High School Football Preview 2017

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
High School The Dispatch

August 13, 2017
Lowndes..........3 Noxubee..........12 Oktibbeha..........13 Clay..........15 Monroe..........18

2 SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
places to be BEST IN THE AREA
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

teams to see
3
21
1
8 11
4
15
9 24
7 5 18
10 6 22
19 20 23 Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
13 Some of the top football players in the Greater Golden Triangle area gathered at
17 Columbus High School earlier this month for a photo shoot to help kick off the 2017
season.
WHATS INSIDE
HIGH
16
14 Aberdeen Bulldogs............................................................19
12
25 2 Caledonia Confederates......................................................5 SCHOOL
Columbus Christian Rams...................................................9
FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
Columbus Falcons...............................................................3
Hamilton Lions...................................................................18
Hebron Christian Eagles....................................................17 2017
Heritage Academy Patriots..................................................7 A publication of
1 14
Aberdeen HigH ScHool noxubee county HigH ScHool
100 Bulldog Blvd., Aberdeen
662-369-8933
16478 Hwy. 45, Macon
662-76-4428 New HopeTrojans...............................................................4 The Dispatch
Noxubee County Tigers.....................................................12 P.O. Box 511
2 15
Aliceville HigH ScHool oAk Hill AcAdemy
417 3rd St. SE, Aliceville 800 N. Eshman, West Point
OakHill Academy Raiders.................................................16 Columbus, MS 39703
205-373-6378 662-494-0301 (662) 328-2424
Starkville Academy Volunteers..........................................14
3 16 Publisher
Amory HigH ScHool pickenS AcAdemy
1006 Sam Haskell Circle, Amory 225 Ray Bass Road, Carrollton
Starkville YellowJackets...................................................13 Birney Imes
662-256-5753 205-367-8144
Team rosters......................................................................23 Managing Editor
4 17
cAledoniA HigH ScHool pickenS county HigH ScHool
111 Confederate Drive, Caledonia 205 4th Ave. SE, Reform Team standings.................................................................23 Zack Plair
662-356-2001 256-375-2344
Victory ChristianEagles.......................................................8 Sports
5 18
columbuS cHriStiAn AcAdemy SoutH lAmAr ScHool
6405 Military Road, Steens 300 Sls Road, Millport West Lowndes Panthers......................................................6 Brett Hudson
662-328-7888 205-662-4411 Adam Minichino
West Point GreenWave....................................................15 Scott Walters
6 19
columbuS HigH ScHool StArkville AcAdemy
215 Hemlock Street, Columbus 505 Academy Drive, Starkville
662-241-7200 662-323-7814 Cover Design
ABOUT Tina Perry
The DispaTch
August 13, 2017
PREVIEW
7 20
eASt WebSter county HigH ScHool StArkville HigH ScHool
Monroe..........18
195 Old Cumberland Road, Maben 603 Yellowjacket Drive, Starville

662-263-5321 662-324-4130
THE COVER Photographers
Chris McDill
Clay..........15
8 21 Luisa Porter
HAmilton HigH ScHool Sulligent HigH ScHool
High School
40201 Hamilton Road, Hamilton 661 Elm Street, Sulligent Thanks to Columbus High School Deanna Robinson
Oktibbeha..........13
662-343-8307 205-698-9254
2017 FOOTBALL
football coach Randal Montgomery
9 22
Hebron cHriStiAn ScHool victory cHriStiAn AcAdemy Graphic Artists
Noxubee..........12
for allowing The Dispatch to use his

6230 Henryville Road, Pheba 374 Mill Road, Columbus
field for the site of the annual pictures. Kelly Ervin
662-494-7513 662-327-7744
Jackie Taylor
Lowndes..........3
Thanks to Luisa Porter and Scott

10 23
HeritAge AcAdemy WeSt loWndeS HigH ScHool
625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus 644 South Frontage Road, Columbus Walters for helping to coordinate the Production
662-327-5272 662-244-5070 event. Tina Perry
Anne Murphy
11 24
lAmAr county HigH ScHool WeSt point HigH ScHool
43880 Hwy. 17 S, Vernon 950 S. Eshman Avenue, West Point
205-695-7129 662-494-5083
12 25
louiSville HigH ScHool WinSton AcAdemy
200 Ivy Avenue, Louisville 111 Richardson Road, Louisville
662-773-3431 662-773-3569
13
neW Hope HigH ScHool
3419 New Hope Road, Columbus
662-244-4701
THE BOTTOM LINE

Game Coverage / Results Prep Player of Week
High school football coaches who dont Every Tuesday, The Dispatch will
speak to a reporter from The Dispatch are recognize a standout prep performer.
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 662-327-1297,
The Dispatch will include its prep foot- or e-mail us at sports@cdispatch.com
ball coverage in Sundays edition, so before 5 p.m. Saturday.
we will contact coaches Friday night or Be sure to give us a reason why you
Saturday to get details. Coaches, please are nominating the player, and be sure to
let us know what is the best time for us give us as many statistics from the past
to contact you. weeks action.
Weekly Features Additional Prep Coverage

Every Monday during high school Each Wednesday, The Dispatch will
football season, The Dispatch will feature feature a high school coach, player
a review of the past weeks games with or team in a weekly column. On The
standings of all area teams and a list of Dispatch Prep Sports Blog, readers can
the top performers. find up-to-date information on all area
Every Thursday, The Dispatch will high schools, as well as standout per-
preview that weeks action, feature a formers and picks on all of the weeks
Game of the Week, a Q&A with a games. The blog may be found at
local player, a breakdown of what to http://cdispatch.com/prepsports/. Blog
look for that week, and information ideas should be sent to Scott Walters at
about all of the games involving area swalters@cdispatch.com.
teams.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 3
COLUMBUS FALCONS
Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 1; 2016 Record 6-6 (4-3 Class 6A, Region 1)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Randal Montgomery
n Ivan Evans Offensive
coordinator
n Michael Kelly
Defensive coordinator/
Safeties
n Tobias Smith Offensive
line
n Lawrence Hill Wide
receivers
n Ryan Savell
Linebackers
n Christopher Harlow
Cornerbacks
2017 Schedule Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

Aug. 17 At West Point Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery talks to his players at practice earlier this month. Montgomery, who is in his fourth
Aug. 25 At Noxubee Co. year as head coach at the school, said this will be a transitional season following the graduation of standout running back Kylin Hill, who is a
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE freshman at Mississippi State, and a talented group of seniors who helped solidify the program.
Sept. 8 At Starkville
FALCONS SET TO GO UPHILL WITHOUT KYLIN

Sept. 15 VICKSBURG
Sept. 22 DESOTO CENTRAL
Sept. 29 At Tupelo
Oct. 6 HORN LAKE
Oct. 13 At Southaven
Oct. 20 OXFORD
BY SCOTT WALTERS ar at quarterback. Junior
swalters@cdispatch.com Laterius Stowers gets the
Oct. 27 At South Panola
Nov. 3 At Hernando nod there. Columbus will
Randal Montgomery start two seniors on offense
HOME GAMES IN CAPS knew this day was coming (Jackson and wide receiver
when he took over the Co- Kenneth Martin).
lumbus High School foot- If you look at all of the
ball program four seasons statistics from last season,
ago. we lost probably somewhere
Columbus begins life between 90 and 95 percent
without of the offensive production,
2016 Results Kylin Hill. Montgomery said. As a
MHSAA A Missis- coach, that scares you.
Class 6A, Region 1 sippi State Gray, Devon King, Isaiah
Aug. 19 W, 26-12 signee, Hill Karriem, and Mon Williams
At Kemper Co. was the are returning starters on
Aug. 26 L, 23-24 face of the defense. The Falcons gave
NOXUBEE CO. program in
Montgomery up 26.9 points per game last
Sept. 2 W, 49-21 each of the season, including nine pass
At New Hope past three
Sept. 9 L, 13-17
plays of 50 or more yards.
seasons. In four combined There are a lot of soph-
WEST POINT seasons of varsity play, Hill
Sept. 16 OPEN DATE omores that are going to
ran for 4,000 yards. play on defense, King
Sept. 23 W, 59-13
Magnifying the loss of said. It has been fun at
At DeSoto TOP: Columbus High
Central
Hill, Columbus lost 21 se- practice watching all of the
Schools Michello Garrick
Sept. 30 L, 27-43 niors from a 6-6 team. The looks for a hole in a new guys. They are flying
TUPELO Falcons eased into the Mis- practice earlier this around, making plays. Ev-
Oct. 7 L, 35-44 sissippi High School Activi- month, while Kelvin Smith erybody is excited.
At Horn Lake ties Association (MHSAA) (RIGHT) prepares to make Montgomery has been
Oct. 14 W, 49-33 Class 6A playoffs for a sec- a catch in practice. in the business long enough
SOUTHAVEN ond-straight season but fell to know the perils of coach-
Oct. 21 W, 48-35 in a heart-breaker at Madi- ing a young team. Opening
At Olive Branch son Central in the opening with West Point, Noxubee
Oct. 28 L, 0-6 round. County, and Starkville
SO. PANOLA Columbus lost four times wont make the film easier
Nov. 4 W, 60-47 when leading in the fourth to watch. Tupelo and South
HERNANDO quarter. Panola highlight the Class
Nov. 11 L, 25-28 This will be a transition- 6A, Region 1 schedule.
At Madison al year for us, Montgom- The Falcons only play
Central ery said. In 6A, you have four home games.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS to have a successful junior Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
We talk all of the time in
high program. We have built chance to be special. the coaches meetings about
this thing from the ground While there are overrid- being young, Montgomery
Class 6A up. Many of the schools we ing questions such as said. You just cant get bent
play against have seniors will the defense be better out of shape when mistakes
Region 1 who have played varsity ball against the long ball? The happen. We talk as coach-
Columbus for three seasons. biggest question is how es all the time about that.
Desoto Central The only way you do much Hills production will If technique was wrong or
Hernando that is if you have a success- be missed. we didnt line up right a year
Horn Lake King Gray Martin Jackson
ful junior high program, so Senior Patrick Jackson ago, that was different. It
Oxford pectations are much higher we have been building,
South Panola this 10th-grade group was and junior Derrick Jordan was a senior-heavy team
Southaven in the seventh grade when in this program now. We Montgomery said. Foot- are expected to get the bulk and you coached them like
Tupelo we got here. That means arent going to back down ball matters out here now. If of the carries. Jackson ran a senior-heavy team.
NOTE: Top four qualify they have come up in our from anybody. you look back over the histo- for 344 yards and five touch- We cant do that this
for playoffs system and know our expec- Montgomerys first ry of this program, 25 or so downs last season. He also year. You just take a deep
tations. We will be counting squad finished 4-7 and years, these last two teams had 16 catches for 197 yards breath and keep coaching.
on a ton of sophomores this missed the playoffs. After rank up there with the best and two more scores. The main thing is effort.
season. However, it will pay the team was eliminated teams in school history. Jackson and Jordan will You want to see effort in ev-
Year-by-Year Record off down the road. from playoff consideration,
he benched several seniors
The last couple of sea-
sons, we just had to plug in
work behind a new line, just erything you do, even when
Year Record Coach Youth can be a challenge like Hill and Kendre Conner it is wrong. These guys have
2016 6-6 Randal and a blessing at the same and started several sopho- seniors and go. You dont did a year ago. the skills and they have the
Montgomery mores the following week. want to do that. You want
2015 8-4 Randal time. We want to surprise passion and energy part.
Montgomery Sometimes, the seniors The youth movement paid to build for the long haul. some people this year, We just have to get better
2014 4-7 Randal look around the locker off with a 3-1 finish to that Now that we have roots es- Jackson said. Everybody each Friday. When you are
Montgomery room and it takes a little season, a 14-10 ledger from tablished in the junior high knows how hard Class 6A young, you measure suc-
2013 4-7 Tony Stanford
2012 7-5 Tony Stanford while to figure everybody that point, and back-to-back program, we can do just is. We have had a lot of success by getting better each
2011 7-4 Tony Stanford out, Columbus senior de- playoff appearances for only that. We expect to be a very cess the last couple of years. Friday.
2010 4-7 Tony Stanford fensive end Josh Gray said. the second time in program competitive football team Its our job to keep that up. Follow Dispatch sports
2009 3-8 Bubba Davis That doesnt mean you history. this season. The next two Columbus also lost writer Scott Walters on
2008 1-10 Bubba Davis
2007 6-5 Daryl Jones cant win games. The ex- I am really proud of what years after that, we have a three-year starter C.J. Ghol- Twitter @dispatchscott
2006 3-8 Daryl Jones
2005 6-7 Rusty Funk
2004 4-7 Rusty Funk
A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS
2003 7-4 Roy McCrory QUARTERBACKS year, and that is when his game up quickly, and that is only done have the scattering of experience
2002 3-7 Roy McCrory
2001 7-4 Roy McCrory Laterius Stowers (Jr.) picked up. through experience. from a year ago.
2000 10-3 Roy McCrory The task here is to replace C.J. WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS DEFENSIVE LINE SECONDARY
1999 7-4 Roy McCrory Gholar, who became the starter Kenneth Martin (Sr.), Codey Sanders (Soph.), Devon King (Sr.),
1998 4-6 Roy McCrory midway through his sophomore Jarrod Bush (Jr.), Fred Harris (Jr.) Demario Martin (Soph.), Jamar Craddeith (Soph.),
1997 3-7 Roy McCrory season. Martin anchors a unit with little Josh Gray (Sr.) Chris Johnson (Soph.),
1996 0-11 Pat Davis
1995 3-7-1 Pat Davis The ceiling is high for Laterius, returning experience. Gray returns the only starting Quintrell Lyons (Sr.),
1994 3-8 Pat Davis Columbus coach Randal Montgom- Kenneth is the only one with experience on the defensive line. Jordan Randal (Sr.)
ery said. He has a strong arm and lots of playing time last season, Our program is to the point Beckom leads the secondary.
good pocket awareness. Montgomery said. The challenge where we can count on 10th-grad- This unit may have the most
This will be a RUNNING BACKS
Patrick Jackson (Sr.),
will be how quickly we can get the
quarterback and receivers on the
ers to come in here and have an
impact, Montgomery said. We
experience returning on defense,
Montgomery said. We had a lot of
transitional year Derrick Jordan (Jr.)
The task is daunting to replace
same page.
OFFENSIVE LINE
need young guys to contribute.
LINEBACKERS
big plays in the secondary, and we
will need more of that this year.
for us. Kylin Hill, who ran for 3,500 yards
in the last two seasons. Jackson
Eric Evans (Jr.), Gerald Wells
(Soph.), Naml Karriem (Sr.),
Isaiah Karriem (Sr.),
Mon Williams (Sr.), Jamion Kirk
SPECIALISTS
Chris Taylor (Sr.)
Columbus High School emerged late last season into a Ellis Berry (Jr.), Tyler Williams (Jr.) (Soph.), Dontae Gillespie (Jr.) Taylor returns to handle kicking
football coach Randal rising standout. Evans drew eight starts last Karriem and Williams are return- duties.
Montgomery We have a lot of confidence in season and will play left tackle ing starters on the inside. Chris has done an excellent job
Patrick, Montgomery said. This It will be a new-look line, Mont- Experience at inside linebacker handling all of our kicking duties for a
will be his team in the backfield gomery said. Its basically the and new guys at outside lineback- pair of seasons, Montgomery said.
and his chance to shine. He same thing we went through last er, Montgomery said. For the We are glad to have him back.
learned how to handle contact last year. We need the group to grow large part of our defense, we just Scott Walters
NEW HOPE TROJANS

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 4A, Region 4; 2016 Record: 6-4 (3-4 Class 5A, Region 1)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Kris Pickle
n Tim Nickens
n Hunter Williams
n Ethan Carter
n Ryan Deer
n Mike Thorn
n Garrett Necaise
n Tyler Neal
n Kevin Edge
n Drake West
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 At Forest
Aug. 25 WEST LAUDERDALE
Sept. 1 HOUSTON
Sept. 8 At Shannon
Sept. 15 At Aberdeen
Sept. 22 At Caledonia
Sept. 29 At Louisville
Oct. 6 KOSCIUSKO Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Oct. 13 At Leake Central New Hope High School football coach Kris Pickle encourages his players in practice earlier this month. Pickle enters his fourth year at the
Oct. 20 JACKSON PREP school hoping to lead the Trojans back to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Oct. 27 NOXUBEE CO.
WINNING EACH DAY PART OF NEW ATTITUDE

HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY ADAM MINICHINO in Class 4A.

aminichino@cdispatch.com Pickle hopes leadership from senior class helps get But the move alone wont guar-
2016 Results Brandon Craddieth knows the Trojans back on track as program moves to Class 4A antee a return to the postseason.
New Hope replaced Caledonia in
MHSAA symptoms that have afflicted the
Class 4A, Region 4 and will join
Class 5A, Region 1 New Hope High School football mate Eriq John- Mississippi High
son, who is listen- School Activities perennial state title contenders
Aug. 19 W, 27-26 team the past two seasons.
LOUISVILLE After a diagnosis that lists self- ing in a few feet to Association (MH- Noxubee County and Louisville
Aug. 26 W, 41-24 ishness and a lack the left. SAA) playoffs. as well as Kosciusko and Leake
At Aberdeen of leadership as He has After three- and Central in arguably one of the
Sept. 2 L, 21-49 primary maladies, changed a lot, six-win seasons classifications toughest regions.
COLUMBUS Craddieth doesnt Johnson said. He failed to earn New Thats part of the reason why
Sept. 9 OPEN DATE hesitate to say he, used to just walk Craddieth Hope berths in the Craddieth and Johnson, two of
Sept. 16 W, 49-10 Johnson
too, was part of the off the field. He is Class 5A playoffs the teams seniors, hope to spear-
At Caledonia
problem. staying on the field the last two years, head a new attitude. Their goal is
Sept. 23 L, 13-42
CLARKSDALE I have been a lot now. When he would get the latest round of MHSAA re- See NEW HOPE, 11
Pickle mad he would just walk off. classification moved New Hope
Sept. 30 W, 55-27 selfish, too,
At Center Hill Craddieth said. Craddieths maturation could down to Class 4A. The change
Oct. 7 L, 34-49 I wouldnt do what the coaches epitomize the growth and steps means New Hope, which was one INSIDE
LAKE told me to do. New Hope will need to take this of the smallest schools in Class n A Closer Look at New Hope.
CORMORANT If you need proof, ask team- season as it looks to return to the 5A, is one of the biggest schools Page 11
Oct. 14 L, 13-41
At Oxford
Oct. 21 W, 55-21
LEWISBURG
Oct. 28 L, 20-34
At West Point
Nov. 4 W, 37-13
SALTILLO
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Class 4A
Region 4
Kosciusko
Leake Central
Louisville
New Hope
Noxubee County
NOTE: Top four qualify for
playoffs
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2016 6-5 Kris Pickle
2013 4-7 Shawn Gregory
2012 3-8 Michael Bradley
2006 1-9 Michael Bradley Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
2005 2-8 Dale Hardin Like many area teams earlier this month, the New Hope
2004 1-9 Dale Hardin
2003 4-6 Dale Hardin High School football team had to work through rain that
2002 1-8 Dale Hardin soaked practice fields. ABOVE: Devonta White
2001 4-5 Dale Hardin managed to focus on the ball despite the downpour
2000 2-9 Rick Cahalane
1999 4-6 Rick Cahalane that surrounded him. BELOW: Jeremy Tate goes up for
1998 7-5 Andy Stevens a pass as New Hope High football coach Kris Pickle
1997 3-8 Andy Stevens looks on.
1996 6-5 Andy Stevens
1995 6-5 Andy Stevens
1994 2-9 Dale Hardin
I have seen a lot

of selfishness.
I have seen a
couple of leaders
and a lot of
selfishness. Then
I thought about
it and I realized
I am not going
to get anywhere
doing what I want
to do.
New Hope
High School senior
Brandon Craddieth
CALEDONIA CONFEDERATES
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Richard Kendrick
n Rob Adams Defensive
Coordinator
n Jason Forrester
Defensive Line
n Murray Woody
Wide Receivers /
Defensive Backs
n Nathan Kendrick
Offensive Coordinator
n Louis Alexander Kickers
n Devin Downey
Running Backs
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 At West Lowndes
Aug. 25 At Aberdeen
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE
Sept. 8 CHOCTAW CO.
Sept. 15 BYHALIA Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 22 NEW HOPE Caledonia High School football coach Ricky Kendrick talks with his offense during a break in practice earlier this month. Kendrick, who served
Sept. 29 At Shannon as a volunteer assistant coach under coach Andy Crotwell, returns for his second stint as head coach at the school.
Oct. 6 MOOREVILLE
CANERDY FEELS THERE IS SOMETHING TO PROVE

Oct. 13 at Pontotoc
Oct. 20 At Amory
Oct. 27 ITAWAMBA AHS
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY ADAM MINICHINO six-win season the following year
aminichino@cdispatch.com Senior offensive lineman wont allow program to take in 2014, which was its most wins
CALEDONIA Listen to step back after suffering significant graduation losses since 2004, and its first playoff
appearance since 2005.
Logan Canerdy.
Last season, Caledonia defeat-
At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, playoffs. Canerdy Caledonia will
ed Leake Central 49-35 in Car-
2016 Results Canerdy is someone you should is focused
helping Caledonia
on try to establish
itself with a new thage to secure its second playoff
MHSAA pay attention to. He also isnt a
Class 4A, Region 4 junior any longer, so it isnt OK if maintain and move coach, Ricky Ken- appearance in three years. The
Aug. 19 L, 27-36 you opt not to take what he says forward, not step drick, who actually No. 4 seed from Region 4 nearly
SHANNON seriously. If you do that, you run back or regress, is an old coach at upset Region 3 champion Green-
Aug. 26 W, 49-24 the risk of incurring Canerdys which is why he Caledonia High. wood before falling 34-28 in the
At Mooreville wrath. and his teammates Kendrick Kendrick led the first round of the MHSAA Class
Canerdy
Sept. 2 OPEN DATE That might be a dangerous have something to Confederates to 4A playoffs. The loss closed
Sept. 9 W, 30-16 decision because Canerdy wants prove. a 9-24 record as the prep football careers of 28
At Okolona Caledonia has never been re- head coach in 2010-12. He helped Caledonia High seniors. It also
his final season at Caledonia
Sept. 16 L, 10-49 marked the last game Crotwell
High School to be a success. He ally great, Canerdy said. When the Confederates end a 25-game
NEW HOPE
Sept. 23 W, 49-6 doesnt care if the football team coach (Ricky) Smither was here, losing streak in his first sea- See CALEDONIA, 11
TISHOMINGO CO. lost 28 seniors from last years we came up with STP (Some- son and then worked to set the
Sept. 30 L, 17-41 team that nearly upset a No. 1 thing To Prove) because we have stage for his successor, Andy
HOUSTON seed in the first round of the Mis- something to prove as a team and Crotwell, who had a three-win INSIDE
Oct. 7 L, 35-42 sissippi High School Activities as a community because we have season the following year. Crot- n A Closer Look at Caledonia.
At Louisville Association (MHSAA) Class 4A never been that great. well then guided Caledonia to a Page 11
Oct. 14 W, 31-14
At Kosciusko
Oct. 21 L, 33-47
NOXUBEE CO.
Oct. 28 W, 49-35
At Leake Central
Nov. 4 L, 28-34
GREENWOOD
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Class 4A
Region 2
Amory
Caledonia
Itawamba AHS
Mooreville
Pontotoc
Shannon
NOTE: Top four qualify
for playoffs
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2016 5-6 Andy Crotwell
2012 4-7 Ricky Kendrick
2009 0-10 David Boykin Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
2008 1-9 Jason Forrester
2007 3-7 David Boykin ABOVE: Caledonia High School senior Nich Blair
2006 3-7 David Boykin measures a teammate for a tackle at a practice earlier
2005 5-6 Jack Hankins this month. BELOW: Caledonia senior quarterback Seth
2004 6-5 Jack Hankins Brown fires a pass at practice. Brown will take over
2003 3-6 Jack Hankins the offense following the graduation of Spencer Unruh.
2002 3-7 Jack Hankins Brown will lead the Confederates in a transition to
2001 4-6 Jack Hankins
2000 2-8 Jack Hankins coach Ricky Kendricks Wing-T.
1998 2-9 Chris Chambless
1997 1-10 James Reed
1994 3-8 David Brown
I dont think
they will look at it
as, Man, well be
down. The phrase
they use when
they break down
is STP, which is
Something to
Prove, and they
want to prove it.
Caledonia High School
football coach
Ricky Kendrick
WEST LOWNDES PANTHERS

COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Anthony King
n Todd Stanley
Defensive Coordinator
n Frederick McGee Wide
Receivers / Running Backs
n Roy Williams Defensive
Line
n Brooks Crabtree
Defensive Backs /
Quarterbacks
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 CALEDONIA
Aug. 25 SIMMONS
Sept. 1 OPEN DATE
Sept. 8 LEAKE CO.
Sept. 15 At Hamilton
Sept. 22 VARDAMAN Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 29 At French Camp West Lowndes High Schools Malik Hill squats as Marquis Banks spots him earlier this week in he schools weight room when rain prevented
Oct. 6 At Nanih Waiya the Panthers from practicing outside.
Oct. 13 OPEN DATE
Oct. 20 At Noxapater
Oct. 27 ETHEL
Nov. 3 SEBASTOPOL
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
PANTHERS LOOK TO CAPITALIZE ON SIZE, DEPTH
BY SCOTT WALTERS back there will be Quin-
swalters@cdispatch.com shawn Lucious, who will
play some quarterback,
West Lowndes High running back, and receiv-
School football coach An- er. We just have to have the
thony King likes his team ball in his hands as much as
on paper. possible.
2016 Results Getting that team to- On defense, Banks will
MHSAA gether on the field has been King Brewer Hill Banks Sanders Lucious
Class 1A, Region 1 anchor the line from a de-
a different challenge. fensive end position. Senior
Aug. 19 W, 40-6
Difficulty in getting Adolphus Brewer, sopho-
DURANT
physicals, transfer clear- more Jerqualin Morris will
Aug. 26 L, 14-41
STARKVILLE ACA.
ances, and the recent on- play tackle, while Antwan
Sept. 2 W, 52-0 slaught of rain has made Rogers will be an end.
At McAdams the coming together of Everybody is excited
Sept. 9 W, 48-0 this years Panthers team a about the season because
At Biggersville daunting task. of how last season ended,
Sept. 16 OPEN DATE If we get everybody Brewer said. The coaches
Sept. 23 W, 34-0 in, we have chance to be a are counting on the seniors
At Falkner good football team, King to lead. We have some good
Sept. 30 L, 26-30 said. It should be the most size along the line. We just
At Heritage Aca. depth and size we have have to stay disciplined and
Oct. 7 L, 31-55 ever had here. In Class 1A focus on the quarterback.
SMITHVILLE ball, you cant underesti- Linebackers include
Oct. 14 W, 50-20 mate both of those. Teams Marcquez Holliday, Dalen
At Vardaman with a large numbers of Rogers, and Daquan Wells.
Oct. 21 W, 42-0 players out and teams with C.J. Johnson will be a cor-
HAMILTON size along the lines will win nerback, while Sanders will
Oct. 28 W, 48-16 more often than not.
At Coffeeville
be a safety.
King calls this season Defensively, we are real
Nov. 4 W, 48-14
a transitional year. He is young, King said. We
THRASHER
Nov. 11 L, 0-6
counting on some out-of- Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff have some good corners.
AT SHAW state transfers and some West Lowndes High Schools Kentrell Guyton tries to escape a would-be tackler Our ends will be new play-
transfers from Columbus against Shaw last season in the Mississippi High School Activities Association ers. We should be strong
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
High to help bolster the (MHSAA) Class 1A playoffs. along the defensive line.
roster. Linebackers will be a weak
Overall, the team is be- championship this year, 3, Class 1A and will play for quarterback. A 6-foot-2 spot early until they get ex-
ing called young and tal- Quinshawn Lucious said. the South State title. sophomore, Sanders has a perience.
Class 1A ented. We dont have a lot of se- Last two years didnt chance to one of the states King said the key to
Region 3 One of those coming niors, so it will be up to the end the way we wanted top prospects in a couple of the season might be the
Ethel
over from Columbus is seniors to lead. Weve got a it to, King said. Our se- years, according to King. squads unprecedented
French Camp Quinshawn Lucious. A lot of good players. Its just niors really didnt want it. Junior Kentrell Guyton depth.
Hamilton three-year starter at West matter of putting every- We have to find players and Lucious will handle We are going to try to
Leake County Lowndes, Quinshawn thing together on the field. who want to play into No- the running back duties. go fast, King said. With
Nanih Waiya Lucious spent the spring West Lowndes finished vember. The last couple of Jalen Brewer and Marquis
Noxapater
35 players out, we dont
Sebastopol semester at Columbus but 8-4 (6-1 in Mississippi High years, the seniors have laid Banks will play tight end. have to have players go
Vardaman has returned back home. School Activities Associa- down there at the end of Seniors Rashaad Rice both ways all the time. That
West Lowndes A two-star prospect by tion (MHSAA) Class 1A, the regular season, think- and Malik Hill will anchor will be advantage. We will
NOTE: Top four qualify 247 Sports, Quinshawn Region 1 play last season. ing it was the last game. We the offensive line. try to wear the other teams
for playoffs Lucious is the states 30th- In the opening round of had a chance to host last Offensively, we have down. It is something that
ranked prospect. He has the playoffs, West Lowndes year in the first round and some big guys, King said. has always been the goal
received Division I offers suffered a 6-0 upset loss to it was disappointing. Disci- This is the first time we but we just didnt have the
from South Alabama, Jack- Shaw at home. In the previ- pline was an issue last year. have had good size on the numbers. This year, we can
Year-by-Year Record son State, Tulane, and Lou- ous season, West Lowndes We had to suspend guys offensive line. We have a change that.
isiana-Lafayette. fell in the second round. throughout the season. lot of young players. They Follow Dispatch sports
Year Record Coach
2016 8-4 Anthony King We feel like we have This season, West West Lowndes will are talented but are not writer Scott Walters on
2015 9-5 Anthony King a chance to win the state Lowndes shifts to Region look at Quay Sanders at proven. The main weapon Twitter @dispatchscott
2014 5-6 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.
Offensively, we
have some big
guys. This is the
first time we have
had good size
on the offensive
line.
West Lowndes High
School football coach Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Anthony King West Lowndes High Schools Qua Sanders works out earlier this week when rain prevented the Panthers from practicing outside.
HERITAGE ACADEMY PATRIOTS

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Class AAA, District 2; 2016 Record: 10-3 (3-0 Class AAA, District 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Sean Harrison
n Bruce Branch
n Russ Whiteside
n Henry Pilkinton
n Brett Dean
n Toby Lott
n Ed Lott
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 at Kirk Academy
Aug. 25 MANCHESTER ACA.
Sept. 1 WAYNE ACA.
Sept. 8 LAMAR SCHOOL
Sept. 15 At Pillow Aca.
Sept. 22 At Magnolia
Heights
Sept. 29 LEAKE ACA.
Oct. 6 At Winston Aca.
Oct. 13 STARKVILLE ACA.
Oct. 20 At Canton Aca.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Heritage Academy sophomore quarterback Carter Putt rolls out to Heritage Academys Joseph Riley catches a pass earlier this month
make a pass in a practice earlier this month in Columbus. during a practice in Columbus.
MATURATION WILL BE KEY TO PATRIOTS SUCCESS

2016 Results BY ADAM MINICHINO
aminichino@cdispatch.com
teammate Tyler Anderson.
MAIS Class AAA, This season, Gray will be
District 2 without Anderson, but he will
Aug. 19 W, 50-6 Sean Harrison is going to pay have a young cast of talented
At Columbus close attention to the maturation players with potential, including
Chr. Aca. process this season. sophomore quarterback Carter
Aug. 26 L, 6-26 The Heritage Academy sec- Putt, Griffin, Acker, Lex Rogers,
LAMAR ond-year football coach wont Long, and Alexander. Gray said
Sept. 2 W, 48-13 have to worry he is willing to take on whatever
At Oak Hill Aca. about skill position role he needs feature back, de-
Sept. 9 W, 42-0 players. From Don- coy, receiver to help the Patri-
LEE ACA, tae Gray to Moak ots take the next step.
Sept. 16 W, 56-49 Griffin to Eli Acker Were in a unique position be-
PISGAH to Dalton Alexan- cause a lot of people dont know
Sept. 23 W, 26-17 der to Jared Long,
At Starkville Aca.
about Moak Griffin because he
the Patriots figure was injured all season, Harri-
Sept. 30 W, 30-26 Harrison to have enough
WEST LOWNDES son said. He played half of the
playmakers. Har- Pisgah game. I think Dontae is
Oct. 7 W, 42-14
risons biggest one of the top skill players in this
At Winston Aca.
Oct. 14 L, 13-35
problem might be league, and I feel Moak is right
at Indianola Aca. the fact the Patri- behind him. The only thing that
Oct. 21 W, 38-10 ots only will be separates them is Dontaes expe-
LEAKE ACA. allowed to use one rience. You throw in Eli, too. Car-
Oct. 28 W, 77-47 football. ter is going to be a sophomore
At ST. ALOYSIUS While those quarterback, but he is one of the
Gray players are bound
Nov. 4 W, 44-14 most mature kids I have been
AT MANCHESTER to grow during the around.
ACA. season, Harrison likely will mon- Harrison said Griffin will play
Nov. 11 L, 14-42 itor the progress of his players up quarterback, running back, and
At Indianola Aca. front. A year ago, Harrison didnt wide receiver. He also will see
HOME GAMES IN CAPS have to worry much about his time on defense. Acker also will
offensive and defensive lines be- play on the defensive line and
cause the Patriots were stocked factor in the passing game, while
with seniors. This season, Heri- Gray, who will play in the second-
Class AAA tage Academy has to replace five ary, likely will have some Wild-
District 2 starters on an offensive line that Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff cat options in the offense, which
led the teams drive to a 10-3 cam- Heritage Academys Lex Rogers and Dalton Alexander go up to catch means he will move into the shot-
Canton Academy
Heritage Academy paign that saw it lose to top-seed- a pass in practice earlier this month in Columbus. gun formation and use his athlet-
Leake Academy ed Indianola Academy in the icism to make things happen off
Starkville Academy semifinals of the Mississippi As- 486 points, which is believed to but as far as starting a Heritage the snap.
Winston Academy sociation of Independent Schools be a school record. Academy high school football Were going to be kind of
NOTE: Top four qualify (MAIS) Class AAA playoffs. Fifteen seniors played a key game, none of them have done it. a grab bag on offense just be-
for playoffs
In its best season since win- role in helping to make Harri- On offense, the discussion cause we have guys we need to
ning a state championship since sons first season a success. This starts with Gray, a 5-foot-9, get the ball to, especially at the
2012, Heritage Academy won its season, Harrison hopes players 190-pound running back, who beginning of the year to take
Year-by-Year Record first district championship since
2003. As a result, it earned the
can keep growing to have a shot rushed for 300 yards and six pressure off our front, Harrison
at the prize waiting for them at touchdowns against St. Aloy- said. Were going to give people
Year Record Coach opportunity to play its first home the end of the marathon. sius. The 77 points is the most a lot of different looks. Last year,
2016 10-3 Sean Harrison
2015 5-6 Barrett Donahoe playoff games at C.L. Mitchell We have no senior linemen, a Heritage Academy team has when we put an H-back and a tail-
2014 5-7 Barrett Donahoe Field since 1998. Heritage Acad- Harrison said. Your only juniors scored dating back through the back in there I knew we were run-
2013 8-5 Barrett Donahoe emy capitalized on the home- ning the ball, they knew we were
2012 7-5 Barrett Donahoe are Chapman Cooper, Parker 1994 season. Gary rushed for
2011 5-5 Brad Butler field advantage to beat 13th-seed- Ray, and Clay Walters. Parker 1,910 yards and 24 touchdowns See PATRIOTS, 10
2010 4-7 Brad Butler ed St. Aloysius 77-47 in the first played some last year. Chapman and had 546 yards receiving and
2009 3-8 Brad Butler
2008 4-7 Lee Davis round and fifth-seeded Manches- and Clay got snaps last year, eight touchdowns. For his ac-
2007 1-10 Lee Davis
2006 2-8 Riley Myers
ter Academy 44-14 in the second but it wasnt a bunch. We have complishments, he shared The INSIDE
2005 9-4 Herbert Davis
round. The victories helped the ninth-graders moving up and we Dispatchs Small School co-Of- n A Closer Look at Heritage
2004 3-8 Lynn Moore Patriots finish the season with picked up a couple of O linemen, fensive Players of the Year with Academy. Page 10
2001 1-9 Ray Weeks
2000 5-5 Ray Weeks
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
I think Dontae
is one of the top
skill players in
this league, and I
feel Moak is right
behind him.
Heritage Academy
football coach
Sean Harrison, talking
about senior running
back Dontae Gray and
sophomore Moak Griffin
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Heritage Academys Lex Rogers will be asked to do
more than just kick this season. Coach Sean Harrison
hopes Rogers emerges as a playmaker for the Patriots.
VICTORY CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Alabama Christian Athletic Association Eight-Man League (Christian Football Association); 2016 Record: 3-5 (0-5 Christian Football Association)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Chris Hamm
n Kevin Harrell Defense,
Special Teams
n Todd Dyer Defense
n Ronnie McDaniel
Offense
n Andrew Pace
Offensive, Defensive Line
n Anthony Sharp
Strength and Conditioning
n Rodney Sullivan Trainer
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 MEADOWVIEW
Aug. 25 At Tabernacle
Sept. 1 At Unity
Sept. 8 RUSSELL
Sept. 14 At East Memorial Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 22 NEW LIFE From left: Victory Christian Academy seniors Garrett Anthony, Bailey Parker, Gavin Forrester, Dakota Bradford, and Kody Anthony hang out on
Sept. 29 GUNN the goal posts earlier this month prior to a practice in Columbus.
SENIORS WILL TRY TO LEAD BOUNCE-BACK YEAR

Oct. 6 OPEN DATE
Oct. 13 TUSCALOOSA
Oct. 20 OPEN DATE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY ADAM MINICHINO a little better. A year ago, Victory
aminichino@cdispatch.com Hamm hopes Eagles can learn from disappointment of 2016 Christian had only one starting
senior. Parker said close losses
Disappointment. to Tabernacle, Russell Christian
Chris Hamm doesnt mince Academy, and New Life Chris-
words when asked what he re- tian last season give the players
2016 Results members about the 2016 season. confidence they can flip the re-
Alabama Christian Hamm liked the pieces the Vic- sults with added confidence and
8-Man League tory Christian Academy football strength.
Aug. 19 W, 34-0 team had a year ago, but things
I think the fact that we stayed
At Meadowview never quite came together, plays
close to teams like that when we
Aug. 26 L, 28-40 werent made, injuries forced
were that young and now that we
TABERNACLE position changes, and a lack of
have built up and are closer, we
Sept. 2 OPEN DATE depth combined to push the Ea-
can actually make something
Sept. 9 L, 36-54 gles to a 3-5 finish (0-5 in the
happen, Parker said. The way
At Russell Chr. Alabama Christian Education
we were last year, there arent
Sept. 16 L, 6-36 Associations (ACEA) Christian
EAST MEMORIAL many teams that should have a
Football Association).
Sept. 23 L, 20-24 Hamm, who is in his 21st year better eight than we do in our
At New Life as a coach in the program, vows starting lineup. We all have been
Sept. 30 OPEN DATE this season will be different. playing together since ninth
Oct. 7 W, 56-22 This is maybe the most expe- Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
grade. The younger ones who
FIRST rienced team from the standpoint Victory Christian Academys Bailey Parker and Dakota Bradford go are under us have been playing
ASSEMBLY
of guys who have logged consid- through drills at a practice earlier this month in Columbus. together since the seventh and
Oct. 13 L, 6-57 eighth grade. We all have been
erable playing time, Hamm said.
At Tuscaloosa Chr. together for a while, so we know
How that is going to translate, I Bailey Parker, who will play on the team wants to get back to its
Oct. 21 OPEN DATE how each other plays. I think this
dont know. the offensive and defensive lines. championship ways. Sharp, who
HOME GAMES IN CAPS season is going to go pretty good
With seven seniors, Hamm It was disappointing. I wouldnt is the teams strength and condi-
has the most experience since say we want to forget about it be- tioning coach and who is going to for us.
some of the programs strongest cause we can build off it. play baseball at Mississippi Uni- Hamm said the Eagles will
Year-by-Year Record teams led by former standouts Parker and classmate Garrett versity for Women, led the pro- rely on senior quarterback Gavin
Year Record Coach Anthony, who will play running gram to its last CFA title in 2014. Forrester and classmates Cole
Anthony Sharp and Landon Ellis.
2016 3-5 Chris Hamm Those seniors agree with Hamm back, defensive back, and punt- To get back to that level, Park- Bond (offensive/defensive lines),
2015 2-5 Chris Hamm that the Eagles will work to erase er, agreed the Eagles worked to er said the seniors will have to Kody Anthony (tight end/de-
2014 10-1 Chris Hamm that disappointment from their improve their mental toughness do their share. He expects six fensive end), Dakota Bradford
2013 7-4 Chris Hamm minds. from a year ago. Parker said the seniors to start, while he said the (tight end/defensive end), Brian
2012 3-8 Chris Hamm We lost a lot of games we team will need its starters to stick seventh will play a key role, too, Webster (defensive line) to help
2011 6-2 Chris Hamm should have won, said senior it out through the whole game if on a roster that will feature 20 or See EAGLES, 10
2010 8-1 Chris Hamm
2009 10-0 Chris Hamm A CLOSER LOOK AT VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
2008 12-0 Chris Hamm
2007 6-3 Chris Hamm QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS can be the strength of the defense.
2006 9-1 Chris Hamm Gavin Forrester (Sr.), Brandon Moore (Soph.) Jay Elmore (Jr.), Kenny Collier (Jr.), Anthony Frierson LINEBACKERS
2005 4-5 Chris Hamm Forrester threw for 825 yards and 12 touchdowns (Fr.), Dillon Jackson (Jr.), Kody Anthony (Sr.), Jay Elmore (Jr.), Dallas Colom (Soph.),
2004 3-6 Chris Hamm (eight interceptions) and rushed for 253 yards and Dakota Bradford (Sr.) Garrett Anthony (Sr.), Brandon Moore (Soph.)
2003 7-4 Jim Cain four touchdowns last season. He is one of seven Anthony had 14 catches for 206 yards and three The Eagles will have to find someone to step up
2002 6-4 Chris Hamm seniors Victory Christian Academy coach Chris Hamm touchdowns last season. The experience of Anthony for the loss of Jordan Payne, who tied for the team
will look to to lead the squad. and Bradford could help a young group of wide receiv- lead in tackles with Garrett Anthony (55).
2001 0-7 Chris Hamm
Experience and familiarity with the offense should ers learn how to contribute. Some shuffling may be necessary t find the best
2000 5-5 Chris Hamm be key for Forrester, Hamm said. Moore has shown OFFENSIVE LINE combination, Hamm said.
1999 2-6 Chris Hamm potential in the passing game. Bailey Parker (Sr.), Ethan Howell (Jr.), Cole Bond SECONDARY
1998 8-2 Chris Hamm RUNNING BACKS (Sr.), Cole Harrell (Fr.), Brian Webster (Sr.) Preston Kinard (Soph.), Kenny Collier (Jr.),
1997 5-6 Chris Hamm Garrett Anthony (Sr.), Preston Kinard (Soph.), The interior of the line returns. Hamm expects Gavin Forrester (Sr.), Anthony Frierson (Fr.),
1996 4-4 Chris Hamm* Dallas Colom (Soph.) experience to help this group perform at a high level. Dillon Jackson (Jr.)
1995 2-5 Chris Hamm Anthony rushed for 695 yards and nine touch- DEFENSIVE LINE A young group that will have to prove it is capable
1994 3-4 Chris Hamm downs as the Eagles primary running threat. He also Michael Tate (Jr.), Ethan Howell (Soph.), in coverage and in run support.
caught 18 passes for 255 yards and tied for the team Bailey Parker (Sr.), Cole Bond (Sr.), Kody Anthony SPECIALISTS
*No playoff score recorded lead with 55 tackles. (Sr.), Dakota Bradford (Sr.), Brian Webster (Sr.), Garrett Anthony (Sr.), Brandon Moore (Soph.)
Garrett averaged 183.7 all-purpose yards last Solomon Hill (Jr.) Anthony returns to handle the punting, while
year, Hamm said. All three backs should give us the Hamm feels good about this group because the Moore returns to do the kicking.
ability to keep a fresh player in the game. Eagles should have multiple options. He hopes this Adam Minichino
This is maybe
the most
experienced
team from the
standpoint
of guys who
have logged
considerable
playing time. How
that is going to
translate, I dont
know.
Victory Christian
Academy football coach
Chris Hamm
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Victory Christian Academy quarterback Gavin Forrester Victory Christian Academys Kody Anthony catches a pass during practice earlier this
warms up at a practice earlier this month in Columbus. month at the school in Columbus.
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY RAMS

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: 11-Man Football Class A, District 2; 2016 Record: 2-8 (1-3 Class A-AA, District 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Greg Watkins
n Sylvester Marks
n Stephen Kemp
n Robbie Shaw
n Dawson Shaw
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 PORTERS CHAPEL
Aug. 25 OPEN DATE
Sept. 1 At West Memphis
Sept. 8 OPEN DATE
Sept. 15 At DeSoto (Ark.)
Sept. 22 TUNICA
Sept. 29 At Oak Hill
Oct. 6 DELTA STREETS
Oct. 13 LEE (Ark.)
Oct. 20 At Deer Creek
Oct. 27 At Strider
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
2016 Results
MAIS Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
Class A/AA, District 2 Columbus Christian Academy senior Nate Parker, center, leads his team in a huddle after a practice earlier this month in Steens.
Aug. 19 L, 6-50
RAMS WILL USE SPEED TO MAKE UP FOR LOST SIZE

