2016 Fall Sports Preview

New Albany • East Union • Ingomar • Myrtle • West Union

2016

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

N e w A l b an y G az e tte1

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2016 Fall Sports Preview

On the cover

6-7 New Albany Football 8 New Albany Seniors 9 New Albany Band 10-11 East Union Football 12 East Union Seniors 13 Union County Band 16-19 Union County Softball 23-27 Cross Country 29 Ingomar Swim 30 New Albany Volleyball

Special Thanks Jake Hill, Kevin Walton, Josh Blythe, Andy Wilbanks, Marty Cook, Hugh Yates, Scotty Shettles, Nathan McLellen, Stephen Adams, Jennifer Pannell, Chris Greer, Lisa Bogue, Reid Gann, Ashley Garrett, David Hoppel, Andy Wilson, Lisa Browning, Shane Sanderson, Jill Robbins, Sam McMillin, Luke Conlee, Overton Johnson, Dallas Wooten, Zach Penny and Chandler Bobo. Additional thanks to New Albany High School for use of the field for the cover photo.

This publication was designed and edited by Donica Phifer, Sports Editor, The New Albany Gazette.

Articles written by Donica Phifer, Sports Editor, and Dennis Clayton, Sportswriter. Cover Photo by Donica Phifer.

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Lamar Hines, Ann Gray, Jacob Bagwell, Tiffanie Stout, Hilton Richey (Agency Manager), Graham Thompson, Corey Hall.

(Left to Right) Chandler Bobo, East Union High School, Luke Conlee, New Albany High School, Overton Johnson, New Albany High School, Dallas Wooten, East Union High School, Sam McMillin, New Albany High School, Zach Penny, East Union High School.

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New Albany Football

Bulldogs looking for big things in 2016 The 2016 edition of the Bulldogs can be summed up in three words: bigger, faster and stronger.

New Albany has put in considerable time working in the weight room and on the field in the offseason, and the product is a team that is approaching the season with confidence.

“Last year, we were outsized and outmanned a lot of the time,” second year New Albany head coach Jake Hill said, “I thought last year we did a poor job executing what we were trying to do.

Being outsized, being out manned, that really had a lot to do with it. But these kids are busting their tails in the weight room and in practice and they are more confident so instead of thinking how bad we are going to lose, it’s how are we gonna win.”

Winning will begin with quarterback Sam McMillin, who returns for his second year as the starter under center.

McMillin threw for 13 touchdowns as a junior, but will also be a threat on the ground. The senior racked up 543 rushing yards for the Bulldogs, good for second on the team in 2015 behind now graduated wide receiver Braudrique Boyd.

“Sam is one of the most athletic kids on our team. He works his tail off, he’s a natural leader…He’s a big kid, he’s strong and he can run. That’s kind of what colleges are going to these days in running quarterbacks and he can definitely do that,” Hill said.

New Albany will put a group of wide receivers on the field that will be led by returning senior, Sam Cagle who Hill calls a “big target” for the Bulldogs offense. New faces in the corps include Zack Ball and Isaiah Ball, as well as Jordan Harris, Eli Jackson and Destin Bryant, another senior who the Bulldogs

are expecting big things from, Hill said.

At running back, the Bulldogs are facing a set of first time starters after the graduation of Isaiah Powell and Eddie Barry. New Albany will field true freshman Bryson Prather, who will bring size and considerable speed to the position, as well as sophomore Kalob Adair and junior Jordan Lipsey.

An unexpected face that New Albany fans will see on the offensive side this season will be senior Joe Rainey, who has spent the past three years playing at linebacker for the Bulldogs. Rainey will still play in his usual spot on the defense, but receive some touches on offense, Hill said.

Another move on offense is Ben Cherry, a senior who lined up at left guard in 2015. Cherry will move to center to lead the offensive line with Artavious Nugent, Mason Phillips, London Erby and Luke Conlee rounding out the roster.

“I’m excited about our capability on o-line we are definitely going to be bigger and stronger. We will have bigger size up front and we are looking to run the ball between the tackles a little more,” Hill said.

Cherry and Nugent will also spend a bit of time on the defensive line where senior Chris Hines will anchor the middle with Kysten Fiddis and sophomore Dayvon Russell. Perry McKinney returns to play defensive end in his senior season along with junior Eli Keener.

“I’m really expecting big things out of them. With the guys we’ve got coming back, I think they are ready to take ownership of those roles and really make a statement,” Hill said.

In the secondary Camryn Turner and Jeremiah Gardner will be two new faces

Head Coach Jake Hill Second season at NAHS

Assistant Coaches: Zach Matkins, Rob Criddle, Johnny Hill, Brandon Cutrer, Greg Kennedy.

Athletic Trainer: Chase Wilkerson at cornerback. Senior Bryce Strong will split time between corner and safety while Overton Johnson and Matt Morris will draw the start at safety.

Payton Synder will once again handle all kicking and punting duties after a successful 2015 season.

The Bulldogs approach to the season will lie in execution, individual accountability and trusting one another, Hill said.

“I’m expecting all of them to play the best football they’ve ever played.

We aren’t a team that has one or two superstars that we can depend on to do all the work. We don’t have superstars, we have a team and it’s going to be everyone taking ownership and playing together,” Hill said.

In playing together, Hill hopes that the team will accomplish a set of goals that they’ve set for themselves.

“We want to win the district, to make the playoffs, and play for a state championship,” Hill said.

