From the Notebook………

Week three preparations will begin today and for some teams the outlook is solid but for a handful of others it could be a tough eight weeks ahead. With two weeks already gone in the 2009 football season there are signs that several teams will distance themselves from the pack as the halfway point of the season gets closer.

Here are a few observations from a novice football fan…………..

*Centreville is alive and well. The Tigers shut the Parklane Pioneers down in the second half as they came from behind in dramatic fashion to win in McComb 22-21. It can be easily said that opening the season on the road at Oak Forest and then at Parklane could be the toughest two games on their schedule. The Tigers’ remaining away games are at ASC, WCCA, Adams Christian and Bowling Green in week six. They have Brookhaven, Trinity and Central Private at home in the second half of the season and barring any significant injuries, coupled with the fact that sophomore quarterback Cliff Hurst will only improve each week, the champs could be sitting at 10-1 come November.

*The #1 ranked Lamar Raiders had a bittersweet win Friday night at home over Starkville. Lamar lost two starting offensive linemen to knee injuries in the first quarter and head coach Mac Barnes was visibly upset with what appeared to be questionable hits.

*The Alpha Christian vs Russell game was cancelled Friday night due to a large number of kids suffering from the flu. It was also reported that Ben’s Ford has been hit hard this past week.

*For those that like to keep up with it, the battle of the running backs, in AA particularly, will be heating up as competition stiffens.

*There were, in my humble opinion, some surprises of sorts this past Friday night. Brookhaven went to Gallman and totally destroyed Copiah in the “Goat Bowl” 47-12. Now honestly….did anyone call this outcome? It’s apparent that Brookhaven has overcome the loss of a handful of key players by their performance against the Colonels. Central Hinds may very well be a sleeper team this season. The Cougars have outscored their opponents 76-0 after two weeks. The challenge will be just a bit different this Friday night as the Lamar Raiders visit. Big win for Hillcrest on Friday night after the Cougars got spanked 40-0 by Central Hinds to open the season. Hillcrest topped Adams Christian 28-12.

*On a few down notes…..Winston has taken leads into the second half of both of their games only to succumb at the end as they sit at 0-2 heading into week three. The same can be said about Cenla Christian. The Lions played lights-out in the first halves but quickly fell behind in the second halves of both their games. Kirk Academy’s woes will continue this week. They sit at 0-2 and play at Magnolia Heights on Friday night.

*Must win games this week? Obviously Winston must bring home a win against Sylva-Bay. Columbia will host Wayne Academy Friday night then the Cougars have Simpson, Bowling Green and Oak Forest. A win against Wayne to push CA to 2-1 is vital. Prairie View plays at Silliman this week. Both squads need a win badly as the schedule toughens up in week four.

*District 2AA is 1-7 after two weeks of play. While many thought this was the weakest district overall, I don’t think most thought the only win would come from Carroll Academy. District 4AA is 8-2 as week three approaches.

*The “Shout Out” list grows each week and while I do my best to get stats and information there are some teams where finding anything is nearly impossible. I do get emails, faxes and text messages with tidbits each week.

*Speaking of text messages…….I received 113 text messages Friday night from 6:30pm until midnight. Keep em coming! I do my best to forward scores and post them here as soon as I get them.

See ya somewhere…………….

Anonymous said...
Regarding the "questionable hits" of the Lamar players. Film will show that the first injury was a straight block to the chest area, nothing in the back, below the waist, etc. Unfortunately, the player's knee somehow gave way. Nothing "questionable" about that. The second injury appeared to be caused by another one of Lamar's players hitting his own team mate.
September 3, 2009 11:14 AM

Bowling Green defeats Silliman 34-0
By Bobby Varnado
Coach Brett Beard’s Bowling Green Buccaneers traveled to Clinton Friday night and came back with a convincing 34-0 shutout victory over the Silliman Wildcats. With the non-district win the Bucs improved to 2-0 on the season and the Wildcats fell to 0-2.
After somewhat struggling offensively last week in a season opening 15-6 win over Dexter, the Bowling Green offense came out firing on all cylinders Friday night. The Bucs took the opening drive 65 yards on four passes and four runs and scored on a David Fulks 2-yard plunge to go up 6-0 early in the first quarter. Later in the first quarter Bowling Green went on a 60-yard drive that ended in another Fulks touchdown run, this one from 14 yards out. Quarterback Cash Cooley hit Jason Milton for the two-point conversion and a 14-0 lead. Colton Owens recovered a Silliman fumble on the ensuing Wildcat possession at the Silliman 30-yard line. Four plays later Cooley found Jaron Edwards for a 9-yard score and a 20-0 first quarter lead.
Led by Drake Adams, Dean King and Hunter Killingsworth; the Buccaneer defense continued to shut down the Silliman offense for the remainder of the first half. With 5:32 left to play in the second quarter, Cooley scrambled for a 16-yard touchdown run. Dylan Varnado hit Milton on a fake extra-point attempt for the two-point conversion and a comfortable 28-0 halftime lead.
The second half started much like the first as Silliman went three and out on their first possession. Bowling Green took over on their 30-yard line and went on a nine-play 70-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Cooley to Milton. The extra-point failed and the Bucs took a 34-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Neither team scored in the fourth as the Bowling Green defense preserved the shutout.
A very balanced Buccaneer offense was led by quarterback Cash Cooley who finished the night with eight carries for 107 yards. He also went 13 of 23 passing for 154 yards and two touchdowns. David Fulks carried the ball 11 times for 83 yards and two scores. Varnado and Edwards both had four receptions and Milton and Owens each had three. The Bucs held Silliman to only 98 yards of total offense in the game.
This Friday Bowling Green will be at home to take on their arch-rival Oak Forest Yellow Jackets in a non-district match-up. Oak Forest has moved up to 3A this year and is coming off a big week one victory over defending 2A state champion Centreville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 at Buck Hellen Stadium.

Lamar Pounds Starkville 43-7

By Darron Thomas
Lamar quarterback Witt Haggard threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns Friday night in Meridian to lead the #1 ranked Lamar Raiders to a convincing 43-7 win over the AAA Starkville Volunteers. Haggard also added 38 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground in a contest that was decided by halftime. The Raiders scored on their opening drive as Haggard ran in from 4 yards out to put Lamar up 7-0 with 8:29 remaining in the opening quarter. Starkville took over on their initial possession of the game at their own 26 yard line and managed to push to the 44 but the drive stalled. On 4th down and 7 the Volunteers’ punt was blocked by Lamar’s William Fulton giving the ball to the Raiders at the Starkville 33 yard line with 4:18 in the quarter. Haggard would get his second touchdown on the ground two minutes later on a 4th and 1 at the Volunteer 5 yard line. Tyler Roberts would add the PAT to extend the lead to 14-0. Starkville’s next possession came up dry and with just 30 seconds remaining in the quarter a Volunteer punt was muffed and Starkville recovered at the Lamar 39 yard line. Starkville moved to the Lamar 20 yard line as the opening quarter ended.

