2018 High School Football Preview

Lowndes...................................3 Rosters, Standings.................
15
Noxubee................................. 11 Clay........................................ 16
2018 High School
Sunday, August 12, 2018

Football Preview Oktibbeha...............................13 Monroe................................... 19
2 Sunday, August 12, 2018 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com High School Football Preview
WHAT’S INSIDE
places to be Aberdeen Bulldogs............................................................20
HIGH
SCHOOL
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Caledonia Confederates......................................................5
Columbus Christian Rams...................................................9
Columbus Falcons...............................................................3
FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
teams to see
Hamilton Lions...................................................................19
Hebron Christian Eagles....................................................17 2018
Heritage Academy Patriots..................................................7 A publication of
3 New Hope Trojans...............................................................4 The Dispatch
21 Noxubee County Tigers.....................................................11 P.O. Box 511
Oak Hill Academy Raiders.................................................18 Columbus, MS 39703
1 (662) 328-2424
Starkville Academy Volunteers..........................................14 Publisher
8 11 Starkville Yellow Jackets...................................................13 Peter Imes
4 Team Rosters....................................................................15 Managing Editor
15
24 Team Standings.................................................................15 Zack Plair
9 5
7 18 Victory Christian Eagles.......................................................8
10 6 22 Sports
Adam Minichino
19 20 23 West Lowndes Panthers......................................................6
Scott Walters
13
West Point Green Wave....................................................16 Brett Hudson
17
Cover Design
16 ABOUT Tina Perry
12
14 THE COVER Photographers
Luisa Porter
25 2 Chris McDill
Thanks to Sean Harrison and Heritage Jim Lytle
Academy for allowing The Dispatch to
invite some of the area’s top players to Graphic Artists
the school for its annual cover shoot. Kelly Ervin
Jackie Taylor
Thanks to photograher Chris McDill for
taking the picture and staff writer Scott Production
1 14
Aberdeen HigH ScHool noxubee county HigH ScHool
100 Bulldog Blvd., Aberdeen
662-369-8933
16478 Hwy. 45, Macon
662-76-4428
Walters for organizing the gathering. Tina Perry
Anne Murphy
2 15
Aliceville HigH ScHool oAk Hill AcAdemy
417 3rd St. SE, Aliceville 800 N. Eshman, West Point
205-373-6378 662-494-0301
3 16
Amory HigH ScHool pickenS AcAdemy
1006 Sam Haskell Circle, Amory 225 Ray Bass Road, Carrollton
662-256-5753 205-367-8144
THE BOTTOM LINE
4 17
cAledoniA HigH ScHool pickenS county HigH ScHool
111 Confederate Drive, Caledonia
662-356-2001
205 4th Ave. SE, Reform
256-375-2344
Game Coverage / Results Prep Player of Week
High school football coaches who don’t Every Tuesday, The Dispatch will
5 18 speak to a reporter from The Dispatch are
columbuS cHriStiAn AcAdemy SoutH lAmAr ScHool
6405 Military Road, Steens 300 Sls Road, Millport recognize a standout prep performer.
662-328-7888 205-662-4411 asked to email information to the sports If you would like to nominate a prep
department from their games. player of the week, call us at 662-241-5000,
6 19
columbuS HigH ScHool StArkville AcAdemy
215 Hemlock Street, Columbus 505 Academy Drive, Starkville The Dispatch will include its prep foot- or e-mail us at sports@cdispatch.com
662-241-7200 662-323-7814
ball coverage in Sunday’s edition, so before 5 p.m. Saturday.
7 20 we will contact coaches Friday night or
eASt WebSter county HigH ScHool StArkville HigH ScHool
195 Old Cumberland Road, Maben 603 Yellowjacket Drive, Starville Be sure to give us a reason why you
662-263-5321 662-324-4130 Saturday to get details. Coaches, please are nominating the player, and be sure to
let us know what is the best time for us
8 21 give us as many statistics from the past
HAmilton HigH ScHool Sulligent HigH ScHool
40201 Hamilton Road, Hamilton 661 Elm Street, Sulligent to contact you. week’s action.
662-343-8307 205-698-9254
9 22 Weekly Features
Hebron cHriStiAn ScHool victory cHriStiAn AcAdemy
6230 Henryville Road, Pheba 374 Mill Road, Columbus Additional Prep Coverage
662-494-7513 662-327-7744 Every Monday during high school
football season, The Dispatch will feature Each Wednesday, The Dispatch will
10 23 feature a high school coach, player

HeritAge AcAdemy WeSt loWndeS HigH ScHool
625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus 644 South Frontage Road, Columbus a review of the past week’s games with
662-327-5272 662-244-5070
standings of all area teams and a list of or team in a weekly column. On The
the top performers. Dispatch Prep Sports Blog, readers can
11 24
lAmAr county HigH ScHool WeSt point HigH ScHool
43880 Hwy. 17 S, Vernon 950 S. Eshman Avenue, West Point
Every Thursday, The Dispatch will find up-to-date information on all area
205-695-7129 662-494-5083
preview that week’s action, feature a high schools, as well as standout per-
12 25
louiSville HigH ScHool WinSton AcAdemy formers and picks on all of the week’s
200 Ivy Avenue, Louisville 111 Richardson Road, Louisville “Game of the Week”, a Q&A with a
662-773-3431 662-773-3569 local player, a breakdown of what to games. The blog may be found at
look for that week, and information http://cdispatch.com/prepsports/. Blog
13
neW Hope HigH ScHool
3419 New Hope Road, Columbus
662-244-4701
about all of the games involving area ideas should be sent to Scott Walters at
teams. swalters@s.
High School Football Preview The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, August 12, 2018 3
Columbus Falcons
Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 1; 2017 Record 2-9 (1-6 Class 6A, Region 1)
Coaching staff
Head coach
Eric Rice
n Ivan Evans
n Mike Mahoney
n Kevin Jones
n Lawrence Hill
n John Jennings
n Brooks Crabtree
n Tyler Armstead
n Ralph Green
n James Richardson
2018 Schedule
Aug. 16 WEST POINT
Aug. 24 NOXUBEE CO.
Aug. 31 OPEN DATE
Sept. 7 STARKVILLE
Sept. 14 At Vicksburg
Sept. 21 At DeSoto Central
Sept. 28 TUPELO
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Oct. 5 At Horn Lake
Oct. 12 SOUTHAVEN
Columbus High School football coach Eric Rice keeps an eye on seven-on-seven drills during a preseason practice. Rice is in his first season
after taking over for Randal Montgomery, who is now an assistant coach at Louisville High.
Oct. 19 At Oxford
Falcons have fresh start with rice

Oct. 26 SOUTH PANOLA
Nov. 2 HERNANDO
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
First-year head coach will try to get Columbus back on track after disappointing nine-loss season in 2017
By Scot t Walters the team was in Activities Associ- Kelly left to become head coach
swalters@cdispatch.com bad need of a re- ation (MHSAA) at Caledonia High and took some
2017 Results set. North State cham- assistant coaches with him.
MHSAA Columbus High School senior
Class 6A, Region 1 That re-set has pions. Victories “It hasn’t been flawless,” Rice
linebacker Tidus Kirk remem- come in the form against Vicksburg said. “When a new coach takes
Aug. 17 L, 14-42
At West Point bers the sinking feeling. of a new season. and region rival over, he brings new systems, new
Aug. 25 L, 9-34 On several Friday nights, Kirk The first year un- DeSoto Central ideas. You can’t put it all in in
At Noxubee Co. and his teammates were making der new coach Eric Kirk followed. Quar- week one. We will still be imple-
plays but the scoreboard kept Williams
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE Rice starts Aug. 16 terback Laterius menting at the end of the season.
Sept. 8 L, 7-44 heading in the wrong direction. at home against Stowers was hurt Each day, get better. That’s the
At Starkville “It was frustrating,” Kirk West Point. against DeSoto Central and the mind-set. I complimented coach
Sept. 15 W, 27-7 said. “After we lost some games “We are a different football team never recovered, losing six- Montgomery when I met him. I
VICKSBURG early, we lost our confidence. At team,” Williams said. “No one straight games. told him how hard the kids work.
Sept. 22 W, 34-28 (OT) the end of the year, guys weren’t will believe us until we prove it “After the first three games, That is a testament of a coach, so
DESOTO CENTRAL trying as hard. You win games on the field. Learning new coach- we didn’t believe,” Gillespie said. we came in here and inherited a
Sept. 29 L, 0-44
Monday through Thursday. We es and new systems has been a “We fell down and never really bunch of hard workers. That’s a
At Tupelo
Oct. 6 L, 2-28 weren’t preparing to win. There challenge. I am not going to call it got back up. It was hard. Nobody good starting point.”
HORN LAKE are a lot of reasons for why things easy because it hasn’t been. Each thought it was going to be easy. Williams said changes have
Oct. 13 L, 14-44 went that way. When you put your day is a little better. I know these We didn’t think it would be that taken place throughout most as-
At Southaven everything into something, you guys love to play football. All hard.” pects of the program.
Oct. 20 L, 7-17 want to get the results. We didn’t we can do is trust what our new Randal Montgomery left the “That’s to be expected,” Wil-
OXFORD come close to that. Not to be un- coaches tell us to do. You have to program after four seasons. liams said. “It’s just different.
Oct. 27 L, 7-41 fair, it just wasn’t a team going all learn from the adversity of last Rice was hired in March. After Right or wrong, we had a comfort
At South Panola out to win.” season.” completing his coaching staff, level with the previous coach-
Nov. 3 L, 14-21 Kirk and fellow seniors safety In 2017, Columbus lost its first another re-set of nearly half the es. You knew the program. You
At Hernando Dontae Gillespie and offensive three games in one-sided fashion staff took place in June when knew the expectations. You knew
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
lineman Tyler Williams admitted to three Mississippi High School defensive coordinator Michael See RICE, 12
Columbus High School
Class 6A senior Dontae Gillespie Year-by-Year Record
works with one of his Year Record Coach
Region 1 assistant coaches on
2017 2-9 Randal
Montgomery
Columbus
Desoto Central pass drills in preseason 2016 6-6 Randal
Hernando practice. Gillespie will be Montgomery
2015 8-4 Randal
Horn Lake someone coach Eric Rice Montgomery
Oxford counts on at wide receiver 2014 4-7 Randal
South Panola Montgomery
this season.
Southaven 2013 4-7 Tony Stanford
Tupelo 2012 7-5 Tony Stanford
NOTE: Top four qualify 2011 7-4 Tony Stanford
for playoffs 2010 4-7 Tony Stanford
2009 3-8 Bubba Davis
2008 1-10 Bubba Davis
2007 6-5 Daryl Jones
2006 3-8 Daryl Jones
“They want us 2005 6-7 Rusty Funk
2004 4-7 Rusty Funk
2003 7-4 Roy McCrory
going hard at all 2002 3-7 Roy McCrory
times in everything 2000 10-3 Roy McCrory
we do.” 1997 3-7 Roy McCrory
1996 0-11 Pat Davis
Columbus senior 1995 3-7-1 Pat Davis
1994 3-8 Pat Davis
Dontae Gillespie Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS

QUARTERBACKS seeing a lot of playing time last season,”
Jaelan Craddieth (Jr.) Rice said. “Vance missed the spring due
With the transfer of Laterius Stowers, to his concussion, so now we are finally
last season’s starter, Craddieth takes over getting to look at what he is capable of do-
as the starting quarterback. ing. A talented group of seniors with good
“Jaelan got some play time last year leadership at that position.
because (Stowers) got hurt,” Columbus
coach Eric Rice. “He has really put in the OFFENSIVE LINE
extra time in practice and in the weight Tyler Williams (Sr.); Arick Evans (Sr.);
room. Now that he knows he is the man, he Ellis Berry (Sr.); Gerald Wells (Jr.);
has stepped up to the challenge and made Deveon Boykins (Jr.)
some improvements in his game.” Williams will play center, with Evans and
Boykins at tackles sports and Berry and
RUNNING BACKS Wells at guard spots.
Derrick Jordan (Sr.); “We will be better offensively,” Rice
Devarkas Ramsey (Jr.) said. “The biggest challenge will be along
Jordan and Ramsey got plenty of work the line. You need that unit to play well and
as the understudies to Patrick Jackson a to play together to be successful in 6A.
year ago. We have an overflow of players at the skill
“Really love both of these guys,” Rice position, so hopefully, the line can be in a
said. “They both have a chance to be the position to help them make plays.”
amongst the best backs in 6A. Two totally
different styles of runners, so that com- DEFENSIVE LINE
pliment each other a lot. If the offensive Demario Martin (Sr.);
line does its job, both could reach a great Christian Jackson (Sr.);
potential. Ramsey is a down-hill runner, Steve Cattledge (Jr.);
while Jordan has that wiggle.” Codey Sanders (Jr.)
Rice said Martin will be a leader from
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS his defensive end position.
Fred Harris (Sr.); Jervorius Vance (Sr.); “Lot of size along the defense end,”
Matthew Leach (Sr.); Jarrod Bush (Sr.) Rice said. “We have tall, lanky guys with
Senior college prospect, Vance returns enough speed to get back to the quarter-
after missing the final third of last season back. That is what you want from those
due to a concussion positions.”
“Vance and Harris are both back after See COLUMBUS, 12
4 Sunday, august 12, 2018 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com High School Football Preview
New Hope trojans

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 4A, Region 4; 2017 Record: 5-7 (1-3 Class 4A, Region 4)
Coaching staff
Head coach
Wade Tackett
n Adam White — Defensive
Secondary
n Seth Stillman — Defensive
Coordinator
n Ryan Taylor — Wide
Receivers
n Nick Morrow — Defensive
Line
n Ryan Taylor — Wide
Receivers
n Ryan Deer — Offensive
Line
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 FOREST
Aug. 24 At West Lauderdale
Aug. 31 At Houston
Sept. 7 SHANNON
Sept. 14 ABERDEEN New Hope High School football coach Wade Tackett, right, looks on as junior quarterback Ryan Burt makes a throw in preseason practice.
Sept. 21 CALEDONIA Tackett guided Hollandale Simmons to a 15-0 finish and the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A State
Sept. 28 LOUISVILLE championship in 2017.
Oct. 5 At Kosciusko
New era for trojans starts with tackett

Oct. 12 LEAKE CENTRAL
Oct. 19 At Jackson Prep
Oct. 26 At Noxubee Co.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
By Adam Minichino and Os in a new offense or
aminichino@cdispatch.com defense.
“They’re good kids. I
Wade Tackett knows just think maybe in the
the saying. past they have had a little
Having coached bit longer leash,” Tackett
2017 Results against the New Hope
High School football pro-
said. “I don’t want to seem
MHSAA like they were running
Class 4A, Region 4 gram, Tackett is familiar wild in here, but we’re just
Aug. 18 L, 3-25 with the ways his players trying to hold them more
At Forest talked about the Trojans. accountable for their ac-
Aug. 25 W, 28-13 For rivals of New Hope, tions and who they are
WEST LAUDERDALE the play on and trying to develop
Sept. 1 W, 35-28 words using some better character
HOUSTON the school’s
Sept. 8 L, 34-46 young men.”
name took In May, Tackett was
At Shannon on a harder
Sept. 15 W, 42-22 hired to replace Kris
edge. The Pickle as New Hope High
At Aberdeen words were
Sept. 22 W, 34-3 School’s football coach. In
used in an 2017, Tackett led Hollan-
At Caledonia Tackett attempt to dale Simmons to a 15-0
Sept. 29 L, 7-48
At Louisville
gain a men- record and the Mississip-
Oct. 6 L, 14-21 tal edge be- pi High School Activities
KOSCIUSKO fore the first Association (MHSAA)
Oct. 13 W, 27-6 snap of the Class 1A State champi-
At Leake Central football. Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
onship. The title was the
Oct. 20 L, 28-45 E v e n Former New Hope High School defensive lineman Seth Stillman has returned to his
alma mater to be defensive coordinator. school’s third in a row.
JACKSON PREP t h o u g h
Tackett, who also has
Oct. 26 L, 0-48 Tacket t It may sound simple, but worked as an assistant
NOXUBEE CO. Brooks didn’t want he said that philosophy football coach at Grenada,
Nov. 3 L, 3-6 to use the is the foundation of any Greenwood, and North-
At Pontotoc words in a program along with com- east Lauderdale, hopes to
HOME GAMES IN CAPS discussion mitment, respect, and transform a program that
about the putting others before self. has had nine winning sea-
2018 sea- He said someone who sons in the last 24 years.
son, his
Class 4A first as New
isn’t instilling those prin- New Hope had two of
ciples in a program proba- those winning seasons
Region 4 Hope High
bly shouldn’t be coaching under Pickle, who went
Kosciusko football
Matthews football. 24-23 in four years at the
Leake Central
coach, he
Louisville At New Hope, Tack- school. New Hope went
brandished
New Hope ett said the challenge is 10-3 in his first season in
Noxubee County them in an early talk with
to make sure the players 2014 and lost to Pearl in
the Trojans to help them
NOTE: Top four qualify for understand what is being the second round of the
playoffs understand how people
asked of them. MHSAA Class 5A play-
perceive them so they
“Our thing is #NewEra offs. The Trojans missed
can grasp the change he
because it is a new era for the Class 5A postseason
hopes to make in the pro-
New Hope,” Tackett said. the next two seasons
Year-by-Year Record gram.
“With that, the standard before moving down to
Year Record Coach “I took this job as a
2017 5-7 Kris Pickle has been raised. I am not Class 4A for the 2017 sea-
complete rebuild,” Tackett
2016 6-5 Kris Pickle saying it is going to win us son following reclassifi-
2015 3-8 Kris Pickle said. “I told these guys I
2014 10-3 Kris Pickle more any more ballgames cation. New Hope lost to
am here to do two things:
2013 4-7 Shawn Gregory this year, but I think in Pontotoc 6-3 in the first
2012 3-8 Michael Bradley teach and demand. I am
2011 4-7 Michael Bradley the years to come if we round of the playoffs. In
here to teach you the game
2010 8-5 Michael Bradley
of football and demand can sustain that it will be- Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
April, Pickle announced
2009 11-2 Michael Bradley he was stepping away
2008 8-5 Michael Bradley your best effort every day. cause it is a process.” New Hope High School senior wide receiver Tre Bailey
2007 6-4 Michael Bradley
They love that part. They Along with being a looks a pass into his hands during preseason practice. from coaching to spend
2006 1-9 Michael Bradley more time with his family
2005 2-8 Dale Hardin have been real accepting new era, Tackett said he
2004 1-9 Dale Hardin wants the Trojans to view little things right, making to everyone, and main- and to pursue other op-
2003 4-6 Dale Hardin of that part.”
2018 as a fresh start and the commitment, know- taining a great work eth- portunities.
2002 1-8 Dale Hardin In getting the Trojans
2001 4-5 Dale Hardin to adjust to his style, Tack- an opportunity to script ing someone is going to ic. All of those things will With only one coach
2000 2-9 Rick Cahalane what comes next. He said hold them accountable, be intertwined in a pro- returning from last sea-
1999 4-6 Rick Cahalane ett is holding his players
1998 7-5 Andy Stevens accountable in every way. the marathon that follows becoming a better team- cess Tackett feels is com- son, Tackett said a fresh
1997 3-8 Andy Stevens
1996 6-5 Andy Stevens involves players doing the mate, acting respectfully parable to teaching the Xs See NEW HOPE, 12
1995 6-5 Andy Stevens
1994 2-9 Dale Hardin
A CLOSER LOOK AT NEW HOPE
“We want to be QUARTERBACKS
Ryan Burt (Jr.); De’ajon Miller (Sr.)
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS
Kameron Harcrow (Jr.);
football, like he said he does, the
Trojans are going to have to pro-
Hayden Harris (Soph.);
Antwaan Roland (Jr.)
a team that is The Trojans will have a new
quarterback after the graduation
Tre Bailey (Sr.);
Kryshon Brooks (Sr.);
duce up front.
“Prescott has good size and feet
Matthews will look to be a lead-
er on a defense that is filled with
strong willed, of Kyree Fields, who was one of
several players who saw time at the
Jordan Thomas (Sr.)
Go-to target Jeremy Tate has
and is coachable,” Tackett said.
“Gibson is big and strong. Peeks is
juniors.
“This is a quick and powerful
strong minded, position in an injury-filled campaign.
Burt is a standout pitcher on the
moved on to Memphis, which
means there will be plenty of
strong, while Harris has great feet,
Newby quick and uses leverage.
group,” Tackett said.
chances for someone to emerge as Taylor is a quick learner and expe- SECONDARY
and gets after school’s baseball team.
“Burt is a quick learner who can a playmaker. rienced.” Malachi Clay (Jr.); Immanuel Jones
“Harcrow is sure handed and (Jr.); Robert Fearce (Jr.);
it. We want to make all of the throws,” New Hope
High School football coach Wade coachable,” Tackett said. “Bailey DEFENSIVE LINE Michael Chambers (Soph.)
is a speedster and dependable. C.J. Sanders (Soph.); “This is an athletic and smart
beat you in the Tackett said. “He has great arm
strength. Miller is a pure athlete
Brooks is big and athletic. He is Kobe Chandler (Jr.); group,” Tackett said.
able to put his hand on the ground Jakobe Jones (Jr.);
trenches. We just who is a change-of-pace quarter-
back.”
or flex out to wide receiver. Skyler Ferguson (Jr.) SPECIALISTS
Thomas is the hardest worker on Expect this group to live up to Ellis Clark (K), Ben Bradley (P)
have to take on RUNNING BACKS
the team.” the hard-nosed nature of first-year
defensive coordinator Seth Still- QUOTE
that mentality.” Braylen Miller (Jr.)
Another position that was hit
OFFENSIVE LINE
Brantley Prescott (Jr.);
man, a former defensive lineman at
New Hope High.
“This is a very young team but
coachable and hard working,”
hard by injuries last season, as Rayshawn Gibson (Jr.); “They have great motors,” Tackett said. “As players and as a
New Hope High School Tyran Reed never got untracked.
Bradley Peeks (Jr.); Tackett said. team they are striving to get better
football coach The Trojans tried multiple players at
R’monta Harris (Jr.); every day. With continued growth,
Wade Tackett the position in 2017. Ricky Newby (Jr.); LINEBACKERS this can be a special team.”
“(Miller) is quick with great Kalen Taylor (Sr.) Kobe Matthews (Sr.);
vision,” Tackett said. If Tackett wants to run the Ashton Husband (Sr.); — Adam Minichino
Caledonia confederates
Coaching staff
Head coach
Michael Kelly
n Ray Weeks
n Jason Forrester
n Chris Harlow
n Darius Wren
n Louis Alexander
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 WEST LOWNDES
Aug. 24 ABERDEEN
Aug. 31 OPEN DATE
Sept. 7 At Choctaw Co.
Sept. 14 At Byhalia
Sept. 21 At New Hope
Sept. 28 SHANNON
Oct. 5 At Mooreville
Oct. 12 PONTOTOC
Oct. 19 AMORY
Oct. 26 At Itawamba AHS
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Adam Minichino/Dispatch Staff
From left: Caledonia High School’s Tanner Holley, A.J. Johnson, and Jedarius Gore are team captains and members of a 10-player leadership
council that is responsible for setting the tone for first-year head coach Michael Kelly’s program.
2017 Results
MHSAA
KELLY LOOKS TO LEADERS TO SET TONE
Class 4A, Region 2 First-year head coach selects 10 players to be part of leadership council to help make decisions about program
Aug. 18 L, 0-14
At West Lowndes By Adam Minichino ability to set the example.
Aug. 25 L, 30-56 aminichino@cdispatch.com “All of the players have
At Aberdeen bought in,” Holley said.
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE CALEDONIA — A.J. “The coaching staff has
Sept. 8 L, 0-34 Johnson knows Michael come in and we all have
CHOCTAW CO. Kelly takes football very brought them in as much as
Sept. 15 L, 18-34 seriously. they have brought us in. We
BYHALIA Last season, Johnson
Sept. 22 L, 3-34 have confidence we can do
was a slot receiver at Colum- good and are feeling good
NEW HOPE bus High School and saw
Sept. 29 L, 6-64 about it.”
how Kelly, the defensive
At Shannon Gore, who was a unani-
coordinator, poured his pas-
Oct. 6 L, 19-20 mous selection for captain,
sion into head coach Randal
MOOREVILLE has handled the added
Montgomery’s defense.
Oct. 13 L, 6-30 responsibility as well as a
“When I say intense, he
at Pontotoc move to quarterback. Last
can be the Buddy Stephens
Oct. 20 L, 0-42 season, Gore played out-
of high
At Amory side linebacker and wide
Oct. 27 L, 0-31 school if he
receiver, but the 6-foot,
ITAWAMBA AHS wants to be.
155-pounder will lead the
HOME GAMES IN CAPS The only
team in 2018. He admitted
di f ference Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
is he doesn’t Caledonia High School football coach Michael Kelly demonstrates blocking technique
it has been a “huge adjust-
curse,” said with his offensive lineman during a preseason practice. ment,” but Johnson and
Holley feel Gore has taken
Class 4A Johnson,
to his new position. The last
Region 2 Kelly referring
to the East
it takes to make things easi-
er for the coaches.
with leadership councils
and that they told him it is a
Johnson said. “Based on the
decisions we make it can time Gore played quarter-
Amory
Caledonia Mississippi Community “The leadership team is great way to involve players make or break the team. back was in Pee Wee foot-
Itawamba AHS College head football coach. basically a big group of as- in the decision-making pro- “We can’t tell them to do ball and in middle school.
Mooreville “He is intense.” sistant coaches,” said John- cess and to hold them even something if we’re not do- “He looks natural,” Hol-
Pontotoc Seeing Kelly at Columbus son, a 5-foot-7, 160- receiver/ more accountable. ing it ourselves. We have to ley said. “He and coach
Shannon
High has helped Johnson safety. “We get everything “I think it is more effec- do it better and get them to (Ray) Weeks just clicked
NOTE: Top four qualify understand how he wants and take it to the coach so tive when comes (the ac- cooperate with us.” and he has been doing good
for playoffs
to transform the culture as he can know what to do. He countability) comes from The late date of Kelly’s in practice.”
the new head football coach is doing stuff based off our some of their teammates hiring and arrival of the Said Johnson, “If you see
at Caledonia High. Even decisions, but some stuff is instead of their coaches,” coaching staff adds to the him in practice you wouldn’t
though Kelly and his assis- mandatory for him to do. To Kelly said. importance of the players think this is his first time
Year-by-Year Record tant coaches have had a little all of us it is a big deal.” Kelly said the members taking ownership in the playing quarterback.”
Year Record Coach This also will be Gore’s
2017 0-10 Ricky Kendrick more than a month to install Brayden Gholson, Lee of the leadership council program. Kelly has stressed
their system, Johnson likes Browning, Camden Hurst, were introduced to the the Confederates will “chase first time on a leadership
2016 5-6 Andy Crotwell
2015 5-5 Andy Crotwell the steps Kelly is taking to Anthony Triplett, Loren team two weeks ago. He greatness” and want “excel- council. He acknowledges
2014 6-6 Andy Crotwell turn the Confederates into a Cox, Alex Mathews, and said he meets with the lence” in their program. He there will be agreements
2013 3-8 Andy Crotwell contender. Will Donald complete a council every Monday to sees no better way to achieve and disagreements, but he
2012 4-7 Ricky Kendrick One of the things Kelly leadership council that has discuss various issues. Kel- those goals than to find the is confident the leaders will
2011 4-7 Ricky Kendrick find consensus and do what
2010 1-10 Ricky Kendrick
has done is to name 10 play- representatives from each ly said the leadership coun- best representatives on his
2009 0-10 David Boykin ers to a leadership council of the four classes. cil already has had to make squad and to give them a they think is best for the
2008 1-9 Jason Forrester that is responsible for set- Kelly said the players on tough decisions regarding voice. team.
2007 3-7 David Boykin ting the tone in the locker the council were selected personnel. “I want people in the “It means a lot to be on
2006 3-7 David Boykin room. Seniors Jedarius based on their work ethic, Johnson said he was im- locker room demanding the leadership team coming
2005 5-6 Jack Hankins Gore, Tanner Holley, and accountability, attendance pressed Kelly took the time things from their team- from the coaches because
2004 6-5 Jack Hankins Johnson are part of that it shows they trust me and
this summer in workouts, to assemble a leadership mates,” Kelly said.
2003 3-6 Jack Hankins
2002 3-7 Jack Hankins council. Those 10 players and the interaction they council. He said the football Holley, a 6-2, 250-pound are depending on us to
2001 4-6 Jack Hankins in turn named Gore, Hol- had with their teammates team at Columbus High center/nose tackle/long make the right calls for our
2000 2-8 Jack Hankins ley, and Johnson permanent during the summer. He didn’t have one. Johnson said snapper, played right tackle team,” Gore said. “It is like
1999 4-7 Jack Hankins team captains. said this is the first time he feels the leadership coun- and defensive end last sea- he wants us to be out there
1998 2-9 Chris Chambless That’s a lot of responsibil- he has been on a team that cil has a responsibility to set son. He said the members to talk for ourselves instead
1997 1-10 James Reed ity for 10 players to handle, has a leadership council of the example for its team- of the leadership council of him having to talk for us.”
1996 0-11 James Reed
1995 0-11 James Reed but Johnson said he and the players. Kelly said some mates and to lift them up. take their work seriously Follow Dispatch sports
1994 3-8 David Brown rest of the players who were of the coaches on his staff “The weight that is on because the actions of their editor Adam Minichino on
selected are ready to do what have experience dealing our shoulders is very big,” teammates reflect on their Twitter @ctsportseditor
A CLOSER LOOK AT CALEDONIA