New Albany 2016 Schedule August 12 Kossuth (Jamboree) 19 Bruce 26 Itawamba

September 6

02 09 16 23 30

@ Pontotoc @ Amory Corinth (HC) @ North Pontotoc Senatobia *

October

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

07 14 21 28

@ Byhalia * Lafayette * @ Rosa Fort * Ripley (Senior Night) *

* denotes Division 2-4A game

Lisa Browning | Lisa Browning Photography

2016 New Albany Bulldogs Football Team: Overton Johnson, Camryn Turner, Perry McKinney, Dakota Wood, Jamal Hunter, Sam Cagle, Sam McMillin, Eli Jackson, Destin Bryant, Jordan Harris, Drew Welborn, Zach Ball, Loden Bolen, Payton Synder, Tyler Dickens, Jeremiah Gardner, Bryce Strong, Hunter Hodges, Joe Rainey, Eli Keener, Ricardo Zuniga, Jordan Lipsey, Caleb Hatchet, Isaiah Ball, Kalob Adair, Adrian Garcia, Andrew Ellis, Matt Morris, Dee Johnson, Alex Mirfield, N’Shaun Cameron, Joseph Bowers, Peyton Reeves, Aaron Estes, Dayton Hall, Eli Rodgers, Jaelon Roby, Peyton Jolly, John Wright Welborn, Bryson Prather, Eli Parks, London Erby, Luke Conlee, Dylan Stout, Ben Cherry, Fransico Guerrero, Mason Phillips, Seth Chism, Corey Duke, Artavious Nugent, Jarred Ligon, Dalton McDaniel, Dayvon Russell, Clayton Ledbetter, Osean Mosley, Chris Hines, Kysten Fiddis, Christian King, Kylein Mullins. Assistant Coaches: Zach Matkins, Rob Cribble, Brandon Cutrer, Greg Kennedy, Johnny Hill. Head Coach: Jake Hill.

New Albany Football

New Albany Cheerleaders

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Cheerleaders: (Front Row, left to right)) Annalyn Hogue, Josi Hill, Chloe Lang, Carey Beth Doyle, Alli Hodges, Hannah Harris, Macy Moorehead, Rachel Rainey, (Back Row, left to right) Meredith Prescott, Avery Grace Shaw, Payton Robbins, Lauren Paige Hamilton, Chloe Cobb, Audrey Littlejohn, Riley Allred.

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Bulldogs Class of 2016

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

New Albany Seniors

2016 New Albany Seniors: (Front Row, left to right) Eli Jackson, Joseph Bowers, Tyler Dickens, Alli Hodges, Lauren Paige Hamilton, Chloe Lang, Joe Rainey, Drew Wellborn, Matt Morris, (Second Row, left to right) Christian King, Clayton Ledbetter, Jamal Hunter, Overton Johnson, Sam McMillin, Kysten Fiddis, Perry McKinney, Ben Cherry, (Back Row, left to right) Osean Mosley, Sam Cagle, Luke Conlee.

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 Pride of New Albany Seniors: Dalton Boyd, Ethan Wilson, David Sizemore, Jonah Condon, Noah Gray, Tyler Stark, Emily Blackwell, Caleb Hudspeth, Maddison Griggs, Jacob McGregor, Stacy Hernandez, Pierre Lenoir, Racheal McCullough, Quiana Scott, Claireese Pannell, Ali Buskirk, Summer Frain, Ali Hodges, Abby McMillen and Sam Hickey..

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Pride of New Albany High School Band

Lisa Browning | Lisa Browning Photography

2016 Halftime Show

The Mad Chocolatier SONGS:

THEME FROM 'CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY' PURE MAGINATION AUGUSTUS GLOOP Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 Pride of New Albany Drum Major: Sam Hickey.

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Pride of New Albany

2016-2017 Pride of New Albany Band Members: Claireese Pannell, Hailey Bullock, Hailey Adsit, Crystal Calvin, Roxanna Guzman, Alison Villaneuva, Stacy Hernandez, Emily Blackwell, Kailyn Cotten, Patricia Cook, Ali Buskirk, Alison Fernandez, Quiana Scott, Jayla Ligon, Madison Jordan, Hailey Prince, Zoie Thomas, Amanda Dees, Ashanti Jones Shea, Racheal McCullough, Amanda Scales, Evan Blissett, Chris Hatch, Ishmon Foster, Elizabeth Whitehead, Ashley Payne, Miranda Maldanado, Miriam Tinajero, Logan Henry, Madison Cotten, Jose Castro, Hudson Ranager, Joseph Rutherford, Jacob McGregor, David Sizemore, Charles Payne, Ethan Wilson, Joshua Montgomery, Thobi Smith, Grant Richey, Jenna Tate, Hayes Richey, Haley Holston, Nayely Urzua, Matthew White, Elizabeth Whitten, Jay Tucker, Aaron Estes, Caden Johnson, Drew Darling, London Erby, Matthew Taylor, Noah Gray, Jonah Condon, Dalton Boyd, Will Morton, Alena Graham, Tyler Stark, Hakeem Williams, Pierre Lenoir, Brady Dean, Nylan Blissett, Claudia Jeter, Ethan Howell, Madison Raines, Karina Graham (Percussion Captain), Jonathan Pegeus, Ruth Montgomery, Eli Young, Maggie Creekmore, Summer Frain, Caleb Hudspeth, Marcus Jones, Ivy Jordan, Alli Hodges, Abby McMillan, Guner Rhea, Elaysha Hatch, Colby Elder, Colin Paul, Gideon Garcia, Colin Hughes, Trevor Roaton, Haven Wood, Madison Griggs, Tyler Lipsey, Auxiliary: Kylie Harrison (Auxiliary Captain), Sanders Goode, Layla Stewart, Montana Bullwinkel, Katelin Denham, Kennedy Rogers, Hannah Holt, Ahlaeya Judon, Jaylee Ragsdale, Micah House, Madison Foster, Lindsey Delashmit, Jocelyn Urzua, Laken Fooshee, Hailey Hogue, Anna Austin, Brittney Robinson, Bailey Robertson.

Drum Major: Sam Hickey.

East Union Football

Urchins roster features depth and optimism East Union’s 2016 version of 2A football has given optimism to the Urchins as they finally have the much needed depth in their offensive and defensive lines as well as having several experienced players back. Familiarity with the shotgun double wing offense that Coach Kevin Walton installed in his first year of 2015 adds fuel to the team’s optimism.

“We are going to continue to run the shotgun double wing, we’ve got all the misdirection with our offense, but we’re going to spread it out a bit more than we did last year,” Walton said. “We’re still going to be pretty much a run-oriented team.”

Walton has four players competing for the starting job at the quarterback led by seniors Zach Penny and Dallas Wooten. Walton says no matter who ends up with the starting job, the others are talented and will start at another skill position.