Starkville’s best scoring opportunity came just two minutes into the second quarter but a 39 yard field goal went wide. Lamar would regain possession at their own 20 yard line and crisply put together an 80 yard drive capped off by John McElroy’s 6 yard sprint around the right side and after a successful PAT the Raiders led 21-0 with 8:04 left in the half. Starkville would have no answer as they were forced to punt again. Lamar would then put together a 77 yard drive culminating on a 7 yard pass from Haggard to wide-out Charlie Nosco to put the Raiders on top 28-0 with just over five minutes left in the half. Starkville managed to move the ball from their own 35 yard line to the Lamar 48 but were forced to punt once again. A Starkville punt pinned Lamar back on their own 7 yard line with 1:06 remaining. It didn’t seem to daunt Lamar as senior Witt Haggard hit senior wide-out Bo Bidgood in stride on a post route that covered 93 yards to put the Raiders up 35-0 heading into halftime.

(Below) Lamar head coach Mac Barnes After Starkville was forced to put on their opening possession of the second half Lamar rolled out a 74 yard drive ending on a Bo Bidgood 8 yard scamper with just under 7 minutes left in the third quarter. A fumbled hold on the extra point attempt would result in a Haggard vault around the right side for a two point conversion to push the lead to 43-0. Starkville’s only points came at the 58 second mark of the third quarter as wide-out Kyle Henson took it in from two yards out. A successful PAT left the deficit at 43-7. The final quarter resulted in no scoring as the clock continually ran and reserves dominated play.

Bo Bidgood had six catches for 145 yards and one touchdown catch and he added a rushing touchdown. Lamar finished the night with 424 total yards and will hit the road next week against Central Hinds in a battle of 2-0 squads.

Cream of the Crop

By Darron Thomas
With the 2009 MAIS football season underway week one provided some insight on what could be a very special one for a group of running backs which at season’s end could be considered one of the best in recent years. No fewer than five backs will garner much of the attention as the season progresses and a few more could join that group. Two players that are among the elite backs in the MAIS had much different starts to the 2009 season. Seniors Zach Sinclair of Centreville and Bobby Muse of Central Private are arguably the best two running backs in AA football if not the entire MAIS.
(Above) Centreville's Zach Sinclair

(Below) Central Private's Bobby Muse

Both Sinclair and Muse are established backs with big games against solid competition on their resumes over the past few seasons. Sinclair led the Centreville Tigers to their second consecutive AA State title (264 yards in the title game) last season with 2,085 yards rushing. Zach Sinclair can carry a team and is one of the hardest runners anywhere. The senior possesses the ability to quickly hit a hole or sweep around the edges and has a great knack for making tacklers miss. Sinclair ran for 84 yards against a tough Oak Forest defense last week. Bobby Muse led the Central Private Rebels to a District 5AA title in 2008 and rushed for 1,676 yards. The senior running back is a premier north-south runner and rarely does one player bring him down. Muse racked up 373 yards rushing against Huntington in week one.

Exceptionally gifted are both players but there are a few more running backs that could be pivotal to their teams’ success as the season goes forward and may join Sinclair and Muse in the premier back club.

*Glenbrook’s William Thompson ran for 226 yards against Claiborne.
*WCCA’s Tip McKenzie ran for 156 yards in week one.
*ACCS’s Brandon Sanders ran for 145 yards against Cenla Christian.

The best two backs in the MAIS (in my humble opinion) will meet head-to-head in week 11 as Central Private goes to Centreville. Central Private beat Centreville 13-12 during the final seconds last season.

Jackets shut out Tigers 12-0

By Darron Thomas

For the Oak Forest Yellow Jackets the stinging 17-14 loss they suffered at the hands of the Centreville Tigers in last season’s South AA State Title game has lingered for eight months. For OFA coaches and returning players August 21st had to have been circled on their calendar. Last night in Amite the Oak Forest Yellow Jackets shut out the defending State AA Champion Centreville Tigers 12-0 to avenge that heartbreaking playoff loss at Centreville last season.

(Above) Oak Forest quarterback James Peterson
Junior quarterback James Peterson rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries and threw for 98 yards on the night to lead the Jackets. While Peterson only attempted four passes he connected on three, the biggest came midway through the second quarter as Oak Forest faced a 3rd and 15 from their own 41 yard line. Peterson was ready to receive the snap while in the shotgun but mishandled it causing the junior to scramble for control of the football and when he did he sprinted to his right and spotted junior running back Drew Misita open downfield. Misita made the catch and avoided a Centreville defender to sprint into the end-zone and cap-off a 59 yard score. The extra point attempt failed but Oak Forest took a 6-0 2nd quarter lead.

(Above) Centreville's Zach Sinclair finished with 84 yards on 19 carries
On Centreville’s next possession the Tigers were facing a 3rd and 7 from their own 20 yard line when Colby Lockwood broke through the Oak Forest defense for an 80 yard touchdown run. But as Tiger fans roared and Jacket fans grimaced, a yellow piece of laundry lay back near Centreville’s 20 yard line. A holding call on the Tigers would negate the touchdown and would prove to be one of the biggest plays of the night. Four plays later Philip Ingraffia would pick off a Cliff Hurst pass at the Jacket 49 yard line. Oak Forest would manage to get to the Tiger 34 yard line but two straight running plays for losses pushed OFA back to the 42 yard line forcing a punt with 1:00 remaining in the half. Centreville wasn’t able to move the ball and punted to end the half trailing 6-0.

(Above) Peterson met by Centreville's Tyler Towles (#8)
Centreville opened up the second half on their own 24 yard line and most fans expecting a trademark burst for a long gain from Tiger running back Zach Sinclair, but Centreville looked tentative on their first possession of the second half. The Tigers ran seven plays which included a Sinclair six yard gain off right tackle and two more short gains, but there was also a false start and two fumbled snaps, the last one Oak Forest recovered on the Tiger 35 yard line. Oak Forest looked primed to add more damage as junior Chris Gill broke off runs of 20 and 5 yards after a motion penalty to move the Jackets to the Tiger 15 yard line but on 2nd and 5 Centreville’s Colby Lockwood picked off a James Gill pass intended for Drew Misita in the corner of the end-zone.

Centreville appeared ready to take advantage of the turnover but another fumble and recovery in the backfield pushed the Tigers back four yards. Six of the next seven plays were Zach Sinclair runs, one a 13 yard push around the right side. The Tigers converted on a 4th and 1 from their own 43 yard line on a Sinclair 3 yard dive but the drive would stall on their 46 after a Cliff Hurst incomplete pass on a 3rd and 7 play. The fourth quarter would be one in which Oak Forest totally dominated. The Jackets would tally 21 offensive plays to just 4 for Centreville. The final Oak Forest possession began on their own 24 yard line after a Tiger punt. Oak Forest began heading backwards after a rash of penalties and appeared to be pinned deep but a Peterson to Gill hookup for 25 yards would set up a 4th and 1 at the Jacket’s own 33 yard line. Chris Gill got the call and produced a 3 yard gain for a first down with 4:42 left in the contest. Five of the next six calls would go to either Peterson or Gill as the Jackets chewed up the remaining minutes and James Peterson would cap off the drive with a 17 yard scamper around the left end with 27 seconds left. The Jacket two point attempt failed and Oak Forest had all but secured a 12-0 win.

Junior Chris Gill carried the ball 9 times for 57 yards, Denton Hanson had 31 yards on 10 carries and Drew Misita had two receptoins for 73 yards and one touchdown for Oak Forest. The Jackets outgained Centreville 160 - 89 on the ground and 112 - 0 in the air. Oak Forest had two turnovers to Centreville's four.