Former Columbus High School durable” running back. “Our kids will work,” Kelly said. Wren) are two energetic guys who work the foundation of his
defensive coordinator Michael Tanner Holley, Alex Mathews, “They’re up for any challenge we are going to lead by example, program.
Kelly hopes to bring stability to and Lee Browning will be the lead- give them — playing on both side hold kids accountable, work really “Our kids understand that
a program that went through an ers on the offensive line. of the ball. They just work and hard, and going to go really well whether it is in the weight room,
extended search for a new coach Camden Hurst and Justin work and work, so it frees us up with coach Kelly. ... I think they hit on the football field, in the film
following the resignation of Ricky Black will compete for playing as coaches to be able to put in a a grand slam with those three.” room, or in the classroom we are
Kendrick after the 2017 season. time at wide receiver, while Will little more, maybe challenge their
In Kelly, Caledonia has found Donald and Hunter Harris will play minds and their skill sets a little going to outwork our opponents
PROCESS ORIENTED
what several of his players said tight end. bit. in everything we do,” Kelly said.
Kelly is optimistic about a
is an “intense” coach who is fo- “We have told our players “We have a lot of versatile group of 35 ninth- and 10-grad- “If you buy a ticket and come
cused on changing the culture in since we have been here that we kids, a lot of tweener kids, who ers he feels has the potential to watch us play, defensively we are
a program that hasn’t had much are going to keep it simple,” Kelly maybe can help us out on offense make things happen at Caledonia. going to fly around to the football.
success in its history. said. “This whole system won’t be and maybe help us out on de- He said the change won’t happen We will pride ourselves on being
To do that, Kelly hired two in this football season. Hopefully fense.” overnight, though, especially a physical defense. Offensively
of his former staff members at through this football season and NEW ASSISTANT COACHES because the coaching staff didn’t we hope to eat the clock, but
Columbus High — Chris Harlow an offseason and another sum- Harlow was the defensive
have time to put in the entire sys- we hope to make you be a very
and Darius Wren — to take on mer we can get in depth on both backs coach at Columbus High.
tem on both sides off the ball. disciplined defense. We’re going
the challenge of transforming the sides of the ball and our special He will be defensive coordinator,
“We’re just hoping we can put to make you be very assignment
Confederates into contenders. teams.” secondary coach, and wide receiv-
a good product on the field that sound on your side of the ball and
ers coach at Caledonia. Joined by
OFFENSE DEFENSE Wren, the two new additions and they’re proud of and they can
we’re going to do our best to cre-
Caledonia will have to replace Kelly said Jacob Richardson Kelly earned a seal of approval walk around this county and the
northern part of the state and be ate one-on-one matchups for our
Logan Canerdy, who was a stand- and Mathews had strong offsea- from former Columbus High foot- playmakers to be successful. We
out on the offensive line, as well sons and will be fixtures on the ball coach Randal Montgomery, proud of it and say, ‘Hey, I’m from
Caledonia,’ ” Kelly said. don’t have a lot of them, so those
as Dylan Hankins (fullback) and defensive line. who is now an assistant coach
Graham Weseli (running back.) Brandon Chrest and Hurst will (head coach in waiting) at Louis- four or five kids we think can help
Kelly said Brandon Edmondson lead the linebackers, while A.J. ville High. BUILDING AN IDENTITY our football team be successful,
and Jedarius Gore will bring stabil- Johnson and Dillon May will lead “If there is one thing I know is Caledonia has had the reputa- we’re going to find ways to put
ity and leadership to the quarter- the secondary. they’re going to be able to play tion for being a hard-nosed team them in one-on-one matchups.”
back position. He said Brayden Wes Rollins will handle the really, really sound defense,” that will fight for four quarters.
Gholson is a “dependable and kicking duties. Montgomery said. “(Harlow and Kelly is focused on making hard — Adam Minichino
west lowndes panthers

Coaching staff
Head coach
Anthony King
n Michael Thorn —
Defensive Coordinator
n Fredrick McGee —
Quarterbacks / Running
Backs
n Roy Williams — Defensive
Backs
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 At Caledonia
Aug. 24 At Simmons
Aug. 31 At Biggersville
Sept. 7 At Leake Co.
Sept. 14 HAMILTON Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 21 At Vardaman West Lowndes High School football coach Anthony King gives directions during a preseason practice. King hopes to lead the Panthers back to
Sept. 28 FRENCH CAMP the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A playoffs after a two-win season in 2017.
Oct. 5 NANIH WAIYA
PANTHERS HOPE PASSING GAME

Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 NOXAPATER
Oct. 26 At Ethel
Nov. 2 At Sebastopol
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
WILL SPARK RETURN TO PLAYOFFS
By DAVID MILLER roster numbers and last-minute
Special to The Dispatch recruiting before school starts —
but King and Lucious are banking
Travion Lucious has “a bad on a revamped offense to buoy the
2017 Results taste in his mouth.” Panthers’ return to the playoffs.
MHSAA The senior slot receiver for the Lucious will be a catalyst for
Class 1A, Region 3 West Lowndes High School foot- the new spread passing offense
Aug. 18 W, 14-0 ball team thinks the Panthers are
King at the slot and running back posi-
CALEDONIA being overlooked in the Mississip-
Aug. 25 L, 0-48 tions.
pi High School Activities Associa- “It means a lot for me,” he said.
SIMMONS
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE tion Class 1A landscape. The Pan- “I have good routes I can run in
Sept. 8 L, 8-12 thers didn’t make the playoffs last the slot, and then I can be in the
LEAKE CO. season after reaching the postsea- backfield and run the ball. It’s go-
Sept. 15 L, 12-14 son in 2015 and 2016. ing to be good now because we’ll
At Hamilton “Everybody’s kind of sleeping be able to spread it out and give
Sept. 22 L, 6-36 on us because we lost my brother me a good chance to run up the
VARDAMAN (Quinshawn Lucious),” Lucious Lucious middle or go in the slot, depend-
Sept. 29 L, 16-38 said, “but we’re way better than ing on how the defense lines up.”
At French Camp The Panthers faced a lot of
we were last year.” Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Oct. 6 L, 0-54
At Nanih Waiya
The same issues remain for West stacked boxes in 2017, as its passing Travion Lucious will be a catalyst for the new spread
Oct. 13 OPEN DATE Lowndes and coach Anthony King — See WEST LOWNDES, 12 passing offense at the slot and running back positions.
Oct. 20 L, 0-29
At Noxapater A CLOSER LOOK AT WEST LOWNDES
Oct. 27 W, 46-6
ETHEL QUARTERBACKS DEFENSIVE LINE
Nov. 3 L, 18-36 Quaylon Rogers (Sr.), Jerqualin Morris (Sr.),
SEBASTOPOL Zay Armstead (Sr.) Tommie Malone (Jr.),
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Rogers is a first-year Anquarius Harkins (Jr.),
starter and can make a Eric Brooks (Sr.)
variety of throws. The group needs a player
to replace Adolphus
Running BackS
Class 1A Travion Lucious (Sr.),
Brewer’s 13 sacks.
Region 3 Zay Armstead (Sr.), Linebackers

Ethel Marcquez Holliday (Fr.) Ny’jhule Holloway (Sr.),
French Camp The team’s new passing Jerrious Jenkins (Sr.),
Hamilton game should free up the
Leake County
Jerrious Brown (Fr.)
box for more running room.
Nanih Waiya An alpha linebacker will
Noxapater help in the run game, King
Offensive Line
Sebastopol says.
Jerqualin Morris (Sr.),
Vardaman
West Lowndes
Tommie Malone (Jr.),
Tyler Bridges (Jr.), secondary
NOTE: Top four qualify Doublas Tabb (Jr.), Travion Lucious (Sr.),
for playoffs Cordarius McGee (Soph.),
RoyQuaveus Williams, Fr.
Jherquaveus Sanders (Jr.)
Wide ReceiverS Small, but fast. Everyone
Jherquaveus Sanders (Jr.), is pulling double duty.
Year-by-Year Record Ki’kwon Cor (Sr.)
The group has speed Specialists
Year Record Coach
2017 2-8 Anthony King and size, especially with Jherquaveus Sanders (Jr.),
2016 8-4 Anthony King Sanders, who is 6-3. Royquaveus Williams, (Fr.)
2015 9-5 Anthony King Sanders will punt, while
2014 5-6 Anthony King
2013 4-6 Anthony King Tight End Williams will kick.
2012 5-7 Anthony King Ny’jhule Holloway (Sr.) — David Miller
2011 2-9 Anthony King
2010 6-5 Bobby Berry
1997 4-4 Felix Wicks
1994 3-5-1 Felix Wicks
NOTE: Changed from Motley
to West Lowndes in 1989.
“I think this
team will get
better with each
game. We must
stay injury free
because of the
low numbers of
players we have.”
West Lowndes
High School David Miller/Special to The Dispatch
football coach Jherquaveus Sanders, who is 6-foot-3, is the tallest
Anthony King wide receiver on the West Lowndes High School
football team.
heritage academy patriots

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Class AAA, District 2; 2017 Record: 9-3 (3-1 Class AAA, District 2)
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2017 9-3 Sean Harrison
2016 10-3 Sean Harrison
2015 5-6 Barrett Donahoe
Coaching staff 2011 5-5 Brad Butler
2010 4-7 Brad Butler
Head coach 2009 3-8 Brad Butler
Sean Harrison 2008 4-7 Lee Davis
n Russ Whiteside 2007 1-10 Lee Davis
2006 2-8 Riley Myers
n Henry Pilkinton 2005 9-4 Herbert Davis
n Tobias Smith 2004 3-8 Lynn Moore
n Toby Lott 2003 9-5 Herbert Davis
2002 7-3 Herbert Davis
n Ed Lott 2001 1-9 Ray Weeks
n Tommy Howard 2000 5-5 Ray Weeks
n Tony Phinisy 1999 10-3 Ray Weeks
1998 9-3 Jon Wilson
1997 6-4 Jon Wilson
1996 4-6 Jon Wilson
1995 6-4 Hank Shows
1994 10-3 Ray Wooten
Class AAA
2018 Schedule District 2
Aug. 17 KIRK ACA. Canton Academy
Aug. 24 At Tupelo Christian Heritage Academy
Prep Leake Academy
Aug. 31 At Wayne Aca. Starkville Academy
Sept. 7 At Lamar School Winston Academy
Sept. 14 PILLOW ACA. NOTE: No. 1 team
Sept. 21 MAGNOLIA qualifies for playoffs.
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch Other spots based on
HEIGHTS From left: Newcomers Ethan Howell, Davis Fitch, and Kelvin “K.J.” Smith as well as Wesley Miller will provide points.
Sept. 28 At Leake Aca. added depth and versatility for a Heritage Academy football team that already has solid senior and junior classes.
Oct. 5 WINSTON ACA.
Oct. 12 At Starkville Aca.
Oct. 19 CANTON ACA.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Transfers give Patriots valuable depth “The leadership
on this team
Addition of four talented players provides versatility for Harrison’s experienced group
is crazy. Moak
By Adam Minichino and Wesley Miller (New
aminichino@cdispatch.com Hope Middle School) (Griffin) and
have pushed Heritage
2017 Results Sean Harrison already Academy’s roster to 35, J.R. (Lott) are
MAIS Class AAA, had plenty of reasons to
which gives the Patriots
added insurance in case outstanding
District 2 smile when he talked
Aug. 18 W, 46-20 about the outlook for the
at Kirk Academy Heritage Academy foot-
injuries hit.
In addition to in-
players, but they
Aug. 25 W, 3-0 ball team’s season in 2018.
MANCHESTER ACA. Buoyed by the return creased depth and versa- are better at
Sept. 1 W, 42-16 to health of tility at numerous posi-
WAYNE ACA. Moak Grif- tions, Harrison believes leading the team.
Sept. 8 L, 3-27 fin, Har- the newcomers provide
LAMAR SCHOOL
rison was a mix of talent, potential, Eli is a leader,
Sept. 15 W, 42-38 strength, and speed to a
counting
team he believes is “lights too. They push
At Pillow Aca.
Sept. 22 W, 31-18 on a senior
years” ahead of where it
was at this point a year us and keep us
At Magnolia class to lead Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Heights the way Heritage Academy football coach Sean Harrison talks
Miller
Sept. 29 W, 35-31
LEAKE ACA.
with a deep to his players during a break in preseason practice.
junior class
ago.
“We have been really
going.”
Oct. 6 W, 28-7 to help the Patriots in their Harrison is smiling of Ethan Howell (Victory fortunate,” Harrison said. Heritage Academy senior
At Winston Aca. quest to win a Mississippi “We have a great locker
a little bigger and more Christian Academy), Kel- lineman Ethan Howell
Oct. 13 L, 14-17 Association of Indepen- easily these days thanks vin “K.J.” Smith (Colum- room, a lot of positive atti-
STARKVILLE ACA.
Oct. 20 W, 28-14
dent Schools (MAIS) Class to the arrival of four bus High School), Davis tudes. These seniors have
At Canton Aca. AAA State title. transfers. The addition Fitch (New Hope High), See PATRIOTS, 10
Oct. 27 W, 29-12
CENTRAL PRIVATE
(La.)
Nov. 3 L, 12-42
At Adams Co.
Christian
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
“I think you’re
going to see
a much more
balanced offense.
I think you’re
going to see nine,
probably 11 guys
touch the football
every Friday
night, which is
going to help get
people in a bind.” Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Heritage Academy’s Carter Putt makes a throw during
Heritage Academy preseason practice. The junior, who also is a member
football coach of the school’s baseball team, is preparing for his
Sean Harrison second year as the team’s starting quarterback.
victory Christian eagles

Alabama Christian Athletic Association Eight-Man League (Christian Football Association); 2017 Record: 5-3 (4-3 Christian Football Association)
Coaching staff
Head coach
Chris Hamm
n Kevin Harrell — Defense,
Special Teams
n Todd Dyer — Defense
n Ronnie McDaniel —
Offense
n Fudd Pace — Offense
n Anthony Sharp —
Strength and Conditioning
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 OPEN DATE
Aug. 24 NORTH RIVER
Aug. 31 OPEN DATE
Sept. 7 At Russell
Sept. 14 TABERNACLE Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Sept. 21 At New Life From left: The Victory Christian Academy football team will look to Chris McDonald, Kenny Collier, Jay Elmore, Preston Kinard, Colin Dunaway,
Sept. 28 At Tuscaloosa and Dilion Jackson to help the team get back to the playoffs this season.
Oct. 5 EAST MEMORIAL
KINARD, ELMORE HOPE TO LEAD

Oct. 12 At Gunn
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
EAGLES BACK TO PLAYOFFS

By DAVID MILLER said. “You had to be tough or get run
Special to The Dispatch over. One day, one of my cousins was
2017 Results teaching me to play wide receiver. He
Alabama Christian Preston Kinard stands a hair over
8-Man League taught me how to run at someone, and
Aug. 18 W, 53-12 5-foot-7 and weighs roughly 140 pounds, another cousin — he was a big guy — hit
MEADOWVIEW but he has the mentality of a “dog” that me, knocked me down, but it didn’t hurt.
Aug. 25 W, 60-54 Chris Hamm’s inexperienced Victory I got up, and they knew I was tough.”
At Tabernacle Christian Academy football team will Anthony averaged more than 6 yards
Sept. 1 W, 49-12 need in 2018. per carry in 2017 and had eight rush-
At Unity Kinard, a senior, is expected to carry ing touchdowns. The Eagles narrowly
Sept. 8 L, 21-51 the load at running back after backing missed postseason play by way of a tie-
RUSSELL up Garrett Anthony a year ago. He said breaker, but the Eagles rebounded from
Sept. 14 L, 0-44
he isn’t “the fastest or hardest hitter,” two down seasons to go 5-3. They’ll
At East Memorial
Sept. 22 L, 33-34 but his style of play is to “leave and im- break in new starters at quarterback,
NEW LIFE pression” on VCA’s opponents. running back, and tight end and try to
Sept. 29 W, 52-20 He remembers the moment he devel- realize Hamm’s goal of eclipsing the 115
GUNN oped his scrappy disposition. yards rushing they averaged last season. Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Oct. 6 OPEN DATE “Most of my cousins I played with Hamm hopes Kinard follows the same Victory Christian Academy football coach Chris Hamm
Oct. 13 W, 53-6 were seven or eight years older,” Kinard See vca, 10 talks to his players during a preseason practice.
TUSCALOOSA
Oct. 20 OPEN DATE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
A CLOSER LOOK AT VICTORY CHRISTIAN
QUARTERBACKS departed starters,” Hamm
Brandon Moore (Jr.), said.
Year-by-Year Record Drake Clements (Jr.)
Forrester threw for 857
Year Record Coach Defensive Line
yards and 14 touchdowns last
2017 5-3 Chris Hamm Michael Tate (Sr.),
season. He was one of seven
2016 3-5 Chris Hamm seniors the Eagles will have to Cole Harrell (Soph.),
2015 2-5 Chris Hamm replace. Chauncey Thames (Fr.),
2014 10-1 Chris Hamm “We have a new starter this Matthew Moore (Fr.),
2013 7-4 Chris Hamm year, so we need to develop
confidence and proficiency in Lahndon Townley (Fr.),
2012 3-8 Chris Hamm
the passing game,” Victory Tyshon Rodgers (Fr.),
2011 6-2 Chris Hamm
Christian Academy football JChandler Zimmer (Jr.)
2010 8-1 Chris Hamm
coach Chris Hamm said. Tate and Jay Elmore are two
2009 10-0 Chris Hamm
2008 12-0 Chris Hamm of four players returning who
Running Backs
2007 6-3 Chris Hamm Preston Kinard (Sr.), averaged 10 tackles per game
2006 9-1 Chris Hamm Dallas Colom (Jr.), last season.
2005 4-5 Chris Hamm Anthony Frierson (Soph.), “We have good size,”
2004 3-6 Chris Hamm Chris McDonald (Sr.) Hamm said. “We need to
The Eagles will have to develop guys who can occupy
2003 7-4 Jim Cain
replace Garrett Anthony, who
2002 6-4 Chris Hamm rushed for 574 yards and eight the offensive to free up our
2001 0-7 Chris Hamm touchdowns. He also averaged linebackers. Michael will an-
2000 5-5 Chris Hamm 10 tackles per game. chor this group.”
1999 2-6 Chris Hamm “We have plenty of speed in
1998 8-2 Chris Hamm this group,” Hamm said. “We Linebackers
1997 5-6 Chris Hamm need to develop a toughness
that will elevate our run game. Jay Elmore (Sr.),
1996 4-4 Chris Hamm* Dallas Colom (Jr.),
1995 2-5 Chris Hamm Offensive Line Chris McDonald (Sr.)
1994 3-4 Chris Hamm Michael Tate (Sr.), The Eagles will have to
*—No playoff score recorded Cole Harrell (Soph.), replace Kody Anthony’s 10
Chauncey Thames (Fr.),
tackles per game from 2017.
“We look to Matthew Moore (Fr.),
Lahndon Townley (Fr.), “Jay will be the leader of
have a good bit Tyshon Rogers (Fr.),

