Hannah Moore of Leake signs with Southern Miss

Courtesy of USM

Moore plays for coach Doug Jones at Leake Academy, who posted the nation's fourth-longest winning streak of 85 games from 2010 to 2012, and led her squad to a perfect season and the Academy AA championship last fall with a 25-0 record and an 0.16 ERA, while batting .660 at the plate. For her efforts, Moore was named to the Clarion-Ledger's 2012 All-State First Team.

For her career, Moore posted a .630 batting average and a career ERA of just 0.25, with 712 strikeouts in 389 innings pitched. 

Moore was equally tough to handle on the base paths as she tallied 132 career steals. Additionally, she was a four-time All-District team member and was named the district MVP each of those four seasons. 

Moore posted a 94-5 record in the circle for her career including 62 straight, a mark which ranks as the fifth longest in the nation. Her batting average is also the fifth-best ever across the country. 

 

Billingsley signs with State

Jacob Billingsley of Magnolia Heights has signed to play baseball with Mississippi State University. The 6'1" 180 lb. senior considered Alabama, Ole Miss, Southern Mississippi and Delta State.

Former Lady Bobcat hits seven 3-pointers

Former Presbyterian Christian Lady Bobcat Erin Holifield went 7/8 from the 3-point line in just 22 minutes of play last week in William Carey's matchup with D-1 Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

Holifield, a 5'10" sophomore at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a 2011 graduate of MAIS Class AAA Presbyterian Christian School.

Martin inks with UNO

Chase is entering his third season with Central Private where the Rebels are shooting for their 13th State Championship. After considering several schools, including ULM, Nichols State, and Southeastern, Chase chose University of New Orleans in large part because of their rebuilding process since Hurricane Katrina devastated the school and its athletic programs. The 2014 season will mark the school's first year in the Southland Conference, and they will also be christening a brand new playing facility. UNO will open the season with an away-home-away series with LSU. "It feels good to have the decision done," said Chase Martin. "I'm looking forward to getting bigger and stronger for college ball, but I'm mostly excited to have it behind me so I can concentrate on my senior year and try to help Central Private win another State Championship."

Coach Todd Buster of NOLA Baseball Club said, "Chase had a great summer with Nola Baseball. He was a top Pitcher for us. In Ft. Meyers, Florida against Team PR Mets (Puerto Rico), Chase threw a complete game 7 innings with 5Ks, no runs, no walks, with 79 total pitches to get the 2-0 victory. Another highlight was a 7 1/3 innings with 18Ks performance. He will carry a strong Travel Season into his Senior Season at Central Private for Coach Jason Kinchen."

Central Private Coach Jason Kinchen said, "Chase is a great kid with super work habits and lots of upside as a college pitcher. It's been fun watching him grow into a ball player. He deserves everything he gets."

"I would like to thank Coach Todd Buster for giving me the opportunity to pitch in big games for him and for believing in me as a pitcher," Chase said. "I also want to give Central Private and especially Coach Kinchen special thanks for believing in me and giving me the opportunities to succeed. Lastly, I really want to thank my Central Private teammates who are not only great ball players, but they are also a great group of guys."

Pictured above, sitting left to right: Roger Martin (dad), Chase Martin, Debbie Martin (mom), and Tiffany Martin (sister). Back row: Layton Laird, Blake Benoit, Ryan Bowman, Andrew Hassell, Brennan Fucich, Brad Miller, Easton Holmes, Mason Jordan, Blake Chelette, Kyle Blackburn, Alex Easley, Kimberly Gagnet, and Head Coach Jason Kinchen.

Brookhaven, Posey too much for Marshall in title game

Southern Sports & Travel

On Friday night at Millsaps College in Jackson a new Class AA State Champion was crowned but before the championship trophy was presented two teams put on a performance that will be etched in the memories of those that were there for many years to come as Brookhaven defeated Marshall 49-40 to claim the school’s third football state championship.

Also etched in memories will be the play of Brookhaven quarterback Gage Posey who put on one of the better performances in MAIS state championship history. Posey was 24/28 for 365 yards and 6 touchdowns and the senior southpaw rushed for another score all while playing defense for much of the game.

Seniors Matthew Evans and Seth Rushing displayed why they are the best receiving duo in the MAIS as they combined for 17 receptions, 264 yards and 5 touchdowns on the night.

If Marshall doubted the ability of Brookhaven’s offensive firepower to put points on the board the first five minutes of the game cleared up those doubts.

Brookhaven moved to the Marshall 43 yard line three plays into the opening possession of the night and lightning struck as Gage Posey hit Matthew Evans with a 43 yard touchdown strike just one minute and six seconds into the game. Kevin Nettles added the PAT and at the 10:54 mark Brookhaven took a 7-0 lead.

After the Cougar defense forced Marshall into a three and out on their opening possession Brookhaven got a break when the Patriot punt was shanked and netted just five yards to the Marshall 35 yard line.