Zach Sinclair finished with 84 yards on 19 carries.

Next up for Oak Forest will be Jackson Academy in Amite while Centreville heads to McComb to tackle Parklane.

Columbia falls to Presbyterian 34-13

By Darron Thomas

The 2009 high school football season is officially underway. The Columbia Cougars traveled to Hattiesburg last night to battle the Presbyterian Bobcats in their annual meeting. The game started without the threat of rain but that changed midway thru the second quarter as periodic showers had fans scrambling for shelter. (Right) Bobcat quarterback David Roberts

Presbyterian took the opening kickoff and quickly picked up two first downs on two Brantley Hudson runs. After a 13 yard touchdown pass was negated due to a holding penalty the Bobcats made up for the error as senior quarterback David Roberts hit tight-end Coy Carter for a 21 yard score with 9:26 left in the first quarter. Presbyterian’s two point attempt failed.

(Above)Presbyterian's Clay Phillips (#12) forces a Cougar fumble
On the ensuing kickoff Columbia turned the ball back over to PCS on a fumble in Cougar territory. What looked to be a solid Columbia defensive stand turned sour as Presbyterian would turn a 4th and nine into a 25 yard hookup between Roberts and running back Cole Vickers to put PCS up 12-0 with 7:42 left in the opening quarter. PCS was denied on another two point attempt. Columbia’s first offensive play came at 7:38 of the 1st quarter but the Bobcat defense would force a four and out to regain possession. Columbia would get their first 1st down at the 3:04 mark on a 19 yard scamper by senior quarterback RJ Thomas and a five yard facemask infraction tacked on would move the ball down to the Bobcat 33 yard line. The Cougar drive would then stall as the first quarter ended.

(Above) Columbia's Josh Broom upends PCS running back Brantley Hudson
With the Columbia defense forcing Presbyterian into a 3rd and long the Bobcats would cash in on another big play as David Roberts hit wide receiver Kavius Nelson for a 53 yard strike. A few plays later Roberts would collect his third touchdown pass on the night as he connected with Coy Carter for a 5 yard strike. Roberts then hit wide receiver Cade Martin for the two point conversion as the Bobcats extended their lead to 20-0 with 10:38 left in the half. Columbia would get moving on offense as the Cougar rushing attack began to pick up steam. Minutes later the Cougars hit pay-dirt on an 8 yard touchdown run from junior Cole Oglesbee with just over six minutes left in the half to trim the deficit to 20-7. As the rain came the Presbyterian offense would net a 79 yard drive capped off by a one yard run by senior running back Blake Sullivan at 1:07 and a Brantley Hudson two point conversion to build the lead to 28-7 at the half.

Presbyterian would score again in the third quarter when Hudson hauled in a 12 yard td pass from Roberts to take a 34-7 lead into the final quarter. The run game was the primary focus for both teams in the 4th quarter on a wet field but with time running out Columbia scored on a 19 yard touchdown pass from RJ Thomas to sophomore Robert Whitehead as the contest ended at 34-13.

(Above) Columbia quarterback RJ Thomas (#18)
Presbyterian’s David Roberts threw for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, Brantley Hudson ran for 88 yards and caught a pass for a touchdown and tight-end Coy Carter had touchdown receptions of 21 and 5 yards.

Columbia’s new head coach Bruce Merchant has been sidelined recently following heart by-pass surgery and wasn’t able to be on the sidelines tonight. We wish him a speedy recovery. Complete stats were not yet available for Columbia. While the Cougars were on the losing end last night some good things did happen. Columbia’s passing game needs work but their rushing attack is solid and will only get better. If you haven’t heard the name Josh Price yet chances are you will soon. The senior, who I’m guessing is around 6’4” and 255 lbs, is an animal at the linebacker position. He also administers punishment running the ball for the Cougars. This kid can play and should get a chance to keep playing after he graduates from Columbia.

Columbia will host Salem next Friday night and Presbyterian will take on Sumrall in Hattiesburg.

Big game tonight…..The Centreville Tigers at Oak Forest!

See ya somewhere………

From the Notebook………….

For those that are UFC fans like me, there is a saying that precedes each main event fight……”It’s time”! With one day remaining until opening kickoff that time is nearly here. I’ll be making to drive north to Hattiesburg on Thursday to cover the Columbia at Presbyterian match up then to Amite on Friday for the Centreville at Oak Forest battle. All 28 AA squads will be in action this week and I’m working hard to cover as many as possible through the help of others. Week one coverage may be a little shaky but it will improve each week. Southern Sports & Travel has surpassed the 21,000 visitor mark in the nine months since tracking was installed and to say this is just what I expected wouldn’t be totally honest. The site is growing and will continue to grow. During basketball last season I was nearly overwhelmed, particularly during post season, in trying to cover as much as possible. I never have to remind myself what the main objective of the site with regards to MPSA/MAIS athletics is………”It’s all about the kids”. If Southern Sports & Travel is successful in garnering attention for a kid and it reaps benefits for that youngster then the work has paid off. The continued growth of the site will hopefully lead to a group of contributors maintaining the blog format or moving to a conventional website.

Must see games week one, in my humble opinion…………
*Centreville at Oak Forest
*Adams at Cenla
*Central Private at Huntington
*Pillow at Kirk

In AA this week 11 of the 24 games will include teams that didn’t play each other in 2008.

I’ll be distributing “SHOUT OUTS” each weekend as I’ve done the past two seasons. If you have nominations you’re welcome to throw them my way.

An item that I thought might be of interest………….
A slideshow of photos taken at the featured game each week will be published. If anyone has a few photos of interest just drop me an email and I’ll be glad to shoot them to you although it may take some time. I don’t think I’ve completely caught up on requests from basketball season.

I'll be posting updated scores each Friday night to my twitter column as they come in.

If you see a guy on the sidelines this season taking photos and notes with a confused look on his face that would be me……come say hello!

See ya somewhere…………….

Parklane Jamboree

By Darron Thomas
The Parklane Jamboree concluded last night in McComb with two varsity games mixed in with junior varsity action. Centreville and Brookhaven made the short trek to Parklane in preparation for next week’s regular season kickoff. A great crowd was on hand to assess the teams and sample concession favorites.

In the first match up Brookhaven hit the field against the Parklane Pioneers. Parklane, led by head coach Bo Milton, is expecting good things this season. With 9 starters returning on each side of the ball the Pioneers should be in the thick of things in District 2AAA-Div II in 2009. Parklane wasted little time moving the ball in the first of two 15 minute periods after Brookhaven went four and out. Running back Josh Armstreet broke a long run and senior quarterback Chance Schmidt broke a keeper down to the Brookhaven 12 yard line. Two plays later and Parklane was knocking at the door with a 1st and goal from the two yard line. The Cougar defense would stiffen as it forced three consecutive plays of minus yardage and on a 4th and goal Parklane went with a quarterback draw but came up one yard short.

(Above)Brookhaven's Chandler Rogers
Brookhaven’s junior quarterback Chandler Rogers hit wide receiver Tripp Jolly for 14 yards to allow some breathing for the Cougar offense. With solid running from Jennings Mills and short route completions Brookhaven moved down to the Pioneer 30 yard line but on 4th down Parklane’s Hunter Roy picked off a Chandler Rogers pass. The first quarter ended scoreless. Only three minutes into the second quarter Parklane’s Ben Kavanay hauled in a 37 yard touchdown pass from Chance Schmidt and with the PAT the Pioneers took a 7-0 lead. After a Brookhaven fumble Parklane established a drive that culminated with a 27 yard hookup between Josh Armstreet and sophomore quarterback Steven Swindle with 23 seconds remaining. The Pioneers took game one 14-0.

(Above)Parklane's Chance Schmidt
Centreville took the field against Parklane later in the evening as the defending AA State Champs looked to put the finishing touches on their preseason. The Tigers began on defense and like the Brookhaven Cougars had difficulty containing the passing game of Parklane. Behind sophomore Steven Swindle, who went the whole way in game two, Parklane methodically moved into Centreville territory with precision passing. With 8:40 remaining in the opening quarter Jordan Taylor brought in a 12 yard strike from Swindle in the corner of the end zone to put the Pioneers up 7-0. Four minutes later Centreville would answer as sophomore quarterback Cliff Hurst hit Tyler Towles for a 40 yard touchdown to tie things up at 7-7. The Parklane air attack continued as Swindle led the Pioneers to another score as Tanner McDaniel ran in from one yard out with 18 seconds left in the opening quarter to extend the lead to 14-7.

The Parklane lead grew to 21-7 when Swindle threw his second touchdown pass on a 13 yard hookup with Hunter Authement with 9:53 left in the contest. Centreville trimmed the deficit back to seven just one minute later when tailback Zach Sinclair broke a 65 yard touchdown sprint. Parklane would take game two 21-14 over Centreville.

Parklane will open the season next Friday night at Jackson Academy, Brookhaven will host Silliman and Centreville will travel to Oak Forest.

(Above)Centreville Quarterback Cliff Hurst

Copiah Jamboree draws large crowd
By Darron Thomas

With only one week remaining until the 2009 MPSA football season gets underway a few jamborees got kicked off on Thursday night throughout the area. A large crowd gathered in Gallman to catch an early glimpse of area teams in the Copiah eight team jamboree.

The first game of the evening pitted the River Oaks Mustangs against the Huntington Hounds. River Oaks would get on the board first following a Ryan MacGregor interception of Huntington quarterback Jess Dossett. MacGregor then capped a scoring drive with a 6 yard touchdown pass to sophomore running back Davis Harris. Corey Talley added to the extra point to give the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead. It wouldn’t take long for Huntington to respond as quarterback Jess Dossett hit Devonte Savage for a 53 yard touchdown pass. The 2 point conversion failed and the game ended with River Oaks taking a 7-6 win.

Newton Academy took on Central Hinds in game two. Central Hinds struck first when sophomore quarterback Jordan curry hit tight-end Blake Rutledge for a 30 yard touchdown strike at 13:37 in the game. The point after was missed and CHA took a 6-0 lead after their first possession. On Newton’s first play from scrimmage senior quarterback Tyler Cochran hit sophomore Dillon Williams with a 70 yard touchdown pass to tie things up. Newton’s two point attempt was stopped. Central Hinds would stop a late Newton drive with an interception in the end zone and the match-up ended in a 6-6 tie.

Hillcrest and Adams Christian took the field for game three. Hillcrest had success moving the ball early on as senior quarterback Austin Hartzog hit Caleb Baucum for 41 yards. With 13:00 remaining a 30 yard Hartzog touchdown pass to Justin Smith was called back due to holding and Adams took over but couldn’t mount a scoring drive. On Hillcrest’s next possession Hartzog was picked off by Bryce Murray of ACCS and Murray thrilled the crowd with a spectacular return deep into Hillcrest territory. With 42 seconds remaining Dillon Johnson would make his way into the end zone from two yards out to put Adams up 6-0. After a missed point after attempt Hillcrest would mount one last attempt to score but an ACCS sack by Ben Byrd would seal up the 6-0 win.

River Oaks took the field again to face the home-standing Copiah Colonels. On Copiah’s first possession the Colonels would methodically move downfield behind quarterback Hunter Renfroe, wide receiver Kelton Smith and running back Ben Boone. But a fumble at the Mustang 28 would turn the ball over to River Oaks with just over 17 minutes remaining. River Oaks quickly cashed in with a 17 yard pass from Ryan MacGregor to Vincent Moore but the drive stalled. Neither team could mount a sustained drive the rest of the way but with just 1:40 left in the game River Oak’s John Rocket would pick off a Hunter Renfroe pass and return it for a touchdown. The extra point attempt failed. River Oaks would hold on to take their second win of the night.

East Rankin hit the field against Central Hinds in game five and took away a 9-0 win. ERA quarterback Brian Boyles hit Reed Davis for a five yard touchdown pass at the 14:30 mark to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead. As time was winding down Central Hinds put up a solid goal line stand and denied ERA the end zone on a fourth and goal from the one yard line. But on Central Hinds first play the Patriot defense answered right back stopping the Cougar running back in the end zone for a safety and a 9-0 win.

No report as of yet on the final three games……
*Newton vs Huntington
*Copiah vs Hillcrest
*Adams vs East Rankin

I’ll be heading to McComb tonight for the Parklane Jamboree.

See ya somewhere……….

Below......."Shots from Copiah"

Copiah enters new season with high hopes in a new division

By James Beasley, Copiah County Courier
The Copiah Academy Colonels are about to enter the unknown. No, we’re not talking about the “Twilight Zone”; instead, it’s the MPSA Division II AAA. And now that CA boasts a total enrollment of approximately 680 students, the Colonels get to play against the “big boys.”
Copiah’s division will consist of only three teams: CA, Oak Forest (LA), and East Rankin. Of those, head coach Scotty Cline considers Oak Forest the team to beat. The top two teams will advance to the playoffs.
“I’m pleased with where we are right now,” Cline said last weekend in his office at the Copiah Academy field house. “We were fortunate to get 20 (preseason) practices in.”
The Colonels had a week of preseason drills at Millsaps College in Jackson and conducted two-a-days in Gallman last week. Other than the “normal bumps and bruises,” the only major injury appears to be Trevor Blocker (elbow), who may be lost for the season.
Coming off a 6-6 season which ended with a loss to Winston Academy in the opening round of the playoffs, Copiah faces a huge challenge in moving up to AAA. “Every year has new challenges,” the coach said, “and this year is no different. The school is doing so well right now. We need to remember that academics comes first. If we can better the school, we need to do it.
“Our goal in football, as always, is to win a state championship,” he continued. “Part of this group has been there, and once you get that feeling, anything less doesn’t satisfy.”
For the Colonels to accomplish their ultimate goal, a lot will have to happen. Several things are already in place. “We had a good summer and everyone reported in good shape,” Cline said. “Plus we have a good group of seniors who are going to provide strong leadership.”
Among them are Bryce Guess, Russ Singleton, Brandon Smith, Hunter Renfroe, Ben Boone, Michael Williams, Steven Upton, Will Davis, BJ Newman, and Rob Pyron. First-time seniors include Houston Brock from Ridgeland and Colton Brown from Byram.
“We also have lots of depth at the skill positions,” Cline noted. “Our biggest concern is the (lack of) depth in the offensive line. We’ve got to stay healthy, especially across the front.
“Offensively, we’re going to be spread-out. We’ll run multiple formations, and our passing game will be 50-50. In Renfroe, we have a senior who is a two-year starter. We need him to really step up.” Other two-year starters include Ben Boone, Bryce Guess, and Rob Pyron.
Returning offensive starters off last year’s team are all seniors: Singleton at wide receiver, Boone at tailback, Renfroe at quarterback, Pyron at guard, and Williams at guard.
Defensively, returning starters include Brandon Smith at defensive end, Upton at tackle, Singleton at cornerback, Guess at linebacker, and junior linebackers Bradley Sharp and Drew Granger. According to Cline, the team is counting heavily on a group of sophomores: fullback/linebacker Devin Harper; tailback/defensive back Kelton Smith, a newcomer from Terry; wide receiver/defensive back Adam Pitts, and guard/defensive end Grey Williams. Another important cog is junior tailback/linebacker Jeremy Newman, who saw lots of action in the backfield at the end of last season and who is a likely defensive starter at outside linebacker.
Others on the varsity roster include juniors Latham Pyron (quarterback/linebacker), Taylor Rigby (wide receiver/defensive back), Trevor Blocker (tight end/defensive end), T.J. Smith (tackle/defensive tackle), and Josh Nelson (tackle/defensive end).
Remaining sophomores are newcomer Barry Blackwell (wide receiver/defensive back), Michael Bagley (wide receiver/defensive back), Peyton Whitehead (tailback/defensive back), newcomer Tabarus Vaughn (tackle/defensive tackle), Asa Newman (center/defensive tackle). Zach Mattingly (tight end/defensive end) is the only freshman on the squad.
Cline’s coaching staff consists of newcomers Barrett Donahoe (offensive coordinator) and Kent Chamblee (defensive assistant) along with assistant Keith Lockhart and volunteer line coach Richard Byrd.
The public will get their first opportunity to see the Colonels during the annual Copiah Football Jamboree this Thursday, August 13, in Gallman. Activities get underway at 5:00 PM, with CA scheduled to face River Oaks at 6:35 and Hillcrest Christian at 8:05. Other teams participating include Newton Academy, Central Hinds, ACCS, East Rankin, and Huntington (LA) Academy.
The regular season opens Friday, August 21, when the Colonels host Riverfield (LA) at 7:00 PM.

When Therapy Calls!
By Darron Thomas
The concept of administering prompt therapy to treat physical injuries has been a part of sports for decades. More and more high school athletic programs have trainers and/or physicians readily available should an injury occur during an event. Many who share the same amount of years under the ole belt as me can remember football and basketball games a generation ago where no such immediate attention could be given in the case of an injury. The calls for grandma to “run get some ice” have been replaced by experienced professionals to insure that every precaution is taken to minimize damage. The luxury of knowing that knowledgeable help is nearby tends to bring a sense of assurance to coaches, players and fans during football particularly.

If you’re wondering where I’m going with this you may very well feel as I do when I’m done. As the 2009 football season approaches quicker than an LSU Tiger fan sticking a corndog in each pocket as he hurries to the restroom during halftime, I think it’s high time that another form of medical therapy be afforded this athletic season. Why should the kids get all the special treatment? After all, anyone that has attended lots of high school athletic events knows all to well that the attention directed by medical personal should be focused more on the parents sitting (or standing) in the stands. Why should Johnny or Sue be paid all that attention just because they're competing with risk of injury? Have you seen Johnny’s dad just beyond the fence that separates the player’s bench from the stands pacing north and south from one end of the field to the other like a nervous soon to be father in a hospital waiting room? Can he possibly have the stamina to make it four quarters? During the much needed water breaks shouldn’t someone rush over to him and help him re-hydrate during the timeout? Have you been to a basketball game and noticed a dad that on the surface has always been reserved and quite with not much to say, suddenly transform into Bobby Knight for four quarters?

Here’s where I’m going……..I’m no different than most parents with kids that loved high school sports. Having two sons that participated was a luxury of sorts because I knew in the back of my mind that when the oldest graduated I still had junior coming up. Well when junior graduated it was like an LSU fan getting back to his seat after a restroom run and realizing his corndogs were missing. In comes depression, despair, the thought of adoption to continue the thrill….THERAPY!

I got a call last night from an old friend that I attended high school with many years ago. He and I share many similarities……two sons that played sports, avid supporters of their school and the realization that each of us could no longer eagerly wait to see our son run out on the field or court anymore. So if you are one of those lucky parents who can still look forward to the next game and the anticipation of seeing your child compete just keep this in mind……Therapy is closer than you think!

God is great!

See ya somewhere……….

MPSA South AA 2009 Football Forecast

Southern Sports & Travel Football Forecast

By Darron Thomas

District 4AA
Football in District 4AA has taken a metamorphosis of sorts due to re-alignment. Of the five teams that comprised the district the past two seasons only two remain, Brookhaven and Columbia. Gone are Prentiss (single-A), Simpson (north AA) and Copiah (AAA). In are Bowling Green, Amite and Central Hinds. Unlike last preseason when three teams were discussed as possible contenders to win a district title, the 2009 preseason has the makings of a two team race that may not be decided until the final week of the regular season.

While Columbia, Amite and Central Hinds may not be favored to win the District 4AA title the prospect of improvement and rebuilding could be the main focus. The chances of the district title not being decided until the final week of the regular season is what football dreams are made of for fans. Bowling Green and Brookhaven are without question the best two teams in district 4AA and while many may study the schedules and assert that Brookhaven may have the advantage may I take you back to the past four seasons and the five meetings these two squads have had? Of the last five meetings Bowling Green has won three, all at Brookhaven (two times last season and in 2005). In 2007 Brookhaven won at Bowling Green 35-34 behind the duo of quarterback Daniel Lofton and running back Corey Dickerson. Due to re-alignment three of the last four regular season match-ups have been at Brookhaven and finally the past three games have been decided by a total of 5 points. Oh and did I mention that Bowling Green travels up I-55 to Brookhaven in week 11 to finish out the regular season?

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers with regards to the solid rivalry that has built between Bowling Green and Brookhaven in both football and basketball over the past few years. But as most say….numbers don’t lie. Both head coaches, Brett Beard of Bowling Green and Herbert Davis of Brookhaven, enter their second season with 8-4 marks. Both squads have great talent at the quarterback position…… senior Cash Cooley of Bowling Green and junior Chandler Rogers of Brookhaven. Both lost their best running backs…..Bowling Green returns 6 on offense and 7 on defense, Brookhaven 5 on offense and 6 on defense. When do the similarities end? Bowling Green’s two biggest losses to graduation may have been WR/DB Blake McGehee and RB/DB Kasey Cooley while Brookhaven lost RB/LB Kolby Byrd and RB/DB Kyle Burt. So who has the advantage? I see Bowling Green’s defense, particularly their linebackers, as the biggest improvement on the Buccaneer team. Bowling Green will score their share of points but the key may rest with three players as to how successful the Bucs are in 2009. Linebackers Dean King, Daniel Mauthe and Drake Adams are quick to the ball and will be huge parts in improving the 20 points Bowling Green yielded each game in 2008. Brookhaven will have one of the best quarterback/receiver combinations in AA with Chandler Rogers and wide receiver Tripp Jolly, but for the Cougars to earn yet another district title senior Austin Barnett and junior Jennings Mills must fill the void at both running back and linebacker left by Kolby Byrd. Mark October 30th on your calendar!

There’s no intention of diminishing the hard work coaching staffs at Columbia, Amite and Central Hinds are putting in but the realization that these squads will be battling it out for the third slot in District 4AA is real. Columbia welcomed new head coach Bruce Merchant to the family and Amite brought in head coach Judd Johnston. Coach Merchant will look to take yet another step in the re-building of the Columbia football program. The Cougars program went from 0-11 in 2007 to 3-8 in 2008. That 3-8 mark last season could very well have been 5-6…… (two close losses to Oak Forest and Huntington). Columbia’s 2008 campaign also produced improvements on offense and defense. The Cougars averaged nearly a touchdown more a game than in 2007 and yielded six points less on the scoreboard. Continued progression offensively will rest on the arm of senior quarterback RJ Thomas and senior tight end Josh Price.

The hope in Liberty this season is that new head coach Judd Johnston will be able to instill patience in a rebuilding process that will take time to bare fruit. Johnston was an assistant coach at Bowling Green last season and could bring some much needed innovation to an offense that only mustered 9 points a game in 2008. The numbers the ASC offense produces won’t be the only numbers Coach Johnston will have to contend with. The Rebels only dressed 17 last season and the grind that takes place during a game with so many players going on both sides of the ball usually has a snowball effect heading into the last quarter of a game. Five of Amite’s opponents this season are squads they didn’t meet last season and there are some opportunities for solid improvement in 2009.

The Central Hinds Cougars make the move this season to District 4AA from District 5A. Central Hinds is no stranger to AA football. The Cougars finished 2nd in District 3AA in 2006 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The past two seasons in single-A Central Hinds qualified for the playoffs and were District 5A champs in 2007 but they appear to be a bit of an unknown with respects to competing in the upcoming season. Losing five seniors from last season’s 25 man roster and going 1-5 against AA teams may provide a clue.

*Projected Finish
1) Bowling Green
2) Brookhaven
3) Columbia
4) Central Hinds
5) Amite

District 5AA
The 2009 version of District 5AA has taken on considerable changes as has most others. The transaction from a six team district that was arguably the best overall the past few years to a district comprised of the defending two time state AA champion Centreville Tigers and four teams that may not know how they measure up until week one has past. Two squads that remained in District 5AA, Silliman and Central Private, could very well be the ones that challenge each other for a district runners-up slot and a playoff berth. New additions, Adams Christian and Wilkinson County, will attempt to gain momentum early on in the season before district play begins. Both squads could be sitting at 2-1 when they face off in week four in Natchez.

The Southern Sports & Travel top five poll will be out on August 16th. The task of assembling four of the top five is difficult to say the least. The best team in MPSA AA football will again be the Centreville Tigers. I had the opportunity to take the ride to Centreville this past Friday to watch the Tigers scrimmage Adams Christian. Two things that interested me the most were how effective would Centreville be in replacing quarterback Kyle Brown, who led the Tigers to two straight state titles, and five offensive linemen that either started or saw considerable playing time last season? First the quarterback position……Kyle Brown was a great leader on the field and captained the offense with solid efficiency. Cliff Hurst, who I was shocked to learn will only be a sophomore, has a big arm and an accurate arm at that. The offensive line…..they lost a ton, Cody Roberts, Justin Henry, Daniel Perkins, Eric Noland and Brandon Aldridge. What I expected to see and what I saw were two different things. Man this team has some big strong kids ready and willing to take over. Experienced seniors Tyler Glasscock and Ragan Reynolds return and will provide the younger linemen with direction and leadership in the trenches. Not that the offensive line at Centreville will need any motivation to help the Tigers win their third straight title but just knowing that they will be opening up holes in defenses for perhaps the best running back in the MPSA should be enough to motivate anyone. Zack Sinclair will be hitting gaps again this season for the defending state champions. It doesn’t matter that sometimes the gaps close quickly. Sinclair was born to run the football as he demonstrated in the state championship game last November against the Kirk Raiders. In the 28-10 Tiger win the junior exploded for 264 yards against a defense that proved to be one of the best all season in AA football. Centreville’s most difficult games on their schedule could be in week one and week two as they travel to Oak Forest and Parklane. If the Tigers can top anything they’ve accomplished the past two seasons it may be their overall record. Two consecutive 13-2 seasons could be bested in 2009.

The Central Private Rebels are the defending 5AA champions and over the past three seasons have been a team of consistency. Head coach Mike Longmire has compiled a 23-9 overall record at Central Private during that span which includes an 11-3 district record, the same as Centreville. Something I’ve learned since CP came back down to AA from AAA several years back is to never doubt them. Each year comes the question of being able to compete due to lack of depth and roster numbers. While the upcoming 2009 season will bring about those same issues, doubting whether the Rebels can compete may be a huge mistake. Last season’s squad had quality wins over Centreville, Oak Forest, Bowling Green and River Oaks but 14 starters are gone from 2008. But before I put the death-nail in the coffin for the upcoming Rebel season I must remind myself of past seasons when CP just kept on coming. Big holes need to be filled and depth may again be an issue but Central Private has enough size to open holes for senior running back Bobby Muse. Muse is a strong north-south runner and had an exceptional season in 2008 but the key to success may be in the hands of senior quarterback Jason Young. Young will be taking over for Jacob Fryoux who graduated this past spring. The effectiveness of Bobby Muse rests solely on the shoulders of Young who will need to show discipline in the pocket and not force long throws down field. Coach Longmire has his biggest challenge while at the helm at Central Private but as I stated earlier….don ‘t doubt CP.

It’s been some time since Silliman football has made a splash. The Wildcats will contend for a playoff birth this season……that’s right, the Silliman Wildcats will contend for a playoff birth this season. Head coach Joe Moock starts his 3rd year in Clinton and has the luxury of knowing he has 7 starters returning on both sides of the ball in 2009. That’s the good news, now the bad. The Wildcats could be sitting at 1-4 when their open date arrives in week six. Three of their first four games are against Centreville, Brookhaven and Bowling Green before Central Private visits in week five. That week five match-up could determine the entire season for the Wildcats as they enter a very agreeable second half schedule. It’s very possible Silliman could be a 7-4 or 6-5 playoff team depending on how they grow during the first half of a brutal schedule. They must play better at home (0-4 in 2008) and avoid the possibility of a confidence drain during the first half of the season. The Wildcats, while not blessed with tons of depth, should be much improved on the offensive line and have senior Cody Donze returning at fullback and linebacker. The biggest game of the season for Silliman will be September 18th when they host Central Private.

The Wilkinson County Rams move up from single-A in 2009 with hopes of surprising many. Jumping to AA football after a 3-8 season in single-A could make for a long season. I was in Woodville this past Friday to watch WCCA and Central Private scrimmage and I was interested in catching a look at the Rams running back Tip McKenzie. McKenzie, only a sophomore, has all the makings of a great running back. Surprisingly WCCA had good size but the glaring weakness is numbers. Being able to compete during a ten game schedule while dressing only 16 or so players will prove to be a huge challenge. On the positive side the Rams will enjoy a hospitable schedule.

In Natchez head coach Paul Hayles is working hard to rebuild the Adams football program. After posting two consecutive seasons that only produced one win Hayles is trying to instill confidence and leadership in his squad. The biggest challenge will be improving a stat that sticks out like an Ole Miss fan in the LSU student section on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge. The Rebels yielded just over 36 points a game in 2008 and while offensively there is room for improvement not many teams can compete if that stat isn’t rectified. The Friday scrimmage in Centreville should be a boast in moral for ACCS fans. The Rebels showed some speed running the ball outside the tackles and looked decent throwing the ball in short routes. Rushing the football inside the tackles may be a challenge. What Adams can’t afford to do in 2009 is get into long 3rd down situations too often. The 2009 version of Adams football should be an improvement in the building process in Natchez.

*Projected Finish
1) Centreville
2) Central Private
3) Silliman
4) Adams Christian
5) WCCA

District 6AA
If a football district has the possibility of surprising fans it may very well be District 6AA. The only four team district in south AA consists of River Oaks and Prairie View (formerly of district 3AA), and two squads that have moved up from single-A, Cenla Christian and the Glenbrook Apaches. On the surface it appears that River Oaks and Glenbrook will be battling it out for supremacy. The downside to the 2009 schedule is that these two will meet early in week four of the season. The Cenla Christian Lions could serve up a bit of surprise to their district foes. While the Lions may not be odds on favorites to win a district title they do stand the chance of being a formidable opponent. Prairie View could possibly have a long row to hoe as the Spartans look to improve on a disappointing 2-8 record in 2008.

The River Oaks Mustangs will begin the 2009 football season with high expectations. Coming off two consecutive 7-4 seasons the Stangs are the favorites to win a district title and make some noise well into November. Head coach Robert Hannah has comprised a 122-49 mark while at the helm in Monroe and has 11 starters retuning from last season, 6 on offense and 5 on defense. Despite losing half of the starters from 2008 many underclassmen gained valuable playing time and a solid class of juniors will compliment the six seniors on this year’s squad. Lost to graduation in 2008 was quarterback/defensive back Cody Trichell and running back/linebacker Gabe Bower. Sophomore Ryan MacGregor will step in to fill the quarterback slot and direct the shotgun and fellow sophomore Aaron Rogers will be in the backfield at fullback. Defensively the Mustangs will run a 3-4 with linebackers John Rocket, Stephen Bragg, Blake Pilgreen and Harrison Holloway checking the opposing offense. River Oaks was young and small in the trenches in 2008 but after a year of growing and getting stronger they will be much improved.

Even though the Glenbrook Apaches have just moved up to AA football they will be in contention in their new district. First year head coach Ryan Porter takes over a solid program that won district 6A titles the past two seasons and won a state title in 2007. How’s this for pressure? The Apaches are 32-10 overall and 16-2 in district play the past three seasons. The week four showdown will set the tone for the remainder of the season for both squads and if more pressure needs to added to the Glenbrook Apaches it may be contained in this stat…..the Apaches have lost the last four meetings with River Oaks.

Cenla Christian is still by all accounts in the infant stage with regards to its football history but it has come a long way in a short time. Already moving up to AA football in 2009 is only further proof that the school from Pineville, Louisiana is progressing. While not being able to earn more than 3 wins in each of the last two seasons first year head coach Haden Gilder has the luxury of returning 9 starters on offense and 5 on defense. Senior quarterback Chance Terrell will lead the Lion offense with junior running backs Derrick Thomas and Dar’Tavies Green behind him and junior wide receiver Reagan Lane at wide receiver. The defense will be anchored by linebackers Andy Brossett, Greg Smith and Green. Cenla, which will have two of their three district games at home, could be the surprise team in District 6AA. Game to circle on your schedule? Week six, September 25th………Glenbrook at Cenla.

The Prairie View Spartans endured a tough 2008 campaign. The Spartans finished the season with a disappointing 2-8 overall mark and a 0-4 district record. Head coach Don King enters his second season at PVA and is faced with not only finding a replacement for running back Allen Spires, who graduated last season, but finding healthy players. King has 28 players on his 2009 squad (15 seniors) but has lost senior running back Gabe White for the season with a knee injury, lineman Murphy Tubbs is lost for the season due to a medical condition and offensive lineman Trapper Munn will not be available for another three weeks after tearing his ACL back in the spring. Who will run the double slot offense at quarterback is a virtual toss-up between Hunter Smith and Robby Jones. If the injury bug isn’t enough to worry about in Bastrop the schedule may be. Opening the season against Trinity, Porter’s Chapel and Silliman will shed light on the direction of the 2009 season for the Spartans.

*Projected Finish
1) River Oaks
2) Cenla
3) Glenbrook
4) Prairie View

MPSA North AA 2009 Football Forecast

By Darron Thomas

District 1AA
Gone are Carroll, Lee (MS) and Lee (AR) from last season’s District 1AA. In are the North Delta Green Wave and the West Memphis Black Knights. The district has been reduced to five teams with the defending district champion Kirk Raiders, the Indianola Colonels and the Marshall Patriots staying put. The prohibitive favorite to win a district title rests solely on the Kirk Raiders; the question will be which team can pose a threat to unseat the champs. If a title could be granted for the coolest mascot it would have to be either the Black Knights or the Green Wave but in the football world little consideration will be afforded.

The Kirk Raiders, lead by head coach Rick Johnston, lost in the state AA championship game to Centreville in 2008. The 28-10 loss capped a 12-3 season and the second title game in three years for the Raiders. While another district title could be expected the road to another AA championship game will be a harder task than the two previous. The Raiders last title was in 1997 when they captured the AAA championship.

While I’m not much of a gambler, I would say with mild confidence that Kirk will finish the regular season on top of District 1AA. The reluctance to give the Raiders a full vote of confidence is the possibility that the Marshall Patriots will mount a threat in 1AA. Marshall returns six starters on offense and six starters on defense from last season’s 6-5 squad that finished 3rd in district 1AA behind Kirk and Lee (MS). Four of those offensive starters are at the skill positions including junior quarterback Hank Owens. Patriot head coach Keith Wicker begins his third year at the reign and has compiled a solid 18-7 mark in his previous two seasons. In Wicker’s first season he guided Marshall to the state AA title game and a 12-2 season.

Indianola finished last season’s campaign at 4-6 overall and 2-3 in district play. For the Colonels to avoid another fourth place finish in district they will contend with the North Delta Green Wave. The Green Wave moved up to AA and while the competition will be stiffer they do return 10 starters from last year’s 5-5 squad. North Delta first year head coach Dan Werner will need to improve the Green Wave defense which allowed 25 points a game last season. If Indianola is to return to 2007 form in which they finished 7-5 and went into the 2nd round of the playoffs they’ll need better play on the road. The Colonels were 1-4 away from home last season and a critical district match-up will take place in week four as they travel to North Delta.

That leaves the West Memphis Black Knights who also made the move up to AA football after posting a 6-5 mark last season that included a playoff appearance. The Black Knights lost in round one to Winona Christian 15-14. West Memphis head coach Tim Pugh could have depth issues which may result in a long season. Of the 18 players on the 2008 roster 7 were seniors including the starting quarterback. The Black Knights averaged 24 points last season and yielded 21.