Joel Wilkinson will be the primary ball-carrier again this year. Wilkinson rushed for 967 yards in 2015 despite missing three games to injury. Cage West will split time with Wilkinson to enable the Urchins to keep a fresh feature back in the game. Chandler Bobo will be the lead blocker for the two out of the fullback position.

“At wingback, we’ve got Dustin Wildmon,” Walton said. “He’s not a big kid, but he’s got a big heart and he’s quick. He does a good job at that spot. Josh Basil will be our tight end, he works hard and he’s got good hands.

He’ll be good coming off the line.”

The Urchins will have Caleb Stephens returning to the center position after his two year absence due to injury.

Stephens’ return will allow Jay Tate

to move to either the starting guard or tackle position. Bubba Higgins, a transfer, will start in a tackle slot. Eli Hodges and Kaleb Harper are ninth graders that should start in the other positions in the line.

“This is the most depth that we’ve had in the line since I’ve been here,” Walton said.

East Union will make a change in their defensive formation to accommodate their numerous skill-type players. The defense will operate out of a 4-2-5 set to take advantage of that defensive backfield talent.

Impact players on defense include linemen Colton Wooten and Logan Berkes as well as Higgins.

“Thomas White and Craig Hutchens will play some linebacker opposite Bobo,” Walton said. “We have five defensive backs, Dallas Wooten and Cage West that will anchor our corner spots and our safeties will be Joel (Wilkinson), Dustin Wildmon and Zach Penny. Noah Watts and Zach Crump are ninth graders, but I suspect they will get a lot of playing time.”

Jared Cunningham will handle all the kicking duties this year after a very successful 2015 season as a freshman.

“Josh Basil and K.C. Cato are going to be our snappers this year,” Walton said. “They all had reps doing it last year and will be good there.”

The Urchins were able to make the first round of the 2A playoffs last year and the goal in 2016 is to make the playoffs and take that next step.

“Last year was my first year with the program as head coach and we made the playoffs,” Walton said. “I was pleased with that and we have a lot of returning starters back. We always want to make

Head Coach Kevin Walton Second season at East Union

Assistant Coaches: Kendall Murphy, Steven Basil, Jeremy Smithey, Scott Duley.

Athletic Trainer: Jeremy Dorrough the playoffs and we’d like to make it to that second round to see what happens.

We’ve got some teams that we haven’t beaten in our division since we’ve been playing in division and our goal is to play with those teams.”

The Urchin take pride in work ethic and Walton says the Urchins will again work hard in the weight room, on the practice field and on the gridiron on Friday nights.

“Baldwyn and Mantachie remain at the top of our division, Mantachie has a lot of returning starters and Baldwyn is always going to be Baldwyn, very fast and athletic,” Walton said. “Walnut will be tough to stop, but I hope that last year’s game experience for our younger players will take us to that next level.

They played those teams and they know what it’s like and they know what it’s going to take to compete with those teams.”

East Union 2016 Schedule 19 @ Falkner 26 Hamilton

09 @ Strayhorn 16 @ Alcorn Central 23 New Site (HC) 30 @ H.W. Byers *

07 Mantachie * 14 @ Baldwyn * 20 Potts Camp * 28 @ Walnut *

September

October

* denotes Division 1-2A game

August

02 @ Thrasher 10

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Urchins Football Team: (Front Row, left to right) K.C. Cato, Craig Hutchens, Cage West, Jarod Cunningham, Jessie Crump, Dejuan Hubbard, Dustin Wildmon, Micah Ellis, Zach Rhodes, Thomas White, Chandler Moody, (Second Row, left to right) Head Coach Kevin Walton, Assistant Coach Steven Basil, Deklan Powers, Josh Basil, Zach Penny, Dallas Wooten, Camden Johnson, Darrell Fitzsimmons, Connor Johnson, Noah Watts, Kaleb Harper, Jay Tate, Eli Hodges, Colby Hamblin, Scottie Elder, Assistant Coach Kendall Murphy, Assistant Coach Scott Duley, (Back Row, left to right) Joel Wilkinson, Caleb Stephens, Colton Wooten, Bubba Higgins, Noah Ford, Hayden Johnson, Chandler Bobo, Steven Lancaster, Logan Berkes. Not Pictured: Creigthen Armstrong, Zach Crump.

East Union Football

East Union Cheerleaders

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Cheerleaders: (Front Row, left to right) Rachel Thomas, Kensie Roberts, Kallie Roberts, (Second Row, left to right) Claudia Hill, Colby Stafford, Hannah White, Sylvie McVey, (Back Row, left to right) Madison Shelton, Jessie Roberts, Cameron Hollimon, Katie Gentry, Mary Kate Nobles, Savannah Greer. Not Pictured: Audrie Randle.

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

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Urchins Class of 2016

East Union Seniors

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Seniors (from back left) Chandler Bobo, Camden Johnson, Colby Hamblin, Cage West, Dallas Wooten, Kensie Roberts, Kallie Roberts, Rachel Thomas, K.C. Cato, Zach Penny, Craig Hutchens, Bubba Higgins, Hayden Johnson.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Union County Band Seniors: (Front Row) Alec Lipsey, (Second Row, left to right) Nancy Barnes, Paige Hall, Kennedy Akin, Jakaylah Banks, Beth Kidd, (Back Row, left to right) Nikki Gresham, Carson Hall, Justin Sanford, CJ Ford, Bryce Childers, Chandler Baggett, Ally Cisowski.

