Brookhaven edges Bowling Green to win 4AA title
By Darron Thomas, Southern Sports & Travel
Brookhaven followed their usual script on Friday night as they found themselves behind early on in a game but the #1 ranked Cougars finished the way they have all season, on top. After spotting Bowling Green an early 6-0 first quarter lead Brookhaven reeled off 21 straight points en-route to a 21-14 win that not only delivered a fourth consecutive district championship, but also secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Bowling Green struck quickly to begin the game on a Cash Cooley kick-return that he carried all the way to the Brookhaven 9 yard line. One play later Cooley dashed in as the Buccaneers took an early 6-0 lead just 15 seconds into the contest.
Brookhaven, true to form, answered right back as they marched 61 yards in 6 plays to tie things up when quarterback Chandler Rogers hit wide-out Bubba Keene on a 34 yard touchdown pass. Tyler Trout’s PAT forged the Cougars ahead 7-6 midway through the opening quarter.
Brookhaven increased their lead to end the first quarter on a Chandler Rogers one yard keeper. Tyler Trout added the PAT to build the lead to 14-6.
Bowling Green struggled after their first possession, having little success in the air or rushing the ball. Brookhaven added another score in the second quarter when Rogers went in from one yard out to cap off a 5 play 45 yard drive, followed by a successful Tyler Trout PAT to propel Brookhaven into halftime with a 21-6 lead on a wet and soggy field.
Bowling Green started moving the football in the third quarter and put together a solid drive of their own going 75 yards in 10 plays culminating on a David Fulks touchdown scamper. Cash Cooley converted on the two point attempt to trim the Brookhaven lead to 21-14.
Neither team would score in the final quarter as both defenses held firm. Bowling Green’s last effort began on their own 10 yard line with just over two minutes left and no timeouts. Any hopes of extending the game into overtime was nixed as Brookhaven linebacker Jamison Powell intercepted a Cash Cooley pass with less than a minute remaining.
Brookhaven improved to 11-0 and 4-0 in district play and completed their first undefeated regular season in school history. Junior quarterback Chandler Rogers was 11/21 for 139 yards passing and a touchdown. Rogers also had 67 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Junior running back Jennings Mills had a solid effort as he rushed for 96 yards on 11 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball for the Cougars linebacker Jamison Powell had 13 tackles and two interceptions on the night. Linebacker Alan Michael Allred and defensive back Donovan Lorraine each had 9 tackles.
For Bowling Green quarterback Cash Cooley rushed for 104 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown, and was 7/14 passing for 35 yards and two interceptions. Seth Fauntleroy led the Buccaneers with 10 tackles, Jason Milton and Shod Fortenberry each had 7 on the night.
Brookhaven will host either Central Hinds or Silliman next week in round one of the playoffs while Bowling Green (6-4) will travel to Central Private.

Centreville pummels Rebels for district crown
By Darron Thomas, Southern Sports & Travel
The defending state champion Centreville Tigers claimed the district 5AA title Friday night before a wet home crowd with a convincing 34-12 win over #3 ranked Central Private. With the win Centreville will host district 6AA runners-up Glenbrook next Friday night in round one of the AA state playoffs.

(Above) Centreville on a touchdown drive just before halftime
Centreville wasted little time as sophomore Hunter Travis put the Tigers in striking distance with an opening kick-off return down to the Central Private 39 yard line. Six plays into the drive it appeared that Central Private’s defense had held, forcing Centreville into a 4th down and 13 from the CP 24 yard line. Centreville caught the Rebels off guard as senior wide-out Beau Field took a hand-off around the left end for a 24 yard touchdown run. Gavin Travis’ PAT gave the Tigers an early 7-0 lead with 8:02 left in the opening quarter.
Central Private’s opening possession mustered only one yard as the Rebels went three and out. Brandt Moore’s 36 yard punt enabled Centreville to set up shop at their own 34 yard line with 6:10 left in the first quarter.
Centreville showed little effect from the soggy conditions as they went up 13-0 on a 5 play 66 yard drive capped off by a Zach Sinclair 16 yard burst up the middle for the second score of the night. Sinclair accounted for 48 yards on the drive highlighted by a 35 yard scamper on a 2nd and 7 from the Tiger 37 yard line. The PAT failed.

(Above) Centreville quarterback Tyler Towles (#8) hands off to Zach Sinclair (#23)
Central Private mounted a drive on their second possession. The Rebels moved from their 40 yard line to the Centreville 31 as the first quarter ended with the Tigers up 13-0. Facing a 3rd and 3 to open the second quarter Bobby Muse was stopped for no gain and then on 4th down Muse came up one yard short at the Tigers 29 yard line to end the drive.
Five straight Zach Sinclair carries quickly pushed the line of scrimmage all the way down to the Central Private 7 yard line with 8:40 left in the opening half. After a Cliff Hurst one yard gain Sinclair hit pay-dirt once more with a 6 yard touchdown run. Centreville’s two point attempt failed and with 7:47 showing on the clock the Tigers held a 19-0 lead.

(Above) Central Private holds Zach Sinclair short of the goal line
Central Private had trouble most of the night establishing any positive drives as the Rebels again went three and out after losing 11 yards on their third possession. Following another Brandt Moore punt Centreville took over at their own 36 yard line. Zach Sinclair ripped off 34 yards on 1st and 10 all the way down to the Rebel 30 yard line. Three plays later facing a 4th down and 11 from the Central Private 37 yard line Centreville incorporated a little “trickaration” as wide-out Hunter Travis handed to Beau Field on a well executed reverse that produced a 12 yard gain and a first down at the Rebel 25 yard line. Sinclair gobbled up a quick 19 yards down to the Central Private 6, but the Rebel’s defense stiffened and forced Centreville into a 4th down from the 3 yard line. With 2:13 left in the half Sinclair took a handoff and was hit hard at the one yard line forcing the ball loose into the air and right into the waiting hands of wide-out Colby Lockwood who was standing two yards deep in the end-zone. Cliff Hurst converted on a two attempt as he hauled in a deflected Tyler Towles pass to increase the Tiger lead to 27-0.

(Above) Central Private tailback Bobby Muse finished with 122 yards rushing
Just as Central Private thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did. Bobby Muse’s 25 yard kick-off return set the Rebels up at their own 28 yard line with just over two minutes left in the half. Muse then ran for a quick 17 yards to the 45 and followed with an 8 yard pickup into Centreville territory at the 47 yard line. On a 2nd and two Jason Young’s pass to Lance Wicker resulted in a six yard loss back to the Rebel 47 yard line. On the next play Centreville defensive back Beau Field recovered a Bobby Muse fumble at the Central Private 45 yard line to kill the drive with 42 seconds left in the half. Four plays later Centreville quarterback Cliff Hurst hit Colby Lockwood with an 11 yard touchdown pass with 9 seconds left in the half. Gavin Travis’ PAT increased the Centreville lead to 34-0 at the half.
Centreville made wholesale substitutions to begin play in the third quarter. Neither team scored in the quarter. Central Private notched two scores in the final quarter, quarterback Jason Young ran one in from 16 yards out and then threw a one yard touchdown pass as time expired.

Centreville had 384 total yards on the night to 221 for Central Private.
Centreville tailback Zach Sinclair ran for 172 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Beau Field added 50 yards on two carries and a touchdown.
Central Private tailback Bobby Muse was held to 28 yards in the first half but finished the night with 122 yards rushing on 20 carries.
Both teams will host round one playoff games next Friday night. Centreville (8-3) will entertain Glenbrook (7-3) and Central Private (8-2) hosts Bowling Green (6-4).

MAIS AA Cross Country Championship
@ Choctaw Trails, Clinton, MS
Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

The Columbia Academy Boys Cross Country team won their third consecutive MPSA/MAIS AA State Championship Monday, October 26. The Cougars took five of the top-6 spots and placed a total of six runners in the top-10. CA scored a near perfect 18 points in defeating second place Lamar School by 50 points.
Channing Stringer won the individual Championship in a school record time of 17:59. Jon Luke Watts finished 2nd with a personal record (PR) of 19:12. Adam Ham took 4th with a PR of 19:30, Isaac Hitt was 5th with 20:17, Jeremy Moree, 6th, with a PR 20:32, and Jamie Thweatt, 10th, with 21:22. All 6 runners were named to the MAIS All-State Team.

(Above) 2009 MAIS State AA Champions
(Above) L to R, Channing Stringer 1st Place, Jon Luke Watts, 2nd Place
Results:
Girls (2 Miles)
Individual Winner: Maggie Hughes, Manchester -- 13:25.90
1. Simpson - 23 Pts.
2. Silliman - 45 Pts.
3. ACCS - 98 Pts.
4. Lamar School - 133Pts.
5. Glenbrook - 147 Pts.
6. Cenla Christian - 154 Pts.
7. Columbia Academy - 188 Pts.
8. Indianola - 192 Pts.
9. Manchester - --

Boys: ( 5K / 3.1 miles )
Individual Winner: Channing Stringer, Columbia Academy -- 17:59.72
Team:
1. Columbia Academy - 18 Pts.
2. Lamar School - 68 Pts.
3. Silliman - 80 Pts.
4. Glenbrook - 105 Pts.
5. ACCS - 107 Pts.
6. Cenla Christian - 169 Pts.
7. Marshall - --
8. Indianola - --
9. Carroll - --
10. Canton - --
11. Winston - --

*Link to complete results: http://www.msais.org/mailouts/ccresults09.pdf

From the Notebook…………

It’s getting more and more difficult to contain myself with regards to the possible match-ups in round one of the upcoming playoffs. But knowing how important the final week of the regular season is for several teams adds to the excitement.
Three district championships will be decided on the field this Friday night. Winston travels to West Point to take on Oak Hill for the district 2AA title. Bowling Green travels north to battle Brookhaven for the district 4AA championship and Central Private plays at Centreville for the district 5AA crown.
The fun doesn’t end there as Leake visits Lamar for the district 3AA runners-up spot and North Delta hosts Kirk in what will have big playoff implications should North Delta lose at home.
The schedule gods have been generous!
**Looking at the playoff bracket I feel that these first round games will happen: Central Hinds at River Oaks, Leake at Marshall, Oak Hill at Lamar, Indianola at Winston and North Delta at Simpson.
Glenbrook is the district 6AA runners-up and will have their work cut out for them in the first round. The Apaches will draw either Centreville or Central Private on the road.
Silliman should nail down the south wildcard (#2) spot on Friday and will have a difficult task as they’ll be at Bowling Green or Brookhaven in round one.
**Received bad news yesterday regarding Leake senior Caleb Burns. The tailback suffered a 3rd degree acl & mcl tear and will undergo surgery on Thursday, November 5th. Prayers go out to Caleb with hopes he’ll be healthy in the spring for baseball. If you would like to leave well wishes for Caleb leave them below in the comment box.

**I came across an old football newspaper clipping of the 1971 Walthall Academy football squad. It mentioned that their homecoming opponent was Southwest Christian of Ruth, Mississippi. I remember playing a Southwest in basketball way back but not really sure where they were from. If you have old photos email them to me.
**Basketball questionnaires were faxed out last week in preparation for the upcoming season. The response has been good but the north region is out-faxing the south!
**In other basketball news…..Chamberlain-Hunt graduate David Hahn will be signing with Texas State in November. The 7’ center led the Cadets to the AA State Championship game last season. I hope to have the signing and a write-up on David when it happens.
**I’ve been kicking around the idea of soliciting students with an interest in journalism to contribute to Southern Sports & Travel. The huge influx of growth the site has experienced will require more keyboard junkies.
**If you only see little coverage, or none at all, with respects to the school you support and follow, it’s not because an effort hasn’t been made. Attempts through phone calls, email, fax or texting have been made to all 28 AA schools.
**I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again……The kindness and willingness to help from so many people from lots of schools has been overwhelming. Thanks much!
**If you have any suggestions on how to improve Southern Sports & Travel please leave a comment or shoot me a text or email.

See ya somewhere………

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Anonymous said...
Good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery Caleb. God bless

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Anonymous said...
We love ya Caleb and are very glad we got the opportunity to see you play ball the last few years..We also wish you the best in all you do..Thanks for the effort and desire you shared with your fellow LA Rebels and luck to all of you in the playoffs...It has been a joy...

Lamar at Simpson (Turn on volume)

Simpson crushes #1 Lamar for district crown
By Darron Thomas, Southern Sports & Travel

Heading into last night’s big district 3AA game with #1 ranked Lamar not many gave the Simpson Cougars much of a chance at competing with the high scoring Raiders, much less beating them. But beat them they did. Simpson rushed for 514 yards on the night en-route to a 48-21 thrashing of top ranked Lamar before a huge and boisterous home crowd on senior night in Mendenhall.
With the win the Simpson Cougars claimed the district 3AA championship and will enjoy an idle week before hosting a round one playoff opponent.
While the 27 point margin of victory left little doubt as to how dominant the Cougar’s performance was, the contest didn’t start the way they had hoped. Lamar took the opening possession of the game and marched 78 yards in 9 plays in just over three minutes and scored on a Witt Haggard to Bo Bidgood 25 yard touchdown strike. Tyler Roberts would add the PAT as the Raiders took an early 7-0 lead.

(Above) Simpson's Kyle Munn (#4) rushed for 333 yards and 6 tds.
The hush that took over the home-standing crowd after the Raider’s touchdown drive was one of uncertainty with what might be to come. That hush was quickly replaced by cheers as Simpson answered with a 76 yard 12 play drive that was capped off by a 7 yard touchdown run up the middle by Kyle Munn with three minutes left in the opening quarter. Justin Griffin’s PAT quickly tied things up at 7-7.
Lamar would be stifled on their next possession as they started from their own 17 yard line after the Simpson kick-off. The Raiders had moved out to the 44 yard line following an 11 yard run by Witt Haggard only to have a 56 yard touchdown pass from Haggard to Michael Marcello called back on a penalty the next play. A holding penalty pushed the Raiders further back as the first quarter ended tied at 7-7.
Following an incomplete pass from Haggard to open the second quarter the Raiders punted to the Simpson 20 yard line. Kyle Munn carried twice for 11 yards followed by a Cade Eiland 1 yard gain that set up a 2nd and 9 from the Cougar’s 32 yard line. Senior Kyle Munn then broke off the left side for a 68 yard jaunt to put Simpson up for the first time of the night. Griffin’s PAT put Simpson on top 14-7 with 9:39 left in the half.

(Above) Kyle Munn (#4) and Cade Eiland (#2) combined for 487 yards rushing.
The game began to look like a classic back and forth battle as Lamar went 80 yards in just over three minutes to tie things up. Witt Haggard scrambled on a 1st down play and hit wide-out Jamie Thompson for 24 yards to knot the game up at 14-14. Simpson showed little panic as they methodically plowed 65 yards behind eight Kyle Munn carries and forged back ahead 21-14 when Munn went in from 1 yard out with 1:22 left in the half.
Lamar was on course to tie the game once again before the half. Witt Haggard ran 63 yards on the first play after the Simpson kickoff to put the Raiders in striking range at the Cougar 17 yard line with just over a minute left. But three incomplete passes later forced Lamar to attempt to convert on a 4th and 10 with 29 seconds left in the half. Witt Haggard’s keeper came up one yard short as the Simpson defense held and the Cougars took over to run out the clock and take a 21-14 lead in the locker-room.
The second half was in total contrast to the first as Simpson totally dominated. Kyle Munn scored his fourth touchdown of the night on 27 yard scamper with 7:15 left in the third quarter to put the Cougars up 28-14. Lamar showed early signs in the quarter of hanging around when they took their opening possession and scored in just four plays. Lamar went 75 yards in only 1:09 seconds. Michael Marcello went in from ten yards out to cut the deficit back to a 7 point game at 28-21 with 5:59 left in the quarter.

(Above) Lamar's Witt Haggard (#7) rushed for 176 yards on 19 carries.

Little did anyone know that it would be the last time Lamar would see the end-zone on the night.
Following an unsuccessful onside attempt from Lamar, tailback Cade Eiland would take a 40 yard run to the house with just over five minutes left in the quarter to put the Cougars up 34-21.
Lamar was stopped on a 4th and 3 at the Simpson 40 yard line on their following possession to end the quarter. Each team traded possessions to start the fourth quarter. Simpson cashed in again on a 50 yard drive that was capped off by a Kyle Munn 5 yard run with 8:17 left in the game. Justin Griffin’s PAT made it 41-21 as the crowd started to sense the outcome had been sealed.
The final score of the night came when Kyle Munn collected his sixth touchdown when he went in from two yards out at the five minute mark to put Simpson up 48-21.

(Above) Simpson kicker Justin Griffin (#11) prepares for a PAT attempt.
Kyle Munn ran for 333 yards on 37 carries and 6 touchdowns on the night. “Kyle has been banged up a lot this season but he’s been healthy the last three weeks” said Simpson head coach Billy Hankins. On the 514 rushing yards his team netted Hankins said “Going into the season we knew our offensive line would be the strongpoint of our team and they’re playing well.” On the defensive side of the ball Simpson limited Lamar’s Witt Haggard to 160 yards passing but the senior rushed for 176 yards on 19 carries. “Haggard ran well tonight, he is the best quarterback that I’ve seen in a long time” said Hankins. “I’d have to credit coaches Mitch Mitchell and Winston Mullins for a great game plan tonight.”
Simpson sophomore tailback Cade Eiland rushed for 154 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown on the night as the Cougars out-gained Lamar 514-411 in total yards.
Lamar sophomore Michael Marcello picked up 51 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

The Cougars finish the regular season at 9-1 & 4-0 and have vaulted to the #2 spot in the newest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten poll.
Lamar falls to 8-1 & 2-1 and will host Leake in an all important district game to determine the district runners-up. Lamar slipped to #5 in the top ten poll.
The win not only means Simpson captured the district 3AA title but they will host a round one playoff game in two weeks. For whomever their opponent will be they’ll find that playing in Mendenhall on a Friday night is no easy task.

(Above) Great atmosphere on both sides as shown from a Lamar fan.

District champs• Marshall wins 19-6 at Indianola

Courtesy of The South Reporter

Marshall Academy and the mud are going together just fine.
The Patriots traveled 153 miles one way to play on the muddiest field of a rain-soaked season and in the end celebrated a 19-6 win over Indianola Academy and more importantly a District 1-AA championship.
“That sure was a muddy game - the muddiest yet as far as pure mud,” said a happy head coach, Keith Wicker. “I’m proud of our kids.”
It’s the second district title in three years under Wicker, who took the job in 2007.
“It’s a big accomplishment for our kids,“ he said. “I really like this bunch. They give it everything they have.”

(Above) Marshall head coach Keith Wicker gives intructions to quarterback Hank Owens

MA improved to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the district. Indianola fell to 5-4 and 2-2. The Patriots wrap up the regular season with non-district foe Oak Hill Academy and district opponent West Memphis Christian. They will host a first round state playoff game on November 6.
The Patriots struck early Friday night in the Delta. They cashed in their first possession of the night - thanks to Tyler Childers’ 57-yard touchdown run. The senior rushed for 163 yards in the game on 26 carries. Chase Carpenter kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead with 9:24 to go in the first quarter.
Four punts followed, two by each team, before Marshall’s Chase Ferrell intercepted a pass.
But MA couldn’t move for additional points.
Then on the Colonels’ next possession, Childers stripped the football from Indianola quarterback Caleb Dodson and Ferrell recovered at the Pats’ own 26-yard line.
Marshall then ate up a chunk of the second-quarter clock with a 13-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in three points. John Tomlinson, who carried eight times on the night for 75 yards, gained 28 yards on a draw play that gave the Patriots first and goal at the Indianola 9. But the offensive attack bogged down there, and Carpenter kicked a 27-yard field goal with 31 seconds to go in the first half.
“We’ve got to learn to block when we get down there close,” Coach Wicker said. “We have to get that straightened out and it will be corrected.”

Marshall had a similar march on its first possession of the second half. The visitors drove 60 yards in eight plays but went backwards when they reached the Indianola 5. Coach Wicker used a little trickery on this scoring surge when Hank Owens picked up 37 yards on a fake punt. Carpenter’s 29-yard field goal with 5:52 left in the third quarter gave the Pats a 13-0 advantage.
The Colonels responded with their only scoring drive. They went 80 yards in 12 plays. Their biggest gain came through the air when Dodson threw to Dalton Deloach for 27 yards. Dodson scored the touchdown on a 5-yard keeper to end the third. The extra-point try failed.
The MA offense went backwards on its next possession. After forcing the punt, Indianola took over at its own 48. The Colonels moved the ball to the Marshall 16 and had a first and 10. But the Patriot defense stepped up. Indianola tried four straight passes, with the first three incomplete and the last one intercepted in the end zone by Elgin Lafever.

“Once again, we had a great defensive effort,” Wicker said. “Our defense has played very well since the loss to Magnolia Heights (in the second game of the season). We’ve really jelled. I think our speed on defense has a lot to do with it, because we’re not very big overall.”
On the first play after Lafever’s interception, Childers got loose up the middle, made a spin move and ran 51 yards to the Indianola 29. A personal foul flag on the Colonels moved the ball to the 14. Four plays later Childers scored on a 3-yard carry. The extra-point kick was no good, but MA had a 13-point lead with 3:53 remaining.
The MA defense secured the team’s sixth straight win by sacking the quarterback twice, once for minus 7 yards on first down and then for a 9-yard loss on third down.
The Patriots racked up 319 yards offense in the game, while holding the Colonels to 180 yards.
Coach Wicker said he said he has noticed a change in his Patriots since they trailed Lee (Clarksdale) 18-0 on September 18 and rallied to win 43-26.
“That has been the key to our whole season thus far,” he said. “They believe they can win.”
It’s homecoming this Friday when Marshall hosts Oak Hill. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The Raiders, which dropped from Class AAA to Class AA this season, are 3-6 overall after a 40-0 loss to Kirk last week.

Trinity at Centreville (Turn Volume On)

Simpson win sets up battle with #1 Lamar

By Darron Thomas, Southern Sports & Travel

The Simpson Cougars improved to 8-1 and 3-0 Friday night with a 23-13 district win over the Canton Panthers. The win was the third straight since a week six loss at #2 ranked Brookhaven. Simpson is preparing for what most say is the biggest game of the season when #1 ranked Lamar rolls into Mendenhall this Friday night. With a win over Lamar the Simpson Cougars will win the district 3AA title. Simpson has already secured at least a district runners-up finish while Lamar still has Leake in week eleven.
In Canton on Friday night Simpson struck first with 6:58 left in the first quarter as Kyle Munn ran in from 1 yard out. Justin Griffin’s PAT gave the Cougars an early 7-0 lead. That lead was short lived as Canton senior Kyle Warren returned the following kickoff 93 yards just 13 seconds later. The PAT failed as Canton trimmed the deficit to 7-6.
In the second quarter Simpson’s junior tailback Jacob Busby scampered for 25 yards to put the Cougars up 13-6 with 6:20 left in the half. Griffin’s PAT failed.
Each squad traded touchdowns in the third quarter. Kyle Munn scored on a 6 yard run with 7:51 left in the quarter followed by a Justin Griffin PAT to increase the Simpson lead to 20-6.
Canton came right back when junior quarterback Jeffery Davis hit wide-out Eddie Drane for a 40 yard touchdown pass with 3:10 left in the third quarter. Joseph Fox added the PAT to bring Canton to within seven points at 20-13.
Canton could get no closer in the final quarter. Justin Griffin’s 37 yard field goal with just over four minutes left put Simpson up 23-13.
Simpson rushed for 320 yards on the night. Sophomore tailback Cade Eiland led the way with 158 yards on 23 carries, senior Kyle Munn had 103 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns and junior Jacob Busby finished with 66 yards on 12 carries and a score.
Sam Cowart was 3/6 for 29 yards and two interceptions.
The Simpson defense held Canton to 39 yards rushing on the night. The third leading rusher in AA football, Canton’s Mackey Simpson, was held to 12 yards on 10 carries. Canton quarterback Jeffery Davis was 14/21 for 192 yards, a touchdown and 3 interceptions.
Simpson also dominated the time of possession on the night. The Cougars had the ball for 32:33 while Canton had it just 15:37.
Simpson’s Justin Griffin has continued his solid play in the kicking game. The senior is 21/28 on the season in PAT’s and he has hit two field goals of over 30 yards and one of 43 yards. He also averaged just over 40 yards a punt against Canton on Friday night.
Canton sophomore linebacker Ryan Saxton led the Panther defense with 11 tackles on the night while three different Simpson players brought in interceptions; Cade Eiland, Jacob Busby and Matt Herrington.
With the loss Canton fell to 3-6 overall and 0-3 in district play. The Panthers will host Winston Friday night before finishing out on the road against Hillcrest.

Carroll defense leads way to team's third win

Courtesy of The Greenwood Commonwealth
With a strong showing from their defense, the Carroll Academy Rebels proved they weren't distracted by the prospective homecoming night by holding the Humphreys Academy Rebels to only 45 offensive yards in a 19-6 victory Friday night.
Carroll Academy chalked up its third victory this season, bringing its record to 3-5. Humphreys Academy stands at 5-4. Carroll took the game with a solid defense and a steady rushing game. "We really hadn't played a whole game all the way through until tonight," head coach John David Higginbotham said. "It feels good. All I have asked of these guys is effort and they really showed that today." A long rushing drive in the first quarter, capped with a one-yard touchdown run from C.J. Hodges, started the game. Later, a 63-yard pass from Hodges to Clay Perry brought the Carroll Rebels to a 13-0 lead. The point after attempt was incomplete.

Humphreys went scoreless in the first quarter, and finished the game with only seven yards on 33 carries and 38 yards passing. Humphreys scored a touchdown in the second quarter on a 10-yard pass, but not before Carroll posted a 35-yard touchdown pass from Hodges to Perry. "Coming into the game we were worried they may try to run it straight at us," Higginbotham said. The score at the half was 19-6. Neither team was able to post to the board in the second half of play.
The Carroll offense was led by Mason Shelton with 48 yards on 16 carries; Hayden Harrell with 47 yards on eight carries and Perry with two receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Hodges threw for 103 yards and two touchdown passes on 3-of-12 passing. As a team, Carroll had 117 rushing yards on 36 carries. Leading the defense were Nick Mumme with three interceptions; Nick Rone with nine tackles, and Breland Marret with five tackles and one interception. Andrew Wright picked up two fumble recoveries and four tackles.
Higginbotham said he looks forward to playing at Manchester Academy next week. Manchester has had a lackluster season and Higginbotham said they may be looking forward to playing Carroll Academy. "We've come a long ways since the scrimmage against Manchester," Higginbotham said. "They may think that we are their hope for an easy win for them, but if we can play like we did tonight, they should be worried."

Week Nine Recap

Southern Sports & Travel

The Central Hinds Cougars picked up their third straight win on Friday night with a 20-0 shutout of Tallulah. More importantly the Cougars have positioned themselves to qualify as a wildcard team from the south AA region with two games remaining.
In Raymond on Friday night the Cougars posted two first quarter scores behind quarterback Jordan Currie’s 2 yard run and a 1 yard plunge from junior tailback Hunter Farrior. Pate Demuth added both PAT’s as the Cougars took the 14-0 lead into halftime.
The lone second half score came in the third quarter when senior tailback Jordan Townsend went in from 3 yards out to put Central Hinds up 20-0. The PAT failed.
The Central Hinds rushing attack has been in full mode the past few weeks. In last week’s win over Columbia the Cougars posted three 100 yard rushers and against Tallulah two went over the 100 yard mark on the ground.
Tailback Jordan Townsend topped all rushers with 105 yards and a touchdown, tailback Hunter Farrior added 102 yards and a score, sophomore quarterback Jordan Currie had 58 yards and a touchdown and junior fullback Lee Douglas picked up 59 yards.
Central Hinds as a team eclipsed the 300 yard rushing mark for the second consecutive week.
Next up for head coach Bobby Allen’s Central Hinds squad is a road trip to face Porter’s Chapel before ending the regular season at ASC.
Central Hinds improved to 5-4 with the win.

*

The Columbia Cougars won their fourth game of the season at home on Friday night over the Ben’s Ford Eagles 54-24. Since a 0-11 season in 2007 the Columbia football program continues to improve as they have eclipsed last season’s win total with two games remaining.
On Friday night before a homecoming crowd the Cougars found themselves surprisingly down 6-0 after Ben’s Ford struck early in the opening quarter. Columbia answered with two scores of their own in the quarter behind the running of sophomore tailback Josh Broom and would take a 35-24 lead into the half.
The Cougars pitched a shutout in the second half en-route to the 54-24 win. Broom led Columbia with 274 yards on 15 carries and 6 touchdowns as the Cougars racked up 441 yards of offense on the night.
The Columbia defense was led by senior linebacker Josh Price with 7 tackles, sophomore defensive back Robert Whitehead had 6 tackles and junior cornerback Tanner Pace had 4 tackles and two interceptions.
Columbia improved to 4-5 overall and will host #2 ranked Brookhaven on Friday night in a district 4AA contest.
Ben’s Ford (1-6 & 0-3) will be at Wayne.

*

The Leake Rebels rebounded after two straight losses with a 42-0 thumping of Newton. The Rebels jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and by halftime led 42-0. Quarterback Grant Wilson was 10/13 for 190 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Both of those went to tailback Caleb Burns who also added two rushing touchdowns. Sophomore tailback Brad Hunter led the Rebel ground game with 85 yards on 8 carries and two touchdowns as Leake piled up 478 yards of total offense to just 71 for Newton.
Cannon King led on the defensive side of the ball with 7 tackles.
Leake improved to 6-2 and will host Kirk Friday night before finishing the regular at district 3AA foe Lamar.
*
Bowling Green halted a two game losing skid with a 62-0 win over ASC in Franklinton. The Buccaneers (6-3 & 3-0) put out 321 yards of total offense and held ASC to -24 on senior night. Senior tailback David Fulks rushed for 132 yards on 6 carries, senior quarterback Cash Cooley added 71 yards on 6 carries and sophomore tailback Keith Paul Dufrene ran for 85 yards on 3 carries and added 4 touchdowns. Bowling Green will be idle next week and will travel to Brookhaven in week eleven for a huge game that will determine the district 4AA title.
ASC (1-8 & 0-3) will host Silliman Friday night before finishing the season at home against Central Hinds.
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The River Oaks Mustangs nailed down the district 6AA title at home on Friday night with a convincing 54-12 win over Cenla Christian. The game was practically over by the half as the Mustangs ran out to a 47-6 lead at the midway point. The win was their seventh straight since a week two loss at AAA Washington. River Oaks upped their record to 8-1 & 3-0 and will enjoy an idle week before finishing the regular season at Claiborne in two weeks. Cenla dropped to 1-8 & 0-2. The Lions will close out the 2009 season with two home games, Riverdale and Prairie View.
River Oaks running back Henry Biedenharn led the Mustang’s ground attack. The sophomore rushed for 105 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Ryan MacGregor added three touchdowns. MacGregor ran for 52 yards on 3 carries and two scores and was 3/7 passing for 111 yards with a 42 yard touchdown strike to Vincent Moore.
Cenla’s two scores came on a Chance Terrell 13 yard hookup with Dar’Tavies Green and a 75 yard kickoff return from junior wide-out Reagan Lane.

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Central Private won their third straight game since losing to Trinity in week six. The Rebels thumped WCCA 33-6 to improve to 8-1 overall and 3-0 in district 5AA play.
Central Private raced out to a 33-0 lead through three quarters of play on a cool night in Central. Senior tailback Bobby Muse accounted for four touchdowns and 263 yards rushing on 23 carries as the senior continued his torrid pace. Muse now stands at 1,818 yards rushing on the season with 28 touchdowns for a 202 yard per game average. Another senior, fullback Travis Richard, also hit pay-dirt with a 5 yard touchdown run and senior defensive back Steven O’Bryant led the Rebel’s defense with three interceptions.
Sophomore tailback Tip McKenzie scored the Rams lone touchdown on a 5 yard burst in the final quarter.
Central Private will have an idle week to enjoy before hitting the road in week eleven for their biggest game of the season at Centreville. The game will determine the district 5AA champions.
WCCA (4-4 & 0-3) will regroup this week and hit the road to take on Huntington before closing out the regular season hosting Silliman in another playoff implication battle.

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The Oak Forest Yellow Jackets recorded their second straight shutout win Friday night in Amite with a 16-0 victory over MRA. The Jackets have won 3 of their last 4 games to pull their season mark to 5-4 overall.
Against MRA junior Denton Hanson rushed for 111 yards on 18 carries and junior James Peterson scored the lone offensive points on the night on a 3 yard run just before halftime. The first points of the game came on a first quarter safety to put Oak Forest up 2-0 with just over one minute left.
The Jackets carried a 10-0 lead into the final quarter and the final points of the night came with 1:58 left in the game as senior linebacker Tyler Langlois returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown.
Oak Forest had 209 total yards in the defensive battle with MRA, all those were on the ground. MRA had 139 total yards, 84 yards rushing and 55 yards in the air.
Myers Verden led MRA with 70 yards on 13 carries and quarterback Houston Myhan was 11/20 for 55 yards and two interceptions.
Next up for Oak Forest (5-4 & 1-2) is a visit to district foe Jackson Prep while MRA (5-3 & 4-1) will host Lee in a district 1AAA matchup.

Lamar crushes Winston on the road

Southern Sports & Travel

The #1 ranked Lamar Raiders kept their perfect record in tack with a 36-0 shutout on the road over the Winston Patriots.
Lamar took a 7-0 first quarter lead on a Witt Haggard 1 yard run followed by Tyler Robert’s PAT. The Raiders added 16 points in the second quarter. John Clinton McElroy hauled in a 27 yard pass from Haggard plus a Robert’s PAT to push the lead to 14-0. Tyler Roberts added a 24 yard field goal and senior wide-out Bo Bidgood completed the first half scoring with a 15 yard touchdown reception from Haggard. The PAT failed and Lamar took a 23-0 lead into the half.
Lamar tacked on two more scores in the third quarter. Witt Haggard hit Michael Marcello with a 7 yard strike and linebacker William Fulton returned an interception 30 yards for the final score of the night.
Witt Haggard finished the night 20/27 and 276 yards passing with 3 touchdowns. Haggard also added a rushing touchdown. Bo Bidgood had 15 catches for 192 yards and a score.
Lamar improved to 8-0 overall and has two games remaining, at Simpson and at home against Leake. Both are district games.
Winston slipped to 4-4 and will travel to Canton next followed by a district game at Oak Hill in week eleven.

Centreville rolls past Trinity

By Darron Thomas, Southern Sports & Travel

The Centreville Tigers rolled to a 27-6 win over the visiting Trinity Saints on Friday night behind Zach Sinclair’s 194 yards rushing and four touchdowns. With the win Centreville improved to 6-3 with two district 5AA games remaining on the schedule. After rumblings had begun to spread about the demise of the defending state champs Centreville made a bold statement in front of their home crowd that their best football may still be ahead of them. (Above) One of Zach Sinclair's 29 carries on the night.
In one of the more physical battles of the season Centreville’s defense allowed Trinity to move on their first possession from their own 32 yard line to the Tiger 3 yard line. The Trinity 12 play 65 yard drive was highlighted by a Givonni Dent pass to Brandon Daggs for 23 yards to the 16 followed by a 13 yard scamper from tailback Kent King that positioned the ball at the 3 yard line and a first and goal for the visiting Saints. The tone for the game would be set by Centreville from this point on. The Tigers held Trinity to a one yard gain on first and second down followed by a Dent keeper that produced nothing. With 4 minutes left in the opening quarter Trinity running back RJ Fleming was stopped on 4th and goal again at the one yard line.

(Above) Trinity's first drive was stopped at the Tiger 1 yard line.
Centreville had great success in running the ball against the smaller Trinity squad. The Tiger’s second possession of the game started in the final minutes of the first quarter and would chew up 99 yards and 15 plays into the second quarter as senior tailback Zach Sinclair punched in a one yard score with 9:36 left in the opening half. Gavin Travis added the PAT as the Tigers went up 7-0.
After a Trinity three and out Centreville made good on another drive as they moved from their own 38 yard line down to the Trinity 17 in ten plays. Zach Sinclair finished off the 65 yard drive with a 17 yard dash off the right side to put the Tigers up 13-0. Travis added the PAT to put Centreville on top 14-0 with just over four minutes left in the half. (Above) Trinity tailback RJ Fleming
Trinity went backwards on their following possession as the Tiger defense dug in. Centreville’s Ragan Reynolds and Patrick Love sacked Saints quarterback Givonni Dent on a 3rd and 14 from the Trinity 17 yard line all the way back at the 8, forcing the Saints to punt with just over two minutes left in the half.
Centreville got the ball at the Trinity 29 yard line following the punt and appeared to be about to score again to end the half but a Tyler Towles 3rd and 16 completion to Colby Lockwood at the Trinity four yard line was fumbled and recovered by Brandon Daggs who returned it back out to the ten yard line.
The physical play intensified in the second half as each team would trade punts until Trinity’s possession with 4:15 left in the third quarter. The Saints took advantage of good field position that had them starting a drive from their own 42 yard line and marching 58 yards in six plays with RJ Fleming hurdling everyone from one yard out to put the Saints on the board at the 2:50 mark of the quarter. The PAT failed leaving Trinity with a 14-6 deficit. (Above) Centreville quarterback Cliff Hurst steps up in the pocket.
The momentum swung even more on Centreville’s following possession. The Tigers turned the ball over on a 2nd and 8 from their 33 yard line as Tyler Towles mishandled the snap and Trinity recovered at the Tiger 34 yard line.
Trinity was unable to capitalize on the turnover and was forced to punt after a series that included an incredible 12 yard run by Kent King who side-stepped several Centreville tacklers, a Dent mishandled snap, an incomplete pass and a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty to push the ball back to the Tiger 43.
Centreville started at their 20 following a Saints punt. Zach Sinclair went around the left end for a 21 yard gain to the Tiger 41 yard line. A 22 yard gain by Sinclair was wiped out by a holding penalty on the following play that pushed the ball back to the Tiger’s 26 as the quarter ended. (Above) Centreville's Zach Sincair breaks free from Trinity's Eric James #11.
Two plays into the final quarter Centreville faced a 3rd and 22 from their own 29 yard line. In what would be one of the most critical plays of the game Cliff Hurst dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by the Saints defense. Hurst scrambled to his right and spotted wide-out Jamie Dezendorf coming back to the ball and hit the senior with a 31 yard strike at the Trinity 40 yard line with 11:07 left to play. Three plays later Zach Sinclair rumbled 32 yards for his third touchdown of the night that capped off an 8 play 80 yard drive at the 9:44 mark of the quarter. Gavin Travis added the PAT to put Centreville up 21-6.
Centreville’s final score came on a 6 play 54 yard drive that culminated on a fourth and two from the 8 yard line when Sinclair bulldozed his way in for his fourth touchdown on the night. A failed PAT left the Tigers up 27-6 with just over four minutes left in the game.
Trinity’s final possession ended when Givonni Dent’s pass attempt was intercepted by Colby Lockwood at the Tiger 35 with two minutes left.
Centreville ran three plays and took a knee to end the contest. (Above) Centreville head coach Bill Hurst addressing both teams after the game.
Sophomore running back/qb Cliff Hurst had 161 yards rushing on 18 carries along with 1/1 passing for 32 yards. Tyler Towles was 2/3 for 32 yards.
Centreville rolled up 361 yards rushing on the night to Trinity’s 157.
On the defensive side of the ball sophomore defensive lineman Michael Pate had 11 tackles for the Tigers. Senior defensive end Patrick Love had 8 tackles and three players; senior Beau Field, sophomore Tyler Towles and freshman Randy Bell each had 6 tackles.
Centreville moves on to face Adams Christian in Natchez next week in an important district 5AA matchup before closing out the regular season at home against Central Private in a game that could decide the district title.
Trinity will look to rebound after three straight losses by hosting Tallulah next Friday night.

Cross Country "Shout Out"

Columbia Academy's Channing Stringer won his 3rd straight MAIS Cross Country meet and broke Columbia Academy's 5K Cross Country Record with a time of 17:44.

The senior is a two time All MPSA Cross Country recipient.

Columbia Academy Invitational Cross Country Meet
@ Columbia Water Park, Columbia, MS
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Columbia Academy Boys placed three runners in the Top-10 in tying Jackson Prep for the Columbia Academy Invitational Championship. However, Jackson Prep took top honors on the tie-breaker. Columbia's Channing Stringer finished first and remained undefeated in MAIS competition this season with a outstanding time of 17:44. Jon Luke Watts finished third with 18:54, and Isaac Hitt took ninth with 19:35.
Jackson Prep also took the Girls title. MRA's Tavyn Lovitt finished first in a time of 13:09.

Results:
Girls: ( 2 miles)
Individual Winner: Tavyn Lovitt, MRA -- 13:09

Team Top-10:
1. Jackson Prep - 41 Pts.
2. MRA - 52 Pts.
3. Simpson - 66 Pts.
4. Silliman - 84 Pts.
5. Trinity - 127 Pts.
6. Jackson Academy - 138 Pts.
7. ACCS - 223 Pts.
8. Cenla Christian - 271 Pts.
9. Prentiss Christian - 297 Pts.
10. Lamar School - 300 Pts.

Boys: ( 5K / 3.1 miles )
Individual Winner: Channing Stringer, Columbia Academy -- 17:44

Team Top-10:
1. Jackson Prep - 47 Pts
2. Columbia Academy - 47 Pts
3. Jackson Academy - 57 Pts
4. MRA - 109 Pts
5. Silliman - 141 Pts
6. Chamberlain Hunt - 154 Pts
7. Trinity - 179 Pts.
8. Lamar School - 210 Pts.
9. Cenla Christian - 278
10. Lamar Christian - 289

Leake at Simpson Week Seven (Turn Volume Up)

Mustangs win sixth straight

Southern Sports & Travel

The River Oaks Mustangs won their sixth straight game on Friday night with a convincing 27-6 road win over the Riverfield Raiders. The Mustangs last tasted defeat in week two on the road at Washington 24-7.
Friday night in Rayville the home-standing Raiders got out to an early 6-0 lead when linebacker Brad Rogers took a fumble 58 yards to pay-dirt. River Oaks grabbed their first lead on a 15 yard run by junior tailback Vincent Moore, followed by a Corey Talley PAT as the Stangs took a 7-6 lead into the second quarter.
Moore would add to the River Oaks lead with a 16 yard burst before the half and Talley added the extra point as the lead grew to 14-6.
The third quarter included Vincent Moore’s third touchdown of the night as he punched in a 2 yard run. The PAT failed and the quarter ended with River Oaks on top 20-6.
The door was closed on Riverfield in the final quarter when River Oaks quarterback Ryan MacGregor ran in from 12 yards out and Corey Talley added the PAT for a deciding 27-6 margin.
Vincent Moore led River Oaks on the ground with 61 yards on 11 carries and 3 touchdowns. The junior also had 3 catches for 19 yards. Sophomore quarterback Ryan MacGregor rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown and was 6/10 passing for 72 yards.
Linebacker John Rocket led the Mustang defense with 8 tackles, 3 special team tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. On offense the senior had 3 catches for 53 yards and two carries for 10 yards.
River Oaks is currently the #4 ranked team in the latest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten Poll. The Mustangs improved to 7-1 & 2-0 and will next host Cenla Christian in what will be the final district game for River Oaks and the final regular season home game.
Riverfield fell to 6-2 overall and will take on Porter’s Chapel in Rayville on Friday night.

From the notebook…………

Okay fasten your seatbelts. The biggest three weeks of the season are nearly here. Three district races could very well come down to the final week. Bowling Green travels to Brookhaven in week eleven, Winston is at Oak Hill and Central Private travels to Centreville that same week. But wait…..week ten has #1 Lamar making the trip to Mendenhall to take on Simpson in what could be another district deciding title game. What’s stopping these four scenarios from materializing? If Simpson slips up this week at Canton, Bowling Green somehow is on the losing end of what would be the biggest upset in school history should they lose to ASC this Friday night or should Brookhaven fall at Columbia in week ten. The Oak Hill/Winston game is set but the Patriots are the better team. All four squads are prohibitive favorites in those games but anything can happen.
Marshall can nail down the district 1AA title on Friday night at Indianola but the Colonels are playing well and Marshall could be in for a nail-biter. If the Patriots take care of business, North Delta will need a week eleven win over Kirk in Batesville to be district runners up and Indianola will more than likely qualify as a wildcard team.
In what most consider the weakest district in AA the Winston Patriots and Oak Hill Raiders will play in week eleven for the district 2AA crown. Winston will be favored in that matchup and Oak Hill would finish runners up and secure a playoff spot with the possibility of finishing with a 3-8 overall record.
The second weakest district is 6AA. No disrespect to the River Oaks Mustangs who are clearly one of the better teams in AA this season but Glenbrook is struggling, and Cenla and Prairie View have been out of the picture for some time.
How does district 5AA shake out at season’s end? Centreville’s game with Trinity this week will shed much light on whether the Tigers will make a serious run at another title. If the champs earn a home win over the Saints this Friday night I think they will finish on top in the district race but it won’t be easy. They’ll travel to Natchez to play Adams Christian next week before finishing at home against Central Private. All signs point to Central Private winning their second straight district title. The Rebels host a battered WCCA squad this Friday night and have an idle week before the Centreville game. I still think Centreville has yet to play their best football and with that in mind I have them edging Central Private in week eleven. A wildcard team will come from this district. Adams Christian should be the favorites but I'm going to tread against the current and predict Silliman will earn a south wildcard bid when all is said and done. The Wildcats host ACCS Friday night and if they play defense as they have since week three they’ll stand a good chance of finishing 6-4 overall and 2-2 in district play.
District 4AA has the makings of a gut wrenching final week for Brookhaven and Bowling Green. Brookhaven is on a serious roll and is one of the two best teams in AA football. Bowling Green has dropped two straight and seems to be fading a bit but all one has to do is look at one glaring statistic……..Bowling Green has won 3 of the last 4 games at Brookhaven including two wins last season, each by two points. Central Hinds will finish strong after a grueling schedule. The Cougars could finish at 7-4 overall and 2-2 in district play and qualify as a wildcard squad.
In what was earlier considered the toughest in all of AA football, district 3AA has turned into a two team race. Leake and Canton have faded leaving a week ten Lamar at Simpson game deciding who enters the playoffs with a number one seed. All won’t be lost for the Leake Rebels as they should qualify as a wildcard team. Caution to Lamar fans…….Mendenhall is a tough place to play.
I’ll admit that I’ve already filled out my playoff brackets but I’ll also admit that the chances are slim that they play out exactly as I see them.
This season there have been lots of conversations about the current playoff structure and whether it should be modified. What has fueled the topic is the reality that a 3-8 team will qualify for the playoffs as district runners up while better squads in tougher districts stay at home. The overwhelming conclusion has been that the power point system or some type of seeding be used for all teams to qualify with the exception of district champions. The issue will continue to grow as November nears.
Did you know that four of the top five rushers in AA football come from one district? District 5AA has Bobby Muse (1,555 yds) of Central Private, Zach Sinclair (1,107 yds) of Centreville, Brandon Sanders (1,000 yds) of Adams Christian and Tip McKenzie (914 yds) of WCCA.
Basketball season gets underway at the end of the month. The Southern Sports & Travel Top 5 polls are posted.

See ya somewhere…………

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Anonymous said...
What exactly do you have against District 2AA? Admitted there is probably not a potential AA State Champion but these teams have played some very good oponents. Winston is probably the best team in the division, but that will be decided on the last week of the season. Oak Hill is much improved over the past few weeks and will give there remaining opponents (Kirk, Marshall, and Winston) all they want in those games. Oak Hill has not been healthy all season, but they are getting some players back that are real producers for that team. Oak Hill may end up 3-8 and make the playoffs. But I believe they will finish with a flourish. Potentially finishing 6-5 or 5-6. The other point is that why does it matter if a 3-8 team makes the playoffs. Public schools have made the playoffs with similar records in the past. The schools did not draw up the divisons, nor did they make the schedules. The higher ups in the political MAIS made all of those decisions. So I'm sure this district along with the teams made up of 15-18 year old kids would like you to withdraw this obvious displeasure you have for them.

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Darron Thomas said...
There is no displeasure for those kids, that's a big over-statement. This is an opinion article on a topic that didn't just surface this season. I would pose this question.....is it fair for teams that have higher power-points to be left out of the playoffs? No disrespect was intended towards any particular team. I respect your opinion.

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Bret Rutland said...
I'm not sure it's fair to post a write up about the obvious. Comparatively speaking, that is the weakest district. I say that because the other districts, especially those in the south have a much more difficult strength of schedule and the records reflect it. Central Private, Brookhaven, Centreville, and Bowling Green all have extremely difficult schedules and still have managed to lose no more than three games. And the two teams with three losses (Bowling Green and Centreville) could have very easily won the games they lost, and more importantly are still in a position to make a lot of noise in the playoffs. I'm not saying that a team from district 2 will not do the same. But thus far, if you look from top to bottom in each district, they are the weekest district. It is nothing against the kids whatsoever, the the number of quality teams that are in the other districts. Imagine if you had a district with Lamar, Brookhaven, Simpson, Bowling Green, River Oaks, and Central Private all in the same district. Would anyone argue that this would be the best district? Now imagine a district with 6 teams that, going in to district play, had not won a game. How could you not say that was the weakest district?

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Anonymous said...
If the MAIS wants to fix this problem, they need to realign and have only 4 districts in AA. There are 28 teams in AA. Have 4 districts made up of 7 teams in each. Then they can either take the top 4 in each district. Or they can take the top 3 in each district and then 2 wiildcards with the best power point ranking. Just a suggestion.

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River Oaks riding high

Southern Sports & Travel

The River Oaks Mustangs silenced many doubters last Friday night with a 27-25 win over single-A #1 Trinity. The two point win was the first over Trinity since 1997 and propelled the Mustangs two spots to #4 in the latest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten poll.
Ryan MacGregor put River Oaks up with 8:57 remaining in the opening quarter. The sophomore went in from two yards out on a quarterback sneak. Corey Talley added the PAT to give the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead. Three minutes later another sophomore, running back Davis Harris, hit pay-dirt on a 19 yard run that increased the lead to 13-0. The PAT failed.
Trinity got on the board with 25 seconds left in the opening quarter on a 4 yard run by RJ Fleming to trim the deficit to 13-6. The PAT failed.

(Right) Junior Vincent Moore
Junior running back Vincent Moore answered at the 9:41 mark of the 2nd quarter with a 2 yard touchdown run and a Corey Talley PAT put the Mustangs up 20-6.
In a high scoring first half that produced six touchdowns each team would trade scores before halftime. Brandon Daggs scored on a 23 yard run followed by Chas Moroney’s PAT as Trinity stayed close at 20-13. Then with 3:16 remaining in the second quarter Ryan MacGregor hit sophomore wide-out Walker Thurman for a 36 yard touchdown pass. Corey Talley’s PAT gave River Oaks a 27-13 advantage at the half.
Trinity held River Oaks scoreless in the second half and with 8:54 left in the 3rd quarter the Saints cut into the Mustang lead on a 15 yard touchdown pass from Givonni Dent to RJ Fleming. The PAT failed and Trinity trailed 27-19.
With Trinity down 8 points and 4:20 left in the 4th quarter Dent hit Chas Moroney with a 36 yard touchdown pass to bring the Saints to within 2 points at 27-25. Dent’s two point attempt to tie the game was intercepted by senior linebacker John Rocket and River Oaks held on to get a 27-25 win over Trinity.

(Right) Senior John Rocket
River Oaks had 356 yards of total offense to Trinity’s 295. Ryan MacGregor was 9/13 for 188 yards. The sophomore had two touchdowns, one by air and one on the ground. Vincent Moore ran for 67 yards on 10 carries, had 203 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Moore also had an interception and a blocked kick on defense. Linebacker Stephen Bragg had 16 tackles and a sack, and linebacker Harrison Holloway had 8 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
With the win River Oaks improved to 6-1 and has only Cenla Christian remaining in district 6AA play. The Mustangs will play at Riverfield this Friday night and will finish with Cenla and Claiborne.
If River Oaks gets by a tough Riverfield squad they’ll most likely finish at 9-1 and district champs. Head coach Robert Hannah is in his 16th season at River Oaks and has enough talent to make noise in November. Under the direction of Hannah the Mustangs have had only three losing seasons and possess one of the youngest teams this season among the top ten in AA football. River Oaks fans and supporters have lots to look forward to over the next two seasons.

Bobby Pagitt of Lafayette, Louisiana

Here you go guys! I shot this bull Monday the 21st @ 8:30 a.m. in New Mexico. He had approximately 20 cows with him. We cow called him in to about 25-30 yds where he locked up behind some thick brush and just sat there bugling and chuckling. He finally turned circled out in front of me and I came to full draw. He stopped at what at what I thought was 45 yds behind more brush and remained there for what felt like eternity still bugling. I could not hold my bow back any longer and was about to let down when he took a step forward. I put my 40 yd pin center mass and squeezed off on the release. I watched my arrow trace right towards where I was aiming but started to drop rapidly. Just at that time the bull began to duck and push off to run and the arrow slipped right behind and under his right shoulder. He literally committed suicide. The bull ran off 30 yds and looked back over his shoulder. Instantly his legs got weak and he started side stepping and stumbled to the ground! He was down within 40 yds of the shot. I admit I definitely got lucky, but I will take it! The green scored 338 2/8”!

Lady Spartans take State AA Crown

By Patti Gregory
The Prairie View Lady Spartans were crowned as the 2009 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class 2A state fastpitch champions on Saturday afternoon at Liberty Park in Flowood, Miss. Prairie View went through the double elimination tournament undefeated. Pictured with the championship trophy are front row: Seniors Laiken Russell, Caroline Oliphant, Kara Burchfield, Mallory Hall and Lena Kate Thompson. Middle row: Presley May, Leslie Spires, Victoria Billings, Molly Gregory, Kristen Oliphant and Kayla Tyson. Back row: Athletic director Don King, coach Ed Bain, Kristin Swain and coach Dan Smart.

Simpson crushes Leake 41-14

Southern Sports & Travel

The Simpson Cougars racked up 367 yards on the ground Friday night and punished the previously undefeated Leake Rebels 41-14 before a spirited crowd in Mendenhall. Tailback Kyle Munn accounted for 250 of those yards and 4 touchdowns as the senior continues to recover from a severe ankle injury that has hampered him over the past several games.

(Above) Simpson's Kyle Munn (#4) had 250 yards and 4 tds.

Simpson set up shop on their own 25 yard line after Leake punted on their opening possession. Kyle Munn gave a preview of things to come on the Cougar’s first play from scrimmage as the senior scampered for 47 yards all the way down to the Rebel’s 28 yard line. Munn then busted through for 28 yards on the next play to give Simpson a first and goal at the Leake 2 yard line. Three plays later tailback Cade Eiland scored on a two yard plunge with 7:31 remaining in the opening quarter to cap off a 5 play 75 yard drive. Justin Griffin added the PAT as the Cougar’s took an early 7-0 lead.
A three and out by Leake and punt gave Simpson the ball at the Leake 47 yard line. Munn quickly went off left tackle for 12 yards and then quarterback Sam Cowart hit Cade Eiland for a 34 yard strike to set the Cougars up at the Leake 1 yard line. Kyle Munn then put the Cougars up 13-0 on a 1 yard burst up the middle with 4:30 left in the first quarter. Justin Griffin's PAT put the Cougar on top 14-0.
Leake then mounted a drive that started on their own 30 yard line and ten plays later found themselves on the Simpson 14 when the first quarter ended. A Grant Wilson keeper for five yards to open the second quarter set up a critical 3rd and 1 at the Cougar 5 yard line, but a Leake fumble was recovered by Simpson’s Will Ashley at the 7 yard line with 11:19 left in the half. On Simpson’s first play after the turnover Kyle Munn hit straight up the middle for 93 yards and a touchdown that seemed to take the air out of the Rebels. Justin Griffin added the PAT to give Simpson a 21-0 lead with 11:04 left in the quarter.
Simpson added to the lead at the 4:41 mark of the quarter as Munn scored his third touchdown of the half on a 37 yard run followed by a Justin Griffin PAT to give the Cougars a 28-0 halftime lead. (Right) Simpson's Cade Eiland drags the foot after a 34 yard reception at the 1 yard line.
Simpson opened up the second half the same as they started the game and drove to the Leake 31, but a Sam Cowart pass was intercepted near the Rebel goal line by Leake’s Caleb Burns who returned it back to the Simpson 48. Leake would get on the board on a 15 yard pass from Grant Wilson to wideout Jake Wall with 5:12 left in the quarter. Dylan Alford added the PAT to trim the lead to 28-7.

(Above) Simpson's Kyle Munn (#4) with a 1 yard plunge for a score.

Simpson answered in the 4th quarter as Kyle Munn earned his fourth score of the night on a 1 yard run with 11:27 left in the game. Griffin’s PAT increased the lead to 35-7. The final Simpson score came 11 seconds later when Cory Herrington intercepted a Grant Wilson pass and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown. The PAT failed and with just over 11 minutes remaining Simpson enjoyed a 41-7 advantage.

(Above) Simpson's Mark Herrin (#44), Will Ashley (#60) and Brandon Bairfield (#71) open up a hole for the Cougar ground game.
Leake finished the night on a Grant Wilson strike to tailback Brad Hunter. Dylan Alford’s PAT settled the scoring at 41-14.
Simpson’s Jacob Busby rushed for 65 yards on 9 carries and Cade Eiland had 39 yards on 7 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Sam Cowart was 2/5 for 46 yards on the night.
Simpson improved to 6-1 and sits atop district 3AA with a 2-0 mark. “Our offensive line played great tonight” said Simpson head coach Billy Hankins. “This is the first time this season we’ve put together a complete game offensively”. When asked about Kyle Munn’s performance Hankins said “Kyle is still not 100% healthy but he’s getting there. He had a solid game and had nearly 200 yards rushing in the first half”. Simpson is part of what most consider the toughest AA district in the MAIS. The Cougars have two district games remaining with a trip to Canton in two weeks, and if the Cougars prevail in that one it sets up a huge battle with #1 ranked Lamar visiting Mendenhall in week ten. “Lamar is a great team and we’re excited about the challenge” said Hankins.
Leake will look to regroup next week when they host a “hot” Copiah Colonel squad that’s coming off an impressive 27-10 win over Presbyterian. The Leake Rebels slipped to 5-1 and 2-1 in district play.
Simpson has leaped three spots to #5 in the latest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten poll while Leake falls to #10.