Three plays later Posey connected with sophomore wide-out Caleb Brown for a 22 yard touchdown and following Nettles’ PAT the Cougars had taken a 14-0 lead with 7:20 still remaining in the opening quarter.

Marshall recovered and mounted a drive on their second possession of the night. A Dakota Dailey 19 yard pass to wide-out Aaron McAlexander resulted in the Patriot's first score of the night with 1:35 left in the quarter and capped an impressive 10 play, 83 yard drive. Marshall’s 2-point attempt fell short but the Pats had slowed the Brookhaven momentum.

(Above) Brookhaven qb Gage Posey (#15) releases before linebacker Antonio Love can apply pressure

Marshall struck again with 1:03 remaining in the first quarter when safety Aaron McAlexander recovered a Brookhaven fumble at the Cougar 44 yard line and returned it for a touchdown. The Patriots attempt to tie the game came up short again but the Cougar advantage had been trimmed to 14-12.

Brookhaven’s offense seemed undaunted as they marched 68 yards in five plays and expanded the lead when Gage Posey hooked up with wide-out Seth Rushing for a 30 yard touchdown strike. Nettles’ PAT extended the lead to 21-12 with 11:43 remaining in the half.

The first half scoring would be completed by Marshall. The Patriots produced a 10 play, 62 yard drive that was capped on a Zack Pritchett 4 yard plunge with 6:26 left in the half. Marshall then pulled to within one point at 21-20 after Dakota Dailey’s successful 2-point conversion run.

The second ranked Patriots would strike quickly to open the second half and on the legs of quarterback Dakota Dailey.

The sophomore scrambled for an 8 yard gain to the Marshall 41 yard line to open the third quarter and then broke open a 59 yard sprint for a score on the second play of the half to give Marshall their first lead of the night with less than one minute gone. Dailey capped the drive with another 2-point conversion run to give Marshall a 28-21 lead.

Marshall let a prime opportunity slip from their fingertips on Brookhaven’s ensuing possession when defensive back Von Watson picked off a Gage Posey pass near the Cougar 40 yard line but Watson would fumble the football near the Cougar 30 where Brookhaven offensive lineman Drew Philip recovered it.

(Above) Marshall defensive back Von Watson picks off a Gage Posey pass in the 3rd qtr

Marshall missed out again two plays later when a Posey pass was picked off by safety Dakota Dailey at the Patriot 45 yard line but a roughing the passer call negated the turnover.

This time Brookhaven made the Patriots pay as Gage Posey finished a 70 yard, 5 play drive with a 3 yard dive up the middle. Kevin Nettles' PAT attempt went wide left but the Cougars had pulled to within one point at 28-27 with 9:52 left in the third quarter.

Mistakes would cost Marshall before the quarter ended. Von Watson’s 13 yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left in the quarter was negated due to a motion penalty. After quarterback Dakota Dailey was temporarily knocked out of the game with a knee injury replacement quarterback Zack Pritchett’s pass to tight-end Matt Rappa was fumbled into the endzone where Brookhaven recovered and the Cougars took full advantage.

Gage Posey engineered an 80 yard, 10 play drive that consumed the remainder of the third quarter and was culminated on the first play of the fourth quarter when Posey hit Matthew Evans with a 14 yard touchdown pass. The two then hooked up for a successful 2-point conversion to give Brookhaven a 35-28 edge with 11:55 remaining in regulation.

Marshall pushed back with a scoring drive of their own. After a fumbled snap set the Patriots back to their 23 yard line Dakota Dailey hit senior wide-out Aaron McAlexander for 57 yards to the Brookhaven 20 yard line. One play later fullback Zack Pritchett bulled his way 20 yards for pay-dirt. Roy Billions’ PAT attempt went wide left and with 10:41 left Brookhaven clung to a 35-34 lead.

The Cougars made it three consecutive possessions that resulted in a score when Posey and Matthew Evans (photo left) connected for the third time of the night, this time from 35 yards out with 7:13 to play. The score capped a 7 play, 63 yard drive. Nettles’ PAT extended the Cougar lead to 42-34 and the scent of a Brookhaven victory was in the air.

That scent rapidly turned sour as Aaron McAlexander electrified the crowd with a 95 yard kickoff return to pull Marshall back to within two points at 42-40. Marshall’s 2-point conversion attempt to tie the contest with 6:54 remaining in regulation failed and the Patriots would get no closer.

Brookhaven took advantage of a solid kickoff return and Posey nailed wide-out Seth Rushing with a 53 yard touchdown strike to wrap up a 3 play, 53 yard drive that took less than one minute. Kevin Nettles added the last point of the night to give Brookhaven a 49-40 advantage.

Marshall’s last push was halted when Cougar defensive back Matthew Evans picked off a Dakota Dailey pass in the endzone with 2:43 remaining in the game.

Brookhaven’s last four plays were left in the hands of their senior quarterback Gage Posey, who after taking a knee for the final time in a Brookhaven uniform raised his hands and acknowledged the students and players who rushed the field to celebrate a state championship.

