamba AHS, Kossuth, Shannon and Tupelo.

COACH SPEAK

“We’ve had some consistency with the players and coaches every day.

They’ve seen just how much we care about each one of them and the work we’re trying to do to make them better individually and collectively.” – Todd Lowery Blake Long

| 17E

WARRIORS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Shannon Aug. 25 TUPELO Sept. 1 Open Sept. 8 at Center Hill Sept. 15 ITAWAMBA AHS Sept. 22 at Kossuth Sept. 29 at Byhalia* Oct. 6 TISHOMINGO CO.* Oct. 13 RIPLEY* Oct. 20 at New Albany* Oct. 27 SENATOBIA* *–Division 1–4A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–4A 2016 record: 4–7, 1–4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Todd Lowery (2nd year)

MHSAA STATE CHAMPIONS 2016

Class 6A: Clinton Class 5A: West Point Class 4A: Lafayette Class 3A: Kemper County Class 2A: Calhoun City Class 1A: Simmons

2015

Class 6A: Starkville Class 5A: Wayne County Class 4A: Noxubee County Class 3A: Collins Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: Simmons

2014

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

2013

Class 6A: Oak Grove Class 5A: Picayune Class 4A: Forrest County Class 3A: Louisville

Class 2A: Bassfield Class 1A: French Camp

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 Class 2A: West Boliver Class 1A: Noxapater

2010

Class 6A: South Panola Class 5A: West Point Class 4A: Lafayette Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Lumberton Class 1A: Mount Olive

2009

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

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

2008

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

2007

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

2006

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Wayne County Class 3A: Franklin County Class 2A: East Marion Class 1A: Puckett

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

2000

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

1999

Class 5A: Madison Cent.

Class 4A: Lawrence Co. Class 3A: Forest Class 2A: Booneville Class 1A: Pelahatchie

1998

Class 5A: South Panola Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Amory Class 2A: Taylorsville Class 1A: Smithville

1997

Class 5A: Moss Point Class 4A: Clarksdale Class 3A: Magee Class 2A: Ackerman Class 1A: Weir

1996

Class 5A: Moss Point

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

1995

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

1994

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

1993

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

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: CORINTH

DAILY JOURNAL

EAST UNION By tHE nuMBERS

3 0

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: EAST UNION

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 3 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 3 Winning seasons 2 Losing seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Kevin Walton has led team to two consecutive 2A playoff appearances, losing in the first round both years.

Chris Lucius joins the Urchins this season as wide receivers and defensive backs coach.

OFFENSE

make an impact for the Urchins. He had 66 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

LB Eli Hodges (So.) will move into the middle linebacker spot and is expected to be a leader on defense.

DB Wilkinson returns to the secondary after recording 68 tackles and 17 tackles for loss in 2016.

RB Joel Wilkinson (Jr.) rushed for KICKING GAME 2,443 yards, 31 TDs. K/P Wilkinson and Plunk will comQB Josh Basil (Jr.) moves under pete for the kicking and punting roles center for the Urchins after playing TE with neither having previous experience. the previous two seasons.

KR Jesse Crump and Wilkinson will WR Colton Plunk (Fr.) will split time be the return specialists. at receiver and running back. DeJuan Hubbard will also be an asset at receiver.

X-FACTOR Wilkinson needs to have another DEFENSE huge year rushing to lead the offense.

DL Colton Wooten (Jr.) will anchor Basil needs to have a successful season the defensive line and is expected to as the quarterback and leading the

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complex offensive scheme. The defense needs to improve, especially in tackling.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Urchins will play a very competitive non–division schedule with the key game coming in September against New Albany in their inaugural meeting. In division, the Urchins will host three games, but must travel to perennial playoff contenders Walnut and Strayhorn.

COACH SPEAK

“We are excited about the game with New Albany and hopefully we can develop a rivalry. We are going to be very young, we just don’t have very many juniors and seniors. Those young guys are just going to have to step up and play.” - Kevin Walton.

Dennis Clayton

URCHINS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 FALKNER Aug. 25 at Ashland Sept. 1 at South Pontotoc Sept. 8 MOOREVILLE Sept. 15 ALCORN CENTRAL Sept. 22 at New Albany Sept. 29 BRUCE* Oct. 6 at Walnut* Oct. 13 NEW SITE Oct. 19 BALDWYN* Oct. 27 at Strayhorn* *–Division 1–2A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–2A 2016 record: 8–4, 3–2 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head Coach: Kevin Walton (3rd year)

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18E |

EAST WEBSTER BY tHE NUMBERS

2 0 State championships 2 State runners-up (2006, 2015) 4 Division titles (last 2010) 18 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 19 Winning seasons 11 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

Longtime former New Albany coach Ron Price takes over the Wolverines’ program after Doug Wilson resigned after last season.

Wilson coached the Wolverines for six season and led East Webster to the Class 2A North State semifinals a year ago.

OFFENSE

QB Charlie Brand (Sr.) is a two-year starter and passed for 1,378 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago.

OL Cole Morgan (Sr.) is a returning starter on the defensive line but was moved to offensive tackle in the spring.

WR Issac Patterson (Sr.) is the team’s best athlete, according to Price, and will also see time at running back.

OL Jacob Gordon (Sr.) is the veteran

of the offensive line and considered the leader up front.

DEFENSE

DL Cole Morgan (Sr.) had 69 tackles and a team-best four sacks a year ago.

LB Dawson Keller (Sr.) played on the defensive line a year ago but moves to linebacker this fall.

DB Keevon Patterson (Jr.) had three interceptions in 2016 and is the younger brother of Issac Patterson.

KICKING GAME

P/K Parker Burleson (So.) enters his first season at East Webster after transferring from Saltillo High School.

X-FACTOR

Price inherits a young roster of Wolverines but there’s plenty of talent

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at the skill positions. Having a veteran quarterback in Brand will be critical for East Webster.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Wolverines play six non–division games, highlighted by a trip to Starkville Academy and a home opener against Choctaw County. As usual, Division 2–2A will be a grind with the likes of rival Eupora, Calhoun City, Winona and Leflore County.

COACH SPEAK

“There’s a lot of tradition at East Webster and I am excited to help keep it going. This district is always one of the toughest in the state and this year will be no different.” – Ron Price

| 19E

WOLVERINES

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 CHOCTAW COUNTY Aug. 25 at Okolona Sept. 1 SMITHVILLE Sept. 8 at Starkville Aca. Sept. 15 STRAYHORN Sept. 22 at J.Z. George Sept. 29 at Eupora* Oct. 6 CALHOUN CITY* Oct. 13 Open Oct. 20 at Winona* Oct. 27 LEFLORE COUNTY* *–Division 2–2A game

FAST FACTS Division: 2–2A 2016 record: 11-3, 4-1 (Lost in 3rd round playoffs) Head coach: Paul Jones Ron Price (1st year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: EAST WEBSTER

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

FALKNER By tHE nuMBERS

1

OFFENSE

1 State championships (1983) 1 State runner-up (1987) 7 Division titles (last 1999) 17 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 19 Winning seasons 15 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

HOLLY SPRINGS By tHE nuMBERS

5

COACHING ’EM UP

Hood’s team started last season 0–7 before ripping off 4 straight wins to clinch a playoff spot.

Ross Gay and Ty Priest round out his staff as assistants.

RB Alex Caldwell (Sr.) rushed for 1,870 yards while averaging 11 yards per carry.

QB Autry Windham (Sr.) is a threeyear starter who threw for 1,277 yards and 8 TDs last season. OT Pierce Johnson (Sr.) will protect his blindside and anchor the offensive line.

WR Elijah Moore (Jr.) scored 6 times on 13 receptions.

DEFENSE

LB Cole Wilbanks (Sr.) is expected to

COACHING ’EM UP

Donald Deans is entering his 12th season – eight as an assistant – as a member of the Holly Springs coaching staff. He coached the Hawks to a 6–6 record and a playoff berth in 2014.

OFFENSE

Two QBs – Caderin Lumpkin (So.), who started at running back last season, and 6–foot–2 Dylan King (Fr.) – will take snaps. Look for Lumpkin mostly in the Wildcat set. King, called “the future” 0 State championships

by Deans, is considered the passer.

0 State runners-up RB Joshua Kimble (So.) is a powerful 0 Division titles downhill runner at 210 pounds. He runs 5 Playoff trips (last 2008) a 4.7 40.

3 Winning seasons (last 2014) C Jordan Bowen (Sr.) is the team’s 29 Losing seasons (last 2016) best overall lineman.

4 .500 seasons WR Jarvis Walker (Sr.) is a transfer who sat out last season.

be the leader of the defense.

LB Morgan Jackson (Sr.) collected 44 tackles and 2 sacks last year. The coaching staff raves about his ability to always be near the ball.

DL Ryan Caviness (So.) tallied 53 tackles as a freshman and is poised to make more of an impact this season.

KICKING GAME

Salvador Duran (So.) will be in charge of all kicking aspects.

Caldwell, Moore, and TJ Colom (Fr.) will work together in the return game.

Colom is an explosive athlete in space.

X-FACTOR

Caldwell needs to stay healthy as Hood wants to run the ball with him at least 30 times a game. The Eagles offense will need to limit turnovers

DEFENSE

CB Lumpkin returns to lead the secondary, along with SS Andrew Martin (Sr.).

DT Bowen is a two-way player on the front.

MLB Anthony Richmond (Sr.) returns as one of the unit’s top tacklers.

KICKING GAME

Walker is being counted on for all the kick return duties.

The punting and kicking jobs will be decided in the preseason.

X-FACTOR

How fast QB King develops and handles the planned short passing game is crucial. The scheme will feature a lot of underneath routes, but they have the speed to go deep.

daILy JOuRnaL

EAGLES

and their defense must do a better job stopping the run.

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at East Union Aug. 24 WALNUT SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 1 MARSHALL ACA. The “Joe Bowl” against Walnut in Sept. 8 POTTS CAMP * Week 2 will be the home opener.

Falkner’s toughest stretch will be from Sept. 15 at H.W. Byers* Sept. 22 OKOLONA * Friday, Sept. 29 through Friday, Oct. 20 as the Eagles will be on the road for four Sept. 29 at Ashland* Oct. 6 at Smithville* straight weeks against division oppoOct. 13 at TCPS* nents Ashland, Smithville and Tupelo Oct. 20 at Bruce Christian Preparatory School and finish Oct. 27 BIGGERSVILLE* off against 2A power Bruce.

Nov. 3 THRASHER* *–Division 1–1A game COACH SPEAK “I expect Autry (Windham) to lead the FAST FACTS offense, to be steady and consistent. The Division: 1–1A guys will look at him to know how to act 2016 record: 4–8, 4–3 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) and react. He will need to set the pace Head coach: for the offense.” – Quess Hood Dillon Barnes Quess Hood (4th year)

The concern on defense will be the young secondary. Overall team speed could make a difference on the defensive side.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Hawks have an opportunity for a good start, playing two–win Byhalia and a new program, Ashland. Hated to see the game against in–town opponent Marshall Academy not on the Hawks’ slate.

COACH SPEAK

“We’ve got to keep our heads up and not let adversity get to us. This summer we came from behind a lot in 7-on-7.

Our motto will be, ‘Refuse to lose.’” – Donald Deans

HAWKS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 BYHALIA Aug. 25 at Mantachie Sept. 1 ASHLAND Sept. 8 at Strayhorn Sept. 15 J.Z. GEORGE Sept. 22 at Tishomingo Co. Sept. 29 at Water Valley* Oct. 6 INDEPENDENCE* Oct. 13 at North Panola* Oct. 20 at Coahoma AHS* Oct. 27 MARKS PALMER* *–Division 2–3A game

FAST FACTS Division: 2-3A 2016 record: 1-10, 0-5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Gene Phelps Donald Deans (4th year)

Follow us on twitter at @dJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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20E |

HAMILTON BY tHE NUMBERS

2 2 State championships (1981-82) 0 State runners-up 5 Division titles (last 1986) 14 Playoff appearances (last 2013) 16 Winning seasons 19 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP on the line on both sides of the ball at 6–5 Josh Baty seeks to lead his alma mater and 260 pounds. He will be joined by Harto the playoffs for the first time since 2013. rison, Daniel Miller and Gabe Burcham.

LB Young and Thomas Jackson OFFENSE move to fill that role on defense.

QB Bryant Butler (Sr.) is a returning DBs Brice Lofton, Bailey Lofton, starter after splitting time last season.

Bankhead and Fields all started last RB Toby Young, Bryson Butler and season.

Timarco Fields (Srs.) could all also see time at slot receiver.

KICKING GAME WR Brice Lofton (Sr.), Kaminski Both kicker and punter are still up in Bankhead (So.) and Nathan Fast (Jr.) the air with Brice Lofton, Zack Craware all in competition at wideout. ford and Gabe Burcham among those OL Lane Stockman (Sr.), Michael working there.

Harrison (Sr.), Stone Crawford (Sr.), Young, Fields, Bankhead and B.J. LaDerrick Despenza (Jr.) and Grant Jones will return kicks.

Thompson (Jr.) are all veterans on what should be the strength of the team.