HERITAGE ACA.
Aug. 26 W, 18-14
At Kirk Aca.
Sept. 2 L, 0-35
At Sylva-Bay Aca.
Sept. 9 L, 14-34
BY ADAM MINICHINO be OK.
aminichino@cdispatch.com CCA is coming off a 2-8 sea-
TUPELO CHR.
PREP son in which it played in Missis-
STEENS You cant coach sippi Association of Independent
Sept. 16 L, 16-34
size. Schools Class A-AA, District 2.
WINONA CHR.
Greg Watkins is familiar
Sept. 23 L, 13-46 This season, CCA will move back
with that axiom after years of
NEWTON CO. ACA. to Class A after the MAIS opted
coaching boys basketball. But
Sept. 30 W, 49-35 to separate the classes and hold a
OAK HILL ACA. the veteran Columbus Christian
championship game in the small-
Oct. 7 L, 32-36 Academy coach knows you dont
er classification. CCA will move
At Deer Creek necessarily need size to be suc-
from a district that included Oak
Oct. 14 L, 7-36 cessful in basketball.
Watkins understands the Hill Academy, Carroll Academy,
At Carroll Aca.
equation is different in football. Winona Christian, and Deer
Oct. 21 L, 22-45
At Wayne Aca. This season, Watkins and the Creek School to Class A, District
HOME GAMES IN CAPS CCA football team will deal with 2 with Deer Creek School, Del-
the challenge of an overall lack of ta Streets Academy, and Strider
size, especially up front, by using Academy, which played eight-
plenty of speed. man football last season.
11-Man Football This is probably going to be Watkins feels the move will
Class A, District 2 the smallest team size wise since Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch help a program that suffered key
I have been here, said Watkins, Columbus Christian Academys Kyler Kidder does conditioning drills graduation losses and other per-
Columbus Christian Aca. who took over as football coach at practice earlier this month. sonnel changes. In 2014, CCA
Deer Creek School won the Class A, District 2 title
Delta Streets in 2011 when the school was
Strider known as Immanuel Christian. some athletic guys up front who I feel if we can hold off a block and earned a playoff victory at
NOTE: Top four qualify This year, we will be a lot small- can move quick, theyre as good here and there with some of the home to advance to the second
for playoffs er and quicker up front. You put as some big guys. guys we have with speed, we will See CCA, 10
A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Year-by-Year Record QUARTERBACKS Watkins said Studdard could see time at er, too, until the coaches figure out who is best
Year Record Coach Nate Parker (Sr.), Dakota Shaw (Soph.), running back. suited for the positions.
2016 2-8 Greg Watkins Jonathan Peel (Fr.) OFFENSIVE LINE LINEBACKERS
2015 2-8 Greg Watkins Parker took over for Dawson Shaw last sea- Tanner Dolan (Soph.), Carlisle Harding (Soph.), Bryar Kemp (Soph.), Tanner Dolan (Soph.),
2014 7-5 Greg Watkins son after Shaw suffered a season-ending injury. Rashawn Tate (Sr.), Lane Euer (Jr.), Braxton Miller (Fr.), Lane Euer (Jr.)
2013 4-7 Greg Watkins Columbus Christian Academy coach Greg Wat- Sam Middlebrooks (Jr.), Jackson Smith (Fr.), Watkins said the Rams could use as many
2012 3-8 Greg Watkins kins said Parker has matured and gained a ton Kyler Kidder (Sr.) as five linebackers to capitalize on their team
2011 2-8 Greg Watkins of confidence, which bodes well for the offense. A mixed bag of older and younger players. speed.
2010 6-6 Shawn Gates You can see his confidence at practices, Tate is a transfer from New Hope High School. SECONDARY
2009 1-9 Shawn Gates Watkins said. Were not going to be very big up front, but
2008 1-8 Billy Thomas Nate Parker (Sr.), Dakota Shaw (Soph.),
RUNNING BACKS were going to be quick, Watkins said. We
2007 0-9 Billy Thomas Jonathan Peel (Fr.), Jordan Meek (Jr.),
Jordan Meek (Jr.), Bryar Kemp (Soph.), expect these small guys to step it up. Theyre
2006 4-6 Billy Thomas Dakota Shaw (Soph.), Jayden Henderson (Fr.)
Dakota Shaw (Soph.), Jayden Henderson (Fr.) learning and gaining confidence every day.
2005 3-4 Dickey Peralto Speed, not size, will dominate this group. DEFENSIVE LINE This position group will be in flux, too, until a
2004 3-6 Gary White Kemp is a fullback who can run well, according Tanner Dolan (Soph.), Carlisle Harding (Soph.), few games are played.
2003 7-3 Gary White to Watkins. Rashawn Tate (Sr.), Lane Euer (Jr.), SPECIALISTS
2002 7-3 Gary White Jordan brings a lot of quickness and Sam Middlebrooks (Jr.), Jackson Smith (Fr.), Glenn Misiak (Sr.)
2001 6-4 Gary White speed, Watkins said. Were looking for some Kyler Kidder (Sr.) Misiak, a member of the cross country, track
2000 2-7 Gary White big things out of him. Many of the same guys who will play on the and field, and soccer teams, will handle the
1999 3-6 Gary White WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS offensive line will see time on the other side kicking duties. Watkins feels he could have an
1998 7-4 Gary White Will Teague (Soph.), Glenn Misiak (Sr.), of the football. Watkins also said the Rams will option to kick or play soccer in college.
1997 7-4 Gary White Lawson Studdard (Soph.), Braxton Miller (Fr.) rotate players from defensive back to lineback- Adam Minichino
1996 8-2 Gary White
1995 6-3 Gary White
1994 2-6 Gary White
We lost a lot
of size with our
core senior group
last year, but
were going to
be a lot faster,
and we have
been working a
lot harder than
teams in the
past.
Victory Christian
Academy junior
Jordan Meek
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

The Columbus Christian Academy football team goes through conditioning and agility drills at practice earlier this month.
Eagles
Continued from Page 8
the team improve on a 339-point but we have got some weapons letic and has a chance to be better tal aspect and the focus. a more vocal presence in the
effort (42.37 points per game) in that if we will be smart enough than last season. It seemed like all of last year summer. He hopes that will car-
2016. Anthony (73 carries, 695 to use them all and execute (we Hamm feels early success will it would be one step forward, two ry over to the season to lead his
yards, nine touchdowns) is the could have some success). We be a key for the Eagles because steps back. classmates and teammates.
teams leading returning rusher. are going to depend on multiple he thinks the players need to see Hamm said early success Parker feels Victory Chris-
Forrester threw for 825 yards and guys if were going to have the validation that they have taken would fuel the motivation and tian can return to the dominant
12 touchdowns (eight intercep- success we hope for. another step. Victory Christian is quell any lingering disappoint- ways he was a part of as a fresh-
tions) last season. Victory Christian will have to scheduled to play host to Mead- ment from the 2016 season. A man. While not predicting an
Hamm said junior wide receiv- replace linebacker Jordan Payne owview Christian School on Fri- year ago, Victory Christian start- undefeated season or a champi-
ers Jay Elmore and Kenny Collier (55 tackles) and defensive end day, Aug. 18, in its season opener. ed 2-1 and then lost its next three onship, Parker is confident and
also should figure into the offen- Marlon Clay, who combined for Winning is a habit, but los- games. This season, Hamm anxious to see just how much
sive attack. He said the matura- 90 tackles last season. But Gar- ing is, too, Hamm said. Some wants to see the team get off to the Eagles have aged and im-
tion of sophomore running backs rett Anthony (55 tackles), Elmore of those things you can control, a fast start to ensure it begins proved.
Preston Kinard and Dallas Co- (35), and junior Michael Tate (33) like attention to detail. Anybody to expect to win rather than I like everyone is kind of ex-
lom could make the offense even return to bolster the defense. who is a competitor wants to win, hope to win. pecting it, Parker said, but I
deeper. Hamm said Anthony looks fine but it is the will to prepare to win Hamm said the seniors have a plan on backing it up. I dont just
We have several potential and is running well after having (that makes the difference). I mix of personalities that will en- want to say it and everybody ex-
playmakers, Hamm said. I dont knee surgery in the offseason. know somebody else said that be- able them to keep each other and pect it and it not happen.
know if we have the explosive, Hamm said the Eagles have a fore me, but it is how much youre the team energized. While there Follow Dispatch sports editor
take-over-the-game type of play- lot of depth on the defensive line willing to put into it, not just the might not be a rah-rah type in Adam Minichino on Twitter @
er maybe we have had in the past, and that the unit as a whole is ath- physical aspect of it, but the men- the mix, Hamm said Parker took cdispatch.com
Patriots A CLOSER LOOK AT HERITAGE ACADEMY

QUARTERBACKS Harrison moved Fields from linebacker
Carter Putt (Soph.), Moak Griffin (Soph.), to shore up the depth at this position, which
running the ball, we knew Fitness Factor, a gym in have been there and done Dontae Gray (Sr.), Rocky Wright (Soph.) featured five senior starters last season. Wal-
they knew, and it didnt Columbus, on strength- it and knew what to ex- Putts development has been a pleasant ters, who played center, has moved to tackle.
matter. This year, espe- ening their cores and pect and what to do when surprise to Heritage Academy football coach He also will play guard. Cooper and Ray will
cially at the beginning, it stretching to help prepare things got hard. These Sean Harrison. He has impressed with his play guard. Proffitt suffered a foot injury and
is going to matter. Were them for the season. The guys are going to learn it. ability to lead the offense and throw the foot- could miss the season. Wygul will play guard
going to throw the kitch- football team and the boys The question is just how ball. This will be Putts first year as the starter and tackle. Bumgarner and Lowery will play
basketball team started quickly. on the varsity team. Griffin and Gray will run tackle.
en sink at a lot of people.
some Wildcat sets out of the shotgun. Fields has stepped right in at center and
Were not going to be as the work the last week of Harrison said he saw (Putt) is slinging it everywhere, Harrison done a heck of a job, Harrison said. He is a
base as we were last year. May and trained with her what he expected in a said. I have gained a lot of confidence in him. smaller guy, but he is really athletic.
Last month, Acker was once a week for an hour scrimmage against Ben- RUNNING BACKS DEFENSIVE LINE
named a first-team per- up until late last month ton Academy at Pillow Dontae Gray (Sr.), Moak Griffin (Soph.), Eli Acker (Soph.), Ethan Bumgarner (Soph.),
former at The Southern when MAIS teams could Academy. The team was Rocky Wright (Soph.), Austin Dotson Wade Lowery (Sr.), Parker Ray (Jr.),
Elite Top 150, an earned begin football practice. scheduled to participate (Soph.), Eli Acker (Soph.), Weston Lowery Clay Walters (Jr.), Chapman Cooper (Jr.),
invitation combine at Co- Harrison said Jeffers will in a jamboree at Jackson (Soph.), Judd Murphy (Sr.) Wills Wygul (Soph.)
ahoma Community Col- continue to work with his Gary rushed for 1,910 yards and 24 Acker will start at end, while Harrison said
Academy prior to its sea-
lege in Clarksdale. The players throughout the touchdowns and had 546 yards receiving and Lowery is doing a good job at nose guard.
son opener against Kirk eight touchdowns. For his accomplishments, LINEBACKERS
event was sponsored by school year. He said the Academy on Friday, Aug. he shared The Dispatchs Small School co-Of- Parker Ray (Jr.), Weston Lowery (Sr.),
247 Sports, an indepen- workouts will comple- 18, in Grenada. Harrison fensive Players of the Year with teammate Rocky Wright (Soph.), Judd Murphy (Sr.),
dent digital sports me- ment the training the foot- said Gray, who earlier this Tyler Anderson. Griffin and Wright should Josh Neal (Sr.), Reuben Proffitt (Soph.),
dia company that covers ball players will do in the month was named to the give the Patriots plenty of options to keep Austin Dotson (Soph.)
college and professional schools weight room. defenses honest. Acker, Lowery, and Murphy Ray could split time at this position (on the
MAIS All-Gridiron Team,
sports. Acker also was The commitment to are expected to play H-back. inside) and at defensive line.
scored four touchdowns
named Top College Pros- the summer has been a WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS SECONDARY
on five or six carries.
pect for the Class of 2020. pleasant surprise to me Dalton Alexander (Sr.), Jared Long (Soph.), Dontae Gray (Sr.), Moak Griffin (Soph.), J.R.
I feel like were a re- Eli Acker (Soph.), J.R. Lott (Jr.), Lott (Jr.), Dalton Alexander (Sr.),
Gray said he attend- because a lot of these
ally athletic team, Harri- Dontae Gray (Sr.), Eli Acker (Soph.), Logan Perkins (Sr.), Joseph Riley (Sr.),
ed mega camps at Mem- guys havent had to lift
phis and at Rhodes Col- in the summer, Har- son said about his squads Weston Lowery (Soph.), Judd Murphy (Sr.) Lex Rogers (Jr.), Noel Fisher (Soph.),
lege, which also is in rison said. Two of our performance against Ben- Harrison called Alexander Mr. Depend- Jared Long (Soph.)
ton Academy. We have a able, while Long is a transfer from Columbus Gray will play some safety with Griffin and
Memphis. He feels the guys who didnt play last High School. Acker is a big body who will help
lot of youth and made a lot Alexander. Lott, Rogers, Perkins, and Riley will
events helped him raise year were in the top five in the running and passing attacks. Harrison play cornerback.
his profile and show off in attendance. I am real- of young mistakes, but we
said Lott has physically developed and could SPECIALISTS
the fact he had added 15 ly proud of that. I think essentially scored at will. be a bigger weapon this season. Lex Rogers (Jr.), Judd Murphy (Sr.),
to 20 pounds and feels they are embracing it and I thought the defense held Alexander blocks his tail off, runs good Wade Lowery (Sr.), Moak Griffin (Soph.),
stronger at 5-foot-9, 190 I think they are looking up pretty well. They bust- routes, catches the ball when it is thrown to Dontae Gray (Sr.), J.R. Lott (Jr.)
pounds. forward to it. I think phys- ed a trap on us early and him, Harrison said. Rogers returns to handle the kicking du-
Gray isnt the only one ically we will be prepared. then otherwise did really OFFENSIVE LINE ties, while Harrison will try to get Rogers out
who should feel an added I think it will be mentally well. Parker Ray (Jr.), John Henry Fields (Sr.), of the punting duties. Griffin, Gray, and Lott
spring in their step. Her- picking up the game. Follow Dispatch sports Clay Walters (Jr.), Chapman Cooper (Jr.), are primary candidates to handle kick and
Reuben Proffitt (Soph.), Wills Wygul (Soph.), punt return work.
itage Academy worked Sure, we lost athletes, editor Adam Minichino on
Ethan Bumgarner (Soph.), Wade Lowery (Sr.) Adam Minichino
with Beth Jeffers at the but we also lost guys who Twitter @ctsportseditor
CCA
round of the playoffs.
CCA moved to a com-
bined Class A-AA in 2015
and went 2-8.
CCAs speed carries
over to the
back f ield,
where se-
Studdard Parker Harding Shaw
nior Nate
Parker will things from his eight soph- a playoff run.
play quar- omores. He expects Shaw I think we are just go-
terback. to lead those players in part ing to prove them wrong
P a r k e r because he learned from on the field and let us show
Watkins went with his brother, Dawson, and them through our actions
Watkins to he is a little more mature instead of just talking
the Dak Prescott Camp at than other 10th-graders. back.
Mississippi State, where Watkins also feels the ca- Meek said the players
he was put in charge of a maraderie the players built have fallen in line and em-
group of younger players. in the offseason at basket- braced the us-against-them
Watkins feels that expe- ball camp at Madison-Rid- mind-set, much like the
rience enabled Parker to geland Academy and the one the schools track and
emerge as a bigger leader. fact many know they will field team faced two years
Sophomore Dakota be counted on this season ago when it had only seven
Shaw, the brother of former will aid in the growth pro- competitors and won the
CCA multi-sport standout cess. state title. Meek also was
Dawson Shaw, will pro- It is probably one of the a member of the schools
vide depth at running back hardest working groups cross country team last
with junior Jordan Meek, I have had since I have season.
who also will play corner- been here for the summer, Shaw, who also could
back an safety. Sophomore Watkins said of the entire see time at quarterback
Bryar Kemp will play full- squad, which will be 18 and wide receiver, has
back. strong with ninth-graders been impressed with the
Watkins said the Rams moving up. He feels the will on the team. He said a
will use a lot of the same growth in the junior high lot of his classmates have
looks they have relied on program ultimately will had an attitude change be-
in past years. He said the increase the depth in the cause there is a want-to
Rams speed could help varsity program. to get better and to help the
make up for a lack of size Watkins said the Rams program get back to the
in the offenses misdirec- biggest adjustments will playoffs.
tion plays, where blockers come on defense, where I really hope we devel-
wont be expected to hold their lack of size could be op a winning attitude and
their defenders off for as an issue against teams that a never-give-up attitude,
long. run right at them. Shaw said. Dawson never
Nate won the 300 hur- Meek and Shaw said gave up, and I hope we can
dles at the state track meet the move to Class A and keep that up.
two years in a row, so you the loss of key contribu- Watkins likes to hear
have speed there, Watkins tors from last season hasnt that talk. He said he has
said. Nate has been a part brought everyone down seen that attitude take hold
of making the cross coun- and has served as motiva- in training and at practice.
try, track, and basketball tion. In fact, the players The hope is that it continues
teams successful. I was said they feel like they have to serve as fuel to keep the
hoping for him to be more a chip on their shoulder Rams speeding along and
vocal. That is one thing and need to prove some- helps them start strong and
he has done. He has taken thing this season. finish strong, which is the
over that leadership role We lost a lot of size team motto for the season.
and that role of being vocal. with our core senior group You can tell there is
He also is taking responsi- last year, but were going to some type of motivation
bility that this is his team. be a lot faster, and we have there and that the work
Jordan adds a whole lot been working a lot harder ethic is better, Watkins
of quickness. He reminds than teams in the past, said. I think it has moti-
me of Dawson with his Meek said. Moving down vated them for themselves
quickness, and his overall will help us. A lot of people and for the team.
speed is probably faster think this will be a rebuild- Follow Dispatch sports
than Dawson. ing year, but I think this is editor Adam Minichino on
Watkins expects big a good year for us to make Twitter @ctsportseditor
New Hope Caledonia