Posey finished his last game for Brookhaven going 24-28 for 365 yards and 6 touchdowns and 48 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Senior wide-out Seth Rushing (photo right) had 11 receptions for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns while fellow senior wide-out Matthew Evans had 6 grabs for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns along with an interception on defense. Caleb Brown had 60 receiving yards on 5 catches and a touchdown and Ross Foreman had 2 receptions for 41 yards.

Senior linebackers Colby Culbertson and Preston Rawls led the Brookhaven defense with 9 tackles each.

Dakota Dailey led Marshall (11-3) with 165 yards rushing on 20 carries and a touchdown and the sophomore went 8/14 for 164 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore tailback Von Watson led the Patriot ground game with 74 yards on 12 carries.

Marshall wide-out Aaron McAlexander closed out his career with another exceptional night. The senior had 5 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown and had 147 return yards including a 95 yard kickoff return for a score.

Marshall had 486 yards of total offense while Brookhaven piled up 428 yards.

Brookhaven finishes the 2012 season at 11-4 but they also close out the season with one of the more remarkable runs in many years. On September 28 the Cougars dropped a 35-21 home loss to Oak Forest to fall to 3-4 and out of the Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten Rankings. They followed that loss with eight straight wins, amongst those were wins over Trinity, Lamar and defending champion Simpson on the road.

The 33-28 Lamar win came with 33 seconds remaining and signaled that this Brookhaven squad was destined to win a championship. Lamar was coming off an upset win over previously undefeated and heavily favored to win it all Centreville. In the win over Lamar the Cougars mounted a game winning drive that was capped on a Gage Posey run that demonstrated what champions do. That touchdown was the signature for a Brookhaven squad that fought for every inch and reaped the benefits.

This brings to mind a poignant quote from the Al Pacino character Tony D’Amato in the 1999 classic Any Given Sunday.

“You find out life is this game of inches, so is football. Because in either game - life or football - the margin for error is so small. I mean, one half a step too late or too early and you don't quite make it. One half second too slow, too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They're in every break of the game, every minute, every second. On this team we fight for that inch. On this team we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the difference between winning and losing.”

 

Post Game with Brookhaven Head Coach Tripp McCarty

 Post Game with Brookhaven Quarterback Gage Posey

Rebels stage late comeback for Class A crown

Southern Sports & Travel

The Tri-County Academy Rebels put a bow on a perfect season at Millsaps College in Jackson on Friday afternoon winning their second consecutive Class A State Championship 13-10 over second ranked WCCA but for 43 minutes and 27 seconds the Rebels looked ready to turn the reigns over to a new champion.

WCCA gave top ranked Tri-County all they could handle and limited the defending champions to just 176 total yards and the leading rusher in the MAIS, Ryan Cothern, to 84 yards but Cothern’s final 28 yards were the precious few that determined the outcome of a hard fought classic title game.

Cothern scored from 24 yards out with 4:33 remaining in regulation and his 4 yard run on the Rebel’s second play in the overtime period ended the contest and gave Tri-County back-to-back state championships.

(Above) TCA tailback Ryan Cothern (#27) fights for extra yardage

WCCA wasted little time in letting Tri-County know this would be a dogfight. The Rams forced the Rebel offense into a quick three and out to start the game and then produced an eleven play, 78 yard drive that culminated on quarterback Taylor Prevost’s 1 yard plunge at the 5:43 mark of the opening quarter. Prevost added the PAT and WCCA had silenced the huge Tri-County contingent.

Tri-County answered with a drive of their own on the ensuing possession but couldn’t convert on a fourth and 1 from the WCCA 20 yard line as the first quarter came to a close.

The Rebels looked to take advantage of prime field position on their next possession as they moved from midfield to the Ram’s 33 yard line but WCCA defensive lineman Lane Ivy sacked quarterback Trey Bozeman on a fourth and 5 pass attempt four minutes into the third quarter.

WCCA would take a 7-0 edge into halftime as neither squad found any success in cracking their opposition’s defense.

WCCA opened the second half with a drive that chewed up seven minutes and was extended on a roughing the kicker infraction on Tri-County. The Rams moved to the TCA 38 yard line where, on first down, tailback Kaleb Sterling erupted around the left side and sprinted 38 yards for what appeared to be a touchdown but a holding penalty wiped out a crucial play for the Rams. The drive would end at the Rebel 20 yard line when TCA linebacker Jesse Davis recovered a mishandled snap with 4:58 left in the quarter.

(Above) WCCA quarterback Taylor Provost (#15) passes in the pocket

Tri-County’s offense had no answer for the Ram defense through the first three quarters of the contest and the Rebel’s looked to be in desperation mode in attempting two fake punts on consecutive possessions but WCCA failed to put the defending champions away.

The Rams appeared once again to mount a drive that would create a larger cushion on the scoreboard as they drove from their own 42 to the Rebel 25 yard line before failing on a fourth and 9 pass attempt but the WCCA defense still controlled TCA and forced the Rebel’s offense into yet another three and out.