X-FACTOR The Lions will need to keep their DEFENSE veteran offensive line healthy as all five DL Despenza is a physical presence players are returning starters who have

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

played since their freshman years.

| 21E

LIONS

SCHEDULE SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Aug. 18 COLDWATER Hamilton moves to the South for the Aug. 25 NETTLETON 2017 season, keeping only Vardaman Sept. 1 at Hatley and West Lowndes as division opponents. Sept. 8 at Nanih Waiya* The Lions open up division play at Nanih Sept. 15 WEST LOWNDES* Waiya, last year’s South runner–up. Five Sept. 22 at Noxapater* home division games are a bonus.

Sept. 29 ETHEL* Oct. 6 Open COACH SPEAK Oct. 13 SEBASTOPOL* “There’s a group of about five kids that Oct. 20 FRENCH CAMP* are so athletic that they can play it all, so Oct. 27 LEAKE COUNTY* that’s what we’re going to do. You can’t Nov. 3 at Vardaman* key on anything and that’s good. That’s *–Division 3–1A game what we’re going for, especially with the FAST FACTS type of offense that we’re running. We Division: 3–1A have enough people in places that we can 2016 record: 2–8, 2–5 be a good team, and it will be up to them (No playoffs) whether we can be one.” – Josh Baty Head coach: Melissa Meador Josh Baty (3rd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: HAMILTON

DAILY JOURNAL

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

HATLEY By tHE nuMBERS

8 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 1 Playoff appearance (2014) 8 Winning seasons 27 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: HATLEY COACHING ’EM UP starter. Haigen McSpadden (Jr.), Reid Hatley is Ken Adams’ first head coach- Farrar (Jr.), Noah Heal (Jr.) and Gannon ing job in Mississippi after spending 24 Gray (Sr.) round out the group. years in Alabama at six different schools, most recently Susan Moore in Blountsville.

DEFENSE Adams is originally from Fulton and plans LB Jack Powell (Sr.) returns after injury to run the single–wing style of offense. trouble last season. Heal, Washington, Heyden Parker (So.) and Dylan Denton OFFENSE (So.) are other starters for what should be QB Will Cantrell (Jr.) returns after the strength of the team. passing for 1,385 yards and 14 TDs. MiDB Forshee is also a force in addition to cah Turner, Luke Nelson and Eli Carter Sanders, Carter and Nelson. are also in the mix.

DL Luke Frederick (Jr.), Jeremiah RB Keyshawn Forshee (Sr.) rushed Metcalf (So.) and Nathan Snider (Sr.) are for 440 yards and 4 TDs. Kurt Hendrix possible starters.

(Sr.), Devon Heal (Sr.) and Nick Washington (So.) will also be in the backfield.

KICKING GAME WR Chaz Sanders is a returning starter.

K Luke Moffett is a freshman. Heal is Chance McNeese (Jr.) will also be out working at punting. wide with Tyler Hendrix (Jr.) at tight end.

Forshee will be the primary kick OL Auston Ballard (Sr.) is a returning returner.

daILy JOuRnaL

X-FACTOR

Players are still working on picking up Adams’ single–wing style of offense after he was hired in June.

TIGERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 17 NANIH WAIYA Aug. 25 at Smithville Sept. 1 HAMILTON SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 8 at Alcorn Central The Tigers open with a pair of 1A Sept. 15 at Mantachie contenders – hosting Nanih Waiya before Sept. 22 CENTRAL HOLMES traveling to Smithville. They will play three Sept. 29 at South Pontotoc* of their five division games on the road and Oct. 6 at Houston* are away four times in a five-game span. Oct. 13 ABERDEEN* Oct. 20 NETTLETON* COACH SPEAK Oct. 27 at Choctaw County* “Their work ethic has been real*–Division 4–3A game ly good, especially learning the new system. I’ve been really impressed by FAST FACTS it. I came in late, and they could have Division: 4–3A had an excuse, but they haven’t. They’ve 2016 record: 4–7, 0–5 came in and done everything we’ve (No playoffs) asked them to.” – Ken Adams Head coach: Melissa Meador Ken Adams (1st year)

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22E |

HOUSTON BY tHE NUMBERS

11 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 1 Division title (last 1998) 11 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 15 Winning seasons 19 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

DEFENSE

The Hilltoppers moved to an 8–1 start Lineman Michael Dedeaux (So.) will to the season in Ty Hardin’s first year as bring constant energy and will hamper head coach after four years as an assistant opposing offenses with his length. for the Houston native.

CB Zy Tumblin (Jr.) has all the skills a coach would want in the defensive OFFENSE backfield.

QB Urriah Sheppard (Sr.) has totaled MLB Bobby Townsend (So.) has a nose more than 3,000 yard of total offense for the football whether it is on the ground during each of his sophomore and junior or in the air. seasons.

WR Zykeil Birgess (Sr.) has been a KICKING GAME constant target for quarterback Sheppard, K/P Kevin Diaz (Jr.) will be in his first who has explosive speed that stretches year handling the kicking duties for the defenses.

Hilltoppers.

WR Jalen May (Jr.) is another weapon KR Jalen May (Jr.) brings his elusivefor quarterback Sheppard, who Hardin ness to the return game. says “is hard to tackle in a phone booth.”

T Brandon Samuell (Sr.) brings X-FACTOR knowledge, experience, and work ethic to Hardin thinks the Hilltoppers need the important offensive line. in–game experience to ultimately be

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

successful. He thinks their early schedule will help Houston “grow with each game.”

This is also Houston’s first season back in Class 3A, after several in 4A.

| 23E

HILLTOPPERS

SCHEDULE Aug 18 PONTOTOC Aug 25 at Calhoun City Sept 1 at New Hope SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept 8 at Itawamba AHS Right off the bat, Houston faced deSept 15 Open fending 3A state champion Kemper County Sept 22 AMORY in its jamboree game. Hardin feels the Sept 29 at Choctaw County* Hilltoppers’ non–division schedule is Oct 6 HATLEY* tough, and wants every division game to Oct 13 SOUTH PONTOTOC* be treated the same.

Oct 20 at Aberdeen* Oct 26 NETTLETON* COACH SPEAK *–Division 4–3A game “I’m going to tell the guys the expectations are there, and we’re going tout in the FAST FACTS work to achieve those expectations. The Division: 4–3A move to 3A, I’ll tell them never assume 2016 Record: 8–4, 3–2 anything, and treat each game as the (Lost in first round of playoffs) Super Bowl.” - Ty Hardin Head coach: David Wheeler Ty Hardin (2nd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: HOUSTON

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: H.W. BYERS

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

H.W. BYERS By tHE nuMBERS

3 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 1 Division title (last 2013) 3 Playoff appearances (last 2014) 3 Winning seasons 5 Losing seasons 0 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

DEFENSE

Chris Daniels, who missed more than LB Carter is expected to be the leading half of last season with an illness, has tackle in the team’s 4–3 scheme. averaged just two wins per year during E Javion Smith (Sr.) will handle the his tenure, but his 2014 team finished outside rush and outside pass pressure 5–5 and reached the postseason. duties.

DB Jenkins will start at corner and Hill OFFENSE at free safety.

QB Douglas Hill (Sr.), a 3–year starter, has become a better decision maker KICKING GAME running the Lions’ zone read attack.

All the kicking jobs are open headed FB Keshon Carter (Jr.), at a powerful into the preseason.

6–foot–2, 230–pounds, can block, run RET Malik Glover (Fr.) brings speed and catch passes. to the return game.

WR Lequavius Jenkins (Sr.) is being counted on to catch 30 to 40 passes for X-FACTOR the Lions.

Daniels believes his team’s sucOL O’Tavious Jones (Sr.), at 260 cess will be measured by how well his pounds, could be moved from right offensive and defensive lines perform. He guard to left guard or left tackle. needs QB Hill, an experienced performer,

to have solid senior season. The Lions, with a 32–player roster, should be able to compete since dropping from 2A to 1A in classification.

daILy JOuRnaL

LIONS

SCHEDULE Aug. 17 HICKORY FLAT Aug. 25 Open Sept. 1 at Walnut SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 8 at Okolona* Dropping classes doesn’t necessarily Sept. 15 FALKNER* mean the road to victory will be any easier, Sept. 22 at Smithville* especially with Smithville and Okolona in Sept. 29 TUPELO CHRISTIAN* the division.

Oct. 6 Open It will be tougher to make the playoffs Oct. 13 at Biggersville* with more teams in the division.

Oct. 20 THRASHER* Oct. 27 at Potts Camp* COACH SPEAK Nov. 3 ASHLAND* “Football is a simple game. If you turn *–Division 1–1A game the ball over you’re going to be in trouble. FAST FACTS You need to win three of four – offense, Division: 1–1A defense, special teams, turnovers – to win 2016 record: 1–10, 0–5 on Friday nights.” – Chris Daniels (No playoffs) Gene Phelps Head coach: Chris Daniels (5th year)

Impact: twelve players to watch this fall FROM 4E

JORDAN JERNIGAN TUPELO

Class: Junior Position: WR Vitals: 6-1, 195 Buzz: Had a team-leading 422 receiving yards on 24 catches with 3 TDs in 2016. Has offers from Ole Miss and Mississippi State, could receive more as he’s poised for a breakout season. Great leaper.

JETT JOHNSON TUPELO

Class: Senior Position: LB Vitals: 6-3, 225 Buzz: The reigning Journal Defensive Player of the Year. He led Tupelo’s stalwart 2016 defense with a team-high 145 tackles, plus 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. He’s an MSU commit and also has offers from Ole Miss, Louisville and Memphis, among others.

MARCUS MURPHY WEST POINT

Class: Senior Position: ATH Vitals: 6-1, 180 Buzz: The Mississippi State commit led West Point to the Class 5A state title last season, rushing for 1,756 yards and 25 TDs. He’ll line up at RB, QB and WR in the Green Wave’s run-heavy attack.

JAMARCUS QUARLES LAFAYETTE

Class: Senior Position: RB Vitals: 5-10, 210 Buzz: Led the Commodores to the 4A title.

Rushed for 2,140 yards and 19 TDs. As one of just four returning starters on offense for Lafayette, he’ll again be expected to carry a big load.

AP | FILE

tuRn tO IMPACT, 27E

Lafayette’s Jamarcus Quarles ran for 2,140 yards and 19 TDs last season.

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24E |

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

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| 25E

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DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

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26E |

ITAWAMBA AHS BY tHE NUMBERS

6 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 6 Division titles (last 2014) 17 Playoff trips (last 2016) 19 Winning seasons 16 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

The Indians have reached the playoffs for 11 straight seasons, all with current head coach Clint Hoots on the staff.

Hoots has been promoted twice within and knows the recipe for success.

OFFENSE

WR/QB Lane Domino (Sr.) is the top returning receiver and starts in the secondary on defense.

RB Lamarcus Rhodes (Jr.) split the lion’s share of rushing duties last season while averaging nearly six yards per carry.

QB Jaxon Orr (Jr.) is a first–year starter, but extremely intelligent. Three brothers (Houston, Ethan, Cameron) are IAHS football alums.

DEFENSE

LB Jamal Shumpert (Sr.) has

recorded well over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons. Will also see snaps at RB. DE Vince Hughes (Sr.) is a third– year starter who makes big plays.

CB Corey Mallory (Jr.) had a great fall camp and has the potential to be a lockdown corner.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

and will be instrumental in the team’s success in all three aspects of the game.

| 27E

INDIANS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 RIPLEY SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Aug. 25 NEW ALBANY Indians move into Division 2–4A from Sept. 1 at Saltillo 1–4A, but have four familiar foes tagging Sept. 8 HOUSTON along with Amory, Pontotoc, and ShanSept. 15 at Corinth non. IAHS will get early tests from Ripley, Sept. 22 ABERDEEN Saltillo, Houston, Corinth and Aberdeen Sept. 29 at Amory* KICKING GAME before entering division play.

Oct. 6 at SHANNON* K/P Skylar Grissom (Sr.) will handle Oct. 13 at Mooreville* all kicking duties for the Indians.

COACH SPEAK Oct. 20 PONTOTOC* Mallory and Anthony Dilworth (So.) “We’ve had a great fall and the kids Oct. 27 at Caledonia* will be primary kick returners. Both are are working hard every single day to *–Division 2–4A game capable of busting big runs. better themselves. We’re young, but we feel like we’re putting the right pieces FAST FACTS X-FACTOR into the right places. We’re gonna have Division: 2–4A Domino and Shumpert will be the to evolve as the season goes and just 2016 record: 8–3, 3–2 catalysts. Both will be counted on – in big try to stay healthy heading into those (Lost in 1st round playoffs) capacities – on offense, defense, and spe- division games.” - Clint Hoots Head coach: cial teams. They will be expected to deliver, Scotty Nichols Clint Hoots (3rd year)

Impact: twelve players you should be sure to see this fall QUENTIN WILFAWN OXFORD

FROM 4E

URRIAH SHEPARD HOUSTON

Class: Senior Position: QB Vitals: 6-2, 205 Buzz: Third-year starter can hurt defenses with his arm and his feet. Over the past two years, he’s rushed for 2,208 yards and 27 TDs. Improved as a passer in 2016, throwing for 1,158 yards with 12 TDs, 3 INTs.

COLE SMITH PONTOTOC

Class: Senior Position: OL Vitals: 6-4, 280 Buzz: Anchored a potent Pontotoc offense last year at the center position.

TWITTER He’ll have to break in a new QB this year, Pontotoc lineman Cole Smith tweeted out a photo plus the Warriors lost starting RB Gabe of himself and LSU coach Ed Orgeron in March, Harmon to an injury this summer, putting around the time Smith committed to the Tigers. even more onus on the O-line.