Continued from Page 4 Continued from Page 5
to get everyone to buy in, coached at the school. He
to listen to the coaches, left in the offseason to
and to eschew individual become the new football
glory for team success. coach at North Pontotoc.
It starts with lead- Kendrick, who
ership, Craddieth said. remained at the high school
Last year, we didnt have as a teacher
a lot of leadership. The se- and stayed
Fields Jackson Tate Taylor McMurphey Dumas Blair Brown
niors are trying to come on as a vol-
together as a team and to rience, and other issues If all of the leaders unteer assis-
teach the younger class- have plagued the team come together, we can tant football I have heard so many people tell
men how to come togeth- the past two years, Pickle go to a state champion- coach, has
er because it takes a team said he sees the dedica- ship, said Johnson, who instilled a us if we win more than two games
to win a game, not individ- positive en-
uals. There cant be any
tion in this years leaders.
He said the seniors made
has been a part of the
program since the eighth Hankins ergy in his they would call that a successful
selfishness.
New Hope coach Kris
almost every summer
workout, so he hopes that
grade. We need to com-
municate in the weight
return
head coach.
to
season this year. If we dont make it
Pickle has adopted a slo-
gan of Win the Day as
shows the commitment
and focus it is going to
room, in the locker room,
out there (on the practice
Much like
he did in
to the playoffs, I dont consider it a
a way of driving that point
home.
take to get back to the field and on the game his initial
stint, Kend-
successful season.
postseason. field).
You can get caught You can just tell from Johnson said the Tro- rick doesnt Caledonia High School senior lineman
up as a player or a coach, a leadership standpoint jans need to speak up in care what Logan Canerdy
or in life in general, and Weseli happened
how guys are picking the weight room if some-
start looking ahead at themselves up and en- one skips a rep. In the in the past.
what is coming down the couraging others, Pickle locker room, he said the His goal is to raise the ex- er it a successful season. isiana-Lafayette and Cen-
road and forget about the said. You can tell it means Trojans have to monitor pectations for the program Canerdy goes a step tral Arkansas), Ole Miss,
things to prepare your- and to make sure the play- further to say some of his Memphis, Arkansas, and
something to them. the playing around and
self, Pickle said. If we ers dont fall into the trap former teammates have Mississippi State. Canerdy
This season means listen to the coaches to do
come out here and win of thinking it is OK not do told him they doubt the said he has three junior
something to Craddieth things the right way.
every day and compete to as well just because the 2017 teams ability to suc- college scholarship offers
and Johnson. Both play- Craddieth said all of
every day, then the things team lost so many seniors. ceed. The senior offensive and an offer from Central
ers said their focus stems that communication has
two and three months I would be very disap- lineman plans to use that Arkansas.
in part from the fact this to be done in a positive
down the road will take pointed if our kids didnt as motivation, not to prove The chance to impress
is their last year at New way because he acknowl-
care of themselves. come out and compete they are better than the college coaches should
Hope. They plan to use edged some dont respond
Pickle believes that this year, Kendrick said. 2016 group, but to show ev- provide Canerdy, who
lack of focus cost New all of the things they have to getting fussed at. He
seen as motivation to said he has tried to talk I dont think they will eryone they are capable of likely will play left guard,
Hope a few times and ul- look at it as, Man, well be lifting the program to the an extra push to continue
timately might have been get the program back on to his teammates that
track. way, as have others on down. The phrase they use next level. Canerdy plans to work hard and to keep
the difference between when they break down is to do plenty of talking and his teammates in line. He
making the playoffs and I have seen selfish- the team. Craddieth feels
ness and leadership, everyone will work well STP, which is Something encouraging to make that a feels he will be able to work
finishing 6-5. to Prove, and they want to reality. well with junior left tackle
Pickle also feels New Craddieth said. I have together to make those
seen a lot of selfishness. championship dreams prove it. They know not a I like to excite people. Ryan Stewart, centers Lee
Hope spent too much lot of folks are thinking a lot I like to make people feel Browning and R.J. Morris,
time in 2016 worrying I have seen a couple of come true.
leaders and a lot of self- Most of us are buy- about them. Were OK with energetic, Canerdy said. right guard Jonathan Rowe,
about who it was playing that role. I like it. Most folks I am more of an energet- and right tackle Tanner
and how it matched up ishness. Then I thought ing in, but we still have
about it and I realized I am some that are in the mid- have picked us to finish last ic kind of a player. I have Holley up front and ease
against its opponent rath- in the district. I like that. always been that way. Last the offenses transition
er than playing its game. not going to get anywhere dle. They dont know if
doing what I want to do. I they want to do their own Canerdy has embraced year, I tried to speak out and from a spread attack last
As a result, he felt the Tro-
have to do what the coach- thing or do it the way the Kendricks approach. He it was like, Oh, he is just season to the Wing-T this
jans didnt truly believe
es tell me to do, so I tried coaches want them to do believes Caledonia could a junior. We dont have to year. Holley played junior
they could compete on a
to change my attitude. it, Craddieth said. The have done better than listen to him. I loved every varsity last season. Rowe
consistent basis until the
Thats where Win the seniors are trying to put the 5-6 finish last season. senior, but nobody bought was injured in 2016, while
end of the year. Unfor-
Day comes in. The Tro- it in the heads of everyone Granted, Caledonia played into what coach Crotwell Browning and Stewart saw
tunately, the confidence
jans have that slogan on that were not going to win in arguably the toughest re- was saying. We could have some varsity action.
gained from a 34-20 loss
the back of T-shirts they by trying to do your own gion in Class 4A with Noxu- won more than five football I have talked to all of
to eventual Class 5A State
wear. Craddieth admits thing. You have to do what bee County, Louisville, and games, but nobody bought them, and they want to
champion West Point in
everyone hasnt embraced the coaches want you to Kosciusko last season, but in until the last minute. do something here. They
the next-to-last game of
the notion or the team do to improve. When that he points to losses to Shan- Canerdys size makes want to win eight to 10
the season came too late.
concept, but that means other little bit buys in, non, Louisville, and Noxu- him someone to listen to, ballgames, Canerdy said.
This season, Pickle
he, Johnson, and every- were going to have a good bee County as games he felt but he also can back it up on I cant tell you how many
believes New Hope can
one else is going to have season. the team didnt play its best. the field. In July, Canerdy games were going to win.
have a different mind-set
because the seniors have to work that much harder Follow Dispatch sports This season, Caledonia will was named a first-team Only time will tell. It is
had more success. While to get all of the Trojans on editor Adam Minichino on move to Class 4A, Region performer at the Southern just how much effort were
injuries, a lack of expe- the same page. Twitter @ctsportseditor 2 and be paired with Amo- Elite Combine, an earned going to put in. After all of
ry, Itawamba Agricultural, invitation event at Coaho- the games this year, theyre
Mooreville, Pontotoc, and ma Community College in not going to want to play us
A CLOSER LOOK AT NEW HOPE Shannon. Canerdy believes Clarksdale. The event was anymore.
QUARTERBACKS DEFENSIVE LINE the Confederates will- sponsored by 247 Sports, We are going to fight
Kyree Fields (Jr.), Ryan Burt (Soph.), Brandon Craddieth (Sr.), Jakeim Shinn ingness to buy into Kend- an independent digital and make you give up.
Tanner Greco (Jr.) (Jr.), Rmonta Harris (Soph.), ricks message will enable sports media company that Last year, everybody was
Fields and Burt didnt play in the spring Kobe Chandler (Soph.), Jariel Butler them to turn some heads covers college and profes- kind of about themselves.
game. Greco played all of the spring game (Soph.), Rye McGlothin (Jr.), this year, which is why he sional sports. Canerdy also This year, it is more in here
and did a good job, according to New Hope Rayshaun Gibson (Jr.)
wants to continue to ener- was named top lineman at (pointing to his heart), and
High School football coach Kris Pickle. Pickle said the Trojans dont have as
RUNNING BACKS much depth in the interior as they do on gize his teammates and be the camp. were all buying in as a
Tyran Reed (Sr.), Fred Brownlee (Sr.), the ends. Gibson is a transfer from Colum- a vocal presence on and off The Southern Elite team and buying into what
Braylen Miller (Soph.), Robert Fearce bus Christian Academy. the field. Camp was the sixth one coach Kendrick has told us.
(Soph.), Malachi Clay (Soph.) We have had size coming, but it has I have heard so many Canerdy attended during This year, were all
Reed is out indefinitely with a stress just taken a while to get here, Pickle said. people tell us if we win the summer. He said he also playing together. That is
fracture in his foot, while Brownlee is com- LINEBACKERS more than two games they went to camps at Northeast what is going to make us do
ing off an ankle sprain. Eriq Johnson (Sr.), Kobe Matthews (Jr.), would call that a successful Mississippi Community big things this year.
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS Devonta White (Sr.), Antwan Roland season this year, Canerdy College, East Central C.C., Follow Dispatch sports
Jeremy Tate (Sr.), A.J. Dooley (Sr.), (Soph.), Javius Pryor (Sr.) said. If we dont make it to Mississippi College (which editor Adam Minichino on
Jaylon Mays (Jr.), Jumarcus Selvie (Soph.) Johnson moved from defensive end to
Tate has committed to play football at linebacker. Matthews is a returning starter. the playoffs, I dont consid- included coaches from Lou- Twitter @ctsportseditor
Memphis. Dooley will take over in the slot White is another starter.
position. SECONDARY A CLOSER LOOK AT CALEDONIA
OFFENSIVE LINE James Taylor (Sr.), Tyrece Jackson (Sr.),
Jeremiah Hodges (Sr.), Luke Barrett (Jr.), Clay Williamson (Sr.), Ben Lowe (Sr.), QUARTERBACKS (left guard), Morris and Lee Browning
Brantley Prescott (Soph.), Blake Armstrong (Sr.), Kyree Fields (Jr.) Seth Brown (Sr.), Brandon Edmondson (center), Jonathan Rowe (right guard), and
Kalen Taylor (Jr.), Bradley Peeks (Soph.), Taylor has started for a couple of years. (Soph.) Holley (right tackle) are in the mix for start-
Jaylen Johnson (Sr.) Jackson is a returning starter at corner- Brown played behind Spencer Unruh last ing spots. Rowe was injured last season
The Trojans dont have as much expe- back. Williams is out indefinitely with an season. Caledonia coach Ricky Kendrick and didnt get to play.
rience, but Pickle said the group is bigger ankle injury. Lowe didnt play last year. said he likes how Brown runs the Wing-T Tanner Holley has been the surprise
a lot bigger than previous seasons. SPECIALISTS and feels he will be able to be a dual threat of the fall and the spring, Kendrick said.
Hodges is a transfer from Columbus High. Daniel Bradley (Sr.), Ellis Clark (Soph.), as a runner and as a passer when needed. From the spring to now he has really
Barrett and Prescott will play tackle, while Ben Bradley (Soph.), Stallone Shelton He is a really heady young man and grown up. We feel real good about his
Taylor and Johnson, who both played a (Soph.), Andrew McCraw (Sr.), Tyran Reed adapts to the offense well, Kendrick said. progress and what he is going to be able to
good bit last season, will play guard and (Sr.), Braylen Miller (Soph.), Jeremy Tate Our passing concepts are similar to the bring to the team.
Peeks will play center. (Sr.), A.J. Dooley (Sr.), James Taylor (Sr.), ones used under coach Crotwell. DEFENSIVE LINE
It is going to take us some time to jell Kyree Fields (Jr.) RUNNING BACKS Logan Canerdy (Sr.), R.J. Morris (Jr.),
because we have four new faces, Pickle Daniel Bradley and Clark are the leading Dylan Hankins (Sr.), Kevin Robinson (Jr.), Lee Browning (Soph.), Jonathan Rowe
said. The encouraging sign is we are big- candidates at kicker, while McCraw will Quentin Chiquito (Soph.), Graham Weseli (Sr.), Ryan Stewart (Jr.), Tanner Holley
ger. That has haunted us in the past going punt. There are numerous possibilities to (Sr.), Brayden Gholson (Jr.) (Soph.), Nich Blair (Sr.), Bryce Eaton
up against teams like West Point that run handle the return chores. Hankins will be the starter at fullback. (Fr.), Grant Taylor (Fr.), Keegan Seiglock
right at you. Adam Minichino Kendrick said he likely will be the only full- (Soph.), Reed Brewer (Soph.),
time two-way player. As a result, the Con- Terrell Cunningham (Jr.), Brayden Gholson
federates are trying to find someone who (Jr.), Dalton Cantrell (Soph.)
can give him a break. Weseli has moved Many of the same guys who see time
from wide receiver to tailback. Gholson is a on the offensive line will see action here.
downhill runner. Cantrell is the only returning starter on
Weseli is a great receiver. He is our defense.
best receiver, Kendrick said. He had a We will have to rep them out and keep
lot of yardage last season, so you hate to them fresh, Kendrick said. I see the
move that guy in because you know he is offensive and defensive fronts are the
so good out there. He is probably our fast- strength of the team.
est guy on the football, so out of necessity LINEBACKERS
someone has to do it. Jaderious Gore (Jr.),
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS Christopher McDonald (Jr.), Dylan May
Anthony Triplett (Soph.), Donderious Jones (Soph.), Christian Lingle (Soph.),
(Jr.), Jaylon Dumas (Sr.), Hunter Harris Dylan Hankins (Sr.), Nich Blair (Sr.)
(Jr.), Christian Lingle (Soph.), The Confederates will run a 4-2-5 to get
Camden Hurst (Soph.), Jaderious Gore enough athleticism on the field to protect
(Jr.), Christopher McDonald (Jr.) against the passing game. Kendrick feels
Dumas is new to the team. Hurst, Gore, his defensive line will be able to hold its
and McDonald will play slot receiver. own at the line of scrimmage.
Our young guys are doing real well, SECONDARY
Kendrick said. Dumas is a pretty good Jaylon Dumas (Sr.), Camden Hurst (Soph.),
athlete. He has a lot of range and he can Anthony Triplett (Soph.), Donderious Jones
go up and get the high ball. (Jr.), Quentin Chiquito (Soph.)
OFFENSIVE LINE Dumas is a big, tall kid who came out
Logan Canerdy (Sr.), R.J. Morris (Jr.), for the team in the spring after not playing
Lee Browning (Soph.), Jonathan Rowe last season.
(Sr.), Ryan Stewart (Jr.), Tanner Holley SPECIALISTS
(Soph.), Nich Blair (Sr.), Bryce Eaton Wes Rollins (Soph.),
(Fr.), Grant Taylor (Fr.), Keegan Seiglock Hunter McMurphey (Sr.)
(Soph.), Reed Brewer (Soph.), Rollins, who is a member of the soccer
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch Terrell Cunningham (Jr.) team, will handle the kicking, while McMur-
New Hope High School senior defensive back James Taylor keeps his footing to Kendrick said this group is the strength phey will handle the punting.
make an interception at a practice earlier this month. of the team. Stewart (left tackle), Canerdy Adam Minichino
NOXUBEE COUNTY TIGERS

COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Tyrone Shorter
n Teddy Young Asst. Head
coach
n Ed Square
n Chris Carlisle
n Tyler Jackson
n John Sallis
n Javancy Jones
n Kenny Bledsoe
n Curtis Bush
n Terry Dora
n Chris Jones
n Gary Naylor
n Michael Johnson
Team Chaplain
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 STARKVILLE
Aug. 25 COLUMBUS
Sept. 1 At Shannon
Sept. 9 At Meridian
Sept. 15 WEST POINT
Sept. 22 At West Monroe
(La.)
Sept. 29 OPEN DATE
Oct. 6 LOUISVILLE
Oct. 13 At Kosciusko
Oct. 20 LEAKE CENTRAL
Oct. 27 At New Hope
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Dispatch File Photo

Noxubee County High School football coach Tyrone Shorter uses his headset to talk to one of his coaches last season. Shorter is looking for
a return to form for the Tigers after their bid for a third-straight Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State title
ended with a loss to Pontotoc in the North State semifinals.
2016 Results
TIGERS LOOK TO LINES TO SET TITLE TONE

MHSAA
Class 4A, Region 4
Aug. 19 L, 21-24
At Starkville
Aug. 26 W, 24-23
At Columbus BY ADAM MINICHINO
Sept. 2 W, 41-12 aminichino@cdispatch.com
FOREST
Sept. 9 L, 19-27 MACON Skill guys
MERIDIAN usually get the love.
Sept. 16 L, 6-47 From Omarr Conner
At West Point
to Pat Patterson to Vince
Sept. 23 L, 21-26
Sanders to Darrell Robin-
KEMPER CO.
Sept. 30 W, 30-0 son, the Noxubee County
At Kosciusko High School football team
Oct. 7 W, 41-13 has produced some of the
LEAKE CENTRAL areas top offensive talent
Oct. 13 W, 34-26 en route to winning four
At Louisville state championships in
Oct. 21 W, 47-33 the last nine years.
At Caledonia The Tigers also have
Oct. 28 W, 41-7 had their share of stand-
HOUSTON outs in the marquee po-
Nov. 4 W, 47-0 sitions on defense. De- Dispatch File Photos
AT GENTRY fensive linemen Javancy LEFT: Noxubee County High School junior quarterback
Nov. 11 W, 24-21 Jones, Dylan Bradley, and Maliek Stallings attempts a pass against Starkville
At Senatobia Jeffery Simmons and line- last season. ABOVE: Quarterback Armoni Clark loses
Nov. 18 L, 20-29 the football in a game against West Point last season.
backer Qendarrion Bar-
At Pontotoc Stallings, a junior, and Clark, a senior, return this year
nett have parlayed stellar
HOME GAMES IN CAPS to lead the offense. Coach Tyrone Shorter said both
prep careers into opportu- players will be on the field at the same time a lot.
nities to play football at the
Division I level. Anterrious Gray and Myl- from answering Shorters team since his freshman fact, he said he relishes
Class 4A While Tyrone Short- es Smith. Both players call to action. season. He has played left the opportunity.
ers 2017 Noxubee County are multi-year starters, I feel honored to be tackle, right guard, and Shorter is excited to
Region 4 High squad will have the so they know the history able to take on a higher right tackle and is expect- hear that after Noxu-
Kosciusko
Leake Central usual array of college pros- of the program and how responsibility, Gray said. ed to play right tackle this bee County went 9-5 last
Louisville pects, the Tigers fortunes past offensive and defen- I feel like we are really season. A lead-by-exam- See TIGERS, 22
New Hope will rest largely on the per- sive lines have taken im- going to push the team ple teammate with a quiet
Noxubee County
formance of their offen- mense pride in working to and help them get better. personality, Gray said he
NOTE: Top four qualify
for playoffs sive and defensive lines. be among the best to wear Gray, 6-foot-2, and his linemates dont INSIDE
Thats the message Short- the uniform. Thats why 270-pounder, has been feel any pressure to set n A Closer Look at
er has sent to seniors like they arent backing down a member of the varsity the tone for the Tigers. In Noxubee County. Page 22
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2016 9-5 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
I feel honored
to be able to
take on a higher
responsibility. I
feel like we are
really going to
push the team Dispatch File Photo
Noxubee County High School wide receiver Kyziah Pruitt
makes a catch against West Point last season. The
and help them get loss was one of five by the Tigers, who finished 9-5. It
was the most losses Noxubee County has had in a
better. season since 2006. This season, Noxubee County will From kids to pros, we cover the field.
look to experienced groups on the offensive and
Noxubee Co. High School defensive lines to set the tone in what the Tigers hope
Follow Adam Minichino on Twitter @ctsportseditor
lineman Anterrious Gray will be another run to a state championship. and Scott Walters @dispatchscott
STARKVILLE YELLOW JACKETS

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 2;
2016 Record: 7-4 (4-3 Class 6A, Region 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Chris Jones
n Tate Fischer
n Willie Gillespie
n Carlos Kemp
n Clay Moore
n Lacey McBeath
n Kevie Thompson
n Jarrod Atterberry
n Jessie Outlaw
n Will Stewart
n Colbe Smith
n Mitchell Hardy
2017 Schedule Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

Aug. 18 At Noxubee Co. New Starkville High School football coach Chris Jones
Aug. 25 OXFORD gives directions in a practice earlier this month.
Sept. 1 At West Point
Sept. 8 COLUMBUS
Sept. 15 MERIDIAN
Sept. 22 At Provine
Sept. 29 NORTHWEST
JONES BRINGS NEW
WAY TO STARKVILLE
RANKIN
Oct. 6 At Greenville
Oct. 13 MADISON CENTRAL
Oct. 20 At Murrah
Oct. 27 At Warren Central BY BRET T HUDSON
Nov. 3 CLINTON bhudson@cdispatch.com
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
STARKVILLE
Theyve had a Starkville High School
running back Andreus
lot of success Swanigan remembers the
day new head coach Chris
in the past with Jones introduced himself Swanigan Brooks
to the team and briefed
who they are in a the players on the sche-
matic changes coming to
physical brand of the program.
Jones detailed an up-tem-
football, which is po offense that would run
good to have in plays at a furious rate and
gain yards even faster.
Clemons Gardner
their DNA. Swanigan said Jones lik-
ened it to the spread attack
Starkville High School used by Oregon and the See STARKVILLE, 20
football coach style of play that has taken
Chris Jones over college football.
As Swanigan listened INSIDE
he had one thought: n A Closer Look at
Championship. Starkville. Page 20
STARKVILLE ACADEMY VOLUNTEERS

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Class AAA, District 2 2016 Record: 8-4 (2-1 Class AAA, District 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Chase Nicholson
n Brooks Roberts
n Brad Butler
n Tony Stanford
n Bubba Davis
n Trace Lee
n Andrew Tyler
n Seth Goellner
n Gex Billups
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 LAMAR SCHOOL
Aug. 25 At French Camp
Sept. 1 At Indianola Aca.
Sept. 8 EAST WEBSTER
Sept. 15 At Magnolia
Heights
Sept. 22 WINSTON ACA. Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 29 PILLOW ACA. Starkville Academy third-year head football coach Chase Nicholson enters the 2017 season with plenty of depth to make another playoff run.
Oct. 6 At Canton Aca.
VOLUNTEERS WILL USE EXTRA DEPTH TO GROW

Oct. 13 At Heritage Aca.
Oct. 20 LEAKE ACA.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY SCOT T WALTERS have not had close to that many emy finished 8-4 and lost to Ad- Ben Owens, a transfer from
swalters@cdispatch.com out, Nicholson said. That tells ams County Christian in the sec- Starkville High School, will see
you the momentum of the pro- ond round of the playoffs. playing time at quarterback. The
STARKVILLE The the main backs will be juniors Nason
gram. Players are working hard To have so many new start-
most important number of fall
and we are having success. Other ers, we had a good season, Heflin, Wil Miller, Cambell Spiv-
2016 Results camp is 40 for Starkville Acad-
students in the school want to be Starkville Academy senior wide ey, and Taylor Arnold.
MAIS Class AAA, emy third-year football coach
District 2 part of that. Last year was not as receiver/defensive back Wil- The bulk of the experience on
Chase Nicholson.
Aug. 19 W, 16-7 good as the previous two years, liam Wolfe said. A lot of people offense resides on the offensive
The Volunteers
At Marshall Aca. have a roster of but it was a transitional year and werent sure how good we were line.
Aug. 26 W, 41-14
40 players that kept us going in the right direc- going to be. We worked hard at The biggest challenge for
At West
will try to help the tion. it and a lot of the new guys did a this team will be conditioning,
Lowndes Coach Jeff Terrills final team great job of fitting in. We always Owens said. We have worked
Sept. 2 W, 39-7
program earn its
third-straight win- won 11 games and played in the fought hard, and now with some hard in the weight room because
MAGNOLIA we do have a lot of players on
ning season and state championship game in experience, that should help us
HEIGHTS
another Missis- 2014. An assistant for all five Ter- out this season. the team this year. We want to
Sept. 9 L, 0-40
Nicholson sippi Association rills teams, Nicholson took over Starkville Academy will re- the better team in the third and
LAMAR
Sept. 16 W, 17-10 of Independent the top spot and won 10 games in turn a minimum of six starters fourth quarters. Some of the
At Washington Schools (MAIS) playoff berth. his first season. on each side of the ball. guys told me last years team
Sept. 23 L, 17-26 In my nine years here, we Last season, Starkville Acad- Seniors Noah Methvin and See VOLUNTEERS, 22
HERITAGE ACA.
Sept. 30 W, 28-9
FRENCH CAMP
A CLOSER LOOK AT STARKVILLE ACADEMY
ACA. QUARTERBACKS number of receivers. The Volunteers return some experience at
Oct. 7 W, 28-27 (2-OT) Noah Methvin (Sr.), Ben Owens (Sr.) Overall, good speed with this group, Nichol- this position.
At Leake Aca. Owens is a transfer from Starkville High son said. You want diversity with your receivers, We will have some new guys we are count-
Oct. 14 L, 17-32 School. and I think we have that. ing on at linebacker, Nicholson said. The
At Pillow Aca. We look forward to playing two quarter- OFFENSIVE LINE challenge will be communication and getting
Oct. 21 W, 14-12 backs, Starkville Academy coach Chase Will Holley (Sr.), Walker Tranum (Jr.), everyone working together as a group.
WINSTON ACA. Nicholson said. Noah gained a lot of experience Zach Barnes (Sr.), Douglas Kelley (Jr.) SECONDARY
Oct. 28 W, 20-13 by starting last season. Both can do a lot of For the Volunteers, this is an area of youth. Reagan Richardson (Sr.), Ben Guest (Jr.),
AT HARTFIELD ACA. different things and gives us different looks. We like the potential of the line, but we have Taylor Arnold (Jr.), Brady Richardson (Sr.),
Nov. 4 L, 7-35 RUNNING BACKS to get them playing together, Nicholson said. Howell Archer (Jr.), William Wolfe (Sr.),
AT ADAMS CO. CHR. Cambell Spivey (Jr.), Taylor Arnold (Jr.), Its a group that will improve throughout the Garrett Smith (Sr.), Nason Heflin (Jr.)
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Nason Heflin (Jr.), Will Miller (Jr.), Noah Smith season. The secondary picked up some new faces
(Sr.), Willie Latham (Soph.) DEFENSIVE LINE this season.
The Volunteers remain young in the backfield. Will Holley (Sr.), Walker Tranum (Jr.), We have some depth in the secondary,
Year-by-Year Record We had a couple of players pick up some Zach Barnes (Sr.), Douglas Kelley (Jr.), Nicholson said. Its another situation where
Year Record Coach valuable playing time last season, Nicholson Noah Methvin (Sr.), Kyle Faver (Sr.) our added depth will allow us to rotate some
2016 8-4 Chase Nicholson
said. We have good depth here, and thats a The defensive line also will be an area with a players.
2015 10-2 Chase Nicholson
2014 11-2 Jeff Terrill
good sign because we want to run the football. learning curve. SPECIALISTS
2013 4-7 Jeff Terrill WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS We were strong on the defensive line a year Garrett Smith (Sr.), Nathon Pollan (Jr.)
2012 5-7 Jeff Terrill Reagan Richardson (Sr.), Ben Guest (Jr.), ago, Nicholson said. It will be up to some new Three-year starter Sam Cox will be tough to
2011 10-3 Jeff Terrill Kyle Faver (Sr.), Brady Richardson (Sr.), faces to see if they can continue that. replace.
2010 3-8 Jeff Terrill Howell Archer (Jr.), William Wolfe (Sr.), LINEBACKERS The kicking game is so vital, Nicholson
2009 0-11 Brian Sims Garrett Smith (Sr.) Cambell Spivey (Jr.), Ben Owens (Sr.), said. We have confidence in these two, just
2008 4-7 Brian Sims The Volunteers will look to continue their Will Miller (Jr.), Noah Smith (Sr.), have to get them experience.
2007 4-7 Jimmy Jennings spread attack through the air, hence a high Willie Latham (Soph.) Scott Walters
2006 1-9 Jimmy Jennings
2005 10-2 Jack French
2004 4-7 Steve Morgan In my nine years
2003 5-5 Steve Morgan Class AAA
2002 5-5 Steve Morgan
District 2 here, we have not
Canton Academy
Heritage Academy had close to that
Leake Academy
1998 4-6 Lee Davis
1997 2-8 Jay Watts
Starkville Academy
Winston Academy
many (40) out.
1996 2-8 Jay Watts Miller B. Richardson Archer Heflin Methvin Arnold
NOTE: Top four qualify for SA football coach
1995 2-8 David Butler playoffs
1994 7-3 Sammy Willcutt Chase Nicholson
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 Seth Stillman
n Ricky Melton
n Charles Herron
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 COLUMBUS
Aug. 25 At Louisville
Sept. 1 STARKVILLE
Sept. 8 OPEN DATE
Sept. 15 At Noxubee Co.
Sept. 22 At Lafayette Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 29 CENTER HILL The West Point High School football team beat Laurel 29-8 to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State
Oct. 6 At Lake Cormorant championship last season at Mississippi States Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.
WEST POINT LOOKS FOR REPEAT