Chandler Zimmer (Jr.)
this position,” Hamm said.
“We need to quickly develop
A young group will have to
of depth this make up for the graduation
a second linebacker who can
cover run and pass.”
losses of Bailey Parker and
year. We feel like Cole Bond.
“We’re young, but we have Defensive backs
we’ll have good good size,” Hamm said. “With Kenny Collier (Sr.),
development, this unit can be
leadership from solid.”
Preston Kinard (Sr.),
Anthony Frierson (Soph.),
our seniors, and Wide Receivers
Kenny Collier (Sr.),
Dilion Jackson (Sr.),
Ethan Camp (Soph.),
a lot of younger Jay Elmore (Sr.),
Ethan Camp (Soph.),
Nadarion Higgins (Jr.)
The Eagles will have to
players looking to Dilion Jackson (Sr.),
Nadarion Higgins (Jr.), replace Garrett Anthony, who
make their mark Caleb Heaton (Soph.),
David Hintz (Jr.)
averaged 10 tackles eper
game last season.
on the program. Collier is the leader in this
group. He had 1,074 all-pur-
“Kenny led the team in
interceptions last year and
Toughness and pose yards last season.
“We have several options will be our main cover guy,”
Hamm said. “We need to find
turnovers will at this positions and good
speed,” Hamm said. someone to hold down the
be the key to Tight Ends
other side.”
Michael Tate (Sr.),

returning to the Houston Ballard (Jr.), Specialists
Lahndon Townley (Fr.), Brandon Moore (Jr.),
playoffs.” Tyshon Rogers (Fr.), Colin Dunaway (Sr.)
Luke Hudgens (Jr.) “Brandon handled both
Victory Christian Kody Anthony and Dakota last year,” Hamm said. “We’re
Academy football coach Bradford anchored the position looking for Colin take over the
Chris Hamm last season.
“We’re looking for consis- place-kicking duties.”
tent blockers to replace the — David Miller
Columbus CHRISTIAN Academy rams

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: 11-Man Football Class A; 2017 Record: 2-8 (2-1 Class A, District 2)
Coaching staff
Head coach
Bill Beck
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 At Porter’s Chapel
Aug. 24 KIRK
Aug. 31 WEST MEMPHIS
Sept. 7 At Deer Creek
Sept. 14 LEE (Ark.)
Sept. 21 At Tunica
Sept. 28 OAK HILL
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 At Lee (Ark.)
Oct. 19 DEER CREEK
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

Columbus Christian Academy coach Bill Beck, left, talks with Sam Middlebrook during a break in a preseason practice. Beck, a veteran coach
in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, replaces Greg Watkins for this season.
2017 Results
MAIS
Class A, District 2
New coach Beck sees potential to grow at cca
Aug. 18 L, 0-48 By DAVID MILLER
PORTER’S CHAPEL Special to The Dispatch
Aug. 25 OPEN DATE
Sept. 1 L, 0-50 STEENS — There’s
At West Memphis potential to grow Colum-
Sept. 8 OPEN DATE bus Christian Academy’s
Sept. 15 L, 3-30 football program. You can’t
At DeSoto (Ark.) convince new head coach
Sept. 22 L, 0-36 Bill Beck otherwise.
TUNICA The outlook for the
Sept. 29 L, 0-55 Rams’ 2018 season is bleak
At Oak Hill to those outside the pro-
Oct. 6 W, 28-8 gram: three straight two-
DELTA STREETS
win seasons and just two
Oct. 13 L, 0-32
years with a record above
LEE (Ark.)
Oct. 20 L, 0-35 .500 since 2010. CCA failed
At Deer Creek to score in eight games last
Oct. 27 W, 24-16 year, including its Missis-
At Strider sippi Association of Inde-
Nov. 3 L, 0-49 pendent Schools (MAIS)
At West Memphis playoff loss at West Mem-
HOME GAMES IN CAPS phis Christian.
Beck inherits low ros-
ter numbers that many in
MAIS Class A are fight-
11-Man Football ing. The lack of depth
Class A has forced some schools Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Columbus Christian to drop from 11-man to Junior Dakota Shaw will look to replace Nate Parker Sophomore Jaden Henderson is expected to work with
Academy is one of six eight-man football. at quarterback for the Columbus Christian Academy junior Bryar Kemp in the Columbus Christian Academy
schools in this class. football team this season. football team’s backfield.
Deer Creek, Union,
But Beck, who takes
West Memphis Christian over at CCA for Greg Wat-
(Ark.), Lee (Ark.), and kins and brings 24 years
Tunica are the others. of MAIS head coach expe-
rience to the school, won a
MAIS state championship
with DeSoto Academy in
Year-by-Year Record West Helena, Arkansas,
Year Record Coach in 2008 and led the pro-
2017 2-8 Greg Watkins gram to a state runner-up
2016 2-8 Greg Watkins finish the following year,
2015 2-8 Greg Watkins so he knows how to get
2014 7-5 Greg Watkins
2013 4-7 Greg Watkins
things done.
2012 3-8 Greg Watkins “We were really bless-
2011 2-8 Greg Watkins ed at DeSoto,” Beck said.
2010 6-6 Shawn Gates “We caught a winning
2009 1-9 Shawn Gates group of athletes there.”
2008 1-8 Billy Thomas Beck sees the potential
2007 0-9 Billy Thomas for football at CCA despite Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
2006 4-6 Billy Thomas trends in the game and re- Carlisle Harding is expected to see playing time on the
2005 3-4 Dickey Peralto offensive line and at linebacker for the Rams.
cent results at the school.
2004 3-6 Gary White
2003 7-3 Gary White
CCA’s successful boys Virginia’s film with Pat have dropped form 11- to
2002 7-3 Gary White basketball, cross country, White,” Beck said. “We’ll eight-man football, which
2001 6-4 Gary White and track and field pro- run the ball at you with means MAIS Class A
2000 2-7 Gary White gram provide evidence it lots of deception, some football has six teams for
1999 3-6 Gary White can be done, Beck said.
wing-T type misdirection.” 2018. As a result, CCA is
1998 7-4 Gary White “If you get the right
1997 7-4 Gary White A first-year coach’s big- in a unique scheduling sit-
footing, you can do some- Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
1996 8-2 Gary White gest concern is buy-in from uation that will force it to
thing special,” Beck said. Will Teague likely will see playing time at wide receiver
1995 6-3 Gary White and as a punter and as a kicker for the Rams. his players. Beck said he travel three to four hours
“You’ve got kids that are
1994 2-6 Gary White
hard working. Historical- has gotten it, particularly to play road games. CCA
larly players who can swing though the Rams also
ly, this school has been between guard and tackle. will run 50 and 60 fronts from running back Bryar will travel to West Mem-
“We hope a basketball school. I’m Five linemen, all of whom to match what offenses Kemp and interior line-
men Kyler Blackwell and
phis Christian and Lee
Academy in Marianna,
not naïve to that. You just will play on offense and on run. Beck said the team
to improve got to work with them on defense, return from last will switch from primarily Hayden Barker. Beck said
those three ascended to
Arkansas.
“The other side of it,
an individual basis, and year’s team. zone coverage to man.
throughout the that’s why I like being a The Rams likely will Offensively, the Rams leadership roles on their when you schedule these
teacher. You’re working have 17 players, including will run misdirection out own and are helping to games, you want to play
season and make with them every day and ninth-graders. Ten play- of the spread. teach and to set the tone for an opponent, even if
can develop a rapport ers with playing experi- “About 14 or 15 years practices. you’re playing up, where
it into with them.” ence return. ago, when spread offens- “Guys like that are a you have a chance to com-
must have,” Beck said. pete,” Beck said. “We just
postseason play. For 2018, Beck’s most
pressing needs are finding
Beck has a defensive es were beginning to
background and will evolve, we spent a lot of Teams like Strider and have to do what’s right for
Low numbers, as offensive linemen, particu- base the defense in a 4-3, time studying it and West Delta Streets Academy the kids.”
in past seasons, A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

will play a large QUARTERBACKS
Dakota Shaw (Jr.),
“This could be the strength of team by mid
season if they continue to improve. They have
Linebackers
Bryar Kemp, Carlisle Harding, Jaden Henderson
part in the season Jonathan Peal (Soph.)
“Shaw has good feet and makes good
decent size and speed for Class A Mississippi
Association of Independent Schools football,”
“Kemp has game experience from last year.
Harding and Henderson are changing positions
outcome.” decisions. Peal comes off a good finish to the
2017 junior varsity season,” Columbus Christian
Beck said.
Wide Receivers
and will have to adjust quickly,” Beck said.
Academy football coach Bill Beck. Tyler Looney, Will Teague Defensive backs
Columbus Christian “Tyler and Will give us two 6-feet-plus Tyler Looney, Dakota Shaw, Will Teague,
Academy Running Backs receivers that hopefully will allow us to have a Jonathan Peal
football coach Bryar Kemp (Jr.), Jaden Henderson (Soph.) downfield threat,” Beck said. “This group will have to adapt to new system
Bill Beck “Bryar is a hard runner and able to finish off and will be asked to help a lot in run support,”
runs. Jaden has good speed for perimeter game Defensive Line Beck said.
and will be a good receiver out of backfield,” Haden Barker, Tyler Blackwell, Specialists
Beck said. Sam Middlebrook, Zack White, Joe Gwathney, Will Teague
Lane Ever “Will steadly improved last season. We are
Offensive Line “The unit will play both ways, and similarly looking for a solid campaign out of him,” Beck
Tyler Blackwell, Haden Barker, could be a strength by midseason if it continues said.
Sam Middlebrook, Carlisle Harding, to develop,” Beck said.
Joe Gwathney, Lane Ever, Zack White — David Miller

Brandon Moore pitches the football to a teammate
during a preseason practice. Moore is in the running
to be the starting quarterback for the Victory Christian
Academy football team this season.
VCA
Continued from Page 8
same trajectory Jay El- has excelled in the weight
more, a senior starting room over the summer.
linebacker, did for the Tate also will be expected
Eagles when he stepped to play tight end.
Heritage Academy junior wide receiver Jared Long reaches down to make a catch in preseason practice.
into a starting role a year Brandon Moore, who
Patriots
ago. The players are built has added height and
similarly and embody the strength since last sea-
same traits — maximum son, will take over at quar-
effort, good attitudes, and terback.
been with three years junior quarterback Carter receiver and lineback- time in the outfield for the dependability. Hamm said that while
now, so you hope when Putt. er. Fitch started at tight baseball team. “Preston is one of the it will be challenging to
you add somebody new “I am just looking for- end for the New Hope “Wesley is a wonderful toughest guys on the replace all six seniors,
they’re not going to come ward to putting up the High football in 2017 and kid,” Harrison said. “He team,” Hamm said. “I’ve the acclimation period for
in and disrupt any of that. numbers and putting my played first base/outfield/ knew all of our kids. He been coaching several the new defensive starters
“The ones we have team in a good position to pitcher for the New Hope grew up playing baseball years now, but you’ll see will be longer.
added to the program — win,” Smith said. baseball team, mostly on with them. I mess with my more times than not that “We’re always looking
Davis and Ethan and K.J. Smith could get junior varsity. junior high staff because guys that don’t necessar- for a linebacker it seems,”
and Wesley — are great a chance to run be- Fitch, whose brother, he is a heck of an athlete, ily have all the physical Hamm said, “so replacing
kids. They come from re- hind Howell, a 6-foot, Austin, transferred to and he is not going to play tools have all the heart. the defensive side of the
ally good families. They 250-pound senior, who Heritage Academy for his much junior high. He is It’s just one of those ball with new guys, there
have blended right in. If will play center and de- junior and senior years, a really good DB for the things, where everyone will be things that experi-
you came out to a prac- fensive end. Howell’s big- said he fell in love with high school team, and he seems to rally around a enced guys won’t fall for,
tice, you wouldn’t be able gest adjustment is moving the school coming over will play some receiver. good teammate and give so there will be a little bit
to pick out who the new from eight-man football at to watch his brother com- He fits the mold of the oth- it their all.” more growing pains on
kids are.” VCA to 11-man football. pete in sports. He said he er three. He is a great kid. While Kinard will pro- the defensive side of the
Heritage Academy is Howell said he trans- talked with Austin, who He comes to work every vide energy and passion, ball with guys needing to
coming off a 9-3 season ferred to Heritage Acade- told him he loved it. day, so he will fit right in he’s part of an inexperi- see it live.”
that saw it lose to Ad- my for the academics and “He couldn’t have said as well.” enced group that will need Hamm expects to sim-
ams County Christian in to be closer to friends like anything better about it,” With that, Harrison to develop quickly. VCA plify the running game
the second round of the Seth Harris, Blayze Berry, Fitch said. smiled and prepared to loses six seniors, all of until the offensive line can
MAIS Class AAA play- Banks Hyde, Griffin, and Austin Fitch was an answer another question. whom started on offense jell and his young backs,
offs. The biggest loss the J.R. Lott he has known for integral part of Heritage He didn’t want to make and defense last year. like Kinard, get comfort-
Patriots will have to fill is a number of years. Academy’s boys golf team too big of a deal about “We need to get the able. Still, the Eagles will
senior running back/de- “It is a very talented that won a MAIS Class the transfers, but he also new guys up to speed and “lean” on the running
fensive back Dontae Gray. team,” said Howell, who AAA Overall State title in was quick to acknowledge build their confidence,” game, he said.
In February, Gray signed played center and de- 2013. they could be a valuable Hamm said. “Non-confer- Ultimately, Kinard said
a National Letter of Intent fensive end at VCA. “We Like Howell, Davis piece that pushes the Pa- ence games give us some his running preference is
to play football at the Unit- hope we can add depth to Fitch also has plenty of triots to the next level. time to work the kinks out. on the perimeter, and his
ed States Military Acad- the team. I feel like it is friends on the team, in- “Our kids are smart We have some attitude and ultimate goals are to lead
emy in West Point, New going to be a pretty suc- cluding Eli Acker, Austin enough to know (what we guys that get after it.” the team in rushing.
York. Gray shared The cessful season. We have Dodson, and Westin Low- have added),” Harrison Hamm said he has op- “I want to become the
Dispatch’s Small Schools worked hard all summer ery. He said it is up to the said. “We’re looking at tions across the board, guy to where, if they want
Offensive Player of the and maybe we’ll produce transfers to do their jobs playing 16 or 17 kids on including senior lineman to sub, they look at my
Year the last two seasons. what we’re needed to do.” to help the Patriots real- defense alone. Our kids Michael Tate, who aver- name and say, ‘We need
Gray paced Heritage Howell credits offen- ize their potential. are not selfish. They are aged more than 10 tackles him on the field,’ ” Kinard
Academy with 1,275 yards sive/defensive line coach “I think we bring a lot not worried about losing a game last season and said.
rushing and 18 touch- Tobias Smith, who worked of talent,” Fitch said. “We playing time. They know
downs last season. He last season at Columbus can help at any position if kids are coming to the
added 835 receiving yards High, for helping him put they put us at. We’re go- school they know they
and seven touchdowns. everything together. He ing to play hard for them will be fresh in the fourth
Gray complemented that said “it is like a big fami- and see how far we can go quarter because we are
with one interception and ly with coach Smith,” and through the season.” able to sub.
more than 40 tackles. that the former Mississip- Miller, a 5-7, 150-pound “I love getting these
Smith, a 5-foot-9, pi State offensive lineman freshman, also plans new kids in. If you ask any
215-pound junior, trans- keeps the linemen going to play baseball at the of them they are having a
ferred from Columbus and is always pushing school. He has been play- great experience so far.
High after Christmas and them to be better. ing both sports since he We have great kids here
played with the Heritage Fitch, a 6-4, 215-pound can remember. Miller who welcome them with
Academy baseball team in junior, is another versatile will see time at wide re- open arms.”
the spring. He will team transfer who will com- ceiver and cornerback Follow Dispatch sports
with junior Rocky Wright pete for playing time at on the football team and editor Adam Minichino on
at running back behind H-back/tight end/wide will compete for playing Twitter @ctsportseditor
A CLOSER LOOK AT HERITAGE ACADEMY Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

Victory Christian Academy’s Ethan Camp, right, breaks
QUARTERBACKS “Moak has put on eight to 10 J.R. Lott (Sr.); Davis Fitch (Jr.); on the football as he defends Tyshawn Rogers during
Carter Putt (Jr.); pounds of muscle,” Harrison said. Reuben Proffitt preseason practice.
Mac Howard (Eighth-grader) “His parents did a great thing and Harrison said this position is
Putt enters his second season as sent him to a trainer to help him with an “unknown” becuse many of the
starter with greater freedom to run the rehab of his ACL injury. He has players didn’t see action here for the
the offense. not lost a step. The thought process Patriots in 2017.
“Carter had a comment from a starting out was we were going to “The unknown is the outside
coach at the scrimmage (against keep him and not let him play much linebacker spot,” Harrison said. “We
Central Holmes Academy and Marshall offense early in the season. That has moved J.R. Lott from cornerback to
Academy), ‘How is your passing game kind of gone out the window. He didn’t outside backer, and he has been
so in sync already,” Heritage Acade- want to do that. His parents didn’t great. He picked it up and I have been
my coach Sean Harrison said. “It is want him to do that, so come on.” so proud of him, but he hasn’t done
because Carter and the receivers get OFFENSIVE LINE it in a game yet, which is why I call it
up here and work every day. Last year, Eli Acker (Jr.); Parker Ray (Sr.); an unknown. He had a good scrim-
me and Carter weren’t on the same Clay Walters (Sr.); Chapman Cooper mage. The mistakes he made were all
page early in the season. He really has (Sr.); Ethan Bumgarner (Jr.); fixable. Austin Dodson is the outside
become an extension of the coach- Fox Walters (Jr.); Wills Wiygul (Jr.); backer and Davis Fitch and Reuben
ing staff on the field. We have kind Ethan Howell (Sr.); Seth Harris (Jr.) Proffitt also are out there. That is four
of given him the freedom to change The depth of this group could be a guys who didn’t get a whole bunch of
plays if he sees something. Just the key to the team’s success because game reps at that position, and that
experience, the reps and the maturity. Harrison said he wants to rotate play- is probably the hardest position we
He has gotten stronger. He is throwing ers on the defensive line in an effort have to play. All four are athletes who
great balls right now. You couldn’t ask to keep the offensive line fresh. can go do it. Their athleticism covers
for anything better from him.” “Ethan (Howell) had only played
up some fundamental mistakes, but
RUNNING BACKS eight-man football (at Victory Christian
they’re getting better every day.”
Kelvin “K.J.” Smith (Jr.); Academy),” Harrison said. “He played
SECONDARY
Rocky Wright (Jr.); center, so we felt like he was going to
Banks Hyde (Jr.); Jared Long (Jr.);
Austin Dotson (Jr.); be an offensive lineman only when we
Wesley Miller (Fr.); Seth Swain;
Weston Lowery (Jr.) got him, but in the scrimmage he did a
Drew Huskinson; Moak Griffin (Sr.); Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
The Patriots will have to replace great job at defensive end. That is going
Dontae Gray, who led the team with to be big for us to be able to roll those Noel Fisher (Jr.); Victory Christian Academy quarterback Brandon Moore
defensive linemen. We’re looking at six Sam Hannon (Soph.); Lex Rogers attempts a pass during preseason practice.
1,275 yards rushing and 18 touch-
downs. He added 835 receiving yards right now possibly eight that we’re going Harrison said this group is the stro-
and seven touchdowns. Harrison feels to be able to roll in and out, which is gest area of the team. He said Miller
Smith will provide a physical option. going to be big for guys like Eli (Acker) has the potential to crack the rotation
He expects the newcomer to split time and Clay Walters, who are going to have in his first season in the program.
with Wright. to get heavy reps on the offensive line.” The addition of Hyde allows Rogers to
“I think a lot of people out there DEFENSIVE LINE move to safety, where Harrison said
are wondering what we’re going to Eli Acker (Jr.); Fox Walters (Jr.); he will be able to roam.
do in the run game,” Harrison said. Ethan Bumgarner (Jr.); “You lost Dontae, but you added
“Hopefully, Aug. 17 will show we’re Clay Walters (Sr.); Ethan Howell (Sr.); Banks Hyde to the mix,” Harrison
not missing a beat.” Seth Harris (Jr.); Chapman Cooper said. “This is his first year back play-
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT END (Sr.); Wills Wiygul (Jr.), ing with us. ... Noel was a sophomore
Moak Griffin (Sr.); J.R. Lott (Sr.); The names should look familiar last year, but he busted his tail in the
Banks Hyde (Jr.); Noel Fisher (Jr.); because Harrison hopes to rotate offseason and right now he is starting
Jared Long (Jr.); players in and out. Acker, Howell, Clay at safety. He is going to play receiver
Sam Hannon (Soph.); Walters, and Harris will play ends, for us, too.”
Wesley Miller (Fr.); Davis Fitch (Jr.) while Fox Walters, Bumgarner, Cooper, SPECIALISTS
The return of Griffin, who suffered and Wiygul will play nose guard. Lex Rogers
a knee injury in the playoff loss to LINEBACKERS A standout soccer player, Rogers
Adams County Christian Academy, Kelvin “K.J.” Smith (Jr.); will handle the kicking duties. Expect Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
should bolster a group that includes Parker Ray (Sr.); Rocky Wright (Jr.); a variety of players to be involved with Victory Christian Academy football coach Kevin Harrell
the emerging Long and a deep set of Weston Lowery (Jr.); the return game. talks with Chris McDonald during a break in a
potential contributors. Austin Dotson (Jr.); — Adam Minichino preseason practice.
noxubee county tigers