Class: Senior Position: LB Vitals: 6-2, 235 Buzz: Led the Chargers last year with 171 tackles – which ranked third in the state, according to MaxPreps.com – to go with 13 TFL and 2.5 sacks. Coach Chris Cutcliffe calls Wilfawn a great leader and hard worker.

Houston QB Urriah Shepard.

TAY STANDIFER TUPELO

Class: Junior Position: S Vitals: 6-0, 200 Buzz: Made 63 tackles and an interception as a sophomore. Strong as a run-stopper but can also defend the pass. Offers include Ole Miss and Marshall.

FILE

JOEL WILKINSON EAST UNION

Class: Junior Position: RB/DB Vitals: 5-10, 165 Buzz: Highly productive back who piled up 2,443 yards (11.3 ypc) and 31 TDs last fall. He finished with 3,151 all-purpose yards. On defense, made 68 tackles, with team-leading 17 TFL. brad.locke@journalinc.com twitter: @bradlocke

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: ITAWAMBA AHS

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: KOSSUTH

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

KOSSUTH By tHE nuMBERS

6 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 6 Division titles (last 2016) 14 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 20 Winning seasons 13 Losing seasons 3 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Brian Kelly has led the Aggies to six consecutive playoff appearances and three division championships since taking the reins at his alma mater.

His staff remains intact for a third year in a row, including veteran coach Charlie Dampeer as defensive coordinator.

OFFENSE

Kossuth will debut several new starters this season, but one key returning piece is QB Matthew Bobo. He threw 19 TDs compared to only three interceptions as a sophomore.

Bobo is also the Aggies’ top returning rusher with 595 yards last year. However, Kelly feels great about Austin Higgs, Kenner Mills and Zack Mitchell in the backfield.

As many as seven wideouts will rotate

daILy JOuRnaL

in–and–out, including Brett Hayden X-FACTOR Benjamin and Tucker Wegman.

The Aggies feel better about their depth OT Hunter Bullard, who is a three–year at several skill positions than they did starter, is joined on the line by fellow senior during their 11–win 2016 season and Hunter Grimes (6–3, 240). hope that transitions to fresh legs in the fourth quarter.

DEFENSE

The defensive line is expected to be competitive and features NG Isaiah Hill, DE Mason Foster and Bullard.

Roles at linebacker and defensive back were still open entering fall practices.

Among the athletes expected to fill those spots are Jose Ruiz, Montana Smith, Blain Suitor and Bobo.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Kossuth will be well tested prior to 1–3A play with four games against 4A opponents plus an early home matchup with 2A contender Baldwyn.

COACH SPEAK

“There’s a lot of people on their schedules that’s got Kossuth marked KICKING GAME because of what we’ve done the past Kossuth has new faces at its key special two years. I’m sure we’ve got a red dot teams positions. Sophomore Andres Pe- on us.” – Brian Kelly rez is in charge of kickoffs, Benjamin will punt and Ty Cooper is the long snapper.

Blake Long

AGGIES

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 INDEPENDENCE Aug. 25 at Ripley Sept. 1 BALDWYN Sept. 8 at Tishomingo Co. Sept. 15 NEW ALBANY Sept. 22 CORINTH Sept. 29 at Booneville* Oct. 6 NORTH PONTOTOC* Oct. 13 at Mantachie* Oct. 20 BELMONT* Oct. 27 at Alcorn Central* *–Division 1–3A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–3A 2016 Record: 11–2, 5–0 (Lost in 2nd round playoffs) Head coach: Brian Kelly (7th year)

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28E |

LAFAYETTE BY tHE NUMBERS

3 3 State championships (2010, 11, 16) 2 State runners-up (2009, 13) 13 Division titles (last 2016) 27 Playoff trips (last 2016) 33 Winning seasons 2 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

Matt McCrory takes over as defensive coordinator for Ben Ashley, who left for a job at Choctaw County.

Also, Nacoma James has been hired to coach tight ends and halfbacks.

OFFENSE

RB Jamarcus Quarles rushed for 2,140 yards and 19 TDs. He’s one of just four returning starters on offense.

The QB position was up for grabs entering camp. Brandon Turnage and Drew Dabney, who played WR last year, are battling with Randy Anderson (So.), who ran some plays out of the wildcat formation last season.

If/when Turnage and Dabney aren’t at QB, they’ll be catching passes.

OG Nick Onsby has been moved from FB to shore up an inexperienced line. C

Tyler Allen (Sr.) was the O-line’s “sixth man” last year.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

will Quinshun Twilley (Jr.).

| 29E

COMMODORES

SCHEDULE X-FACTOR Aug. 18 at Cleveland Central DEFENSE Lafayette will have to rely on some Aug. 25 at Charleston Only three starters return here, but one younger players. Fair likes the talent level Sept. 1 NORTH PANOLA of them is LB B.J. Curry (Sr.), who led the and is eager to see how they perform.

Sept. 8 OXFORD team in tackles last year with 158.

Sept. 15 Open DT William Woodall (Sr.) anchors up SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 22 WEST POINT* front. He had 89 tackles and 4 sacks last Lafayette’s move up in classification Sept. 29 at Saltillo* fall. means 1–5A has two defending state Oct. 6 LEWISBURG* Turnage will return to the secondchamps, the other being West Point. The Oct. 13 at Grenada* ary, where he made 7 INTs. CB Michael two powerhouses open division play Oct. 20 CENTER HILL* Mathis (Jr.) is a player to keep an eye on. against each other Sept. 22. That might be Oct. 27 at Olive Branch* an even bigger game than the Crosstown Nov. 3 LAKE CORMORANT* KICKING GAME Classic against Oxford (Sept. 8). *–Division 1–5A game K Robbie Langley (Sr.) had 17 touchFAST FACTS backs last season and made 6 of 9 field COACH SPEAK Division: 1–5A goals.

“We’re certainly not backing down from 2016 record: 13–2, 5–0 Dabney returns as punter, where he it. We expect to compete at a high level.” – (Won 4A state title) averaged 40.6 yards per kick.

Michael Fair, on moving up to Class 5A Coach: Quarles will see time returning kicks, as Brad Locke Michael Fair (2nd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: LAFAYETTE

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: MANTACHIE

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

MANTACHIE By tHE nuMBERS

14 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 14 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 13 Winning seasons 19 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

The Mustangs are trying to expand the offense, while staying true to their recent wing-T look and remain a run-first team.

OFFENSE

QB Seth Johnson (Sr.) will carry the load, both running and throwing early on, to help with development of youthful skill players.

RB Matt Johnson (So.) will look to replace standout Logan Pettigo in the backfield. Started a couple of games last year when Mustangs were dealing with injuries. Can also run out of the slot as WR. RG Gavin Michael (Sr.) is a third–year starter who has trimmed up and improved conditioning. High football IQ. LG Peyton Bryant (Sr.) another third– year starter. Has lots of experience playing multiple positions along OL.

DEFENSE

NG/DE Blake Turner (Sr.) worked hard in the offseason to earn more game reps.

Very gritty player, and a fierce competitor.

LB Daniel Mangels (Sr.) complemented Pettigo last season on both sides of the ball.

LB Ty Steele (Sr.) started out slow last year, but has really grown up and matured quickly.

KICKING GAME

K/P Seth Johnson (Sr.) will help Mustangs in battles for field position.

KR Andrew Hallmark (So.) will also start at WR/CB.

X-FACTOR

The Mustangs will need to grow up, and grow up quickly. Lost a lot of seniors from last seasons. Seago will need to establish

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SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Mustangs bumped up to 3A this season, and the welcoming committee is a division full of solid programs. Mantachie will take on the likes of Booneville, Kossuth, and North Pontotoc, but will receive the benefit of playing seven contests at home.

COACH SPEAK

“Outside of our quarterback and a couple of offensive linemen, we are extremely young or inexperienced. Right now, we don’t really know what we’re going to get.

We’re pushing to get the best out of these guys right now, and they’re responding, but you simply can’t replicate game experience in practice. They’re just gonna have to get their feet wet.” - TJ Seago Scotty Nichols

MUSTANGS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Nettleton Aug. 25 HOLLY SPRINGS Sept. 1 MOOREVILLE Sept. 8 at New Site Sept. 15 HATLEY Sept. 22 MACON ROAD Sept. 29 ALCORN CENTRAL* Oct. 6 at Belmont* Oct. 13 KOSSUTH* Oct. 20 at Booneville* Oct. 27 NORTH PONTOTOC* *–Division 1–3A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–3A 2016 record: 3–9, 2–3 (Lost 1st round playoffs) Head coach: TJ Seago (4th year)

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30E |

MARSHALL ACADEMY BY tHE NUMBERS

4 0 State championships 4 State runners-up (1988, 2007, 12, 13) 6 Division titles (last 2016) 10 Playoff trips (last 2016) 10 Winning seasons 4 Losing seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Barrett Donahoe wears two hats, including that of headmaster, for the Patriots. He served on the Marshall staff in 2011 and ’12, before moving to Columbus Heritage Academy as head coach, AD and principal.

OFFENSE

QB Eli Pearson (Sr.), a dual threat, returns after a full season as a starter. His father, Sam, is the offensive coordinator and former head coach.

RB Ryan Brock (Sr.) will see his first full season as a starter. WR Cade Crouch (Sr.), will also see time in the backfield.

WR Drayton Potts (Jr.) will play in the slot. He had a solid 7–on–7 season. Everette Jones (Jr.) and Tyler Bolden (Sr.) will also play WR.

OL Leonard Fields (Sr.), a 300– pounder, will start at right guard.

DEFENSE

MLB Mitchell Lafever (Sr.) stepped in last year and led a unit that surrendered very few 20–plus yardage plays.

Brock will start at OLB and Jones will play safety.

KICKING GAME

K Justin McDoniel (Sr.) returns. Jones, Brock and Bolden will likely draw the kick return and punt return assignments.

X–FACTOR

Defense was the name of the game last season. Donahoe is anxious to see how his defensive newcomers will perform under the lights. Offensively, the Patriots

have the firepower with Pearson back to put points on the scoreboard.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

PATRIOTS

| 31E

SCHEDULE Aug. 12 at Brookwood, Ga.# Aug. 18 at Lee SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Aug. 25 WEST MEMPHIS The Patriots moved up a classification Sept. 1 FALKNER for the 2017–18 seasons, leaving 1–A/AA Sept. 8 at Kirk for 1–AA. Sept. 15 CENTRAL HOLMES* Carroll Academy, Central Holmes and Sept. 22 at Winona Christian* Winona Christian are all newcomers to Sept. 29 MAGNOLIA HEIGHTS the schedule. Marshall defeated one new Oct. 6 at Carroll* district foe, Oak Hill, 42–7 last season in a Oct. 13 at North Delta non–district game.

Oct.20 OAK HILL* #–at Montgomery, Ala. COACH SPEAK *–District 1–AA game “We’re familiar with all the teams in our FAST FACTS new district. We’ve completed with many Division: MAIS District 1–AA of them over the years. Our concern is 2016 record: 9–4, 4–0 developing and getting better, not as much (Lost in state quarterfinals) the record.” – Barrett Donahoe Head coach: Gene Phelps Barrett Donahoe (2nd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: MARSHALL ACADEMY

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: MOOREVILLE

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

MOOREVILLE By tHE nuMBERS

8 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 1 Division titles (last 1986) 8 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 9 Winning seasons 26 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

On the whole, Mooreville football has established a nice success base for new coach Jimmy Young, having made the playoffs for six straight seasons.

OFFENSE

RB Andrew Peugh (Sr.) goes wideopen every play and has a fearless style of running.

QB Mitchell Tharp (Sr.) is regularly one of the hardest working Troopers, and might surprise some teams with his running skills this season.

OL Braeden Martin (Jr.) will be who the rest of the offensive line looks to.

OL Cy Hester (Jr.) comes in at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, and typifies an increase in size on the line.

RB Kha’sen Mitchell (So.) will be the type of back who seeks out contact.

DEFENSE

ILB Watson Tate (So.) played almost every game last season as a freshman, and is very intense.

Jay Sudduth (Jr.) is one of the best tacklers on the team out of the secondary.

DL Le’Keiv Hersey (So.) is a very athletic 325 pounds and plugs holes effectively.

CB John Tyler (Sr.) brings experience speed to the secondary.

KICKING GAME

K Justin Green (Sr.) will be in his first year for the Troopers Peugh (Sr.) brings offensive skills to special teams.

KR J. J. Dilworth (Jr.) will aid Mooreville in being dangerous in the return game.

daILy JOuRnaL

X-FACTOR

TROOPERS

Young feels like the fitness level of the SCHEDULE Troopers will be important in the move Aug 18 at Booneville from Class 3A to 4A. Aug 25 NORTH PONTOTOC Sept 1 at Mantachie SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept 8 at East Union The non–division slate for the Troop- Sept 15 BELMONT ers includes Booneville, North Pontotoc, Sept 22 at South Pontotoc and rival Mantachie.

Sept 29 PONTOTOC* Mooreville opens with Pontotoc in Oct 6 at Caledonia* division, which also features Itawamba Oct 13 ITAWAMBA AHS* AHS, Shannon, and Amory.

Oct 20 at Shannon* Oct 27 AMORY* COACH SPEAK *–Division 2–4A game “I’ve asked the kids do they want to inflict a beating, or take a beating.