Oct. 13 OLIVE BRANCH
Oct. 20 GRENADA
Oct. 27 At Saltillo
Nov. 3 LEWISBURG
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY SCOT T WALTERS son. The Green Wave will

swalters@cdispatch.com rely on a bulk of that talent
returning.
WEST POINT The Senior linebacker Xavi-
West Point High School er Fair had a team-high
2016 Results football team became a 101 tackles last season. Se-
MHSAA state champion again af- nior defensive back Tray
Class 5A, Region 1 ter doubt transformed into
Aug. 19 OPEN DATE Brownlee is also back af-
confidence. ter being in on 97 stops.
Aug. 26 W, 33-13 Despite 11-win sea-
LOUISVILLE Cherry led Class 5A with
sons in 2012 and 2015, 18 sacks. As a unit, West
Sept. 2 L, 6-28
the Green Wave finally Point forced 24 turnovers
At Starkville
crossed the finish line
Sept. 9 W, 17-13 and allowed 11.5 points
in December to grab the
At Columbus per game.
Mississippi High School
Sept. 16 W, 47-6 In the State champion-
NOXUBEE CO. Activities Association
ship game, West Point held
Sept. 23 W, 22-8 (MHSAA) Class 5A State
Laurel, which entered the
OXFORD championship. It was West
game as Class 5As best of-
Sept. 30 W, 20-17 Points first state cham-
fense, to one touchdown in
At Clarksdale pionship in football since
a 29-8 victory. The Golden
Oct. 7 W. 56-6 2010.
Tornadoes came in aver-
CENTER HILL As the attempt to repeat
aging 41.3 ppg.
Oct. 14 W, 39-17 begins, West Point Highs
I think a lot of people
At Lake players and coaches admit
Cormorant thought they were go-
the hunger is still there.
Oct. 21 W, 48-6 ing to come in and hang
We are approaching
At Saltillo this season like we didnt 50 on us because that is
Oct. 28 W, 34-20 do anything last year, what they had been doing
NEW HOPE West Point senior defen- all year, Carr said. We
Nov. 4 W, 53-17
sive back Jason Brownlee knew a championship was
At Lewisburg
said. Once you win one, on the line, so that wasnt
Nov. 11 W, 41-7
it makes you hungrier for going to happen.
AT HOLMES CO. Brownlee said the de-
CENTRAL the second. The hard part
is believing and finding a fenses togetherness was
Nov. 18 W, 41-0 a big key to the squads
At Oxford way to win the first one.
Class 5A, Region 1 rival success.
Nov. 25 AT LAKE
Oxford had been the chief We communicated
CORMORANT
stumbling block in the better than any team
Dec. 3 Vs. AT LAUREL
HOME GAMES IN CAPS state championship pic- Dispatch File Photo I have ever been on,
ture. The Chargers ended Running back Chris Calvert returned to action from concussion-like symptoms to Brownlee said. When the
the Green Waves season help the West Point High School football team beat Lake Cormorant 40-7 in the ball was snapped, every-
in the 2014 and 2015 play- Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A North State title body knew their assign-
game last season. West Point then defeated Laurel 29-8 to win the state title.
Class 5A offs. ment. It was personal if
the other team got a first
Region 1 Beating Oxford meant
the world to this team, were hurting after the ers on offense and seven West Point senior defen- down. We really liked
Center Hill West Point senior line- Starkville game, beat- starters on defense from sive tackle Terence Cher- hitting people, and every-
Grenada backer Rasson Carr said. ing Oxford changed the that team. ry said. This unit really body knew where the foot-
Lafayette
You could tell when the whole outlook of the sea- West Point beat Oxford likes to hit people. You ball was. Our speed was so
Lake Cormorant
Lewisburg season started we felt like son. We knew then the 22-8 in the regular season could tell we were a lot good we were going to get
Olive Branch we were a different team. championship was ours and 41-0 in the playoffs. closer when the season a spot in time just about ev-
Saltillo Then, Starkville happened for the taking. In four playoff games, started. Good communi- ery time.
West Point
to us and I am not sure After a second-week the Green Wave allowed cation is the key. By the See WEST POINT, 21
NOTE: Top four qualify what we thought. We knew loss at Starkville, West three touchdowns. The middle of the season, we
for playoffs
winning a state champion- Point won its final 13 average margin of victo- were feeling good.
ship would involve beating games to finish 14-1. This ry was 32.5 points in the West Point started nine INSIDE
Oxford once, maybe twice. season, the Green Wave postseason. juniors on defense on sev- n A Closer Look at West
As much as we will return seven start- Physical defense, eral occasions last sea- Point. Page 21
Year-by-Year Record
Year Record Coach
2005 14-1 Dennis Allen
1998 1-10 Tom Goode Jr.
1996 5-6 Lynn Moore
1995 4-7 Skip Taylor
1994 2-9 Skip Taylor
We are
approaching this
season like we
didnt do anything
last year.
West Point High School
Dispatch File Photos
senior Jason Brownlee Wide receiver Jason Brownlee skies over a Lake Cormorant defender and then uses his left elbow to balance himself as he comes down for a
touchdown catch in the West Point High School football teams 40-7 victory against Lake Cormorant.
OAK HILL ACADEMY RAIDERS

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: 11-Man Football Class AA, District 1; 2016 Record: 2-8 (0-4 Class A-AA, District 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Chris Craven
n Carl Middleton
Defensive coordinator,
Offensive / Defensive lines
n Cody Allen Wide Re-
ceivers / Defensive Backs
n Thomas Easterling
Kicking / Special Teams
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 At Deer Creek Aca.
Aug. 25 NEWTON CO. ACA.
Sept. 1 At Strider Aca.
Sept. 8 WINONA
CHRISTIAN Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 15 At Carroll Aca. Oak Hill Academy senior quarterback John Carver Middleton fakes a handoff to fullback Ethan Bryan as the players wait to get their pictures
Sept. 22 At Wayne Aca. taken on the teams picture day earlier this month. Wide receiver Ryan Simmons is in the background.
Sept. 29 COLUMBUS

Oct. 6
(Ark.)
CHRISTIAN ACA.
CENTRAL HOLMES
Oct. 13 WEST MEMPHIS
Oct. 20 At Marshall Aca.

RAIDERS HOPE CULTURE CHANGE LIFTS PROGRAM
BY ADAM MINICHINO back Ken Buddy Dill led a
HOME GAMES IN CAPS aminichino@cdispatch.com spread passing attack. Still,
Craven feels senior quarter-
WEST POINT The back John Carver Middleton,
2016 season left Chris Craven who played quarterback two
with a lot of questions. years ago when Dill suffered
Instead of building off a a season-ending injury, will
seven-win season and a trip lead an attack that can move
to the playoffs in 2015, the
2016 Results Oak Hill Academy football
the football. Middleton also
will play strong safety.
MAIS team fell victim to key inju-
Class A-AA, District 2 Middleton said he liked
Aug. 19 L, 7-34
ries and chemistry issues being a part of his first
At Newton Co. and slipped to 2-8. The finish team-building exercise. He
Aca. left Craven looking for ways feels the work the players did
Aug. 26 W, 31-15 to re-establish the right cul- is starting to build ownership
At Tupelo Chr. ture and mind-set in his lock- in the program.
Prep er room. We all want to be lead-
Sept. 2 L, 13-48 The Raiders hope Cra- ers, Middleton said. With
HERITAGE ACA. venisms are the answer. the young guys coming in, I
Sept. 9 W, 17-14 Cravenisms are the by- feel like I just need to guide
WEST MEMPHIS product of a process Craven them because I have been
CHR. instituted to define the identi- starting for three years.
Sept. 16 L, 7-24 ty of the foot- Middleton said commu-
MARSHALL ACA. ball program. nication will be a key ingre-
Sept. 23 L, 42-49 It involved dient in the teams success.
WINONA CHR. discussions
Sept. 30 L, 35-49
He doesnt think he will have
with the play- to hold teammates like junior
At. Columbus
ers to discov- fullback/defensive Ethan
Chr. Aca.
er what traits Bryan accountable because
Oct. 7 L, 31-42
At Carroll Aca.
are most everyone wants to erase the
Oct. 14 L, 3-55
Craven important to memory of last season.
At Leake Aca. them. The Bryan agrees, saying the
Oct. 21 L, 7-28 coaches then worked with players will support each oth-
DEER CREEK the players to define those er and do their best to help
ACA. terms and to show how the build a program the next
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Raiders would use them to wave of Raiders can be proud
build a program that every- of.
one supports. The year before, we
It wasnt a coach telling werent very tough with
11-Man Football people this is who we are, tackling, said Bryan, who
Craven said. I felt like the
Class AA, Dist. 1 first year when I was the head
wrote down teamwork, com-
mitment, and toughness.
Carroll Academy
Central Holmes coach we had some good ath- Our coach did a good job of
Marshall Aca. letes we had some good teaching us to tackle, but we
Oak Hill Academy ones last year but it was Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff werent tough enough to exe-
Winona Christian Oak Hill Academys Ryan Simmons goes high to catch a pass from John Carver
clicking already. We had cute the tackle.
NOTE: Top four qualify coached those boys all those Middleton in a practice earlier this month.
for playoffs As for teamwork, Bryan
years. Last year, I kind of felt said a lot of people were com-
our identity wasnt in place. valuable, Craven said. Our and helps Oak Hill Academy line and not rely on one of the plaining about how things
As part of the process, MVP process is mission, vi- rebound from a campaign 23 varsity players to carry all were being done. Despite the
Craven said he and his assis- sion, and principles. that saw it allow more than of the load. death of Bales, there is a new
Year-by-Year Record tant coaches encouraged the Little did Craven know 30 points in seven of its eight All 23 are in, Craven attitude in the locker room.
Year Record Coach how important that work said. We have a position for
players to think about what losses. Bryan feels it will help fuel
2016 2-8 Chris Craven
2015 7-4 Chris Craven kind of legacy they wanted would be. On Aug. 5, junior We can blame tackling, everybody. We are trying the Raiders and erase the
2014 5-6 Tony Stanford to leave for the pee wee foot- Thomas Lee Bales died but at the same time there is to play as many people as memory of a disappointing
2013 5-6 Daniel Merchant ball players. The Raiders in an accident while on an a reason a kid might not put possible, not for the sake of season. Middleton said the
2012 6-6 Daniel Merchant then came up with words overnight church retreat at forth the effort, so that is an playing. We believe the more feeling of brotherhood is
2011 0-10 Benjie Merchant like commitment, leadership, Smith Lake in Alabama. The internal thing, Craven said. players we play the fresher tangible and all of the players
2010 3-8 Leroy Gregg toughness, compete, trust, Raiders returned to practice We wanted to go all of the we will be throughout the feel like they have support.
2009 3-9 Leroy Gregg and family as their base. Cra- the Monday following Bales way to the basis and say we game. Everybody has a po- We just needed all of that
2008 1-9 Leroy Gregg ven, who is entering his third death, but Craven said the want to coach the inside so sition, and everybody on our negativity to get out, Bryan
2007 0-10 Randy Carlisle coaches and the players we can produce results on team has a role.
season as head coach after said. It has been amazing.
2006 7-4 Randy Carlisle
2005 6-5 Randy Carlisle serving as a longtime assis- are still working to regain the outside. Craven said the Raiders Last year, we were just slow
2004 4-6 Randy Carlisle tant coach, asked the players their balance. He hopes the Craven said the process will stay with an offense that and everyone was moaning
2003 3-8 Charles Faulkner to put those words to use. team-building exercises the was received with open uses multiple formations and groaning about practice.
2002 4-7 Charles Faulkner The end result was a mission Raiders did in the offseason arms and that he has seen and has a variety of options This year, everybody is going
2001 4-6 Brian Pickens statement that is called the and in the preseason provide the players mature and dis- in each set. He acknowl- fast and everything is fast. It
2000 1-9 Brian Pickens MVP process. a foundation they can use for play all of the qualities you edged the Raiders might is really working out. I like it.
1999 4-7 Phil Flynn It is not about being a support. would want in a team. He has not have as many skill posi- Follow Dispatch sports
1998 3-8 Phil Flynn MVP player, it is about ev- Craven hopes that work seen a leader in every lock- tion players as they did last editor Adam Minichino on
1997 5-6 Rick Cahalane erybody being the most pays dividends on the field er to help keep everyone in year, when senior quarter- Twitter @ctsportseditor
1996 3-7 Rick Cahalane
1995 1-9 G.T. Thames
1994 ** G.T. Thames A CLOSER LOOK AT OAK HILL ACADEMY
**Record unavailable
QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS / a lot of people and trying to make it LINEBACKERS
John Carver Middleton (Sr.) TIGHT ENDS where the main 11 guys dont have to Collins Brown (Sr.),
Middleton, who took over two years Ryan Simmons (Sr.), do it for four quarters. Jaden Craven (Soph.)
ago when Ken Buddy Dill suffered a Daniel Herrington (Soph.) DEFENSIVE LINE Brown is full go after having elbow
season-ending injury, inherits the posi- Simmons and Herrington provide Matt Henry (Jr.), surgery in the offseason.
tion after Dills graduation in 2016. two athletic options who can excel in Tyler Tiny Oswalt (Soph.), SECONDARY
John Carver is going to do a heck the Raiders multiple looks. Alex Powell (Soph.), John Carver Middleton (Sr.),
of a job for us, Oak Hill Academy We will still be multiple, Craven Ethan Bryan (Jr.), Dylan Scott (Sr.), Jonah Caskey
coach Chris Craven said. He is a lead- said. The more people we play the bet- Daniel Herrington (Soph.) (Soph.), Dalton Magers (Soph.),
er on the football team, and he already ter we because the fresher we will be Oswalt will anchor the center of the Jake Makamson (Jr.)
Middleton Bryan has taken command of the offense. throughout the game. Were not going line. Henry provides a contrast with a Makamson is a transfer who likely
RUNNING BACKS to be afraid of that. lot of speed. Bryan and Herrington add will start at safety.
Dalton Wilemon (Soph.), Ethan Bryan OFFENSIVE LINE to the athleticism at the position. The thing I like about this year is
(Jr.), Lucas Birmingham (Jr.) Kindrick Langford (Jr.), We are looking at having five go kids are competing for spots, Middle-
Wilder will play tailback, while Bryan Jaden Craven (Soph.), both ways, Craven said when looking ton said.
will play fullback. Archie Miller (Soph.), at the entire roster. That doesnt SPECIALISTS
Everybody is all in 100 percent, Alex Powell (Soph.), mean the same five are going both Grayson Easterling (Jr.), Jonah Caskey
Bryan said. There is not any one of Jacob Davis (Soph.) ways the whole game. We have person- (Soph.), Dylan Scott (Sr.)
our players who wont do their job or Langford will play center. Davis will nel packages for the different things we Easterling will handle the kicking,
give 100 percent. play tackle, Craven will play guard. want to do. while Scott and Caskey will take care of
Were kind of young offensively, the kick and punt returning duties.
Simmons Easterling Craven said. Were looking at playing Adam Minichino
HEBRON CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools: Eight-Man Football District 1; 2016 Record: 0-9 (2-1 Eight-Man District 2)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
David Foster
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 OPEN DATE
Aug. 25 At Kemper Aca.
Sept. 1 PRENTISS CHR.
Sept. 8 DELTA ACA.
Sept. 15 At Calhoun Aca.
Sept. 22 SHARKEY-
ISSAQUENA ACA.
Sept. 29 No. Sunflower Aca.
Oct. 6 OPEN DATE
Oct. 13 OPEN DATE
Oct. 20 At Marvell Aca. (Ark.)
Oct. 27 HUMPHREYS ACA.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
2016 Results
MAIS Eight-Man
District 2
Aug. 19 L, 8-44
At Sharkey- Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Issaquena Aca. Hebron Christians Jon McGrew practices tackling Monday as coach David Foster looks on.
Aug. 26 L, 0-54
NUMBERS MAY KEEP EAGLES FROM PLAYING VARSITY

At Delta Streets
Aca.
Sept. 2 L, 0-41
DELTA ACA.
Sept. 9 L, 6-47
CENTRAL ACA.
BY ADAM MINICHINO and was shut out six times back after a winless sea-
aminichino@cdispatch.com en route to an 0-9 campaign son. Foster tried to bol-
Sept. 16 OPEN DATE
Sept. 23 L, 0-48 in 2016. A bright spot ster the players attitudes
PHEBA David came in a 28-0 loss to Kem- last season by telling
At Strider Aca.
Foster looks great. per Academy in the regu- them things would get
Sept. 30 OPEN DATE
Oct. 7 L, 0-54
Clean shaven in years lar-season finale. Foster better with time, experi-
At Marvell Aca. past, Foster is sporting a said his team trailed 21-0 ence, and added strength.
Oct. 14 L, 6-44 beard that has grown in at halftime and answered He sees the improvement
At Calhoun Aca. nicely on a leaner, tanned the challenge he present- from a 2016 season in
Oct. 21 L, 0-62 face. After a few minutes, ed to them at intermis- which he said there were
PARK PLACE CHR. Foster tugs at the brown, sion. While the Eagles times the Eagles didnt
Oct. 28 L, 0-28 leather belt that holds up didnt score, Foster said make progress.
KEMPER ACA. his khaki cargo shorts. they moved the ball, exe- Hebron Christian was
HOME GAMES IN CAPS The end of the belt sticks cuted, and didnt give in scheduled to have an
out by his left arm as a against a stronger, deeper open date Aug. 18, the
sign of progress. Foster opponent. first scheduled week of
had to cut two new holes in Still, Foster acknowl- play. It was scheduled to
Eight-Man the belt after losing more edged Hebron Christian play Aug. 25 at Kemper
than 50 pounds since
District 2 the end of last season. A
was outmanned and out- Academy. Hebron Chris-
tian started the season
gunned throughout most
Calhoun Aca. healthier diet and better of the season. Thats why as one of 16 Mississippi
Central Aca. eating habits have helped he is proud of the players Association of Independent
Delta Aca. the longtime coach lower
Hebron Aca. who have returned this Schools (MAIS) schools
Humphreys Aca. his blood pressure and season. in two divisions of eight-
Kemper Aca. take the pressure off his I see what they do, man football. Central
Marvell Aca. (Ark.) knees and his back. what they have gone Academy in Macon closed
North Sunflower Aca. As much progress as in May to drop the num-
Sharkey-Issaquena Aca.
through, and what they
Foster has made physi- Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff went through last year, ber of schools in District
NOTE: Top four qualify for
playoffs
cally, he wishes he could Hebron Christians Braeden Triplett throws a pass at Foster said. The ones 1 to eight. Hebron Chris-
say the Hebron Christian practice Monday. who are ninth-grad- tian would be a member
School football program ers this year, they took of District 1. There will
was in similar health. Them guys there, youre a school our size. poundings regularly. be one eight-man title
Year-by-Year Record Unfortunately for Fos- they make my day when I feel bad for the ones They have grown during game this season with the
ter, he still didnt know as I see them, Foster said, that wont come play. That the summer. That experi- addition of a Class A title
Year Record Coach of Thursday morning if referring to the 16-18 is up to them, but it shows ence helped them a whole game in 11-man football.
2016 0-9 David Foster he was going to have any seventh- to ninth-graders me kids dont, I guess Last season, Class A and
2015 8-4 David Foster lot. They keep asking me,
2014 6-4 David Foster or enough sophomores to who make up a promising they dont love football Are we playing? Class AA played together.
2013 7-4 David Foster seniors to field a varsity group. It aint about me. I the way I love football. Foster said one player Foster said Thurs-
2012 8-2 David Foster team for the 2017 season. am part of the team, so it Foster, who is in his moved to another school day he talked earlier in
2011 4-3 Tri Nason
2010 1-9 Greg Watkins The thought of not play- hurts my team. My school sixth season as head in the offseason, but he the week to an official at
2009 4-6 Greg Watkins ing frustrated the veteran doesnt need to miss a coach after serving as an said all of the other play- MAIS. He said he was told
2008 8-5 Sam Pearson coach as his younger play- year. We miss conces- assistant coach for many ers returned. He said he to wait until Friday, which
2007 6-5 Sam Pearson is Hebron Christians first
2006 7-4 Sam Pearson ers moved around him sions and gates and all of years, went through grow- can tell all of them love
2005 7-3 Sam Pearson to prepare for Mondays that money. Every nickel ing pains with a young football, which explains day of school, to see if any
2004 3-7 San Pearson practice. and dime counts when squad that scored 20 points why they opted to come See EAGLES, 21
2003 3-7 Sam Pearson
NOTE: Records not available
before 2003.
I feel bad for the

ones that wont
come play. That
is up to them, but
it shows me kids
dont, I guess
they dont love
football the way I
love football.
Hebron Christian School
football coach
David Foster
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Hebron Christians Doug Loden catches a pass Monday at practice. Hebron Christians Jon Garrett Lowe catches a pass Monday at practice.
HAMILTON LIONS
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Josh Baty
n Dallas Flippo Outside
Linebackers / Quarterbacks
/ Receivers
n Victor Cunningham
Running Backs / Defensive
Backs
n John David Hartley
Offensive Coordinator
n Joel Cosgrove
Offensive, Defensive Lines
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 HOULKA
Aug. 25 NETTLETON
Sept. 1 At Hatley
Sept. 8 At Nanih Waiya
Sept. 15 WEST LOWNDES
Sept. 22 At Noxapater Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Sept. 29 ETHEL Bryant Butler started the final six games of the 2016 season for the Hamilton High School football team after transferring from Aberdeen High.
Oct. 6 OPEN DATE
HAMILTON MOVES ON AFTER DEATH OF TOLER

