THE BEAR FACTS

Bear Facts

VOLUME 22, NO. 2

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

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SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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MADISON, MISSISSIPPI

the

bruin bites

FALL PLAY OPENS THREE-DAY RUN “The Curious Savage” will have a three-day run in the Fine Arts theater, FridaySunday, Nov. 2-4.

The play is about an elderly woman whose husband died and left her $10 million.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4.

Swim teams win North State

By JOE PEARSON The Bear Facts

The girls and the boys swim team captured a North State championship last week.

The meet was held in Cleveland, Miss., at Delta State University.

“It was incredible winning North State my senior year and blowing out the competition the way we did,” senior Gabe Blaylock said.

This is the fourth year the swim team has won North State, but their eyes are set on a larger prize: a state championship.

The state meet is Saturday at the

See SWIM, Page 11

Special to The Bear Facts The St. Joe boys swim team won the North State meet on Saturday, Oct. 20. The girls team also took first place. Both advance to the state meet Saturday, Oct. 27.

Fighting for Finn

PAGE 5

ST. JOE SETS SPRING MUSICAL

Tupelo Aquatic Center, and the Bruins have a reputation to uphold.

The girls team has won an incredible three straight state championships. The boys team also won a title in 2016 and finished in second place last year.

Blaylock added, “I expect big things from our team this year. I think we have the better chance of winning state than we have had in years. We’ve been so successful, in part to great coaching, hard work, and especially dedication from our sophomore class; who have really

St. Joseph Catholic School students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and friends stage FinnFest to help one of their own

St. Joseph Catholic School dipped into the classics for the spring 2018 musical. Students will stage the “The Wizard of Oz” in the Fine Arts theater Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13.

ALL SAINTS DAY MASS NOV. 1 St. Joe will celebrate Mass on Nov. 1 in observance of All Saints Day. The Mass honors all saints, known and unknown. Mass will begin at 9:50 a.m.; dress uniform is required.

Story by Joe Pearson

sports FOOTBALL WRAPS REGULAR SEASON

Finn Blaylock has his face painted at FinnFest, an event at St. Joseph Catholic School sponsored to raise money to help with Finn’s expenses fighting childhood cancer. The event took place after school on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

The Bruin football team, 5-5, travels to Pisgah, 8-2, on Friday night to wrap up regular season play. The game follows the Bruins’ 27-0 win over Puckett on Friday, Oct. 19, the first shut-out since St. Joe defeated Union 35-0 on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.

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VOLLEYBALL FALLS IN PLAYOFFS

The Bruin volleyball team, 12-20, fell to Hickory Flat on Thursday, Oct. 18, in a firstround playoff game – ending the Bruins’ 2018 season.

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inside n News: Pages 1, 3-8 n Opinion: Page 2 n Entertainment Page 9 n Sports: Pages 11, 12

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Stories by Garrett Grove, photo by Taylor Barnes

inn Blaylock.

INSIDE It’s a name that n Photos from has been circulating FinnFest, around the St. Joseph community and beyond since PAGE 4 the start of the school year.

Finn is a St. Richard Catholic School student. He may be young, but this 6-year-old is full of life and energy.

“He’s enthusiastic about everything he does,” said St. Joe senior Gabe Blaylock, Finn’s oldest sibling. “Even something as simple as going out to eat – he’s very enthusiastic about it.”

Finn was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare form of cancer. The intensity and schedule of his cancer treatment has kept Finn out of See FINNFEST, Page 3

Event raises more than $10,000 for Blaylocks Even before the start of the school year, the St. Joseph community rallied in support of Finn Blaylock and his family.

Prayer, meals, and financial support have been given to the family since the 6-year-old’s diagnosis of cancer in May. FinnFest, the afternoon fundraising festival at St. Joe on Wednesday, Oct. 10, raised more than $10,000 for the Blaylock family to help cover Finn’s medical expenses.

“This cause has renewed my soul and proven once again that St. Joe exists because God wants it to,” St. Joe Principal Dena Kinsey said.

“I think we’ve shown future generations how to live their faith and to take care of each

other as (God) called us to.”

FinnFest took place in and around Bill Raphael Field. People bought tickets to play games and buy food. The Knights of Columbus from St. Richard and St. Francis Catholic Churches as well as Outback Steakhouse donated food for the event.

The Bruin Jazz Band and Daniel and The Dirt Devils, a student led band, performed throughout the event – including Finn’s favorite song, “They all Ask’d for You” by The Meters.

St. Joe alumnus Patrick Harkins also performed.

Senior Reid Smith said he was glad Finn enjoyed everything.

“It was a lot of fun, and it was See BLAYLOCK, Page 3

Luckett Nixon crowned Homecoming queen

By LEAH CLARK and JOE PEARSON The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School senior Luckett Nixon was crowned Homecoming queen for 2018.

Nixon, a senior cheerleader, was elected to the Homecoming court earlier last quarter. High School students also voted her for queen.

“I was so unbelievably honored to be chosen to represent the Class of 2019 as senior maid and homecoming queen this year,” Nixon said.

An emotional Nixon stood on Bill Raphael Field during halftime of the

Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 5, when her name was announced as queen.

Leah Blevins, a 2018 graduate who served as queen last year, crowned Nixon.

Nixon stood with other members of the Homecoming court: Three other senior maids and two junior, sophomore and freshmen class maids.

Freshmen class Homecoming maids were Alex Lyle and Rosey Foley. The sophomore maids were See HOMECOMING, Page 7

Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Luckett Nixon was crowned queen during halftime of the Homecoming game.

Opinion

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

Reporting news and reining in rhetoric

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olitical rhetoric in our nation has reached alarming intensity. Our nation as a whole is becoming too politically extreme and hyper-

partisan.

The disturbing trend has led to an increased sense of tribalism in our political JOE discourse, which is evident every day.

PEARSON Our country direly needs to return to editor a moderate platform and tone down the tensions amongst ourselves.

Large media corporations are largely responsible for hysteria due the sensational nature in which they deliver the news. Too often in broadcast news, television ratings take precedent over the truth at the heart of an issue.

Broadcast news shows invite guests with differing opinions so viewers can sit back and watch them scream and yell and each other. This made-for-TV event has little to do with intelligently discussing both sides of an argument.

Unfortunately, some people find this volatile exchange entertaining – and it drives ratings. High-profile broadcast news organizations are simply out to entertain viewers, raise their rating and make more money. They are not in the business to inform.

The core of journalism, especially broadcast journalism,

must return to the basics: Inform individuals about things that impact them and to hold those in power accountable for their decisions.

Just three weeks ago, in the wake of Hurricane Florence, a photo of CNN’s Anderson Cooper showed him standing in chest-high water while the film crew was in ankle-deep water. Cooper was standing in a ditch; his appearance on camera was nothing more than an attempt to raise the drama of the situation.

This feeds into the narrative that the media is disingenuous and at best unintentionally misleading.