It was at this point when the tide of the contest started to shift and this time it was the Tri-County defense that made a game changing statement.

WCCA faced a fourth and 3 from midfield with just under six minutes remaining in regulation but the Rams chose to go for the first down and keep possession of the football. Tri-County’s defense stopped tailback Kaleb Sterling a foot short of the first down at the Rebel 48 and with 5:36 left in the fourth quarter the contest was about to take a different shape.

Tri-County’s Trey Bozeman picked up a quick 4 yards to the WCCA 48 yard line on a quarterback keeper and then pushed his way for another 7 yards down to the 41 on the next play call. Bozeman had his number called for the third consecutive time and the senior signal-caller came through as he made his way to the WCCA 24 yard line to set up the game-tying score.

Ryan Cothern, who up to this point had only three carries in the half, took a direct snap and rounded the right side behind the block of Bozeman and sprinted into the endzone from 24 yards out. Tucker Millican added the PAT and with 4:33 remaining in regulation the game was knotted at 7-7.

WCCA proved why they were ranked second in Class A as the Rams mounted a late game drive in an effort to take the state championship.

WCCA moved from their own 20 yard line to just short of the 30 and then converted on a fourth and inches on a Kaleb Sterling 17 yard burst to the Ram 37 to preserve the drive. Two plays later quarterback Taylor Prevost connected with tight-end Hayden Patterson for 10 yards to the 47 and the two connected again three plays later for 13 yards at that moved the Rams to the TCA 41 yard line with just over one minute left in regulation.

After a short 1 yard pick-up from tailback Austin Goodfellow WCCA produced  a big play as time was winding down. Taylor Prevost hit tight-end Christian Kerr who went up high and made a phenomenal catch across the middle down to the Tri-County 21 yard line.

WCCA then lost a yard on a Goodfellow run and with 7 seconds remaining called a timeout with the football spotted at the TCA 22 yard line to set up a 39 yard game winning field goal but Taylor Prevost’s kick went wide right to send the game into overtime.

WCCA struck first in the overtime period as Prevost hit a 21 yard field goal to put the Rams on top 10-7 but Tri-County needed just two plays to put the finishing touches on an incredible four year run in Class A football.

Quarterback Trey Bozeman (photo left) picked up 6 hard yards on first down and in the process lost his helmet. With Bozeman having to leave the game for a play Cothern set up in the backfield and took a direct snap on a play that was designed to go left but the sophomore saw the WCCA defense shift to that direction and took advantage by darting around the right side and evading a WCCA defender for a 4 yard score that resulted in a massive dog-pile in the corner of the endzone to end the contest at 13-10.

Tri-County closes out a four year span in Class A with two state championships, three state championship appearances, 27 straight wins and a 52-3 record. The Rebels will move to Class AA next fall.

For Tri-County (14-0) Ryan Cothern rushed for 84 yards on 19 carries and 2 touchdowns and junior quarterback Trey Bozeman picked up 83 yards on 16 carries.

Quarterback Taylor Prevost led WCCA (12-2) with 172 passing yards and tight-end Christian Kerr had 7 receptions for 68 yards. Tri-County finished with 176 total yards to WCCA’s 270.

.

Post Game with Tri-County Head Coach David Blount

Post Game with Tri-County tailback Ryan Cothern

Path to a championship – The Rundown

Brookhaven and Marshall will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever this Friday as the two fight it out for the Class AA State Championship. Brookhaven will be looking to win their third state championship in football while Marshall hopes to win the school’s first.

Brookhaven Academy Cougars

Record – 10-4

Ranking – 1

District 5AA – 3-0

Head Coach – Tripp McCarty – 2^nd season – 20-7 record

Points scored per game – 28.2

Points allowed per game – 18.5

Rushing yards per game – 144

Passing yards per game – 205

Quarterback – Gage Posey – 2,828 yds – 22 tds – 7 ints – 61% comp rate

Rushing – Gage Posey – 738 yds – 5.5 yds per carry - 17 tds

Receiving – Seth Rushing – 69 receptions - 1,159 yds – 17 yds per rec - 7 tds

State Championships – 2 (1993, 2009)

State Championship Appearances – 2

Lost to Simpson 44-19 in round two last season

2012 opponents combined record – 88-75 (12 class AA, 2 class AAA)

Marshall Academy Patriots

Record – 11-2

Ranking – 2

District 1AA record – 3-1

Head Coach – Bart Jenkins – 1^st season – 11-2 record

Points scored per game – 31.8

Points allowed per game – 12.1

Quarterback – Dakota Dailey – 1,957 yds passing – 840 rushing – 23 tds

Rushing – Devin McGreger – 1,382 yds – 14 tds

Receiving – Aaron McAlexander – 1,523 yds – 14 tds

Tackles – Matt Rappa – 161

Sacks – Antonio Love – 13

State Championship Appearnces - 2

Lost to River Oaks 28-22 in last season’s North State title game

2012 opponents combined record – 66-81 (8 class AA, 3 class AAA, 1 class A)

Common opponents – 0

Previous meetings - 0

Path to a championship - The Rundown

This Friday the battle between top ranked Tri-County and second ranked WCCA will take place at Millsaps College in Jackson for the Class A State Championship. Tri-County is the defending state champion and will be making their bid for back-to-back titles.

Tri-County Rebels

Record – 13-0

Ranking - 1

District 2A record – 4-0

Head Coach – David Bount – 4^th season – 51-3 record

Points scored per game – 35.8 – 2^nd in Class A

Points allowed per game – 4.3 – Best in MAIS

Rushing yards per game – 292

Opponents – 50.6

Yards allowed per game – 89

Leading rusher – Ryan Cothern – 2,072 yds – 2^nd in MAIS

Quarterback – Trey Bozeman – 751 yds – 8 yds – 6 ints – 55% comp avg

26 straight wins, won 40 of last 41, 51-3 record past four seasons

State Championships – 3 (1984, 1985, 2011)

State Championship Appearances - 9

Beat Riverfield 38-14 last season to win school’s third state championship.

2012 opponents combined record – 71-67 (3 class AA, 9 class A)

Wilkinson County Christian Academy Rams

Record – 12-1

Ranking – 2

District 3A record – 7-0

Head Coach – David Wright – 1^st season – 12-1 record

Points scored per game – 35 – 3^rd in Class A

Points allowed per game – 8.7 – 3^rd in MAIS

Rushing yards per game – 192

Leading rusher – Kaleb Sterling – 1,052 yards – 12.2 yds per carry – 12 tds

Quarterback – Taylor Prevost – 991 yds -14 tds – 2 ints – 55% comp avg

23-3 past two seasons - won 23 of last 24 games versus Class A opponents

State Championships – 1 (1988 Class AA)

State Championship Appearances – 2

Lost to Riverfield 18-14 in second round of playoffs last season

2012 opponents combined record – 69-78 (12 class A, 1 class AA)

2012 common opponents: Newton Academy

Tri-County 35 Newton 6

WCCA 35 Newton 18
Previous meetings - 0

Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Tri-County Academy tailback Ryan Cothern is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. The 5' 9" 175 lb. sophomore rushed for 228 yards on 31 carries and 3 touchdowns in a 26-10 playoff win over Benton.  Cothern has rushed for 2,072 yards on the season and has scored 33 touchdowns to lead the defending Class A champions.

"Ryan had a great game against a very tough opponent last Friday night," said Tri-County head coach David Blount. "It was one of his better all-around games and he broke alot of tackles and got some really tough yards against Benton. He really came through for us."

Cothern will lead Tri-County this Friday as the Rebels face second ranked WCCA for the Class A State Championship.

From the notebook………….

**It was a phrase I had heard since childhood…….“The older you get the faster time goes by.” August 17^th was a week one Southern Sports & Travel Game of the Week between defending Class AA State Champion Simpson and Leake. Remarkably, 14 weeks later, the 2012 season will wind down this Friday as Class A and Class AA champions are crowned.

Of the twelve games that were covered and featured by Southern Sports & Travel nine were competitive until the end and just three were blowouts. Those twelve games consisted of 13 Class AA teams, 7 Class AAA, 4 Class A and 2,800 miles of travel. That’s roughly the same distance as driving from Bogalusa to Seattle.

**Playoff coverage of the 2012 season has been the best in the five year history of Southern Sports & Travel. In three weeks of post season action each game wasn’t decided until the closing seconds and incredibly each game was won in a different manner.

>>The November 2^nd Class AAA game between Heritage and East Rankin came down to a 26 yard touchdown pass with 1:20 left in the contest.

>>The November 9^th Class AA game between Brookhaven and Lamar was won on a 2 yard run with 33 seconds remaining in regulation.

>>The November 16^th Class AA game between Marshall and North Delta wasn’t settled until a 22 yard field goal with 13 seconds left on the clock.

The three games were decided by 11 total combined points with two visiting teams winning and one home team coming out on top.

**On Friday a new Class AA state champion will be crowned. Already new champions have claimed Class AAA Division I and II titles so will Tri-County be standing alone as the only champion to successfully defend their crown?

Friday’s game with WCCA will be Tri-County’s last in Class A. The Rebels will compete in Class AA for the next two seasons. If Tri-County successfully defends their title they will close out a four year span in Class A that will prove to be one of the most dominant ever. Two state championships and a 50-3 record under the direction of head coach David Blount.

**Update on two former standout MAIS athletes.

Former Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers recently led the Copiah-Linclon Wolfpack to their first state title since 1985. The 2009 graduate went 23/31 for 358 yards and 4 touchdowns in leading Co-Lin to a 41-37 upset of 6^th ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast. Rogers led Brookhaven to a perfect 15-0 season in 2009 and the Class AA State Championship.

Former Central Private basketball standout Dave Jackson is officially an LSU Tiger. The 6’ 5” 200 lb. sophomore has seen playing time in both of the Tiger’s games this season. Jackson, a 2011 graduate of Central Private, led the Rebels to a 27-3 record his senior season under the direction of head coach Ed Palubinskas.

**Basketball season is building heavier each week as the close of football draws near. Multiple requests to lots of coaches and athletic directors have been sent recently asking that they designate someone to report scores following each game and the results have been mixed. Southern Sports & Travel is the source in which most MAIS fans look to for scores but it’s still a challenge meeting their needs. To successfully meet that challenge and provide a source to link all those interested in MAIS athletics together coaches and athletic directors have to be more proactive. The alternative to those searching for scores and data is, and has been, unreliable at best. If you’re a parent, student or a relative to a student-athlete please encourage more participation in reporting scores.
**It's not too late to support Southern Sports & Travel. If your school or business is interested in purchasing a sponsorship or business ad please email aafandaman@yahoo.com or call/text 985-750-3455.

Rouse and Driver sign Scholarships

Tori Rouse is a senior at Centreville Academy. On November 15, she signed a national letter of intent to play softball at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg , MS. As a senior she was chosen 1st Team All-District and played in the MAIS All Star game. She ended her season with a batting average of .453 and .947 fielding percentage. Tori also played travel ball for 6 years with the Lady Hustlers. Tori is the daughter of Kenny and Brandy Rouse of Ethel, LA.
In picture: Back row-L to R-Bodie Miley, Coach Bill Hurst and Mark Mann.
Front row L to R- Tanner Rouse, Kenny Rouse, Tori Rouse and Brandy Rouse

Tri-County Academy senior baseball player Trent Driver has committed to play baseball at Delta State University next year.
Pictured with Trent: Baseball coach Ricky Owens, sister Morgan Driver, AD Joe Goolsby, and parents Todd and Lorrie Driver.

Brookhaven gets revenge over Simpson

Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

Eleven weeks ago the Brookhaven Academy Cougar football team left Simpson Academy wincing from a narrow 17 – 13 loss but feeling that the game was theirs for the taking.  Then, the Cougars were still trying to establish their identity for the 2012 season.  Fast forward to Friday night and it is real clear BA is playing like a well-oiled machine clicking on all cylinders.  Coach Tripp McCarty commented prior to Friday’s contest with Simpson, “Our guys have worked every single day over the past year to get the opportunity to play for the South State title and advance to the championship game.”  McCarty continued, “They have not wavered one bit in pursuit of that goal.”  The Cougar’s never out of it, never panic, never quit approached earned them that spot in the MAIS Class AA championship game by defeating defending State Champion Simpson Academy 21 -17 in Magee.

Brookhaven Academy took the opening possession pinned back at their own 13 yard line.  On their first play from scrimmage Simpson cornerback Andrew Berry stepped in front of a Gage Posey slant pass and waltzed untouched into the end zone for the quick interception and touchdown.  Berry added the PAT for the 7 – 0 lead just 15 seconds into the game.

BA would begin their next possession at the Simpson 21 yard line and after Simpson’s front line snuffed out the run on two plays the Cougars would go to the air only to have the second pass attempt of the game intercepted and returned to the  BA 44 yard line and setting Simpson up with great field position.  The BA defense would stiffen and hold Simpson on downs forcing a punt back to the Cougars avoiding catastrophe.

Teams would trade possessions with Simpson taking over at their own 30 yard line after a BA punt with 6:40 showing in the first quarter.  A Daniel Taylor 46 yard run pushed the ball down to the BA 23 yard line.  Three plays later Berry would take it up the middle for an 11 yard touchdown run and he would again add the PAT to give SA a 14 – 0 lead at the 4:51 mark of the 1^st quarter.

After a touchback on the kickoff, BA found themselves 80 yards away from the end zone needing to put points on the board.  That’s when Sr. signal caller Gage Posey would go to work ripping off back to back runs of 20 and 21 yards then mixing in passes to wide out Seth Rushing.   The Cougars pushed deep into Simpson territory but faced a fourth down and goal at the Simpson 1 yard line.  Posey would call his own number from that point with a one yard plunge off left tackle for the score.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT and pulled the Cougars closer at 14 – 7.

BA swarmed Simpson’s kick return team and hoped to take the field position advantage with Simpson starting at their own 19 yard line.  Two plays later a jolting hit on Berry after a 7 yard run pop the ball loose and Sr. cornerback Matthew Evans recovered the pigskin at the SA 38 yard line.  Unable to capitalize on the turnover the Cougars would punt back to Simpson as the clock pushed into the second quarter.  Both team’s defenses stood tall throughout the remainder of the first half  relying on key third down stops and excellent punting by both kickers.  After a shaky start, BA had to feel good going to the locker room at half only down 14 – 7.  Brookhaven Sr. Colby Culbertson said after the contest, “Our coaches told us we played our least productive half of the season but we were still in the ballgame so we knew we could take control of the game in the second half if we played BA football.”

The third quarter began to look very similar to the second and was turning into a defensive slugfest with neither team giving ground until Simpson mounted a late 3^rd quarter drive only to settle for a 35 yard Berry field goal with 2:57 remaining in the quarter giving them a 10 point cushion at 17 – 7.  As fate would have it, these would be Simpson’s last points of their 2012 campaign.

BA took over at their own 20 yard fully understanding that they were not only playing against the salty Simpson Academy defense but also the game clock as minutes ticked away.  Looking like a cross between a world renown symphony orchestra conductor and a third base coach giving signals to a hitter in the batter’s box, Coach McCarty picked up the pace flashing plays from the BA sideline to his no huddle offense on the field.  And the Cougars responded with an 80 yard drive highlighted by a 25 yard Posey to Caleb Brown Pass play that set up a 25 yard touchdown run by Posey at the 10:47 point of the 4^th quarter.  Nettles added the PAT to pull the Cougars within three at 17 – 14. 

Simpson would take possession with just over 10 minutes to play hoping to grind out the clock and put some security points on the board.  BA would have none of that forcing a SA punt and taking over at their own 8 yard line with 7:39 to play and the AA South State Championship riding in the balance.  The Cougars would push it out to the 17 yard line but face a 4^th down and one yard to go and a huge decision at that point.  Without much hesitation, McCarty called on Posey and he responded with a short run and a new set of downs to work with.   Before Simpson could catch their breath, Posey broke around the right end and took it up the Simpson sideline for a 62 yard run down to the SA 1 foot line.  He again would call his own number and stick it in for his third touchdown of the night and the go ahead touchdown.  Nettles remained perfect on the night with the PAT and gave BA their first lead of the night at 21 – 17 with 4:36 to play.

Simpson began their ensuing drive trailing for the first time of the night at their own 32 yard line.  After two short run plays Simpson quarterback Josh Hankins went to the air on a third and long only to be picked off in the Cougar secondary by Posey who had been inserted at free safety with 3:07 to play in the contest.

Wanting to eat up the clock and not give the ball back to Simpson it was gut check time for the Cougars facing a 3^rd down and 15 yards to go at their own 35 yard line.  Posey somehow escaped through a wall of defenders and managed to fall forward at the 49 ½ yard line but ½ yard short of the first down.  After a Simpson timeout and a subsequent BA timeout, the decision was made by the BA coaching staff there were six inches between them and the championship game next week and they felt their offense could get them those six inches.  Shotgun snap to Posey, crash off left tackle and a first down for the Cougars sealed the victory in Blue and White as Simpson with no timeouts could then only watch as the time ticked down to 0:00.  Said Posey when asked about the decision to go for it on fourth down at the end, “There was no doubt we were gonna go for it.  I told our coaches in the timeout we’ll get the first down, just give us a shot at it.”  He happened to be right and secured the Brookhaven Academy victory 21 – 17.
An exhausted but very pleased McCarty said after the hard fought contest, “I have never been around a group of young men that continue to show so much character and regardless of the situation never forgetting that it’s usually going to come down to them making something happen to change the outcome of the game and they have responded in some crucial moments the past few weeks.”  McCarty continued, “I have to also mention the play of our offensive line, especially the second half and our bend but don’t break defense that held a real good football team to 10 offensive points tonight.” 
Leading the defense for the Cougars were Preston Rawls and Cobly Culbertson with 8 tackles each, Seth Rushing added 7 stops and Tanner Parvin and Will Hickman each contributed six.  Parvin also averaged 38.3 yards on 4 punts for the night. 
Offensively the Cougars were led by Gage Posey who rushed for 168 yards and 3 touchdowns and completed 8 of 14 passes for 96 yards.  Michael Fiorella rushed for 46 yards on the evening drawing his first starting assignment of the season.  MAIS leading receiver Seth Rushing had 5 catches for 61 yards.

Brookhaven Academy will face the Class AA North State Champion Marshall Academy next Friday at 5:30 p.m. on the campus of Millsaps College.

Marshall takes North State in thriller

Southern Sports & Travel

If one hadn’t known any better last night’s Class AA North State Championship game between North Delta and Marshall could have been taken from a movie script and when it was all over the old cliché “you can’t make this stuff up” was fitting. Fourth ranked Marshall spotted second ranked North Delta a 21-0 lead in the first half but roared back with 23 straight points to claim a 23-21 white knuckler in Batesville.

Marshall senior Roy Billions kicked a 23 yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining in regulation to send the Patriots into next Friday’s Class AA State Championship game against Brookhaven.

The finish was extraordinary due to one amazing stat, this was Billions first field goal of the season.

“I told him to be ready on that last drive,” said Marshall head coach Bart Jenkins. “He looked nervous when I sent him out but he came through like I knew he would.”

Jenkins knew Billions would make the field goal because of a dream he had the night before. “I actually dreamed we would come down and kick a field goal to win it and we did,” said Jenkins as he shook his head following the game.

Jenkins’ prophetic dream was at risk of turning into a nightmare early in the game as North Delta looked to run away in the first half.

A low snap on a Marshall punt resulted in Aaron McAlexander scrambling to the Patriot 26 yard line, four yards short of a first down, giving North Delta advantageous field position with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter.

The Greenwaves wasted little time in cashing in on the Patriot miscue as quarterback Tyler Pirtle burst through the right side and raced 26 yards for the first score of the night with 2:44 left in the opening quarter. William Dean’s PAT gave North Delta a 7-0 lead.

Marshall only had possession of the football for three plays before a Dakota Dailey fumble was recovered by North Delta defensive lineman Hunter Pitcher at the Patriot 42 yard line.

North Delta cashed in on the turnover and would cap an eight play, 42 yard drive on the second play of the second quarter when Taylor Morris plowed in from two yards out at the 11:49 mark. Dean added the PAT as North Delta extended their lead to 14-0.

North Delta would score again on their very next possession and this time it looked to have taken the air out of the visiting Patriots.

Facing a third and 24 from the North Delta 10 yard line quarterback Tyler Pirtle connected with Austin Hagstrom for a 90 yard touchdown pass after Hagstrom managed to get behind a Marshall defender to haul in the football. William Dean added the PAT and with 4:17 remaining in the first half Marshall was looking at a 21-0 deficit but the Patriots would get a much needed boost on the ensuing possession.

After quarterback Dakota Dailey connected with wide-out Randy Love for a short 4 yard gain to the Marshall 35 yard line Dailey hit senior wide-out Aaron McAlexander for a 65 yard touchdown pass to get the Patriots on the board with 3:19 left until intermission.

Billions’ PAT went wide left and Marshall would head into halftime down by 15 points at 21-6.

Marshall would pull to within a touchdown of North Delta on the Patriots second possession of the third quarter.

Dailey would step up in the pocket and deliver a strike to Aaron McAlexander on a crossing pattern and the senior wide-out did the rest as he sprinted into the endzone to finish off a 39 yard touchdown pass with 1:29 left in the quarter. Dailey then went right on a 2-point attempt and bulled his way into the endzone to pull the Patriots to within a touchdown at 21-14.

North Delta would move into Marshall territory on their next possession but the Greenwaves would stall at the Patriot 49 yard line after a fourth down pass from Tyler Pirtle went incomplete with 10:40 left in regulation.

Eleven seconds later the Marshall faithful were in hysteria as sophomore tailback Devin McGreger broke through the North Delta line and out-raced everyone 51 yards to pay-dirt to pull Marshall to within one point at 21-20 but Billions’ PAT went low and was deflected leaving the Patriots trailing by a point.

North Delta looked to retrieve a bit of much needed momentum and after moving to the Marshall 32 yard line in 7 plays the Greenwaves looked primed to preserve a win but the drive fizzled as a 15 yard unsportsmanlike infraction would ultimately force a fourth and 10 from the Marshall 34 yard line two plays later. That fourth down would be one of the turning points of the night as Tyler Pirtle’s pass went incomplete giving Marshall the football at the Patriot 35 yard line with 5:28 remaining in regulation.

Marshall got the start they needed as they began the drive with a 15 yard pickup from tailback Devin McGreger out to midfield. Two plays later McGreger moved the Patriots into North Delta territory with a 4 yard dive to the Greenwaves 46 yard line. After a motion infraction pushed Marshall back to their own 49 yard line sophomore quarterback Dakota Dailey made a game saving scramble.

Facing a third and 11 Dailey dropped to pass and was immediately forced to elude two North Delta defenders who looked to have Dailey cornered in the backfield. Dailey broke away from a near sack and scrambled around the right side all the way to the North Delta 29 yard line.

Devin McGreger picked up 9 yards on a first down carry to the Greenwaves 20 yard line and Zack Pritchett rumbled another 9 yards to the North Delta 11 but the North Delta defense stiffened and would force a Marshall timeout with 18 seconds remaining in regulation and the Patriots facing a fourth and six from the Greenwaves 7 yard line.

Enter senior Roy Billions who split a 23 yard field goal through the uprights with 13 seconds left garnering a thunderous explosion from the Marshall crowd and pandemonium on the Patriot sidelines. 

“I knew it was going through,” said Billions. “I had to be ready when my number was called and I had to believe in myself and I came through for my team. We’re all brothers out on the field and we all believe in each other.”

Marshall improves to 11-2 and will face Brookhaven for the state championship on Friday at Millsaps College. Brookhaven defeated defending Class AA Champion Simpson 21-17 on Friday night.

Devin McGreger rushed for 121 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown for Marshall. Dakota Dailey passed for 144 yards and two touchdowns and senior wide-out Aaron McAlexander had 6 receptions for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Sophomore defensive back Von Watson led a Marshall defense that held North Delta quarterback Tyler Pirtle to 61 yards on 24 carries with 12 tackles. Linebacker Zack Pritchett had 10 tackles and the Patriot defense recorded 7 sacks on the night.

Marshall will be making their third state championship appearance and will be looking for the school’s first state title in football.

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Post Game with Marshall Head Coach Bart Jenkins

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