Coaching staff
Head coach
Tyrone Shorter
n Teddy Young — Assistant
Head Coach
n Chris Carlisle
n John Sallis
n Javancy Jones
n Deangelo Ballard
n Kenny Bledsoe
n Kendrick Vivians
n Curtis Bush
n Terry Dora
n Chris Jones
n Gary Naylor
n Michael Johnson —
Team Chaplain
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 At Starkville
Aug. 24 At Columbus Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
Aug. 31 SHANNON Noxubee County High School football coach Tyrone Shorter talks to one of his linemen during a break in a preseason practice.
Sept. 7 MERIDIAN
Sept. 14 At West Point
Sept. 21 At West Monroe
(La.)
TIGERS SET FOR NEW BEGINNING,
SAME CHAMPIONSHIP ENDING
Sept. 28 At Glenwood (Ala.)
Oct. 5 At Louisville
Oct. 12 KOSCIUSKO
Oct. 19 At Leake Central
Oct. 26 NEW HOPE By Adam Minichino tuted the saying the next day in practice.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS aminichino@cdispatch.com But Lewis felt it needed something to
make it pop. After some consideration,
MACON — Kaiyus Lewis and Kyziah Pruitt said Lewis came up with “same
Pruitt want nothing but the best for their ending.”
senior seasons with the Noxubee Coun- “I was like, ‘Everybody is going to feel
ty High School football team. that,’ ” Pruitt said. “It just rolled from
Lewis and Pruitt will be hard pressed then and everybody has been catching
2017 Results to do better than their junior seasons,
when Noxubee County beat East Cen-
on to it since then, and the coaches like
MHSAA it.”
Class 4A, Region 4 tral in the Mississippi High School Ac- “New Beginning, Same Ending” just
Aug. 18 L, 3-43 tivities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A might be the perfect slogan for a team
STARKVILLE State championship game to win the that has the potential to be one of the
Aug. 25 W, 34-9 program’s fifth title, and third in the last most talented coach Tyrone Shorter has
COLUMBUS four years. But the 2017 campaign was been associated with in more than 20
Sept. 1 W, 21-18 riddled with four losses before a sea- years in the program. In the past, debate
At Shannon son-ending nine-game winning streak has raged about whether the 2008 or the
Sept. 9 L, 20-35 helped the Tigers win their fourth cham- 2012 state championship team had the
At Meridian
pionship in the last six years. better defense. There also have been a
Sept. 15 L, 14-47
This season, Lewis and Pruitt have cavalcade of multi-talented skill players
WEST POINT
Sept. 22 L, 26-38 taken the initiative to ensure things are to come through the program through
At West Monroe different. Pruitt started the conversation the years. Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
(La.) by wondering what the Tigers could say The 2018 squad has Noxubee County Noxubee County High School senior Maliek Stallings
Sept. 29 OPEN DATE to break huddles. He said he came up fans covered in both aspects. returns to play a key role at wide receiver and at
Oct. 6 W, 35-30 with “new beginning” on three and insti- See TIGERS, 22 cornerback for the reigning Class 4A State champions.
LOUISVILLE
Oct. 13 W, 49-27 A CLOSER LOOK AT NOXUBEE COUNTY
At Kosciusko
Oct. 20 W, 44-0 Editor’s Note: Noxubee have those dogs. This year of the toughest teams in out-of-state games are confidence. The players
LEAKE CENTRAL County didn’t return a we have those dogs.” the state. It just so hap- going to be tough. Noxubee know they can be pretty
Oct. 26 W, 48-0 preseason form breaking pens that two of them — County kids, it doesn’t good.”
At New Hope down positions, so here VOCAL PRESENCE Starkville and West Point — matter what name is on the
Nov. 3 W, 48-26 are some quick takes from Shorter worried at times are in the Golden Triangle. jersey. They come to play.” FINAL WORD
AMORY coach Tyrone Shorter about last season that he didn’t Throw in 6A Columbus and Shorter can’t predict the
Nov. 10 W, 39-0 some key points for the have enough vocal senior Meridian and an occasional FAMILIAR SWAGGER outcome of every game or
At Yazoo City 2018 season: leaders. Fortunately, the out-of-state opponent and If Shorter feels 2018
if the Tigers are going to go
Nov. 17 W, 43-13 Tigers hit their stride down Noxubee County’s sched- looks a lot like past champi-
FAMILIAR LOOK the stretch en route to their ule annually is one of the onship teams, it must have undefeated, but he guaran-
CORINTH tees they are going to fight
Nov. 24 W, 35-28 Shorter has been as- fifth state title. This sea- state’s toughest. the requisite fire, speed,
sociated with the program son, he has heard plenty The same can be said intensity, and killer instinct and play hard to the end.
LOUISVILLE
Dec. 2 W, 41-35 for more than 20 years, so of voices throughout the this season, as Noxubee of past Noxubee County He also likes the team’s
he has seen a lot of great spring and in the presea- County will play at Starkville teams. While that remains slogan, “New Beginning,
Vs. East Central
football. He said this year’s son. and at Columbus to open to be seen, Shorter be- Same Ending” because it
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
team evokes memories of “A lot of these guys the season. It also will have lieves in his kids. shows his players are excit-
championship programs of were juniors last year and to go on the road to play at “I think the kids have
ed for a new year, as he is.
the past. they weren’t more vocal West Point and West Mon- the confidence, especially
“We have all of the
Class 4A “These guys are excited because of the senior class roe (La.). It will open Class the top ones,” Shorter
talent,” Shorter said. “Our
about this year,” Shorter that left,” Shorter said. 4A, Region 4 play Oct. 5 at
Region 4 said. “They can’t wait “This group of seniors, Louisville.
said. “I feel like we have
some of the best players skills guys can match up
Kosciusko
Leake Central to play. They really be- it seems like everybody “We know it is going to in the state on our football and go play anywhere in the
Louisville lieve they are going to go wants to be leaders, which be tough,” Shorter said. team. They carry that swag- state of Mississippi.
New Hope undefeated. It is going to is a good thing because “Starkville probably is the ger around with them. They “We have some good
Noxubee County be tough, but I like their everybody is holding each No. 1 team in everybody’s feel like they are some of linemen, too. We may not
NOTE: Top four qualify attitude. other accountable.” polls. Meridian is going to the top players in the state,
have a 6-4, 6-5 lineman,
for playoffs “I think we have that be high, and West Point and they come to work and
team. I have been here STRONG SCHEDULE is going to be West Point to practice every day like but these guys are athletic
going on 21 years now and Noxubee County made no matter who they lost. they are the top players in and they are going to get
for us to beat those 6A it a point under M.C. Miller We know it is going to be the state. after you.”
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
schools, I say you have to to start scheduling some tough. We know our two “This team has a lot of — Adam Minichino
2017 11-4 Tyrone Shorter
2009 12-2 M.C. Miller
2008 14-0 M.C. Miller
2007 12-3 M.C. Miller
2006 4-5 M.C. Miller
2004 11-2 M.C. Miller
2003 10-4 M.C. Miller
2002 10-2 M.C. Miller
2001 10-2 M.C. Miller
1995 2-8-1 M.C. Miller
1994 1-9-1 Sam Williams
“It seems like we

have a leader at
every position,
and that is what
2012 was like.”
Noxubee County
High School football
coach Tyrone Shorter,
comparing this year’s Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
team to one of the Linebacker Chaokang Brooks returns after leading the
program’s state title Noxubee County High School football team with 19
squads sacks last season.

Ki’kwon Cork will compete for catches in the West
Lowndes High School football team’s passing attack.
West Lowndes
offense was inconsistent
and unable to free up its
playmakers on the perim-
eter. But with senior quar-
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
terback Quaylon Rogers
Columbus High School’s Devarkas Ramsey protects the Columbus High School’s Yatriaj Conner looks a pass
football as a teammate tries to strip it from him during into his hands as a teammate defends during taking over for Jherqua-
turnover drills in preseason practice. preseason practice. veus Sanders, who has
moved to wide receiver,
Columbus Rice
Armstead Cork
the passing game expects
to provide balance.
Continued from Page 3 Continued from Page 3 King said the Panthers
can now “play the entire
LINEBACKERS what each day was going ing change is) just another Falcons felt empty with field” and generate more
Tidus Kirk (Sr.); to be like. This is differ- adjustment to make.” nothing to play for in the fi- explosive plays.
Darion Porter (Sr.); ent. This is unknown. It Kirk said his defensive nal three weeks a year ago. “We’re excited because
Quaterrious Adkins (Sr.) scares you a little bit, but teammates are enjoying The school has never had Quaylon can really throw
Falcons will rely on some at the end of the day, it’s the new 4-3 formation and long-term football success, it,” King said. “He can
new faces from the lineback- still football.” also playing under new de- which is why Kirk knows the also pull it down and make Roberts- Malone
er position. Gillespie said the coach- fensive coordinator Mike mentality of a program he something happen on the Holloway
“Looking for depth,” Rice es have emphasized one Mahoney. grew up watching. run.” personnel to match their
said. “That’s a common point in almost every drill. “This defense will attack “Columbus has never re- The key to the passing wing-T and misdirection
theme at a lot of positions. “They want us going more,” Kirk said. “It will be ally gotten the headlines,” game getting on track is scheme, but this year’s unit
Our numbers are not where hard at all times in every- all about 11 guys flying to Kirk said. “That changed building Rogers’ confi- will allow King to scheme
we want them to be right thing we do,” Gillespie said. the ball. That was our focus some when Kylin was here. dence, King said. In their to his players’ strengths.
now, so we got to work “If you mess up, mess up in the spring.” People knew then they had jamboree and in the first “We’re able to throw it
through some depth issues. game against Caledo- short and throw it long,”
going at full speed. There On offense, the Falcons to play us tough. This year,
are excuses for not doing the will need to make strides. people will be taking us nia, expect shorter, safer King said. “We have ex-
SECONDARY throws to get the offense perience at the skill po-
right thing at all times. No Columbus averaged 12.3 lightly because of last sea-
Chris Johnson (Jr.); Dontae into a rhythm. sitions and a lot of guys
excuses for not going hard.” points per game last season. son. We just have to band
Gillespie (Sr.); Quin Malone “Quaylon needs some who can run and catch
Rice said Kelly had the Kevin Jones is the team’s together as brothers and
(Sr.); Tavars Davis (Jr.) repetition so things can and make people miss in
defense playing at a “very new offensive coordinator. come out fighting. Some-
Rice calls Gillespire become second nature for space.”
high level” during spring With Stowers transferring, times, the only ones who
the overall leader of the him,” King said. King said the only
defense.
ball. The players then went junior Jaelan Craddieth will believe are in the locker
through the shock of inher- get the nod at quarterback. room. With new coaches Rogers will have plen- hitch in their plans to re-
“Donate is really a ty of help, particularly in tool the offense could be at
warrior,” Rice said. “He will iting new defensive coach- Rice said senior Derrick and new schemes and all
es during the summer. Jordan and junior Devarkus of that, we have to band Lucious and Sanders, who the offensive line, where
do a great job matched up provide speed and athlet- they have experience but
against the other team’s “You can’t fault a great Ramsey have a chance to be together. Everybody has to
coach for taking a head two of the best backs in Class be all in. We are fighting for icism for their downfield are limited in strength.
best receivers. We have passing game. Sanders, He has set a benchmark
good experience in the coaching job,” Rice said. 6A this season. The receiving our own cause. People will
a junior who is 6-foot-3, for three seconds of pro-
secondary.” “Coach Kelly will do big corps is full of questions. Wil- think we are a walk-over, so
figures to be a deep threat tection on each pass play
things at Caledonia. We liams will anchor a veteran it’s up to us to take the field
and a third-down target. to execute the full passing
SPECIALISTS have a lot of playmakers on offensive line. and prove differently.”
He said his favorite routes playbook.
To be determined defense and it’s a veteran After making the Class Follow Dispatch sports
to run are the deep come- “The line has to hold
unit. The players have been 6A playoffs in each of Kylin writer Scott Walters on
back and slant. up,” King said. “We
— Scott Walters through a lot, so (the coach- Hill’s final two seasons, the Twitter @dispatchscott “Our chemistry is couldn’t throw it much
New Hope
good,” Sanders said. “I’ve last year, and we weren’t
played receiver before, strong on the line, so we
so the transition is going struggled. But a lot of
Continued from Page 4 well. I feel like I will con- those young guys got ex-
approach could help in tribute more to the team
transforming the pro-
“A lot of people this year now that I’m
perience last year. Coach
(Michael) Thorn has been
gram. Former New Hope
High football player Seth
are knocking us, back at receiver.”
The Panthers typical-
working with our lines,
and we’ve seen some im-
Stillman is one of those
new coaches. Stillman,
even at our own ly have tried to fit their provements.”
who will be defensive coor-

dinator, was part of some
school. I just tell
of former coach Michael them to sit back
Bradley’s best teams, in-
cluding an 11-win squad and watch.”
in 2009 that lost to even-
tual state champion West New Hope High School
Point in the third round senior Kobe Matthews
of the MHSAA Class 5A
playoffs.
Last month, Stillman write our own script.”
said he wants his defense Matthews said Tackett
to get after it, much like and the coaches are putting
he did when he was a play- players in the best positions
er. Even though Stillman to succeed. For Matthews,
wasn’t the biggest de- that will remain linebacker,
fensive lineman, he used a position he has played all Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
grit and tenacity to make four years. Matthews said Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch Senior Ny’jhule Roberts-Holloway will compete for
up for what he lacked in he also is seeing time at New Hope High School wide receiver Kryshon Brooks playing time at linebacker this season.
size. Tackett said his New fullback. practices his routes earlier this month.
Hope teams will have that Matthews said it re- 185-pound strong safety/ changing the culture in
same mind-set and will mains to be seen how his fi- running back, also has the program.
strive to set the tone and nal year will play out, but he been in the program since “We want to fill it with
to be the aggressor. said he likes how the coach- his freshman season. He however many games we
“Every other day you es are holding everyone to said there is a big differ- play and dash 0,” Fearce
hear about West Point a “championship standard.” ence from last season and said when asked what he
because West Point is He said there is no reason more is expected out of wants the Trojans to write
so close and has had so why the Trojans can’t reach the players, including the next to 2018 - . “It is a new
much success,” Tackett that bar. freshmen and sophomores. program. We are trying to
said of the two-time reign- “We have been a cham- “We have a hard-work- get better every day.”
ing MHSAA Class 5A pionship team all along,” ing group,” Fearce said. Tackett hopes a great
State champions. “This Matthews said. “He is “We come every day and showing all summer that
is how they do things at (holding us accountable) work and work no mat- featured nearly every person
West Point. This is what and having us be at prac- ter if it is raining or if we the coaches anticipated be-
West Point is doing. This tice on time, not making have pain. We still work. ing a starter participating in
is who West Point has. I excuses why we’re not at We have a whole bunch of workouts serves as a positive
want it to eventually be practice.” good, young talent that is Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
first step. He said the Tro- Senior Zay Armstead hopes the new passing attack
in the tri-county area this Matthews said every- going to have to step up.”
jans played in plenty of sev- opens some holes for the running game.
is what New Hope does. one has bought into Tack- Even though Fearce
en-on-seven tournaments
This is how New Hope ett’s approach, which is acknowledges the coach-
and spent a lot of hours on
does this. This is what why he cautions those es are being “tougher”
who might not believe in board work scheming and
New Hope has.” this season, he said they
Tackett said he has New Hope this season to all have worked to build teaching. Now, Tackett said
discovered New Hope is be ready. relationships with the play- New Hope has to take what
exemplary in terms of “A lot of people are ers. Part of that came last the coaches and players
facilities and administra- knocking us, even at our month when he said about talked about all summer and
tion. His job is to build own school,” Matthews 30 players were rewarded apply it.
a football program that said. “I just tell them to for their participation is “It is up to them to
matches those standards. sit back and watch. It has summer workouts with a write (what comes next),”
Senior linebacker fueled me all of the way. trip to Geyser Falls Water Tackett said. “I am trying
Kobe Matthews, who is It really gets me heated. Theme Park in Philadel- to put that into their heads
in his fourth year with the All we hear is like, ‘It is phia. He said the connec- every day and get them to
program, said Tackett and going to be another losing tion the coaches have made buy in and believe that.
the coaches have made season. Why are you out with the players helps them “The past is the past.
strides in changing the there practicing all of the believe in them more and They are in control of
culture in the program. time when you’re going encourages them to work their destiny for 2018.”
“It is our year,” said to lose?’ It has made me harder. Follow Dispatch sports Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Matthews, a 5-foot-10, pretty mad.” Plus, Fearce said, editor Adam Minichino on Junior Tommie Malone will look to be an anchor on the
235-pounder. “We can Robert Fearce, a 5-11, there is the motivation of Twitter @ctsportseditor offensive and defensive lines.
Starkville Yellow Jackets

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 2;
2017 Record: 13-3 (6-1 Class 6A, Region 2)
Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch

Starkville High School football coach Chris Jones has a team many believe is the
favorite to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A
State title this season.
PRIMED FOR TITLE RUN

Yellow Jackets back for another shot at crown after runner-up finish
By Bret t Hudson
bhudson@cdispatch.com
Inside
n MORE STARKVILLE: Schedule, A Closer
STARKVILLE — Myles Stone Look at Yellow Jackets. Page 21
remembers the helpless feeling. He
refuses to let himself forget it. State championship game. Starkville
The feeling came in the final minutes High School’s cornerback was forced to
of the 2017 Mississippi High School Ac- watch as the offense floundered and Pearl
tivities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A See STARKVILLE, 21
Starkville Academy volunteers

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Class AAA, District 2 2017 Record: 13-1 (4-0 Class AAA, District 2)
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2017 13-1 Chase Nicholson
2014 11-2 Jeff Terrill
2013 4-7 Jeff Terrill
Coaching staff 2012 5-7 Jeff Terrill
Head coach 2011 10-3 Jeff Terrill
Chase Nicholson 2010 3-8 Jeff Terrill
n Brad Butler 2009 0-11 Brian Sims
n Tony Stanford 2008 4-7 Brian Sims
n Bubba Davis 2007 4-7 Jimmy Jennings
n Trace Lee 2006 1-9 Jimmy Jennings
n Gex Billups 2005 10-2 Jack French
2004 4-7 Steve Morgan
1998 4-6 Lee Davis
1997 2-8 Jay Watts
1996 2-8 Jay Watts
2018 Schedule 1995 2-8 David Butler
Aug. 17 At Lamar School
1994 7-3 Sammy Willcutt
Aug. 24 FRENCH CAMP ACA.
Aug. 31 INDIANOLA ACA.
Sept. 7 At East Webster
Sept. 14 MAGNOLIA
HEIGHTS
Sept. 21 At Winston Aca.
Sept. 28 At Pillow Aca.
‘LEGEND OF WALKER’
Oct. 5 CANTON ACA.
Oct. 12 HERITAGE ACA.
Oct. 19 At Leake Aca.
PREPARES FOR FINAL
RUN WITH VOLUNTEERS
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Senior Tranum ready to take on even bigger

leadership role after 2017 state championship
2017 Results
MAIS Class AAA, By Adam Minichino earned the status of ‘The
District 2 aminichino@cdispatch.com Walker Tranum’ long be-
Aug. 18 W, 43-21 fore his senior year.”
STARKVILLE — Tranum has earned a
LAMAR SCHOOL
Chase Nicholson per- movie title and a voice im-
Aug. 25 W, 38-7 forms a variety of roles as
At French Camp personation from his coach
a teacher, a football coach, thanks to three years of
Sept. 1 L, 21-35 and athletic director at contributions to the varsi-
At Indianola Aca. Starkville Academy. ty program. Last season,
Sept. 8 W, 34-24 You can add man of at those efforts were reward-
EAST WEBSTER least two ed with the ultimate prize,
voices and
Sept. 15 W, 21-0 as Starkville Academy de-
plenty of
At Magnolia feated Indianola Academy
n ick na mes
Heights 21-14 in overtime to win the
to his ré-
Sept. 22 W, 35-0 Mississippi Association
sumé. Not
WINSTON ACA. of Independent Schools
that Nichol-
(MAIS) Class AAA State
Sept. 29 W, 32-10 son is look-
Tranum title game at Jackson Acad-
PILLOW ACA. ing for more
emy.
Oct. 6 W- 38-0 work, but
The victory helped
At Canton Aca. he likely would attend a
second-seeded Starkville
casting call to record vocal
Oct. 13 W, 17-14 Academy (13-1) win the
tracks for Walker Tranum
At Heritage Aca. program’s seventh state
in a Hollywood production.
Oct. 20 W, 21-13 Nicholson would apply title, and first since 2005.
LEAKE ACA. for the part with a smile The Volunteers ended the
Oct. 27 W, 41-0 on his face and the phrase season on an 11-game win-
“kill them all” ready to ning streak and avenged a
PARK PLACE
capture the essence of 35-21 loss to the Colonels
CHRISTIAN
Tranum, who is the most on Sept. 1 in Indianola.
Nov. 3 W, 30-0 Tranum’s role on the
CENTRAL HINDS
experienced member of
the Starkville Academy offensive and defensive
ACA.
football program. lines was part of team
Nov. 10 W, 31-0 Since Tranum is a griz- See TRANUM, 22
ADAMS CO. zled veteran, you would
CHRISTIAN think it natural for Nichol-
Nov. 18 W, 21-14 OT son to use a guttural voice Starkville Academy
offensive lineman Walker
Vs. Indianola Aca. when referring to one of
Tranum (54) looks for
HOME GAMES IN CAPS his senior leaders. But someone to block as
Nicholson uses a voice that quarterback Ben Owens
seems to originate from a prepares to catch the
deep garble in his throat to snap in the Mississippi
add to what he calls “The Association of
Class AAA Legend of Walker,” which Independent Schools
(MAIS) Class AAA State
District 2 sounds like a perfect title
championship game
Canton Academy for movie.
against Indianola Academy
Heritage Academy “He earned the status last season. Starkville
Leake Academy a long time ago by being
Starkville Academy Academy rallied to win the
Winston Academy Walker Tranum,” Nichol- game in overtime. Tranum
NOTE: No. 1 team son said. “He backs it up. is being counted on to
qualifies for playoffs. He works as hard as any- play a key role on both
Other spots based on body, if not harder. He has sides of the ball following
points. worked himself into the key graduation losses.
position he is in now. He Jim Lytle/Dispatch File Photo
2018 team Rosters Mississippi / Alabama Standings

Aberdeen 44-Bryar Kemp 12-Timothy Ivy 69-Donovan Washington
MHSAA
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
1-Isaac Watson 50-Haden Barker 13-Shemar McCleod 70-Jamario Moss No. 1 Choctaw County (2-1) No. 1 Russell Christian (2-0)
2-Marquez Doss 52-Carlisle Harding 14-Khristopher White 71-Cedric Williams No. 2 Houston (2-1)
3-CJ Arnold 54-Lane Ever 15-Jaylon Barnett 73-Quaylen Nance Region 1-6A No. 3 South Pontotoc (0-1) No. 2 East Memorial (1-1)
Division Overall No. 4 Aberdeen (0-1) No. 3 Tabernacle (0-1)
4-Tae Johnson 55-Sam Middlebrooks 16-Rodney Williams 75-Jacori Hendrix W L W L PF PA
5-Jonathan Moore 56-Luke Phillips 17-Jaqualon Sherrod 76-Ray Baker, Jr. Tupelo 7 0 11 1 424 139 Region 2-2A No. 4 New Life (0-1)
6-Bryson Moore
7-Jaquan Jones
61-Zack White
66-Joe Gwathney
18-Mushane Walker
19-Zack Andrews
77-Victor Barnett
78-Jamon Armstead
South Panola 5 2 9 4 325
Horn Lake 5 2 9 3 312
235
174