Events like this are troubling because for every time a news

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The lifeblood of democracy is the healthy exchange of ideas between disagreeing parties.

When we have lost the ability to openly discuss our views, we rend ourselves to the demise of our state.”

Our view

Family defines us at St. Joe

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We would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate the boys and girls swim teams for their wins at North State last week. That was truly an remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment.

As they head to Tupelo for the state championship meet on Saturday, we wish them the best. Bring back a fourth straight championship for the girls and the first championship for the boys since 2016.

BEAR FACTS The

Joe Pearson Editor

n

Bianca McCarty Assistant Editor

Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Dena Kinsey, Principal

Joe Pearson, a junior and an award-winning high school columnist, is editor of The Bear Facts.

The importance of art

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amily is at the core of who we are at St. Joseph Catholic School.

At St. Joe, the term “family” is not limited to people with whom we share genetic heritage. Family has a much broader and deeper meaning here.

At St. Joe, the term family extends to everyone in our community. And you need look no further than FinnFest and Scary for Carrie – two highprofile fundraising events that helped members of the St. Joe family – as prime examples of how we without question or hesitation reach out to help those in need.

FinnFest raised more than $10,000 on Wednesday, Oct. 10, to help cover the medical expenses of Finn Blaylock, the younger brother of Bruin senior Gabe and eighth-grader Declan.

Hundreds of people attended the after-school event, listened to live music, shared a meal and played games with all proceeds helping cover the medical expenses of Finn, a St. Richard student fighting cancer.

Then on Halloween, students will pay $3 each to wear a costume to school with money raised helping cover medical expenses for 2002 Bruin alumna Carrie Maniscalco. Carrie has suffered a series of medical setbacks; medication she has been required to take even caused her to lose her hearing.

Our faith tells us we are all brothers and sisters, and, likewise, we are called to care for each other when necessary. From these examples to our numerous community outreach efforts, St. Joe’s students, staff, faculty, parents and alumni show what “family” really means.

Congratulations, swimmers

corporation is caught doing something like this, there are surely several occasions of disingenuousness that were never discovered.

And this raises this important question: If news corporations resort to instances like Anderson Cooper did, I and others wonder what those same organizations and reporters are doing with hot-topic, divisive political stories.

Lastly, political factions are hurting national unity.

People have differing fundamental principles, and it is sometimes helpful to organize like-minded people into a political party. The trouble arrises when people put their allegiance to their party over the nation.

When a discussion becomes all about political parties, people become incredibly closed minded and form an “usversus-them” mentality The lifeblood of democracy is the healthy exchange of ideas between disagreeing parties. When we have lost the ability to openly discuss our views, we rend ourselves to the demise of our state.

As a nation, we must end the vindictive, divisive rhetoric.

We must return to a moderate situation, tolerant of differing views. Only then will we be able to move forward.

fully understand why we need sciences, technology, engineering and math. And I appreciate how important they are.

Our society couldn’t function without these vital subjects.

The most average things wouldn’t BIANCA be possible. We couldn’t build houses.

McCARTY We couldn’t fly in airplanes. And we assistant couldn’t even play mindless games on editor our cell phones.

But in every single one of these examples, an artist is involved.

When a person builds a house, another walks in and decides what colors the walls should be painted and what furniture should go where. When a person engineers a plane, another decides how the seats should be arranged and how to design the safety cards. When a person codes an app, another designs the characters and draws the backgrounds.

Artists keep us from living in a drab world. They take the things that the scientists and engineers create and

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Artists keep us from living a drab world. They take things that the scientists and engineers create, elaborate on them and make something beautiful.”

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Art is often considered a non-essential subject. But do the people who say that really want to live in a world without artists?” elaborate upon them.

Aside from art making the world a more beautiful place, it can also help students learn. Not all students learn in the traditional way. Study guides and PowerPoint presentations just don’t work for every one.

When arts are incorporated into the every day curriculum, it gives students with more visual or handson learning styles a chance to learn their way, as well as adding variety to the classroom.

Some students can communicate their ideas better through the arts, rather than traditional ways of communication.

Art can help students make connections to the world around them, a skill that will benefit them later in life.

It is often that case that students comprehend a concept better when it is presented in an engaging way.

For some students, that’s note taking and for others, it’s something creative or artistic.

Every student should have the opportunity to learn their way. Of course, not every class period needs to be art-oriented, but even the occasional art project can benefit the students.

Art is often considered a non-essential subject. But do the people who say that really want to live in a world without artists?

School spirit on campus

tudents spend about seven hours in class every day. When it comes to having school events, it is a necessity.

Those seven hours consist of sitting in a classroom quietly while learning about a subject. This can be hard for a student.

LEAH School events, such as pep rallies, CLARK dances, and football games, allow assignments editor students to have the freedom to be loud, to be vocal and to support their school.

Some would say school events are an organized chaos for students. They get to relax from their studies. So, when this is not an option for students, things tend to be difficult. This could result in grades dropping and classroom behavior suffering.

While students do need school events, they also need school spirit. School spirit is what drives school events.

Football games are not as fun when you’re the only student going crazy in the stands during a touchdown.

Pep rallies suffer when most of the students sit with their eyes on their phones. I know all of this from experience.

I can say, either proudly or shamefully, that I was one of the only students that participated in the pep rallies. I would scream for the cheerleaders, Spirit Steppers and

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While students do need school events, they also school spirit. School spirit is what drives school events.”

The Bear Facts is a proud member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

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St. Joe is a school that has accomplished many things.

We, as students, need to take the opportunity to take pride in those things. band members as they performed. However, as I would shout my support for them, other students would look at me as if I was in the wrong.

I understand that some people are not as comfortable in these situations as I am, but that does not mean you should make other students feel uncomfortable. It is one thing to be different; it is another to be difficult. In this day-and-age, it is almost a trend to be what people may think to be different but is actually difficult. We must realize that we can celebrate our differences, while still celebrating being Bruins.

Students are very quick to compare St. Joe’s events, such as dances, to other schools. Students would rather complain instead of at least trying to enjoy an event.

St. Joe is a school that has accomplished many things.

We, as students, need to take the opportunity to take pride in those things. We should have school events.

However, we have to earn those events through our actions.

Leah Clark, a sophomore, is assignments editor of The Bear Facts.

The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of St. Joseph Catholic School, is published six to eight times each the school year. All stories and photographs are copyright 2018 by The Bear Facts and St. Joseph Catholic School.

Reproduction and unauthorized use of any article, photograph or graphic is prohibited without written consent. Contact The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927.

Opinions expressed on this page belong solely to the author of authors and do not necessarily represent the beliefs and opinions of the staff of The Bear Facts; the staff, leadership and administration of St. Joseph Catholic School; or the staff, leadership and administration of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.

Bruin News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

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BruinTHON preparation now underway BIANCA McCARTY The Bear Facts While BruinTHON is months away, preparations have already begun for the biggest fundraiser of the year.