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Union County Band

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Halftime Show

Elvis SSONGS: ONGS: N S:

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Union County Band Drum Major: Alec Lipsey

CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE BURNING LOVE C.C. R YDER HOUND DOG LOVE ME TENDER JAILHOUSE ROCK Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

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Union County Band

2016 Union County Band Members: (Front Row) Drum Major Alec Lipsey, (Second Row, left to right) Ally Cisowski, Joshua Crane, Kennedy Akin, Cameron Dawe, Jakaylah Banks, Delani Akin, Justin Sanford, Chandler Baggett, Hanna Gullick, (Third Row, left to right) Olivia Porch, Haley Grubbs, Sallie Humphreys, Nydia Nesbit, Annemarie Fetter, Beth Kidd, (Fourth Row, left to right) Nikki Gresham, Nancy Barnes, Kai Stewart, John Briggs, Allana Hamblin, Savannah Fryar, Elayna Ramsey, Lexi Smith, (Fifth Row, left to right) CJ Ford, Cade Crane, Paige Hall, Bella Laird, Anna Mims, Hillary McBrayer, Mikayla Rakestraw, David Heson, Bryce Childers, (Back Row, left to right) Maddie Flake, Bradley McBrayer, Jeremy McIntosh, Michael Sheppard, Drew Kelly, Tyler Chadwick, Savannah Wildman, Emily Richey, Carson Hall, Alan Elgin, Kayln Robbins. Not Pictured: Kacie Arnold, Kirsten Dobbs, Logen Ellis, Macie Little, Ethan Spears, Anna-Clare Weeden.

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Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Softball Team: (Front Row, left to right) Andy Hunt, Maggie Hawkins, Karley Conwill, Kylie Rackley, Carrie Wilkinson, Rachel Gentry, Jorja Roberson, Jessie Roberts, Anna Lauren Dunaway, (Second Row, left to right) Bryanne Dill, Taylor Hunt, Jade Parker, Maggie McVey, Caylee Johnson, Kaitie Boatner, Claudia Hill, Jaley White, Callie Smith, (Back Row, left to right) Kensie Roberts, Rebecca Sheffield, Kallie Roberts, Baylee Pannell, Maggie Meinz, Hannah White, Raelee Bell, Sallie Pannell, Callie Frazier. Not Pictured: Emily Coggin.

East Union Softball

Lady Urchins loaded with offensive weapons The East Union batting order looks to solid from top to bottom this year as nine starters return from last year’s team.

The Lady Urchins will have to replace Tianna Castillo, who graduated and was the leader on and off the field for the team.

“The seniors were seventh graders when I got here,” Coach Josh Blythe said. “I’ve had six years with them and they have won a lot of ballgames. They have won over 100 ballgames since their seventh grade year and they’ve had some

great years. I feel that these kids can be as good as anybody.”

Five seniors dot the roster for the Lady Urchins, led by longtime starters Callie Frazier and Rebecca Sheffield.

“We have a senior pitching (Sallie Pannell) a senior at second (Kallie Roberts), seniors at short (Sheffield) and third base (Frazier) and that’s the prime of your infield that’s going to be all seniors,” Blythe said. “Kensie (Roberts) will also play some first and catch, just wherever we decide we need her at.

For the first time, we are not

going to have a lot of junior high kids playing on the field, one for sure, but other than that you are looking at some kids that have been there and it’s all just about getting hot at the right time.”

The Lady Urchins will play a demanding schedule in hopes of preparing the team for a deep post-season run.

Perennial playoff contenders Mooreville and Nettleton are two opponents that will test East Union during the nondivision schedule.

Leading the charge for that schedule is Pannell in the circle.

“Sallie is probably one of the best pitchers in the state, she’s made an art of pitching,” Blythe said.

Kaitie Boatner and Raelee Bell are returning starters in the outfield along with Jaley White.

Hannah White will play first and Claudia Hill will see action behind the plate.

“We’re going to miss Tianna, but we’re excited to see what the others can do,” Blythe said, “You just hope they can pick up the tradition and keep going. Our goal is to win one game at a time.”

East Union 2016 Schedule August 13 East Union Classic Tournament 15 Okolona 19-20 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

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23 Mooreville 25 @ Booneville 20 Ingomar

September 01 @ Mooreville 06 @ North Pontotoc 08 Nettleton

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

10 @ Nettleton Tournament 13 @ Wheeler 15 @ Mantachie * 19 @ South Pontotoc 22 Baldwyn * 27 Mantachie * 29 @ Pine Grove

October 04 @ Baldwyn * 06 West Union 08 @ West Union 10 South Pontotoc *denotes division game

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 Ingomar Softball Team: (Front Row. left to right) Raven Watson, Addison Pickens, Whitnye McMillen, Lydia Haynie, Kathryn Smith, Camleigh Ball, (Second Row, left to right) Abby Deaton, Gara Beth Self, Carson Grisham, Lindsay Hall, Maggie Smithey, Kortney Parker, Kaily Edwards, Alexis Campbell, (Back Row, left to right) Alex Wilhite, Lauren Thompson, Morgan Gooch, Mallory Russell, Kelly Mayo, Allie Williams, Ashley Forester, Katie Beth Hall.

Ingomar loaded with roster of experience Gooch will hit in the middle of the order for the Falcons and do a bit of catching, where she will trade off with Russell, while Mayo will play left field.

Smithey will return to her left center field spot, and Carson Grisham will begin her second season as the Lady Falcons starting pitcher.

Ingomar also returns a crop of starters in Lauren Thompson, Lindsay Hall and Gara Beth Self and will see additional sophomores Abby Deaton and Ashley Forester return to the field after sitting out for a couple of seasons.

“With Deaton and Forester coming back, that adds a bit of depth defensively and offensively,” Wilbanks said, “But we really have between ten and 12 girls that can play and that we will use.”

Thompson, Self and Forester will play infield at third, shortstop, and second base, with Alex Wilhite playing at first.

Hall will play in the outfield at right center with Deaton and Kortney Parker rotating in right field.

“Defensively, I feel confident. If we will just make the routine plays,” Wilbanks

said.

On offense, the athletes that Wilbanks has on the roster have the ability to create a big threat for opposing teams.

“Our physical ability that we have to play is through the roof. We’ve got the components to be a really good softball team, it’s just putting it together and being consistent on a day to day basis. We need to just step forward in big game situations and moments. If we can have success in those, I think it will carry a long way.” Wilbanks said

Ingomar 2016 Schedule August 13 @ West Union Classic 16 West Union 18 @ Nettleton 19-20 Union County Tournament

(@ Ingomar) 23 @ North Pontotoc 25 @ Smithville

September 02 Myrtle 09 Pine Grove

13 Strayhorn* Nettleton 20 Walnut * 22 @ Strayhorn * 23 @ Pine Grove 27 @ Walnut * 29 @ West Union

October 01 Robertson’s Sportswear Tournament 04 Smithville 06 North Pontotoc *denotes division game

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

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Ingomar Softball

The Ingomar Falcons are young, but they return a good bit of experience to the field for their 2016 slow-pitch season.