FAST FACTS We need to pay attention to the details, Division: 2–4A and everybody is equally important.” – 2016 Record: 6–5, 4–1 Jimmy Young.

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32E |

NETTLETON BY tHE NUMBERS

1 0 State championships 1 State runner-up (2006) 3 Division titles (last 2006) 11 Playoff appearances (last 2015) 14 Winning seasons 17 Losing seasons 5 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Ken Topps is entering his second season as head coach after time as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

OFFENSE

(Fr.) will also start up front.

DEFENSE

DB Tatum Alred (Sr.), Hunter Sullivan (Sr.), Jaderious Johnson (Sr.), Keandre Johnson (Jr.), Crayton and Ealy make up a deep secondary.

LB Jarvell Bowers (Sr.) moves from the outside to middle. Toby Homan and Coley Aldridge (Srs.) are other returning starters at linebacker. Doss and Davis Oswalt (Fr.) could fill the other spot.

DL Pierce Thornton (Jr.), Bogan (Sr.) and Jordan Long (Sr.) return on the line.

Tripp Beasley, who moved in from Mooreville, rounds out the group.

QB Coleton Ausbern (Sr.) is a four– year starter with a strong arm.

RB Cortez Doss (Jr.) returns in the backfield.

WR Damien Ealy (Sr.) is an explosive player who Topps said has gained more confidence in the offseason. Jaderious Johnson (Sr.), Dedrick Johnson (So.) and Braxton Crayton (Sr.) round out a strong group of receivers.

OL Adam Jones (So.) replaces Thaniel KICKING GAME Tackett, who is out with knee surgery, at Homan will handle kicking, while center. Colby Hall (Sr.), Azarius Bogan Ausbern will punt.

(Sr.), Parker Flurry (Fr.) and Casey Fowler Ealy, Crayton, Sullivan and Jaderious

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

Johnson are all kick returners.

| 33E

TIGERS

SCHEDULE X-FACTOR Aug. 18 MANTACHIE Nettleton’s 1–8 finish in 2016 leaves the Aug. 25 at Hamilton Tigers with something to prove. Depth at Sept. 1 BOONEVILLE receiver and in the secondary will be key.

Sept. 8 ALDWYN Sept. 15 at Amory SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 22 Open Nettleton once again has an off week Sept. 29 at Aberdeen* before beginning division play against Oct. 6 SOUTH PONTOTOC* Aberdeen. Mantachie, Hamilton and Amory Oct. 13 CHOCTAW COUNTY* are all new additions to their non–division Oct. 20 at Hatley* slate.

Oct. 26 at Houston* *–Division 4–3A game

COACH SPEAK

“Our guys have been motivated to get things turned around and get that image off that Nettleton’s not a football school anymore. We’ve been fighting to do that.” – Ken Topps Melissa Meador

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: NETTLETON

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: NEW ALBANY

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

NEW ALBANY By tHE nuMBERS

1

COACHING ’EM UP

The Bulldogs return to the field after their most successful season under Jake Hill and the first playoff berth since 2012.

Former Lafayette wide receivers coach Shane Ard joins the New Albany staff as defensive coordinator.

OFFENSE

0 State championships 1 State runner-up (1982) 3 Division titles (last 2012) 17 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 15 Winning seasons 15 Losing seasons 6 .500 seasons

RB Bryson Prather (So.) returns after turning in 461 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last year.

OL Artavious Nugent (Sr.) is the returning leader for pancake blocks. Nugent will be joined by fellow seniors Mason Phillips, London Erby and Corey Duke to anchor the offensive line.

QB Loden Bolen (Jr.) will begin his second season under center. He threw for 1,849 yards and 13 TDs as a sophomore.

DEFENSE

CB Jordan Lipsey (Sr.) is transitioning to defense while also getting touches at his usual RB spot where he racked up 101.8 yards per game.

OLB Aaron Estes (Sr.), a three-year starter, will anchor the defensive with classmate Eli Keener.

KICKING GAME

K/P Payton Synder (Sr.) was 28-29 on PATs, had 8 FGs with a long of 47 yards. He also averaged 37.1 yards per punt, earning All-State honors.

X-FACTOR

Finding the right combination on the defensive front will be key. With experience and athleticism on the offensive line and skill players, as well as the defensive backfield, the development

of the defensive line will be a crucial component in New Albany’s success.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Bulldogs open with a new foe in Class 2A contender Baldwyn, and visit 4A stalwarts Itawamba, Pontotoc and Amory to round out a tough non–division slate. New Albany will also suit up for the first time against Union County rival East Union on Sept. 22. The transition to Division 1–4A will pit the Bulldogs against Corinth and Tishomingo County, as well.

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daILy JOuRnaL

BULLDOGS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Baldwyn Aug. 25 at Itawamba AHS Sept. 1 PONTOTOC Sept. 8 AMORY Sept. 15 at Kossuth Sept. 22 EAST UNION Sept. 29 at Senatobia* Oct. 6 BYHALIA* Oct. 13 at Tishomingo Co.* Oct. 20 CORINTH* Oct. 27 at Ripley* *–Division 1–4A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–4A 2016 record: 5-7, 3-2 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Jake Hill (3rd Year)

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34E |

NEW SITE BY tHE NUMBERS

1

COACHING ’EM UP

After his first season at New Site, where the Royals went 0–10, Matt Stacy looks to build some success and deliver some wins.

OFFENSE

0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 1 Playoff appearance (2014) 1 Winning season 6 Losing seasons 0 .500 seasons

DEFENSE

Thompson, Dees, Stricklin, and Curtiss will all split time on the defensive line.

Stacy is the lone returning linebacker.

Logan O’Conner will play alongside him.

The Royals will have Rogers, Tucker, Hopkins, and Ace Harper in the secondary.

QB Christian Stacy (Sr.) will take the majority of snaps behind center, but the Royals look to run a two–quarterback system. They haven’t found their second quarterback yet.

KICKING GAME With Stacy at QB, the Royals will look Rogers will be the kicker and punter, to rush by committee this season. with Tucker and Hopkins returning kicks.

Dillon Rogers, Bailey Tucker, Tanner Hopkins, and Jon Carter will be the wide X-FACTOR receivers for the Royals.

The Royals are going to need to find OL Samuel Thompson (Sr.), Hunter an identity early.

Dees (Sr.), Zack Stricklin (Sr.), and Case They are going to need young guys to Curtiss (Sr.) all return on the offensive step up and take a role. line.

Stacy said the Royals only have

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SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

seven players who are not freshman or sophomores.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Moving from 3A to Independent, the Royals will not be playing Mooreville this season.

They are welcoming newcomers Byhalia, Mantachie, Middleton (Tenn.), and Hickory Flat this season.

They will only be playing nine games this season instead of 10.

COACH SPEAK

“I’m proud of my guys, no matter what.

They’re putting in the time and giving me everything they have in practice. That’s really all I can ask for with such a young team that I have.” – Matt Stacy Dalton Middleton

| 35E

ROYALS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Thrasher Aug. 25 BIGGERSVILLE Sept. 1 BYHALIA Sept. 8 MANTACHIE Sept. 15 WALNUT Sept. 22 ALCORN CENTRAL Sept. 29 at Middleton (Tenn.)

Oct. 5 at Hickory Flat Oct. 13 at East Union Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 Open FAST FACTS Division: Independent 2016 record: 0–10, 0–5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Matt Stacy (2nd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: NEW SITE

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: NORTH PONTOTOC

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

NORTH PONTOTOC By tHE nuMBERS

4 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 4 Division titles (last 2016) 12 Playoff trips (last 2016) 14 Winning seasons 20 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

DEFENSE

Andy Crotwell begins his first year at North Pontotoc. He served as the head coach at Caledonia for four seasons.

OFFENSE

QB Clark Mills (Sr.) returns for his third season. He passed for 2,400 yards and 31 TDs last season.

RB Hunter West (Jr.) is the leading returning candidate in the backfield. He had 498 rushing yards with two TDs last season. Corley Hooper (Jr.) adds depth.

WR Brendan Fields (Jr.) had 21 catches for 608 yards, 6 TDs. Jaquez Berry (Sr.) had 17 catches for 497 yards, 7 TDs. Sheffield Anthony (Jr.) had 22 catches for 356 yards, 5 TDs. Will Weatherly (Sr.), Joseph Foreman (Sr.), and Presley McMillen (Sr.) all return to lead a very experienced line.

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LB Corley Hooper (Jr.) had a teamhigh 117 tackles. OLB Demarcus Rogers (Sr.) recorded 49 tackles.

DL Joshua Davis (Sr.) had 45 tackles and 1 sack. Hunter Bolin (So.) also returns to add depth to the line.

DB Jaquez Berry returns with 11 tackles and 1 interception. Jestin Jenkins (Sr.) is another returnee in the secondary.

KICKING GAME

The Vikings are still searching for a kicker.

Fields is the leading returner with 11 returns for 261 yards.

Anthony punted 9 times for 319 yards last season.

X-FACTOR

Replacing Zay Cullens in the backfield

daILy JOuRnaL

is going to be the biggest factor. He rushed for 3,955 yards the last two seasons combined.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Entering a new division, the Vikings are facing a wide variety of new opponents.

Seven of the 11 teams on their schedule are new to them. Against the four teams that the Vikings played last season, North Pontotoc went 4–0.

COACH SPEAK

“There’s definitely going to be an adjustment period for us, but we should get more efficient as the season goes on. You have to fight real hard as a first-year head coach to not feel behind. I think we have the talent and the potential to be successful early if we work.” – Andy Crotwell Dalton Middleton

GOOD LUCK from

VIKINGS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Saltillo Aug. 25 at Mooreville Sept. 1 OKOLONA Sept. 8 SOUTH PONTOTOC Sept. 15 at Independence Sept. 22 at Baldwyn Sept. 29 BELMONT* Oct. 6 at Kossuth* Oct. 13 BOONEVILLE* Oct. 20 ALCORN CENTRAL* Oct. 27 at Mantachie* *–Division 1–3A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–3A 2016 record: 10–4, 5–0 (Lost in 3rd round playoffs) Head coach: Andy Crotwell (1st year)

GOOD LUCK VIKINGS!!!

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36E |

OAK HILL ACADEMY BY tHE NUMBERS

1

COACHING ’EM UP

Chris Craven led the Raiders to the playoffs in his first two seasons but Oak Hill missed the playoffs last year and were winless inside the district. Craven has been on the Raiders’ staff for 11 seasons, and enters his third season as the head coach.

OFFENSE

QB John Carver Middleton (Sr.) is back to direct the Raiders’ offensive attack for a second straight season and had over 1,500 yards of total offense in 1 State championship (1990) 2016.

1 State runner-up (1989) OL Jaden Craven (So.) broke into the 0 Division titles starting lineup as a freshman.

6 Playoff trips (last 2015) FB Ethan Bryan (Jr.) is a new starter 4 Winning seasons in the backfield and will be key in the run 8 Losing seasons game with his blocking, too.

2 .500 seasons RB Dalton Wilemon (So.) Returns as

the starting running back and broke into the starting lineup as a freshman.

DEFENSE

DL Tyler Oswalt (So.) will anchor the defensive line at his defensive tackle position.

DE Ethan Bryan (Jr.) is a returning starter on the defensive line and will start both ways for the first time.

DE Daniel Harrington (So.) will start opposite of Bryan and enters the D-line group for the initial time at Oak Hill.

KICKING GAME

P/K Grayson Easterling (Jr.) will handle all of the special teams’ duties for the second straight season.

X-FACTOR

Over half of Oak Hill’s roster this fall

Good luck to all Monroe County School teams!

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

will be sophomores and most of those sophomores are in starting roles.

How quick they adjust when district play arrives will set the tone for the Raiders.

| 37E

RAIDERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Deer Creek Aug. 25 NEWTON CO. ACA. Sept. 1 at Strider Academy Sept. 8 WINONA CHRISTIAN* Sept. 15 at Carroll Academy* SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Oak Hill opens the district slate against Sept. 22 at Wayne Academy Sept. 29 COLUMBUS CHR. tradition–rich Winona Christian on Sept.

Oct. 6 CENT. HOLMES ACA.* 8th and also has crucial road games against district rivals Carroll Academy and Oct. 13 W. MEMPHIS CHR. Oct. 20 at Marshall Academy* Marshall Academy. *–District 1–AA game

COACH SPEAK

“We’re young so learning to play the game of football as one unit will be critical. We have to keep it simple for the younger players and if they grow quickly, we can have a special season.” – Chris Craven Paul Jones

FAST FACTS Division: MAIS A–AA, District 2 2016 record: 2–8, 0–4 (No playoffs) Head coach: Chris Craven (3rd year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: OAK HILL ACADEMY

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: OKOLONA

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

OKOLONA By tHE nuMBERS

1 1 State championship (1993) 0 State runners-up 8 Division titles (last 2010) 19 Playoff appearances (last 2013) 16 Winning seasons 16 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Lamart Harvey takes over the Chieftains’ after being the head coach at Thrasher for the past five seasons. His top goal is to get Okolona back in the playoffs after a four–year absence.

line at the center and is another returnee.

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CHIEFTAINS

fall. The Chieftains also moved from Class 2A to Class 1A, which should be beneficial.