This year, senior Anna Rose Myrick is serving as student director, with Mary Grace Stewart as assistant director. The theme for this year’s annual fundraiser for Blair E. Batson Children’s hospital is “Arcade Games.”

Myrick and the committee have plans to make changes to the event, especially when it comes to promoting it.

“We have a lot of new fundraising ideas.

We’re especially going to try and get the middle school more involved throughout the entire year, and be creative with our fundraisers,” said Ms. Kathryn Sckiets, the faculty adviser.

The committee plans to intersperse more fundraisers throughout the year, mainly monthly bake sales. They plan to keep most of the old fundraisers, such as No-Shave November and Boots for Batton in January. The biggest change is the promotion of the event.

This includes pep rallies, assemblies and hype videos.

BruinTHON accomplishes many things throughout the year, but they do not come without challenges.

In the early stages of putting together the event, the biggest challenge Myrick and Ms. Sckiets faced was choosing the committee.

“We had to be selective and make some hard decisions because we wanted to downsize the committee and put everyone where we thought they would work best. It was kind of a tough process, but we’re really happy with the people that we got,” Ms. Sckiets said.

Setting up such a massive event is tedious and requires meticulous work. Communication can also be an issue, as those in charge

Photo by Anna Chris Nicholas/The Bear Facts BruinTHON participants crowd the floor of the St. Joseph Catholic School gym during the 2018 event. The fundraiser is an annual event at St. Joe.

need to make sure everyone is informed and on the same page.

Even with all of the difficulties that come with being a part of the BruinTHON committee, many people still want to be a part of it.

The event holds much personal significance for those involved in the committee and even those who are solely participants.

Hannah Dear, a junior, is the middle school representative. Dear’s job is to keep the seventh and eighth graders informed and excited for the event.

“Dr. Baston lived across the street from me my whole life. To be able to help kids who are at a hospital that is named after him means a lot, because he was a great neighbor, a great

friend,” Dear said.

Myrick also has personal connections to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.

“This year, I want BruinTHON to be super hype. I want it to be a big thing that the whole school wants to do. It’s always a big event for St. Joe and every year we try and make it even better and better,” Myrick said.

FINNFEST, from page 1 school since finishing kindergarten in May 2018.

Despite all the negatives, there is something about Finn that rises above all – his enthusiasm. He loves to live life, to be in the outdoors, to fish in Mississippi waters, and to explore nature and the world.

The support for Finn and his fight against cancer has been massive.

A blood drive for Finn in August received overwhelming support.

Students, alumni, friends, and family stayed on campus for hours donating blood; some even stayed to 10 p.m. for an event that was scheduled to end at 7.

Countless people in the community have donated money and bought “Bruins Go Gold” T-shirts, whose proceeds go directly to the Blaylocks.

Additionally, the Spirit Stepper dance team wore gold ribbons this football season to support Finn and to shed light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

“It is really an amazing thing

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They (the Blaylocks) are overwhelmed by the love and support” – Mrs. Ann Cook, a Blaylock family friend

to me that we have grown up in a community that will rally together for any of us,” said Lelia DeGruy, a St. Joe senior. She has known the Blaylocks her whole life.

Support from outside the St. Joe community has also been remarkable. Football rivalries were laid aside for a greater good. Students at St. Anthony in Madison, which are

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It’s nice knowing that people are there for you.”

– Gabe Blaylock, Finn’s brother and a St. Joe senior

St. Richard’s rivals, continuously keep Finn in their thoughts and prayers every day just like the kids at Finn’s own school.

Jackson Prep’s student section wore gold in honor of Finn and in correlation with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Their students and community, along with St. Andrew’s, donated cash to the Blaylocks. Michael Boone, the head official in the St. Joe-St Andrew’s football game, even donated his game check to the Blaylock family.

“It’s nice knowing that people are there for you. The Mike Boone thing was really unexpected. It meant a lot to my family because it was somebody who had no prior

Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Mrs. Suzanne Antonaros paints the face of Finn Blaylock

connection to us. (He’s) just a good person,” Gabe said.

“Just everybody coming out and giving the support is like being able (to see) the Holy Spirit at work,” said Ann Cook, who, along with several others, helped plan fundraisers and events to benefit Finn.

The biggest event for Finn was FinnFest on the St. Joe campus, 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10. The event included another blood drive from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; live entertain-

BLAYLOCK, from page 1

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It’s been a good opportunity to see teachers (and coaches) getting dunked for the sake of doing it and it’s good to see everyone come out to support Finn.”

– Reece Chandler, seventh grader

totally worth it for a good cause.” Smith said.

Another big part of FinnFest was the dunking booth. About a dozen teachers and coaches sat on the edge of the dunking booth, excited, yet anxiously awaiting to be submerged. There, students who used their tickets to play the game at FinnFest were able to attempt to knock their teachers and coaches into the dunking booth.

Seventh-grader Reece Chandler saw his swim coach Lauri Collins get submerged in the booth.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “It’s been a good opportunity to see teachers (and coaches) get-

ting dunked for the sake of doing it, and it’s good to see everyone come out to support Finn.”

Chandler knows several members of the Blaylock family well. Senior Gabe Blaylock was Chandler’s house leader back when Gabe went to St. Richards. He also knows some of Gabe’s younger siblings, like eighth-grader Declan Blaylock and St. Richard sixth-grader Susanna Blaylock.

“I loved the spirit of community and the concern for other people,” Mrs. Kinsey said.

“It’s helpful that they have a relationship with Gabe and Declan, and so they want to help.”

“Honestly, I think we’ve all just realized that this is somebody we care about and is one of our family members,” said St. Joe student Farrell Moorehead. “Everybody at this school is so close knit, so I think it’s great that we’re all coming together to support.”

Moorehead’s family owns M7 Coffeehouse in Ridgeland and sold some of Finn’s favorite food at the event. They were cleverly dubbed as Finnamon Rolls and Finn Floats. Both items sold out.

“I think it’s just a great way to celebrate Finn,” Chandler said. “All the things that have been done for Finn, all the fundraisers, they’ve really helped and shown me how to be a good person.”

ment with the St. Joe Jazz Band and a separate, independent, student band; food prepared and donated by volunteers; games for children; and a dunking booth featuring St. Joe teachers and coaches.

“It’s definitely difficult opening up to people,” Gabe said. “It’s hard to sit there and have people help you all the time and you can’t really do anything to repay them. But it really shows how grateful you are and how wonderful the community

is.”

The Blaylock family moved from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Since moving here, their family has grown.

“It’s not in their nature to be receivers,” Mrs. Cook said. “They are very much giving people, so this is a bit of an adjustment for them. But they are overwhelmed by the love and the support.”

