Southern Sports & Travel material

I respectfully ask that any material copied from Southern Sports & Travel and re-posted on other websites be done with permission only. Lots of time and effort goes into research and obtaining information through contacts. Everything posted on Southern Sports & Travel is either a result of myself doing the work or generous folks who submit articles and are given full credit with each piece of work. I've unfortunately seen data posted on other sites that has been pasted and copied word for word and to avoid going further and requesting that all links related to Southern Sports & Travel be removed completely from those sites I again respectfully request that those sites do the work themselves and not present data on their sites that suggests they have put the hours in collecting the data.

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Darron Thomas

Southern Sports & Travel

Bayou gets big win over Hillcrest

By Kristy Kitchings

The atmosphere at Bayou Academy was a little different Friday night from the last several home games.  The weather was crisp and in the upper 30’s, the visiting  team brought a marching band, it was senior night, the blue and white school colors were replaced with camoflauge and the Colt players wore purple wrap instead of pink in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness.   Caleb Pilgrim, Hunter Kovac, Seth Muzzi, Ty Holder and Mitchell McNeer stood at center field as captains and ready to redeem themselves after last Friday night’s home loss. It has been years since Bayou has played or hosted a AAA school in football and the Colts showed out getting the win 41-6.

The Colts won the toss and elected to play defense the first half and on the Cougars first possession the Colts force a fumble and Andrew Rogers gets his first fumble recovery of the night.  Pilgrim would keep the ball on a quarterback keeper and take the ball in the end zone and Kovac would get the two-point conversion and Bayou would take the lead 8-0.  The Colt’s defense set the tone for the night and forces the Cougars to punt and Kovac would break out for a touchdown.  The PAT would be no good and the Colts put six more points on the board to take the lead 14-0. The Cougars have the ball on their own 5-yard line and the Colts defense forces a fumble in the end zone and extend their lead to 20-0.  On the Cougar’s next possession the miscue’s keep coming for the road team as another bad snap sends the ball sailing for Andrew Rogers to get his second fumble recovery of the night for the Colts but they can not capitalize and are forced to turn the ball over on downs.  Disaster struck for the Cougars again with a bad snap and Rogers comes up with his third fumble recovery of the night to end the first quarter 20-0 Bayou.

In the second quarter, Bayou would find the end zone twice as Kovac hits the right side line for a 15-yard touchdown and the two-point conversion from Pilgrim would be good and the Colts extend their lead 28-0 and Pilgrim would find the promise land on a 20-yard touchdown to give Bayou a 34-0 lead.  The Cougars would have one final chance before halftime to get points on the board but Weber Herbison would come up with the pass interception to end the half with the Colts ahead 34-0.

To start the second, the Colts would receive the ball and on the first play fumble the ball and give the ball back to the Cougars on the 25 yard line but Andrew Rogers gets a sack on the quarterback on first down and on second down recovers his fourth fumble recovery of the night. The Colts would get the ball back but could not get points on the board but Hillcrest would get their only touchdown of the night in the third quarter and Bayou’s William Hood would answer and the Colts extend their lead 41-6 and get the win after a scoreless fourth quarter.

Hunter Kovac led the offensive explosion on the ground with 17 carries for 161 yards for two touchdowns, followed by Caleb Pilgrim with seven carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns, William Hood with three carries for 46 yards and one touchdown, and Davis Dalton with eight carries for 66 yards.   

On the receiving end, Cole Hutchinson had one reception for 10 yards and Kovac with one catch for four yards.  Most of the Colts plays were on the ground with 374 yards of ground game.

On defense, Andrew Rogers led the defense with four fumble recoveries and a fifth fumble recovery for a touchdown and three quarterback sacks.  Hunter Kovac aided with nine tackles, William Hood with eight tackles, Dalton, Pilgrim, Christian Collins, Tyler Kitchings, David Marlow all with five tackles each.

“Our boys played with a lot of heart and played some good hard nose football.  Our seniors played ‘their’ game with character and heart,” added head coach Terry King.

King, a former coach and teacher at Hillcrest commented on playing his former school. “It was an emotional game and their team wanted to win as much as our team did.  I have a special relationship with the senior boys from Hillcrest and it was a very emotional game.”

“We showed a lot of heart playing a AAA team.  We showed our A conference is a tough conference and we play a different brand of football.  I don’t think they expected us to be that physical,” added King.

The results of Friday night’s actions have the Colts at No. 3 in the playoff system and a road game next Friday night at Benton Academy.  Game time is set for 7pm.

Colonels secure playoff spot

By Watson Cook

Needing a win to secure a spot in the playoffs, the Colonels hosted Carroll Academy on Senior Night. At the end of the night, the six seniors were celebrating a 44-8 win by dog piling on one another in the end zone. Evan Griffin, Nathan Harris, Trey Roberson, Samuel Rose, Brandon Spealman, and Hunt Steele all suited up in Colonel blue at Legion Field for the final time. IA used a 22-point 4^th quarter to put away the visiting Rebels and advance to the playoffs for the fifth time in seven years under head coach Tommy Nester.

The Colonels got on the board early, taking the opening kickoff and driving 60 yards on 7 plays. Aided by two Carroll penalties on the drive, IA took the lead on Ashton Knight’s 13-yard touchdown run. Jonathan Holland connected with Hunter Vance for the 2-point conversion to give IA an 8-0 lead just three minutes into the game. After exchanging punts, Carroll drove inside the Colonel 10 before Wheeler Timbs intercepted a pass to end the Rebels’ threat. IA then marched 91 yards, using only 8 plays. Dalton Sykes stamped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run and following Holland’s 2-point pass to Timbs, the Colonels led 16-0. It appeared the rout was on after the Rebels fumbled the kickoff. The Colonels recovered at the Carroll 41 yard line but could not take advantage of the turnover. The Rebel defense forced a three and out and after the punt the Rebels took over at their own 26. They would cut the Colonel lead in half with an impressive 7-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a 36-yard touchdown pass and catch and successful 2-point conversion. IA led 16-8 with only 0:25 to play in the first half. Knight however, would put an end to the Rebels’ momentum with an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown. The 2-point try failed and the Colonels took a 22-8 lead into halftime.

The third quarter passed with neither team being able to put points on the board. That would change in the fourth quarter as the Colonels used a 22-point outburst to blow the game open. Sykes added his second and third touchdown of the night in a two-minute span. Following a 1-yard touchdown run that put IA up 28-8 after a failed 2-point conversion, the Colonels recovered another loose ball on the kickoff. Five plays later, Sykes scampered 23 yards to the endzone. Trey Roberson added the 2-point run to give the Colonels a 36-8 lead with 8:55 to play in the game. IA would receive another gift from the Rebels on their next possession. Two plays into the drive, Hunt Steele recovered a fumble at the Carroll 47. Charles Downs would put the final points on the board for the Colonels with an 8-yard touchdown run. Downs also added the 2-point run to give IA the 44-8 win.

With the victory, the Colonels improved to 5-5 (2-2) on the season and wrapped up the #1 wild card spot in the North half of the AA playoffs. IA will travel to Raymond Friday, November 2 for a rematch with the Central Hinds Cougars who earned the #1 seed from District 3. The two teams met earlier in the season and the Cougars came out on top 13-8. The winner will advance to the second round to play the winner of Canton-Marshall. Kickoff from Raymond is set for 7:00.

Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

There are two Gateway Tire & Service Center Players of the Week for the final regular season round of games last Friday night, Randy Bell of Centreville Academy and Jacob Simmons from Lee Academy of Marianna, Arkansas.

Centreville tailback Randy Bell rushed for 200 yards on 28 carries and 3 touchdowns in a 35-14 win over district foe Silliman. The 5' 10" 170 lb. senior has rushed for 1,358 yards for the undefeated and top ranked Class AA Tigers and has 21 touchdowns on the season.

"Randy has really stepped up this year for us both offensively and defensively," said Centreville assistant head coach Brian Stutzman. "He is a very unselfish player, yet we know when we have to run the football he will give us his best effort. Randy has the ability to break one on any play. He is the true definition of leading by actions and not with words on the field, in class or in the locker room. He is a joy to coach."

Lee (AR) tailback Jacob Simmons rushed for a season high 306 yards on 22 carries and 3 touchdowns in the Cougar's 32-13 win on the road over Strider last Friday. The 5' 9" 165 lb. senior has amassed 1,401 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns and averaged 156 yards per game. Simmons has put together consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons and on defense the senior recorded 5 interceptions and over 100 tackles from the free safety position in 2012.

"Jacob is always the team leader and captain and never ever gives up and always works the hardest in practice and games," said Lee head coach Rusty Crump. "He also is a great student and athlete. Jacob reached the 1,000 yard mark in only 8 games behind a whole new offensive line this year."

Simpson storms back to take district title

Southern Sports & Travel

For nearly three full quarters of play the second ranked Lamar Raiders looked to be on their way to claiming a district championship and hosting a first round playoff game after keeping the defending Class AA champion Simpson Cougars in check but as most champions do a response was in order. Simpson, trailing 15-12 with just over one minute remaining in the third quarter, answered with three scores and in doing so claimed their fourth consecutive district title with a 28-15 win on a cool, blustery night in Mendenhall.

Simpson dialed up 335 yards rushing and had two pivotal long gains through the air in securing a first round home game against the Oak Forest Yellow Jackets next Friday night. Tailbacks Daniel Taylor and Chris Sullivan combined for 250 yards rushing and the Cougar defense held Lamar tailback Corey Skinner to 45 yards as Simpson beat Lamar for the fifth time in the past six meetings.

(Above) Simpson tailback Andrew Berry (#5) hits the opening for positive yardage

Lamar dodged a huge bullet early as the game opening kickoff was fumbled and gave Simpson the football at the Raider 27 yard line just 5 seconds into the contest but Lamar’s defense thwarted the Cougar threat when linebacker Dalton McHenry intercepted a Josh Hankins pass at the Raider 18 yard line.

Lamar’s offense would start clicking on the Raider’s third possession of the night as the Raiders moved 44 yards in 6 plays to the Simpson 8 yard line to close out a scoreless opening quarter.

Lamar tailback Lee Martin raced around the left side 8 yards on the first play of the second quarter for the first score of the night.

Danny Weisner’s PAT gave Lamar a 7-0 lead with 11:54 left in the half.

Simpson responded on the ensuing possession as the Cougars produced a 5 play, 65 yard scoring drive that was capped on a Chris Sullivan 8 yard jaunt at the 10:28 mark of the quarter.

Andrew Berry’s PAT attempt was blocked by Lamar’s Richard Covington to preserve the Raider lead at 7-6.

Lamar’s offense looked to have the Simpson defense on their heels once again as the Raiders moved from their own 20 yard line to the Cougar 29 in six plays but the drive died when junior linebacker Daniel Taylor picked off a Barrett Dudley pass at the 24 yard line with 8:04 remaining until the half.

Lamar would enter intermission holding on to the 7-6 lead.

The tide of the game took just 51 seconds to change to open the second half. After tailback Andrew Berry picked up a modest 2 yard gain on first down fellow tailback Chris Sullivan erupted off the right side and outraced the Lamar defense for a 78 yard touchdown.

Simpson’s 2-point conversion attempt failed but the Cougars had taken their first lead of the night at 12-7 with 11:09 left in the third quarter.

The Simpson ground game rushed for 335 yards on the night

Simpson was only allowed to enjoy their first lead of the night for less than three minutes as Lamar answered with a 6 play drive that consumed 58 yards and was finished off on a Barrett Dudley 31 yard quarterback keeper at the 8:54 mark.

Lamar then successfully converted on a 2-point conversion as Dudley connected with tailback Corey Skinner in the endzone to give the Raiders a 15-12 advantage.