Division Overall
W L W L PF PA
Calhoun City 3 1 11 3 600 300
AHSAA
Southaven 4 3 5 7 192 230
8-Fred Fields 74-Tyler Blackwell 21-Marlon Windham 80-Sam Hunt Oxford 4 3 8 4 217 142 Winona 3 1 11 4 523
360 Region 4-2A
9-Brandan Williams 22-Savion Price 81-Jahreal Issac Hernando 2 5 5 6 207 209 Eupora 2 2 7 4 282
234 Division Overall
10-Cortavious Walker Hamilton 23-Anthony Jamison Columbus 1 6 2 9 135 350 East Webster 1 3 6 5 287 335
82-Dylan Starke W L W L PF PA
DeSoto Central 0 7 3 9 169 289 Leflore County 1 3 6 4 365 283
11-Tyler Stephens 3-Sam Frantz 24-Eldrick Hopkins 83-Stazyon Robinson PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Aliceville 6 0 7 5 364
205
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
12-Martavious Ware 4-Tylor Toler 25-Rodolthes Johnson 84-Stacy Robinson No. 1 Tupelo (0-1) No. 1 Winona (4-1) Thorsby 5 1 8 3 328
211
13-Cordrell Barker 6-BJ Jones 26-Damian Verdell 85-Keyshaun Spencer No. 2 Horn Lake (1-1) No. 2 Calhoun City (3-1) Keith 4 2 6 5 345
251
14-Iverson Barker 7-Mark Melton 27-Danquauis Brooks No. 3 South Panola (0-1) No. 3 Eupora (0-1)
87-Gaige Boniol No. 4 East Webster (0-1) R.C. Hatch 2 4 4 7 352
306
15-Stephen Murrey 8-Jacob Imel 28-Quindarius Cockrell No. 4 Southaven (0-1)
88-Leroy Holllingshed Marion 2 4 5 6 234
289
16-Chancellor Broyles 9-DJ Dobbs 29-Chaokang Brooks Region 2-6A Region 3-1A Billingsley 2 4 2 9 198
416
90-Jaylan Ware Division Overall Division Overall
17-Dontavious Holliday 10-Nathan Fast 30-Jaelen Harmon Verbena 0 6 0 11 99 436
91-Ryan Johnson W L W L PF PA W L W L PF PA
18-T.J. Fields 11-Gabe Burcham 31-Emmanuel Dodds Starkville 6 1 10 2 390 137 Nanih Waiya 8 0 15 1 759 185 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
19-Malik Williams 12-Kamenski Bankhead 32-Ken’trayvious Reed 92-Brandon Scott French Camp 7 1 8 4 342 312
Madison Central 6 1 11 3 378 205 No. 1 Aliceville (1-1)
20-Isiah Jones 14-Rye Howard 33-Trillo Brown 93-Garin Boniol NW Rankin 5 2 8 4 328 198 Noxapater 6 2 8 4 297 147
94-Jamie Davis Leake County 4 4 6 5 272 267 No. 2 Thorsby (1-1)
21-Marcus Eubanks 15-Kaden Smith 34-Chaunssey Triplett Warren Central 5 2 9 4 377 173
Vardaman 4 4 6 6 302 225 No. 3 Keith (0-1)
22-Xavier Young 18-Gabe Tipton 37-DeAaron Triplett 95-Peyton Rodgers Clinton 3 4 5 6 287 201
Hamilton 4 4 5 6 215 250
Provine 2 5 6 5 212 257 No. 4 R.C. Hatch (0-1)
23-Tank McMillian 20-Peyton Flanery 40-Reggie Wilburn 96-Mark Coblemtz Greenville 1 6 1 10 200 391 West Lowndes 2 6 3 7 128 255
24-Wyza Randle 21-Jacob Young 42-JaQuaion King 97-Tylan Oden Murrah 0 7 1 10 116 406 Sebastopol 1 7 3 9 132 422 Region 8-2A
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Ethel 0 8 0 10 46 455
25-Lilton Howard 22-Thomas Jackson 43-Kevarius Harris PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
Division Overall
Victory Christian Academy No. 1 Starkville (3-1)
27-Ja Nolan Jones 24-Collin Holman 50-KaDavion Robinson No. 2 Madison Central (2-1) No. 1 Nanih Waiya (3-1) W L W L PF PA
29-Colby Johnson 32-Daniel Miller 51-Tomorris Luster 1-Ethan Camp No. 3 Northwest Rankin (0-1) No. 2 French Camp Academy (0-1) Sulligent 6 0 12 2 491
271
35-Dorian Shaw 33-Xavier Steffin 55-Malcomn Purtue 2-Kenny Collier No. 4 Warren Central (1-1) No. 3 Noxapater (0-1)
Lamar County 5 1 8 5 329
285
No. 4 Vardaman (0-1)
50-Janari Bell 40-Sam Robinson 56-Ma’teo Chandler 3-Brandon Moore Region 1-5A
MAIS
Mars Hill Bible 4 2 7 4 343 210
51-Tyrese Daniels 44-Ty Hall 57-Michael Barber 4-Caleb Heaton Division Overall Sheffield 3 3 4 7 193
298
5-Preston Kinard W L W L PF PA
52-Dontavious Gathings 50-Elijah Ybarra 60-Lakendrick Lewis West Point 7 0 15 0 686 183 District 2-AAA Red Bay 2 4 5 5 230
209
53-Chris Ewing 54-Zach Crawford 64-Ervin Gray 6-Dawson Jaynes Olive Branch 6 1 12 2 463 199 Division Overall Hatton 1 5 2 9 254
336
54-Tyler Smith 55-Jalin Smith 67-Dorian Holmes 7-Dallas Colom Grenada 5 2 7 7 282 254 W L W L PF PA Phil Campbell 0 6 1 9 171
333
Lake Cormorant 4 3 6 7 288 359 Starkville Aca. 4 0 13 1 423 138
55-Mike Carouthers 56-Cameron Fields 68-Rickie Hunt 8-Anthony Frierson Lafayette 3 4 3 8 253 294 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
Heritage Aca. 3 1 9 3 354 286
57-Dylan Copeland 60-Tyler Bertrand 69-Davontay Boone 10-Jay Elmore Lewisburg 2 5 6 5 250 280 Leake Aca. 2 2 7 5 306
288 No. 1 Sulligent (3-1)
58-C.J. Estes 61-Ryan Welch 71-Colby Dixon Center Hill 1 6 1 10 156 439
11-Dilon Jackson Saltillo 0 7 3 9 187 438
Canton Aca. 1 3 3 6 182 266 No. 2 Lamar County (2-1)
59-Orlando Rice 70-Conner Bird 73-Tunsyaan Bibbs 13-Houston Ballard PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Winston Aca. 0 4 2 8 142 295
No. 3 Mars Hill Bible (0-1)
60-Neal Davis PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
71-Bailey Hollaway 74-Geroke Taylor 14-Drake Clements No. 1 West Point (4-0)
No. 4 Sheffield (0-1)
No. 2 Olive Branch (2-1) Starkville Academy (4-0)
65-Braxton Cunningham 72-Laderrick Despenza 75-Jordan White 15-David Hintz No. 3 Grenada (1-1) Heritage Academy (1-1)
67-Isaac Henderson 75-Houston Vaiden 76-Ramoan Jackson 20-Chris McDonald No. 4 Lake Cormorant Leake Academy (1-1) Region 5-1A
73-Matthew Gillespie 76-Grant Thompspn 78-Darrione Stewart 21-Nadarion Higgins Region 2-4A District 1-AA Division Overall
73-Omarion Jones 78-Brodie Cullum 79-Javian Tate 22-Michael Tate Division Overall Division Overall W L W L PF PA
74-Matthew Haynes 84-Kamron Shields 84-Malik Hibbler 23-Colin Dunaway W L W L PF PA W L W L PF PA Pickens County
6 0 12 3 498
169
75-Scottie Batie 88-Chris Channey 85-Chrishaed Rupert Pontotoc 5 0 12 2 366 166 Marshall Aca. 4 0 9 2 356 148
25-Matthew Moore South Lamar 5 1 10 4 440
285
Itawamba AHS 4 1 10 3 414 286 Oak Hill Aca. 2 2 6 4 205 132
89-Jamyles Patterson 27-Luke Hudgens Shannon 3 2 7 5 382 331 Central Holmes 2 2 6 5 292 294 Holy Spirit 3 3 4 7 330
249
Caledonia Hebron Christian 94-Travorus Hatcher 55-Tray Price Amory 2 3 4 8 328 303 Winona Chr. 2 2 4 7 210 295 Hubbertville 3 3 3 7 176
311
1-Anthony Triplett Aaron Woodson 95-Verdell Clemons 69-Chandler Zimmer
Mooreville 1 4 2 9 160 381 Carroll Academy 0 4 4 7 213 213 Berry 2 4 3 7 133
295
2-Kelvin Robinson Evin Pilkington Caledonia 0 5 0 10 79 359 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
72-Chauncey Thames PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Marshall Academy (1-1) Marion County 2 4 2 8 229
418
4-A.J. Johnson Gage Yeatman Oak Hill Academy Oak HIll Academy (0-1) Brilliant 0 6 2 8 109
420
82-Lahndon Townley No. 1 Pontotoc (1-1)
5-JeDarius Gore Jon Garrett Lowe 2-Dalton Magers No. 2 Itawamba AHS (0-1) Central Holmes (0-1) PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
85-Tyshon Rogers
6-Brandon Edmondson Jackson Langley 4-Lucas Birmingham No. 3 Shannon (0-1) Winona Christian (0-1)
No. 1 Pickens County (4-1)
99-Cole Harrell
7-Hunter Harris Jon McGrew 6-Jake Makamson No. 4 Amory (0-1)
District 2-A No. 2 South Lamar (3-1)
8-Tyrese Lewis Zack Corban 7-Jonah Caskey Region 4-4A Division Overall
No. 3 Hubbertville (0-1)
9-Darius Triplett Elijah Parrish 10-Daniel Harrington West Lowndes Division Overall W L W L PF PA
1-Quaylon Rogers W L W L PF PA Deer Creek 3 0 6 5 326 192 No. 4 Holy Spirit
10-Wes Rollins Bradley Scott 13-Ash Cullum
11-Kevin Robinson
12-Isaiah Brackett
Doug Loden
Braeden Triplett
15-Collin Coggins
18-Manning Huffman
2-Travion Lucious
3-Ki’Kwon Cork
Noxubee Co. 4 0 11 4 500
Louisville
Kosciusko
349
3 1 13 3 540
211
2 2 3 9 216
317
Columbus Chr. 2 1 2 9 55
Strider Academy 1 2 1 9 88
Delta Streets
394
377
0 3 0 10 98 403
AISA
13-Camden Hurst Braiden Fulgham 23-Cooper Hill 4-Zavier Armstead New Hope 1 3 5 8 258
317 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Region 2-AA
5-Jherquaveus Sanders Leake Central 0 4 4 6 198 247 Deer Creek School (1-1)
14-Lance Canerdy Drake Flowers 30-Ethan Bryan PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Columbus Christian (0-1)
Division Overall
15-Logan Beasley Scott Smith 34-Jake Glusenkamp 8-Sye Pippins
CFA
No. 1 Noxubee County (5-0) W L W L PF PA
17-Darquez Williams Wess Kennedy 38-Dalton Wilemon 10-Tray Lucious No. 2 Louisville (3-1) Autauga Aca. 4 0 12 1 540
222
18-Justin Black 41-Joseph Golson 12-Cordarius McGee No. 3 Kosciusko (0-1)
Eight-Man Division Escambia Aca. 3 1 11 1 482
201
No. 4 New Hope (0-1)
19-Brandon Chrest Heritage Academy 44-Archie Miller 20-Marcquez Holiday Division Overall Jackson Aca. 2 2 7 4 234
240
20-Loren Cox 1-Moak Griffin 50-Robert Thompson 30-Jerrious Jenkins Region 4-3A W L W L PF PA Clarke Prep 1 3 4 8 281
423
Division Overall Russell 7 0 11 0 555 129
22-Dillon May 2-JR Lott 52-Alex Powell 32-Anquarius Harkins W L W L PF PA East Memorial 6 1 8 2 450 206
Pickens Aca. 0 4 6 4 279
196
23-Will Donald 3-Banks Hyde 53-Kindrick Langford 40-Eric Brooks Choctaw County 5 0 10 3 445 154 Victory Christian 4 3 5 3 329 232 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
25-Tristan Herring 5-Noel Fisher 55-Kip Alpe 44-Jataquist Brown Houston 4 1 9 4 484
315 New Life 4 3 5 5 380 445 No. 1 Autauga Academy (2-1)
27-Brayden Gholson 6-Austin Dotson 56-Hunter Holder 50-Jerqualin Morris South Pontotoc 2 3 8 4 361 368 Tabernacle 4 3 4 6 480 512 No. 2 Escambia Academy (3-0)
Aberdeen 2 3 5 7 402
407 Gunn 2 5 2 6 208 350
29-Daniel Burleson 7-Lex Rogers 57-Aiden McLain 52-Antwaun Rogers Nettleton 2 3 4 6 246
384 Meadowview 1 6 1 7 224 427 No. 3 Jackson Academy (0-1)
30-Tyler Slinger 8-Rocky Wright 62-Dylan Bryan 54-Tommie Malone Hatley 0 5 4 7 219
285 Tuscaloosa 0 7 0 9 150 493 No. 4 Clarke Prep (0-1)
31-Brantley Dahlem 9-Jared Long 67-Jaden Craven 55-Royquavious Williams
32-Ayden Coleman 10-Carter Putt 72-Pierce Loyed 58-Douglas Tabb
34-Jacob Bailey
35-Logan Powell
36-Sawyer Schiefelbein
11-Reuben Proffitt
12-Sam Hannon
13-John Blanton
77-Tyler Oswalt
81-Grayson Easterling
88-Cameron Dill
74-Tyler Bridges
80-Ny’Jhule Holloway Contacting the Sports Department
81-Joshua Franklin
45-Leon Williams 15-KJ Smith If you need to report game scores or statistics, you call us at 662-327-1297,
48-Micah Tavai 16-Mack Howard Starkville Academy West Point or e-mail us at sports@cdispatch.com. If you need to reach sports editor Adam
50-Curtavis Johnson 21-Wesley Miller 2-Charlie Guest
51-Lee Browning 22-Davis Fitch 4-Shaundrayus Frazier
1-Jaquerius Crawford Minichino, call 662-327-1297, or email him at aminichino@cdispatch.com. If you
2-Brandon Harris need to reach sports writer Scott Walters, call 662-328-2471 ext. 165, or email him
53-Rhett Little 23-Seth Swain 6-Cody Dill 3-Jaylun R. Eggerson
54-Jacob Richardson 24-Weston Lowery 7-Miller Wilson 4-Tyler Rupert
at swalters@cdispatch.com. If you need to reach sports writer Brett Hudson, email
56-Antuwan Adkins 27-Mitchell Woodard 10-Taylor Arnold
5-Quantaze Powell him at bhudson@cdispatch.com
58-Guage Cauley 31-Drew Huskison 12-Zak Kelly
6-Kameron Martin
59-Tyshaun Graham 33-Harris Gunter 13-Taylor Ray
7-Tyron Orr
60-Christian Lingle 44-Todd Sharp 14-Michael Winfield
61-Cal Womack 50-Ethan Howell 15-Garrett Lewis 8-Brandon Lairy
62-Alex Mathews 51-Luke Sneed 16-Ben Brown 9-Corbin Kelley
63-Tanner Holley 52-Ethan Bumgarner 21-Noah Aweau 10-Ryan Melton
64-Keegan Sieglock 54-Clay Walters 32-Nathan Pollan 11-Brentt Cunningham
66-Nick Jenkins 56-Ayden Mitchell 40-Gage Johnson 12-Dantariyus Cannon
67-Braxton McKinney 58-Parker Ray 44-Willie Latham III 13-JeQwan Young
70-Bobby Schultz 61-Chapman Cooper 47-Brody Pierce 14-Gary Berry
72-Bryant McCool 72-Fox Walters 50-Casey Crittenden 15-John Facella
74-Guage Barksdale 74-Eli Acker 54-Walker Tranum 16-Kentavious McMillian
76-Reed Brewer 75-Wills Wiygul 57-Connor McLaughlin 17-Rhett Ketchum
77-Bryce Brown 77-Seth Harris 58-Josh Edmonds 18-Jake Chambless
78-Gunter Anderson 85-Baker Imes 63-Micah Mcgee 19-Brian Crawford
80-Terrell Cunningham 64-Trey Tyler 20-Stededric Griffis
82-Shawn Silas New Hope 65-Zach Nason 21-Ladorien Cox
85-Colby Hopper 1-Braylen Miller 66-Jacob Linley 22-Jakobe Pate
2-Deajon Miller 71-Sam Lyle 23-Kelviontae Gibbs
Columbus 3-Trey Bailey 72-Jacob Crittenden 24-Timothy Mays
1-Quin Malone 4-Malachi Clay 74-Douglus Kelly 25-Jamarquez Petty
2-Fred Harris 5-Robert Fearce 75-Payne Lancaster 26-Latarius Embry
3-Matthew Leach 6-Antwaan Roland 77-Qwen Dale 27-Jaylen Cungious
4-Darion Porter 7-Immanuel Jones 93-Lane Long 28-Reco Bailey
5-Demario Martin 8-Kameron Harcrow Isaac Lepard 29-Jimothy Mays
6-Ja’lenn Butler 9-Jordan Thomas 30-Eric Blanchard
7-Devarkus Ramsey 10-Kobe Matthews Starkville High 31-Shevontre Ryland
8-Christian Jackson 11-Kryshone Brooks 1-Malik Brown 32-Donte Smith
9-Derrick Jordan 12-Ty Hairston 2-Zitavious Williams 33-Tyun Robinson
10-Tidus Kirk 13-Cameron Oliver 3-Rodrigues Clark 34-Jeremiah Walker
11-Jervorius Vance 14-Jumarcus Selvie 4-Alexis Stallings 35-Aaron Brown
12-Quaterrious Adkins 15-Braeon Murray 5-Khiry Gee 36-Gerrod Williams
13-Jamion Kirk 16-Ryan Burt 6-Rufus Harvey
37-Jadarius Clay
14-Jaelan Craddieth 17-Tyler Terry 7-Tonorris Brookins II
38-Zysheanl Logan
15-Josh Hargrove 18-Stallone Shelton 8-Jalil Clemons
39-Chris Chandler
16-Jeremiah Lang 19-Kyleran Miller 9-Luke Altmyer
17-Henry Lloyd 20-J’Lynn Topps 10-Keyshawn Lawrence 40-Jordan Rupert
18-Ethan Conner 21-Ashton Husband 11-Bernard Thomas 41-Jonquavious Ivy
19-Josh McQuary 22-Tyler Harris 12-Nygal Johnson 42-Jequarius Thomas
20-Tavars Davis 23-Travon Ivy 13-Joshua Aka 43-Lapriest Starks
21-Dontae Gillespie 24-Zion Reed 14-Myles Stone 44-Jaylin Rush
22-Steve Cattledge 25-Hayden Harris 15-Zach Edwards 45-Jaylon Webb
23-Chris Johnson 26-Rashaad Williams 16-Jatavious Lucious 46-Thomas Robinson
24-Jaylen Harrison 28-Stephen Harris 17-Torrean King 47-Leondra Thompson
25-Chris Allen 32-Remarco Williams 18-Kobe Boyd 48-Marcus Jones
26-Jaylen Stewart 33-Michael Chambers 19-Orien Thompson 49-Treddis Anderson
27-Karon Hawk 35-Aaren Butler 20-Jamori Evans 50-Markel Walker
28-Codey Sanders 38-Bryson Shields 21-Atavius Jones 51-Timothy Melton
30-Lance McGee 42-Brandon Perrigen 22-Justice Robinson 52-Jamaris Ewing
31-Jaden Edwards 45-Jakobe Jones 23-Amariyon Howard 53-Deundra Thompson
32-Jayden Harris 50-Tre Hudgins 24-Ronnie Randle 54-Ezekiel Head
33-Cameron Jenkins 51-R’monta Harris 25-Lazavier Evans 55-Bryson Thomas
34-Kris Lucios 52-Kalen Taylor 26-Keith Lawrence, Jr. 56-Robert Spearman
35-Cody Jones 53-Logan Doughty 28-Opus Lott 57-Miller Conn
36-Steven Turner 54-Cole Morris 30-Ty’Verious Nichols 58-Jaekwon Bradshaw
40-Jabari Talley 55-Brantley Prescott 31-Cedric Hines 59-Jacarius Harper
50-Tyler Williams 56-Rayshaun Gibson 33-Roger Baptist 60-Jalon Sanders
52-Terry Green 57-James Barnham 34-Ahmir Taylor 61-Iverion Cungious
53-Hezam Nagi 59-Christopher Alderson 35-Jacquavious Poe 62-Frank Bean
54-Jaylon Vance 60-Michael Frierson 36-Chris Luckett 63-Justin Collins
55-Arick Evans 62-Jaylon Lewis 37-Anthony Akins 64-John Michael Farr
56-John-Wesley Jackson 63-Christopher Blanton 38-Jalen Roberts 65-Dontavius Pargo
70-Jamerious Tallie 64-Jacob Doughty 39-Jacob Tegt 66-John Austin Ricks
72-Tyreon Bankhead 65-Tyre’-Andre Ranch 40-Blake Williams 67-Dontavious Myers
73-Ellis Berry 69-Bradley Peeks 41-Jaquan Jenkins 68-Xavier Collins
74-Deveon Boykins 71-Jeremiah Gardner 42-Rashad O’Briant 69-Jose Lemus
79-Gerald Wells 72-Brantley Prescott 43-Devhon Lucious
70-Jaqvavis Young
80-Tahj Talley 73-Laine Chappell 45-Ty Johnson
71-Nehemiah Walker
82-Zion Cox 74-Makylon Vance 46-Rasheen McCarter
72-KeAris Smith
83-Onis Deloach 75-CJ Sanders 47-Ashton Wilson
84-Jakaylin Lewis 76-Logan Bailey 48-Tevontae Bond 73-Tyjai Matthews
85-Jarrod Bush 77-Ricky Newby 49-Quaveyon Gibson 74-Kameron Dyson
86-Bryant Pollard 80-Isreal Buckhalter 50-Mason Moorhead 75-Jonquez Roby
87-Anthony Jenkins 82-Ellis Clark 51-Antwain Bush 76-Jamar Davis
88-Cameron Ledbetter 88-Ben Bradley 52-Dewaylon Brooks 77-Dontae Smith
90-Skyler Ferguson 53-Michael Goss 78-Daveon Reives
Columbus Christian 54-Jaylin Davis 79-Calvin Montgomery
Academy Noxubee County 55-Will Baggett 80-Davieon Rice
2-Jonah Harrison 1-Maliek Stallings 56-Calvin Blair 81-Daniel Comer
4-Jonathan Peal 2-Keymarcus Jackson 57-Jaylan Flowers 82-Dewayne Smith
5-Jaden Henderson 3-Bobby Shanklin 58-Trayben Matthews 83-Kalib Ford
7-Caleb Farlow 4-Kaiyus Lewis 59-Derwin Ferguson 84-Christopher Terry
9-Tyler Looney 5-Da’Jawun Memphard 60-Jauntavious Spencer 86-Deundre Hicks
10-Drake Shaw 6-Jakarion Lockett 61-De’andra Davis 87-Jamarkus Randle
15-Dakota Shaw 7-JaQuarius Jamison 62-Willie Parks 88-Sema’J Harris
22-Joshua Slayton 8-Kyziah Pruitt 63-Deshun Lucious 89-Montavious Edwards
25-Jermey Emerson 9-Jaqualyn Smith 67-Deanthony Dickerson 90-Jamyrion Quinn
32-Beau Kemp 10-Jeffery Malone 68-Roosevelt Williams 99-Taurus Gunn
west point green wave