PAGE 4

Bruin News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

Bruins celebrate FinnFest Top Left: Mrs. Marliand Hendley serves snow cones to people at FinnFest. From left: Mrs. Hendley, Ms. Elyssa Lambert and Mr. Wyatt Starrett Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Second Row Left: Attendants of FinnFest play bingo in the cafeteria. Photo by Taylor Barnes/The Bear Facts Second Row Right: Alice McPhail, left, and Hannah Dear perform together. Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Third Row Left: Mrs. Melissa Hall after being dunked in the dunking booth. Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Third Row Center: Sophomore John McGee enjoys the food at FinnFest. Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Third Row Right: Mr. Scott Trousdale after being dunked into the dunking booth. Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Fourth Row Right: Daniel Dear, left, and Declan Blaylock volunteer at the hamster ball attraction. Photo by Bailey Miller/The Bear Facts

Fifth Row Left: The St. Joe Jazz Band plays at FinnFest. From left: David Greene, Mr. Ronald Russell, Nicholas Herbert, Ethan Avery and Garrett Grove. Photo Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Bottom Row Left: Students enjoy games at FinnFest. Photo by Bailey Miller/The Bear Facts Bottom Row Right: Coach Joe Bob Harris is dunked in the dunking booth.

Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts

Bruin News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

PAGE 5

Fall play readies for opening night

By MARY GRACE STEWART The Bear Facts Work has reached a frenzied pace in the Fine Arts theater as students prepare ‘The Curious Savage,” for a three-day run next month.

The play is set to open at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Additional performances of the comedy by John Patrick are set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4.

“The Curious Savage” is centered around an elderly woman, Mrs. Savage. After the passing of her husband, Mrs. Savage decides to use the valuable Savage Estate to start her “Happiness Fund.”

However, Mrs. Savage’s stepchildren want

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patients soon befriend Mrs. Savage and provide a family for her since her greedy stepchildren fail to do so.

Senior Alice McPhail plays Florence, one of the patients.

McPhail said the show is different from past productions MARY HANNAH SKELTON at St. Joe because of the cast theater size and the focus on characteacher ter.

– Lake Dodson, “It’s a smaller cast, but all of the characters very important,” she said. “It’s more about St. Joe junior are how they all relate to each other.”

McPhail said that having such a small cast the money to themselves, so they place her in a mental institution called The Cloister’s has advantages and disadvantages. Because the – a place with a wide variety of patients. The cast is small, she said, “it’s easier to wrangle ev-

I would definitely advise everyone of come out and watch; we’ll (put) on a great show for everyone,”

erybody, so we’ve gotten a lot of work done.”

Another starring member of the cast is Lake Dodson, a junior, who plays Titus, a judge and the oldest of the Savage children.

ALICE Thanks to the addition of MCPHAIL the new theater director Ms. senior Hannah Skelton, there is a new buzz around the fine arts program at St. Joe. The cast has been working hard after school is the opening show draws closer.

“I would definitely advise everyone of come out and watch; we’ll (put) on a great show for everyone at Saint Joe,” Dodson said.

College fair attracts schools from all over U.S.

By NATALIA IGWEBUIKE The Bear Facts A total of 52 colleges and universities participated in St. Joseph’s yearly college fair to demonstrate to students from Grades 10-12 and parents what programs they offer.

The Wednesday, Sept. 19, event was different from previous events.

State schools like Jackson State University, Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi attended. The event also attracted schools in California, Missouri and Massachusetts.

Students visited with representatives from several universities. Some students already know where they plan to go, but were still able to branch out and find more opportunities. They learned more information and asked questions of the admission representatives.

“I think it helps to have people who really know about the schools rather than me trying to find everything for myself online,” said senior Sydni Vandevener, “They usually SYDNI help to find answers for me.”

VANDEVENDER Mrs. Debbie Carrington, senior St. Joe’s guidance counselor,

planned the college fair. Preparation began last spring and colleges were invited during the summer.

“Having a college fair is important as it gives high school students and their parDEBBIE ents an opportunity to visit CARRINGTON with admissions counselors counselor from schools they would not ordinarily have an opportunity to visit” Mrs. Carrington said.

Admission representatives were also excited to come to St. Joseph to talk to high school students. The fair gave them a venue to showcase what their schools offer.

Many colleges send mail to prospective students which may or may not be read. This event gave them a great way to market the schools they represent.

“Every school wants students to be at the place that’s right for them, and we want to leave the decision up to the students to see what fits them,” said an administrative representative from Samford University.

Senior Camillia Goodloe said she learned a lot by attending the event.

“Meeting that person in person is actually helpful because you build that relationship

Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Junior Mary Grace Stewart speaks to a representative for Mississippi State University at the St. Joe College Fair in the school gym on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

with them,” Goodloe said. “And they also tell you so many helpful things that they probably wouldn’t have told you over email or probably would’ve been redundant over email, so make sure you meet the person that you’re talking over email in person. It’s way helpful.”

College fairs are a good opportunity to help students realize what they want to do as an adult.

“It’s nice to be able to ask questions about places that you’re interested in, to ask people that know about this stuff and to get more opportunities to learn more about it from either people helping guide you to specific places and find more information,” junior Aislinn Boggan said.

Speech and Debate team Bruin dance team gets new coach for school year revived at St. Joe this year from staff reports

Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts The Spirit Steppers perform at halftime. From left, Addie Matthews, Anna Chris Nicholas and Mary Grace Stewart.

By HARPER EVERS The Bear Facts The St. Joseph Catholic School Spirit Steppers team is off to a great start with the help of new coach Manuela Picarella and assistant coach Ashley Crandall.

Sydni Vandevender, a senior captain on the team, said this is the best season “for us so far throughout high school.”

“We’ve made a few changes that have made us stand out more than before,” she said. “And coach Manuella is an amazing leader and has brought a lot of fresh, new ideas.”

This year, the dance team made a few changes to the classic Spirit Stepper style. The team surprised the crowd with a new uniform.

The Spirit Steppers are also going to competition, perform at basketball games and use

props in upcoming dances this season.

The team will lose seven seniors at the end of this year.

With a new season, there are always going to be new challenges. Every Spirit Stepper has a personal challenge and a new accomplishment to face each year.

“My biggest challenge this year was improving from sophomore year and trying out new styles of dance besides pom and kick,” said Juliana Ladner, a junior. “I really want to improve each and every year. I’m on the team to (do) the best I am able to be.”

Freshman Rosy Foley agreed.

“I think the season is going great,” she said.

“It will only get better. Spending time with the team is so fun and feels like one big family.

I personally just love every single person on the team.”

St. Joe’s spring 2019 musical

The St. Joe Speech and Debate team is back.

After an absence of several years, St. Joe has revived the Speech and Debate team for the 2018-2019 school year.

Linda King, the St. Joe high school director, English teacher and Speech and Debate coach, said reviving the team was a great idea.

“Speech is an activity where students use their oration skills in various events,” King said. “Debate is when they express topics on local and international interest to argue with their own opinion and views.”

A Speech and Debate benefits many students who are looking to further their own understanding and opinion based on their own research and studies.

It allows students to have to develop their skills in public speaking, to learn how to think critically, and to create their own counter argument in opinions based on facts.

Speech and Debate is proven to help better students test scores and help them to earn college scholarships.