Oct. 13 SEBASTOPOL
Oct. 20 FRENCH CAMP
Oct. 27 LEAKE CO.
Nov. 3 At Vardaman
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
BY DON ROWE moving past the tragic and un- this job two years ago. I grew up this year, this team was going to
Special to The Dispatch timely death of sophomore quar- in this community and graduat- be his for the next two years and
terback hopeful Gavin Thomas ed from Hamilton High School. he was taking that opportunity
HAMILTON Preseason Toler, who started the first four Ive known these kids and their and running with it.
challenges faced by high school games of the 2016 season as a parents for years, and Ive known As would be expected, Tolers
football coaches are many and freshman. Gavin since he was 6 or 7 years death has brought the Lions clos-
varied. Toler, 16, passed away old. I grew up with Gavins dad er together. During every prac-
2016 Results Stifling August heat index- Wednesday, July 19, as the re- and uncle, and my father worked tice, Baty stresses to his team to
MHSAA es, overall team inexperience, sult of an automobile accident in with his dad at Axiall in Aber- always take advantage of every
Class 1A, Region 1 low participation rates, a lack of Clarke County. The accident also deen. opportunity to be great because
Aug. 18 L, 6-41 depth, graduation losses, numer- took the life of his grandparents, Baty said athletic ability aside
ous players sidelined with inju- were never promised tomorrow.
At So. Pontotoc Robert Earl Rusty and Tyla Tol- Toler played football, basket-
Aug. 26 L, 0-48 ries, the loss of a key player who I want every one of my play-
er while the family was en route ball, and baseball for the Lions
at East Union decides to sit out the season, and ers to understand everybody has
to the coast. he was the kind of kid every
Sept. 2 L, 0-33 scheduling changes due to mov- the chance to be great, Baty
It was devastating news when coach wishes he had a dozen or
HATLEY ing from one region to another I was told about the accident, more of. said. Some let that opportunity
Sept. 9 OPEN DATE are a few examples faced thus far Baty said. Its been tough be- Gavin grew three or four pass them by, while others grab
Sept. 16 W, 22-16 by Hamilton coach Josh Baty. cause I think about Gavin every inches and gained 15-20 pounds hold of that opportunity while its
COFFEEVILLE Baty, who is going into his here. Most importantly, I want
day. this past year, Baty said. Hes
Sept. 23 L, 14-40 them to remember were never
third year at the helm of the As a coach, its hard to lose worked hard and even though he
At Thrasher promised tomorrow.
Sept. 30 W, 12-6
program, has met the aforemen- a player under any circumstanc- started the first four games last
tioned challenges head on, but es, but what makes this so bad is year, he knew he would probably As if Tolers death wasnt
BIGGERSVILLE
this year he faces the most diffi- Im not just some outsider who be the backup again this year. enough of a burden for the team
Oct. 7 OPEN DATE
Oct. 14 L, 26-27 cult task of his coaching career: moved into Hamilton when I took But he also understood that after See LIONS, 21
FALKNER
Oct. 21 L, 0-42 A CLOSER LOOK AT HAMILTON
At West Lowndes
Oct. 28 L, 14-49 QUARTERBACKS at fullback. Gabe Burcham, David Arney LINEBACKERS Sophomore B.J. Jones, junior
SMITHVILLE Bryant Butler (Sr.) WIDE RECEIVERS / and Jaylon Smith will also see Gabe Burcham (Jr.), Sam Frantz, junior Kamron
Nov. 4 L, 6-35 After transferring back to TIGHT END action as backups. Toby Young (Sr.), Shields, and senior Bryson
At Vardaman Hamilton from Aberdeen last Nathan Fast (Jr.), Brice Loftin DEFENSIVE LINE Nathan Fast (Jr.),
Butler will spell the starters.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS year, Butler started the final (Sr.), Kamenski Bankhead (Jr.) Stone Crawford (Sr.), Daniel Miller (Jr.)
six games. He will be backed Backup will be sophomore Laderrick Despenza (Jr.), Senior Nick Harmon, SPECIALISTS
up by senior Toby Young and B.J. Jones at slot receiver and David Arney (Fr.), sophomore Gabe Tipton and Brice Loftin is the probable
junior Sam Frantz. sophomore B.J. Jones and Carl Bailey (Sr.) sophomore Thomas Jackson starter, with no backup in
RUNNING BACKS senior Bailey Loftin out wide. Bailey and Despenza will will see a lot of action in relief. sight.
Year-by-Year Record Tamarco Fields (Sr.), OFFENSIVE LINE line up at defensive end, and SECONDARY Laderrick Despenza, Gabe
Year Record Coach Toby Young (Sr.) Laderrick Despenza (Jr.), Crawford and Arney will man Tamarco Fields (Sr.), Burcham, Brice Loftin, Despen-
2016 2-8 Josh Baty Fields will line up at tail- Michael Harrison (Sr.), the tackle slots. Senior Bailey Kamenski Bankhead (Jr.),
2015 1-10 Josh Baty za, and Crawford are running
back, while Young will start at Lane Stockman (Sr.), Loftin and Lane Stockman and Brice Loftin (Sr.)
2014 6-5 Ray Weeks fullback. Relief help will come Stone Crawford (Sr.), juniors Gabe Burcham and Loftin and Bankhead will neck-and-neck two weeks into
2013 9-4 Ray Weeks from sophomore Ty Hall at tail- Grant Thompson (Jr.) Grant Thompson will provide start on the corners, with fall drills.
2012 4-8 Ray Weeks back and senior Bryson Butler All five started last year. relief. Fields starting at safety. Don Rowe
2011 9-3 Ray Weeks
2010 5-7 Ray Weeks
2009 4-7 Ray Weeks
2008 5-6 Ray Weeks Class 1A
2007 4-7 Ray Weeks
2006 5-6 Ray Weeks Region 1
2005 7-5 Ray Weeks Ashland
2004 1-9 Ray Weeks Biggersville
2003 3-7 Ricky Kendrick Falkner
2002 7-3 Ricky Kendrick H.W Byers Baty Butler Despenza Stockman Crawford Fields Young
2001 6-4 Bracky Brett Okolona
2000 9-2 Scott Cantrell Potts Camp
1999 7-4 Scott Cantrell Smithville
1998 3-7 Scott Cantrell Thrasher
Tupelo Christian
1997 4-5 Scott Cantrell
1996 5-7 Scott Cantrell NOTE: Top four qualify
1995 5-6 Paul Dees for playoffs
1994 4-7 Paul Dees
ABERDEEN BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS WILL RELY ON DOBBS TO CARRY LOAD

BY DAVID MILLER achieve the desired level of
Special to The Dispatch focus, the offense will be as
prolific as Dobbs was a sea-
ABERDEEN To say son ago, Spann said.
Dajoun Dobbs junior sea- Junior quarterback
son was good would be an Fred Fields took over
COACHING STAFF understatement. the starting role last
Head coach In eight games, Dobbs season and had his ups
Eric Spann rushed for 1,098 yards and downs. He saved his
n Curtis Cook Defensive and averaged 9 yards per best game for last in a
Coordinator carry. He had six-straight Mississippi High School
n K.D. Davis Defensive games of 100 or more Activities Association
Line yards rushing until a knee (MHSAA) Class 3A play-
n Josh Alford Offensive injury ended his season off loss to Velma Jackson
Line following a 21-18 loss to when he was 24 of 45 for
n Eddie Chapman South Pontotoc. a season-high 386 yards
n Sammie Burroughs We knew back in ju- and two touchdowns.
n Seth Dover nior high that hed be a Two of Fields top
really good player, Ab- three receivers are gone,
erdeen coach Eric Spann leaving seniors Isiah Mc-
said. Hes a strong kid Millian, Terrance Rowe,
in the weight room, and and Jacoby Carruth as
he has really good vision his primary targets. Mc-
and speed. Hes got a lot The Aberdeen High Millian was second on
of tools. School football team will the team with 529 yards,
2017 Schedule Dobbs has the build, rely on running back while Rowe and Carruth
Aug. 18 BRUCE too. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Dajoun Dobbs (3) and combined for 20 catches.
Aug. 25 CALEDONIA Dobbs can run the teams quarterback Fred Fields While Spann believes
Sept. 1 At Amory full battery of inside runs. (8) this season in an the group can make
Sept. 8 At Pontotoc He favors trap plays. effort to reverse its chunk plays, completing
Sept. 15 NEW HOPE I gained a lot of yards fortunes from a 3-9 the routine plays, like
Sept. 22 At Itawamba AHS off those, Dobbs said. season in 2016. catching the ball, secur-
Sept. 29 NETTLETON Those open up the big- ABOVE: Senior Isiah
Oct. 6 At Choctaw Co. ing it, and moving the
gest holes. McMillian will be a key
Oct. 13 At Hatley chains to sustain drives is
Dobbs had four plays weapon in the passing
Oct. 20 HOUSTON game for Fields, right. a point of emphasis.
Oct. 27 SO. PONTOTOC of 60 yards or more and We feel like we got
HOME GAMES IN CAPS scored in all but one game some guys who could get
last season. Hes healthy open, Spann said. But
and ready to double that weve had too many miss-
total as a senior. As the es in the offseason. We
Bulldogs once again enter throw 300 balls in prac-
the season with a young er. Dobbs will be featured comfortable throwing it as load early in the season. tice. If we catch the foot-
defense and inexperienced in two-back sets with ju- a I do running it inside with The line is improving, ball, we have a chance to
fronts, theyll need Dobbs nior Brandan Williams, Dajoun or Brandan. You sit Dobbs said. Theyre pick- be successful. We feel like
2016 Results to duplicate the All-State the teams leading return- there and look at them and ing it up. I think theyll be we got some guys that can
MHSAA campaign he was march- ing tackler and ace of the think theyre not big, but ready by the end of the fifth really go when we get it.
Class 4A, Region 3 ing toward last year before secondary. you run a trap with him and or sixth game and will start Were going to lean
Aug. 19 L, 6-35 he was injured. Brandans a dog, they get it done. Theyre clicking. on Dajoun, but were also
At Corinth Dobbs said Mississip- Dobbs said. Hes a dan- complete backs. But were also young going to lean on our quar-
Aug. 26 L, 24-41 gerous guy, and hes got Dobbs said the Bull- on defense, so we have to
pi State, Ole Miss, and terback. Our quarterback
NEW HOPE heart. dogs playbook has grown put up as many points as
Itawamba Community can run just as good as
Sept. 2 W, 44-34
College have scouted The two are inter- to include more running possible. We have more our running back. Our
AMORY
him. Showcasing his changeable at multiple plays and screens to help experience on offense, so passing game, we can
Sept. 9 L, 12-35
At Calhoun City versatility in Aberdeens positions in the offense, get the teams playmak- we figure we can be in any throw deep just as good
Sept. 23 L, 14-37 spread offense will help Spann said. ers in space. With one game this year if we can as we can throw short.
At Shannon his recruiting profile, and We try to do the whole returning starter on the run the clock. You better not give up a
Sept. 30 L, 24-38 Spann is ready to give him thing inside and out- offensive line center Dobbs said the team route on Fred because
MOOREVILLE the lions share of touches side, Spann said. Im not Michael Carouthers worked in the offseason there arent many people
Oct. 7 W, 48-7 each week, whether its at being overconfident, but Dobbs and the skill play- on being mentally tough. who can outrun his arm.
At Hatley tailback or at slot receiv- if its third-and-1, I feel as ers will carry a bigger If the teams receivers Hes a special guy.
Oct. 14 L, 18-21
NO. PONTOTOC
Oct. 21 L, 12-49
A CLOSER LOOK AT ABERDEEN
At So. Pontotoc QUARTERBACKS ball and has developed a
Oct. 28 W, 60-41 Fred Fields (Jr.) great work ethic, Spann
At Nettleton Fields is a strong-armed said. Hell help us at
Nov. 4 L, 22-54 quarterback who cracked guard.
At Velma Jackson 2,000 yards passing in DEFENSIVE LINE
HOME GAMES IN CAPS 2016. Quez Whitfield (Sr.),
Hes got an arm as Dalvin Johnson (Jr.)
strong anybody, but hes The Bulldogs will lean
improved his touch, Aber- on Whitfield and Johnson
Class 3A deen High School football
coach Eric Spann said.
but will rotate up to nine
players.
Region 4 Hell be a threat in the Quez has good size and
running game. strength and will be the an-
Aberdeen
Choctaw County RUNNING BACKS chor up front, Spann said.
Hatley Dajoun Dobbs (Sr.), LINEBACKERS
Houston Isiah McMillian (Sr.), Kordell Hoskins (Sr.),
Nettleton Brandan Williams (Jr.) Jonathan Moore (Fr.),
South Pontotoc Dobbs is an explosive Jamarcus Davis (So.)
NOTE: Top four qualify runner who averaged more Hoskins is the lone
for playoffs than 9 yards a carry last returning starter at the
year. second level.
Youll Dajoun in multiple Jonathan Moore, we
roles and positions as we have high expectations for
Year-by-Year Record look to get the ball in his
hands more, Spann said.
him at inside linebacker,
Spann said. Hes a gonna
Year Record Coach
2016 3-9 Eric Spann WIDE RECEIVERS / be a player people will
2015 11-4 Eric Spann TIGHT END know him the next few
2014 10-4 Mark Bray Isiah McMillian (Sr.), years.
2013 7-6 Mark Bray Terrance Rowe (Sr.), SECONDARY
2012 11-3 Mark Bray
2011 7-6 Chris Duncan Jacoby Carruth (Sr.), Brandan Williams (Jr.),
2010 14-2 Chris Duncan Kordell Hoskins (Sr.) Jacoby Carruth (Sr.),
2009 13-3 Chris Duncan Spann hopes another Jaquon Dobbs (Jr.),
2008 11-3 Chris Duncan offseason with Fields will Terrance Rowe (Sr.)
2007 9-3 Chris Duncan produce big plays in the Dobbs and Carruth will
2005 1-9 Andy Stevens passing game. Hoskins had man the corners, while
2004 5-6 Andy Stevens 47 tackles, but he didnt Williams will be the do-it-all
2003 9-3 Andy Stevens record a reception in 2016. safety.
2002 5-6 Andy Stevens McMillian was hurt last Brandan will have inter-
2001 2-8 Lee Doty year, but he is good route ceptions, forced fumbles,
2000 1-9 Lee Doty runner with good hands. and highlight hits, Spann
1999 2-8 Steve Herring
1998 4-7 Scott Samsel Will look for a big year from said.
1997 8-5 Scott Samsel him, Spann said. Well SPECIALISTS
1996 3-8 Royce Stephens throw it to (Hoskins), but Jacoby Carruth (Sr.),
1995 3-8 Royce Stephens itll be a game-plan type of Fred Fields (Jr.),
1994 2-8 Perry Liles thing against someone we Tywann Walker
feel like we can utilize him Carruth will handle kicks,
The (offensive) against.
OFFENSIVE LINE
while Fields will handle
punting duties.
line is improving. Michael Carouthers (Jr.),
Chris Ewing (Sr.),
Weve struggled in the
past with PATs, and its cost
Theyre picking it Dalvin Johnson (Jr.)
Carouthers will start
us ballgames in the past,
Spann said. Were going to
and center and is the only have a stronger emphasis
up. I think theyll returning starter on the line. on the kicking game this
Dalvin is a huge addi- year.
be ready by the tion on both sides of the David Miller
end of the fifth BY THE NUMBERS

or sixth game
and will start 35.5
clicking. Average number of points
allowed by Aberdeen last
Aberdeen High School season. Spann McMillian
running back
Dajoun Dobbs
STARKVILLE YELLOW JACKETS

Mississippi High School Activities Association: Class 6A, Region 2;
2016 Record: 7-4 (4-3 Class 6A, Region 2)
Starkville
Jones arrival from Kem- kles from the run-and-
per County High signals a shoot, which he played in
2016 Results new era at Starkville High. at Jackson State.
MHSAA
Class 6A, Region 2 As the Yellow Jackets begin For all of its true spread
Aug. 19 W, 24-21 the season as one of the principles, Jones offense
NOXUBEE CO. favorites to win the Missis- will also incorporate ele-
Aug. 26 W. 28-16 sippi High School Activi- ments of Auburns system
At Oxford ties Association (MHSAA) and its heavy use of the
Sept. 2 W, 28-6 Class 6A State champion- H-Back, a tight-end like
WEST POINT ship, Jones knows his sys- position with more versa-
Sept. 9 OPEN DATE tem is a stark contrast from tility. Most often used as
Sept. 16 W. 30-6 what was in place before an extra run blocker or
At Meridian him, but he knows he has in the short pass game,
Sept. 23 W, 30-6 the talent to make it work. Jones said former run-
CALLAWAY Its going to be kind of ning back KJ Lawrence is
Sept. 30 L, 7-28 new most of the stuff I a candidate for the job.
At Northwest do offensively is going to Tagging all of those
Rankin be new to them, Jones concepts onto run
Oct. 7 W,70-0
said. Theyve had a lot of plays, as is the case in
GREENVILLE
success in the past with Starkvilles run-pass op-
Oct. 14 L, 14-29
At Madison
who they are in a physical tion based attack, can
Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Central brand of football, which make it difficult to bal-
TOP: Starkville High Schools Natrone Brooks steps in front of a teammate to
Oct. 21 W, 56-8 is good to have in their intercept a pass at practice earlier this month. BOTTOM: Rodrigues Clark takes a ance a run-pass attack
MURRAH DNA. snap as the Yellow Jackets go over plays. based on post-snap reads.
Oct. 28 W, 35-28 Jones system has no Thats OK with Jones be-
WARREN CENTRAL allegiance to running cause the offense is de-
Nov. 4 L, 28-35 or passing. Most of his signed to take whatever
At Clinton scheme is based on run- defenses give.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS pass options, plays with Jones believes the
elements of both facets of Yellow Jackets have the
the game that give quar- skill players to thrive in a
terback Malik Brown a se- passing attack. He points
Class 6A ries of pre-snap reads that to Mississippi State com-
Region 2 dictate whether to hand
the ball off or to throw it.
mit Cameron Gardner
and sophomore Rufus
Clinton Jones only allegiance Harvey, who he believes
Greenville is to a fast pace. will be special. Camer-
Madison Central
Murrah
What we do that al- on Eichelberger, Camer-
NW Rankin lows us to play fast is we on Hines, and Tonorris
Provine have one-word concepts, Brookins will provide
Starkville Jones said. One thing depth at the position.
Warren Central
that was so difficult about Jones doesnt expect
NOTE: Top four qualify playing in the NFL is the run game to suffer
for playoffs
everything is so wordy. with Rodrigues Clark,
They call the protection, Andreus Swanigan, and
they tell the back what to Lawrence, who also will
do, the X receiver, the Y. of the NFLs Minnesota Class 3A State champion- been used by coaches as see time at running back.
Year-by-Year Record Its like two sentences. If Vikings and the Seattle ship. He had a 45-12 re- Mike Leach (Washington Starkville defense was
Year Record Coach I say Chicago, everybody Seahawks, but he didnt cord at the school. State, Texas Tech), Hal coming together as fall
2016 7-4 Ricky Woods knows what Chicago is. see any playing time. He Although the vernacular Mumme (Kentucky, Val- camp began, but there fig-
2015 14-1 Ricky Woods opted to play in the Are- in his system differs drasti- dosta State, Belhaven),
2014 13-1 Jamie Mitchell Jones takes over for ures to be plenty of pieces
2013 9-4 Jamie Mitchell Ricky Woods, who spent na Football League and cally from what he saw in Sonny Dykes (Louisiana to use.
2012 12-3 Jamie Mitchell in the Canadian Football the NFL, Jones has incor- Tech), and Tony Franklin
2011 12-3 Jamie Mitchell two seasons at the school Youve got guys on
2010 5-6 Jamie Mitchell and led the team to the League before returning porated concepts from that (California, Middle Ten- your second group and
2009 4-8 Bill Lee 2015 MHSAA Class 6A to Mississippi and becom- time. Jones said some of nessee). The system is third group that could
2008 3-8 Bill Lee ing a coach for M.C. Mill- the passing concepts in his designed out of a shotgun
2007 7-6 Bill Lee State championship. After probably go somewhere
2006 6-6 Bill Lee Starkville failed to make er from 2010-12 at Louis- playbook mirror the West formation with four wide else and play, Jones said.
2005 7-4 Bill Lee ville High. He was then Coast principles he learned receivers and one run-
2004 5-5 Bill Lee the playoffs in 2016, Woods Were going to use every
2003 10-4 Ronnie Cuevas resigned and decided to re- hired by Kemper County under his Seahawks coach ning back. kid we think can contrib-
2002 9-3 Ronnie Cuevas turn to South Panola High, and led them to 9-4 record Mike Holmgren. Jones said he has been ute on Friday nights.
2001 14-1 Bill Lee
2000 12-2 Chuck Friend where he will coach that in 2013. The Wildcats fin- Jones also has integrat- influenced by former Or- That combination
1999 9-4 Chuck Friend schools football team. ished 1-10 in 2012. Jones ed Air Raid and other col- egon coach Chip Kelly, has given Harvey a clear
1998 10-3 Chuck Friend A Macon native, Jones capped a four-year stint at lege-based concepts from former Baylor coach Art mind-set.
1997 10-3 Chuck Friend
1996 10-4 Chuck Friend played at Noxubee Coun- Kemper County High last a trove of coaches he stud- Briles, and West Virginia (We want to) blow
1995 15-0 Chuck Friend ty High and at Jackson season when he led the ied to devise his system. coach Dana Holgerson. everybody out, Harvey
1994 15-0 Chuck Friend
State. He made the rosters team to the 2016 MHSAA The Air Raid scheme has He also has added wrin- said.
A CLOSER LOOK AT STARKVILLE

QUARTERBACKS into the position to use his pow- OFFENSIVE LINE Jaylan Flowers (Jr.) ZyDarius Charleston (Jr.)
Malik Brown (Jr.), er-based skills to make this one Kameron Jones (Sr.), Clemons and Jones face the Jones said this unit is the
Luke Altmeyer (Fr.) of the teams deepest positions Lamarcus Logan (Sr.), highest expectations. Coach Chris strength of the entire team
Starkville High School first- groups. Antuan McDowell (Sr.), Jones has his eyes on a sizable based on speed and coverage
year head coach Chris Jones has WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS Derwin Ferguson (Jr.), set of underclassmen that will be skills. Brooks is a Memphis com-
high expectations for Brown and Cameron Gardner (Sr.), Cortlen Hill (Sr.) challenged early in the season. mit, and Stone is a transfer from
commended his newfound ma- Rufus Harvey (Soph.), Jones, Logan, and McDowell LINEBACKERS Holly Springs. Jones expects Ware
turity. Jones is excitement about Tonorris Brookins (Jr.), are returning starters. Ferguson Zach Edwards (Jr.), and Thomas to have prominent
the promise of Altmeyer, but he Cameron Hines (Sr.), and Hill will plug in at center and Jacob Williams (Sr.), roles.
plans to lean on Brown and has Cameron Eichelberger (Sr.) right tackle, respectively. Hill is a Darious Brooks (Sr.) SPECIALISTS
no plans to rush Altmeyer into Jones called Gardner, a Missis- converted defensive lineman. He Much like the offensive line, Garrin Boniol (Jr.), Roy Korynas
action. sippi State commitment, a project has played defensive line since coach Jones has no questions (Jr.), Payton Rogers (Soph.)
RUNNING BACKS given his lack of experience in a his freshman year. about this unit. There are no The starters will have to
Rodrigues Clark (Jr.), spread-style system, but he be- DEFENSIVE LINE secrets will get the majority of replace Wesley Albritton, who
Andreus Swanigan (Sr.), lieves Gardner can be a standout. Jalil Clemons (Jr.), Atavius Jones playing time, so expectations will handled almost all of Starkvilles
KJ Lawrence (Jr.), Harvey can be used in the slot (Jr.), Calvin Blair (Soph.), be heightened. kicking duties a year ago. Boniol
Chase Naylor (Jr.), to create mismatches. The other Kasen Woodard (Soph.), SECONDARY took 10 extra-point attempts, but
Lazavier Evans (Soph.) receivers give the Yellow Jackets Ryan Johnson (Jr.), Natrone Brooks (Sr.), Albritton handled all of the teams
Clark and Swanigan are ex- confidence to click in Jones pass- Corey Simpson (Soph.), Bernard Thomas (Jr.), Jalen Ware other placekicking, punting and
pected to take most of the carries ing attack. Jaylan Ware (Soph.), Max Hyche (Sr.), Myles Stone (Jr.), kickoff duties.
to support Brown as a dual-threat (Soph.), Latorrian Dickerson (Jr.), Corbin Grantham (Soph.), Brett Hudson
quarterback. Lawrence will rotate Ray Baker Jr. (Jr.), Zitavious Williams (Jr.),

Starkville High School senior wide receiver Cameron
Gardner, a Mississippi State commitment, figures to
gain valuable experience this season in coach Chris
Jones spread passing attack.