*Projected Finish
1) Kirk
2) Marshall
3) Indianola
4) North Delta
5) West Memphis

District 2AA
Gone from the 2008 version of District 2AA is Canton, Leake and Tri-County; joining Winston and Manchester is Carroll and Oak Hill. The lone four team district from the north could possibly be the weakest from top to bottom in AA football. That doesn’t suggest that during the span of 10 or 11 regular season games that a surprise team couldn’t emerge to challenge the Winston Patriots. All football junkies have witnessed each year a surprise team surface to throw the proverbial monkey-wrench into the mix.

If District 2AA is going to be competitive it may take Winston to not be Winston. The Patriots have six state championship trophies (three in both single A and AA) displayed in Louisville. The task at hand for Manchester, Oak Hill and Carroll is daunting to say the least. Over the past three seasons Winston is 31-9 while their new district counterparts are 23-71 combined.

Manchester should be expected to fall in behind Winston and hope to return to the form that qualified the Mavericks for the playoffs in 2007, but only if there is marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Manchester last won state titles back in 1983 and 1984 as they went back to back in AA. With only a three game district schedule the Mavs will host two of them, the last a week ten home match-up against the Carroll Rebels.

The battle for the third spot in District 2AA will come down to week six when Oak Hill makes the trip to Carrollton to face the Carroll. As I’ve said over the past few years…..two evenly matched teams regardless of their records can make for a great football game. Week six will provide just that when Carroll and Oak Hill collide. Leading up to the week six game Oak Hill has a somewhat brutal schedule while Carroll has a more opportunistic path that includes an open week prior to the Oak Hill game. Oak Hill could only muster a 22 man roster last season with ten of those having been seniors. If this were Las Vegas the line for which squad will finish in the third spot in District 2AA would read “pick em”.

*Projected Finish
1) Winston
2) Manchester
3) Carroll
4) Oak Hill

District 3AA
The football gods were smiling when this district was formed. Undeniably the toughest district in AA this season. Football freaks would pack up and move to be in the center of this hotbed of MPSA football. This is fact……four of the five squads in District 3AA could make a run at the 3AA title, but when playoff season comes calling there will one solid team sitting at home with nowhere to go. Here’s an idea, scrap the current playoff format that allows the district runners-up to qualify for a playoff appearance. District champions are automatic but move to the power-point system in selecting the remaining five squads in the north and south. Districts that are loaded are at a severe disadvantage to the weaker districts when it comes to playoff qualifiers. Enough mindless dribble from a novice football fan, lets get to it!

The Lamar Raiders moved to District 3AA from District 2AAA Division II where they captured three straight district titles over the past three seasons. In 2007 the Raiders brought home the State AAA Division II crown. Those expecting to see a football program in decline because of a drop in classification may be in for a rude awakening. Lamar, led by head coach Mac Barnes, compiled a solid 29-9 overall record the past three seasons and a 13-5 district mark. Those marks have included quality wins over Jackson Academy, MRA and Parklane. Ten seniors will provide a solid ground for leadership for the Raiders, one of whom is quarterback Witt Haggard. Haggard passed for over 3,500 yards and threw 30 td’s last season. Aiding Haggard at the skill positions will be two fellow seniors, Bo Bidgood (WR/RB) and Jamie Thompson (WR). While the Raiders did lose one of the better receivers in the MPSA, Robert Coffin, to graduation Thompson and Bidgood should help fill the void. The big question facing the Raiders will be on the other side of the football. Lamar gave up lots of yards on the ground last season and in a district with Simpson that could be disaster.

Speaking of Simpson, I’m now over the bitter disappointment resulting from the move of the Cougars to the north. The Simpson Cougars finished 2nd in District 4AA (3-1) last season and qualified for a playoff birth but were eliminated in the first round by Trinity. Simpson head coach Billy Hankins will have six starters back from last season’s offensive unit which will include senior quarterback Kyle Munn. Munn comprised half of a great tandem last season for the Cougars as he paired with senior running back Casey Hunt to wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Replacing Hunt will be a tall order but Simpson has had one of the better junior varsity programs anywhere over the past few years. With the rich talent SCA has moving up they will compete with Lamar for the top spot in District 3AA. Defensively the loss of six starters will sting and the chances of the Cougar defense holding opposing teams to just over 11 points a game as they did last season may be difficult. Circle this game on your schedule…..week 10, Lamar at Simpson. The Simpson ground attack meets the Lamar air attack.

The football team in District 3AA that could use the motivational tool of being disrespected could be the Canton Panthers. After all, the Panthers only finished with an overall record of 9-4 and a district mark of 3-1 just behind Winston, qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season, and advanced to the second round in 2008. If the Panthers were in most other districts they would more than likely be considered favorites. Head coach Ron Jurney enters his fourth season with 11 starters returning from last year’s squad. Two of those were critical components from last season’s offense. Quarterback Kyle Warren and running back Mackey Simpson return for their final season as Canton Panthers. Warren is a two year starter and Mackey rushed for over 1,300 yards last season. Backing up Warren at quarterback will be Madison Central transfer Jeffery Davis. The junior quarterback, who may be running the offense before all is said and done, has created a bit of a stir amongst Panther fans that see unlimited potential from the new signal caller. If Canton is to return to the form that earned them AA State titles in 1987, 1995 and 1996 two things will need to happen…….they must improve their passing game and they must adapt to losing three starters on their offensive line and three starters on the defensive line.

The Leake Rebels had what most teams would consider a solid season in 2008. A 7-5 overall record and a playoff appearance. But for a team that won district titles the previous two seasons in which they amassed a combined 22-3 record that left the bar substantially high for the group of seniors from the 2008 squad. The 2009 version of Leake football faces the same challenge of sorts. The loss of 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense will test any team’s determination. The loss of all skill players on offense calls for drastic measure. The hope in Madden will rest primarily on the crop of young talent rising up at Leake. Whether that youth will mature quickly enough to translate into early success will be on display in week six when Canton visits to open up district play. While the downside is apparent, the upside could possibly be the Rebel’s schedule during the first half of the 2009 campaign. There’s no arguing that they have a brutal opening game on the road at Winston but that is followed by an open week, two home games against Hillcrest and Manchester and an away game at Oak Hill. The Rebels could be sitting at 3-1 and full of confidence when Canton comes calling. With so many losses on offense it will take time to get back to the explosive Leake attack that averaged nearly 37 points a contest on 06 and 07.

The Hillcrest Cougars must have gladly welcomed the move down in classification after two very tough seasons in 2-AAA division II. New Hillcrest head football coach Johnny Miles enters his 26th year as a head coach and takes over a program that hasn’t been able to equal what the Cougar basketball and baseball programs have done over the past several years. Coach Miles has nowhere to go but up with regards to improvement this season. Hillcrest was outscored by an average of 43 points last season and with only two starters returning on each side of the ball focusing on building from the ground up may be the best medicine. Positive aspects are noticeable on the Cougar schedule. The opportunity to be more competitive is there with eight teams on the 2009 docket that weren’t there in 2008. Among them are three single-A squads.

*Projected Finish
1) Lamar
2) Simpson
3) Canton
4) Leake
5) Hillcrest