Pontotoc City & County Fall Sports 2021

PONTOTOC CITY & COUNTY

fall 2021 Sports

FEATURING

•FOOTBALL •CHEERLEADING •BAND •CROSS COUNTRY •VOLLEYBALL •SWIMMING

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Fall Sports 2021

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FALL SPORTS 2021 6

letter from the

sports editor LOYAL READERS OF THE PONTOTOC PROGRESS,

F

all sports are woven into the fabto fall evenings. They interject soul and ric of Southern life. All sports evoke emotions that can’t be overstated. are exciting--well, maybe not At North Pontotoc, drum major Adhockey--but when we finally dison Clements arrived early and stayed start getting relief from the summer heatlate at practice during the off-season, -which was particularly harsh this year-making sure Viking faithful will get the the falling leaves, crisp evenings and the best musical experience this fall. At Ponglow of Friday night lights will feel like totoc, seniors Coda Ethridge and Rylee mercy from above. Southerners are lions McIntyre, both members of the Lions Allon the Serengeti. We lay low in the blisState Band, will lead the intimidating War tering heat, then, come out to paw at each Chant that rises into the downtown night. other, growl, and grill meat in the cool of In Springville, look for Connor Bland on the evening. the drumline to pound out a fierce rhythm Sports fans in Pontotoc have a lot to and make the South Pontotoc fans nod get excited about this fall. and cheer.

Our cover shot, Pontotoc’s Caroline Dancing in time with the bands, cheerHoward, is the defensive captain on the leaders are itching to show off their rouGalen Holley volleyball court and promises to lead the tines. At North Pontotoc, cheer captains Sports Editor Lady Warriors to another stellar season.

Annasia Berry and Jessie Leigh Corley The Women of the Tribe were runners-up are poised to amaze along the sidelines. at state last year. Coach Mike Bain, after notching five de- Marlee Hoing will lead her cheer squad in Springville, stircades of experience, might make this his last go-round as ring up the Cougar faithful. In The Hollow, Pontotoc cheer skipper of the Warriors’ cross-country team. co-captains Chelsy Mull and Kelsey Haney will rouse WarUp in Ecru, the Vikings are looking forward to a good rior Nation into a frenzy. season on the gridiron. Experienced quarterback, junior ReLet’s get behind Pontotoc’s swim team. Their first meet, ece Kentner, will start under center. Coach Andy Crotwell near home, will be Sept. 7 in Tupelo. described his bunch as “hungry.”

We sincerely thank everyone who subscribes to the PontoThe South Pontotoc Cougars cross-country team ran toc Progress. We believe that, even amid the hurly-burly and throughout the summer, in temperatures most of us wouldn’t chaos of contemporary life, small-town newspapers add valbrave to walk to the mailbox. Coach Helen Bowen is excited ue and make things just a little better. We love printing local about how all that hard work will pay off. stories, showing local faces, and celebrating hometown life.

Fall sports are an immersive experience like none other. Ok sports fans, in the words of legendary ring announcer North, South, and Pontotoc have rocking bands that provide Michael Buffer, for the thousands in Pontotoc County, let’s atmosphere and excitement. Bands produce the soundtrack crowd the stands and, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

Fall Sports 2021

contents 6 Letter from the Sports Editor 8 Pontotoc Warrior football 10 South Pontotoc Cougar football 12 North Pontotoc Viking football 16 Pontotoc warrior cheerleaders 17 south Pontotoc cougar cheerleaders 18 north Pontotoc viking cheerleaders 21 pontotoc warrior marching band 22 south Pontotoc cougar marching band

23 North Pontotoc viking marching band 26 pontotoc warrior cross country 28 south Pontotoc c0ugar cross country 30 North Pontotoc viking cross country 34 pontotoc warrior volleyball 36 south Pontotoc cougar volleyball 38 north Pontotoc viking volleyball 42 pontotoc warrior swimming

Advertisers Affordable Employee Benefits...................4 Algoma Country Store.............................20 Ashley Furniture......................................14 Blacksmith BBQ.......................................41 Boyles Tire...............................................32 Crossroads Rehabilitation.......................41 First Choice Bank.....................................48 Friendship Fitness......................................2 Friendship Medical Clinic...........................3 Friendship Pharmacy.................................3 Friendship Travel.......................................4 Johnson’s Wrecker Service.......................19 Lundi’s Comfort Co..................................32

Market Basket.........................................44 Melinda Nowicki.....................................24 MississippiCare......................................44 Montgomery Drugs.................................19 Mossy Oak Properties..............................46 Patty Turk Properties, LLC...........................5 Physical Therapy......................................20 Pickens Pest Control................................41 Pontotoc Animal Clinic............................15 Pontotoc Progress...................................47 Pontotoc Shell Express.............................40 Price Cutter..............................................40 Pure Bliss.................................................20

on the cover

FALL SPORTS 2021

table of

Renasant Bank........................................15 Rick’s Auto Repair...................................45 Ricky Ferguson........................................45 Seafood Junction.....................................15 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic................41 Snow Cream Corner................................25 Southern Garage Body & Paint................32 Tanglefoot Market at Ecru..........................2 Torrance School Photography..................45 Trent’s Portrait Design.............................20 True Value................................................46 Wood Eye Clinic......................................25 Young’s Tire Store....................................24

Pontotoc Lady Warrior senior and defensive captain, Caroline Howard, playing the libero position, looks to lead her team to another successful year on the volleyball court.

Writers

Galen Holley, Sports Editor, Jonathan Wise, Sports Writer and Will Ruff, Sports Writer

A Special Thanks To

Trent’s Portrait Design, Torrance School Photography, Cody Roberts and Regina Butler for the photos Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles Fall Sports 2021

Graphic Designer: Chelsea Williams 7

PONTOTOC CITY

2021 warrior

football

2021 Pontotoc Warrior football Team

The Pontotoc Warriors football team for 2021 includes (front, from left) Davion Sampson, Justin Woods, Jorda Ball, Malachi Brown, Qualen Dixon, Connor Armstrong, (not pictured Carson Fowler) Drew Cunningham, Kentrel Peters, Kyleal McShan, (Head Coach Jeff Carter), Tre Golden, KJ Bradley, Nic Townsend, EJ Bodie, Javier Cole, Montinque Wilson, Walt Gardner, Jaden Montgomery, (second row) Andru Berry, Christopher Hullett, Amare Young, Caydon Hutchinson,Ja’kylen Judon, Benjamin Jones, Jayden Dixon, Dakota Walker, Kylan Farr, Hayden Kyle, Walker Tackett, Colby Thompson,Bryce Chrestman, Colton Farley, Isaac Ditto, McKevious McClendon, Montavious Bell, (back row) Joseph Holmes, Marneko Penrose, Benji Ross, JR Carnes, Brady Thomas, Daniel Lira, Hyrum Holmes, Jimmy Ray, Tyler McGregor, Carter Cleveland, Jamarion Shannon, Eddie Nolasco, Luke Hammer.