The Speech and Debate team competes in different tournaments and are awarded based on merits. They are scheduled at different times and students attend, and perform and debate. This cycle repeats over and over.

As the competition goes on, the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller each round, until six students are left. They are placed from sixth to first.

Cas Simpson, a sophomore, participated in a tournament and won first place her first time competing. She participated a couple of rounds before the top six finalists performed.

There are around two hours between each round. Each round is about a hour.

Simpson starts the process when she is as-

“

Speech is an activity where students use their oration skills in various events.

Debate is when they express topics on local and international interest to argue their own opinion and views.”

– Linda King, high school director and speech and debate coach signed a prose speech and does research on her topic. She also has to have it semi-memorized.

Judges will deduct points if the participant didn’t make eye contact with the audience and judges. The tournaments start early in the morning and end late in the evening.

“I was nervous at first, and I messed up a little at the beginning, but I was more comfortable as the day went on,” said Simpson.

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Homecoming

PAGE 6

Bruins celebrate Homecoming week Left: The 2018 Homecoming court in the Rosary Garden. From left to right: Alex Lyle, Cece White, Thyme Turner, Celeste Hall, Luckett Nixon, Alaina Leiss, Emma Kaye Beebe, Layla Lewis, Clare Cole, Rosy Foley.

Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Second Row Left: Sophomore Joshua Briscoe waits on the field for kickoff at the Homecoming football game. Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Second Row Right: Senior Gabe Blaylock,left, and Junior Bella Antonaros, right, dress up for “Kiddie Day.” Photo by Ellie Heilman/Special to The Bear Facts Staff Third Row Left: St. Joe 2017-2018 homecoming queen Leah Blevins sings the National Anthem. Photo by Syndey Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Third Row Center: St. Joe Bruin football team runs out onto the field. Photo by Syndey Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Third Row Left: Freshmen maid, Rosy Foley, left, and her escort, Stephen Rimmer, right.

Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/ The Bear Facts

Above: The Senior Homecoming maids. From left: Celeste Hall, Luckett Nixon, Alana Liess, and Emma Kaye Bebe. Photo by Syndey Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Bottom Row Left: Crown Bearer, George Greene. Photo by Syndey Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Bottom Row Right: Sophomore maid Clare Cole, left, escorted onto the field by her father, right. Photo

by Syndey Shoemaker/The Bear Facts

Bruin News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

PAGE 7

Get to know your Homecoming maids Freshmen

sophomores

Juniors

seniors

Favorite color: Mint green

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite color: Lime green

Hobbies: Dancing, singing, hanging out with friends, and being creative

Hobbies: Cheer, singing, hanging out with friends and playing with her animals.

Hobbies: Baking and photography

Hobbies: Cheer, swimming, hanging out with friends and photography

Hobbies: Swimming, Youth Legislature, and playing with dogs.

Interesting fact: “I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.”

ROSY FOLEY

Interesting fact: “I really like hiphop dancing.”

CLARE COLE

Interesting fact: “I like to do people’s make up.”

LAYLA LEWIS

Interesting fact: “I am an All American Cheerleader.”

EMMA KAYE BEEBE

Interesting fact: “I have traveled to seven countries outside of the United States.”

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite color: Light Pink

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite color: Blue

Hobbies: Watching Netflix and baby sitting

Hobbies: Volleyball, hanging out with friends, hanging out with family and sleeping.

Hobbies: Baking, cooking and watching Netflix

Hobbies: Dancing and Fishing

Hobbies: Jet skiing, tumbling, playing with dogs, and playing basketball

Interesting fact: “I have four dogs.”

ALEX LYLE

Interesting fact: “I am a sleepwalker and sleep talker.”

CECE WHITE

Interesting fact: “I used to be a competitive gymnast.”

Interesting fact: THYME TURNER

“Ever since I’ve been at St. Joe I told everyone my middle name is Lemon.”

CELESTE HALL

Interesting fact: “I like to put whipped cream on my bacon.”

ALAINA LEISS

LUCKETT NIXON

HOMECOMING, from page 1 Cece White and Clare Cole. The Homecoming maids for the juniors were Layla Lewis and Thyme Turner. And senior maids were Alaina Leiss, Celeste Hall and Emma Kaye Beebe.

Homecoming maids were escorted on the football field by their father, grandfather or uncle. The court and their escorts were surrounded by the St. Joe band, varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders, Spirit Steppers, and Bruin Color Guard. The Knights of Columbus stood guard, as well.

Homecoming activities first kicked off on Monday. The day was themed “Skittles.” Students wore their Homecoming T-shirts. Every grade had a different colored shirt, making the student body look like a rainbow.

Tuesday was themed “Kiddie Day.” Hall-

ways were full of students dressed as kids, except seniors – who dressed as the elderly.

On Wednesday, the theme was “Candy.” Students were outfitted in candy costumes. Also, students were surprised with a drumline performance during second lunch.

Thursday was “Ivy League Day.” Students dressed in tacky clothing. “Spirit Day” was Friday as the hallways were filled blue and gold. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday ended with pep rallies in the school gym.

Wednesday, in theology classes, students cast their votes for homecoming queen. On Thursday afternoon, the St. Joe community gathered in the auditorium to watch the Presentation of the Court.

The ladies of the Homecoming court were escorted by football players in their grade. A

tailgate was held following the presentation.

The St. Joe band, varsity cheerleaders, Spirit Steppers, and Color Guard performed for those at the tailgate.

On Friday, alumni traveled back to St. Joe to watch the Bruins play the Pelahatchie Chiefs. Alumni were greeted with a reception during the game.

“We had alumni from as far as Washington state,” said alumni coordinator, Mrs. Vicki Runnels. Approximately 250 alumni and guests attended. The reunion classes for this year were 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018.

Alumni and guests had a Louisiana-themed menu. The food was made possible by the Knights of Columbus Council 9543 and St.

Joe volunteers.

Saturday was the Homecoming dance, which was themed “Candyland.”

Students dressed up in semi-formal clothing and danced from 8-11pm in the school gym.

The dance was set up by sophomore student council members, such as Trinity Johnson.

“Decorating the gym was a lot of work, but it was worth it,” Johnson said.

Students from ninth through 12th grade entered the gym to it decorated in Skittles, chocolates, and lollipops.

Homecoming 2018 was filled with many activities. The week was an exciting time for the St. Joe community.

Immediate Left: Left to right: Leah Blevins, George Greene, Mr. Robert Luckett, Luckett Nixon, Mrs. Dena Kinsey, Lily Mae Stewart and Mrs. Anna Boggan. Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Second Row Left: Homecoming Queen Luckett Nixon and Junior maid Layla Lewis hug after halftime. Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Second Row Center: Coach Matt Sigler, left, speaks to Bruin football players. Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Second Row Right: Juniors Leah Murphy, Annalise Rome, Julianna Ladner, Alexandra Ladner, and Amelia Ladner dress up on candy day. Photo by Bear Facts Staff Bottom Right: St. Joe students in their homecoming shirts on Monday of homecoming week. Photo by Bear Facts Staff

PAGE 8

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PAGE 9

‘Darkest Minds’ film can’t touch book

I

t’s not a secret that the book is always better than the movie. That is certainly the case when it comes to “The Darkest Minds,” a young adult dystopian novel by Alexandra Bracken that was recently adapted to the silver screen.