Starkville High School senior defensive back Natrone Brooks, left, and senior offensive lineman Kameron Jones
pose for a picture earlier this month during The Dispatchs annual photo shoot for the cover of our annual prep
football section at Columbus High School.
Eagles
of the older players de- State title. Tapley signed and get them a season and
cided to come out for the to play baseball with Mis- well go play football, Fos-
team. If the Eagles dont sissippi Delta Communi- ter said. If not, well play
have enough older play- ty College in Moorhead, junior varsity, which is
ers, Foster said he likely while Griffin signed to what youre supposed to be
would be forced to cancel play with East Central playing anyway, and have a
his varsity schedule and C.C. in Decatur. good time and a good sea-
to play a six-game junior The senior class was son and learn every time
varsity schedule. He said part of one of the most we play and get better.
he didnt think he would successful runs in football. Their attitude has been
have to pay the MAIS In 2013, Hebron Christian great. These guys who are
forfeit clause because He- kicked off a string of three- not playing about 50 per-
bron Christian isnt able straight playoff appearanc- cent of them are missing
to field a varsity team. es. That season also saw something theyre going to
Two seasons ago, He- the Eagles earn their first regret. Really all of them
bron Christian relied on a playoff victory since 2008. are missing out once they
senior class of Channing The success came after He- look back because one day
Tapley, Payton Griffin, bron Christian moved from theyre not going to be able
Brian Eaddy, Lucas Fos- 11- to eight-man football pri- to play. Theyre going to
ter, Landon Hill, Emerson or to the start of the 2011-12 be too old, and you cant
Shinn, Josiah Parrish, Jes- school year. The switch get it back, so take every
sie Moore, Daniel Coggins, forced the Eagles to drop advantage of every oppor-
and Nolan Whitt. That class out of MAIS Eight-Man di- tunity you can to play high
pushed Hebron Chris- vision play and to play as an school football because it is
tian (8-4) into the second independent. not just playing football. It
round of the MAIS Eight- Based on spring par- is about being around the
Man playoffs. The team ticipation, Foster hoped to guys and the things you
Dispatch File broke a pattern and threw have six to seven players learn about life that youre
Running back Marcus Murphy rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the the football more en route in the sophomore to senior going to use later on. It is
West Point High School football teams 29-8 victory against Laurel in the Mississippi to a 539-point season that classes, but Monday he clich, but it is true because
High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State title game last season. featured a 92-point show- said he hadnt seen any of there is stuff I do right now
West Point
ing in a victory against those players at summer I can remember from when
Delta Academy. workouts or preseason I played and I have used it,
Continued from Page 15 Hill was a standout on practices. not just in coaching but in
the boys basketball team, If we have three (soph- my regular life.
On offense, Missis- while Tapley and Griffin omores to seniors) of them Follow Dispatch sports
sippi State commitment helped lead the baseball who want to play, well see if editor Adam Minichino on
Ma rcus team to a MAIS Class A we can go up and help them Twitter @ctsportseditor
Murphy
returns for
his senior
season. A
Lions
member of J. Price Z. Price Calvert Murphy to bear, a second Monroe
The Clar-
ion-Led- County player with ties to Our No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 goals
Chambless ger Dandy Hamilton also died ear-
lier this month while on
are to win the next football game,
Dozen and
The Dispatchs co-Offen- an outing at Smith Lake
in Alabama with youth
beat this weeks opponent. Playoffs
sive Player of the Year
in 2016, Murphy ran for
group members from
Aberdeens First United
and state championships are dandy,
1,756 yards and 25 touch-
downs. This season, he Brownlee Glover Carr Cherry
Methodist Church. Thom-
as Lee Bales, who played
but we need to do only one thing and
will be joined again by
senior Chris Calvert, who I think there is a deep Point can avenge its loss football, basketball, and thats win football games.
hunger because every se- baseball at Oak Hill Acad-
ran for 368 yards and five to Starkville last season
emy in West Point, at- Hamilton High School football coach Josh Baty
touchdowns despite miss- nior class wants to leave in week two. The region tended Hamilton schools
ing nine games recover- its mark. For the seniors, schedule and potential through the sixth grade,
ing from concussion-like they want to end it with playoff run wont include Baty said. years. In essence, were board.
symptoms. Murphy will a championship. With so Oxford, which moved to trading Smithville and
His mother, Amy, As a result, Hamilton
return to quarterback af- many seniors starting, Class 6A this season. Falkner for five teams
teaches at Hamilton, and scored 14 points or less in
ter seeing only a handful they will be determined Thomas Lee and a lot just as tough, if not bet-
(Not playing Oxford) seven of its eight losses,
of reps there a year ago. to win another title. of my players hung out ter, while still facing West
wont take anything away including shutouts at the
He will alternate with ju- Everything still has to together, Baty said. I Lowndes and Vardaman.
from trying to win anoth- hands of East Union, Hat-
nior Jake Chambless be- fall into place. However, didnt know him well, but Playing on the road
er title, Cherry said. We ley, and West Lowndes.
hind center. desire, motivation, all of when some of my players against three of the Re-
gave them something to Its best offensive output
There is no secret we those things will be there. showed me pictures, he gion 3 teams will require
remember us by. came in a 22-16 victory
have a lot of good football This team wants to do it was usually sitting next to trips of 100 miles or more against Coffeeville and a
players back from last again. Follow Dispatch sports Gavin in the photos I saw. Sebastopol (125), 27-26 loss to Falkner.
season, West Point coach A favorite to win the writer Scott Walters on The past month or so Leake County (117), and Improvement in this
Chris Chambless said. state championship, West Twitter @dispatchscott has taken its toll on Baty Ethel (100), while Noxa- area is important if were
as players and some par- pater (88), French Camp to have a successful sea-
A CLOSER LOOK AT WEST POINT ents have looked to Baty (86), and Nanih Waiya son, Baty said.
and asked, What do we (82) are in the 80- to 88- Baty hopes his defense
QUARTERBACKS Looking forward to the growth of our of- do? mile range.
Marcus Murphy (Sr.), Jake Chambless (Jr.) fensive line, Chambless said. We have some will be able to keep offens-
Its been a tough sit- West Lowndes (24)
After starting at quarterback his sophomore experience there but this group will have to grow es off the field and out of
uation, and I couldnt and Vardaman (51) are
season, Murphy moves back to that position up quickly. the end zone.
and will alternate snaps with Chambless DEFENSIVE LINE imagine how tough it is on the closest region oppo-
Like most high school
We will do a lot with both quarterbacks, Terence Cherry (Sr.), Jamel Banks (Sr.), these two families. The nents.
teams, the defense is
West Point coach Chris Chambless said. We Jaylon Webb (Jr.), Ledarius Glover (Sr.), only thing I can tell the Fortunately for this
years group, Sebastopol, usually ahead of the of-
took some of the pressure off Marcus last year, Jaylen Cungious (Jr.) adults is to put one foot
Leake County, and Ethel fense at this point, and
but this year, we will both a lot back there. Each Cherry led Class 5A with 18 sacks last in front of the other, keep
can do a lot of different things. season. youre head up, keep go- will come to Hamilton, as it is definitely the case
RUNNING BACKS Terence is an imposing figure, Chambless ing, and be there for your does French Camp. here at Hamilton, Baty
Chris Calvert (Sr.), Marcus Murphy (Sr.), said. He can change the game on one play. kids, Baty said. I tell Its good to play these said. We have a veteran
Nate Montgomery (Sr.), Archie Jones (Sr.), LINEBACKERS the players that no matter teams at our place this group coming back, and
Brandon Harris (Soph.) Rasson Carr (Sr.), Xavier Fair (Sr.), what theyre involved in, year, but well need an at- our defensive line has the
Calvert and Murphy combined for more than Brentt Cunningham (Jr.) experience and the talent
to always be careful. las when we hit the road
5,000 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns in the The Green Wave has experience and depth to leads us in the right di-
last two seasons. at this position. Hamiltons football next year, Baty said.
program could have suf- Non-region opponents rection.
Hopefully Chris can remain healthy after Excellent speed at linebacker, Chambless
missing some time last season, Chambless said. Its a heady bunch that knows how to find fered additional losses, this year include Coldwa- Baty cites team expe-
said. West Point football is about running the the ball. as four other players were ter, Nettleton, and Hatley. rience, which features an
back. We have good depth in the backfield. SECONDARY riding with the Tolers, but We scheduled teams upper class of juniors and
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS Tyler Rupert (Jr.), Tray Brownlee (Sr.), Sam Frantz, Bryant But- to provide us good com- seniors that has started
Jason Brownlee (Sr.), Jerni White (Sr.), Kentavious McMillian (Jr.), ler, Bryson Butler, and Ty- petition to give us good 20 to 30 games as a big
Cassius Walker (Sr.), Semaje Harris (Jr.) Tyson Davidson (Sr.) ler Toler, Gavins younger insight into where we plus.
At 6-foot-3, Brownlee leads a talented group West Point blends old with new in the sec- brother, survived the acci- need to go to win football Most of our juniors
of receivers ondary. dent. games, Baty said. We and seniors have started
This was the position where we lost the There is some experience in the second- With Tolers death havent set a goal to reach since the ninth or 10th
most from last season, Chambless said. ary, Chambless said. Our defensive unit was
fresh on everyones mind, the playoffs or win a state grade because of all of the
Jake (Chambless) throws a good deep ball, so good as forcing turnovers last season. Hopeful-
we hope to hit some big plays in the passing ly, that continues. Batys current task is pre- championship. Our No. 1, injuries we had my first
game. SPECIALISTS paring his team for the up- No. 2, and No. 3 goals are year, Baty said. We lost
OFFENSIVE LINE Jose Lemus (Jr.) coming season one in to win the next football 10 players for the season
KeAris Smith (Soph.), Daveion Reives (Jr.), Returnees handle all the kicking duties. which Hamilton will move game, beat this weeks op- that year, eight of whom
Zameek Price (Sr.), Jameek Price (Sr.), We have been fortunate over the years with to a new neighborhood ponent. Playoffs and state were starters, and then
Draylon Rieves (Jr.) our special teams, Chambless said. We are in and face new opponents. championships are dandy, five more last year. Only
The Price brothers will be surrounded by good hands again there this year. Were not playing but we need to do only one three seniors started a
some new faces up front. Scott Walters in the North Half anything and thats win foot- year ago, so this group of
more because weve been ball games. The rest will juniors and seniors was
moved to Region 3 in the take care of itself. thrown into the fire. They
South Half, Baty said. In Key to improving on made the most of that op-
addition to being a tough last years 2-8 record (2-5 portunity, learned along
Class 1A region, two of in region play) will be in- the way, and got better
the biggest drawbacks for creased production in the
each year.
us will be the travel time red zone.
Baty hopes that expe-
and the fact we know very We had a tough time
rience pays dividends this
little, if anything, about inside the 20 last year,
season.
our opponents. Baty said. We had pret-
They took a lot of
Then again, theres an ty good overall offensive
upside to that problem, as stats where we rushed for punishment because they
our opponents dont know over 200 yards in eight of were so young, but now
a whole lot about us, ei- our 10 games, and in six its payback time and may-
ther. of those we had over 300 be they can hand out the
Another drawback for yards of total offense. punishment this time be-
Baty is the fact that Re- But once we got in- fore they graduate, Baty
gion 3 is loaded with qual- side the 20, we stopped said. We have the poten-
ity opponents. ourselves with turnovers, tial to have a good season
Region 1 was tough bonehead mistakes, if the kids put the work
enough with Smithville, dropped passes, and back- in, and so far they have
West Lowndes, Varda- to-back penalties. Pen- done that. They seem to
man, and Falkner, Baty alties were our biggest be more focused, more
said, but I understand problem, and the majority dedicated, and more phys-
that teams in Region 3 of our drives got killed by ical at times, and with our
have played for the Class penalties. When you dont schedule our next step is
Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff 1A State championship have a kicking game, its to be more physical all of
Jason Brownlee, left, and Marcus Murphy were part of The Dispatchs cover shot. seven out of the last 11 tough to put points on the the time.
Tigers
season, allowed 288 senior L.C. Clemmons to team started its presea-
points, and had only two middle linebacker. The son work. As for his group
shutouts. Its season end- position changes give the up front, Gray said the
ed with a 29-20 loss to Tigers size in the middle, Tigers offensive linemen
Pontotoc in the North outside, and up front and can run and have plenty
State semifinals. The five length, speed, athleti- of size, so they should be
losses were the most the cism, and experience at able to move the ball and
program has had in a sea- linebacker. control the line of scrim-
son since a 4-5 mark in Smith, who is 5-11, 245, mage. The Tigers strug-
2006. also has been a member of gled to do that consis-
Shorter said he re- the varsity team since his tently last season, which
viewed all of the teams freshman season. He has is part of the reason why
game films from 2016 and played defensive tackle Shorter is counting so
felt the Tigers got pushed and defensive end in his heavily on his seniors
around. He impressed career, and likely will play to affect a change at the
on the players that that both again this season in point of attack.
wasnt something that an effort to rotate players I am putting so much
typically happens at Nox- to stay fresh. Like Gray, he emphasis on our offen-
ubee County. is eager to accept the re- sive and defensive lines,
In the past, our tradi- sponsibility of keeping ev- Shorter said. If we are
tion is knocking the crap eryone on task because he going to win it all, it is
out of folks defensively, admits it begins with us. going to be because of
said Shorter, who served That mission will take those two groups because Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
as defensive coordinator on added significance this we have the skill guys to Starkville Academys Nason Heflin knocks the football out of the hands of Zak Kelly
under former head coach season because Smith get it done. But I feel the in a practice earlier this month in Starkville.
Volunteers
M.C. Miller before taking feels the 2016 season end- skills guys are only as
over the program in May ed too soon and the Tigers good as your offensive
2010. We always have didnt play to their full and defensive lines. If
been physical, fast, and potential. He intends to those guys can protect
athletic and we will hit do his part to make sure it and make some holes, we a little winded at the end On defense, the Volun- year, Methvin said. This
you. That is what I tried doesnt happen again. have the weapons to take of games, so hopefully teers will look for contri- year, when we need every-
to go back to with our de- If the seniors do what it to the house. having more players will butions from newcomer body to be fresh, we will
fense. I tried to put those theyre supposed to do, They are taking on help solve that problem Willie Latham, a sopho- be able to do that. Our job
type of athletes back on everyone else looks up to the responsibility very this season. more linebacker. is to win the fourth quar-
the field size but still us, so theyre going to do well. I like our big guys Methvin gained valu- Everybody is excited ter each Friday night.
athletic. I think we found what we do, Smith said. energy. I told them last able experience as the about the season because Nicholson said a talent-
that. We started doing it this year we kind of got pushed starter at quarterback of the speed we have on ed senior class two years
Shorter said Noxu- year some in the spring. around by the bigger last season. He feels more defense, Latham said. ago laid the groundwork
bee County will go seven If everyone is domi- schools because we were confident with what lies The last couple of years for the programs resur-
deep on the offensive line nant, we should come out kind of small. Those guys ahead. the team has been more gence. Even though the
and six to seven deep on on top. I feel if everybody did a great job of gaining We have good size on physical, and it is our job team had some new start-
the defensive front. On works hard we have the some weight and getting our offensive line, so we to continue that. Even ers last year, the mind-set
defense, he said a goal talent. I feel like the person stronger. They are athlet- should be able to run the though we have more and work ethics already
was to get bigger, espe- that backs me up can keep ic guys and they can run. ball effectively, Methvin players this year, this
were established.
cially at the ends. To do things under control. Our offensive and defen- said. The last couple of team is tight. They enjoy
The things needed for
that, he decided to move Gray agrees. He feels sive lines are bigger this Starkville Academy teams practicing together. We
senior Myles Smith from his group and the team as year and we are still ath- a successful program are
were able to run the ball, look forward to having an-
the middle to the end. He a whole is going to have letic. That was our main so that is what we are go- other winning season and in place, Nicholson said.
also moved senior Terry to get more into it, more goal. ing to need to be able to do hopefully competing for a We have another fairly
Joiner, who played defen- dedicated to do it, but Follow Dispatch sports to have success. With two championship. large senior class, and
sive end last season, to he acknowledges he has editor Adam Minichino on quarterbacks, we can give Methvin said the extra they want to go out as win-
outside linebacker, and seen progress since the Twitter @ctsportseditor teams different looks. We personnel will be huge ners. They have put their
have some good speed in because key players wont mind to working hard and
A CLOSER LOOK AT NOXUBEE COUNTY the backfield and good have to go both ways the overcoming all obstacles.
size. Offensively, we have majority of the game. Follow Dispatch sports
QUARTERBACKS DeQuaion Prince (Sr.), Ervin Gray (Jr.), a chance to be a complete We had some guys out writer Scott Walters on
Maliek Stallings (Jr.), Armoni Clark (Sr.) Tomorris Luster (Jr.), Michael Barber (Jr.),
team. there for 60 or 70 plays last Twitter @dispatchscott
The Tigers have the luxury of having two Kenneth Smith (Sr.)
quarterbacks returning with experience. Noxu- Gray and Davis started as sophomore and
bee County High School football coach Tyrone will anchor the line. Barber is the smallest of
Shorter said both players will be on the field at the group, but Shorter said he is rugged and
the same time this season. he will play center.
Both of those guys are ready for the We are going to run behind Gray and Davis.
challenge this year, Shorter said. They both We are going to depend on them, Shorter said.
got the same number of starts last year. I feel DEFENSIVE LINE
really, really good about both of those kids. It Myles Smith (Sr.), Malcomn Purtue (Sr.),
doesnt matter which one is quarterback be- Verdell Clemons (Jr.), Treyon Patton (Sr.),
cause both of them can get the job done. Tigi Shelton (Sr.), Jaden Tate (Sr.),
RUNNING BACKS Reggie Wilburn (Jr.)
Jaqualyn Smith (Jr.), Rayon Johnson (Soph.), Smith moved from the middle to the end to
Daquarius Brooks (Sr.), Kaiyus Lewis (Jr.), beef up the Tigers front line.
L.C. Clemmons (Sr.) Smiths motor never stops, Shorter said.
Shorter feels the Tigers have more home We are big at the ends with Smith and Purdue.
run threats out of the backfield after not have LINEBACKERS
that breakaway speed last season. Clemmons Terry Joiner (Sr.), L.C. Clemmons (Sr.),
will play fullback. Chaokang Brooks (Jr.)
We like the rotation with the running We really like those kids, Shorter said.
backs, Shorter said. We are pretty stout at They are bigger kids who can run and are rangy
running back this year. and physical.
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS SECONDARY
Rashad Eades (Sr.), Kyziah Pruitt (Jr.), Khristopher White (Soph.),
Jeffery Malone (Soph.), Torean King (Jr.), JaQuarius Jamison (Jr.), Keymarcus Jackson
Savion Price (Jr.), Maliek Stallings (Jr.), (Jr.), Eldrick Hopkins (Soph.)
Armoni Clark (Sr.) Shorter would like not to play Pruitt and
Eades missed nearly all of the season with Smith too much on defense, so he hopes some
an injury. In his absence, Pruitt emerged as one of the younger players in this group will mature.
of the best sophomores in the state. Shorter White and Jamison will play cornerback.
feels Malone has unlimited potential. SPECIALISTS
Eades and Pruitt have so much speed, Samuel Lowery (Sr.)
Shorter said. They are tall guys with really good Lowery returns to handle the kicking duties.
hands. The Tigers have a host of options to handle the
OFFENSIVE LINE kick and punt return duties.
TOP: Starkville Academy senior quarterback Noah Methvin rolls away from the rush
Anterrious Gray (Sr.), Justin Davis (Sr.), Adam Minichino
of Taylor Ray in a practice earlier this month in Starkville. BOTTOM: Junior running
back Taylor Arnold moves through a hole in the offensive line.