Assistant Coaches include Corey Armstrong, Mickey Mapp, Adam Gentry, Zch Matkins, Matt Turner, Jonathan Beard, Tanner Hendricks, John Darnell, Tommy Morton.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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Fall Sports 2021

Will Ruff

Sports Writer

Pontotoc – The Warriors are primed for a successful season in 2021. Pontotoc returns 12 starters, has a big senior class and a roster loaded with talent.

Head coach Jeff Carter thinks his team can be special and are hungry to get to work.

“I feel that spring and summer served us well and we really needed that time due to all the missed time we had last year,” said Carter, “We have a tough schedule and it will be a big challenge for us but I think they can handle it and they are ready to get after it.”

Quarterback Conner Armstrong returns to lead an offense that will only need to fill one offensive line spot and find some depth at receiver, but the pieces are there as well as the experience to score a lot of points and be a force to reckon with in 4A. “Conner is our bell cow, he knows the offense and knows what to do and we expect big things out of him,” said Carter, “Jordan Ball returns at running back for us and is a weapon for us as well.”

Nic Townsend, Kylan McShan, Jaden Montgomery and Bryce Chrestman will handle receiving duties and where they will line up will depend on

formation and game plan. The Warriors will return a hoard of big uglies from a year ago to man an experienced group of lineman. Carter Cleveland, Tyler McGregor, Jimmy Ray and John Robert Carnes will look to lead the group who are still looking for a few guys to fill and open spot.

“We really don’t want a lot of guys going both ways for us,” said Carter,” we need some guys to step up on the oline, and on defense as well so we can rotate and keep our guys healthy.”

Justin Woods and Kentrel Peters will anchor the defensive line for Pontotoc.

Inside the box with them will be Walker Tackett and Colby Thompson at

linebacker. Montinique Wilson, Davion Sampson, and Malachi Brown will look to fill spots at linebacker or in the secondary. Eddie Nolasco will kick for Pontotoc with Walt Gardner getting the nod at punter.

“Our success really comes down to how quickly the guys can gel and play in their new roles and spots,” said Carter, “we are in a division that has a lot of seasoned coaches, so we will have to be sharp each week, and we are going to have to play well early on because I think this is the toughest schedule we have had in a long time.”

Pontotoc opens the season August 27th at Shannon.

PONTOTOC CITY

WARRIORS SENIOR-HEAVY, TALENT RICH IN 2021

2021 Pontotoc Warrior football schedule AUGUST 27 @ Shannon

SEPTEMBER 24 @ Itawamba AHS

OCTOBER 15 Houston*

SEPTEMBER 3 Grenada

OCTOBER 1 @ New Albany (HC)*

OCTOBER 22 North Pontotoc*

SEPTEMBER 10 Choctaw County

OCTOBER 7 @ South Pontotoc*

OCTOBER 29 @ Ripley*

SEPTEMBER 17 @ Saltillo Fall Sports 2021

* Division game

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 Cougar

football

2021 south pontotoc cougar football Team

The South Pontotoc football team for 2021 includes, (bottom, from left) Ethan Patterson, Jackson Harmon, Drew Tutor, Jordan Leggins, Trace Ash, O’Bryan Ivy, Daltin Kelly, KC Carter, Clayton Heatherly, Braxton Morphis, (second row) Amad Williams, DJ Gates, Junior Gage, Cody Stutsy, Chase Long, John Pegues, Tucker Patterson, Quay Scott, Mickelle Dawson, Bennett Mayo, (third row) Gabe Ruth, JC Silver, Noah Fleming, Will Angle, Drew Mask, Levi Jenkins, Sam Newell, Joe Haze Austin, Landon Hood, Emery Tedder, (fourth row) Jimmy Harpole, Lane Chunn, Caden Neff, Tommy Dunaway, Larkin Gillespie, Tristan Bone, Joseph Marroquin, Mark Murillo, Zac Patterson, Sean Marion, Remmington Roberts, (fifth row) Isaiah Ivy, Gatlin Roye, Marcos Chrestman, Mason Steward, Austin Shempert, Jaxon Collums, Kenneth Waters, Jaylin Slack, Nathan Hardin, Brayden Holley, Jeff Smith. (Coaches): Troy Bone, Lance Carter, Jeff Harmon, Mason Luther, Chris Vineyard, Brett Freeman, Bryan Buckner, Rod Cook Photo by Torrance Photography

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Fall Sports 2021

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The South Pontotoc Cougars are hoping that returning seniors, most of whom have notched significant playing time, will help shore up the void left by the graduation of 16 seniors, including an entire offensive line--minus the center--that was among the area’s best last season.

“We’re really looking to this group to provide leadership and we’re expecting good things,” said Coach Rod Cook, entering his fourth season as the Cats’ skipper.

The Cougars hope to improve on a 4-6 campaign last season.

Among those returning seniors will be Cody Stutsy, an aggressive presence on both sides of the ball, who plays much bigger than he’s listed in the program. Senior Mickelle Dawson keeps his pads low and runs hard inside, plus he has enough speed to get the edge.

Senior Clayton Heatherly, formerly a wide-receiver, will skipper the offense at quarterback. Heatherly will take over for three-year starter Eli Allen.

Heatherly got plenty of snaps under center last year and is very capable of running the Cougars’ wing-T offense,

according to Cook. Senior Quay Scott will share time in the offensive backfield, a runner with breakaway speed and a feel for following blocks. Seniors Gatlin Roye and Kenny Waters will step up to positions on the Cougars’ vaunted offensive line. Senior Chase Long is a stout player who runs with power. Senior Zachary Patterson will set the edge at defensive end.

Austin Shempert has worked hard as an underclassmen, Cook said, and has earned a spot as a starting offensive lineman. Larkin Gillespie played center last year but had an abbreviated season due to injury. He’ll move over a gap to offensive tackle.

As with many good football players in northeast Mississippi, several Cougars will play old-style, “ironman”

football, manning positions on both offense and defense. Stutsy, Scott, and Long will double as defensive backs.

Along with a host of other offensive players, Dawson will dig in on the D-line.

“Our guys knew going in that it was going to be a grind, and they’ve been working hard this summer to get ready for it,” said Cook.