The premise is simple and rather overdone. A mysterious illness sweeps across the United States killing people by the millions.

The catch is, the disease, called IAAN, only affects children from ages 8 to 13. The children who survive IAAN end up mutated with special powers. The survivors, called “Psi,” are rounded up and taken to “rehabilitation camps,” which in reality are just glorified concentration camps. They are

classified by powers (represented by different colors of the rainbow) based on how dangerous they are.

We follow Ruby BIANCA Daly, an Orange, MCCARTY essentially a mindassisstant reader, disguised editor as a Green, the least dangerous. She has been in a camp for six years, before she’s broken out. She embarks on a road trip across Virginia with a group of other Psi kids, including two Blues: Liam Stewart and Chubs Meriwether and Zu Kimura, a Yellow.

Kids with powers running from the government is a trope that has

Dear Evan Hansen

“I like ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ because it shows that everyone deserves a second chance.” – Chloe Vizier, ninth grade

The Black Panther Soundtrack “The album empowers my black ethnicity and identity.” – Ralph Arrignton, 10th grade

humor and lovable characters.

Now, the movie. Although I did enjoy most aspects of the movie, such as Zu and Chubs being spot on, a few minor things irked me.

First, Ruby’s character was just a bit too open and chipper. In the book, Ruby is closed-off and paranoid. As she just escaped a literal concentration camp she’d been imprisoned in for six years, that made sense.

The movie completely ignores that part of Ruby’s character.

Second, I didn’t like their eyes glowing as a result of using their powers. The whole point of the Orange’s power is that it’s subtle, making it easier for Oranges to manipulate their victims. Also, it was a bit cheesy and difficult

T

he new Ariana Grande album, “Sweetener,” is an honest look into the mind of the powerhouse vocalist.

This album is the singer’s fourth studio album and was released just last month. The album gave a new spin to pop music. This is LEAH due to the 11-time Grammy winner Pharrell CLARK Williams. Williams influenced the whole assignments album, as well as produced some songs. editor We first open the 15-track album to a soulful rendition of the Four Seasons’ “An Angel Cried”.

The 38-second track gave a taste of the story behind the album. “Sweetener” tells the story of an angel (Grande) and her journey of being in love.

The next track I want to highlight is “the light is coming.”

This track did not live up to my expectations, even though the album, as a whole, was great.

Rap artist Nicki Minaj saved this song. Minaj opened with a rap verse that showed off her memorable rhyme flow. After her verse, things start to go downhill.

The lyrics of “the light is coming” are not very extraordinary compared to other songs that are on the album.

While Grande sings these rather inadequate lyrics, Pharrell Williams seems to incorporate too much into the song with his producing. The overflowing of elements causes the song to not live up to its full potential.

The album redeems itself by the time we get to the title track “Sweetener.” This upbeat, trap-filled song is about

“

Sweetener is an album that tells a story, which is not very common at these times.”

Abbey Road by the Beatles

Do you want have your favorite in the next edition of The Bear Facts? Send your favorite movie to: bimccarty@saintjoseph.ms

the joys that Ariana Grande experiences from being in love.

The song switches, expertly, between a Broadway-style of vocals and catchy pop lyrics that shows off the album at its best.

Another track I would like to highlight is “every time.” The song tells a soothing story of going back to the same person every time. Grande tries to leave this reckless love but cannot. “no tears left to cry” is an anthem of self-lifting after a lost. This was the lead single for “Sweetener.” The track is about bringing yourself back to happiness after going through troubling times.

It is believed that Ariana Grande wrote the song about the Manchester Arena bombing that happened in 2017. The bombing occurred during Grande’s concert. To show her support for Manchester, Ariana Grande held a benefit concert in honor of the 23 victims.

The last song that should be recognized “pete davidson.”

This track tells of Grande finding happiness in her loved ones.

She is saying that this soulmate has been given to her from the universe.

“Sweetener” is an album that tells a story, which is not very common at these times. This story tells about the joys and pains of being in love. Ariana Grande is going through the experiences of love and has expressed it beautifully through her vocals as a true songstress.

Netflix movie revives rom-coms

T “I saw this group when I was a high school student. I like their music, their words, and their meaning.”

-Coach David Wissel, Theology 9

to watch. Third, Liam and Ruby’s romantic relationship seemed forced. They had little chemistry and Liam came off as a stereotypical alpha male. In the book, Liam wasn’t like that at all and the relationship was more natural. It served a purpose in the book, while in the movie it seemed to have been thrown in just because they needed a romantic subplot to appeal to the masses.

The biggest casualty of “The Darkest Minds” film is that it misses the heart the book possesses.

Some moments make your heart swell and your eyes water. The down time when the action has subsided and we’re left just with the characters interacting are the strongest points in the book.

‘Sweetener’ brings new sound

BRUIN FAVORITES

What’s on your Spotify?

been done to death. Even a massive fan of the book, such as myself, can admit that.

But “The Darkest Minds” executes it so well it’s easy to forget how unoriginal the idea is.

The plot is engaging and exciting.

The writing is fast. The themes of the story are explored well without being in your face.

One of the biggest selling points of the novel are the characters.

Every single one is well developed and realistic. The relationships between them are believable, including both friendships and romantic relationships.

Alexandra Bracken’s interpretation of the trope puts a new spin on it, with a perfect balance of action, sweet moments,

he Netflix film “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” is one of its latest original movies that teens have been obsessing over.

This movie is so easy to love because of how well the plot accentuates the everyday BELLE life of a teen. By making it relatable to young MCNEER people, it was easier to draw in their attention and make them interested in the story.

It is about a young teenager, Lara Jean that has written personal love letters to her five “lifelong” crushes, that were not intended to be discovered. Until one day, her younger sister, Kitty, found the letters and sent them to each of the individuals, which drastically changed her life. Two of those letters, however turned out to be more important than the others.

One of the letters was written to Peter Kavinsky, star of the

“

Personally, I am a fan of this movie, because the story is unlike any of the typical love stories that have been produced.”

school’s lacrosse team. It is the fault of Peter that Lara Jean was no longer friends with her childhood best friend, Gen, who was in a relationship with Peter prior to the letters being distributed. He was Lara Jean’s first kiss and ended up being her first crush, which lead to him being the first person that she wrote a letter to.

The second letter was written to Josh, Lara Jean’s best friend since they were very young and the ex-boyfriend of her older sister, Margot. Margot and Lara Jean had always been close, so since Margot moved away to Scotland for college, Lara Jean has felt distant from her. Lara Jean felt like she was betraying Margot because of the letter written to Josh.