Coaching staff
Head coach
Chris Chambless
n Roger Burton
n Alex Williams
n Brett Morgan
n Casey Welch
n Jerry Fremin
n Matt Snow
n Joshua Polphus
n Charles Herron
n Mark Hysaw
n Boone Lairy
2018 Schedule
Aug. 16 At Columbus
Aug. 24 LOUISVILLE
Aug. 31 At Starkville
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 NOXUBEE CO.
Sept. 21 LAFAYETTE
Sept. 28 At Center Hill Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Oct. 5 LAKE West Point High School senior Daveion Reives will be part of an offensive line with seniors Ezekiel Head, Nehemiah Walker, and KeAris Smith,
CORMORANT juniors Miller Conn and Jonquez Robey, and sophomore Jamar Davis.
Oct. 12 At Olive Branch
Oct. 19 At Grenada
Oct. 26 SALTILLO
Nov. 2 At Lewisburg
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
FOCUS ON TITLE REMAINS DESPITE GRADUATION LOSSES
BY SCOT T WALTERS scoreboard.
swalters@cdispatch.com On offense, the Green
Wave will have to replace
WEST POINT — The
Murphy and fellow se-
West Point High School
football team deals with nior Chris Calvert, who
pressure on a daily basis. combined to run for 3,301
yards and 56 touchdowns
2017 Results Having won nine Mis-
last season. Murphy also
MHSAA sissippi High School
Class 5A, Region 1 Activities Association threw for 1,058 yards and
Aug. 17 W, 42-14 (MHSAA) State champi- nine more scores. Leading
COLUMBUS onships, West Point is al- receiver Jason Brownlee
Aug. 25 W, 27-7 ways expected to battle for is also gone after gaining
At Louisville a crown at season’s end. 967 yards and scoring 11
Sept. 1 W, 28-3 The 2017 squad bal- touchdowns.
STARKVILLE anced the Chambless always has
Sept. 8 OPEN DATE pressure of
Sept. 15 W, 47-14
been a run-first coach. Of-
contending fensive line play is a key to
At Noxubee Co. for a state
Sept. 22 W, 49-14 the Green Wave’s success.
title with
At Lafayette A majority of the line will
trying to
Sept. 29 W, 56-0 return from last season.
repeat as
CENTER HILL Filling in the gaps in
Oct. 6 W, 45-7 champion
Chambless and wrap- the backfield is a different
At Lake Cormorant story.
Oct. 13 W, 51-7 ping up an
undefeated season. Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff “We have a chance to
OLIVE BRANCH
Oct. 20 W, 48-0 After heavy losses due West Point High School defensive line coach Roger Burton, right, talks with senior be a very good offensive
GRENADA to graduation, the outside lineman Jaylon Webb at preseason practice. squad. It may take some
Oct. 27 W, 62-0 world may look at this time to get there,” Cham-
At Saltillo year’s squad differently. bless said, “If you look
Nov. 3 W, 63-3 Inside the field house, the at the numbers, we have
LEWISBURG expectations remain the thrown it more in recent
Nov. 10 W, 56-6 same. years. We got a lot of back-
CALLAWAY “Each year we start ups playing time last sea-
Nov. 17 W, 32-13 with the same mind-set,”
At Grenada
son. However, the backups
West Point senior corner- getting time on defense
Nov. 24 W, 39-6 back Ryan Melton said.
OLIVE BRANCH Lairy Cunningham J. Chambless Griffis Cungious Webb were mainly juniors and
“We expect to win the
Dec. 2 W, 41-15 the ones on offense were
state championship. Mak- our own walls. We have nada in the second round The 2014 squad allowed
Vs. Hattiesburg
ing the playoffs is not good seniors.
that goal of perfection. of the Class 5A playoffs. 22 ppg.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS “Depth will be the big-
enough. We want to win This year is going to be “West Point football This season, not as
the whole thing. This year different. Last season, punches you in the mouth many defensive starters gest challenge this sea-
is not different than any there was a tremendous first,” West Point senior return. However, many of son. A year ago, we could
Class 5A other year I have played pressure from the out- defensive back Tyler Ru- the new starters saw hun- replace a starter at almost
here. ... The No. 1 goal and side. Everybody thought pert said. “We take pride dreds of snaps a year ago. every position and still put
Region 1 really the only goal is the we should just walk over in playing sensational “There is no reason a good player on the field.
Center Hill
Grenada state championship.” everybody. defense. We are going to we can’t be as successful This season, we don’t have
Lafayette West Point coach Chris “We had pressure from fight you for every first as we were last season,” those answers yet. Howev-
Lake Cormorant Chambless understands the outside then pressure down. The togetherness Melton said. “Since we
Lewisburg er, as starters go, our first
Olive Branch the challenge of continu- from the inside, too. This on last year’s team led to lost so many players on 11 will be strong football
Saltillo ing a run that has seen year will be different be- the success. As seniors offense, we will have to players on both sides of
West Point the Green Wave go 29-1 in cause our expectations this year, we are trying to come out strong. The de- the ball.
NOTE: Top four qualify the last two seasons. West are overshadowing every- show the new guys how fense will have to set the “Each day in practice
for playoffs Point will carry a 28-game thing. It’s no secret we to play championship de- tone early. The seniors
we have to find a way to
winning streak into the have some football play- fense on this level.” want their turn in the
get better. A year ago, the
season opener Aug. 16 at ers.” The pieces are in place limelight. The win streak
Columbus. Led by all-everything on defense. After a ju- is something we have fun team could run on auto
pilot and still perform at
Year-by-Year Record In his eyes, the dynam-
ics have changed.
and Mississippi State
signee Marcus Murphy,
nior-laden squad led the
team to a 14-1 record and
with. We want it to contin-
ue.” a high level. This year, we
Year Record Coach
2017 15-0 Chris Chambless “As a football team, the numbers from a year the Class 5A state title Chambless said West can’t do that. We have to
2016 14-1 Chris Chambless you should put pressure ago were staggering. In 15 in 2016, almost all of the Point’s defense has be- be our best on a consistent
2015 11-3 Chris Chambless
2014 9-5 Chris Chambless on yourself,” Chambless wins, the lowest margin of starters returned to an come more physical the basis. There won’t be a
2013 7-5 Chris Chambless said. “If you don’t hold victory in the regular sea- even better unit. last two seasons. He said time to slack off.”
2012 11-3 Chris Chambless yourself accountable, then son was 20 points against Last season, West the squad’s ability to hit Follow Dispatch sports
2010 14-1 Chris Chambless who will? Each year, the Louisville. In the postsea- Point allowed less than people from every posi- writer Scott Walters on
2009 14-1 Chris Chambless biggest pressure is inside son, it was 19 against Gre- seven points per game. tion has shown up on the Twitter @dispatchscott
2006 12-2 Chris Chambless A CLOSER LOOK AT WEST POINT
2005 14-1 Dennis Allen
2004 8-4 Dennis Allen QUARTERBACKS West Point looks to replace a couple of players (Cannon, Stededric Griffis (Sr.) Kentavious McMillian (Sr.);
2003 9-4 Dennis Allen Jake Chambless (Sr.); Chris Calvert and Marcus Mur- Harris) as run-pass options Cungious (end) and Webb Quantaze Powell (Sr.)
2002 12-3 Dennis Allen Brandon Harris (Jr.); phy, who combined to run for from the slot, as well.” (tackle) are returning starters Rupert and Melton anchor
2001 4-7 Dennis Allen Gray Berry (Jr.) better than 8,000 yards in the OFFENSIVE LINE “Some experience returning
2000 3-8 Dennis Allen a veteran secondary.
1999 2-9 Dennis Allen Marcus Murphy returned last three seasons combined Ezekiel Head (Sr.); along with some new faces,”
“Tyler and Ryan have lots
to the quarterback position a
1998 1-10 Tom Goode Jr. “Lots of questions in the Daveion Reives (Sr.); Chambless said. “Defensive
year ago, after playing there
1997 4-7 Dennis Allen backfield,” Chamblee said. Nehemiah Walker (Sr.); line was a strong position of experience, having played
1996 5-6 Lynn Moore as a sophomore … In passing “Most of our options a year Jonquez Robey (Jr.); group for us last year. These back there for a long time,”
1995 4-7 Skip Taylorsituations, the Green Wave ago were seniors, so that just Jamar Davis (Soph.); guys saw what it takes to be Chambless said. “They are
1994 2-9 Skip Taylor KeAris Smith (Sr.);
turned to Chambless and that means limited experience successful on this level.” seniors and they really give us
experience will be critical this returning in the backfield.” Miller Conn (Jr.) LINEBACKERS solid leadership, pretty much
“Each year we season as he takes over
“Jake really made a lot of
WIDE RECEIVERS /
TIGHT ENDS
Green Wave will be inexpe-
rience at the tackle positions
Brentt Cunningham (Sr.);
Brandon Lairy (Sr.);
the backbone of our defensive
unit.”
strides last season,” West Jaquerius Crawford (Sr.); “Ezekiel Head and Daveion Latarius Embry (Sr.);
start with the Point coach Chris Chambless Semaje Harris (Jr.); Reives will be our leaders on Brian Crawford (Sr.) SPECIALISTS
Jose Lemus (Sr.)
said. “The pressure was not John Facella (Sr.); the offensive line,” Chamb- Lairy and Cunningham re-
same mind-set on him as much. This year, JeQwan Young (Sr.) less said. “It’s a matching of turn the most experience here. Returnees handle all the
that will change. However, The bulk of the receiving some returnees with some “This year, we have some kicking duties.
We expect to his experience will be critical,
since we will be looking at a lot
corps is gone, meaning the trio
of quarterbacks will be working
new faces. You have to have
your offensive line perform
really good speed at the line-
backer position,” Chambless
“It will be the last of the
Lemus line for us this sea-
win the state of new faces in the backfield.”
RUNNING BACKS
on chemistry with a new set
of faces
as one, so looking forward to
seeing how quickly this group
said. “We got to find a way to
limit the opposing teams’ of-
son,” Chambless said. “The
family has handled our kicking
championship.” Jimothy Mays (Jr.);
Kameron Martin (Sr.);
“Timing will be something
we will be working on early
develops.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
fense. We also need to come
up with some depth here.” duties for quite a while. We
Brandon Harris (Jr.); in the season,” Chambless Jaylon Webb (Sr.); SECONDARY have been fortunate in special
West Point High School Jayhun Eggerson (Sr.); said. “Our receivers are fast, Jaylen Cungious (Sr.); Tyler Rupert (Sr.); teams play.”
senior Ryan Melton Dantariyus Cannon (Jr.) with good hands. We will have Donte Smith (Jr.); Ryan Melton (Sr.); — Scott Walters
hebron Christian eagles

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Eight-Man Football, District 1; 2017 Record: 7-1 (junior varsity schedule)
Coaching staff
Head coach
David Foster
n Rease Gairhan
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 SHARKEY-
ISSAQUENA
Aug. 24 At Delta Aca.
Aug. 31 At Kemper Aca.
Sept. 7 At Calhoun Aca.
Sept. 14 HUMPHREYS ACA.
Sept. 21 At Marvell Aca. (Ark.)
Sept. 28 DELTA STREETS
Oct. 5 NO. SUNFLOWER
ACA.
Oct. 12 DESOTO
Oct. 19 MANCHESTER ACA.
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Eight-Man
District 1
Calhoun Aca. Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Desoto Hebron Christian School football coach David Foster watches his players go through conditioning drills at the start of a preseason practice.
Delta Aca.
VARSITY CALLING AGAIN FOR EAGLES

Hebron Aca.
Marvell Aca. (Ark.)
North Sunflower Aca.
NOTE: No. 1 team
qualifies for playoffs.
Others based on points.
Foster hopes numbers are back up to help Hebron Christian return to varsity action after seven-win junior varsity finish
Year-by-Year Record By Adam Minichino
aminichino@cdispatch.com
Academy, Prairie View
Year Record Coach Academy, Prentiss Chris-
2016 0-9 David Foster tian, which are Class AA
2015 8-4 David Foster PHEBA — David Foster schools in other sports,
2014 6-4 David Foster has gotten used to dealing
2013 7-4 David Foster also will play eight-man
2012 8-2 David Foster with numbers in the teens football this season.
2011 4-3 Tri Nason the last few years. Foster said some of
2010 1-9 Greg Watkins Eight-man football those teams likely will have
2009 4-6 Greg Watkins coaches usually can find
2008 8-5 Sam Pearson more experience and size
2007 6-5 Sam Pearson
ways to make rosters with than his squad, but he is
2006 7-4 Sam Pearson 14-18 players work just eager to see how his players
2005 7-3 Sam Pearson as long as there are a few compete after learning how
2004 3-7 San Pearson upperclassmen to provide
2003 3-7 Sam Pearson to win least season. He ad-
leadership. mitted he has had to learn
NOTE: Records not available
before 2003. Unfortunately, the to be patient in a number of
numbers ways. Since his team played
didn’t work on Thursday nights, Foster
A CLOSER LOOK AT for Foster
didn’t have anywhere to
THE EAGLES in 2017. As
go on Friday evenings last
a result,
David Foster hopes to season. He said he went to
his Hebron
have 14 players out in the games at Calhoun Academy
Christian
Eagles’ return to varsity a few times.
School foot-
play in 2018. He expects As for his coaching
Foster ball team
three of those players to be style and demeanor, Fos-
that was Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Hebron Christian School sophomore running back Doug Loden turns the corner. ter said he already had
upperclassmen. packed with ninth-graders
“throttled back” a little
Hebron Christian will rely and middle-school aged
bit because the Eagles
on an eight-player sopho- players was forced to for-
weren’t capable of doing
more class. Those players feit its varsity schedule
some of the things his
were part of a 7-1 finish and to play a junior varsity
teams have done in past
against a junior varsity slate.
years. Still, he said it was
schedule. “It was better for them
to play the JV schedule,” hard not to be as intense
The Eagles were forced
Foster said. “It would have as he has been with oth-
to forfeit their varsity games
been great if they could er squads. To their cred-
in 2017 after they learned have moved up and helped it, Foster said the players
right before the start of the the high school play some didn’t back down and
season that they wouldn’t quarters, but it got this encouraged him to chal-
have enough players to field time last year and I didn’t lenge and to push them to
a team. have a single high school be their best.
guy who came to practice. “I struggled all year that
OFFENSE
Those seventh-, eighth-, year trying to get them be-
Foster said sophomores
and ninth-graders were ing at the age they were not
Braeden Triplett and Elijah to lay down, and that is easy
Parrish will compete for time out here practicing ev-
ery day. I kept waiting for for me to say because I am
at quarterback. He said not getting my head beat in
some to show up and one
Triplett, who played the posi-
finally did and practiced by somebody that is in the
tion last season, has made one day and then told me 12th grade,” Foster said.
significant strides, while he wasn’t playing.” “My deal was when those
Parrish, who was injured Despite being down to coaches subbed that we ex-
last season, has looked only eight of high-school Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
ecute what we were trying
good in the fall. At running age, Foster said the play- Hebron Christian School sophomore quarterback Braeden Triplett goes high to make to do and play defense.”
back, Foster will look to ers wanted to take on a a catch in preseason practice. Foster said it wasn’t un-
varsity schedule. He said til the second half of the
sophomores Doug Loder
the players didn’t like the Foster said that finish playing varsity opponents with their numbers. last game of the season
and Bradley Scott and junior
decision not to do that, rubbed off on the players without any upperclass- “They’re still young, that the Eagles started to
Evin Pilkington. Sophomores do that. He feels the 2017
but he said they accepted and contributed to a solid men in 2016. Foster said a but our goal is to be com-
Jackson Langley and Jon season will be a bridge to
the reality of the situation. year in 2017, one he felt year of competing against petitive,” Foster said. “If
McGrew and senior Aaron the 2018 campaign that
They made the most of should have ended with evenly matched opponents we will be competitive
Woodson are expected to it, too, by going 7-1. The an 8-0 mark. helped rejuvenate the play- and execute plays and will help lead to another
play up front. Sophomore finish included a victory “They didn’t let that ers. In fact, he sensed the give ourselves a chance winning season.
Jon Garrett Lowe has good against Delta Academy, eighth-grade season of Eagles “turned the corner.” to win a game, that’s what “I want them to keep a
height and size to play tight which was the Mississip- playing high school foot- Foster hopes the Eagles we’re after. We don’t have good attitude and I want
end. pi Association of Inde- ball discourage them,” can continue to build this a chance if we don’t com- to be competitive and ex-
DEFENSE pendent Schools (MAIS) said Foster, who is in his season. He said he hopes pete and execute what ecute stuff and give our-
Foster said the defensive Eight-Man North champi- seventh season as head to have 14 players on the we’re supposed to do. It is selves a chance,” Foster
line of Woodson, Langley, on, in the eighth game. coach but has been associ- squad buoyed by a group of the same thing I preached said. “You don’t have a
Foster opted to play a ated with the program for eight sophomores. Hebron to them as eighth-grad- chance if you don’t exe-
McGrew, Gage Yeatman,
junior varsity schedule be- much longer. “Last year, Christian also will look to ers, but they aren’t cute your game plan.
Pilkington, and Lowe all
cause he didn’t want his they saw that you keep three freshmen to provide eighth-graders anymore.” “We are on the right
have made improvement, track. We just have to keep
young players to be over- getting better and you depth. Foster said a talent- Hebron Christian will
as have Loden, Parrish, and matched like they were get older and you’re going ed group of seventh- and play in Division I in MAIS’ working at it. I just have to
McGrew at linebacker. Scott, in 2016, when the Eagles to win some games. You eighth-graders is in the four-division format for figure out ways I can help
Triplett, Yeatman, and Zack scored only 20 points in an just have to play against program, so the potential its 22 eight-man football them. I have to realize they
Corban also will see time in 0-9 campaign. The “bright” people athletically you for depth could be coming. teams. Hebron Chris- can’t do this yet. They’re go-
the secondary. spot came in a 28-0 loss to can match up with. That Foster said he hopes tian will be paired with ing to be able to do it, but we
“We’re glad to be playing Kemper Academy in the showed them they could.” sophomore Elijah Par- Calhoun Academy, Delta aren’t at that level yet. I have
again,” Foster said. “The regular-season finale. He- Most importantly, Fos- rish, who hurt his ankles Academy, DeSoto Acade- to be able to put them in
team is excited. Our goal is bron Christian trailed 21-0 ter said last season showed last year, can be one of my (Ark.), Marvell Acad- something where they have
to execute in games and to at halftime and answered the Eagles how to win. He the core group the Eagles emy (Ark.), and North a chance to succeed at what-
be competitive.”
the challenge he presented said the young group had look to. He also hopes one Sunflower Academy. ever play we’re running.”
at halftime and played one won only one game in ju- senior and two juniors will Manchester Acad- Follow Dispatch sports
— Adam Minichino
of their best halves of foot- nior high the previous year stick with football to give emy, Christian Colle- editor Adam Minichino on
ball of the entire season. and then had to deal with the Eagles a little cushion giate Academy, Franklin Twitter @ctsportseditor
Oak HIll academy raiders

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: 11-Man Football Class AA, District 1; 2017 Record: 6-4 (2-2 Class AA, District 1)
Coaching staff
Head coach
Chris Craven
n Bill Rosenthal —
Defensive Coordinator,
Defensive Line
n Tyler Rosenthal —
Defensive Ends
n Cody Allen — Offensive
Lines
n Thomas Easterling —
Special Teams
n Austin Yelton — Wide
Receivers / Defensive
Backs
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 DEER CREEK ACA.
Aug. 24 At Newton Co. Aca. Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Aug. 31 TUNICA ACA. Oak Hill Academy football coach Chris Craven gives instructions to his players during a preseason practice in West Point.
Sept. 7 At Winona
Christian
Sept. 14 CARROLL ACA.
Sept. 21 WAYNE ACA.
Sept. 28 At Columbus
RAIDERS HUNGRY FOR MORE AFTER DIGESTING PRINCIPLES
By Adam Minichino Eateries in Clay of a move by Oak (MAIS) Class AA playoffs.
Christian Aca. aminichino@cdispatch.com County can rest as- Hill Academy foot- Coach Craven said last season
Oct. 5 At Central Holmes
Oct. 12 At West Memphis
sured the Raiders ball coach Chris he felt the players had bonded
WEST POINT — Restaurants will come in and Craven, who is and were displaying toughness,
(Ark.) in West Point are encouraged to
Oct. 19 MARSHALL ACA. clean out their cup- Jaden’s father, to which is something many of
extend their hours for dinner in boards because re-establish an them said was key to the pro-
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
the fall. the 2018 group is identity and a cul- gram’s success. He hopes the
That’s because the Oak Hill focused on being Craven ture in the pro- returning players set the tone for
Oswalt
Academy football a band of brothers gram. Craven and the program to take another step
team plans to help that stays together his coaches talked in 2018.
eating establish- on and off the field. with the players to identify their “The way you see our kids
ments like Tin Liz- “Last year we really only were key principles and took them to doing something with it is when
zie, No Way Jose, doing stuff at school with each build a foundation. The Raid- they start holding each other ac-
2017 Results Waffle House, other,” Oak Hill Academy junior ers reaped the initial rewards countable,” Craven said. “When
MAIS
Class AA, District 1 Taco Bell, McDon- lineman Jaden Craven said. “We from that work in 2017 in a 6-4 you see them using that terminol-
Aug. 18 Weather Bryan ald’s, Wendy’s, and made it a mission this year to not season that ended with a loss to ogy and the core principles and
At Deer Creek Aca. others make some only have that brother bond in Tri-County Academy in the first saying something about commit-
Aug. 25 L, 21-27 serious “bank” school but also out of school.” round of the Mississippi Asso- ment, about being tough, about it
NEWTON CO. ACA. this year following its games. The decision is an extension ciation of Independent Schools See RAIDERS, 21
Sept. 1 W, 44-0
At Strider Aca.
Sept. 8 W, 14-0
CORE PRINCIPLES FOR OAK HILL ACADEMY
WINONA
CHRISTIAN
Sept. 15 W, 17-14
At Carroll Aca.
Sept. 22 W, 20-8
At Wayne Aca.
Sept. 29 W, 55-0
COLUMBUS
CHRISTIAN ACA.
Oct. 6 L, 7-16
CENTRAL HOLMES
Oct. 13 W, 14-13
WEST MEMPHIS
(Ark.)
Oct. 20 L, 0-21
At Marshall Aca.
Oct. 27 L, 13-33
At Tri-County Aca.
ABOVE: The five red signs
HOME GAMES IN CAPS A CLOSER LOOK AT OAK HILL ACADEMY represent the core principles
OFFENSE Defense key players lost from 2017 Oak Hill Academy football coach
QB — Ash Cullum (Senior) NG — Tyler Oswalt (Junior) QB/SS — John Carver Middleton Chris Craven and his players have
11-Man Football RB — Jonah Caskey (Junior) DT — Robert Thompson (Senior)
DT — Alex Powell (Junior)
WR/DB — Dylan Scott
WR — Reiley Tate
established for the program. The
Class AA, Dist. 1 FB — Ethan Bryan (Senior)
WR — Manning Huffman
DE — Archie Miller (Junior) RB/LB — Collins Brown
Raiders came up with the words
Carroll Academy DE — Daniel Harrington (Junior) DT — Ryan Simmons they want to be known for and
Central Holmes (Sophomore) LB — Dalton Wilemon (Junior) FAST FACTS put them to use last season in a
Oak Hill Academy SLOT — Collin Coggins (Junior)
Winona Christian LB — Jaden Craven (Junior) Craven and his coaches worked with six-win campaign that featured a
TE — Daniel Harrington (Junior) SS — Jake Makamson (Senior) the players last season to establish core return to the Mississippi
NOTE: No. 1 team qualifies
for playoffs. Other spots C — Kindrick Langford (Senior) FS — Lucas Birmingham (Senior) principles, which are pictured above. The Association of Independent
based on points. RG — Jaden Craven (Junior) CB — Collin Coggins (Junior) signs, which hang on the wall outside the Schools (MAIS) Class AA playoffs.
LG — Robert Thompson (Senior) CB — Dalton Magers (Junior) football team’s locker room, were put up
RT — Alex Powell (Junior) COACH CRAVEN: “We have several this summer. They represent a constant
LT — Kip Alpe (Sophomore) returning starters on defense this year. reminder of the things the Raiders want
Year-by-Year Record COACH CHRIS CRAVEN: “The offen-
We expect them to be great tacklers
and very physical.”
to be the foundation of their program.
“Our kids play with a lot of heart,”
Year Record Coach sive line and backfield are all returning
2017 6-4 Chris Craven Specialists Craven said. “They work year round in the
2016 2-8 Chris Craven starters. We will rely heavily on their K — Grayson Easterling (Senior) weight room, and they are a physically
2015 7-4 Chris Craven experience to establish a sound run COACH CRAVEN: The kicker has a and mentally tough group.”
2014 5-6 Tony Stanford game.” gift! We depend on his talent every game. — Adam Minichino Adam Minichino/Dispatch Staff
2013 5-6 Daniel Merchant
2012 6-6 Daniel Merchant
2011 0-10 Benjie Merchant
2010 3-8 Leroy Gregg
2007 0-10 Randy Carlisle
2003 3-8 Charles Faulkner
2002 4-7 Charles Faulkner
2001 4-6 Brian Pickens
2000 1-9 Brian Pickens
1999 4-7 Phil Flynn
1998 3-8 Phil Flynn
1997 5-6 Rick Cahalane
1996 3-7 Rick Cahalane
1995 1-9 G.T. Thames
1994 ** G.T. Thames
**—Record unavailable
“This coaching
staff is looking
for this group
of young men to
play as one family
unit, with class
and character.”
Oak Hill Academy Senior Ash Cullum is expected to step in and be the
football coach starting quarterback for the Oak Hill Academy football
Chris Craven team this season.
Hamilton lions
Hamilton High School

football coach Josh Baty,
right, watches tackle
Laderrick Despenza
attempt a field goal during
preseason practice.
Despenza and lineman
Coaching staff Grant Thompson are
Head coach attracting interest from
Josh Baty
colleges and will be
n Dallas Flippo — Special
Teams / Quarterbacks counted on to play big
n Victor Cunningham — roles on both sides of the
Defensive Coordinator / ball. The Lions also will
Running Backs / look to senior wide
n John David Hartley — receiver/defensive back
Offensive Coordinator / Kaminski Bankhead to
Wide Receivers
make key contributions.
n Joel Cosgrove —
Offensive, Defensive Lines /
Special Teams
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 At Coldwater
Aug. 24 NETTLETON
Aug. 31 HATLEY
Sept. 7 NANIH WAIYA
Sept. 14 At West Lowndes
Sept. 21 NOXAPATER
Sept. 28 At Ethel
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 At Sebastopol Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Oct. 19 At French Camp
LIONS HAVE PIECES IN PLACE TO MAKE PLAYOFF PUSH

Oct. 26 At Leake Co.
Nov. 2 VARDAMAN
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
By Don Rowe Gone from last “Despite our season-ending injuries.