Seniors Kelly Mayo and Morgan Gooch will anchor the team, while a pair of juniors in Mallory Russell and Maggie Smithey will also give some upperclassmen leadership.

“Mayo and Gooch are our two seniors, they’ve been playing here a while...,” Falcons head coach Andy Wilbanks said, “We just need them to kind of step up and take a leadership role.”

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 Myrtle Softball Team: (Front Row, left to right) Keragen McCullough, Caylie Streich, Kinsley Gordon, Megan Lowery, Haleigh Jamison, Mia Stewart, Jessica Pickens, Maggie Moody, (Second Row, left to right) Gracie Martin, Sarah Kate Thompson, Kinzie Claire Waits, Haley Barkley, Ashley Roark, Ava Jones, Kelly Smith, Ally Kizer, Cailyn Rape, Lily Jeter, Hayden Jordan (Back Row, left to right) Ally Smith, Sara McDonald, Karlie Bolden, Heather Smith, Tyesha Bills, Breanna Smith, Lexi Hutchenson, Amanda Watkins, Kristen Young. Not Pictured: Joanna Black.

Myrtle Softball

Lady hawks fielding young, athletic team Myrtle saw the graduation of two long-time players in 2015 in shortstop Amber Cook and outfielder Callie Denton.

This year the Hawks will look to replace those two positions with a pair of first time players in eighth grader Sarah Kate Thompson and seventh grader Kinsley Gordon.

“It’s maybe alot to put on young kids, but Kinsley and Sarah Kate are very coachable,” Myrtle head coach Marty Cook said, “I probably have the grittiest middle infield in Union County. They

aren’t afraid to get in the dirt and get after it.”

Sara McDonald will again man first base for the Lady Hawks and third base will go to Kristen Young when she isn’t pitching for Myrtle.

Young will undertake the spot in the circle for the first part of the season while lone senior Heather Smith recovers from a pre-season injury.

Once healthy, Smith will be a force on the field for Hawks, Cook said.

“She hit .505 for us last year, 13 home runs, 57 RBIs. She’s definitely the core of our team, and we will de-

pend on her on and off the field. We will have to have some young kids step up, and hopefully she will also be able to guide them,” Cook said.

In the outfield, Cook has a lot of experience returning to play in Megan Lowery and Karlie Bolden. The pair will anchor the left side and center positions while Breanna Smith will take a position with Lowery and Bolden.

The final outfield position is still up for grabs, and will rotate between several players in the first few games of the season before Cook de-

cides on a full time starter.

Behind the plate, Tyesha Bills will return to the role that she held last season, though there are games where others on the roster might be placed at catcher, Cook said.

“Our goal really is just to take it a day at a time, to try and get better every day and every game,” Cook said, “Defensively, I think we will be fine, but we will have to focus on our hitting and hitting well. Slow-pitch is so much about hitting, and we have to do that to be successful.”

Myrtle 2016 Schedule

18

August

29 @ Independence

16 Corinth 18 East Union 19-20 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 22 @ South Pontotoc 25 Mantachie

September 01 @ West Union * 02 @ Ingomar 09 Blue Mountain * 12 @ Blue Mountain* 16 @ Houlka

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

19 @ West Union * 22 Pine Grove * 24 @ Corinth Tournament 27 Independence 29 Mantachie

01 @ Robertson’s Sportswear Tournament 03 @ Pine Grove * 06 Houlka *denotes division game

October

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 West Union Softball Team: (Front Row, left to right) Emma Carwyle, Claire Douell, Anna Carwyle, Madi Hill, Molly Porter, Meagan Whittington, Eden Conlee, (Second Row, left to right) Head Coach Hugh Yates, Hailey Steen, Harley Steen, Sophie Hooker, Mary Greer, Emma Callicutt, Rebekah Pilcher, Chloe Wright, Assistant Coach Jennifer McCullough, (Back Row, left to right) Kelly Carwyle, Mattie Pilcher, Mackenzie Morris, Cassie Reno, Jenny Thompson, Katie Wallace, Kylie Massengill, Josey Baird. Not Pictured: Annie Orman.

West Union Eagles looking for consistency four really good ball players from last year. We are not in a rebuilding, but we are notnearly as stout so we have got to be consistent with the ball and we’ve been working on that.”

Yates points to several young players that are coming along and showing improvement which he hopes will translate into these players being major contributors at the plate and in the field.

“They are bringing a lot of energy and we need that,” Yates said.

Rebecca Pilcher, Mary Greer, Mackenzie Mor-

ris, Sophie Hooker, Harley Steen, Emma Callicutt and Josey Baird are working really hard according to Yates and should see playing time.

Katie Wallace is returning from an injury last season and Yates said that she might be used in the pitching role.

Claire Douell is another young player that could help the Lady Eagles.

“We are going to try to play up and try to get ready,” Yates said of his non-division schedule.

“You don’t want to play terrible teams, you want to play up in competition and

if we try to learn something even from losses, then I think it pays off. I think it helps us and if you can win some of those games, it really helps your confidence and gets your ego built up.”

West Union will compete in Division 2-1A with Myrtle, Pine Grove and Blue Mountain. Yates likes his chances this season even with a youthful squad.

“They practice hard, they hustle and they give that energy every time and they don’t want to give up and they’re not going to give up,” Yates said.

West Union 2016 Schedule August 13 West Union Classic 16 @ Ingomar 18 Mantachie 19-20 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

23 @ Falkner 25 Pine Grove * 30 Independence

September 01 Myrtle * 06 @ Independence

08 @ Pine Grove * 15 @ Blue Mountain * 19 @ Myrtle * 24 @ Mantachie Tournament 27 South Pontotoc 29 Ingomar

October 01 Roberston’s Sportswear Tournament 03 Blue Mountain * 06 @ East Union *denotes division game

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

19

West Union Softball

Coach Hugh Yates wants to see his young Lady Eagles show consistency at the plate and in the field and sees improvement daily plus a lot of energy.