Peter was the first person to confront Lara Jean about having received the letter she had written in the past. He led her to believe that the feelings she shared in the letter would never be reciprocated, but we soon learn that is not exactly the truth; they end up in a healthy relationship by the end of the movie.

Personally, I am a fan of this movie, because the story is unlike any of the typical love stories that have been produced.

The ending is not as predictable as all of the others because there are multiple people that Lara Jean could have possibly end up with.

This comes to show that if you are open and honest about your feelings, things can come a lot sooner than you expect.

PAGE 10

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PAGE 11

Soccer team prepares to defend state title

By RIDER SESSER The Bear Facts The St. Joseph soccer teams are intensely preparing for a rapidly approaching season.

The boys and girls team are undergoing rigorous running and agility drills, hoping to improve upon two incredible seasons last year.

The boys team achieved the ultimate goal, a state championship, last year. Their record was an astonishing 20-4.

The girls team was one win away from playing for a state championship as well. They made it all the way to the South State championship, but lost to arch rival St. Andrew’s 3-1.

In both instances, the teams have a great starting point to push for an even better season this upcoming year.

Coach Dewayne Demmin has proven over and over that he is a championship-caliber coach.

One of the most impressive things about the soccer program at St. Joe is ability to continue to come back year after year and compete for the championship.

In a lot of cases, championship teams suffer what is referred to as a “championship hangover.” This is when a team is in a daze the next

File Photo/The Bear Facts

Junior Jamal Kidd, left, steals the ball from a St. Andrew’s forward in the North State Championship last February. The Bruins defeated St. Andrew’s 3-1. They then went on to defeat Sacred Heart 4-2 in the state championship.

season, satisfied with their efforts from the previous year.

It is a constant battle to keep players engaged and to push them to become even better.

Another challenge Demmin faces is the high expectations for soccer at

St. Joe. Most of these expectations of course were set by Demmin himself for the stellar work he did in the early 2000s.

Mediocrity is simply not acceptable from a St. Joe soccer team.

The team fully expects to be competing every year for the ultimate prize of a state championship.

Having players who have already experienced a championship leaves the Bruins poised to make another run at the title this year.

Combining a coach, who already has a championship pedigree, with experienced yet eager players will surely lead to excellent results come soccer season this November.

PEARSON, from page 12 This year, there is no such luxury. Every player, coaches included, has had to have some role on the scout team this year.

However, this may be a blessing in disguise because WYATT it forces every player to be DAVIS more involved than ever before.

In addition to this, due to the small number of players on the team, there is an increased sense of personal responsibility. In the week before the season-opening jamboree, the stark reality hit the team that no one else was coming, no one else would help.

At the start of the season, the Bruins managed to knock off Newton High School

35-22, a team that the year before beat the Bruins 68-15.

The next week, the Bruins handled Tri-County Academy easily by a score of 28-7.

Skipping practice JOSH unnoticed is also nearly BRISCOE impossible this year. Just by looking around, it’s easy to tell who is missing.

Unfortunately, a team limited in numbers has its disadvantages.

“Teams see on film that we don’t have very many players, so they try to run at a fast pace to tire us out because they know we don’t have any subs,” said Josh Briscoe, sophomore linebacker.

“We have to be in really good physical

shape so we’re not totally gassed in the fourth quarter.”

Along with fatigue concerns, a small team faces the constant threat of someone getting injured and having no one to replace them.

For instance, against Jackson Prep, senior Jayson Green was out, and the Bruins were forced to put Kiland Harrison, a normal cornerback, at free safety and place Kevin May, a normal running back, at cornerback.

Having players out of position can be challenging. But the players this year have performed well at just about every position, because they never know when or where they’ll be needed.

So while some see a small roster as a disadvantage, the close-knit team and

– Josh Briscoe, sophomore linebacker

personal responsibly it forms can be an advantage to the Bruins this year, and propelled them to a playoff berth this November.

SWIM, from page 1

VOLLEYBALL, from page 12 as Dallas Hill and Ella Dotson are ready to step into starting roles next year.

“We’ve grown a lot as a team this year, and I think we can continue to grow that chemistry next year,” Dotson said.

“I’m so sad to see this season come to an end,” junior Isabella Antonaros said.

“We ran into a talented team in Hickory Flat and just didn’t have enough to pull out a win. Even though it’s disappointing, I’m excited about next year. The core group we have returning really works well together.”

Another reason to be optimistic is the return of Coach Suzanne Antonaros. She will enter her fifth season as coach of the Bruins next year.

Coach Antonaros runs a rigorous practice schedule during the year that helps the team improve throughout the season.

“

We have to be in really good physical shape so we’re not totally gassed in the fourth quarter,”

showed out this year.”

One of those sophomores propelling the team is J.C. Dorroh.

“Coming off a knee injury this past June, I had to work harder than ever to get in shape for the season,” he said.

“My ultimate goal is to win a championship for the seniors, who have been working so hard for five years. They deserve to experience that.”

Coach Lauri Collins has been at the helm of the Bruin swim team during their dominant era. Her intense morning practices have become a staple of the swim team.

Dorrah said: “I definitely think the 5 a.m. practices and dry-land workouts will pay off in Tupelo when it matters.”

The girls team has accomplished one of the hardest things in sports: sustained dominance.

Arilyn Thomas is a freshman this Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts year, but has been a key member of the team in all three of those St. Joe students celebrate winning the first set of the annual Silent Night game championship runs. against St. Andrew’s on Sept. 18.

Thomas said, “I’m so excited

“

My ultimate goal is to win a championship for the seniors, who have been working so hard for five years.”

– J.C. Dorroh sophomore swimmer

we won North State. We never get tired of seeing our hard work pay off. Coach Collins has helped us all become better swimmers. And with her help I think we have a good chance of winning four state championships in a row.”

Concerns about concussions

FOOTBALL, from page 12

when I was hit by a JA football player, and when he hit me, I consider it a cheap shot.”

He said that when he got his A career of hard hits to the head concussions he felt a lot of pain as an athlete will not necessarily in his temple area, and his vision leave you with serious, permanent brain damage, but football, soccer, was a blur. When he realized he wouldn’t be able to play football even baseball and softball players any more he said, “I was upset need to watch out. because my physical condition Scientists have proven that hits limited me from the sport I love.” that your head takes can lead to You can also get concussions in concussions or memory loss. You can get concussions by hitting your soccer, and everyone knows that the biggest rule in soccer is no using head, car accidents, even shaking your arms and hands. So when the your head back and forth very ball is flying through the air, the quickly and abruptly, and memory easiest way a player can change loss the same way. the direction the ball is going is by Ethan O’Rourke, a St. Joe junior, using their head. has had two concussions from “Heading” the ball though, playing football. “I got my first concussion during football practice at can also cause a concussion. In school, and my second concussion at an effort to prevent concussions, several sports organizations have the football game versus JA. At the banned headers from soccer games game, I was already on the ground

back, also rushed for more than 90 yards.