Special to The Dispatch season’s squad are losses, we have a “We lost 11 players my first
starting quarter- solid nucleus re- year and seven more my second
HAMILTON — Coming off back Bryant Butler turning, highlight- year,” Baty said. “Eighteen sea-
a 5-6 season in 2017 and faced and his twin broth- ed by three excep- son-ending injuries at any school
2017 Results with the prospect of replacing 10 er, running back tional athletes who over a two-year span are hard
MHSAA starting seniors, including the Bryson Butler; no doubt will play to overcome, especially at a 1A
Class 1A, Region 3 quarterback and the majority of wide receiver/de- on the next lev- school.”
its skill players, it would appear Despenza Thompson
Aug. 18 W, 47-6 fensive back twin el next season in For the most part, Hamilton
COLDWATER that a rebuilding year would be in brothers Bailey tackles Laderrick stayed healthy last season and
Aug. 25 L, 6-33 the works for the Hamilton High and Brice Loftin; wide receiver/ Despenza (6-4 ½, 295 pounds) Baty’s roster at present is up to 31
NETTLETON School football team. linebacker Timarco Fields; full- and Grant Thompson (6-4 ½, players, an average of 25 of whom
Sept. 1 L, 20-33 But to steal College GameDay back/middle linebacker Toby 305), along with wide receiver/ made regular appearances at the
At Hatley analyst Lee Cor- Young; center Lane Stockman; defensive back Kaminski Bank- team’s offseason workouts.
Sept. 8 L, 6-53 so’s tagline, offensive guard Stone Crawford; head (6-2, 190),” Baty said. “All “I’m proud of the way they
At Nanih Waiya “Not so fast, my worked this summer,” Baty said.
defensive end Carl Bailey; de- three of whom have good size and
Sept. 15 W, 14-12 friends,” a rebuild- “They were dedicated to getting
fensive tackle Michael Harrison; have started since their fresh-
WEST LOWNDES
ing year doesn’t and special teams player and man year. Too, for a small school, bigger and stronger, and that
Sept. 22 L, 16 -18
seem to be the backup middle linebacker Nick we have size along the line, and if work ethic carried over into our
At Noxapater
Sept. 29 W, 42-0
case, according to Harmon. we can keep everybody healthy, first week of practice. They gave
ETHEL coach Josh Baty. Statistically speaking, Young our offensive and defensive lines everything they had, and there
Bankhead “True, we lost led all tacklers with 98 solo stops, should be our strong suit this was no griping or complaining.”
Oct. 6 OPEN DATE
Oct. 13 W, 34-21 10 senior starters including 13 sacks, while Harri- season.” As far as getting “bigger and
SEBASTOPOL and one backup who also started son (37) and Bailey (25) com- Keeping everyone healthy will stronger,” no less than a dozen
Oct. 20 L, 0-42 on the special teams from last bined for an additional 62 tackles. be Baty’s No. 1 priority, which is 2018 starters have added addi-
FRENCH CAMP year’s squad, and that’s a lot of Offensively, Bryant Butler why he doesn’t want a repeat of tional pounds to their playing
Oct. 27 L, 14-26 slots to fill at a 1A school,” Baty finished his senior season as the his first two years as Hamilton’s weight of a year ago.
LEAKE CO. said. team’s leading ground-gainer. coach when he lost 18 players to See HAMILTON, 22
Nov. 3 W, 16-6
At Vardaman
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
A CLOSER LOOK AT HAMILTON
QUARTERBACKS the most athletic kid we have, Tyler Bertrand (Soph.), SECONDARY
Sam Frantz (Sr.); our leading receiver in yards Sam Robinson (Jr.), Kaminski Bankhead (Sr.),
Year-by-Year Record Gabe Burcham (Sr.) Class 1A and touchdowns on offense Konner Bird (Soph.), D.J. Dobbs (Soph.),
Year Record Coach
2017 5-6 Josh Baty
“Despite neither one having
any experience at quarterback,
Region 3 and interceptions as a defen-
sive back,” Baty said.
Zach Crawford (Soph.)
“The DL is the strength of
B.J. Jones (Jr.), Rye Howard
(Fr.), Kayden Smith (Fr.),
Ethel
2016 2-8 Josh Baty they’ve both worked hard every OFFENSIVE LINE our team with three of the four Colin Holman (Jr.), Tylar Toler
French Camp
2015 1-10 Josh Baty day and I have faith in them. Hamilton Laderrick Despenza (Sr.), starters (Despenza, Thompson (Soph.), Jacob Young (Soph.),
2014 6-5 Ray Weeks I trust them to get the job Leake County Grant Thompson (Sr.), and Bertrand) right at 300 Chris Chaney (Jr.)
2013 9-4 Ray Weeks done,” Baty said. Nanih Waiya Jalin Smith (Jr.), pounds. Our goal is to control “Kaminski (Bankhead) and
2012 4-8 Ray Weeks RUNNING BACKS Noxapater Brodie Collum (Jr.), the line of scrimmage and D.J. (Dobbs) are extremely
2011 9-3 Ray Weeks Ty Hall (Jr.); B.J. Jones (Jr.); Sebastopol Zach Crawford (Soph.), force the opponent to throw athletic, while B.J. (Jones) is
2010 5-7 Ray Weeks Payton Flanery (Soph.) Vardaman Konner Bird (Soph.), the ball,” Baty said. a solid defender,” Baty said.
2009 4-7 Ray Weeks “Ty is the most experi- West Lowndes Houston Vaiden (Soph.) LINEBACKERS “Rye (Howard) is a talented
2008 5-6 Ray Weeks enced running back we have NOTE: Top four qualify “We’re big and strong with Daniel Miller (Sr.), freshman, but he’ll have to
2007 4-7 Ray Weeks and he’s led the backs in rush- for playoffs Laderrick (Despenza) and Gabe Burcham (Sr.), learn from the others.”
2006 5-6 Ray Weeks ing the past two years,” Baty Grant (Thompson) at tackle, Kameron Shields (Jr.), SPECIALISTS
2005 7-5 Ray Weeks said. “He’s not the fastest both right at 300 pounds and Gabe Tipton (Jr.), Gabe Tipton (Jr.),
2004 1-9 Ray Weeks runner on the team, but he’s a both starters since their fresh- Thomas Jackson (Jr.) Laderrick Despenza (Sr.)
2003 3-7 Ricky Kendrick strong, hard-nosed kid who’s Sam Robinson (Jr.), man year. Jalin (Smith), Brodie “Daniel (Miller) and Gabe “Gabe (Tipton) was our back-
2002 7-3 Ricky Kendrick not afraid of anything and will Jacob Young (Soph.), (Collum) and Zach (Crawford) (Burcham) have played every up punter last year,” Baty said.
2001 6-4 Bracky Brett get everything he can.” Chris Chaney (Jr.) are talented but don’t have as snap the past two years and, “He has a strong leg that won’t
2000 9-2 Scott Cantrell WIDE RECEIVERS / A deep group talent-wise, much experience, so they’re along with Kaminski (Bank- get off a 55- or 60-yard. punt,
1999 7-4 Scott Cantrell TIGHT ENDS with Bankhead, Dobbs and going to have to learn fast,” head) at defensive back, I but he’ll be consistently in the
1998 3-7 Scott Cantrell Jones starting at receiver, with 35- to 40-yard. range. Laderrick
Kaminski Bankhead (Sr.); Baty said. look to those three to lead the
1997 4-5 Scott Cantrell Nathan Fast lining up at tight (Despenza) handled the kickoff,
D.J. Dobbs (Soph.); B.J. Jones DEFENSIVE LINE defense and tell me what they
1996 5-7 Scott Cantrell field goal, and extra-point at-
(Jr.); Nathan Fast (Sr.); end when the Lions go to their Laderrick Despenza (Sr.), see and what’s not working,”
1995 5-6 Paul Dees tempts, and he’s gotten better.”
Colin Holman (Jr.), tight end package. Grant Thompson (Sr.), Baty said.
1994 4-7 Paul Dees
Gabe Tipton (Jr.), “Kaminski (Bankhead) is Nathan Fast (Sr.), — Don Rowe
Aberdeen bulldogs
Coaching staff
Head coach
Eric Spann
n Curtis Cook
n Kyle Davis
n Josh Alford
n Andrew Davis
n Sammie Burroughs
n Seth Dover
2018 Schedule
Aug. 17 At Bruce
Aug. 24 At Caledonia
Aug. 31 AMORY
Sept. 7 At Pontotoc
Sept. 14 at New Hope
Sept. 21 ITAWAMBA AHS
Sept. 28 At Nettleton
Oct. 4 CHOCTAW CO. Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Oct. 12 HATLEY Aberdeen High School Fred Fields works on his punting at a recent preseason practice. Coach Eric Spann will look to the senior quarterback
Oct. 19 At Houston again this season to fuel the Bulldogs’ offense. Last season, Fields threw for 2,035 yards and 18 touchdowns.
FIELDS HOPES TO PUSH BULLDOGS HIGHER IN FINAL YEAR

Oct. 267 At So. Pontotoc
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY SCOT T WALTERS
swalters@cdispatch.com
ABERDEEN — Aber-
deen High School senior
running back Brandan
2017 Results Williams knows when his
MHSAA
Class 4A, Region 3 teammate senior quarter-
Aug. 18 W, 50-12 back Fred Fields is in a
BRUCE zone.
Aug. 25 W, 56-30 “When we score on that
CALEDONIA first possession of a game,
Sept. 1 W, 30-22 you have a feeling it is go-
At Amory ing to be a good night,”
Sept. 8 L, 24-44 Williams said. “Fred can
At Pontotoc make a big play anytime
Sept. 15 L, 22-42 he touches the ball. When
NEW HOPE we go out there and score
Sept. 22 L, 32-45 early, everybody is in the
At Itawamba AHS flow, well we know special
Sept. 29 W, 50-7 things are about to hap-
NETTLETON pen.”
Oct. 6 L, 16-47 Aberdeen thrived early
At Choctaw Co. in the de-
Oct. 13 W, 38-28
cade with a
At Hatley
w ide - open
Oct. 20 L, 34-57
HOUSTON
offense led
Oct. 27 L, 14-21 by Josh
SO. PONTOTOC Williams Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
and in the Aberdeen High School senior running back Brandan Williams takes a handoff from classmate and quarterback
Nov. 3 L, 36-52
middle with Fred Fields. Williams hopes to work with Fields to make the Bulldogs go this season.
At North Panola
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Spann Tr a mont e
much of (Josh Williams). lead-by-example kind of
P r at her.
Now Fields will get his
“Fred is our go-to guy. We will go A lot of the same skill set. guy,” Fields said. “The
Class 3A
chance as the Bulldogs
near the end of the decade.
as he goes. He is such a talented He’s our leader.”
Spann grasped Fields’
coaches have been work-
ing with me about talking
Region 4 Fields has thrown for
4,091 yards and 29 touch-
athlete. He is fast and thinks well on big-play ability in ninth more. They have asked
Aberdeen grade. He is a perfect fit for me to take ownership of
Choctaw County downs in his two seasons his feet.” Aberdeen’s offensive style. the team. I know my team-
Hatley as a varsity starter. He will Now the intangibles are be- mates believe in me, so we
Houston be the focal point this sea- Aberdeen High School football coach ing stressed to make him are working on that.”
Nettleton son as Aberdeen looks to Eric Spann a better all-around player Senior lineman Chris
South Pontotoc return to the Mississippi
and potential senior college Ewing agrees with Spann
NOTE: Top four qualify High School Activities As-
prospect. that the Bulldogs have
for playoffs sociation (MHSAA) Class fun to play in the offense. defense (last year), and
3A playoffs. It’s fun to watch Fred do “Since last season end- some good football ahead.
that hurt us. Things would
“Fred is our go-to his thing. This year, we go well for a while. Then ed, we have been stress- “This year is going to
guy,” Aberdeen coach need more consistency.” there would be a missed ing leadership,” Spann be different,” Ewing said.
said. “Fred is quiet, so he “There are a lot of seniors
Year-by-Year Record Eric Spann said. “We will Spann feels the Bull- assignment or an error
is not a big vocal leader. on this year’s team. You al-
Year Record Coach go as he goes. He is such dogs are positioned to in coverage. The defense
2017 5-7 Eric Spann a talented athlete. He is reach that consistency. should take a huge leap He is the quarterback, ways want to go out playing
2016 3-9 Eric Spann fast and thinks well on his On offense, the en- this year simply based on though, and he is the your best, making history
2015 11-4 Eric Spann leader. Other players feed with the program.”
2014 10-4 Mark Bray feet. We tell him each day tire line returns. A year being a year older.
he has been blessed with ago, the Bulldogs had “If we can show some off what he does. He has As many as eight se-
2013 7-6 Mark Bray
2012 11-3 Mark Bray God-given ability. Now it’s two 1,000-yard rush- maturity on defense and always had the natural niors could start on of-
2011 7-6 Chris Duncan up to him to get the most ers (Fields and Dajoun find some wide receivers, ability. We haven’t had to fense. The defense isn’t
2010 14-2 Chris Duncan coach below the head. The as fortunate. Still, some
2009 13-3 Chris Duncan
he can out of that talent.” Dobbs). Fields threw for this could be a special
Aberdeen averaged 2,035 yards and 18 touch- season.” coaching now is about his of the younger Bulldogs
2008 11-3 Chris Duncan
2007 9-3 Chris Duncan 33.5 points per game last downs. Typically, receivers sal- mental makeup and his made it through the bat-
2006 0-10 Jack Hankins season. Still, the Bulldogs On defense, the Bull- ivate to play at Aberdeen. leadership abilities. To tles a year ago.
2005 1-9 Andy Stevens allowed an average of 33.9 dogs returns nine start- Junior Isaac Watson play on the next level, he “Our region is wide
2004 5-6 Andy Stevens is going to need to contin- open,” Spann said. “There
2003 9-3 Andy Stevens and finished 5-7. Aberdeen ers. The unit is still rela- will be a big part of this
2002 5-6 Andy Stevens lost in the opening round tively young. At times last year’s passing game ue to evolve there.” shouldn’t be a big margin
2001 2-8 Lee Doty of the playoffs. season as many as four plans. Fields always has pre- from top to bottom. If we
2000 1-9 Lee Doty “Last year was a big freshmen started on that “Watching Fred play ferred to let his game just keep plugging away,
1999 2-8 Steve Herring
1998 4-7 Scott Samsel challenge because we felt side of the ball. quarterback is fun,” Wat- speak for itself. However, we should be where we
1997 8-5 Scott Samsel like we had to score on ev- “The biggest thing is son said. “It’s just up-tem- he understands the need want to be at the end of
1996 3-8 Royce Stephens ery possession,” Williams being a year older, a year po, throw the ball all over to take it up a notch enter- the season.”
1995 3-8 Royce Stephens said. “We had up-and- wiser,” Spann said. “We the field. He can also ing his final high school Follow Dispatch sports
1994 2-8 Perry Liles make plays running the
down games. We had an were playing young peo- season. writer Scott Walters on
up-and-down season. It’s ple all over the place on ball. He reminds you so “Always been a Twitter @dispatchscott
“The biggest
A CLOSER LOOK AT ABERDEEN
thing is being QUARTERBACKS some really big things out of get a chance to make some Javeon Paine (Sr.) were freshmen,” Spann said.
a year older, a Fred Fields (Sr.)
Fields threw for 2,035
Brandan,” Spann said. “He
will need to break off some
plays, too.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Only one starter returns on
the defensive line.
“We were young back there
last year and that is why we
year wiser. We yards and 18 touchdowns last
season.
big plays to help us open the
passing game.”
Tyler Smith (Sr.); Chris Ewing
(Sr.); Dontavius Gathings
“We will be looking for an-
swers for this position,” Spann
gave up some big plays. The
experience gained will pay off
were playing “Fred is our go-to guy,”
Aberdeen coach Eric Spann
WIDE RECEIVERS /
TIGHT ENDS
(Sr.); Mike Carouthers (Sr.);
O.J. Rice (Sr.)
said. “We have some young
players who will be able to help.
this season.”
SECONDARY
young people all said. “He’s the quarterback
and he’s the leader. We will
Tae Johnson (Soph.);
Jaquan Jones (Sr.);
The entire line returns ...
Smith is center, while Ewing
Then we need to see if we play
any of the offensive linemen
Jaquan Jones (Sr.); C.J. Arnold
(Soph.); Fred Fields (Sr.);
over the place go as he goes. Fortunately,
he has a lot of experience. He
Marquez Doss (Sr.);
Isaac Watson (Jr.);
and Gathings are tackles
and Carouthers and Rice are
over here in certain spots.”
LINEBACKERS
Brandan Williams (Sr.);
Dontavious Holliday (Jr.)
on defense (last has helped set the tone for
this team for the upcoming
C.J. Arnold (Soph.)
Doss and Jones bring
guards.
“We have a lot of experi-
Jonathan Moore (Soph.);
Ja Nolan Jones (Soph.);
Jones and Arnold will play
corner positons, while Fields,
year), and that season.”
RUNNING BACKS
the most experience to this
position.
ence along the line,” Spann
said. “They made major strides
Martavious Ware (Soph.);
Bryson Moore (Sr.);
Williams and Holliday are
safeties.
hurt us.” Brandan Williams (Sr.);
Iverson Barker (Soph.);
“Lot of competition at the
receiver positions,” Spann
last season and it’s great
when the whole crew returns.”
Wyza Randle (Fr.)
Young position with some
“Fred and Brandan are
going to transition to more
Martavious Ware (Soph.) said. “You will get a lot of balls DEFENSIVE LINE experience. defense for us this season,”
Aberdeen High School Williams is the top leading in our offense. We have some Tyrse Daniels (Soph.); “Moore and Jones both Spann said. “Jaquan Jones
football coach returning rusher (behind Fields). young guys we are also looking Matthew Haynes (Jr.); got a ton of experience last has had a great camp.”
Eric Spann “We are looking at for at, hoping they step up and Javion Payne; Janari Bell (Fr.); season, even though there — Scott Walters
Starkville Yellow Jackets Raiders

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 2; Continued from Page 18
2017 Record: 13-3 (6-1 Class 6A, Region 2)
being family and you can’t let
Starkville us down. I am not going to let