Noxbee County High School seniors Anterrious Gray, left, and Justin Davis will
anchor an offensive line that coach Tyrone Shorter feels is one of the strengths of
the 2017 squad.
SHOW OFF YOUR ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE

Be in The Dispatchs
PREP PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Every Tuesday
2017 TEAM ROSTERS 2016 MISSISSIPPI STANDINGS

Aberdeen 60-Tyler Bertrand 40-Reggie Wilburn 69-Ryan Johnson Region 1-4A
MHSAA
No. 1 Calhoun City (5-0)
No. 2 East Webster (2-1)
Not available at press time 61-Sam Robinson 42-Trillo Brown 70-Dawson Beard Division Overall
No. 3 Winona (0-1)
67-Stone Crawford 43-Kavarius Harris 72-Lekenske Skinner Region 1-6A
Amory
W L W L PF PA
5 0 11 3 440
311 No. 4 Bruce (0-1)
Caledonia 69-Gabe Burcham 44-KaDavion Robinson 73-Jordan Boatman Division Overall
W L W L PF PA Pontotoc 4 1 13 2 576
231 Region 1-1A
1-Anthony Triplett 70-Conner Bird 50-Tigi Shelton 74-Corey Simpson Tupelo 7 0 12 1 407 189
Itawamba AHS 3 2 8 3 322 267 Division Overall
2-Kelvin Robinson 71-Jake Rogers 51-Tomorris Luster Shannon 2 3 6 6 305
397 W L W L PF PA
75-Jaylan Flowers South Panola 6 1 7 6 240 184
Corinth 1 4 4 7 249
284 Smithville 7 0 11 3 450 306
3-Hunter Harris 72-Laderrick Despenza 52-Treyron Patton 76-Ray Baker, Jr. Columbus 4 3 6 6 414 323
Tishomingo Co. 0 5 3 8 215 364 West Lowndes 6 1 8 4 427 188
Hernando 4 3 9 4 456 322
4-Dylan Hankins 75-Houston Vaiden 54-Christopher Pippen 77-Latorrian Dickerson Horn Lake 4 3 9 3 351 217
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Vardaman 5 2 7 5 389 297
5-Jaylon Dumas 76-Grant Thompson 55-Jaden Tate 79-Max Hyche No. 1 Amory (2-1) Falkner 4 3 4 8 274 454
Southaven 2 5 6 6 271 282
No. 2 Pontotoc (3-1) Thrasher 2 5 4 6 313 362
6-Brandon Edmondson 79-David Arney 56-Andrew Henley 80-Jonathan Evans DeSoto Central 1 6 5 7 224 302 No. 3 Itawamba AHS (0-1) Biggersville 2 5 4 7 202 356
7-Graham Weseli 82-Matthew Carter 57-Michael Barber Olive Branch 0 7 0 11 175 383
81-Rashad OBriant No. 4 Shannon (0-1) Hamilton 2 5 2 8 100 337
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
8-Isak Chiquito 84-Kamron Shields 60-Lakendrick Lewis 82-Dylan Starke No. 1 Tupelo (1-1) Region 4-4A Coffeeville 0 7 0 10 125 460
9-Tyrese Lewis 88-Chris Channey 61-Samuel Lowery 83-Joshua Aka No. 2 South Panola (0-1) Division Overall
No. 1 Smithville (2-1)
10-Quentin Chiquito 64-Ervin Gray No. 3 Columbus (0-1) W L W L PF PA
84-Alunte Tate Noxubee Co. 5 0 9 5 416 288
No. 2 West Lowndes (0-1)
No. 4 Hernando (0-1)
11-Kevin Robinson Hebron Christian 65-Anterrious Gray 85-Keyshaun Spencer Louisville 4 1 7 6 360
298
No. 3 Vardaman (0-1)
12-Seth Brown Player name 67-DeQuaion Prince 86-Orien Thompson Region 2-6A Houston 3 2 8 4 335
200
No. 4 Falkner (0-1)
13-Michael Mucha
14-Andrew Hannah Heritage Academy
68-Rickie Hunt 87-Gaige Boniol

Division Overall
W L W L PF PA
Caledonia 2 3 5 6 358
Leake Central 1 4 4 7 195
344
277
MAIS
75-Jordan White 88-Cameron Eichelberger Clinton 6 1 14 1 658 370 Kosciusko 0 5 1 9 154
269 District 2-AAA
15-Jedarious Gore 1-Moak Griffin 78-Kenneth Smith 89-Jaden James *Madison Central 6 1 10 4 421 313 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Division Overall
16-Camden Hurst 2-JR Lott Warren Cent. 5 2 10 3 453 275 No. 1 Noxubee County (2-1)
79-Justin Davis 90-Jaylan Ware W L W L PF PA
NW Rankin 4 3 8 5 431 280 No. 2 Louisville (1-1) Heritage Aca. 3 0 10 3 496 299
17-Dyterrian Rainey 3-Dalton Alexander 84-Macordi Johnson 91-Carson Dewberry Starkville 4 3 7 4 330 197 No. 3 Houston (0-1) Starkville Aca. 2 1 8 4 244 232
18-Donderious Jones 5-Joseph Riley 85-Quindarius Cockrell 92-Fletcher Mercer Callaway 2 5 7 5 326 293 No. 4 Caledonia (0-1) Leake Aca. 1 2 3 8 230 283
19-Brandon Chrest 6-Dontae Gray 86-Zack Andrews 93-Garrin Boniol Greenville 1 6 3 9 232 450
Region 4-3A Winston Aca. 0 3 4 6 212 223
Murrah 0 7 2 10 137 435 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
20-Loren Cox 7-Lex Rogers 87-Timothy Ivy 94-Roy Korynas (*Madison Central has a tie on its record)
Division Overall
No. 1 Heritage Academy (1-1)
22-Dylan May 8-Rocky Wright 88-Jakarion Lockett 95-Payton Rogers W L W L PF PA
PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS No. 2 Starkville Academy (0-1)
North Pontotoc 5 0 10 4 506 349
23-Christopher McDonald 9-Jarrod Long 89-Shemar McCloud No. 1 Clinton (4-0)
Mooreville 4 1 6 5 252
235 District 2-A/AA
25-Matt Holzmann 10-Carter Putt No. 2 Madison Central (2-1)
90-Myles Smith Victory Christian Academy South Pontotoc 3 2 7 5 330 322 Division Overall
No. 3 Warren Central (1-1)
27-Brayden Gholson 11-Noel Fisher 92-Mateo Chandler Garrett Anthony Aberdeen 2 3 3 9 297
419 W L W L PF PA
No. 4 Northwest Rankin (0-1) Nettleton 1 4 1 8 192
393 Winona Chr. 4 0 9 3 390 264
30-William Powell 12-Steele Altmeyer 93-Travorus Hatcher Kody Anthony Region 1-5A Hatley 0 5 4 7 250
309 Deer Creek Aca. 3 1 6 4 246 227
32-Ayden Coleman 15-Eli Acker 94-Malcomn Purtue Cole Bond Division Overall PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Carroll Academy 2 2 7 4 333 226
34-Hayden Wyers 16-Logan Perkins 95-Verdell Clemons Dakota Bradford W L W L PF PA No. 1 North Pontotoc (2-1) Columbus Chr. 1 3 2 8 177 365
West Point 7 0 14 1 526 173 No. 2 Mooreville (0-1) Oak Hill Aca. 0 4 2 9 193 376
42-Ozzie Wright 21-Josh Neal Kenny Collier No. 3 South Pontotoc (0-1) PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
Lake Cormorant 6 1 10 5 444 267
44-Wes Rollins 22-John Henry Fields Oak Hill Academy Dallas Colom Oxford 5 2 8 5 325 255 No. 4 Aberdeen (0-1) No. 1 Winona Christian (1-1)
45-Christian Lingle 23-Austin Dotson 2-Dalton Magers Jay Elmore Clarksdale 4 3 9 5 413 177 Region 4-2A No. 2 Deer Creek (0-1)
46-Hunter McMurphey 24-Weston Lowery 4-Lucas Birmingham Gavin Forrester New Hope 3 4 6 5 365 326 Division Overall Eight Man District 2
Lewisburg 1 6 3 9 214 469 W L W L PF PA
50-Nich Blair 44-Judd Murphy 6-Jake Makamson Anthony Frierson Division Overall
Center Hill 1 6 2 9 201 378 Calhoun City 5 0 15 1 586 137 W L W L PF PA
51-Hayden Barker 52-Ethan Bumgarner 7-Joanah Caskey Cole Harrell Saltillo 1 6 2 10 145 377 East Webster 4 1 11 3 423 226 Kemper Aca. 3 0 9 1 532 150
52-Jonathan Rowe 54-Clay Walters 9-Thomas Bales Solomon Hill PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS Winona 2 3 6 6 295
260 Calhoun Aca. 2 1 4 5 198 290
53-Hunter Wright 58-Parker Ray 10-Daniel Harrington Ethan Howell No. 1 West Point (4-0) Bruce 2 3 4 8 231
319 Central Aca. 1 2 2 8 213 346
No. 2 Lake Cormorant (2-1) Eupora 1 4 5 6 287
208 Hebron Chr. 0 3 0 9 20 420
54-Bryce Eaton 60-Reuben Proffitt 12-John Carver Middleton Dillon Jackson No. 3 Oxford (1-1) Okolona 1 4 2 9 166
305 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANT
56-Richard Morris 61-Chapman Cooper 13-Ash Cullum Preston Kinard No. 4 Clarksdale (1-1) PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS No. 1 Kemper Academy (0-1)
57-Tyler Hall 72-Wade Lawrie 15-Dylan Scott Brandon Moore
58-Grant Taylor 75-Wills Wygul 18-Layton Irvin Bailey Parker
59-Rylee Hamilton 23-Ryan Simmons Michael Tate
60-Leon Williams New Hope 30-Collins Brown Brian Webster
62-Alex Matthews
63-Tanner Holley
1-Tyran Reed
2-Kyree Fields
38-Dalton Wilemon
41-Ethan Bryan West Lowndes
2016 ALABAMA STANDINGS
64-Keegan Seiglock 3-Ben Lowe 44-Aiden McLain Adolphus Brewer
AHSAA
Lamar County 5 1 6 5 213 284 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
66-Terrell Cunningham 4-Fred Brownlee 53-Kindrick Langford Jalen Brewer Red Bay 4 2 8 3 307 199 No. 1 Pickens County (2-1)
Sulligent 4 2 6 5 318 277 No. 2 Hubbertville (1-1)
70-Logan Canerdy 5-AJ Dooley 62-Jacob Davis Tyler Bridges Region 4-2A Mars Hill Bible 2 4 6 4 232 181 No. 3 South Lamar (0-1)
72-Ryan Stewart 6-Tyrece Jackson 67-Jaden Craven Kentrell Guyton Division Overall Hatton 1 5 2 9 186 337 No. 4 Berry (0-1)
W L W L PF PA
74-Rhett Little 7-Jame Taylor 70-Archie Miller Daveon Hairston Phil Campbell 0 6 2 8 177 260
75-Reed Brewer 8-Blake Armstrong 72-Pierce Loyed Malik Hill
Aliceville
Keith
6 0 14 2 648
4 2 6 5 314
331
289
No. 1 Lamar County (0-1)
AISA
77-Dalton Cantrell 9-Jaylon Mays 75-Alex Powell Jerrious Jenkins Verbena
Billingsley
4 2 6 6 430
3 3 4 6 328
412
284
No. 2 Sheffield (2-1) Region 2-AA
78-Lee Browning 10-Kobe Matthews 76-Matthew Henry Calijawon Johnson Hatch 3 3 4 7 299 222
No. 3 Red Bay (0-1) Division Overall
82-Tyler Sliger 11-Tyran Noland 77-Tyler Oswalt Tommie Malone Thorsby 1 5 1 9 103 370 No. 4 Sulligent (0-1) W L W L PF PA
85-Jacob Richardson 12-Tanner Greco 81-Grayson Easterling Rashaad Rice Marion 0 6 0 9 95 352 Region 5-1A Autauga Acad. 4 0 13 0 574
Escambia Acad. 3 1 7 5 429
190
199
90-Steven Womack 13-Jeremy Tate PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
Antwan Rogers No. 1 Aliceville (4-1)
Division Overall
Jackson Acad. 2 2 6 5 303 309
14-Jumarcus Selvie W L W L PF PA
Starkville Academy Dalen Rogers No. 2 Keith (0-1) Clarke Prep 1 3 4 8 263
309
Pickens County 6 0 11 4 588 333
Columbus 15-Trey Bailey 2-Noah Methvin Jherquaveus Sanders No. 3 Verbena (0-1) Hubbertville 5 1 9 2 349 193 Pickens Acad. 0 4 5 5 298 261
1-Chris Taylor 16-Ryan Burt 3-Reagan Richardson No. 4 Hatch (0-1)
Marcquez Holliday South Lamar 4 2 6 4 291 193 PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS
2-Devon King 17-Tyler Terry 4-Cameron McKee Marquis Banks Region 8-2A Berry 3 3 5 6 274 298 No. 1 Autauga Academy (3-0)
Division Overall Marion County 2 4 2 8 177 310 No. 2 Escambia Academy (2-1)
3-Quintrell Lyons 18-Antaves Petty 5-Ben Guest Daquan Wells Holy Spirit 1 5 2 8 125 351 No. 3 Jackson Academy (0-1)
W L W L PF PA
4-Patrick Jackson 19-Deajon Miller 6-Cody Dill Cordarius McGee Sheffield 5 1 10 3 428
237 Brilliant 0 6 0 10 105 521 No. 4 Clarke Prep (1-0)
5-Kenneth Martin 20-Antwan Roland 7-Kyle Faver Melvin Crawford
6-Josh Gray 21-Javius Pryor 8-Jonathan Patterson Jerqualin Morris
7-Isaiah Karriem 22-Devonta White 9-Cambell Spivey Eric Brooks
8-Michello Garrick II
9-Derrick Jordan
10-Kris Lucious
24-Malachi Clay
25-Braylen Miller
26-Kryshone Brooks
10-Taylor Arnold
11-Brady Richardson
12-Zak Kelly
Dameion Conner
Chayil Phinizee Contacting the Sports Department
12-Darion Porter 27-Robert Fearce 13-Taylor Ray West Point If you need to report game scores or statistics, you call us at 662-327-1297,
13-Montrez Williams 28-Eriq Johnson 14-Michael Winfield 1-Jason Brownlee or e-mail us at sports@cdispatch.com. If you need to reach sports editor Adam
14-Jaelen Craddieth 29-Jaylon Howard 15-Garrett Lewis 2-Marcus Murphy Minichino, call 662-327-1297, or email him at aminichino@cdispatch.com. If you
15-Jarrod Bush 30-Jariel Butler 16-Ben Owens 3-Chris Calvert
16-Quin Robertson 31-Shuntez Clay 17-Howell Archer 4-Tyler Rupert
need to reach sports writer Scott Walters, call 662-328-2471 ext. 165, or email him
17-Jordan Nash 32-Kalwangi Carr 18-Sam Clark 5-Tray Brownlee at swalters@cdispatch.com. If you need to reach sports writer Brett Hudson, email
18-AJ Johnson 33-Chris Carter 19-Matt Miller 6-EJ Bush him at bhudson@cdispatch.com
19-Laterius Stowers 34-Clay Williamson 21-Noah Aweau 7-Ledarius Glover
21-Dontae Gillespie 36-Jakeim Shinn 22-William Wolfe 8-Brandon Lairy
22-Demario Martin 37-Andrew McCraw 24-Garrett Smith 9-Nate Montgomery
23-Titus Kirk 38-Devoureyous Clay 30-Nason Heflin 10-Ryan Melton
24-Matthew Leach 40-Stallone Shelton 32-Nathon Pollan 11-Brentt Cunningham
25-Antonio Hill 41-Kodie Hoover 33-Will Miller 12-Jaquerius Crawford
26-Devarkas Ramsey 42-Rye McGlothin 40-Noah Smith 13-Jerni White
27-Tavars Davis 43-Shelby Smith 44-Willie Latham 14-Gray Berry
28-Codey Sanders 44-Ashton Husband 50-Casey Crittenden 15-John Facella
29-Christopher Johnson 45-Kobe Chandler 52-Will Holley 16-Kentavious McMillian
30-Jamar Craddieth 46-Jason Gibson 54-Walker Tranum 17-JeQwan Young
31-Kelvin Smith 47-Rayshaun Gibson 57-Conner McLaughlin 18-Jake Chambless
35-Jaylen Hickman 48-Davis Fitch 58-Josh Edmonds 19-Tyson Davidson
36-Thomas Markray 49-Tommy Paster 61-Joel Riddell 20-Stededric Griffis
37-Isaiah Hunter 50-Tre Hudgins 63-Jacob McClemore 21-Quanteze Powell
42-Jamion Kirk 51-Brandon Craddieth 64-Trey Tyler 22-Brandon Harris
44-Quaterrious Adkins 52-Jeremiah Hodges 65-Zach Nason 23-Archie Jones
45-Cody Jones 53-Logan Doughty 66-Jacob Linley 24-Terence Cherry
49-Yoquan Harrison 54-Marcus Sykes 74-Douglas Kelly 25-Rasson Carr
50-Tyler Williams 55-Brantley Prescott 77-Zach Barnes 26-Latarius Embry
51-Joshua Hargrove 56-Marco Sparks 88-Ben Brown 27-Jaylen Cungious
52-Jaleen Butler 57-James Barham 28-Macorte Hoskins
54-Christian Jackson 58-Dawson Vassar Starkville High 29-Jimothy Mays
55-Naml Karriem 59-Chris Alderson 1-Malik Brown 30-Travion Stennis
56-Stanley Baker 60-Marquel Young 2-Natrone Brooks 31-Tyrese Johnson
57-Terry Green 61-Luke Barrett 3-Rodrigues Clark 32-Dantariyus Cannon
60-Jaylon Vance 62-Bryce Braddock 4-Alexis Stallings 33-Xavier Fair
70-Ellis Berry 65-Chandler Powell 5-Andreus Swanigan 34-Jaylun R. Eggerson
77-Deveon Boykin 66-Rmonta Harris 6-Rufus Harvey 35-Kameron Martin
78-Arick Evans 67-Zach Elliott 7-Tonorris Brookins II 36-Tyron Orr
79-Gerald Wells 70-Bradley Peeks 8-Jalil Clemons 37-Jacquon Poole
80-Fred Harris 71-CJ Sanders 10-Cameron Hines 38-Tysean Darden
81-Jervorious Vance 73-AJ Yearby 11-Bernard Thomas 39-Rasheed Harris
82-Jalen Sykes 74-Kalen Taylor 12-Cameron Gardner 40-Traevon Banks
88-Quin Malone 75-Lane Chappell 13-Jalen Ware 41-Princeton Terry
90-Christopher Craddieth 76-Logan Bailey 14-Myles Stone 42-Cassius Walker
77-Cole Morris 15-Zach Edwards 43-Lapriest Starks
Columbus Christian 78-Jayen Johnson 17-DAngelo Scales 44-Jamel Banks
Academy 79-Austin Adams 18-Cameron Bell 45-Jaylon Webb
1-Jordan Meek 80-Kameron Harcrow 19-Jordan Thompson 46-Thomas Robinson
3-Lawson Studdard 81-Jason Shelton 20-ZyDarius Charleston 47-Leondra Thompson
4-Jonathan Peal 82-Ellis Clark 21-Corbin Grantham 48-Jamarquez Petty
5-Jayden Henderson 84-Jordan Thomas 22-DeAngelo Tabb 49-Donte Smith
7-Braxton Miller 86-Ben Bradley 23-Jacob Williams 50-Jylis Penson
15-Dakota Shaw 88-Daniel Bradley 24-Abdias Simpore 51-Treddis Anderson
17-Glen Misiak 90-Skylar Ferguson 25-Darious Brooks 52-Jamaris Ewing
18-Will Teague 97-Ricky Newby 26-KJ Lawrence 53-Deundra Thompson
22-Nate Parker 27-Chase Naylor 54-Ezekial Head
44-Bryar Kemp Noxubee County 28-Khiry Gee 55-Jeremy Latty
51-Tanner Dolan 1-Maliek Stallings 30-Lazavier Evans 56-Timothy Mays
52-Carslile Harding 2-Keymarcus Jackson 31-Jamori Evans 57-Miller Conn
53-Rashawn Tate 3-Rashed Eades 34-Zitavious Williams 58-Draylon Rieves
54-Lane Euer 4-Kaiyus Lewis 35-Seth Prewitt 59-Jacarius Harper
55-Sam Middlebrooks 5-Armoni Clark 36-Chris Luckett 60-Kendall Coleman
58-Jackson Smith 6-Rayon Johnson 37-Malik McBride 61-Iverion Cungious
60-John James Butler 7-JaQuarius Jamison 38-Jalen Roberts 62-Emmaunuel Head
65-Kyler Kidder 8-Kyziah Pruitt 39-Justice Robinson 63-Zameek Price
9-Jaqualyn Smith 40-Caleb Stewart 64-Jameek Price
Hamilton 10-Jeffrey Malone 41-Jaquan Jenkins 65-Dontavius Pargo
1-Bryson Butler 11-Torean King 42-Josh Lawrence 66-Rakim Parker
2-Bryant Butler 12-Darius Williams 43-Marcus McGee 67-Dontavius Myers
3-Sam Frantz 13-Antonio Batts 44-Atavius Jones 68-Tyler Brownlee
4-Todd Toler 14-Khristopher White 45-Ty Johnson 69-Jose Lemus
5-Bailey Loftin 15-Jaylon Barnett 46-Opus Lott 70-Jeremiah Walker
6-BJ Jones 16-Rodney Williams 47-Ashton Wilson 71-Nehemiah Walker
7-Tamarco Fields 17-Jaqualon Sherrod 48-Derek Gandy 72-KeAris Smith
8-Brice Loftin 18-Mushane Walker 49-Quaveyon Gibson 73-Tyjai Matthews
9-DJ Dobbs 19-Awystn McCloud 50-Lamarcus Logan 74-Kameron Dyson
10-Nathan Fast 21-Daquarius Brooks 51-Antwain Bush 75-Jonquez Roby
11-Carl Bailey 22-Savion Price 52-Robert Spearmon 76-David Rush
12-Kamenski Bankhead 23-Anthony Jamison 53-Michael Goss 77-LaDerrick Mallard
13-Toby Young 24-Eldrick Hopkins 54-Jaylin Davis 78-Daveion Rieves
18-Gabe Tipton 25-Rodolthes Johnson 55-Antuan McDowell 79-Calvin Montgomery
20-Peyton Flanery 26-Bobby Shanklin 56-Calvin Blair 80-Jamarkus Randle
21-Jacob Young 28-DeAnthony Hill 57-Derome Wansley 81-Darius Quinn
22-Thomas Jackson 29-Chaokang Brooks 58-Kameron Jones 82-Kurtis Bradford
24-Collin Holman 30-Jaelen Harmon 59-Derwin Ferguson 88-Semaje Harris
32-Daniel Miller 31-Maron Windham 60-Jauntavious Spencer 90-Tyren Warren
33-Jordan Rogers 32-Terry Joiner 61-DeAndra Davis 99-Bryson Thomas
40-Nick Harmon 33-L.C. Clemmons 62-Cortlen Hill
44-Ty Hall 34-Timothy Bland 63-Tevontae Bond
54-Michael Harrison 35-DaJuwuan Memphard 65-Kasen Woodard
55-Jalin Smith 36-Travis Lockett 67-Javarius Norris
56-Lane Stockman 37-Daquauis Brooks 68-Roosevelt Williams

High School Football Preview 2017

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

High School Football Preview 2017

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

High School The Dispatch

Lowndes..........3 Noxubee..........12 Oktibbeha..........13 Clay..........15 Monroe..........18

places to be BEST IN THE AREA

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

195 Old Cumberland Road, Maben 603 Yellowjacket Drive, Starville

football coach Randal Montgomery

for allowing The Dispatch to use his

Thanks to Luisa Porter and Scott

THE BOTTOM LINE

Weekly Features Additional Prep Coverage

2017 Schedule Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

FALCONS SET TO GO UPHILL WITHOUT KYLIN

NEW HOPE TROJANS

WINNING EACH DAY PART OF NEW ATTITUDE

BY ADAM MINICHINO in Class 4A.

I have seen a lot

CANERDY FEELS THERE IS SOMETHING TO PROVE

WEST LOWNDES PANTHERS

HERITAGE ACADEMY PATRIOTS

MATURATION WILL BE KEY TO PATRIOTS SUCCESS

Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

VICTORY CHRISTIAN EAGLES

SENIORS WILL TRY TO LEAD BOUNCE-BACK YEAR

Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY RAMS

RAMS WILL USE SPEED TO MAKE UP FOR LOST SIZE

A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

Patriots A CLOSER LOOK AT HERITAGE ACADEMY

New Hope Caledonia

NOXUBEE COUNTY TIGERS

Dispatch File Photo

TIGERS LOOK TO LINES TO SET TITLE TONE

STARKVILLE YELLOW JACKETS

2017 Schedule Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

STARKVILLE ACADEMY VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS WILL USE EXTRA DEPTH TO GROW

WEST POINT GREEN WAVE

WEST POINT LOOKS FOR REPEAT

BY SCOT T WALTERS son. The Green Wave will

OAK HILL ACADEMY RAIDERS

Oct. 20 At Marshall Aca.

HEBRON CHRISTIAN EAGLES

NUMBERS MAY KEEP EAGLES FROM PLAYING VARSITY

I feel bad for the

Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

HAMILTON MOVES ON AFTER DEATH OF TOLER

BULLDOGS WILL RELY ON DOBBS TO CARRY LOAD

end of the fifth BY THE NUMBERS

STARKVILLE YELLOW JACKETS

A CLOSER LOOK AT STARKVILLE

Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff

SHOW OFF YOUR ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE

2017 TEAM ROSTERS 2016 MISSISSIPPI STANDINGS

You might also like