“We have three seniors and I’m hoping they will step up,” Yates said. “They know what they have to do.”

Kylie Massengill, Cassie Reno and Maegan Whittington are the seniors that Yates is counting on to lead his youthful Lady Eagles.

“I’ll have Jenny Thompson, Mattie Pilcher and Hailey Steen back that started last year,” Yates said. “I lost

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dawgs looking for runners to build success For New Albany, the cross country season is a bit of a question mark.

The Bulldogs will return seniors Brady Payne and Gray Spencer to the boys team, and the two runners are expected to lead the boys squad.

“We are returning four boys who ran in the state meet last season,” Bulldogs head coach Scotty Shettles said, “And that’s a good thing to have.”

“Gray is our most consis-

tent and our best runner, and Brady is a pretty good runner himself. He’ll probably start in the 19’s and I expect him to get better each week that we run,” Shettles said.

The two will be joined

by Andrew Fennell and Joseph Fennell, who Shettles expects to get stronger and progress as the season moves forward.

“For our fifth runner, it’s still a question mark. We are still looking for that guy,” Shettles said.

On the girls team, freshman Maria Favela will lead the Lady Bulldogs after the graduation of longtime runner Ysenia Riviera.

“She’s a good little runner, and I think she’ll have a big season,” Shettles said.

The other four spots are still in contention with Hannah Harrison and several other players who are expected to join the team later in August.

The Bulldogs will also again host the Dawg Trails

Invitational to open their season, running at New Albany Elementary on September 1, Shettles said.

“It’s something that we started to combat with college football season. A lot of times people want to go to a game and can’t come to a meet, so by running on Thursday we are hoping to circumvent that and have a big crowd,” Shettles said.

The meet will feature two varsity 5K runs and a two mile junior high race.

New Albany 2016 Schedule Sept. 1 Dawg Trails Invitational Sept. 10 @ Hickory Flat Invitational Sept. 24 @ Tallahatchie River Run

Oct. 8 @ New Site Invitational Oct. 15 @ Pontotoc Invitational

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

23

New Albany Cross Country

2016 New Albany Cross Country Team: (Front Row, left to right) Andrew Fennell, Jake Moore, Maria Favela, Joseph Fennell, Trey Roten, (Back Row, left to right) Brady Payne, Gray Spencer, Jacob Hogue, Hannah Harrison. Not Pictured: Tucker Shannon.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

East Union Cross Country

2016 East Union Cross Country Team: (Front Row, left to right) Chance McLellen, Peyton Wages, Rachel Gentry, Alyana Smith, Tristan Dye, Gracie Hill, Noah Roberts, (Second Row, left to right) Carly Hitt, Mary Kate Nobles, Monea Graham, Cayce Smith, Hannah Duley, Sarah Palmer, Kirsten Hitt, Micah Fulham, (Back Row, left to right) Andrew Pilcher, Clayton Fulham, William Duley, Izaiah Rich, Steven Ragsdale, John Briggs, Sarah Duley, Lexie Smith.

Urchins hope hard work pays off with titles East Union captured the gold in both 2A boys and girls cross country in 2015, taking the state title in both.

However, the boys team returns only one runner while the girls return four runners that placed in the top 14 for class at the state meet.

“We lost seven out of our top eight boys to graduation, so it’s going to be a reloading process,” East Union coach Nathan McLellen said. “We don’t like to call it rebuilding, but we are going to have a bunch of young guys.

“They’re tough and they’ve worked hard,” McLellen said. This summer we have had more participation from

both squads in our summer workout program than we’ve ever had, so we hope that will pay off and help us replace some of those senior boys that we lost.”

Clayton Fulgham, the fifth place finisher in 2A in 2015 is the lone returning runner for the Urchins. Fulham will be called upon to lead the team while racing as well as during practices according to McLellen. Younger runners that the Urchins look to make significant contributions this season include Micah Fulgham, Will Duley and Izaiah Rich.

The girls team will not

have to rebuild this season, just refocus and attempt to make another strong run at the 2A title.

East Union has three of the top seven finishers in the 2A state championship back led

by Sarah Duley, who placed third. Hannah Duley finished fourth and Cayce Smith came in seventh to pace the Lady Urchins to the title.

Mary Kate Nobles also returns for East Union and she took 14th overall in the 2A competition.

“Sarah, Hannah, Cayce and Mary Kate are our top returning runners and we are looking for Tristan Dye and

Monae Graham to contribute as well,” McLellen said.

East Union will feature a competitive schedule again this season in efforts to prepare the runners for the state finals.

“The biggest local race will be the Saltillo Invitational and there’s usually over 40 teams that attend that,” said McLellen. “That’s always a good test to see where you are at. Anytime that you can win the county meet usually means that you may finish well at state, so that’s the one that we usually circle and put a big emphasis on.”

East Union 2016 Schedule Aug. 27 @ Myrtle Invitational Sept. 17 @ Saltillo Invitational Sept 24 Southerntees Challenge

24

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Oct. 6 Union County Championship Oct. 15 @ Pontotoc Invitational Oct. 29 Division Championship

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Ingomar Cross Country Team (left to right): Jon-Brooks Almand, Paige Boyd, Luke Roberts, Arden Robbins, Alex Sanders, Abbie Williams, Sydney Roberts, Cayson Ferguson, Thomas Floyd. Not Pictured: Gloryona King, Alexis Campbell.

FALCONS hopING to build on 2015 success two have a natural leadership ability in the way they manage each other and direct the team.”

Roberts had an eighth place finish in the girls event while Sanders finished 13th on the boys side. Both runners earned All-State honors for their efforts.

“We have the ability to do well as long as we can avoid injury because we don’t have a ton of depth, we’ve got five fellows right now, but we’ve got a good chance at being competitive for sure,” Adams said.