Lamar looked to have all the momentum as the Raider defense forced a Simpson punt and gave the Raiders prime field position at their own 40 yard line but a critical game changing mistake would change the whole complexion of the game. Lamar quarterback Barrett Dudley connected with tailback Lee Martin who rumbled his way to the Simpson 1 yard line before being taken down but a block in the back infraction wiped out the 46 yard gain and ultimately resulted in the Simpson defense stopping Lamar on a 4th and 2 run that came up a foot shy of a first down at the Cougar 38 yard line with 2:17 remaining in the third quarter.

The defending state champions then used a play they had worked on in preparation for Lamar to retake the lead. Following a Christopher Sullivan 3 yard pick up to the 41 yard line quarterback Josh Hankins found a wide open Hayden Benton who had gotten behind the Lamar defenders in the middle of the field as the junior fullback capped the 62 yard completion to put Simpson on top for good at 19-15 with 1:29 left in the quarter.

(Above) Lamar quarterback Barrett Dudley (#10) rounds the edge for yardage

Simpson would increase their lead to 22-15 on an Andrew Berry 27 yard field goal at the 8:31 mark of the fourth quarter with a time consuming effort that burned five minutes off the game clock.

Following a Lamar punt Simpson took control with 5:30 left in the contest and moved from their own 40 yard line to the Raider 30 where they faced a fourth and 4 and less than two minutes remaining in regulation.

Simpson effectively closed the door on the next play as tailback Chris Sullivan connected with wide-out Peyton Sullivan with a perfectly executed 30 yard halfback pass play for a touchdown that caught the Raider defense off guard.

Andrew Berry’s PAT was blocked but the Cougars had secured a 28-15 win and a home playoff date with Oak Forest.

“This was the biggest game and win of the season for us,” said senior Chris Sullivan. “We were down at halftime but we were confident we would turn things around in the second half and we did. We made big plays when we had to and it’s going to be exciting playing at home next week in the playoffs.”

With the win Simpson improved to 8-2 and 3-0 in District 4-AA and in clinching their fourth straight district title the Cougars have won 16 consecutive district games and 20 straight wins over Class AA opponents.

Lamar falls to 8-3 and 2-1 and will travel to top ranked Centreville in the opening round of the playoffs next Friday night.

Simpson was led by junior tailback Daniel Taylor who rushed for 126 yards on 19 carries. Senior tailback Chris Sullivan picked up 124 yards on 14 carries and had two touchdowns rushing and one passing and junior tailback Andrew Berry rushed for 81 yards on 15 carries.

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Post Game with Simpson Head Coach Billy Wayne Hankins

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Brookhaven tackles Trinity
Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

With back to back district contest wins, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars had to take one more step to defend their District 5 AA title verses a talented Trinity Episcopal squad from Natchez.  Coach Tripp McCarty said prior to Friday night’s contest, “We know what challenges Trinity will bring to the table. “ “We have to play fundamentally sound football and stick to the basics of blocking and tackling to be successful.”    The Cougars got fundamentals and more as they subdued the Saints 34 – 14.

The Cougars got the ball first and BA quarterback Gage Posey went to work with a 27 yard run on the first play from scrimmage.  Posey then hit wide-out Seth Rushing on a 35 yard strike pushing the ball down to the Trinity 6 yard line.  Posey would take it in from one yard out for the game’s first score.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT and gave the Cougars a 7 – 0 lead just 2:55 seconds into the opening quarter.

Trinity took possession and quickly moved into Cougar territory.  As quick as BA put points on the board, the Saints struck back with a 41 yard touchdown run by their super talented running back Tanner Cage.  Carter Smith would add the PAT and knot the game at 7 – 7 with 7:57 to play in the first quarter.

The teams would trade possessions and punts as the clock rolled into the second quarter of play.  After holding the Saints on a fourth down conversion attempt, the Cougars took over at their own 43 yard line.  A 17 yard run by Posey set the Cougars up in Trinity territory but solid defense by the Saints saw BA facing a fourth down and five yards to go at the TE 35 yard line.  McCarty called on a pair of his seniors as Posey dropped in the pocket and with great protection from his offensive line and hit Matthew Evans on a post pattern allowing Evans to do the rest taking it untouched into the south end zone for the score.  Nettles added the PAT and gave the Cougars a 14 – 7 lead with 2:48 left in the second quarter.

With little time to work with in the first half, Trinity started their next drive at their own 10 yard line.  Quarterback Garrett Vinson found slot back Peyton Young on an out pattern out of the backfield who turned a short gainer into a 71 yard catch and run.  Cage did the work from there on a 7 yard TD run.  Smith added the point after tying the game 14 – 14 sending the teams to the locker rooms at halftime.

Coach McCarty challenged his squad to come out with more intensity in the second half and the Cougars responded.  After forcing a Saint fumble and a 20 yard recovery and return from Matthew Evans, BA took possession on the Trinity 41 yard line.  Posey hit Landon Nettles on a 33 yard pass play setting the Cougars up at the Saint 5 yard line.  Nettles did the rest with a TD run from 1 yard out.  Kevin Nettles again added the PAT giving the Cougars a 21 – 14 lead with 7:47 to play in the third.

BA would hold the Saints on their next possessions and take over at the 50 yard line after a Trinity punt.  Two plays later, Landon Nettles would break into the open around left end and eventually bull his way over two Trinity defenders at the goal line for a 44 yard touchdown run.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT and set the score at 28 – 14 with :54 left to play in quarter number three.

Trinity was forced to go to the air to try to get back into the game and the Cougars would have none of that.  Matthew Evans picked off a Vinson pass and returned it 28 yards for the final score of the night and a convincing 34 – 14 Brookhaven Academy victory giving the Cougars their seventh consecutive district title.

A very pleased McCarty said after the game, “I am really proud of our team, our coaches, our students and our fans.”  “We stuck together this year and reached our first goal of winning our district.”  McCarty continued, “Now it’s time to focus in the playoffs and take all the things we are doing real good right now on both sides of the ball and keep the momentum going.”

Offensively the Cougars were led by Landon Nettles who rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns.  Gage Posey had 189 passing yards and 1 touchdown as well as 94 yards and one score on the ground.  Seth Rushing led the Cougar receiving corps with 5 catches for 67 yards, Caleb Brown had 4 catches for 40 yards and Matthew Evans has 2 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively the Cougars were led by Junior Garrett Pace who had 12.5 tackles and a pass deflection, Preston Rawls added 9 stops for BA and Colby Culbertson chipped in 7 tackles on the night.  Matthew Evans had an interception and a fumble recovery and Caleb Brown also intercepted a pass for the Cougars.  Tanner Parvin had a great night punting for the Cougars, pinning the Saints deep in their territory on multiple occasions, averaging 51 yards per kick with longs of 64 and 50 yards.

Brookhaven Academy will host the Columbia Academy Cougars in the first round of the Class AA South Division playoffs next Friday night on R. M. “Red” Stuard Field.

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Brookhaven shines at MAIS Spirit Competition

Brookhaven Academy
2012 Spirit Competition Class AA Champions
Valerie Oglesby - Sponsor

From the notebook..................................

**While a handful of teams have already locked down playoff spots the final week of the regular season has a bevy of district matchups with high stakes and playoff implications in play. Perhaps the biggest and most talked about is in Class AA where second ranked Lamar (8-2 & 2-0) visits third ranked Simpson (7-2 & 2-0) to decide the District 4-AA title and a guarantee of hosting a round one playoff game against the top seeded wildcard team from the south.  Simpson has won 4 of the past 5 meetings between the two. In 2009 Lamar beat Simpson 42-28 in Mendenhall to capture the North AA State title.

**Another huge Class AA battle to decide a district championship will be sixth ranked Trinity (7-3 & 2-0) at ninth ranked Brookhaven (6-4 & 2-0) for the District 5-AA crown. The winner of that matchup will host the second seeded wildcard team from the south.

**Want more drama if you’re a Class AA fan? How about top ranked Centreville (10-0 & 3-0) at eighth ranked Silliman (6-3 & 3-0) for the District 6-AA championship with the winner hosting the loser of the Lamar/Simpson game in a round one slobber-knocker?

**In Class A the scenarios have been easier to decipher with Deer Creek locking down District 1-A last week and Newton already securing the top seed from District 4-A. Top ranked and undefeated Tri-County has the upper hand on any tie-breaker should the unimaginable happen and they get upset by Greenville Christian this Friday night in the District 3-A finale. The best matchup of the night will be second ranked WCCA (8-1 & 6-0) hosting one of the hottest squads in Class A, the third ranked Cenla Lions (7-3 & 5-1) who have won seven straight after dropping their first three games of the season. This game will pit one of the top defenses (WCCA 8.6 papg) against one of the top offenses (Cenla 35.2 ppg) in Class A and a Cenla win would create, in all likelihood, a three way tie at the top of District 3-A with Riverfield.

**In Class AAA the fourth ranked Presbyterian Bobcats can earn their third straight trip to the playoffs if Jackson Prep defeats Parklane. For an ever improving Heritage football squad a win at Pillow and a Washington win over Magnolia Heights would clinch a number one seed for the Patriots. A win by Magnolia Heights and a win by Heritage would give the Patriots the number two seed. The game of the week in Class AAA obviously is third ranked MRA (9-1 & 5-0) at second ranked Jackson Academy (9-1 & 5-0). MRA has reeled off nine straight wins since a week one loss to top ranked Jackson Prep while JA’s only loss of the season was a week eight three point overtime loss to Prep. Jackson Academy has won nine straight over MRA, they last lost to the Patriots in 2004 at MRA 22-21.

**Staying on the subject of football enough cannot be said about the many sponsors and supporters of Southern Sports & Travel who make the whole endeavor possible. One new sponsor in particular has been a blessing and has helped enable some much needed improvements to be made in promoting the website. Gateway Tire & Service Center deserves much credit in helping to promote MAIS athletics by sponsoring a weekly “Player of the Week” during football season.  To date twelve “Player of the Week” plaques have been sent to schools during the course of the season who had an athlete named “Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week” and the recognition to these players has been received with much appreciation.

**Injuries have hit a handful of teams hard this season in all three classes. Simpson tailback Michael Layton was lost for the season early on after suffering a knee injury. Layton had led the defending Class AA state champions with 160 yards and 2 touchdowns in a week one hammering of Leake. Prentiss tailback Carter Bridges suffered a broken tibia a few weeks ago and was lost for the remainder of the season. Bridges finished with 1,207 rushing yards and at the time of his injury was amongst the MAIS leaders in that category.

River Oaks tailback Alex Biedenharn suffered what was thought to be a season ending knee injury but the senior has battled back and in limited playing time rushed for 117 yards in a loss to Central Hinds this past week.

Presbyterian sophomore tailback Fate Eiland went down with a torn mcl against Parklane two weeks ago but is expected to play this Friday night in the Bobcat’s game at Starkville. Eiland has rushed for 1,221 yards on the season.

**I’ve enjoyed the weekly travels to cover “The Southern Sports & Travel Game of the Week” and I truly put forth much effort in providing balance in covering all three classes during the course of the season. The playoffs offer up larger challenges but no less energy will be spent in attempting to provide data that otherwise would be nowhere to be found. If the growth of Southern Sports & Travel continues so too will the huge staff of two people that get little sleep on week-ends. I feel that we are truly a few generous sponsors away from adding to our capabilities in that area.

**Problems with the live Twitter feeds that post scores on Southern Sports & Travel on Friday nights have been an ongoing issue the past two weeks and much attention is being paid in getting that resolved before this Friday’s games. It is a Twitter issue and hope is that things will be back to normal in a day or so.

**Basketball season is officially in progress with girls action starting on a limited basis this week, the Southern Sports & Travel 2012 basketball rankings will be posted in a few weeks. Player ads will be available in two weeks for those wishing to offer up encouragement and support for a particular player or team. A sample ad has been posted on the site but many designs are available.

**As most everyone knows by now the new MAIS athletic realignment has been posted for the 2012/13 seasons. A district by district breakdown is expected to be announced in early December.

**Please buckle up when traveling to football games this week-end and as a parent or a friend stress to others to do the same!
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God is great,
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See ya somewhere………………..

TIME FOR BASKETBALL SEASON.....GET YOUR AD FOR THE 2012/13 SEASON. EMAIL aafandaman@yahoo.com or TEXT 985-750-3455

 Columbia wins 6th straight title

Columbia Academy - Class AA Champions

The Columbia Academy Boys Cross Country team won their 6th consecutive State Championship at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, MS, yesterday. In a dominating performance, the Cougars placed all seven scoring runners in the top-12, beating 2nd place Silliman Institute by 56 points. Jon Luke Watts won his 3rd consecutive Individual State Title in a time of 16:37.96. Watts finished a minute and 26 seconds ahead of second place Douglas Mumme of Carroll Academy. CA Sophomore Michael Reid finished 3rd, with Tyler Berry, 5th, Trevor Dixon, 8th, Luke Coleman, 9th, Michael Maliden, 11th,and Sam Carr, 12th. Since their beginning in 2007, the XC Cougars have asserted themselves as a power house in MAIS Cross Country. MAIS doesn’t keep records or stats on Cross Country, so it’s hard to determine the record for consecutive State Championships. However, Director of Activities Les Tripplet said on WJDR Radio that in his twenty years with MAIS he doesn’t remember a Boys team being this dominate. CA Senior Jon Luke Watts, who is being heavily recruited by several D1 schools, wouldn’t name a college preference when asked by WJDR Radio. However, when asked if he was leaning to any college, Watts stated that he wanted to run in the SEC. Watts has made official athletic visits to Alabama, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. He is not expected to commit before National Signing Day on Feb. 6th, 2013.

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Canton Academy - Class AA State Champions



MAIS 2012 CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS



Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Deer Creek tailback Tanner Bennett is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the week. The 6' 242 lb. senior rushed for 166 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown and had 5 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown in the Warrior's 34-20 upset win at home over then second ranked DeSoto before a large Homecoming crowd.

Bennett has rushed for 985 yards on the season and was instrumental in leading Class A fourth ranked Deer Creek to their first win over DeSoto since 2003 but more importantly the District 1-A Championship on Friday night.

"Tanner demonstrates his leadership not only physically but spiritually as well," said first year Deer Creek head coach Murry Rhodes. "Three summers at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp of learning to be a leader for FCA here on campus has prepared him to be a leader on the field also. I think there is a strong correlation between both of those characteristics. He showed this Friday night leading by action and words and I'm so proud of him."

Bennett will lead Deer Creek (8-1 & 5-0) as they finish out the regular season this Friday on the road against district foe West Memphis before hosting a round one playoff game against the fourth seed from District 2-A.

Colonels fall short at North Delta

By Watson Cook

Few people gave the Indianola Colonels a fighting chance last Friday night, having to go on the road to play the #4 team in AA and district-leading North Delta. The Colonels however, gave North Delta the fight of the season before falling short 35-32.

North Delta had possession to open the game and had success moving the ball early in the drive, getting inside the Colonel 20 before Hunter Vance intercepted a pass to the keep the Green Waves off the board. The Colonels took over at their own 20 and drove 80 yards on 9 plays. Jonathan Holland completed a screen pass to Ashton Knight who took it 37 yards for a touchdown. The duo hooked up again on the 2-point conversion to put the Colonels on top 8-0 with 3:18 to play in the first quarter. North Delta answered quickly with a 5-play, 60-yard drive to close the gap to 8-7 following the PAT. The Colonels were forced to punt on their next possession, giving the Green Waves the ball at their own 25 to start the second quarter. North Delta made quick work of the drive, going 75 yards on 1 play to take a 14-8 lead and the momentum away from the Colonels. After turning the ball over on downs, it appeared things may slip away from IA. However the defense, with the help of a 15-yard penalty, forced a three-and-out on North Delta's next possession. Wheeler Timbs got the Colonels back in the game with a 75-yard punt return touchdown. The 2-point pass was incomplete, leaving the score tied at 14-14 with 8:23 to play before the half. IA would re-take the lead on the next offensive series with Knight's second touchdown of the night, a 63-yard run to put the Colonels up 20-14 with 6:04 to play in the second quarter. The 2-point attempt was unsuccessful. Not to be outdone, North Delta answered once again with a touchdown to cap a 4-play, 56-yard drive. After the PAT, the Green Waves led 21-20. With 4:41 on the clock, and 69 yards in front of them, the Colonels went to work looking to regain the lead before halftime. They did just that, with a 6-yard carry into the endzone by Dalton Sykes with 2:00 to play in the half. However, the third unsuccessful 2-point attempt in a row left the Colonels with only a 26-21 lead. The two minutes on the clock proved to be plenty of time for North Delta as they needed only 2 plays to go 65 yards and put the final points of an explosive first half on the board. The Green Waves carried a 28-26 lead to the locker room.

After combining for 54 first half points, the Colonels and Green Waves continued to move the ball on each other in the second half. However, points were at a premium. The Colonels struck for their only points of the second half on their first possession. Holland found Michael Sykes on a screen pass from 9 yards out to highlight an 8-play, 49-yard drive that put IA up 32-28 with 8:11 to play in the third quarter. The 2-point run failed. Each team continued to take the ball up and down the field for the remainder of the quarter and into the fourth, but could not take advantage of scoring opportunities as both defenses came up with drive-killing stops. In fact, the Colonels got inside the Green Wave 10 twice but were held out of the endzone. North Delta finally broke through with the dagger with 2:07 to play in the game on a 34-yard touchdown run to cap a 9-play, 98-yard drive. The Green Wave went up 35-32 following the PAT and would hold on to win as the Colonels could not get anything going on their final possession.

With the loss, IA falls to 4-5 (1-2) on the year. The good news for the Colonels is that the playoffs still appear to be within reach. IA can lock up a wild card spot with a win this Friday at home on Senior Night when the Carroll Academy Rebels come to Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 7:00.

Glory Days, they last forever

Southern Sports & Travel
To quote the words of one of the most famous philosopher’s of my generation, “Glory days, well they’ll pass you by…..Glory days in the wink of a young girl’s eye…..Glory days, Glory days.” These words are from none other than the great Bruce Springsteen and while I humorously refer to him as a famous philosopher of my generation those words have a special and deep meaning that ring true in the hearts and minds of many post high school graduates such as myself. The years have swiftly sped by but certain things can trigger memories from what most of us “old” folks consider as our “Glory Days.”
Last Friday I made the 250 mile drive north for the DeSoto at Deer Creek class A game. Having graduated from a small school it doesn’t take long for those memories to be refreshed in my mind. Small things can trigger thoughts and occurrences that took place some 30 years ago whether it’s the smell of freshly cut grass, cheerleaders on the sidelines (My wife was one) or the halftime entertainment that most football players never see. On most Friday nights I spend lots of time reflecting about the game I just covered as I drive back home and in between text messages and calls I lay out in my mind how to write about that particular game. A portion of that reflection is also directed towards how special those years were for me and it generates a curiosity in my mind as to whether the athletes I see every Friday night will cherish those same things I did.
If you hear someone use the phrase “I wouldn’t have done anything differently” they’re probably not telling the truth. I like to tease some of the kids from time to time that they had better enjoy their high school playing days because they will wake up tomorrow, 47 years old, and asking where all the time went.
As the 2012 football season winds down and teams fight for playoff positions my hope is that along the way you relish the small things. The time spent just before and after the game, the handshakes or pats on the back from supporters, the special camaraderie amongst competitors, the bus rides and of course the butterflies before a game. There is no substitution for high school football, there are no do-overs. As I frequently whispered into my son’s ear before games, "enjoy every minute of it because it’s special."
With only one game remaining for many and the playoffs on the horizon for some, enjoy the little things, live every play like it’s your last. Whether you’re a starter or a backup make the most of your opportunity to make memories so that you can be that one to honestly say, “I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”

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See ya somewhere..........

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**Note**

The above is an article from October, 2010 and is reposted each season prior to the last regular season football game. Portions have been edited.

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Deer Creek stuns DeSoto, wins district championship

Southern Sports & Travel

Redemption, sleeplessness, anxiety, motivation……. As each week passed this season the Deer Creek Warriors began feeling all of these emotions as the week ten October meeting with second ranked DeSoto approached and when it became abundantly clear that homecoming week would also include a chance to win a district championship outright all of those emotions were heightened.

Defeating a perennial power in Class A MAIS football isn’t an easy task and it’s particularly difficult when that power has doled out four straight lopsided beatings by a combined 113-8 but on a cool night in the heart of the Mississippi Delta the Deer Creek Warriors claimed the District 1-A Championship with a 34-20 win over a shocked DeSoto squad and supporting fans.

(Above) Deer Creek tailback Tanner Bennett (#44) rushed for 166 yards

Deer Creek senior tailback Tanner Bennett summed up his feelings after the game describing the days leading up to Friday night’s contest. “This was the biggest game I’ve ever played in,” said Bennett. “This was my first win over DeSoto going all the way back to junior varsity and I knew this would be my last chance tonight and it’s redemption from all those years of coming up short against them. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so excited thinking about this game.”

In helping Deer Creek beat DeSoto for the first time since 2003 Bennett did more than his share. The 6’ 242 lb. senior piled up 166 yards and a touchdown rushing and had 5 receptions for 85 yards and another score.

Deer Creek looked eager to send an early message as the Warriors took the opening kick-off and produced a 16 play drive that burned nearly seven minutes but the drive would stall as DeSoto held Deer Creek on a fourth down pass that came up short at the Thunderbird 5 yard line.

DeSoto looked every bit the second ranked team in Class A as the Thunderbirds responded with a 95 yard, 6 play drive that took just over one minute off the game clock. Tailback Carl Pittman plunged in from 2 yards out with 4:15 remaining in the opening quarter to put the finishing touches on the drive. Rowland Brothers added the PAT to give the Thunderbirds a 7-0 lead.

That would be DeSoto’s only lead of the night.

Deer Creek answered with a 65 yard drive that was capped on junior quarterback Hobie Hobart’s 30 yard burst with 1:10 left in the quarter and Josh Wooley would knot the contest up at 7-7 with a successful PAT.

Deer Creek’s defense gave the football back to the Warrior offense in quick fashion as defensive back Josh Wooley intercepted a Zac Manning second down pass at the DeSoto 35 yard line with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Nine seconds later Deer Creek took their first lead of the night as Tanner Bennett erupted with a 35 yard touchdown run and Wooley added the PAT to give the Warriors a 14-7 advantage.

After forcing DeSoto’s offense into a three and out early in the second quarter Deer Creek set up shop at their own 33 yard line.

Tanner Bennett promptly broke off a 25 yard run to the DeSoto 42 yard line and 8 plays later Hobie Hobart connected with Bennett for a 9 yard touchdown strike at the 6:45 mark of the second quarter. Wooley’s PAT extended the Deer Creek lead to 21-7, a lead the Warriors would carry into intermission.

Deer Creek threatened to blow the game open in the third quarter as the Warriors took their first possession of the half and marched 80 yards in 7 plays. Quarterback Hobie Hobart and tailback Tanner Bennett dominated much of the drive as the two scrambled and ran their way to the DeSoto 6 yard line where Hobart would muscle his way in for a score with 5:38 left in the quarter. Wooley’s PAT attempt was blocked but Deer Creek had pushed their lead to 27-7.

DeSoto grabbed some much needed momentum when linebacker Sam Howe blocked a Stone Bennett punt and a recovery was made at the Deer Creek 30 yard line with 46 seconds left in the quarter.

(Above) DeSoto quarterback Zac Manning (#7) fights off pressure from the Deer Creek defense

DeSoto tailback Bradley Harper quickly ripped off 27 yards to the Warrior 3 yard line and the sophomore cashed in on the next play to cut into the Deer Creek lead. Rowland Brothers’ PAT trimmed the deficit to 27-14 to close out the third quarter.

DeSoto’s defense wasted little time in giving possession back to their offense as the Thunderbirds forced Deer Creek into a three and out but any momentum gained was dampened when a fumble was recovered by Deer Creek’s Chance Turner at the Thunderbird 40 yard line with 8:49 remaining in regulation.

The turnover proved costly for DeSoto as Deer Creek proceeded to plow 40 yards in 12 plays and burned six minutes off the clock to essentially close the door and lock up the game on a 9 yard Hobie Hobart keeper with 2:50 remaining to extend the lead to 34-14.

DeSoto scored on a 43 yard touchdown pass from Zac Manning to Reed St. Columbia with 1:50 remaining but it was too little too late as Deer Creek held on to take a 34-20 win to improve to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in District 1-A play.

In addition to Tanner Bennett’s 251 yards on offense junior quarterback Hobie Hobart rushed for 82 yards on 18 carries and 3 touchdowns and went 6/9 for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Carl Pittman led DeSoto with 128 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown and Bradley Harper added 95 yards on 13 carries and a score.

Deer Creek will travel to West Memphis to close out the regular season next Friday while DeSoto (7-2 & 4-1) goes to Tunica.

“We have to remain focused and continue to have the same intensity we’ve had all season,” said Tanner Bennett. “Next week is another big game and we give credit to all our coaches for keeping us focused and prepared.”

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Post Game with Deer Creek head coach Murry Rhodes

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Brookhaven overpowers Adams

Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

Coming off their best performance of the 2012 campaign, Coach Tripp McCarty was eager to get his Brookhaven Academy Cougars back under the lights on Friday night.  Prior to their game with Adams County Christian School, McCarty commented, “We played our most complete game of the year last week and now we have to make sure it translates to this week against a very well coached ACCS squad on their home field.” Any sight of a letdown was diminished early as the Cougars cruised to a sound 35 – 19 victory over the Rebels in the River City of Natchez.

The Cougars came out of the gate quick taking the opening kickoff at their own 37 yard line and marching downfield highlighted by a Gage Posey to Seth Rushing pass for 37 yards then capped off by a seven yard Landon Nettles burst off left tackle for the first score of the game in just 1:56.  Matthew Evans swept around right end for the two point conversion giving the Cougars an early 8 – 0 lead.

The Cougars would hold ACCS on downs forcing a punt and Posey would engineer an 80 yard drive for the Cougars.  A quick 16 yard strike to Rushing followed by 25 yard pass to Caleb Brown would push the Cougars deep into Rebel territory.  Posey connected again with Rushing for a 15 yard touchdown pass in the south end zone.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT giving the Cougars a 15 – 0 advantage with 4:50 left to play in the 1^st period.

ACCS would mount a solid drive of their own behind a pair of skilled sophomore running backs, Lester Wells and Trey Fleming.  Controlling the ball for over 7 minutes, the Rebels found pay dirt on a 6 yard TD run by Wells at the 8:49 mark of the 2^nd quarter.  The 2 point conversion run failed settling the score at 15 – 6 BA.

The Cougars returned the Rebel kickoff back to their own 32 yard line hoping to quickly answer the Rebel score.  As if on cue, Posey took the first snap of the drive and hit Rushing on a post pattern who then shook off one would-be tackler and waltzed into the end zone for a 68 yard touchdown connection.  Nettles would add the PAT and give the cougars a 22 – 6 lead with 8:31 to play in the 2^nd period.

Feeling the need to retain possession and keep the Cougar offense off the field, ACCS Coach David King decided to gamble and go for a fourth down conversion on their next drive near midfield.  A quarterback sack by Tanner Parvin halted the Rebel drive and set the Cougars up at the ACCS 41 yard line.  Posey hit Nettles on a perfectly executed screen pass and a jarring block by Matthew Evans had the Cougars knocking on the door once again.  Posey took it the final 2 yards off right tackle for the touchdown and stretched the  Cougar lead to 28 – 6 with 5:13 to play in the 2^nd quarter.

BA’s defense would again hold ACCS and get the ball back with 2:39 to play in the half.  Not wanting to sit on the 22 point lead, Posey went to work hitting Landon Nettles on a 31 yard wheel route out of the backfield that set him (Nettles) up for his second TD run of the night from 10 yards out 2 plays later.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT and the Cougars took a 35 – 6 lead with 1:26 to play in the half.

After a 24 yard Wells kickoff return, the Rebels marched downfield and quarterback Brandon Ross hit tight end Shane Pollan in the seam for a 12 yard touchdown pass with just :12 showing on the clock.  The point after conversion run failed and the Cougars took a 35 – 12 lead to the locker room at half.

The Cougars would hold the Rebels forcing a punt on their opening possession of the second half and take over at their own 13 yard line.  The Cougars netted two quick first downs and Coach McCarty decided to call it a night for his starters.  Sophomore quarterback Heath Hickman took over and mounted a long drive behind hard running from junior tailback Parker Myrick pushing down to the Rebel 1 yard line.  A fine play by the ACCS defensive line held the Cougars out of the end zone on 4^th down but the young Cougars showed promise on a well-executed drive.

As minutes ticked off the clock, the Rebels put together one late drive and found the end zone on a 3 yard run by Tristan Beach.  Austin Walker added the PAT which concluded the scoring for the night for both teams wrapping up the victory for the Cougars in convincing fashion by a score of 35 – 19.

When asked about his team’s performance McCarty quickly commented, “How about our offensive line play!  Those guys are getting it done upfront and allowing us to do a lot of things all over the field.”  Working in the trenches for the Cougars are Drew Phillip, Wyatt, Pepper, Cody Thornhill, Ryan Kimble and Travis Thornton.  “In 35 passing attempts the last two games, our offensive line has only allowed the defense to touch Gage (Posey) one time.”  “That’s the way you win football games”, said an excited McCarty.

The Cougars were led offensively by yet another near perfect night by Posey who completed 13 of 15 first half passes for 285 and two scores while adding another touchdown on the ground.  Landon Nettles had two touchdowns and 70 yards rushing on nine carries in a short night of work.  Parker Myrick had a productive outing for BA with 31 yards on 11 carries.

Defensively the Cougars were led by Garrett Pace and Heath Hickman with 6 tackles each.  Landon Nettles, Jacob Conley and Tramel Shed all contributed 5 stops and Jacob Thurman had an interception for the game’s only turnover.

ACCS was led on the ground by Trey Fleming’s 91 yards on 14 carries and Lester Wells chipped in 63 yards and a score on 20 carries for the Rebels.

The Cougars wrap up their regular season play next Friday night at home on R. M. “Red” Stuard Field at 7:00 p.m. versus the Trinity Episcopal Saints with both teams vowing for the 2012 District 5 AA title.

Bayou falls to Tunica

By Kristy Kitchings

The Bayou Academy Colts were stunned on their home turf Friday night in District 1A action when the Tunica Academy Blue Devils celebrated at mid field with a 14-10 victory.
The Colts won the toss and elected to play defense and kicked off to the Blue Devils. Tunica kept the ball on the ground and after a three-and-out were forced to punt. Bayou put the ball in the hands of quarterback Caleb Pilgrim and the Colts worked their way down to the 1-yard line but after four attempts to get into the end zone, the Colts would turn the ball over on downs at the 1-yard line. Tunica took the ball 99- yards and drove the ball for the first points of the night and the lead to end the first quarter 7-0.
Ty Holder would return the kick off and put the Colts in great field position but once again the Colts would get the ball to the 1-yard line and could not capitalize and get any points on the board and turn the ball over on downs. Back and forth punts between the Colts and Blue Devils would give the Colts back to the Colts before the end of the half and sophomore Weber Herbison would complete a successful field goal and get the Colt on the board 7-3 and trailing heading into the locker room at half time.
The second half the Colts would get the ball back but penalties and miscues would continue to haunt the home team. The Colts defense returned to the field and held the Blue Devils on fourth and short at mid field and turned the ball back over the Colts on downs. Pilgrim would later connect with Weber Herbison for a touchdown and take the lead 10-7 with 2:25 left in the third quarter. The Colts excitement would be short lived as the Blue Devils would answer the touchdown on the next possession and go ahead 14-10.
With only twelve minutes left to go in regulation, Pilgrim would would try to connect with Cole Hutchinson in the end zone and be intercepted and the Blue Devils return on offense at the 10-yard line. Neither team would be able to put any more points on the board in the final quarter and Tunica takes a home win away from the Colts 14-10.
“It was a tough game and our young men played hard but just did not comet on top. We won the statistical war, just not the one on the scoreboard,” said King after the loss.
Pilgrim had 17 carries for 130 yards, followed by Davis Dalton with 12 carries for 75 yards, Ty Holder with 65 yards and Hunter Kovac with 11 carries for 44 yards. Passing on the night was Pilgrim on 3-6 for 101 yards and Tyler Kitchings 1-4 for 25 yards. Herbison had three catches for 84 yards and Kovac had two receptions for 40 yards.
Bayou ( 5-4 overall and 3-3 district ) will await their fate next week to find out if they will be the number 3 or 4 seed in the MAIS Class 1A playoffs. Up next for the Colts is a home game against Hillcrest. Game time is set for 7pm.

Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

For the first time this season multiple players are named The Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. Three senior quarterbacks are recognized for exemplary performances in leading their squads to week nine victories.

< Cobb Kelly led eighth ranked Silliman to a 49-42 road win over Adams Christian with 141 yards rushing on 15 carries and 2 touchdowns, went 14/26 for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns and had a 40 yard punt return for a touchdown in helping the Wildcats earn their fourth straight win to improve to 6-3 on the season.

"I have been pleased with the way Cobb has continued to play his senior year," said Silliman head coach TJ Davis. "He and his teammates  continue to work hard towards our team goals. He has relied on his linemen to open the running lanes and his receivers to make plays down field. He credits his teammates for their hard work and willingness to never give up until all 48 minutes are off the clock."

Kelly has rushed for 1,029 yards and leads the MAIS with 27 touchdowns.

< Gage Posey put on a quarterback clinic in Brookhaven's 41-0 win over Columbia Academy. The senior was 16/19 for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns in just three quarters of play and added 69 yards on the ground.

The southpaw's season numbers are impressive with 1,689 yards on 128/209 passing for a 61% completion rate to go along with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Posey has a 102 quarterback rating and 24 total touchdowns on the season.

"Gage is a completely unselfish quarterback," said Brookhaven head coach Tripp McCarty. "He worked his butt off this past year and his play is definitely showing it."

Posey will be looking to help the Cougars win their third straight this Friday night in a huge District 5-AA meeting at Adams Christian.

< North Delta quarterback Tyler Pirtle has battled injuries this season but the senior signal caller looks to be shaping back into form after leading the fourth ranked Green Wave to their fifth straight win, this one a 41-7 blow-out over Carroll Academy. In the win Pirtle rushed for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns and was 7/9 for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"Tyler makes his teammates better," said North Delta head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro. "He brings a live or die attitude to the football field and always gives 100%. He is a joy to coach and is a quality young man."

North Delta can clinch their third consecutive District 1-AA championship this Friday night as they host Indianola to close out their regular season.