SCHEDULE DEFENSE Aug. 18 J.Z. GEORGE DL Tremaine Hughes (Sr.) led the Aug. 25 EAST WEBSTER Chieftains with 5 sacks and 9 TFL in 2016.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 1 at North Pontotoc CB Antonio Buchanan (Sr.) is a reOkolona will be tested early and often Sept. 8 BYERS* turning starter and had two interceptions in the non–division part of the schedule, Sept. 15 at Ashland* OFFENSE last season. facing bigger schools in East Webster Sept. 22 at Falkner* RB/WR Kelsey McIntosh (Sr.) returns DE Colby Lathan (Jr.) will start on both and North Pontotoc. Division play opens Sept. 29 SMITHVILLE* as the Chieftains leading producer on sides for the second straight season and in early September against Byers and Oct. 5 at TCPS* offense and totaled over 750 yards of had 3 sacks last season.

Harvey will face his former school, Oct. 13 Open offense in 2016.

Thrasher, on the road (Oct. 27).

Oct. 20 BIGGERSVILLE* QB/WR Jacob Buchanan (Sr.) is a KICKING GAME Oct. 27 at Thrasher* versatile offensive player and will take KP Jarquavious Collins (Sr.) will get COACH SPEAK Nov. 3 POTTS CAMP* snaps at quarterback, running back and his first shot at handling the duties at “I was an assistant at Okolona in *–Division 1–1A game receiver. He also had a team–high three punter and placekicker.

2006 so I am familiar with the program FAST FACTS interceptions a year ago. and I love the environment. We’ve had Division: 1–1A OL Gerquavious Farr (Sr.) is the most X-FACTOR four losing seasons in a row so we need 2016 record: 2–9, 1–4 experienced offensive lineman back and How quickly the Chieftains adjust them to buy in and get it turned around.” (No playoffs) is a two–year starter at left guard. to a new coaching staff will go a long – Lamart Harvey Head coach: OL Colby Lathan (Jr.) will anchor the ways in determining their success this Paul Jones Lamart Harvey (1st year)

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38E |

OXFORD BY tHE NUMBERS

4 0 State championships 4 State runners-up (2003, 13, 14, 15) 8 Division titles (last 2015) 23 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 26 Winning seasons 9 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP

Stan Robertson, who coached the D–line, has been promoted to defensive coordinator and will coach LBs. Isaac Boose, an OHS grad, is the new DL coach.

DEFENSE

Oxford is making some scheme changes, but the defense will still be led

by MLB Quentin Wilfawn (Sr.). The 6– foot–2, 235–pounder had 171 tackles, 13 TFL, 2.5 sacks.

Also returning as starters are LB Jay OFFENSE Frierson (Sr.) and LB Jamar James (Sr.).

QB John Reece McClure (Jr.) is back DL Zay Herod (Sr.) brings quickness under center. He threw for 2,380 yards, and strength up front.

21 TDs, 10 INTs last year.

DB C.J. Terrell (Sr.) and DB Jaquanzi RB Hiram Wadlington (Sr.) is a big Johnson (Sr.) will lead the secondary. threat in the ground game. He rushed for Terrell had 4 INTs last fall.

1,250 yards and 12 TDs last season.

WR Jaquan Webb (Sr.) has offers KICKING GAME from Ole Miss and Alabama, among Gray Jenkins (Sr.) and Jack Tannehill others.

(Fr.) are competing for kicker duties. They OL Will Hollingsworth (Sr.) is the could wind up sharing the workload, and lone returning starter in the trenches. one of them will be the punter.

However, Jacob Heuer (Jr.) drew a Johnson, Terrell and Webb are handful of starts last year. competing at kick returner.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

X-FACTOR

| 39E

CHARGERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 vs Vicksburg Aug. 25 at Starkville Sept. 1 GRENADA Sept. 8 at Lafayette Sept. 15 PONTOTOC SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 22 SOUTHAVEN* A brutal non–division schedule Sept. 29 at South Panola* includes trips to Starkville (Aug. 25) Oct. 6 DESOTO CENTRAL* and Lafayette (Sept. 8). And then the real fun begins in 1–6A, which includes Oct. 13 at Horn Lake* powerhouse South Panola (Sept. 29) and Oct. 20 at Columbus* Oct. 27 HERNANDO* a loaded Tupelo squad (Nov. 3).

Nov. 3 at Tupelo* *–Division 1–6A game COACH SPEAK “We try to have a tough non-division FAST FACTS schedule. It prepares you for big games Division: 1-6A 2016 record: 8-5, 5-2 because you play in big games right off (Lost in 2nd round playoffs) the bat, and you find out who you are Head coach: fairly early.” – Chris Cutcliffe Brad Locke Chris Cutcliffe (2nd year) Oxford has the skill players in place for a potent offensive attack, but a lot will hinge on the performance of the four new O–line starters.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: OXFORD

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

daILy JOuRnaL

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40E |

PONTOTOC BY tHE NUMBERS

1 0 State championships 1 State runner-up (1992) 4 Division titles (last 2002) 15 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 24 Winning seasons 10 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

POTTS CAMP BY tHE NUMBERS

3 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 0 Playoff appearances 3 Winning seasons 4 Losing seasons 0 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Last year’s run to the state semis was the deepest Pontotoc has gone since reaching the state title game in 1992. That was also the last time PHS won 13 games.

Trey Ward, former offensive coordinator at Houston, has been hired to coach RBs and TEs.

DEFENSE

MLB Hayden Harris is out for the season with a thumb injury, which required surgery. S Trevor Morgan (collarbone) and CB Ralph Dunn (hand) – both starters – are expected to miss the first couple of games.

OLB Hayes Wilson (Sr.) and OLB Ben Zinn (Sr.) will try to pick up the slack for Harris early. Wilson had 112 tackles and OFFENSE team–leading 4.5 sacks last year.

Two big losses here: QB Jacob Carter S Wyatt Gunter (Sr.) is back after to graduation, and RB Gabe Harmon to missing the last two seasons with arm a foot injury. surgeries.

London Jordan (Sr.) and Justin CarDE Jack Harlow (Sr.), who will also ter (Jr.) will likely share snaps until one play on the offensive line, had 56 tackles, makes a case to be the starting QB. 8 TFL last fall.

RB Immanuel Vance will have to spell Harmon until at least mid–season. WR KICKING GAME Austin Morphis will also get carries.

Austin Tzib and Taylor Hughes – a LT Cole Smith is the lone returning girls soccer player – will battle at kicker. starter up front. He’s an LSU commit.

Jordan, the QB, will also punt.

COACHING ’EM UP

Potts Camp is entering its seventh year fielding a football team.

Markeith Washington is hoping the move down to Class 1A will be a positive for the program.

Washington was the first head coach of the Potts Camp program in 2010, with the team going 9-1 that inaugural season. He eventually moved into administration, but volunteered to come back last season to help the program with its growing pains.

OFFENSE

sive receiver for the Cardinals.

WR Jacob Harrell a former quarterback on the team who, at 6–foot–3, could be a key possession receiver.

Collin Masengill (Jr.) makes everything work on the offensive line.

DEFENSE

MLB Caleb Alford (Sr.) posted 90 tackles last season for Potts Camp.

SS Martarrian Donnell should be ball–hungry in the secondary, and all over the field.

QB Ben Shaw (Sr.) possesses a KICKING GAME strong arm, and is smart and patient.

Shuntavious Gardner (Jr.) will be the RB Alex Hawkins (Jr.) ran for more long snapper on punts and extra points, than 1,300 yards a season ago, and and will kickoff after scores.

Washington calls him “Marshall County’s best kept secret.”

X-FACTOR WR Trell Kimmons can be an exploWashington wants Potts Camp to play

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

Morphis and Caleb Hobson (So.) will return kicks.

X-FACTOR

Early injuries and inexperience could make for a rough start to the season, but if the Warriors can get past that in decent shape, they should be a factor in 2–4A.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Pontotoc’s non–division schedule might be just as tough as the division slate. The Warriors get two of their tougher division games at home: Amory (Oct. 6) and Shannon (Oct. 27).

| 41E

WARRIORS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Houston Aug. 25 at Senatobia Sept. 1 at New Albany Sept. 8 ABERDEEN Sept. 15 at Oxford Sept. 22 RIPLEY Sept. 29 at Mooreville* Oct. 6 AMORY* Oct. 13 CALEDONIA* Oct. 20 at Itawamba AHS* Oct. 27 SHANNON* *–Division 2–4A game

FAST FACTS Division: 2–4A “We’re pretty inexperienced, but I feel 2016 record: 13–2, 4–1 we have a chance to be a pretty good (Lost in state semifinals) football team.” – Jeff Carter Head coach: Brad Locke Jeff Carter (3rd year)

COACH SPEAK

at a fast pace, and how effective that is could determine the success of the team.

He also hopes to be have on of the deeper rosters in Class 1A, which could help with his up-tempo plans.

CARDINALS

SCHEDULE Aug 18 LEE ACADEMY Aug 25 at Hickory Flat Sept 1 TUNICA ACADEMY Sept 8 at Falkner* Sept 15 SMITHVILLE* SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept 22 at TCPS* Moving down from Class 2A to 1A, Sept 29 W. MEMPHIS (Ark.) Washington is excited to see how his Oct 6 BIGGERSVILLE* players match up in that classification.

Oct 13 at Thrasher* Oct 20 ASHLAND* COACH SPEAK Oct 27 BYERS* “We’re going to play fast, strike and Nov 3 at Okolona* strike fast, and the guys have to believe *–Division 1–1A game in our system. And we’re focusing on our FAST FACTS players taking chances, to help us make Division: 1–1A big plays.” - Markeith Washington 2016 Record: 3–7, 1–4 David Wheeler (No playoffs) Head coach: Markeith Washington (2nd year)

Follow us on twitter at @DJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: RIPLEY

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

RIPLEY By tHE nuMBERS

1 0 State championships 1 State runner-up (2000) 10 Division titles (last 2007) 26 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 26 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

Sam Hathorn enters his first year as a head coach. He promoted Josh Davis to offensive coordinator and Rico McDonald to defensive coordinator.

Jay Vanderford and Ben Treloar are two new assistant coaches.

OFFENSE

RB Mikichio Adams (Sr.) rushed for 1,000 yards, averaging 5.56 yards per carry with a team–high 12 TDs. QB Trey Blanchard (Jr.) will start at the position for the first time. Blanchard had 8 TDs on the ground and 1 through the air.

WR Jey Johnson (Jr.) will gain a bigger role with 5 pass catchers gone. Johnson racked up 202 yards last season.

DEFENSE

LB Dylan Goolsby (Sr.) led the team

with 85 tackles last season. Goolsby forced 2 fumbles and recovered 3.

DL Andrew Brown (Sr.) tallied 46 tackles with 8 TFL. LB Jamal Brooks (So.) collected 72 tackles as a freshman, 8 TFL and a team–high 5 sacks.

KICKING GAME

No decision has been made on the kicking games. Johnson (Jr.) and Noah Holley (Sr.) both have experience.

Holley along with Antwan Knox (Sr.) and Blanchard (Jr.) have returned kicks.

X-FACTOR

Blanchard will have to quickly learn the position for the offense to succeed.

The wide receiver corps has plenty of potential but no one is a proven commodity just yet. Defensively, the

daILy JOuRnaL

Tigers will need to sure up the CB position and build depth.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Ripley opens the year with Itawamba AHS, which beat Ripley 28–0 in last year’s season opener. Ripley will host Kossuth and defending 2A state champs Calhoun City the following two weeks.

Despite moving from 2–4A to 1–4A this season, the division slate is nearly the same except Rosa Fort is out and Tishomingo County is in.

COACH SPEAK

“We want to concentrate on the little things that will make a big difference in big games. Ripley is going to be a physically and mentally tough team.” – Sam Hathorn Dillon Barnes

TIGERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Itawamba AHS Aug. 25 KOSSUTH Sept. 1 CALHOUN CITY Sept. 8 at Louisville Sept. 15 Open Sept. 22 at Pontotoc* Sept. 29 at Tishomingo Co.* Oct. 6 SENATOBIA* Oct. 13 at Corinth* Oct. 20 BYHALIA* Oct. 27 NEW ALBANY* *–Division 1–4A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–4A 2016 record: 6–5, 3–2 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Sam Hathorn (1st year)

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42E |

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 43E

For West Point’s Murphy, actions speak loudly player for West Point, and he’ll be the focal point as the Green Wave seek a second straight state title.

The senior, who is committed to Mississippi State, lines up at running back, quarterback, receiver – wherever he’s needed.

Most of his damage is done on the ground. Last season, Murphy rushed for 1,756 yards and 25 touchdowns.

BY BRAD LOCKE DAILY JOURNAL

WEST POINT – Marcus Murphy isn’t a naturally vocal leader, but he spoke up at a crucial time during the 2016 Class 5A state championship game.

West Point was leading Laurel 16-8 in the fourth quarter, facing a Murphy fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line. Coach Chris Chambless was content to kick a field goal, but Murphy was not, and said as much during a timeout.

“Give it to me,” said Murphy, who was well on his way to a 141-yard rushing day.

“Something inside me told me, ‘You’re right, take it.’ He walked into the end zone,” Chambless said. “I knew when he told me that, there’s no way I was gonna kick a field goal.

“That solidified the type

READY TO LEAD

His talent is undeniable, and where Murphy really wants to shine this fall is as a vocal leader.

“I’m more of an action leader, more doing than saying it,” he said. “So I’ve been practicing on saying it and doing it. Some folks don’t catch on when you’re showing them, AP | FILE West Point running back Marcus Murphy helped the Green they do better when you tell them.”

Wave to the Class 5A state championship last season.

Murphy is the latest in a player he is but also the type he tells you he’s going to do long line of West Point players of person he is. He knows he’s something, he’ll do it.” who spoke volumes with their not gonna let you down. If Murphy is a do-it-all type play, from Jamar Shelton to

Aeris Williams. For Chambless, who’s entering his 12th season as head coach, Murphy gives him a great feeling of comfort.

“It’s kind of like when I go home and see my momma,” Chambless said. “At that moment when I’m at home with my momma, there’s no place else I’d rather be, ever. It’s that feeling of security, that feeling of comfort. With him around, knowing the type person he is, he has that way of giving the team that feeling.”

Murphy doesn’t mind being leaned on so heavily. He certainly won’t be carrying the load alone, as West Point has its usual assortment of talent at other positions.

“I feel very confident about this team,” Murphy said. “This team, we’re working way harder than what we were before.

We grow every day, we learn every day. That’s the process you’ve gotta go through.” brad.locke@journalinc.com twitter: @bradlocke

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

44E | Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

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SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 45E

Tony Mears, left, not only has to battle the setting sun but huge flames as begins cooking hamburgers before a Saltillo game last season.

Dontell Young, right, will try to help the Tigers cook up a running game after rushing for 500 yards last season.

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SALTILLO BY tHE NUMBERS

4 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 4 Playoff appearances (last in 2013) 6 Winning seasons 30 Losing seasons 0 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

With the addition of LB coach Ryan Finch, Pat Byrd has six assistants for the first time during his Saltillo tenure.

Byrd is 30-53 at Saltillo, including 2–22 over the past two seasons. The Tigers went 23–14 from 2012–14.

OFFENSE

QB Tytus Heard (Sr.) was a WR and CB last year. The move gives Saltillo good athleticism at the position.

RB Dontell Young (Sr.) is one of three players expected to get significant carries. Young rushed for 506 yards (3.3 ypc) and 5 TDs last season.

WR Jay Murphy (Jr.) and WR Brady Butler (Sr.) lead a group expected to go six–to–eight deep.

Four starters return on the line, which averages about 270 pounds – bigger

than normal for Saltillo. The biggest is Landon Olive (Jr.) at 315. Peyton Warren (Sr.) is a third–year starter.

DEFENSE

Big losses up front, so Byrd is giving several players a look, including Logan Barnett (Sr.), Matt Alley (Jr.) and Tae Shackelford (So.).

OLB Jamarcus Smith is the top returning tackler (102).

Now that he’s at QB, Heard will see limited snaps at CB. S Julian Warren (Sr.) is fully healthy after missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury. CB Wesley Mize (Jr.) is expected to start.

KICKING GAME

K/P Westin Filgo (Jr.) is back.

Warren and Butler will handle kick return duties.

X-FACTOR

Byrd feels like he has more depth than than he’s had in years, and Saltillo will need it for the brutal Division 1-5A schedule.

TIGERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 NORTH PONTOTOC Aug. 24 at Amory Sept. 1 ITAWAMBA AHS Sept. 8 BOONEVILLE SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 15 at Baldwyn Saltillo’s non–division schedule is no Sept. 22 at Olive Branch* cakewalk. All five of those opponents Sept. 29 LAFAYETTE* made the playoffs last year, and three Oct. 6 at Center Hill* were division champs. It gets no easier Oct. 13 LAKE CORMORANT* in 1–5A, but at least the Tigers get Oct. 20 at Lewisburg* Lafayette (Sept. 29) and West Point (Oct. Oct. 27 WEST POINT* 27) at home.

Nov. 3 at Grenada* *–Division 1–5A game COACH SPEAK FAST FACTS “They’ve got to have some success Division: 1–5A early, they’ve got to see what it feels 2016 record: 2–10, 1–6 like, what it tastes like, and learn to (No playoffs) really, really hate to lose.” – Pat Byrd Head coach: Brad Locke Pat Byrd (8th year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: SALTILLO

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: SHANNON

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

SHANNON By tHE nuMBERS

1 1 State championship (1996) 1 State runner-up (1999) 6 Division titles (last 2008) 25 Playoff appearances (2016) 23 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 5 .500 seasons

COACHING ‘EM UP

Carter has led Shannon to the playoffs all five years but has yet to win a postseason game.

OFFENSE

(Sr.) at 6–foot–3, 315 pounds, and T K’Maiyus Cayson (Jr.) at 6–1, 310.

DEFENSE

DT Vaqwavius Huddleston (Sr.) is a fourth–year starter. DT Cardarius Hodges (Jr.) could be out early in the season after shoulder surgery.

LB Jaquarius Williams (Sr.) and LB Eric Jones (Jr.) are key returnees. They combined for 100 tackles last season.

CB Pashon Cooper (Sr.) and CB/S Quin Shannon (Jr.) lead the secondary, which will see a heavy rotation of players, including Cox, the WR.

QB Jordan Gilleylen (Jr.) passed for 1,490 yards, 12 TDs and 9 INTs last fall.

He recently recovered from a sprained throwing shoulder he suffered in a motorcycle accident, returning to action late in the 7–on–7 season.

RB Thailon Whitfield (Jr.) had 280 yards through 3 games before injuring his ACL last year. He rushed for 692 yards as a freshman.

WR Jerry Marion (Jr.), a team captain, KICKING GAME leads a deep group that includes AugusK/P Bart Tompkins (Sr.) averaged ta Cox (Sr.) and Dallas McGaughy (Sr.). 34.8 yards per punt last year and made The O–line boasts experience and size. 3 of 4 field goals.

The biggest hogs are C Shawn Foster Several players could be used on

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returns, including Marion, Erick Rogers and Daniel Young.

X-FACTOR

The injury bug bit Shannon hard last year, so simply staying healthy could make a big difference.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

If Shannon hopes to win its first division title since 2008, it will need to beat three tough teams it lost to last year: Amory, IAHS and Pontotoc. The Raiders gave up 55 or more points in all three losses.

COACH SPEAK

“We look for him to mess stuff up in the front and plug things up so everybody else can run.” – Darryl Carter, on 320–pound NG Brier McCurdy Brad Locke

RED RAIDERS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 CORINTH Aug. 25 at Horn Lake Sept. 1 NOXUBEE CO. Sept. 8 NEW HOPE Sept. 15 at Senatobia Sept. 22 at Clarksdale Sept. 29 CALEDONIA* Oct. 6 at Itawamba AHS* Oct. 13 AMORY* Oct. 20 MOOREVILLE* Oct. 27 at Pontotoc* *–Division 2–4A game FAST FACTS Division: 2–4A 2016 record: 6–5, 2–3 (Lost in 1st round playoffs) Head coach: Darryl Carter (6th year)

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46E |

SMITHVILLE BY tHE NUMBERS

2 2 State championships (1993, 98) 2 State runners-up (1989, 2013) 15 Division titles (last 2016) 31 Playoff trips (last 2016) 34 Winning seasons 1 Losing seasons 1 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

This is Michael Campbell’s first head– coaching job after being an offensive coordinator at both Tupelo and New Hope.

OFFENSE

Cole Hughey (Jr.), Coleman Leech (Sr.) and Jacob Johnson (Sr.), who missed significant time with injury last season.

DEFENSE

LB C. Moffett led the Noleswith 112 QB Cameron Wardlaw (Sr.) started tackles to go along with an INT and a the 2016 season opener but tore his ACL fumble recovery. Ca. Leech, McNeese and missed the rest of the season. and Williams round out the strong group.

RBs Omar Freeman, Chet Moffett DL Payne, Hughey and Co. Coleman and Caleb Leech (Srs.) will split time Leech will play both ways. after the graduation of nearly 2,000DBs Moffett and Freeman are yard rusher Dee Moore. returning starters, joined by Smith and WR Dustin Moffett (Sr.) had 22 Todd Cowley (Jr.). catches for 424 yards and 7 TDs last season. Will McNeese (Sr.), Octavion KICKING GAME Miller (So.) and Jabril Smith (So.) are Tucker Hood will continue to handle other starting receivers. punting duties and is working at PK OL Dax Payne (Sr.) – at 6–4, 378 along with McNeese. pounds – leads a group of returning startMoffett had Smithville’s only kickoff ers, in addition to Layne Williams (Jr.). return touchdown.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

X-FACTOR

Smithville needs Wardlaw and several OLs to bounce back from season– ending injuries in 2016.

| 47E

SEMINOLES

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Belmont Aug. 25 HATLEY Sept. 1 at East Webster SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 8 at Thrasher* Smithville, aiming for its third straight Sept. 15 at Potts Camp* North finals appearance, will spend four Sept. 22 H.W. BYERS* of the first five weeks on the road but Sept. 29 at Okolona* close out the season with three straight Oct. 6 FALKNER* home games.

Oct. 13 at Ashland* Oct. 20 TCPS* COACH SPEAK Oct. 27 NANIH WAIYA “Right now, our main focus is win Nov. 3 BIGGERSVILLE* the division, but once that happens, if it *–Division 1–1A game happens, we’re set up to hopefully make FAST FACTS a run deep in the playoffs. Then maybe Division: 1–1A we can get there. We have to catch 2016 record: 11–3, 7–0 some breaks along the way. We have to (Lost in state semifinals) stay healthy.” – Michael Campbell Head coach: Melissa Meador Michael Campbell (1st year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: SMITHVILLE

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: SOUTH PONTOTOC

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

SOUTH PONTOTOC By tHE nuMBERS

8 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 2 Division titles (last 1986) 8 Playoff trips (last 2016) 9 Winning seasons 23 Losing seasons 4 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

DEFENSE

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yards as a sophomore, teams will key in on him this season.

COUGARS

SCHEDULE Aug. 17 VARDAMAN Aug. 25 at Belmont SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 1 EAST UNION The Cougars welcome five new Sept. 8 at North Pontotoc opponents they didn’t play last season, and went 4–2 against the six teams they Sept. 15 at Bruce Sept. 22 MOOREVILLE OFFENSE did play. The October matchup against Sept. 29 HATLEY* QB Cole Brown (Sr.) returns after Houston will be a key game late in Oct. 6 at Nettleton* passing for 1,177 yards and 13 TDs. division play.

Oct. 13 at Houston* RB Eddie Ivy (Jr.) recorded a team– Oct. 20 CHOCTAW COUNTY* high 1,307 rushing yards and 19 TDs. KICKING GAME COACH SPEAK Oct. 27 at Aberdeen* Treylyn Berry (Jr.) adds depth with 256 Logan Rainwater (Sr.) was 32 of 37 “We’ve got to take it one game at a *–Division 4–3A game rushing yards. on PATs and had 1 field goal of 44 yards. time this season and stay healthy. We WR Brett Riley (Jr.) returns with 28 He is the leading candidate for punter. will try and get better every day. Most of catches for 462 yards, 9 TDs. Lee McCoIvy and Berry look to control the our guys are two– or three–year starters FAST FACTS Division: 4–3A llum also returns with 26 catches for 263 return game. and that’s beginning to pay off for our 2016 record: 7–5, 3–2 yards, 3 TDs. Alan Hall (Sr.) brings depth. team. We turned it around last season, (Lost in 1st round of playoffs) OL Quincy Dillard (Jr.), John Barnes X-FACTOR and we are looking to build on that this Head coach: (Jr.), and Kobbe Trest (Sr.) are all mulKeeping Ivy healthy is the difference season.” – Michael Bradley tiple year starters back for the Cougars. for this team. After rushing for 1,307 Dalton Middleton Michael Bradley (4th year) Michael Bradley led the Cougars to their first winning season since 2003. In his fourth year, he looks to build on that and get the Cougars into consecutive playoff appearances.

MLB Troy Bone (Sr.) returns with a team–high 116 tackles. OLB Barrett Griggs (Jr.) had 77 tackles and 3 picks.

DL Will Allen (Jr.) had 16 tackles and an interception last season. Bradley Dillard adds depth to the line.

DB John Alan Belcher (Jr.) and Oscar Venegas (Jr.) both return in the secondary. They each had one interception.

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48E |

STARKVILLE BY tHE NUMBERS

6 6 State championships (1984, 94, 95, 2001, 12, 15) 4 State runners-up (1981, 83, 85, 2011) 15 Division titles (last 2015) 29 Playoff trips (last 2015) 31 Winning seasons 3 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

interceptions and 10 PBUs a year ago.

LB Zach Edwards (Jr.) is considered one of the top in–state recruits in the Class of 2019.

DE Jalil Clemons (Jr.) had 10 TFL OFFENSE and 3 sacks as a sophomore and is a RB Rodriguez Clark (Jr.) had 450 force off the edge with his length. rushing yards and 5 TDs. He suffered an LB Darrius Brooks (Sr.) is another ACL injury and missed the second half of experienced returnee. last season.

QB Malik Brown (Jr.) is back after KICKING GAME quitting halfway through the 2016 season.

P Payton Rogers (Jr.) enters his His athleticism is a welcome addition. first season as the starter and replaces RB Andreus Swanigan (Sr.) is the veteran Wesley Albritton. leading returning rusher with 513 yards.

K Gage Boniol (Jr.) is the son of OL Kameron Jones (Sr.) is a Mississippi State special teams coach two–year starter and already holds 11 Chris Boniol.

Division 1 offers.

Chris Jones comes to Starkville with an impressive résumé. Last season he led Kemper County to the Class 3A title.

DEFENSE

CB Natrone Brooks (Sr.) had two

X-FACTOR

Last season the Jackets struggled on offense once Brown left the roster. With

Brown now back in good graces, his production will go hand–in–hand with the success of the offense.

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| 49E

YELLOW JACKETS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Noxubee County Aug. 25 OXFORD SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 1 at West Point Like any other season, Starkville has a Sept. 8 COLUMBUS rugged non–division slate that features Sept. 15 MERIDIAN games against Meridian and against Sept. 22 at Provine* rivals Noxubee County, West Point, CoSept. 29 NW RANKIN* lumbus and Oxford. The Jackets travel Oct. 6 at Greenville* to Warren Central for a key division Oct. 13 MADISON CENTRAL* game and close out the season against Oct. 20 at Murrah* defending Class 6A champion Clinton.

Oct. 27 at Warren Central* Nov. 3 CLINTON* COACH SPEAK *–Division 2–6A game “This is my dream job and one of the FAST FACTS premier jobs in the state. Every week will Division: 2–6A be a championship–caliber game and 2016 record: 7–4, 4–3 it will only help us be battle–tested.” – (No playoffs) Chris Jones Head coach: Paul Jones Chris Jones (1st year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: STARKVILLE

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

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50E |

TCPS BY tHE NUMBERS

3

COACHING ’EM UP

Shaune Holiday has assembled a stellar coaching staff. Aubrey Boren, Dennis Robbins and David Wilkerson are all former head coaches.

Added to the mix this year is Jason Harrison, who will help with linemen.

OFFENSE

0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 0 Playoff appearances 3 Winning seasons 6 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

STARKVILLE ACADEMY BY tHE NUMBERS

QB Bo Robertson (Sr.) is a dual threat at 6–foot–2, 225 pounds, doesn’t mind contact.

RB Cody Coggins (Jr.) takes over lead tailback duties.

Three starters return on the line, led

by C Aslan Anthony (Sr.). The others are Braxton Parker (Sr.) and Johnson Ramsey (Jr.).

TCPS will be young at WR, with several expected to contribute. One of them is Holiday’s son, freshman Khi Holiday.

COACHING ’EM UP

Chase Nicholson has posted a 16–6 record in his first two seasons. His debut season in 2015 saw the Volunteers reach the MAIS AAA championship game.

OFFENSE

6 6 State championships (1974, 75, 76, 77, 85, 2005) 2 State runners-up (2011, 14) 4 Division titles (last 2015) 7 Playoff trips (last 2016) 5 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

DEFENSE

Robertson has an offer from UT Martin for his play at ILB. He had 44 tackles and 6 TFL last year, and he’s the one who makes sure everyone is in the right place.

Coggins also plays ILB in the Eagles’ 3–4 scheme.

DT Braxton Parker (Sr.) and DT/DE Anthony anchor down the front.

Among those competing for jobs in the secondary are CB Josh Berry (Fr.) and CB Graham Chrisman (So.), who at 6–1 is the kind of big and athletic corner TCPS hasn’t had in a while.

KICKING GAME

K Brandon Wood (Sr.) will also handle punting duties.

As for kick returners, Holiday is still figuring that out.

71 tackles in his varsity debut season.

CB Nathan Heflin (Jr.) is one of several familiar faces back in the secondary.

S Howell Archer (Jr.) will call the shots on the back end of the defense again and is the most experienced defensive back.

DE Will Holley (Sr.) will pull double duty again and also start on the offensive line.

QB Noah Methvin (Sr.) returns as the starter under center and totaled over 1,800 yards of total offense last season.

KICKING GAME WR Brady Richardson (Sr.) highlights P Taylor Arnold (Jr.) enters his second a veteran receivers’ group that features a year and averaged 37 yards a punt in 2016. trio of seniors in the starting lineup.

K Cameron McKee (Sr.) and Nathan WR William Wolfe (Sr.) returns in the Pollan (Jr.) are battling for the starting slot and will line up in various spots. placekicking duties.

OL Walter Traham (Jr.) has been in the starting lineup since his freshman season.

X-FACTOR Starkville Academy has a veteran group DEFENSE of solid performers that have tasted a lot MLB Willie Lathan (So.) broke into the of success under Richardson. There are starting lineup as a freshman and totaled no superstar standouts so the Volunteers

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 51E

X-FACTOR

EAGLES

will depend on those veterans playing their role and playing it well.

VOLUNTEERS

TCPS has its best depth in years, with about 30 players out for the team this fall. Holiday said that, plus winning in recent years, gives his kids confidence.

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 Open Aug. 25 SACRED HEART (TN.) Sept. 1 HICKORY FLAT Sept. 8 at Biggersville* SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 15 THRASHER* TCPS, which didn’t field a team in Sept. 22 POTTS CAMP* 2013, is again a full–fledged MHSAA Sept. 29 at Byers* member. The Eagles open 1–1A play Oct. 6 OKOLONA* against Biggersville, a team they beat Oct. 13 FALKNER* handily last year.

Oct. 20 at Smithville* Where many 1A teams are playing Oct. 27 at Ashland* 12 games, the Eagles have scheduled Nov. 3 Open only 10. *–Division 1–1A game FAST FACTS COACH SPEAK Division: 1–1A “I think we’re more athletic than 2016 record: 7–2 we’ve been in a while, which helps a (Independent) whole lot.” – Shaune Holiday Head coach: Brad Locke Shaune Holiday (6th year)

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 LAMAR SCHOOL SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Aug. 25 at French Camp Aca. As in previous seasons, Starkville Acad- Sept. 1 at Indianola Aca. emy will face multiple MHSAA teams in the Sept. 8 EAST WEBSTER non–district portion of the schedule. That Sept. 15 at Magnolia Heights features MHSAA Class 2A contender East Sept. 22 WINSTON ACA.* Webster. The Volunteers close the season Sept. 29 PILLOW ACADEMY against Leake Academy, which could very Oct. 6 at Canton Academy* well determine the MAIS AAA, District 2, Oct. 13 at Heritage Aca.* championship.

Oct. 20 LEAKE ACADEMY* *–District 2–AAA game

COACH SPEAK

“We’ve got 40 guys on the team this year, which is the biggest number I’ve had since I’ve been here. So the big thing is for everyone to not be selfish with their role and find their role to help us win.” – Chase Nicholson.

Paul Jones

FAST FACTS Division: MAIS AAA, District 2 2016 record: 6–4, 2–1 (lost in 2nd round playoffs) Head coach: Chase Nicholson (3rd year)

Follow us on twitter at @DJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: THRASHER

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

THRASHER By tHE nuMBERS

4 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 4 Division titles (last 1992) 4 Playoff appearances (last 1992) 7 Winning seasons 24 Losing seasons 3 .500 seasons

COACHING ’EM UP

WR Clay Lee was impressive during X-FACTOR summer workouts. Three seniors anchor Injuries derailed the Rebels last season the line in guards Keaten Fugitt and after a promising start by limiting their Samuel White, plus center Luke Ballard. depth. Murphy and his staff are taking extra steps to avoid a repeat of that this DEFENSE season.

Weatherbee is the top returning tackler at safety with 101 last year, SCHEDULE ANALYSIS including 13 for loss and 3 sacks.

Thrasher plays eight consecutive Rasheed Shinault should add to the division games after contests against depth at DB after playing only basketball county rival New Site and Alcorn Central. as a sophomore.

The Rebels have two open dates in the OFFENSE Several freshmen will be counted first six weeks.

Shawn Weatherbee is talented on upon in key spots, including DL Zach both sides of the ball, but his offensive Smith and LB Bryson Grimes.

COACH SPEAK numbers stand out. The junior rushed for “Football has got to be big for the kids 1,660 yards with 25 TDs and had eight KICKING GAME in order for it to be big to the school and 100–yard games one year ago.

The Rebels still have some decisions the community. From the players I’ve QB Easton Boren will start full–time to make on special teams, but Weathseen, I’m really excited about what we this season after being pressed into duty erbee is also impressive on kick and might be able to do.” – Perry Murphy. as a sophomore due to injuries. punt returns.

Blake Long

Thrasher turned to a veteran coach to replace LaMart Harvey upon his departure to division rival Okolona.

Perry Murphy has served as a head coach for 15 seasons at Bolivar Central (Tenn.), Corinth, Middleton (Tenn.), Mount Olive and Winona. He was most recently an assistant at Kosciusko.

He won a pair of 1A state championships while at Mount Olive from 2009–10.

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REBELS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 NEW SITE Aug. 25 Open Sept. 1 at Alcorn Central Sept. 8 SMITHVILLE* Sept. 15 at TCPS* Sept. 22 Open Sept. 29 at Biggersville* Oct. 6 ASHLAND* Oct. 13 POTTS CAMP* Oct. 20 at H.W. Byers* Oct. 27 OKOLONA* Nov. 3 at Falkner* *–Division 1–1A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–1A 2016 record: 4–6, 2–5 (No playoffs) Head coach: Perry Murphy (1st year)

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52E |

TISHOMINGO COUNTY BY tHE NUMBERS

4 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 4 Playoff appearances (last 2008) 5 Winning seasons 20 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

COACHING ’EM UP RG Nick Lambert and LT Carson Gaylor Ray Weeks returns to the Friday night are all seniors with game experience. lights after two years as a principal in Nettleton. He led Hamilton to six playoff DEFENSE appearances in 11 seasons as head coach.

Garner is known more so for his skills He replaces Preston Leathers, who at LB and is the heart and soul of Tishoaccepted an assistant position at North- mingo County’s defensive efforts. west Rankin after three years in Iuka.

Lambert, Gaylor and Daniel are among those expected to pull double OFFENSE duty on the defensive line.

The Braves will break in a new QB for Beau Olliviere and Ben Glover are the first time since the 2013 campaign. part of the rotation at defensive back Expect Hunter Hill and Connor Pannell along with Butler and Cornelison. to both get snaps early.

Tayvious Duckett enters his junior KICKING GAME year as the featured back. FBs Caleb Weeks invaded the soccer pitch to Garner and Cameron Cummings will find kicker Coby Tapp, who will handle get several touches as well. kickoffs and extra points. Butler and Alex Cornelison should take on a great- Olliviere can both punt if needed. er role at WR alongside Cade Butler (Sr.) Luke Pounders provides an extra ease C Jonah Lovelace, RT Tristan Daniel, of mind with his long snapping accuracy.

X-FACTOR

The Braves must continue to master the flexbone offensive system that was installed for the first time during spring practices.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Tishomingo County unveils its new offense with a pair of road rivalry games in the first three weeks at Alcorn Central and Belmont. The new–look Division 1–4A opens for the Braves at home versus Ripley.

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| 53E

BRAVES

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Alcorn Central Aug. 25 MCNAIRY (Tenn.)

Sept. 1 at Belmont Sept. 8 KOSSUTH Sept. 15 at Booneville Sept. 22 HOLLY SPRINGS Sept. 29 RIPLEY* Oct. 6 at Corinth* Oct. 13 NEW ALBANY* Oct. 20 at Senatobia* Oct. 27 BYHALIA* *–Division 1–4A game

“I missed the practices, the relationships with the kids and teaching them the game of football, the bus rides. I just missed the game.” – Ray Weeks

Go Brav es!

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SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

FAST FACTS Division: 1–4A 2016 record: 3–8, 0–5 (No Playoffs) Head coach: Blake Long Ray Weeks (1st year)

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Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

daILy JOuRnaL

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54E |

TUPELO BY tHE NUMBERS

1

COACHING ’EM UP

Trent Hammond has led his team to four straight postseason appearances, including one 6A championship game (2013) and a 12–1 finish last season.

John Keith returns to coach QBs after a season as Mooreville’s head coach.

OFFENSE

C Harrison Broadaway (Sr.) returns as a three–year starter. He is joined by Matthew Ray (Sr.) and CJ Doss (Sr.) 1 State championship (1992) RB Jaquerrious Williams (Jr.) rushed 3 State runners-up for 1,137 yards, 13 TDs. Corey Hodges (1990-1991-2013) (Sr.) adds experienced depth.

8 Division titles (last 2016) QB Stephon McGlaun (Jr.) returns to 27 Playoff appearances take all the snaps after splitting time last (last 2016) season. He passed for 1,105 yards, 11 29 Winning seasons TDs and rushed for 446 yards, 7 TDs. 6 Losing seasons WR Jordan Jernigan (Jr.) had 22 1 .500 season catches for 422 yards, 3 TDs. Simarcus

Evans (Sr.) adds speed at the position.

DEFENSE

LB Jett Johnson (Sr.), a Mississippi State commit, was the Journal’s 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded a team–high 119 tackles.

OLB Peter Gray (Sr.), recorded 87 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions.

DB Tay Standifer (Jr.) recorded 63 tackles, 1 interception.

KICKING GAME

K/P Josh Smith (Sr.) was 37 of 40 on PATs, had 6 FGs with a long of 48 yards.

KR Vashoune Cooperwood (Sr.) had 1 KO return for TD. Jernigan and Evans have experience returning kicks.

X-FACTOR

McGlaun needs to become the leader

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

in his first full season under center. Filling in spots on OL and adding depth are crucial. Johnson, Gray and Standifer give defense plenty strength to build on.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

The Golden Wave will be tested right out of the gate with its home opener against Meridian, a 10–game winner last season under first–year coach Calvin Hampton. Four home division games is a plus, including one against 6A newcomer Oxford in the final regular-season game.

COACH SPEAK

“We’ve got a lot of good players, but we lost some good guys who made big plays. We’ve got to continue to work hard and fight. That’s been our identity since 2013.” – Trent Hammond Gene Phelps

| 55E

GOLDEN WAVE

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 MERIDIAN Aug. 25 at Corinth Sept. 1 CLARKSDALE Sept. 8 at Brandon Sept. 15 Open Sept. 22 at Hernando* Sept. 29 COLUMBUS* Oct. 6 SOUTHAVEN* Oct. 13 at South Panola* Oct. 20 DESOTO CENTRAL* Oct. 27 at Horn Lake* Nov. 3 OXFORD* *–Division 1–6A game FAST FACTS Division: 1-6A 2016 record: 12-1, 7-0 (Lost in 2nd round playoffs) Head coach: Trent Hammond (5th year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: TUPELO

DAILY JOURNAL

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

VARDAMAN By tHE nuMBERS

28 0 State championships 0 State runners-up 14 Division titles (last 2012) 28 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 26 Winning seasons 8 Losing seasons 2 .500 seasons

WALNUT By tHE nuMBERS

7

COACHING ’EM UP

Larry Gann is coming off his first winning season since joining the Rams in 2013. After going winless in his first two seasons, he won 4 games in 2015.

OFFENSE

QB Trae Owen (Sr.) returns after passing for 1,375 yards and 19 TDs. RB Patrick Pratt (Jr.) rushed for 619 yards and 10 TDs. The rest of the team looks to combine experience behind him.

TE Wesley Casey (Sr.) looks to replace Brandon Washington. Casey had 10 catches for 142 yards last season.

OL Hunter Spencer (Sr.), Dillon Williams (Sr.), and Will O’Barr (Sr.) are all starting for the third straight year.

DEFENSE

DB Patrick Pratt (Jr.) had 13 in-

COACHING ’EM UP

John Meeks has led his team to four straight postseason appearances which is a school record.

Corey Bennett and Ben Wallis return as assistant coaches.

OFFENSE

0 State championships 0 State runners-up 0 Division titles 7 Playoff appearances (last 2016) 12 Winning seasons 23 Losing seasons 1 .500 season

RB Wesley Cox (Sr.) rushed for 220 yards and 4 TDs while splitting time with Marshall University signee Monterio Hunt.

QB Kevin Hurley (Jr.) returns after a breakout sophomore season. Hurley threw for 1,398 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 145 yards and 5 TDs. WR Kris Perry (Jr.) caught 12 passes for 270 yards and 4 TDs. WR TJ Lewellen (Fr.) will put pushed into action early on.

DEFENSE

LB Kylan Story (Sr.) led Div. 1-2A with

terceptions over the last two seasons.

Kody Townsend (So.) had 3 interceptions last season.

DL Zack Berry (Sr.) lines up in all positions across the line.

OLB Michael Williams (Jr.) is returning to lead the linebacking crew Wendarius Townsend (Sr.) adds depth.

KICKING GAME

Owen was 33 of 39 on PATs, had 3 field goals with a long of 37. He is also the returning punter with 28 punts for 1,037 yards.

X-FACTOR

Keeping Owen healthy is going to go a long way this season. The Rams are going to count on him to be their quarterback, kicker, and punter in 2017.

Replacing Washington, a 4–year

130 tackles. The team looks at him as the leader of the defense.

LB Drew Pitney (Sr.) was right behind Story with 123 tackles last season with 14 TFLs. S Andy Allen (Jr.) led the Wildcats with 5 sacks. DL Ricken’ta Garth (Sr.) recorded 48 tackles, a team–high 19 TFLs, and 2 sacks.

KICKING GAME

Allen will handle PATs and field goals.

Hurley will be the punter and handle kickoff duties.

Cox and Perry will handle both kickoff and punt returns.

X-FACTOR

The Wildcats offense needs to stay balanced with both the run and the pass but that will rely solely on the OL as only

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RAMS

starter who had 15 TD receptions last season.

SCHEDULE Aug. 17 at South Pontotoc SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Aug. 25 BRUCE In a new division, Vardaman doesn’t Sept. 1 COLDWATER know much about their opponents out- Sept. 8 FRENCH CAMP* side of Nanih Waiya and West Lowndes. Sept. 15 at Leake County* The Rams will face a tough South Pon- Sept. 22 at West Lowndes* totoc team in Week 1, then a Bruce team Sept. 29 Open searching revenge from last season’s Oct. 6 at Ethel* loss in Week 2.

Oct. 13 NANIH WAIYA* Oct. 20 at Sebastopol* COACH SPEAK Oct. 27 NOXAPATER* “For us to be successful, some kids Nov. 3 HAMILTON* are going to have to step up and play *–Division 3–1A game both ways. Some kids are going to have FAST FACTS to step up just because its their time to Division: 3–1A play. We have 15 seniors returning, so 2016 record: 7–5, 5–2 that’s a positive going into this season.” (Lost in 1st round playoffs) – Larry Gann Head coach: Dalton Middleton Larry Gann (5th year)

1 of the 5 starters return from last season.

Story, Pitney, and Garth can stop the run on defense but cornerback depth will need to expand.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

Walnut opens against an athletic Ashland team that will test the Wildcats defense early.

Only four division games on the schedule requires just one victory to clinch a playoff berth but the Wildcats will have to travel to Division 1–2A favorite Baldwyn.

COACH SPEAK

“We are looking for consistency at every position, especially the offensive line. We have the ability but we need to improve our focus and aggression.” – John Meeks Dillon Barnes

WILDCATS

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 ASHLAND Aug. 24 at Falkner Sept. 1 HW BYERS Sept. 8 MIDDLETON (TN) Sept. 15 at New Site Sept. 22 at Fayette Aca. (TN) Sept. 29 Open Oct. 6 EAST UNION* Oct. 13 at Baldwyn* Oct. 20 STRAYHORN* Oct. 27 at Bruce* *–Division 1–2A game FAST FACTS Division: 1–2A 2016 record: 9–4, 7–0 (Lost in 2nd round playoffs) Head coach: John Meeks (6th year)

Follow us on twitter at @dJournalPreps and watch for the #djpreps hashtag on game nights

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56E |

WEST POINT BY tHE NUMBERS

COACHING ‘EM UP both seniors, anchor a strong O–line. C Chris Chambless, the longest–tenDraylon Reives is only 165 pounds but ured coach at one school in Northeast makes up for it with his toughness.

Mississippi, is 119-31 at West Point with 3 state championships (2009, 2010, DEFENSE 2016). One secret to his success: Very DT Terence Cherry (Sr.) had 18 sacks little staff turnover. last year. The 6–foot–2, 250–pounder has the quickness of a LB. OFFENSE West Point has to replace both starting Marcus Murphy (Sr.) can’t be confined DEs. to one position. The MSU commit will line FS Trey Brownlee (Sr.) is a third-year up at QB, RB and WR. Last year, he rushed starter. He was second on the team last 8 State championships for 1,756 yards and 25 TDs. He also had year with 97 tackles.

(1982, 87, 88, 89, 2005, 10, 16) 137 receiving yards.

CB Ryan Melton (Jr.) is a key return2 State runners-up QB Jake Chambless (Jr.), the coach’s ing starter.

(1984, 2002) son, will see more playing time this year.

14 Division titles (last 2016) RB Chris Calvert (Sr.) is trying to KICKING GAME 24 Playoff trips (last 2016) overcome some health issues. Chambless K/P Jose Lemus recently had surgery 26 Winning seasons said RB Nate Montgomery (Sr.) will turn for a torn meniscus but is expected to be 8 Losing seasons some heads this season. back by the second game.

2 .500 seasons Twins Jameek and Cameek Price, Calvert, Murphy and Jason Brown-

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SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 57E

GREEN WAVE

SCHEDULE X-FACTOR Aug. 17 COLUMBUS Chambless said as long as the players Aug. 25 at Louisville continue to play for each other, he’s not Sept. 1 STARKVILLE too worried about a post–championship Sept. 8 Open letdown.

Sept. 15 at Noxubee Co. Sept. 22 at Lafayette* SCHEDULE ANALYSIS Sept. 29 CENTER HILL* Division play gets a little tougher this Oct. 6 at Lake Cormorant* year with the addition of Lafayette, which Oct. 13 OLIVE BRANCH* won the 4A state title last fall. West Point Oct. 20 GRENADA* opens division play against the Commo- Oct. 27 at Saltillo* dores on the road, and that game could Nov. 3 LEWISBURG* determine the 1–5A champ. *–Division 1–5A game FAST FACTS COACH SPEAK Division: 1–5A “Our motto around here is ‘Refuse to 2016 record: 14–1, 7–0 Lose.’ Our guys take that very seriously.” (Won 5A state title) – Chris Chambless Coach: Brad Locke Chris Chambless (12th year)

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017: WEST POINT

DAILY JOURNAL

Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

Game-Day ready styles for either the classroom, ofďŹ ce, or tailgating.

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58E |

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 13, 2017

| 59E

MSU: Bulldogs focused on fixing their defensive issues college and the NFL, to head his defense.

“I want people, when they STARKVILLE – Mississippi watch your defense play, to see State backed into its seventh an intimidating defense,” Mulstraight bowl game last season len said. I want people to see with a 5-7 record during the 11 guys flying to the ball with regular season thanks to its a chip on their shoulders and high APR score. a nasty disposition to get after This year the Bulldogs are it. When you are led by a guy hoping they can close out who is that way, your defense AP more games to keep their post- Dan Mullen is entering his is going to play that way.” season streak alive without a To help fill up some of the ninth season at MSU. technicality. MSU’s losses to experience gaps on the roster, South Alabama, LSU, BYU and tom nationally in nearly every State signed several junior Kentucky last season all came statistical category including college prospects who reached on the game’s final drive.

120th in pass defense and campus in January. Among One area of concern coach 110th in total defense for first- those are four former Division Dan Mullen felt needed to be year coordinator Peter Sirmon. I defensive players – outside addressed was the Bulldogs’ Mullen made a move hiring linebacker Montez Sweat defense. It ranked at the botTodd Grantham, a veteran of (Michigan State), defensive

BY LOGAN LOWERY DAILY JOURNAL

end Chauncey Rivers (Georgia) and safeties Johnathan Abram (Georgia) and Brian Cole (Michigan).

“They have really transitioned well,” Mullen said.

GOOD FITZ AT QUARTERBACK

On offense, the Bulldogs bring back one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks in Nick Fitzgerald. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder led the conference in total offense last season racking up 4,160 yards and 37 touchdowns while setting nine school records and two league marks.

Fitzgerald proved to be a force on the ground rushing for 1,375 yards and 16 scores in

2016 but aims to improve his 54.3 completion percentage.

“Obviously I have to be more of an accurate passer,” Fitzgerald said. “I have to be more consistent but still keeping in tune with the run game and making sure I can still make plays with my feet.”

Helping carry some of the load will be running back Aeris Williams. Williams rushed for 450 yards during the month of November including 140 yards against Texas A&M and 191 against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, both of which were victories for the Bulldogs. logan.lowery@journalinc.com twitter: @loganlowery

Ole Miss: Mentally tough Rebels eager to move forward For now, the Rebels have an offense loaded with four- and five-star talent in its first 11.

OXFORD – A year ago, Ole In addition to an interim Miss was ranked No. 11 in head coach in Matt Luke, preseason and considered a there are new coordinators dark horse to unseat Alabama on both sides of the ball, and in the SEC’s Western Division. the sting of last year’s disapA lot has changed since then. pointing defense is still a fresh The Rebels stumbled to a memory.

5-7 finish in 2016, fired coach Luke believes he has depth Hugh Freeze for personal mison the defensive line and at conduct this summer, face a cornerback, but there are ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM question marks at linebacker looming date with the NCAA’s Matt Luke is interim head and safety.

Committee on Infractions coach at Ole Miss. and approach the 2017 season This figures to be an Ole picked last in the West by SEC to have to be as explosive on Miss team that needs to score media. offense as many believe they a lot of points to succeed.

If the Rebels are to exceed can be.

“We’re going to do everythe meager expectations What the future holds thing we can to win games. many outside the program regarding possible player Each game is precious, and have for them they’re going transfers remains to be seen. each game is different,” Luke

BY PARRISH ALFORD DAILY JOURNAL

said. “We’re going to attack each game differently and find a way to win that week. That’s the goal. I think you have to approach each game differently, but the goal is obviously to go out there and win.”

POTENTIAL ON OFFENSE

The key man in the attack is quarterback Shea Patterson. He would have no game experience now if not for last November’s injury to Chad Kelly which thrust Patterson into the starter’s role for the final three games.

Patterson will be an elusive threat on the ground and has a collection of former fourstar wide receivers to target in DK Metcalf, DaMarkus Lodge,

Van Jefferson and A.J. Brown.

The combination of running back Jordan Wilkins, a veteran offensive line and the system of offensive coordinator Phil Longo bring the hope of reviving a stagnant rushing attack.

“After all the adversity we have a chance to be the most mentally tough team in the country,” Luke said. “They’ve been through so much, and that’s going to bring them together. You’re playing for the guy next to you. You’re playing for the guy that is wearing the same jersey and helmet as you.” parrish.alford@journalinc.com twitter: @parrishalford

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2017

DAILY JOURNAL

60E | Sunday, auguSt 13, 2017

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