Sanders will be joined by Thomas Floyd, Luke Rob-

erts and Cayson Ferguson for a second run at the 2A title while Jon-Brooks Almand is a new addition to the boys team.

“Luke is running smooth and has gotten into shape,” Adams said. “We’ve got big plans for Thomas Floyd who finished eighth and I think he’s going to show us a lot of speed.”

Abbie Williams and Paige Boyd competed with Roberts at the state competition and return for the Falcons again this year.

Arden Robbins will join the trio and Gloryona King could be the fifth member of

the squad.

“I’m a Christian and a firm believer in God’s Sovereignty, so in this situation I feel that I was put here to go ahead and provide them whatever the structure is and whatever insight I can offer in order to help them be successful as they can,” Adams said. “I feel there is an extra responsibility which extends beyond organizing practices and that’s instilling and demonstrating the character of Christ through these young people. They are good young people and I already see it.”

Ingomar 2016 Schedule Aug. 27 @ Myrtle Invitational Sept. 1 @ Dawg Trails Invitational Sept. 17 @ Saltillo Invitational

Sept. 24 @ Southertees Challenge Oct. 06 Union County Championship Oct. 15 @ Pontotoc Invitational

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

25

Ingomar Cross Country

Stephen Adams enters his first year as coach of the Falcons and has some quality senior leadership that he hopes will carry the team to added success this year.

In 2015, Ingomar cross country enjoyed a third place finish in the 2A boys state championship in 2015 and four runners that finished in the top 21 return for the 2016 season.

The Ingomar girls placed seventh overall at state.

“Obviously we’ve Sydney Roberts and Alex Sanders who both performed well last year and in previous years,” Adams said. “Those

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

Myrtle Cross Country

2016 Myrtle Cross Country Team : (Front Row, left to right) Megan Lowery, Ava Jones, Maggie Moody, Caylie Streich, Sierra Kiddy, (Second Row. left to right) Laykin Dulaney, Kaitlyn Senn, Audrey Anna Young, Aaliyah Cole, Caroline Greer, Ivory Montgomery, Rose Dyer, (Third Row, left to right) Will Greer, Dylan Gaines, Colt Hall, Blake McNeal, Dawson Gann, Austin Hall, Caden Hutcheson, Ethan Neal, (Back Row, left to right) Daylon Jones, Jacob Holcomb, Hunter Bailey, Colby Gray, Richard Miles, Titus Gillard, Evan Gann, Hunter Hall. Not Pictured: Hunter Brown, Hailey Brown

Hawks looking to compete for state title Myrtle’s Cross Country program had a historic year in 2015 as the boys team won their first Class 1A state title with a tiebreaker runner.

That runner, Blake McNeal, returns for another season with the Hawks though the team is replacing top 2015 runner Josh Sampson and Braxton Wilson due to graduation.

“Blake is really the guy that is going to step up and be a big runner for us,” Myrtle head coach Chris Greer said.

For the boys team as a

whole Greer feels good about where they stand for the upcoming season.

“We’ve got a lot of positive energy and just hope for a chance to repeat [for a title],” Myrtle head coach Chris Greer said.

Greer expects Titus Gillard and Evan Gann to lead the team, with a core group of runners behind them that will include long time competitors Dylan Gaines, Hunter Hall and Hunter Bailey.

On the girls team, Myrtle returns two top ten finishers from the Class 1A state meet

in Caroline Greer and Megan Lowery.

Senior Ivory Montgomery will anchor the team in her final season, and is expected to be a top performer not only for Myrtle but in the state.

“Last year Ivory was hurt at the state meet, and if that hadn’t happened, I think we would have been in the mix for a girls title. If you go back and look at her average time, we would have likely been right there in the mix,” Greer said.

Audrey Anna Young is another runner that will take

one last go around with the Lady Hawks in her senior season.

Hailey Brown and Laykin Dulaney will also see some quality time running for the varsity team, filling the gaps left by the graduation of Stephanie Floyd and Geneshia Montgomery.

“I’m expecting big things from both teams,” Greer said, “I don’t know about another state championship, but we have solid runners and if we can get through the season injury free then I think we have a shot at a good year.”

Myrtle 2016 Schedule Aug. 27 Myrtle Invitational Sept. 03 @ Tupelo Invitational Sept. 10 @ Hickory Flat Invitational Sept. 17 @ Saltillo Invitational

26

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Sept. 24 @ Southerntees Challenge Oct. 1 @ TCPS Invtitational Oct. 6 Union County Championship Oct. 15 @ Pontotoc Invitational

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 West Union Cross Country Team: (Front Row, left to right) Garen Mitchell, Wesley Harrell, Anna Carwyle, Rheagen Floyd, Robin Elgin, JQ Brewer, Daniel Conlee, David Clayton, (Second Row, left to right) Zach Howell, Levi Floyd, Paris Howell, Nathalie Naranjo, Tahjiana High, Jonathan Wismer, Max Smithey, (Back Row, left to right) David Greer, Riley Bogue, Bryce Taylor, Dillon Clayton, Bobby High, Jacob Isbell, Walker Gray, Matthew Moorman.

Not Pictured: Alexis Green.

West Union coach Lisa Bogue sees a lot of youth when she looks at her 2106 team, but that youthfulness is tempered by a lot of energy West Union cross country will enter this season without their longtime leader, Savannah Shirley and may also be without last year’s 1A state champion, Kylie Massengill, but Bogue has hopes that some of her younger runners will step up and lead the Eagles back to medal at the state championships.

“We are going to need all our returning runners to con-

tribute and help out,” Bogue said. “We have Reagan Floyd, Nathalie Naranjo and Tahjiana High for the girls and Dillon Clayton, Matthew Moorman, Jacob Isbell and Riley Bogue on the boys running this year.”

High is a former state cross country champion, winning the 1A title in 2014 as a seventh grader while competing for Myrtle. The Eagles hope she can return to form and challenge for the title again despite sitting out a year.

Tahjiana’s sister Kitana may also run if she can recover

from a preseason injury. Kitana is a two-time former 1A state cross country champion and could give West Union a powerful one-two punch if she can get healthy.