you down. Some of our best
tutors are our players. It is not
uncommon for someone to
took a knee to win the be struggling in math or in
championship. chemistry and go in the lock-
Remembering the un- er room after practice and he
pleasant was intentional.
Coaching staff “We came back from
has his books out and one of
Head coach his teammates is helping him.
Chris Jones Christmas break and the That is one of the things we
n Willie Gillespie main focus was remem- teach. That is one of the things
n Will Stewart bering that feeling,” Stone we want them to do with our
n Carlos Kemp said. “The coaches honed culture.”
n Clay Moore in on, ‘Remember that Senior running back/
n Taylor Quick feeling. Remember that linebacker Ethan Bryan, ju-
n Kevie Thompson feeling.’ The whole offsea- nior guard/linebacker Jaden
n Mitchell Hardy son, from spring up until Craven, and junior lineman
n Dalton Hudspeth now, we’ve had to work Tyler Oswalt have emerged as
n Adam Lowrey three of the team’s leaders this
hard so we won’t have that
n Milton Tablet season. All of them played key
feeling again.”
n Ricardo Hines roles last season and are eager
Starkville’s quest to to make their mark moving
n Wade Henderson
right the wrong from forward. That’s why they said
n Tremond Miller
December will begin in they wanted to find a way to
earnest when the regular strengthen the bonds that
season starts Aug. 17, and started to grow last season. It
coach Chris Jones sees a was natural for them to do it
team that is prepared to over food.
take on the challenge. “We all know trust is one of
“I think it’s one of the most important things you
2018 Schedule those deals we can use it
Starkville High School football coach Chris Jones, right, watches as junior wide
can have on that field, so that
Aug. 17 NOXUBEE CO. as motivation, but there’s is why we do it, to build trust
receiver Rufus Harvey tracks a pass to him in preseason practice. Harvey is
Aug. 24 At Oxford nothing we can do about it expected to play a bigger role in the passing game following the graduation of the and to know each other like a
Aug. 31 WEST POINT but get better,” Jones said. Yellow Jackets’ top two targets from 2017. brother,” said Oswalt, whose
Sept. 7 At Columbus nickname is “Tiny.”
“It motivates us to work
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE Oswalt said he has noticed
Sept. 21 PROVINE hard in the weight room the 2017 championship dogs” have the presence teams, they kind of dis-
a difference in the chemistry
Sept. 28 At Northwest and work hard on the field from the 2016 season, if Starkville needs them to cipline themselves and
on the 2018 team. He thinks
Rankin until we get that chance to that makes sense,” Jones have. He admits it can do what they need to do,” the players went out as a team
Oct. 5 GREENVILLE be on that field one day. said. “We had a group of be difficult for that kind Jones said. “I think we out of school more times in the
Oct. 12 At Madison Nothing is guaranteed, kids that wanted it, but of a leader to navigate have a chance to be on last two months than they did
Central and it’s hard to get there, we didn’t take advantage the first year with a new that great level. That’s
Oct. 19 MURRAH
in any other June and July. It’s
but they understand how of the opportunities we staff, but he believes a going to come from the not just dinner, either. Oswalt,
Oct. 26 WARREN
hard it is and the grind had where I think (Pearl) year in the system will locker room. Craven, and Bryan said the
CENTRAL
Nov. 2 At Clinton
and what it takes to get went back on the oppor- help running back Ro- “The end goal is to be Raiders will eat breakfast,
HOME GAMES IN CAPS there.” tunities they had the year drigues Clark, defensive state champs, but I feel lunch, or supper together and
In his second year as before, the whole realm end Jalil Clemons, and like when you practice just “kill” local restaurants.
head coach at Starkville, of being a champion. linebacker Zach Edwards at a championship level, In fact, Craven said about 15
Jones feels he won’t have “I can tell it’s a little bit fill the alpha role to the you work out at a cham- Raiders went to Waffle House
to trouble shoot as many different. I think a lot of fullest. pionship level. When on July 31 because they decid-
issues, which is part of it is players. Leadership, The result, Jones you play each and every ed to “spend a little money.”
the reason he likes his I think, is different. This hopes, is a culture that game at a championship Once they were there, many
team’s chances. year we have more alpha can lead to a champion- level, it makes it easier to of the players ordered different
2017 Results “These kind of teams dog type of kids.” ship season. accomplish the big goal.” items and then sampled from
MHSAA the plates of their teammates.
Class 6A, Region 2 always play a little bit Jones also thinks the “Good teams, coaches Follow Dispatch sports
Mind you, though, there is
Aug. 18 W, 43-3 better the second time second year of his tenure have to do all the leading writer Brett Hudson on
a proper way members of a
At Noxubee Co. around. I think Pearl won could help those “alpha and disciplining; great Twitter @Brett_Hudson
brotherhood share food.
Aug. 25 W, 28-21 OT “We order different stuff
OXFORD
because we will be eating ours
Sept. 1 L, 3-28
and we will see what someone
At West Point
Sept. 8 W, 44-7
else is eating and somebody
COLUMBUS will go, ‘That looks good. Let
Sept. 15 W, 40-6 me get a bite,’ ” Craven said.
MERIDIAN “Then that person will say,
Sept. 22 W, 42-0 ‘You want a bite of mine?’ It is
At Provine like a great, big happy family.”
Sept. 29 W, 38-14 When asked if players
NORTHWEST ever stab the hands of their
RANKIN teammates for an unsolicited
Oct. 6 W, 61-14 reach for food, Craven said it
At Greenville happens.
Oct. 13 W, 14-6 “We do do that from time
MADISON CENTRAL to time but only because they
Oct. 20 W, 56-0 don’t ask,” Craven said. “We
At Murrah don’t have a problem with it,
Oct. 27 L, 0-23 but if you just go stabbing on
At Warren Central
the plate, hold up now. You
Nov. 3 W, 21-15
have to ask. Ask and then you
CLINTON
Nov. 10 W, 6-0
shall receive. It is in the Bible.”
SOUTHAVEN Craven is familiar with peo-
Nov. 17 W, 35-7 ple sampling off his play, espe-
HORNLAKE cially when the Raiders visit
Nov. 24 W, 27-24 Waffle House, which is known
MADISON for preparing its hash browns
CENTRAL “scattered, smothered, and
Dec. 1 L, 17-21 Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch covered,” which means the po-
Vs. Pearl Luke Altmyer is expected to step in and be the starting Starkville High School football coach Chris Jones is tatoes are cooked with onions
HOME GAMES IN CAPS quarterback for the Yellow Jackets this season. counting on Myles Stone, left, to anchor the secondary. and cheese is melted on top.
Craven said there are about
A CLOSER LOOK AT STARKVILLE four people who take bites of
QUARTERBACKS sophomore season with 517 yards Ronnie Randle (Soph.); his hash browns because he
Class 6A Luke Altmeyer (Soph.), and seven touchdowns. Jalen Roberts (Jr.) gets them that way.
Region 2 Malik Brown (Sr.), Offensive line Edwards is the top Jacket after Sit-down establishments
Clinton Starkville is going with Altmyer, a Michael Goss (Sr.); Derwin Ferguson leading the team in tackles (125) and like Waffle House, No Way
Greenville change from last year’s signal caller, (Sr.); Antwain Bush (Jr.); Jaylin Davis tackles for a loss (36) last season, Jose, or Tin Lizzie are pre-
Madison Central Brown. Brown is transitioning to wide (Sr.); Calvin Blair (Jr.); Jaylan Flowers
Murrah
but he will be surrounded by new ferred on Friday nights be-
receiver for his senior season, but it (Sr.); Donovan Washington (Jr.); faces. Johnson and Keyshawn Law- cause the team usually has its
NW Rankin
Provine is possible that Brown will see some Jamario Moss (Jr.); Ray Baker Jr. rence are the leaders to be Edwards’ pre-game meal at 3:30 p.m., so
snaps at quarterback in specialty (Sr.); Max Hyche (Jr.) help, with Randle chipping in from the
Starkville the players typically are hun-
Warren Central packages. The decision for the change This is the position where Starkville outside.
wasn’t easy, but coach Chris Jones has the most work to do, with Goss gry for another meal after a
NOTE: Top four qualify “He’s a really old-school line-
made it with Brown’s help. “We’re and Ferguson to serve as the senior game. Craven and Bryan said
for playoffs backer,” defensive coordinator Kevie
going to do what’s best for the team leadership for a unit that lost three Thompson said of Lawrence.
the Raiders realize some of
and for the individual kid,” he said. starters. Secondary those places close at 10 p.m. on
Running Backs “We lost a kid back to Heritage Myles Stone (Sr.); Alexis Stallings Fridays, so they’re prepared to
Rodrigues Clark (Sr.); KJ Lawrence (Academy) in the spring, Fox (Walters), (Sr.), Zitavious Williams (Sr.), call ahead and ask them to stay
Year-by-Year Record (Sr.); Keyshawn Lawrence (Soph.);
Amariyon Howard (Soph.);
he was a starter for us coming out of
the spring,” Jones said. “Next man
Jamari Evans (Jr.), Khiry Gee (Jr.), open.
Year Record Coach Justice Robinson (Jr.), Opus Lott Oswalt said the Raiders did
Lazavier Evans (Jr.) up.” (Soph.), Ty’Verious Nichols (Soph.), that last year when they went
2017 13-3 Chris Jones Clark is the top threat, after Defensive line
2016 7-4 Ricky Woods running for 1,702 yards and scoring Jalil Clemons (Sr.); Jaylan Ware (Jr.);
Roger Baptist (Sr.), to Tin Lizzie in West Point
Rashad O’Briant (Sr.) and stayed there to almost
2015 14-1 Ricky Woods 17 touchdowns. If all goes according Ryan Johnson (Sr.); Ahmir Taylor
After losing Jalen Ware and midnight. He said the players
2014 13-1 Jamie Mitchell to plan, Clark will do much more than (Soph.); Jamie Davis (Soph.);
Natrone Brooks to Copiah-Lincoln enjoyed the camaraderie and
2013 9-4 Jamie Mitchell run this season. Jacori Hendrix (Soph.);
Community College, the Yellow chance to unwind after the
2012 12-3 Jamie Mitchell “We kind of limited Dreke last year Cedric Williams (Soph.);
Jackets will be breaking in some
by not using him some at receiver,” Trayben Matthews (Soph.); game. Oswalt hopes the Raid-
2011 12-3 Jamie Mitchell new players here. They can lean on
Jones said. Calvin Blair (Jr.); Roosevelt Williams ers can enjoy a few more meals
2010 5-6 Jamie Mitchell Starkville’s options for giving Clark (Jr.) returning senior Stallings (24 tack-
les, one interception last year) and a after victories this season.
2009 4-8 Bill Lee a break KJ Lawrence, who scored Defensive end and Tennessee
senior hoping for a breakout season: Bryan doesn’t think that
2008 3-8 Bill Lee three times last season, and his commit Clemons is the standout,
Zitavious Williams. Starkville can also will be a problem because he
2007 7-6 Bill Lee younger brother, Keyshawn Lawrence, 73-tackle, 22 for a loss, and 11-sack
plus Howard and Evans. junior season. The Yellow Jackets also turn to Jamari Evans. believes everybody is “all in.”
2006 6-6 Bill Lee At safety, Thompson has high If they need a reminder, the
2005 7-4 Bill Lee Wide receivers / Tight ends return Ware from a season with 88
Rufus Harvey (Jr.); Malik Brown (Sr.); tackles, 13 for a loss. Starkville could hopes for junior Gee. words are on signs that are
2004 5-5 Bill Lee Tonorris Brookins II (Sr.); to fill its line with Johnson but will “He’s the ballhawk,” Thompson plastered on the walls outside
2003 10-4 Ronnie Cuevas Bernard Thomas (Sr.); also have to turn to younger options said. the field house.
2002 9-3 Ronnie Cuevas Atavius Jones (Sr.) from the big sophomore crop: Taylor, Specialists “Last year, we showed ev-
2001 14-1 Bill Lee Brown joins a crew that needs his Davis, Hendrix, Cedric Williams, and Garin Boniol (Sr.); Rufus Harvey (Jr.) erybody we have heart and we
help after losing two of the top three Matthews, plus juniors Blair and Roos- New Louisiana Tech commit Boniol
2000 12-2 Chuck Friend fight to the very end,” Craven
receivers from last season, Cameron evelt Williams. is back for more after handling place
1999 9-4 Chuck Friend said. “This year, I think be-
Hines (Jackson State) and Cameron For that, it turns to new defensive kicking, punting and kickoff duties
1998 10-3 Chuck Friend
last season. The Yellow Jackets had cause of that tighter bond it is
Gardner (Mississippi State). line coach Milton Talbert.
1997 10-3 Chuck Friend “He’s going to be a productive “He’s bringing a new energy,” mostly seniors on its return duties going to give us that little bit of
1996 10-4 Chuck Friend football player the way we use him,” Clemons said. last season; Harvey was last year’s extra drive.”
1995 15-0 Chuck Friend Jones said. Linebackers second punt returner, doing so nine Follow Dispatch sports
1994 15-0 Chuck Friend Brown joins last year’s No. 2 Zach Edwards (Sr.); Keyshawn times for 97 yards. editor Adam Minichino on
receiver, Harvey, who returns after a Lawrence (Soph.); Ty Johnson (Sr.); — Brett Hudson Twitter @ctsportseditor
Tranum
effort that fueled the Vol-
unteers in 2017. They
didn’t dazzle opponents
with eye-popping athleti-
cism. Instead, they fought
for four quarters or more
and used discipline, exe-
cution, and consistency
to outlast other teams.
Tranum epitomizes all of
those qualities because
he isn’t the biggest or the
tallest player. He impress-
es with hard work, effort,
and an attitude that says
he isn’t going to get beat.
After losing 14 seniors
from the 2017 state cham-
pionship team, Nicholson
said he will look to Tra-
num and players like Ben
Guest, Howell Archer,
Taylor Arnold, Will Mill- Jim Lytle/Dispatch File Photo

er, Willie Latham, and Walker Tranum (54) celebrates a recovery and a touchdown by Ben Guest (5) after a
Garrett Lewis to be some blocked punt by Matt Miller in the Starkville Academy football team’s 21-14 overtime
Noxubee County High School senior Kyziah Pruitt tries
of the new leaders to di- victory against Indianola Academy in the Mississippi Association of Independent
to break a tackle during preseason practice.
Tigers
rect the Volunteers. Schools (MAIS) Class AAA State championship game last season in Jackson.
“He is going to control Despite saying he is les to add to his collection at him and say, ‘What do I
his people. He is going to “quiet,” Tranum feels it of stickers on his helmet. do?’ It is not uncommon for
Continued from Page 11 control his offensive line,” will come naturally for Meanwhile, Nicholson, him to do it. It is expected
Despite key graduation ciplined and listen and we Nicholson said. “When him to talk more when who is sitting at his desk, from him, and he takes that
losses, Noxubee County can go a long way.” we call a play, he is the he is needed to lead the smiles. He said he calls and wears that like a badge
returns 14 or 15 starters Stallings believes the one who dictates direc- team. He said he learned Tranum “Hulk” once in because he knows people
as it loads up to face an- Tigers can get back to tion. He talks to his guys. a lot from seniors like a while because he gets expect that from him. He
other daunting non-re- the state title game and It is his world there. The Noah Methvin and Kyle pissed off, or he will be is the type of guy who isn’t
gion schedule and a Class eclipse the record of the skill guys are not going to Faver last season, but one of the more exuber- going to do too much. He
4, Region 4 slate that in- 2017 team because this look to him.” that he will continue to ant players in the weight is going to take care of his
cludes perennial powers year’s group has more Tranum said he be- play like he always has room. In fact, two years guys. He is not going to try
Louisville and Kosciusko. vocal leaders. He also lieves he has been a because he doesn’t know ago, Nicholson said he cut to tell the skill guys what
“This team reminds me said that this year’s se- leader as a starter on the any other way. and pasted Tranum’s head to do. He is going to tell his
of my 2012 team,” Shorter niors are hungry to cap offensive line the last two “I always go out there and inserted it on top the guys what to do. Hopefully
said. “I say that because their careers with a sec- seasons. He understands and put it out on the field body of the Hulk, the with that comes the expec-
we have so much experi- ond-straight title, which he will have to raise his and give everything I green Marvel Comics su- tations that he will set ex-
ence. From the spring all he said added to the mo- level of play this season have,” Tranum said. “This perhero whose alter ego pectations for the team.”
the way to the summer, it tivation in the offseason and continue to be a lead- may be my last year, so I is Bruce Banner. Tranum said the ex-
has been so much easier and in the preseason. er on both sides of the am going to give it even Nicholson might mess pectations for 2018 are
because they guys know Pruitt echoed that sen- football if the Volunteers more. with Tranum’s voice from the same as last season.
what they’re doing.” timent and said every- have a chance to win an- “It is going to be hard time to time, but he knows Asked if he might say “kill
Last season, Shorter thing has been building other title. to follow up last year. Ev- Tranum is capable of play- them all” to help the Vol-
lamented the fact that the to this point since middle Tranum also acknowl- eryone wants to beat us ing the role of the Hulk or unteers realize that goal,
Tigers lacked vocal lead- school, when Shorter told edges he might have to now. We just have to work Banner for the Volunteers Tranum said he might
ers who could set the tone. the would-be Tigers that have a bigger voice —not that much harder to stay this season. but he does it in a way
There were grumblings they would have the po- necessarily like the one on top.” “He is not one to talk,” that epitomizes the self-
in the first two months of tential to be a great class. Nicholson uses to imper- When asked if he really Nicholson said. “He has less attitude of a leader
the season, as Noxubee Pruitt said the Tigers in- sonate him — to help set says “kill them all” in hud- been doing it for three focused on adding to the
County lost four of its first tend to prove Shorter was the tone for the team. dles to fire up his team- years. He was not the cap- program’s tradition.
six games. Losses to tradi- correct and leave their “I am quiet,” Tranum mates, Tranum admitted tain of the offensive line “I don’t know if I have
tional rivals Starkville and mark as one of the best said. “I usually like to let he doesn’t and that he just as a freshman, but as a (a legacy), but I am try-
West Point by a combined teams in program history. my actions do the talking “stands around and plays 10th-grader he was. When ing to leave one,” Tranum
73 points added to the ques- “(Coach Shorter) told for me, but when I say his game.” In addition to you hear a direction be- said. “That would be nice
tions surrounding the pro- us we have a chance to be something they usually wanting to do his part to ing called, it is him. He is to leave.”
gram, but Noxubee Coun- like to 2008 and the 2012 will listen because I really help the Volunteers win, the one who is coaching Follow Dispatch sports
ty found its stride down teams and go undefeat- don’t say much. I just try he takes pride in getting the guys and telling them editor Adam Minichino on
the stretch. It capped the ed,” Pruitt said. to lead by action.” pancake blocks and tack- what to do when they look Twitter @ctsportseditor
Hamilton
regular season with back- Pruitt also said assis-
to-back shutouts and de- tant coach Javancy Jones,
feated Amory, Yazoo City, who was a standout defen-
Corinth, and Louisville to sive lineman on the 2012 Continued from Page 19
reach the state title game in team, has talked about Despenza, who has Brodie Collum — at left and
Oxford. Noxubee County the potential of the 2018 drawn interest from sev- right guard, respectively —
then outscored East Cen- team. The conversations eral major colleges and a will round out the line.
tral 27-7 in the second half have created a sense of number of junior colleges, Konner Bird and Hous-
to add another gold ball to optimism that this group went from a 6-3, 240-pound ton Vaiden will be avail-
its collection. can go down in history if it lineman in 2017 to a 6-4 ½, able to give the starters a
The return of Pruitt, stays focused, disciplined, 295-pound behemoth — a breather.
who has given a verbal and injury free. 55-pound weight gain. Kon- Defensively, Thompson
commitment to Missis- Factor in what looks to ner Bird, a backup two-way will team with Tyler Ber-
sippi State, and classmate be an ideal slogan for what lineman, grew two inches trand (6-4, 300) to give the
Maliek Stallings, who everyone hopes is another and picked up 50 pounds Lions a pair of 300-pound-
has committed to Mem- run to a state title game over his freshman weight ers at tackle. Despenza and
phis, gives Shorter two and the Tigers appear to of 200 pounds. Kameron Fast will play defensive end.
weapons in what could be have all of their bases cov- Shields was listed as a 5-11, Backups include Crawford,
an even more explosive ered. 145-pound wide receiver on Bird, Robinson, and Smith.
offense. Senior running “Once I heard that I just last year’s roster, but is now Starting linebackers
back Ja’Qualyn Smith knew,” said senior line- a starting outside lineback- will be two-year veteran
rushed for 1.039 yards in backer Chaokang Brooks, er at 6-1, 190 pounds. Daniel Miller in the mid-
2017 and should give ju- who led the Tigers with Others who packed on ad- dle, flanked by Kameron
nior quarterback Khristo- 19 sacks last season. “We ditional weight include wide Shields and Burcham on
pher White, who will take don’t have the same play- receiver/defensive back D.J. the outside. Thomas Jack-
over for Armoni Clark, ers, but we have the same Dobbs (30 pounds), guard son and Tipton are listed as
added comfort level in the talent.” Jalin Smith (30), two-way the backups.
backfield. And what about the lineman Grant Thompson The secondary will fea-
“This can be one of possibility of going 16-0? (25), and quarterback Sam ture a starter from each
the best teams to come “That’s special,” Frantz (20). Six others added Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff class: Bankhead, a senior,
through here,” Stallings Brooks said. “If we keep between 10 and 15 pounds to Junior B.J. Jones is expected to compete for playing at strong safety; Jones, a ju-
said. “I believe we have our minds straight, work their playing weight from a time at running back with junior Ty Hall and sophomore nior, at left corner; Dobbs,
an opportunity to go un- hard, and don’t take any Payton Flanery. He also will see time in the secondary
year ago. a sophomore, at free safety;
defeated. We have some days off, I can see it hap- for the Hamilton High School football team.
“We stocked the refrig- and freshman Rye Howard
athletes — some unreal pening.” erator with high-protein points in our final regular offensive guard to quarter- at right corner.
athletes — some kids Follow Dispatch sports shakes for our offseason season game to make the back doesn’t happen often, Kayden Smith, Tylar
who can run and jump. All editor Adam Minichino on workouts and they were playoffs as a No. 4 seed but but Gabe wasn’t a typical Toler, Holman, Young, and
they have to do is be dis- Twitter @ctsportseditor available both before and only beat them by 10 points guard,” Baty said. “We didn’t Chaney will provide relief
after the workouts,” Baty (16-6). have anybody else to play help.
said. “I also talked to the “Those two losses in the position, so Gabe raised Tipton will take over
players every day about particular hurt our chanc- his hand and said he didn’t the punting duties, while
healthy eating habits.” es at a winning record and care where he played as long Despenza will handle field
Conversely, several play- a spot in the playoffs. Turn as he could help the team.” goal, extra points, and kick-
ers shed excess pounds, those two losses around Junior Ty Hall, who offs.
including Bankhead, who and we could have easily paced the running backs Frantz is the front-run-
grew two inches but lost been a seven-win team.” yardage-wise the past two ner as the holder, but Baty
10 pounds, and linebacker/ To improve on last sea- years, will lead the running would like to have someone
backup quarterback Gabe son’s performance, Baty backs. B.J. Jones and Pay- else step up in his place.
Burcham, who dropped 15 must find a replacement for ton Flanery will provide “I’m not too keen on hav-
pounds. departing quarterback Bry- depth. ing my quarterback hold
“Kaminski (Bank- ant Butler. Two starters from In addition to Bankhead, for extra points and field
head) got taller but lost 10 last season are battling for who led the wideouts with goals,” Baty said. “Hope-
pounds,” Baty said. “He the starting slot, neither of almost 700 yards and eight fully, we can find someone
looks better.” whom has any experience touchdowns a year ago, else to do the job.”
Hamilton went 4-4 in Re- under center, but that fact D.J. Dobbs and B.J. Jones Offensively, Baty will
gion 3 and fell just short of a doesn’t faze Baty. will look to replenish the utilize a spread offense
winning record and a play- “Just because they ha- receiving corps. Gabe Tip- in which he would like to
off berth. ven’t played quarterback ton, Colin Holman, Chris maintain a 70-30 run-pass
“Football, as you know, doesn’t mean they haven’t Chaney, and Jacob Young ratio. Defensively, he plans
is a game of inches and been on the field,” Baty will add depth. to go to a 4-3.
we just fell short in three said. “They’ve played.” Baty’s scheme doesn’t “On paper, our strong
games last year,” Baty said. Frantz, who sits atop include a tight end for the suits are our offensive and
“First, we lost by two points the depth chart in a bid most part, but Nathan Fast defensive lines,” Baty said.
(18-16) at Noxapater and to replace Butler, started and Sam Robinson could “What has me worried is
then in the Leake County at slot wide receiver and get the call if he decides to our depth. You can find one
game, we were up 14 points in the defensive backfield use one. through 11 on offense and
going into the second half last season, while backup Despenza and Thomp- defense, but the problem is
but broke down down the Gabe Burcham started at son will lead the offensive finding Nos. 12-13-14-15 who
Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch stretch and lost 26-14. With left guard on offense and at line from their tackle posi- you can trust and who are ca-
Noxubee County High School senior Ja’Qualyn Smith the loss to Leake, we need- linebacker on defense. tions. Zach Crawford (cen- pable of going on the field to
rushed for 1,039 yards last season. ed to beat Vardaman by 12 “I know converting an ter) and Jalin Smith and give the starters a rest.”
Championship Memories
Stan Beall/Dispatch File Photos

TOP: Members of the West Point High School football team celebrate the team’s
victory against Hattiesburg in the Mississippi High School Activities (MHSAA) Class
5A State championship game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford last season.
BELOW: Terry Joiner (32) and members of the Noxubee County High football team
prepare to celebrate the team’s victory against East Central in the MHSAA Class 4A
State championship game in Oxford.

2018 High School Football Preview

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Lowndes...................................3 Rosters, Standings.................

Sunday, August 12, 2018

10 23 feature a high school coach, player

Falcons have fresh start with rice

A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS

New Hope trojans

New era for trojans starts with tackett

A CLOSER LOOK AT CALEDONIA

west lowndes panthers

PANTHERS HOPE PASSING GAME

Region 3 Zay Armstead (Sr.), Linebackers

heritage academy patriots

victory Christian eagles

KINARD, ELMORE HOPE TO LEAD

EAGLES BACK TO PLAYOFFS

have a good bit Tyshon Rogers (Fr.),

Michael Tate (Sr.),

Columbus CHRISTIAN Academy rams

Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

in past seasons, A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

A CLOSER LOOK AT HERITAGE ACADEMY Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

noxubee county tigers

“It seems like we

Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

who will be defensive coor-

Starkville Yellow Jackets

Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch

PRIMED FOR TITLE RUN

Starkville Academy volunteers

Senior Tranum ready to take on even bigger

2018 team Rosters Mississippi / Alabama Standings

west point green wave

hebron Christian eagles

VARSITY CALLING AGAIN FOR EAGLES

Oak HIll academy raiders

Hamilton High School

LIONS HAVE PIECES IN PLACE TO MAKE PLAYOFF PUSH

By Don Rowe Gone from last “Despite our season-ending injuries.

FIELDS HOPES TO PUSH BULLDOGS HIGHER IN FINAL YEAR

Starkville Yellow Jackets Raiders

Starkville us down. I am not going to let

Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch

Stan Beall/Dispatch File Photos

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