Tristan Bone and Lane Chunn are among the younger players Cook expects to get significant playing time and contribute.

“It’s always a team effort, and I’m pleased that we’ve worked hard and we take a lot of pride in what we do,” said Cook. “We’re expecting a lot out of our guys, and I’m confident they’ll deliver.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

COUGARS FEEL STRONG WITH NEW OFFENSIVE LINE

2021 South Pontotoc Cougar football schedule AUGUST 27 East Webster

SEPTEMBER 17 @ Bruce

OCTOBER 8 Pontotoc (HC)*

SEPTEMBER 3 Choctaw County

SEPTEMBER 24 @ Tishimingo County

OCTOBER 22 @ New Albany*

SEPTEMBER 10 Marshall Academy

OCTOBER 1 @ Houston*

OCTOBER 29 North Pontotoc* * Division game

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 Viking

football

2021 North pontotoc viking football Team

2021 North Pontotoc Football players include, (front, from left) Aidan Tatum, Reece Kentner, Frank Stark, Tyler Pickens, Colton Moore, Holden Little, Leyton Walker, Ayden Ellis, Winn Navarrete, Romeo Cornejo, (seond row) Rhodes Anthony, Michael Anderson, Jordan Pitts, Jack Cummings, Kalor Kirby, Stevie Hicks, Bryan Heredia, Blake McGloflin, Wesley Simmons, Kobie Doss (third row) Taylor Hollis (not pictured), Caleb Pitts, Landon Hill, Isaiah Spratt (not pictured), John Mendoza, Eli Patterson, Daniel Crotwell, Landon Ward, Stephen Hollis (not pictured), Miguel Garcia, Joseph Royce, Cristian Romero, Dontez Cook, (fourth row) Noah Carter, Tate Ellis, Dre Villarreal, Bryce Rainer, TJ Nash, Case Young, Ethan Terry, Cooper Armstrong, Caleb Davis, Austin George, (back row) Addison Bynum, Will Peeples, Jonah Uithoven, Andrew Laliberte, Kenyon Randle, Clayton Redd, Dez Jones, Glenn Booth, Eli Carwyle, Brian Eubanks Photo by Galen Holley

2021 North Pontotoc viking football schedule AUGUST 26 Tupelo Christian Prep

SEPTEMBER 24 @ Nettleton

SEPTEMBER 3 Charleston

OCTOBER 1 @ Ripley*

SEPTEMBER 10 Itawamba AHS

OCTOBER 7 Houston* (HC)

SEPTEMBER 17 Amory 12

OCTOBER 15 New Albany * (Senior Night) OCTOBER 22 @ Pontotoc* OCTOBER 29 @ South Pontotoc* * Division game

Fall Sports 2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc has some question marks heading into the 2021 campaign, but the grit that has characterized the Vikings over the past few seasons looks to be there once again with this year’s roster.

“This group is hungry; they work hard and are anxious to get going,” said head coach Andy Crotwell, entering his fifth season with a record of 34-14. “It is definitely going to be a situation where we have some growing to do. As long as they provide the effort, and they have given every indication they are willing to do that, I think things are going to turn out just fine.”

One of the biggest areas that the Vikings have to develop is the offensive line, where four of five starters will be new.

Junior Kenyon Randle is the lone returning starter and will anchor left tackle. Caleb Davis came out of spring as the starter at center. Beyond that, there are a number of guys competing for positions, including Ethan Terry, Bryce Rainer, Case Young and Clayton Redd, among others. Shuffling to find the best combination will continue throughout fall camp.

The ground game was strong for North a year ago. In addition to the offensive line, the Vikings have to replace a pair of explosive running backs that accounted for most of the production.

“We have some difficult shoes to fill there, replacing two guys that were both very fast and shifty,” Crotwell said. “The guys we’re looking at are bigger, more physical backs who, the hope is, can lower their shoulder, push the pile and get tough yardage.”

A number of players are battling for carries, including Michael Anderson, Dontez Cook, Kalor Kirby, Leyton Walker and Blake McGloflin.

The two most experienced receivers are Winn Navarrete and Colton Moore.

“I feel like Winn had a good season

Fall Sports 2021

as a first-year starter and has continued to grow,” Crotwell said. “He is extremely driven when it comes to getting better. We feel good about his ability to contribute at all three (receiver) positions.

“Colton returning at Y-receiver. He is a big framed kid, very physical. He is a great perimeter blocker and has good hands.

“As is always the case we are looking for the three or four best ones as far as production, and we will go from there.”

Tyler Pickens and Holden Little are also expected to contribute at wideout.

It is always key to have an veteran hand behind center. Junior Reece Kentner enters his third season as the starter at quarterback, and Crotwell expects him to continue to increase his production.

“I would expect that he will make a similar jump this year as the one he had from his freshman to his sophomore year,” he said. “He will also have an expanded role running the ball. He has done the things necessary to get his body ready to do that. We are going to be a quarterback-driven offense.”

Kalor Kirby returns at B-back, a hybrid fullback/tight end position. Blake McGloflin and Leyton Walker will also get reps at the spot in addition to tailback.

A stout defense has been a key to winning close games, and a strong core coming back means the Vikings should be again solid on that side of the ball.

“We’ve got plenty of guys with some experience on the defensive line; we like to rotate a lot of guys there,” coach Crotwell said.

Among those are veteran Tate Ellis, who is a disruptive force in the backfield, Austin George, Bryan Heredia, and Noah Carter. Crotwell said the Vikings also have several other young players who can give them 10-15 snaps a game.

Senior inside linebacker Leyton Walker has been a playmaker since his freshman season, and he will again be a key cog for the linebacking corps.

“He has slimmed up some and is moving really well,” coach Crotwell said. “Leyton is another guy who is extremely driven and works his tail off, both when the team is there and on his own.”

Blake McGloflin returns at inside linebacker as well after contributing at a variety of positions on defense.

Landon Ward is also in the mix.

Returner Wesley Simmons started at outside linebacker the majority of last season. Frank Stark and Ayden Ellis are competing for snaps at the other outside ‘backer position.

Senior All-Region safety Jordan Pitts will lead the secondary.

“He (Pitts) was all over the field in the spring,” Crotwell said. “We are excited about what he can do for us on the back end. He is aggressive against the run, tackles well, has a good understanding of the defense and gets people lined up.”

Aidan Tatum has moved over from corner to the other safety spot. Stevie Hicks is set to man one cornerback position, while Navarrete and Kobie Doss will each see action at the other.

“We are going to continue to compete, get better every day, and try to improve as the season progresses,” coach Crotwell said. “That’s not only our expectation as coaches, but that’s also the expectation the players have for one another.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

VIKINGS HAVE POTENTIAL FOR ANOTHER SOLID SEASON

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PONTOTOC CITY

2021 warrior

Cheerleaders

2021 Pontotoc Warrior Cheerleaders

Pontotoc High School cheerleaders for 2021 include (front, from left) Josie Warren, Chelsy Mull, Dylan Williams, Kelsey Haney, Alayna Ball, Izzy Park (middle) Greta Huffstatler , Faith Dabbs, Maggie Kimble, Rhylee Olsen, Mary Margaret Deaton, (back) Shelby Tinger, Emma Kate Houser, Paris Vaughn, Katie Christian, Harlee Wilson, Mariah Montgomery, Kyla Mayes, Jasmier Coleman, Ella Hill.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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Fall Sports 2021

Cheerleaders

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 cougar

2021 south pontotoc cougar Cheerleaders

South Pontotoc High School cheerleaders for 2021 include (back, from left) Kathryn Higginbotham, Layla Kate Ward, Olivia Crane, Lakyn Moody, (middle) Bailey Whitlock, Jaylnn Ward, Macy Bain, (front) Sallie Blake Fleming, Nikki Raines, Morgan Gunter, Kealey Ward, Kiara McCord, Marlee Hoing Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

Fall Sports 2021

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 viking

Cheerleaders

2021 north pontotoc viking Cheerleaders

North Pontotoc cheerleaders for 2021 include (front row, from left) Jessie Leigh Corley, Annasia Berry, Emme Thompson (mascot), Kathryn Smith, Maly Mae Fitts, (middle) Maddi Bullard, Audrey McCuller, Layla Moore, Layni Clowers, Lacey Yarbrough, (back) Gracie Corley, Abby Horton, Annslee Rhea, Jenna Herring, Mallory Robinson, Allie Grace Hamilton, Abi Grace Warren Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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marching band

PONTOTOC CITY

2021 Warrior

2021 Pontotoc warrior marching band

Daniel Alvarez, Jaina Barefoot, Anakin Barefoot, Gabby Bell, JJ Berry, Dylan Boydstun, Cheridy Brown, Christhton Brown, Laura Beth Calvert, Hayden Caples, Jasmier Coleman, Alejandra Contreras, Colton Cossey, Nancy Cruz, Earnest Jacob, Coda Etheridge, Buddy Ferguson, Rob Ferguson, Samantha Fleming, Mikey Franklin, Abby Gillespie, Kolson Gillespie, Adrianna Gonzalez, Evan Guin, Lily Hale, Brody Hall, Luke Hammer, Kelsey Haney, Marilyn Holguin, Noah Holland, Emma Kate Houser, Yazmin Iniguez, Olivia Inmon, Jacobe Johnson, Aaniyah Jonson, Landon Johnson, Danaysha Jones, Makyah Jones, Reese Laenen, Dorienne Lawrence, Emile Little, Haley Lowe, Harley Lyons, Jackson Mabus, Emily Mabus, Stevie Mayes, Kyla Mayes, Santaisha Mayes, Tanner McCord, Rylee McIntyre, Joryie McKnight, Jacob Mercer, David Metcalfe, Taylor Mims, Elizabeth Ann Mitchell, Kevin Montes, Mariah Montgomery, Ava Katherine Moore, Maddie Moorman, Marneiko Penrose, Jassmin Perez, Braylun Perkins, Carla Ramirez, Kassandra Ramirez, Jeremy Ray, Kristin Ray, Alaina Riley, Emeri Roberts, Matthew Rudasill, Lizet Ruedas, Cala Sanchez, Emily Sauerwein, Kris Smith, Chelsea Smith, Joshua Spates, Lawrence Spates, Khaleb Taliaferro, Nic Taylor, Heather Tedford, Christian Tirado, Ethan Troupe, David Tucker, JT Tutor, Layla Tutor, Naomi Tzib, Olivia Vance, Akylah Vance, Samantha Vickery, Jonathan Vielmas, Kyndal Ware, Josie Warren, AK Wilbanks, Maniyah Williams, Tyler Williams, Allison Wray, Leah Zinn

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 Cougar

marching band

2021 South Pontotoc Cougar marching band

The South Pontotoc Cougar Band for 2021 includes: Priscilla Martinez, Dayra Almazan, Gracie Brown, Stephanie Barcenas, Tori Cochran, Pamala Bejarano, Aaliyah Dillard, Faith Brown, Jasmine Galloway Kinslee Ferguson, Maria Gonzalez, Stacy Guzman, Whitney Jones, Ebony Hallman, Carina Marroquin, Serenity Hollingsworth, Analyse McMillen, Elizabeth Long, Kiana Rainer, Avery Mitchell, Ophelia Rocha, Amber Montgomery, Fantasia Triplett, Aly Sanchez, Ilce Velasquez, Leslie Vidana, Madisen Williams, Colton Fuqua, Joshua Fernandez, Kaelan Gillespie, LaDarius Fitzpatrick, Danna Gregory, Jessica Gann, Landon Horton, Alexis Harlow, Isabella Lopez, Tyler Lewis, Hunter Luby, Donivon Owen, Jackson Robison, Aaron Pannell, Jack Tutor, Ethan Pate, Cadye Weeks, Austin Sullivan, Andrea Yother, Jason Brownlee, Isabella Camargo, Preston Foster, Justin Carwile, Dani Gann, Joseph Marroquin, Kanya Lopez, Lexi McCoy, Christopher Marroquin, Morran McMillen, Faith Pannell, Becky Milner, Stephen Ramirez, Isaiah Pannell, Brennan Ratliff, Makayla Peeples, Madison Wilson, Gabi Reynolds, Austin Taylor, Alex Tovar, Josh Coker, Carlos Deloera, Shakiya Hallman, Kendall Harrington, Preston Mathis, Katelyn Lackey, Braxton Ratliff, Lindsey Vernon, Noah Waters, Jadyn Brown, Katie Campanaro, Jacob Fletcher, Karina Fernandez, Coldy Lewis, Alona Finnley, Samantha Pulliam, Lakelynn Harlow, Anthony Sanders, Hannah Jinkins, Sarah Grace Jones, Jaycie Kelly, Jocelyn Rangel, Makayla Scarlella, Annalee Vernon, Leanna Ward, Asteric Whitt, Connor Bland, Mack Cossey, Tommy Dunaway, Lucy Ferguson, Dominic George, Jeannie Gonzalez, David Jimenez, Landon Lee, Alex Long, Chloe Osterhout, Will Pickens, Gage Rhodes, Ryker Tryon, Caleb Tuggle, Layndon Fitzpatrick, Emma Franks, Audrey George, Macy Holloway, Connor Coker, Chloe Moorman, Garrett Weeks Photo by Galen Holley

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marching band

NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 Viking

2021 North Pontotoc viking marching band

The North Pontotoc High School Band for 2021 includes, (first row): Evelyn Tovar, Lily Voyles, Emma House, Hailey Johnson, Anna Brown, Coiled Boyd, Addison Clements, Katelyn Ogelsby, Tana Foreman, Rachel Wilder, Jade Corzine, Chloe Griffin, Lola Pankow, (second row) Serenity Carr, Brittany Wilson, Ari Pina, Shay Howell, Lakelynn Lepard, Peighton Snider, Lindsay Raby, Haley Pipkin, Makenna Cooper, Jennifer Watson, Bailee Snider, Gracie Turner, Karastan Gamble, (third row) Zayra Alamanza, Fatima Tovar, Aizlynn Herbert, Shannon Wilson, Phillip Steele, JJ Ferguson, Naveah Kraut, TJ Hardin, Evan Brandon, Logan Powell, Caleb Kieth, Jalyn Gurner, McKenzie Sneed, (fourth row) Allyson Speck, Kari Wise, Matthew Sorrells, Kathryn Coghlan, Julia Gray, Cheyenna Cable, John David Hanson, Erin Wise, Chris Null, Brett White, Wes May, Nyla Smith, Nathon Najera, Christian Najera, TJ Baker, Caroline Speck, (Band directors) Cody Roberts, Taylor Riley, Caleb Mooneyham, Kaitlynn Yates, and Hannah Irby Photo courtesy of Cody Roberts

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PONTOTOC CITY

2021 warrior

cross country

2021 Pontotoc Warrior cross country Team

Pontotoc boys cross-country runners for 2021 include, (front row, left to right) Beau Hunter, Jackson Mabus, Kayson Newsom, Maddox Jones, Noah Parmer, Dayn Wilson; (back) Keelin Johnson, Braxton Whiteside, Andrew Chrestman, Ellis Maffett, Josh Stegall, Cooper Parmer.

Photo by Galen Holley

2021 Pontotoc Warrior Cross Country schedule SEPTEMBER 9 TCPS Twilight SEPTEMBER 11 Mooreville Invitational SEPTEMBER 18 Saltillo Invitational 26

OCTOBER 2 Soutn Pontotoc Invitational

OCTOBER 28 MHSAA Region 2, Class 4A

OCTOBER 8 Pontotoc Invitational

Fall Sports 2021

PONTOTOC CITY 2021 Pontotoc Lady Warrior cross country Team

Pontotoc girls cross-country runners for 2021 include, (front row, left to right) Sailor Huey, Olivia Hamblin, Sara Campos, Ivanna Flores, Alexa Mendoza, Abby Gillespie, (back) Ava Whiteside, Kaylin Simmons, Haley Lowe, Mallie Maffett, Reese Laenen, Samantha Vickery, Carla Ramirez Photo by Galen Holley

WARRIORS AIM FOR TOP RESULTS IN CROSS-COUNTRY Galen Holley Sports Editor

Pontotoc Warriors’ cross country teams look to build off solid 2020 campaigns.

Both the girls and boys cross country teams are looking to have a good season in 2021, according to Coach Mike Bain.

The boys were state runners up last season and the girls finished third at state. Both teams will return most of their runners from last year. Seniors coming back for their final season are Kaylin Simmons, Cooper Parmer and Keelin Johnson. Parmer was state

Fall Sports 2021

runner-up and earned a spot on the All-State team. Also returning from last year’s state team for the girls will be Ava Robbins, Ella Huey, Carla Ramirez, Mikayla Wendler, Katherine Carpenter and Haley Lowe. Haley made the All-State team last year. Returning for the boys are Caiden Ivy, who made All-State, Jace Clingan, Braxton Whiteside, Luke Blanchard and Ellis Maffett.

“It is going to be fun to see which of our girls step up and run the times we expect from them this season,” said Bain. “We held Olivia Hamblin out of the state meet last year since she was a 7th grader, and she is one of the more talented girls we have coming back.

We also have a couple of other girls who we expect to make a difference.

Our goal for them is to come closer to that state championship.”

Bain was equally excited about the Warrior men.

“Cooper and Caiden showed last season at state that they can be very competitive. The other guys have so much potential, and they didn’t come close at state last year to racing where they should have been. Noah Holland, Austin Brown, Andrew Chrestman and Kayson Newsom have looked pretty good in summer workouts. Andrew and Kayson are in their first year of cross country, but have shown the attitude it takes to be competitive.”

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 Cougar

cross country

2021 South Pontotoc Cougar cross country Team

South Pontotoc boys cross-country runners for 2021 include (front, from left) Sheff White, Noah Waldrop, Brennan Ratliff, Gable Steward, Slade Bost, Trey Riley, Colton Fuqua, Karson Pettit, (back row) Coach Judy Mills, Kai Hidalgo, Christopher Figueroa, Will McMurry, Braxton Ratliff, Clayton Collums, Caleb Tuggle, Michael Tackitt, Drayden Way, Traylen Bain, and Coach Helen Bowen.

Photo by Regina Butler

2021 south pontotoc cougar Cross Country schedule SEPTEMBER 2 TCPS Twilight SEPTEMBER 11 Gulf Coast Stampede (Pensacola, FL) SEPTEMBER 18 Saltillo Cross-Country Invitational 28

SEPTEMBER 25 Eagle Claw Invitational (Eupora)

OCTOBER 16 Tiger Invitational (Batesville)

OCTOBER 2 South Pontotoc Invitational

OCTOBER 28 MHSAA Region 2, Class 4A (Pontotoc)

OCTOBER 8 Pontotoc Invitational Fall Sports 2021

South Pontotoc girls cross-country runners and coaches for 2021 include (front, from left) Haley Hamm, Leah Montgomery, Elizabeth Harlow, Ella Easterling, Miah Spencer, Kendall Adams, Macy Bain, (back) Coach Judy Mills, Manager Mia Houser, Manager Molly Covington, Jaki Fernandez, Anniyala Berry, Zada Bray, Harper Rush, Lyndzie Claire Johnson, Aubrey Logan, Riley Kate Easley, manager Emma Kate Walls, Coach Helen Bowen.

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 south pontotoc lady cougar cross country Team

Photo by Regina Butler

SOUTH PONTOTOC EXPECTS HARD WORK RESULTS IN CROSS-COUNTRY Galen Holley Sports Editor

In Springville, the South Pontotoc Cougars continue to run tough, building a quality, cross-country program, and Coach Helen Bowen is excited about this year’s prospects.

“Our runners are excited to show off all their hard work, and we’re running with renewed purpose this year,” said Bowen, who, with the exception of a brief hiatus due to health reasons, has skippered the runners since 2008.

Fall Sports 2021

According to Bowen, runners to watch this fall include senior Colton

Fuqua, as well as junior Slade Bost.

Sophomores Gable Steward and Trey Riley also promise to add depth among the younger men.

“These four were strong last year, and we can’t wait to see them turn it on this season,” said Bowen.

On the ladies’ side, sophomore Ella Easterling and freshman Kendall Adams should also perform well, according to Bowen.

“All our kids have been training hard,” said Bowen. “Our goal is to have our top five runners close the gap on each other and get the lowest score.”

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 viking

cross country

2021 North Pontotoc viking cross country Team

North Pontotoc boys cross-country runners for 2021 include (front, from left) Andrew Raines, Greyson Lytal, Evan Jernigan, Logan Wilder, Gavin Horton, Kye Flowers, (back) John Mendoza, Keaton Varnon, Cailan Ruth, Nash Guerin, Jalil Jimenez, Emmett Lott, Deanthony Slaughter, Braxton Hooker, Weston Carwyle, Will Townsend, Brody Crews, Hayden Hale, Rhodes Patton, Easton Stark, Aaron Akers, Zain Matthews, Haydon Waldron Photo by Galen Holley

2021 North pontotoc lady viking cross country Team

North Pontotoc Lady Viking Cross-Country runners for 2021 include (front, from left) Bella Padgett, Montanna Cockrell, Ashley Jones, Kylee Snider, Macy Harrison, (back) Anna Scott Thomas, Alison Catt, Anna Beth Brown, Caroline Speck, Serenity Carr, Lola Pankow, Kora Belle Walker.

Photo by Galen Holley

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Fall Sports 2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc has had some solid cross country success over the past few seasons, and the program hopes to continue to improve and establish consistency in Class 4A. New coach Hannah Weatherly takes over the program with a long history of successful competition in the sport. Her parents began the cross country program at East Union, and she was a standout runner at East Union and Blue Mountain College.

“I have been impressed with the kids that have shown up (to summer practices),” Weatherly said. “Everyone has plans, and we have kids playing more than one sport. We are super excited for the upcoming season, because I can tell that we have some very hard workers.”

The boys return a good nucleus of runners. Freshman Nash Guerin dominated in middle school competition last season and ended the season as the team’s top varsity runner at state, finishing 32nd.

“I’m expecting some really great things from Nash this year,” Weath-

erly said. “I think he is going to have a big season.”

John Mendoza is another freshman who was a strong middle school competitor and ultimately boosted the varsity.

“I definitely expect to improve this season; those middle school boys were very strong last year, “ Weatherly said. “Now they have moved up (to varsity), and they will only get better from here.”

Weatherly has been impressed with the leadership from senior Keaton Varnon, who is one of 10 runners back from last season. Another returnee who was a part of the Vikings’ top seven at state is Aaron Akers.

Coach Weatherly also thinks she has a talented group of incoming seventh graders who could lead North to another big year in the middle school races, as well as provide a foundation for the future.

“I think that having their own (middle school) state competition has been a great confidence booster, and it helps to keep kids coming back,” Weatherly said.

The girls have a small team, and the development of middle school runners will be crucial to how the

team ultimately fares. “(Senior) Lindy Holley is going to be our manager this year. She has a great attitude, and we are glad she will still be with us and contribute to the team,” Weatherly said. “We have three high school girls- Anna Beth Brown, Anna Scott Thomas and Caroline Speck. They are all seniors, so we have a very mature team on the high school side. Obviously we are going to have to have some middle school runners step up, because they will be competing in our varsity races.”

The middle school girls have good numbers. Weatherly looks for big contributions from eighth graders Serenity Carr, Celeste Alban, Kylee Snider and Lola Pankow.

“They are doing great in practice and running at home as well, so that definitely reflects in their performance,” she said.

Overall the teams have ability, and North will work toward reaching their best by the end of the season.

“It’s our goal to get some runners on the podium at state,” Weatherly said. “There is a lot of potential, and it is just going to take consistency and determination.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

NORTH XC LOOKS TO COMPETE WELL

2021 north pontotoc viking Cross Country schedule SEPTEMBER 11 Hickory Flatt Invitational SEPTEMBER 18 Saltillo Invitational SEPTEMBER 25 Trooper Trails High School Classic (Blue Mountain) Fall Sports 2021

OCTOBER 2 South Pontotoc Invitational

OCTOBER 16 Tiger Invitational (Batesville)

OCTOBER 8 Pontotoc Invitational

OCTOBER 28 MSHAA Region 2, Class 4A (Pontotoc)

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PONTOTOC CITY

2021 warrior

volleyball

2021 Pontotoc lady Warrior volleyball Team

Pontotoc Lady Warriors volleyball team for 2021 includes (front, from left) Maggie Kimble, Sadie Stegall, Channing Lane, (second row) Morgan Hillhouse, Camryn Stephens, Averi Bridgman, Holly Stewart, Ariyauna Douglas, Katie Christian, Scout Waldrop, Samari Berry (third row) Anna Wilbanks, Victoria Knowles, Carsyn Stephens, Izzy Park, Nakiyah Hoskins, Kayla Foulks, (back) Mallie Maffett, Ava Robbins, Mackenzie McGuirt, Elizabeth Anne Mitchell, Samya Brooks, Audrey Hamill, Rhylle Olsen, Anna Jenkins, Mollie Rackely, Alayna Ball, Caroline Howard Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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Fall Sports 2021

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Lady Warriors are coming off their best volleyball season in program history, having finished runners-up in state in 2020, and they plan to carry that momentum into their 2021 campaign.

“Expectations are high among our girls and our coaches, and we’ve been putting the pedal to the medal in practice to accomplish a lot this season,” said Coach Annie McGregor, heading into her tenth season at the helm.

The Lady Warriors finished 19-5 on the season last, and 9-1 in Region 2-4A. Seven seniors will be returning for Pontotoc, and McGregor said the Women of the Tribe are looking to send a strong message.

“We’re not going to let anybody tell us we don’t deserve to be there,” said

McGregor, referring to the team’s aspirations to make a deep playoff run again this year.

McGregor called her seniors “superstar contributors,” and for good reason. Among those seniors will be Caroline Howard, who plays the libero position. “She got her one-hundreth career dig last year, which is an amazing accomplishment, and she’s our defensive captain,” said McGregor. Howard was named to the AllState team last year, as well as the MAC All-Star Game. Howard’s fellow senior Audrey Hamill was also an All-Star and All-State team member, and will provide solid play as a setter. Both Howard and Hamill have received offers to play JUCO volleyball, and have kept their skills sharp over the summer with travel ball, McGregor said. Scout Waldrop is a returning senior who will also play setter and has also had some JUCO

offers. “Scout is essentially a utility player, who can really play anywhere, and is a bundle of energy” said McGregor. Senior basketball standout Samya Brooks will add power to the volleyball lineup. “Samya will hold down the middle for us,” said McGregor. Underclassmen include junior Sadie Stegall as well Mollie Rackley and Maggie Kimble on the outside.

“We’ve got some awesome younger girls who will get playing time this year,” said McGregor. Alayna Ball and Ava Robbins should get minutes as well.

“We have so many exceptional athletes at Pontotoc, and its incredible to watch where we came from 10 years ago to where we are now,” said McGregor. “It’s a volleyball culture.”

Assistant Coach Kate Hester plans to take the clipboard early in the season as McGregor goes on maternity leave.

PONTOTOC CITY

PONTOTOC LADY WARRIORS LOOK TO BUILD ON 2020 SUCCESS

2021 Pontotoc lady Warrior volleyball schedule AUGUST 26 @ Tupelo

SEPTEMBER 9 @ Itawamba AHS*

SEPTEMBER 23 Kossuth

AUGUST 28 Pontotoc Round Robin Tourney

SEPTEMBER 11 @ Belmont Invitational Tourn.

SEPTEMBER 27 Oxford Regents High

AUGUST 31 Amory

SEPTEMBER 13 New Albany

SEPTEMBER 2 @ Shannon*

SEPTEMBER 14 Mooreville*

SEPTEMBER 7 Caledonia*

SEPTEMBER 21 Shannon*

SEPTEMBER 28 @ Caledonia* OCTOBER 4 Itawamba AHS OCTOBER 5 @ Lafayette

OCTOBER 12 First Round MHSAA Playoffs OCTOBER 14 Second Round MSHAA Playoffs OCTOBER 19 North Half Championships OCTOBER 23 State Championships * Division game

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2021 cougar

volleyball

2021 south pontotoc lady cougar volleyball Team

The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars include (front, from left) Maggie Caldwell, Jada Washington, Claire Jaggers, manager Ellie Ritchie, Chloe Moorman (middle) Bailey Whitlock, Nyelie Smith, Jacee McClellan, Leanna Reeves, (back) Asst. Coach Brandy Higgason, Avery Hendon, Kealy Ward, Morgan Gunter, Ryleigh McVay, Hallie Rackley, Gabie Ritchie, Kara Fleming, Head Coach Blake Lovell Photo by Torrance Photography

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Galen Holley Sports Editor

The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars volleyball team will be “senior heavy,” as Coach Blake Lovell put it, and expectations are rising.

The Lady Cats return seven seniors, all of whom have played for three years, (since the program’s inception) and Lovell, the program’s first and only coach, thinks they’re ready to make the next step.

“Chemistry is the word for them; they play really well together,” said Lovell. “We can plug any girl in anywhere and they never miss a beat.”

Those seniors include Kealey Ward, Hailey Rackley, Morgan Gunter, Avery Hendon, Gabie Ritchie, Ryleigh McVay, and Kara Fleming.

The Lady Cougars are coming off a five-win, 2020-21 campaign, shortened by COVID. They were tied for

fourth place in their 4A division. The abrupted season due the pandemic meant that the first match of 2020 for the Lady Cougars was against perennial juggernaut Caledonia. Kealy Ward hurt her foot, and it threw a wrench into the works for the whole season, Lovell said. South won their final, three matches and finished on a good note, establishing a firm foundation upon which to build for this campaign.

“I thought we started to hit the ball well at the end of the year,” said Lovell. “Things took off, and we started to loosen up and play well as a team.”

Around the court, Kealy Ward will be an outside hitter. Hailey Rackley and Ryleigh McVay will play the middle blocker positions. Kara Fleming will provide stability at the setter position. Avery Hendon is a libero for the team. Gabie Ritchie will play on the right side of the formation, and Mogan Gunter will play setter and right-side.

Among the underclassmen who will add support are junior, outside hitter Maggie Caldwell. “She’s very consistent hitter, and puts lots of balls in play, and hits a variety of shots,” said Lovell. Sophomore Leanna Reeves, a right-side and outside hitter, should provide solid play off the bench as well, according to Lovell. “She’s a power hitter. She’s good from the service line. From any hitting position, she brings a lot of power and lot of energy,” said Lovell The Lady Cougars are a program on the rise, with gritty, determined players. They’re strong, experienced girls who will rise to the challenge, Lovell said.

“We’re looking to Rackely and Ward as our leaders,” said Lovell.

They and Hendon have the most playing time. They’re always there, and you can count on them—and that goes for all our girls. They’re a coach’s dream of what you’d want.

SOUTH PONTOTOC

SENIOR-HEAVY LADY COUGARS CONFIDENT FOR 2021

2021 south pontotoc lady cougar volleyball schedule AUGUST 26 @ East Union

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 23 @ Senatobia

First Round Playoffs

AUGUST 28

SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 28

OCTOBER 14

SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 30

Pontotoc County Tournament

AUGUST 31

Houston

East Webster

@ North Pontotoc

Pontotoc (Jr. High Only)

SEPTEMBER 2

SEPTEMBER 21

@ Amory

@ Clarksdale

Clarksdale Senatobia

OCTOBER 4 West Union (Senior.Night)

OCTOBER 12

Second Round Playoffs

OCTOBER 19 North Half

OCTOBER 23

State Championship

SEPTEMBER 7 @ Houston

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 viking

volleyball

2021 north pontotoc lady viking volleyball Team

The North Pontotoc Lady Viking volleyball team members include, (front, from left,) Annasia Berry, Jessi Leigh Corley, Karson Mitchell; (middle) Bella Gates, Bella Hayes, Madi Bullard, Laney Kate Clowers, Hannah Berryman, Gracie Corley, (back) Layla Moore, Taytum Holt, Madison Coltharp, Audrey McCuller, Abby Horton, Alika Montufar, Laura Cobb, (not pictured Kam Thomas) Photo by Galen Holley

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Fall Sports 2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

The North Pontotoc Lady Vikings begin their third volleyball season with a mixture of experience and a good bit of youth, as they look to compete well in Division 1-4A. Two of their most experienced and productive returners are Kam Thomas and Gracie Corley.

“They both bring a controlled game and leadership to our team,” said North co-head coach Amanda Little.

“Kam is a great asset to us, and she has really come along as a setter and one of our right side hitters,” said Lady Vikings co-head coach Amanda Puckett. “We look to Gracie to get it on the floor, and she is also a great encourager to her teammates.”

Other key players are seniors Karson Mitchell and Jessie Leigh Corley, as well as Bella Gates.

“We expect Karson to be big in the middle for us,” Coach Puckett said.

“Jessie Leigh will be our libero, and we are going to count on her to pick up anything that goes in the back and make the ball playable for our girls.

Bella Gates is really strong from the

service line, and she is just a playmaker overall.”

The Lady Vikings also expect big contributions from Madison Coltharp, senior Annasia Berry and Bella Hayes.

“We will look to Madison for a lot of setting and hitting; she has really good technique,” Puckett said. “Annasia will play a middle blocking position for us. Bella (Hayes) is probably our most versatile player. She is strong in a couple of different spots, and she will get a lot more playing time.”

2021 is certainly a building year.

The high school roster has nine newcomers, so laying a strong foundation will be key.

“Our girls rolling in are very impressive thus far, and we expect them to develop into great players as the season develops,” Little said.

“We lost a lot of solid, consistent players, and we have a large freshman class coming up,” Puckett added.

“The most important thing we can do as coaches is to instill all the fundamentals they need and consistently work on the little things that ultimately pay off. We are going to give it everything we have, expect to win and always work toward that.”

North will need to have players step up to replace some lost production, but they seem to have the talent and scrappiness to acquit themselves well.

“Our girls are working hard in practice,” Coach Little said. “They are already showing strength and unity with ball control and leadership on the floor. The key to this season will be in the hands of our veteran players as they work together and push each other and lead the newest members of our team into becoming a competitive group.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

LADY VIKINGS LOOK TO VETERANS FOR LEADERSHIP

2021 north pontotoc lady viking volleyball schedule AUGUST 28 Pontotoc County Tournament AUGUST 31

South Pontotoc

SEPTEMBER 2

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 30

SEPTEMBER 14

SEPTEMBER 23

OCTOBER 5

SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 28

OCTOBER 7

@ Mooreville @Ripley

New Albany

@ Tish County Mooreville

@ Ingomar

@ New Albany @Corinth

Tish County

Ripley

SEPTEMBER 7 Corinth

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PONTOTOC CITY

2021 warrior

swimming

2021 Pontotoc Warrior swimming Team

Pontotoc swimmers in 2021 include (front, from left) Buddy Ferguson, Thomas Jefcoat, Jacob Vickery, Emily Stegall, Jadariya Williams, Cooper Parmer, John Paul Burton, Luke Blanchard, (back) Brooke Stegall, Kylie Burchfield, Embreliegh Crews, Kori Grace Ware, Riley Stanford, Callie Anne Patrick, Hallie McDonald, Mak Masters Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

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Fall Sports 2021

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The Pontotoc swimming team has quickly established a tradition of excellence, and heading into only its fourth year, Coach Zach Gory said expectations are high.

“We’ve had a lot of success, and despite two of our top swimmers graduating, we plan to maintain that standard of excellence and to keep working hard and competing well,” said Gory.

Those top swimmers, who graduated, to whom Gory referred are, on the girls’ side, Rani Greer, who singed to continue swimming with Davidson University. Greer was a six-time Class I state champion, with three first-place wins in the 200-yard individual medley and three in the 100-meter breaststroke. On the boys’ side, J.D. Chism was the 2020 Class I Swimmer of the Year.

Swimmer-by-committee might be one way to describe this year’s Warrior squad. Gory had the perfect metaphor. “We’re a tribe,” he said. “Our approach this year is not necessarily trying to have one swimmer replace everything they (Greer and Chism) did but having a team mentality and finding strength in numbers. We might not have Rani going out there and getting us 18 points, but we have

a lot of young talent and a good team mentality and expect to do well.”

The Warrior women had a stellar campaign last season, finishing first in all four, Class I regional meets in which they competed. (Class I includes 1A-4A schools). “Our girls had a great season, consistently finishing top in Class I, and even finishing third behind bigger schools, like the Tupelos, the Oxfords, and so on,” said Gory. “At one meet, we even finished ahead of Starkville, a 6A program.”

The Warrior women don’t expect to slide this year, according to Gory.

The coach recently sat down with his roster to try and figure out his best relay lineup. He was blessed with an

embarrassment of riches, Gory said.

“I can honestly say that we could go ahead with any of seven or eight combinations and be beyond pleased.”

Among the Women of the Tribe, Gory said that sophomores Reannon Hicks and Kori Grace Ware, despite their youth, are going to be leaders.

Both ladies have had notable success.

Hicks qualified sixth in the state in 100 freestyle and seventh in the 200 freestyle at state last year. Ware was seventh in the state in the 100 backstroke and tenth in the 50 freestyle.

Riley Stanford, a senior, who coaches in basketball, track and field, and swimming praise as a grinder and a great teammate, will also set the tone for hard work, Gory said.

Ninth-grader Hallie McDonald was on last year’s medal-winning 200-yeard relay team, and should add strength to the Warrior women, Gory said. Emily Stegall is a long, strong swimmer who Gory anticipates making that “good-to-great jump” this year. Kylie Burchfield is another swimmer who has made an incredible jump, according to Gory.

Eighth-grader Brook Stegall has not swum competitively before, but she’s coming on strongly in practice and her strength in the breaststroke should help in key situations, Gory said. Jadriya Williams is another Lady Warrior swimmer making fast improvement, according to Gory.

PONTOTOC CITY

PONTOTOC LOOKS TO CONTINUE PROGRAM’S SUCCESS

2021 Pontotoc Warrior Swimming schedule AUGUST 26 DeSoto Swim Invitational

SEPTEMBER 14 Oxford Outdoor (Oxford City Pool)

SEPTEMBER 7 Tupelo Meet #1 (Tupelo Aquatic Center)

SEPTEMBER 21 Tupelo Meet #2 (Tupelo Aquatic Center)

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SEPTEMBER 28 Tupelo Meet #3 (Tupelo Aquatic Center)

OCTOBER 15 North Half (Delta State Aquatic Center)

OCTOBER 5 Tupelo Meet #4 (Tupelo Aquatic Center)

OCTOBER 22 State Championships (Tupelo Aquatic Center) 43

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