“We’ve talked to Tahjiana and Kitana about the leadership that we need from them to help pass along, words of advice, little things to help them get to where they were at and let these new ones be a sponge and soak it all up,” Bogue said.

Massengill is committed to softball, but the Eagles hope that she might be avail-

able in October.

West Union girls finished fourth in 1A state competition in 2015 while the boys placed sixth.

Top returning runners for the girls include Alexis Green and Floyd while Moorman (14th) and Clayton (22nd) are the top boys finishers from last season.

“They are working hard to get to be where they need to be,” Bogue said. Hopefully that will be contagious and carry on to everything here at West Union.”

West Union 2016 Schedule Aug. 22 @ Myrtle Invitational Sept. 03 @ Tupelo Invitational Sept. 17 @ Saltillo Invitational

Sept. 24 @ Southerntees Challenge Oct. 06 Union County Championship Oct. 15 @ Pontotoc Invitational

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

27

West Union Cross Country

eagles to feature young, energetic runners

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Ingomar swim hopes to improve in second year Ingomar made the big splash in high school swimming in their inaugural season in 2015 and return two members for this year’s trip to the pool.

“I have two that are returning from first year and that’s Aniston McClellan and Ashlyn Saxon,” Coach Jennifer Pannell said. “They will be the leaders on the team.”

McClellan and Saxon will be joined by Anna Beth Gandy, a ninth grader that has been swimming since the seventh grade and three eight graders, Emma McMillen, Hailee Alexander and Tori Chandler who should make major improvements and help the team.

Shaelee Manning is a seventh grader that has been swimming competitively for years with the Tallahatchie Tidal Waves who should be able to make a major contribution to the team as she has made the state championship the past two years with the Tidal Waves.

All but one of the members of Ingomar swim team are currently or were formerly members of the Tidal Waves which has proved to be a vital feeder program for the high school team.

Ingomar plans to swim in several local meets that should help prepare the team for the state competition later.

“We will swim at four or five meets in Tupelo and we have one in Oxford usually and one or two in Amory depending on the schedule,” Pannell said.

Cleveland has also been a venue that has hosted swim meets for high school competition.

Ingomar has to swim against larger schools in the majority of the meets that they compete in and many of those teams have swim as part of their gym or physical education program.

Many of these same teams have elementary and junior high swim teams or programs as well.

The Falcon swim team

enjoyed a successful year in 2015 as all of the team members qualified with North Half times and McClellan qualified for the state championships.

McClellan competed in two events at state, the breaststroke and freestyle.

She was also the first Union Countian to become a top five swimmer in Mississippi as a 12 year-old a few years back.

“They like having fun and they like the camaraderie, getting together and enjoying themselves,” Pannell said of the team.

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

29

Ingomar Swimming

2016 Ingomar Swim Team (left to right) Tori Chandler, Ashlyn Saxon,Shaelee Manning, Aniston McClellan, Anna Beth Gandy, Hailee Alexander, (back) Head Coach Jennifer Pannell. Not Pictured: Emma McMillen, Kenzie Shook.

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team: (Front Row, left to right) Alyssa Greer, Grace Thompson, Mary Day, Kaitlyn Cavender, (Second Row, left to right) Rylie Ozbirn, Laney Crawford, Sydney Collier, Maggie Moore, Avery Grace Shaw, Bella Fernando, Janea Shackelford, Miriam Tinajero, Blake Vincent, Alexis Mirfield, (Back Row, left to right): Head Coach Reid Gann, Team Manager Kailey White, Team Manager Tashonda Caviness, Brooke Dowell, Maleah Parker, Meadow Golden, Emma Blakemore, Emma Myers, Greta Blakemore, Ellie Myers, Lexi Page, Rosalie Roberts, Team Manager Jazzmine McWilliams, Team Manager Terrica Smith. Not Pictured: Kaylah Dowell.

New Albany Volleyball

Lady Dawgs roster filled with experience In four seasons of New Albany volleyball, the Lady Bulldogs have never made the playoffs.

In 2016 the Bulldogs list that accomplishment as their main goal, and with a roster full of returning starters, head coach Reid Gann thinks that the squad can make it happen.

“We are in a good position, we have everybody back from last year. Not that the road is going to be easy, we play in probably the most competitive division in Class II volleyball, but we have experience and with experi-

ence we have more consistent play, which is what we need,” Gann said.

New Albany’s team features height, depth, and experience on all areas of the court, and the Lady Bulldogs will be led by four seniors in Alyssa Greer, Mary Day, Kaitlyn Cavender and Grace Thompson.

Cavender and Day have been starters since their freshman year, and both provide quality experience at serving and setting.

Thompson will begin in the back line for the Bulldogs, while Cavender and

Day will begin as outside hitter and setter.

Avery Grace Shaw will begin her junior season back in the libero role, anchoring the defense.

“She a lot of energy, doesn’t mind hitting the floor, which is what you want from a defensive specialist,” Gann said.

Meadow Golden will also take up a starting position for New Albany, and freshman Maggie Moore is another face that is in the mix for some quality playing time.

Emma Blakemore and Emma Meyers will again

provide a dominant presence at the net, with height and athletic ability a difficult combination for opponents to handle.

“They are a big factor, the first responsibility they have is to block and they do that so well. They are better hitters and the strength that they’ve developed in the weight room has made a lot of difference,” Gann said.

New Albany began the season on August 11 with a win over Pontotoc, and hosted a pre-season tournament on August 6 where they won two games.

New Albany 2016 Schedule August 06 Bulldog Bash 11 @ Pontotoc 16 @ New Hope 18 Potts Camp 19 Alcorn Central 23 @ Water Valley 24 South Panola

30

30 @ Byhalia *

September 01 Tishomingo County* 06 Lafayette 08 @ Ripley * 12 @ South Panola 13 @ Corinth * 20 Byhalia *

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

22 New Hope 27 Ripley * 29 @ Tishomingo County *

October 01 @ Alcorn Central Tournament 04 Pontotoc

06 Corinth * 08 @ Starkville Tournament 11 Ashland 13 @ Lafayette * denotes division games

Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

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Fall Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette