Lamar claims third state championship

Southern Sports & Travel

It’s not supposed to happen; a freshmen quarterback leading a Class AAA squad to a state championship is almost unheard of in the modern age of high school football with intricate offenses and schemes.

On Saturday night on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton the Lamar Raiders won the school’s third state championship by defeating fourth ranked Magnolia Heights 28-21 in an epic battle chalked full of big plays both offensively and defensively.

Leading Lamar in that epic state championship battle on Saturday night was 6’0”, 172 lb. freshman quarterback Davis Harrison who went 16/25 for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for 43 yards against a Magnolia Heights team that seemed destined to claim its’ fifth state title.

While the Raiders had a freshman signal-caller leading the offense, the defense was one salted with senior experience and when it mattered most they delivered.

“We talked state championship all year, said Lamar head coach Mac Barnes. “Our guys believed it.”

Barnes is no stranger to Mississippi high school football fans. His years at Meridian High and Lamar have produced multiple state championship trophies but this season’s squad may be one of the most enjoyable and gratifying for the 61 year old who just finished his thirteenth season at Lamar.

“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some state championship games but I don’t know if there’s ever been a game that I was more proud of a team for fighting a really good opponent for 48 minutes,” said Barnes.
Lamar outscored Magnolia Heights 21-7 in a second half that included a momentum changing defensive play from junior linebacker Richard Covington whose pick six with 10:57 remaining in regulation broke a 14-14 tie.
The Lamar lead was short-lived as Magnolia Heights quarterback David Herrington found an opening in the Raider defense and sprinted 75 yards to put the Chiefs back on top at 21-20 with under ten minutes remaining.

The stars seemed to be aligning for Magnolia Heights to win the 2013 Class AAA Division-II State Championship following that score. After all, no freshman quarterback would have the poise and purpose to perform under such pressure and direct a 13 play. 69 yard touchdown drive that would ultimately be the game winner.

With 5:01 remaining in the game Davis Harrison capped that 69 yard, 13 play drive when he connected with senior Lee Martin for a 5 yard touchdown. Harrison then converted on a 2-point conversion to give Lamar what would be a final 28-21 victory.

“We made a lot of plays and beat a really good football team in Magnolia Heights,” said Mac Barnes.

Heading into Saturday’s state title game Barnes had concerns about Magnolia Heights and with just cause. The Chiefs had earlier hammered an Oak Forest team that defeated Lamar in the regular season finale and Magnolia Heights blasted last season’s Class AAA Division-II Champion Heritage 47-13, a team Lamar narrowly defeated just one week prior to Saturday’s title game.

“We knew our team had a lot of desire and we knew they would bounce back after a tough playoff game with Heritage,” said Barnes.

Lamar’s depth paid huge dividends against Magnolia Heights as the Raiders only had a few players who played on both sides of the football and as the game entered the second half there was a sense that Lamar was the fresher squad.

“I think as the game went on Magnolia Heights wore down,” said Barnes.

Three seniors paced the Lamar defense on Saturday night. Defensive end Jonathan Young (Photo at top of page) and linebacker Shane Blanton each recorded 10 tackles on the night and linebacker Jesse Seale had 8 stops.

Another senior wrapped up his playing days with Lamar in deserving fashion. Lee Martin, (Photo left) who is one of the few Raiders relied on to play both ways, had 7 receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 40 yards and a score. Martin recorded the third most tackles on the team during the season, behind Young and Seale, and had a team high 10 sacks. On Saturday the defensive back had 3 stops and as Mac Barnes put it Martin was a calming force on offense during the year to help keep their freshman quarterback settled.
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Lamar finished the 2013 season at 11-3 and will open the 2014 campaign as the defending Class 

AAA Division-II State Champions, a phrase that is pleasing to the ears of head coach Mac Barnes.

Lamar Head Coach Mac Barnes Interview

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Photos courtesy of Lamar School
Team photo courtesy of Rives Photography

Trinity Board of Trustees announces new head coach

As many of you already know Coach Josh Loy was relieved of his duties as Athletic Director, Head Football Coach and Teacher effective November 26.  This decision by our Head of School, Mr. Les Hegwood, was thoroughly vetted by our administration with input from the Board of Trustees.  All facts leading up to this decision were thoroughly considered, and our support for this decision is unanimous.  Although the decision we made in this instance was a difficult one, we believe it is best for the overall health of the school and its culture.  Student centered changes that best accomplish our mission to prepare students for excellence in college and in life are necessary to accomplish the goals of Trinity Episcopal School.  We unanimously endorse our Head of School who has led the school through difficult times and performed far above average.   Thank you for the support we have received while going through this transition.

Some months ago Mr. Hegwood heard of Zach Rogel (2005 Trinity Graduate) as a promising young educator and coach.  Over the past several months he has reached out to Coach Rogel and developed a collegial relationship while tracking his progress as a defensive backs coach at Mississippi College where he also played under Norm Joseph.  Considering the recent personnel change, Mr. Hegwood was immediately compelled to contact Coach Rogel about his availability in regards to the Athletic Director, Football Coach and Teacher vacancy.  Many of you know Zach Rogel as a former Trinity student and athlete.  I have had the pleasure of meeting with him and feel that he is exactly the right fit for the future of our school's athletic programming.  He is knowledgeable, energetic, principled and visionary.  Due in part to his experience as a college player and coach, Coach Rogel has experienced unique exposure to top-ranked college and NFL programs. These connections should provide rare experiences for our student athletes both now and as they decide whether or not they continue to play beyond high school.  Coach Rogel is eager to meet the Trinity family and ecstatic to have this opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream. 

Douglas notches win 704

By Brad Greer

Whatever North Delta girls basketball coach Phil Douglas told his club at halftime of their game last week against Tunica Academy must have worked.

Deadlocked 21-21 at intermission, the Lady Green Wave put the clamps on the visitors by holding Tunica to seven points in the second half in route to a 50-28 victory. The win was also a milestone of sorts as Douglas claimed win number 704 of his coaching career that has spanned over three decades.
Douglas started coaching at South Panola junior high from 1974-1978 before starting his head coaching stint the following year. Douglas then made stops at Pleasant Grove Academy, Yalobusha Academy, Oak Hill Academy, Greenville Christian, Tishomingo County, Bayou Academy, Independence and North Delta for the past eight seasons.

"God has blessed me and has made me a platform for relationships and witness for so many young people. I have to give them credit for a lot and of course the Lord for putting me where he wanted me to serve his will," said Douglas.

Claire Gant paved the way for North Delta (3-2) with 14 points, nine of which came in the third quarter as the Lady Waves outscored Tunica 15-0. Hastings Neal followed Gant in the scoring column with 11 points.

Tunica was held scoreless in the second half until Crystal Terry, who led all scorers with 16 points, hit a three-pointer with 4:28 remaining in the game.

"We made some defensive changes at halftime and they did not adjust to them. We knew we could break them down on the dribble and we started getting some good looks at the basket in the second half," said Douglas.

Erin Snider chipped in with nine points while Callie Blake Masterson supplied six points as North Delta shot 35 percent (18-51) from the field and 11-of-18 at the free throw line.

Jordan Pullen and Julianna Morrow registered four points while Megan Bollinger added two points.

Trinity Coach Josh Loy releases statement regarding recent firing

"I can't tell you how proud I am of the young men on this team.  They have worked hard all season and this will be a memory that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.  I never had the chance to play for a state title in high school, but I can tell you that I am honored to be a part of this with these fine young men.  We have fought through a lot of adversity over the last few weeks and I think that the way the team played Saturday night shows great character.

It was my goal when I became the head coach at Trinity to develop a quality football program to compliment the academic curriculum. I believe we accomplished that goal in the two years I have been here.   I regret that I will not be given the opportunity to provide the underclassmen with the same experience. Unfortunately, for reasons that I do not agree with and emphatically deny, the administration has made a decision to relieve me of my duties as an employee of Trinity School.  I have never condoned hazing and certainly was not aware of any hazing incidents until it was brought to my attention by the administration immediately prior to my termination supposedly related to the incident. The last three weeks have been an emotional roller coaster, and right now I would like the opportunity to reflect on and enjoy what we accomplished this season, and I ask that you respect my family's privacy during this difficult time."

MAIS FOOTBALL 2013 ALL-STAR TEAMS

Saints flex muscle, leave no doubt in title game

Southern Sports & Travel

It seemed since the beginning of the 2013 MAIS football season that the Class A State Championship game was predestined to feature Trinity Episcopal and Marshall Academy. Both squads moved down in classification this season from Class AA and, as advertised, advanced through the regular season schedule as predicted heading into the direct paths of each other.

On a cold, wet and windy Saturday afternoon on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton the top two teams in Class A finally met to determine Class A supremacy and for one quarter the game lived up to its’ billing.

What ensued was a display of total dominance as top ranked Trinity unleashed 42 straight points en-route to a 50-6 pounding of second ranked Marshall to claim the school’s sixth state championship.

“This is a dream come true,” said an emotional Trinity head coach Josh Loy. “The reason we’re here is because they care for each other, they love each other and they play for each other.”

The Trinity defense, third best in the MAIS in points allowed, wasted little time in making an impact in the contest.

Only 12 seconds into the game Trinity safety Trey Hall recovered a fumble in the Marshall backfield on the Patriot’s first play from scrimmage and the Saints were more than eager to cash in.

Hall would do the honors as the junior scampered 11 yards into the endzone to quickly put Trinity on top. The Saints converted on a 2-point conversion attempt and only 17 seconds into the game Marshall was looking at an 8-0 deficit.

Marshall’s defense would hold their own throughout the opening quarter and the Patriot offense would get a big play on a fourth and one from their own 44 yard line when speedster Jordon Harris bounced off the left edge and sprinted 56 yards for a touchdown with 1:00 left in the opening quarter.

Marshall’s 2-pt conversion attempt failed but the Patriots grabbed some momentum heading into the second quarter.

Trinity responded with a 9 play, 74 yard drive spearheaded by the rushing of quarterback Michael Whitley and tailback Demarcus Fleming who combined for 65 yards on the ground during the drive. Whitley would ultimately cap the drive on a 5 yard keeper at the 10:16 mark of the second quarter to put Trinity up 14-6.

Whitley made his presence felt on the defensive side of the football on Marshall’s ensuing possession as the senior picked off a Dakota Dailey pass at the Saint 34 yard line and, as Trinity did to open the game, the Saints quickly capitalized.

Whitley connected with a wide open Quinton Logan who raced 66 yards to push the Trinity lead to 20-6 with 9:52 remaining in the half.

After Trinity’s defense would force a Marshall three and out the Saints went to work again.

This time a 6 play, 66 yard drive that culminated on a Michael Whitley 21 yard touchdown strike to junior wide-out Wyatt Boothe at the 3:35 mark of the quarter to up the lead to 26-6.

Marshall’s attempts to climb back into the game would produce negative results and when the Patriots lined up to attempt a 46 yard field goal disaster occurred.

A fake field goal attempt resulted in a fumble in the Patriot backfield and gave Trinity prime field position at the Saint’s 41 yard line with 1:30 remaining in the half.

Three plays later Trinity increased their cushion to 34-6 as Michael Whitley hit tight-end Quinton Logan for a 52 yard touchdown pass with 33 seconds left in the first half of play.

“We felt good at halftime,” said Trinity senior quarterback Michael Whitley. “We weren’t comfortable but we felt good.”

Trinity opened the second half with possession of the football and they virtually shut the door on any attempt from Marshall to mount a serious comeback as the Saints went 73 yards in 5 plays and extended their lead to 42-6 when Demarcus Fleming scored from 8 yards out just 1:28 into the quarter.

Michael Whitley cemented his name into the Trinity history book as he capped off another stellar performance with a 9 yard scoring run with 36 seconds remaining in the third quarter to give the Saints their biggest lead at 50-6.

“He’s special,” said Trinity head coach Josh Loy. “I can’t say enough about that kid, he’s the leader of our team. He’s the heart and soul of our team.”

Whitley finished his final game with 83 yards rushing on 10 carries and 2 touchdowns and went 7/16 for 204 yards and 3 touchdowns. Whitley had an interception on defense.

The senior signal-caller got plenty support from a squad loaded with quality skill players.

Sophomore tailback Demarcus Fleming rushed for 102 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown and had 1 reception for 41 yards.

Junior tailback Trey Hall picked up 59 yards on 2 carries and a touchdown and senior Steward Malory contributed with 43 yards on 5 carries as Trinity totaled 262 yards on the ground.

Sophomore Quinton Logan had 3 receptions for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns. Logan also accounted for 2.5 sacks on defense.

Freshman linebacker Cade Wells had a fumble recovery for the Saint’s defense and senior defensive lineman Cole Radzewicz added a sack.

Marshall was held to 12 yards passing and junior quarterback Dakota Dailey was the main focus of the Trinity defensive game plan heading into Saturday’s title game.

‘We felt like bringing a lot of pressure was going to be key,” said Loy. “We stress defense, we like playing defense.”

Marshall speedster Jordon Harris was the lone bright spot for the Patriot offense. Harris rushed for 174 yards on 17 carries and the only score.

Dakota Dailey was held to -21 yards on the ground and junior tailback Devin McGregor added 40 yards on 10 carries.

Trinity piled up 466 total yards of offense while limiting Marshall to a season low 207 yards.

Trinity head coach Josh Loy was hoisted onto the shoulders of Trinity players as he proudly held up the state championship hardware his squad had just earned and before exiting the field his last time as head coach at Trinity Episcopal a soft spoken Loy passionately expressed his feelings about the season he and his squad had just completed.

“No matter what happens they can’t take this away from these kids. They can’t take this away from me. This is a memory I’ll cherish the rest of my life.”

2013 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONS - TRINITY EPISCOPAL SAINTS
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Post Game with Trinity Head Coach Josh Loy

Post Game with Trinity senior Michael Whitley
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Patrick Lane of Washington signs with Towson 

Washington School senior Patrick Lane has signed a swimming scholarship with Towson University located near Baltimore, Maryland.

Seated is : Terri Lane (Mother), Patrick Lane . Standing from Left to Right: William Lane (Dad), Dan’l Murray (coach), Gatlin Glover (coach), Sarah Lane (sister).

Simpson takes second title in three years

Southern Sports & Travel

Simpson Academy led the entire MAIS in points allowed at 7.8 points a game heading into Friday’s Class AA State Championship matchup with top ranked Centreville at Robinson-Hale Stadium on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton.

The Cougar defense held Centreville to 112 rushing yards and capitalized on three Tiger turnovers to capture the school’s sixth state championship and second in three years with a 20-7 win before a large crowd.

Simpson finished the season with nine straight wins and first year head coach Winston Mullins credited a tough schedule that prepared them for a successful playoff run but first gave credit to his predecessor, former head coach Billy Wayne Hankins.

“Coach Hankins gave me a pretty good car to drive,” said Mullins. “He didn’t give me a clunker, he gave me a Cadillac and these guys bought into everything and nothing really changed except the guy’s name on the door.”

Mullins couldn’t have scripted a better start to Friday’s championship game.

Andrew Berry took the opening kick-off and sprinted 67 yards to the Centreville 28 yard line and seven plays later Simpson workhorse Daniel Taylor plowed his way to pay-dirt from 2 yards out to put the second ranked Cougars on top quickly.

Andrew Berry's successful PAT gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead with 8:26 left in the opening quarter of play.

For Centreville head coach Bill Hurst the start his squad got off to was a nightmare as tailback John Marcus McDowell coughed up the football on the Tiger’s second play from scrimmage.

Simpson defensive end Seth Batton recovered the McDowell fumble at the Tiger 49 yard line at the 8:20 mark of the quarter.

Daniel Taylor ripped off a quick 8 yards on first down to advance the football to the Centreville 41 and Hayden Benton rambled 26 yards on the ensuing play to set the Cougars up at the Tiger 15.

Two plays later Andrew Berry went around the ride side for an 11 yard touchdown run to cap the 4 play, 49 yard drive.

Berry added the PAT to up the lead to 14-0 and with 6:22 remaining in the first quarter Simpson had overwhelmed Centreville.

Centreville struggled against the Simpson run defense and would punt on their next two possessions but with just under three minutes left in the half the Tigers mounted their first drive of the afternoon.

The Tigers moved into Simpson territory but disaster struck while facing a second and two at the Cougar 35 yard line.

A high snap over the head of freshman quarterback Britt Netterville resulted in a loss and two plays later Simpson defensive back Kolby Burton picked off a Netterville pass at the Cougar 14 yard line to halt the Centreville drive with 26 seconds remaining in the half.

Centreville opened the second half with a purpose and mounted another drive, this one starting at their own 20 yard line.

Tailback Mark Curry would exploit the edges of the Simpson defense and Netterville tossed a picture perfect pass to Colby Shaw for 21 yards to the Cougar 19 yard line but another high snap would result in an 11 yard loss back to the Simpson 30.

Two plays later Simpson defensive lineman Chase Ainsworth would sack Netterville and force a fumble that Seth Batton recovered at the Cougar 43 yard line to stymie yet another Centreville drive.

With 2:22 left in the third quarter Simpson start building what would be their best drive of the afternoon.

The Cougars methodically went 80 yards in 11 plays and would take the wind out of the Centreville Tigers when senior tailback Daniel Taylor went around the right side for a 9 yard touchdown run at the 8:55 mark of the fourth quarter to finish a drive that burned over five minutes off the clock and gave Simpson a 20-0 advantage.

Centreville still had fight in them and matched Simpson’s drive with an 80 yard march of their own but doing it quickly as the Tigers went 80 yards in 7 plays in only 1:24.

Mark Curry went 4 yards around the right edge to give Centreville their first points of the contest.

Brock Andrus added the PAT and with 7:31 remaining the Tigers cut the deficit to 20-7.

An onside kick attempt would go out of bounds giving Simpson possession at the Centreville 49 yard line and that would ultimately end any chance of a late game comeback from the Tigers.

Senior tailback Daniel Taylor rushed for 150 yards on 29 carries and 2 touchdowns to lead the new Class AA State Champions. Taylor also recorded 7.5 tackles on defense.

‘Daniel is a warrior,” said Mullins. “You would have to cut his leg off to keep him out of a game like today. He just loves to play football, he loves the game, he loves being around his teammates and it’s never about Daniel, it’s always about Simpson.”

Fellow senior tailback Andrew Berry ran for 47 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown and senior Hayden Benton rushed two times for 31 yards. Benton also had 7.5 stops on the defensive side of the football.

Senior defensive lineman Chase Ainsworth had a sack and forced fumble and senior defensive end Seth Batton had 2 fumble recoveries and 2 tackles.

Defensive back Kolby Burton had an interception and 2 tackles.

Simpson wraps up the 2013 campaign at 13-1 and as head coach Winston Mullins put it; “It’s an incredible feeling being the head coach of Simpson Academy and winning a championship.”

Centreville closes out the season at 12-2 but with all but three starters returning next season the Tigers have high hopes of returning to the championship game.

Junior tailback Mark Curry rushed for 50 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown for the Tigers.

John Marcus McDowell netted 33 yards on 7 carries and freshman quarterback Britt Netterville went 13/21 for 161 yards and 1 interception on the day.

Netterville stepped in to replace Casey Haygood who had surgery two weeks ago to repair a broken ankle suffered in the Tri-County playoff win.

Simpson totaled 263 rushing yards to Centreville’s 112.

Centreville had 161 passing yards to Simpson’s 11.

In time of possession Simpson dominated with 29:12 to 18:48 for Centreville.

2013 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONS - SIMPSON ACADEMY

Post Game with Simpson Head Coach Winston Mullins

Post Game with senior Tailback Daniel Taylor
Post Game with senior Tailback Andrew Berry

MAIS Class AA State Championship Stat Line

Centreville Academy Tigers

Centreville, Mississippi

Head Coach: Bill Hurst – Thirty seventh season

Overall Record: 12-1

District 6-AA Champions

Southern Sports & Travel ranking: #1

Points scored per game: 37.5

Points allowed per game: 19.8

Win streak heading into championship game: 11

State Championships: 8 (1976, 1979, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2007, 2008)

Key players:  Britt Netterville – FR QB – Making second ever start

Mark Curry – JR RB – 698 yds rushing

Simpson Academy Cougars

Mendenhall, Mississippi

Head Coach: Winston Mullins – First season

Overall Record: 12-1

District 4-AA Champions

Southern Sports & Travel Ranking: #2

Points scored per game: 30.2

Points allowed per game: 7.8 (Best in MAIS)

Win streak heading into championship game: 8

State Championships: 5 (1973,2003, 2004, 2005, 2011)

Key player: Daniel Taylor – SR RB – 1,774 yds rushing (Fourth best in MAIS) – 19 tds

Last meeting: 2004 – Simpson defeated Centreville 45-0 in Class title game

Common opponents:

*Brookhaven

Centreville 35 Brookhaven 14 – Simpson 38 Brookhaven 14 & Simpson 47 Brookhaven 6

*Parklane

Centreville 36 Parklane 17 – Simpson 14 Parklane 13

*Silliman

Centreville 24 Silliman 21 – Simpson 17 Silliman 14

Most points scored in a game in 2013: Centreville 59 – Simpson 47

Most points allowed in a game in 2013: Centreville 44 – Simpson 16

Defensive shutouts in 2013: Centreville 1 – Simpson 4

Southern Sports & Travel pick to win: Simpson

MAIS Class A State Championship Stat Line

Trinity Episcopal Saints

Natchez, Mississippi

Head Coach: Josh Loy – Second season

Overall Record: 12-0

District 4-A Champions

Southern Sports & Travel ranking: #1

Points scored per game: 48.6

Points allowed per game: 8.1 (Third best in MAIS)

Win streak heading into championship game: 12

State Championships: 5 (1989, 2001, 2006, 2009, 2010)

Key player: Michael Whitley – SR QB – 44 tds (Second most in MAIS) 

Marshall Academy Patriots

Holly Springs, Mississippi

Head Coach: Bart Jenkins – Second season

Overall Record: 12-1

District 1-A Champions

Southern Sports & Travel Ranking: #2

Points scored per game: 49.7

Points allowed per game: 23.5

Win streak heading into championship game: 9

State Championships: 0

Key player: Dakota Dailey – JR QB – 1,429 rushing yds – 56 total tds (Tied for most in MAIS)

Last meeting: First ever meeting

Common opponents: 0

Most points scored in a game in 2013: Trinity 64 – Marshall 69

Most points allowed in a game in 2013: Trinity 34 – Marshall 75

Defensive shutouts in 2013: Trinity 5 – Marshall 2

Southern Sports & Travel pick to win: Trinity

MAIS 8-Man State Championship Stat Line

Sharkey Academy Confederates

Rolling Fork, Mississippi

Head Coach: Billy Caston – First season

Overall Record: 13-0

District 6-A Champions

Southern Sports & Travel ranking: #1

Points scored per game: 46.3

Points allowed per game: 13.8

Win streak heading into championship game: 13

State Championships: 0
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Franklin Academy Cougars

Winnsboro, Louisiana

Head Coach: Chris Sullivan – First season

Overall Record: 11-1

District 8-A Champions

Southern Sports & Travel Ranking: #2

Points scored per game: 47.3

Points allowed per game: 27.7

Win streak heading into championship game: 8

State Championships: 0

Last meeting: 2013 (Week 4) – Sharkey 56 Franklin 28

Sharkey has won 2 of past 3 meetings

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Common opponents:

*Humphreys:

Sharkey 48 Humphreys 22 – Franklin 90 Humphreys 64

*Tensas:

Sharkey 38 Tensas 8 – Franklin 56 Tensas 20 & Franklin 66 Tensas 8

Southern Sports & Travel pick to win: Sharkey