One of the biggest keys for the Bruins was the excellent play of the lineman. They dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Puckett rushed for less than 50 yards the whole night.

Thornhill, also the punter, played a huge role in special teams as well.

With about a minute to go in the first half, Thornhill’s punt pinned Puckett deep within their own 5 yard line, making it impossible for Puckett to try a long touchdown pass before the half ended.

Thornhill’s punt was just one example of how the Bruins dominated the field-position battle.

The Wolves got possession of the ball deep in their territory on every drive, with the exception of one fumble in the first half.

This gave the Bruin offense a short field, on which they

By ADRIANNA TERRAZAS The Bear Facts

played by younger athletes – those that are not yet in high school – because they have underdeveloped neck muscles and a low body weight, which increase the risk for concussions in youth soccer.

Although there is no way to prevent 100 percent of the concussions in contact sports, there are ways to limit them. Schools and sports organizations are now starting to implement them.

“

I was upset because my physical condition limited me from the sport I love.”

– Ethan O’Rourke, concussion victim

capitalized with four touchdowns.

The 27-0 win was the largest margin of victory for the Bruins all year, and it comes at the perfect time. Tonight, the Bruins will have to take on a hard-nosed 8-2 Pisgah team.

Pisgah features a run-based offense, centered around Noah Thweatt, the Dragons’ quarterback.

The Bruin defense will need all the momentum they can get from the shut-out win against Puckett to take on the physical Pisgah offense.

“We’ll have to play an excellent defensive game, but I think we’re up to the task,” said sophomore Josh Briscoe.

The offense will also have to build on its best game of the year.

The game Friday has huge implications for the playoffs, and Coach John Bond is sure to have the Bruins ready for the game tonight.

Bruin Sports PAGE 12

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Bruins clinch playoff berth Bruins secure a spot in postseason play following 27-0 shut-out of district opponent Puckett Attendance Center

sports line

BRUIN BROADCASTING HITS AIR TONIGHT

If you can’t make the Bruins’ football game tonight at Pisgah, then follow the action with Bruin Broadcasting Network.

Watch the live stream at www.stjoebruins.live or on the Bruin News Now channel on YouTube. You also can listen exclusively on WJXC Jackson, Mississippi Catholic Radio, 107.9 FM. Airtime is 6:45 p.m. and kickoff follows at 7.

SOCCER TEAM BEGINS PRACTICE

Photo by Bailey Miller/The Bear Facts London Walker, No. 10, and Wyatt Davis, No. 75, celebrate a touchdown Walker scored in the 27-0 Bruin win over Puckett last week.

Sports Analysis by Joe Pearson

T

he Bruin football team has clinched a state playoff berth for the third straight year heading into the final regular season game tonight.

The Bruins dominated the Puckett Attendance Center Wolves 27-0 on Senior Night at Bill Raphael Field. And the seniors on the Bruin squad definitely put forth their best showing of the year thus far.

It was the Bruins’ first shut out of an opponent since Sept. 22, 2017, when the Bruins defeated Union 35-0.

“The Friday night game was the most fun

I’ve ever had on Bill Raphael Field,” said Tyler Brown, senior lineman. “The playoff berth was huge for team morale. It lights a fire under the team and gives us a will to keep on playing.”

Senior quarterback Daniel Clarke connected for two touchdowns passes, one to senior tight end Steven Wolf and the other to senior wide receiver Kiland Harrison.

The team also had its best rushing effort of the year. Senior running back London Walker rushed for two touchdowns.

Chandler Thornhill, another senior running

The Bruin volleyball team fell to Hickory Flat Attendance Center last week in the first round of the playoffs, ending the 2018 season.

The team lost in three hard-fought sets, losing the first and second by a total of 11 points. The Hickory Flat team came into the match on the heels of a six- game win streak.

The Rebels captured the momentum early and were able to ride that momentum to a three-set sweep. The Bruins ended the year with a 12-20 record.

“This year, we had a tough schedule,” said junior Leah Murphy.

“Our record really doesn’t reflect how well we played this year and how much we grew as a team and

bonded. We fought hard against Hickory Flat, but just came up short in the end.”

The team had several impressive victories throughout the year, including wins over Jackson Prep, Warren Central and Florence.

These wins over large schools gave the team confidence when district play rolled around.

The team finished 4-2 in district play, their only two loses being to St. Andrew’s in five sets.

“Next year, we’re determined to work harder and achieve our ultimate goal of a state championship,” Murphy said.

Next year looks promising for the Bruins, as a majority of starters are returning for the 2019 season.

In addition to this, players such See VOLLEYBALL, Page 11

PAGE 11

BASKETBALL KICKS OFF SEASON

See FOOTBALL, Page 11

Volleyball team falls short in playoffs

By JOE PEARSON The Bear Facts

The boys and girls soccer teams started practicing in anticipation of the upcoming season.

The boys team is coming off a state championship last year, while the girls made it all the way to the south state championship.

First game for both is set for Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Clinton.

The girls play at 5:30 p.m. and the boys at 7 p.m.

The boys kick off their season Saturday at the Bay Springs Jamboree. The team has been practicing at 6:15 a.m. in the gym in preparation for the season.

The girls team plays at the McLaurin Jamboree tomorrow.

Lead by Mia Goodloe, the team is optimistic they will have a great season.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS LEAD CROSS COUNTRY

Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Isabella Antonaros vollies the ball over the net on Senior Night against Ridgeland High School. The Bruins defeated the Titans in three straight sets.

With new coach and alumnus Ryan Crandall, the Saint Joe cross country team is having an incredible year.

The team is led by eighth grader Andrew Smith, as well as Angela Bethea.

The team hopes to place well in the state meet on November 5.

Small team no concern for the Bruins this year

I

f you look on the sideline of the Bruin football team this year, odds are you’ll see a lot of green grass.

JOE There are PEARSON usually nine or editor 10 underclassmen blocking you from a complete view of the field.

This year, the St. Joseph football team has 28 people on the active roster. And thanks to injury or illness any given week they’ll have somewhere between 20-24 players available to suit up Friday.

During summer workouts, the number of players was even more

“

Because our team is so small this year, we have all banded together,” – Wyatt Davis, junior lineman alarming. Some days, the number of kids who showed up would be in the single digits.

On top of this, Coach John Bond didn’t take over as coach until a week into summer 2018 break – putting the team behind the

eight ball, so to speak. Many high school teams begin preparation in the spring for the upcoming fall season.

Any coach will say a football team this small is not ideal.

But the small numbers may have an unintentional, positive consequence.

“Because our team is so small this year, we have all banded together,” said junior offensive and defensive tackle Wyatt Davis.

“The situation made us realize we all have to work harder to carry the workload because there’s so few of us.”

In years past, there were plenty of players on the football team, See PEARSON, Page 11

Photo by Sydney Shoemaker/The Bear Facts Quarterback Andrew Sanli runs the football in the Bruin game against Canton Academy three weeks ago.