Brookhaven vs Lamar Title Game

Central Hinds Football

All District 4AA Selections

Jordan Townsend – Senior – RB / DB

Jon Reynolds – Senior – OT / DE
Hunter Farrior – Junior – FB / LB
Nick Mitchell – Junior – OT / DT
Austin Sills – Junior – OG / DT
Jordan Currie – Sophomore – QB / LB

WANTED!!!

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BASKETBALL PHOTOS

aafandaman@yahoo.com

Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year

Rogers is Player of the Year
Chandler Rogers has been selected as the 2009 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year. The junior quarterback from Brookhaven Academy led the Cougars to a perfect 15-0 season and the State AA Championship. In Brookhaven’s 63-28 win over Lamar in the title game Rogers displayed the focus and composure he has exhibited since his first start as a sophomore. After all was said and done Rogers had passed for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns along with 139 yards rushing in one of the more dominate performances in MAIS title game history.
While the junior has garnered tons of attention this past season one thing that most people don't know is that just two seasons ago Rogers wasn’t a quarterback. “I have not always played quarterback,” said Rogers. “I played running back in the ninth grade. My tenth grade year was my first year to play quarterback.”
The rise of Rogers’ game has been attributed to hard work and countless repetitions on the practice field but also the stewardship of Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “Coach Davis has been one of the biggest influences on me during my high school football career. When he came to Brookhaven Coach Davis gave me the chance to prove myself to him and the team,” said Rogers. “He not only believed in me but supported me and pushed me everyday to be the best I could be. He has spent countless hours teaching and coaching me throughout the past two years.” The relationship between the two doesn’t end at the front gate of Brookhaven Academy. “Coach Davis and I have a very close relationship. He treats me as if I were his own son. He traveled as far as Orlando with me to ensure that I could be the best quarterback I could be. We communicate and exchange ideas very well.”

Not many high school athletes can express what it feels like to go an entire season without losing a game not to mention the physical and mental toll it takes on an individual. Rogers and his teammates now have the insight into those feelings but as Rogers puts it, the path to a championship isn’t easy. “This past football season was the most physically challenging experience of my life. After the jamboree, I was in the emergency room thinking I had a broken leg. To come from that experience to going undefeated has been the most awesome experience of my life. Mentally, I was challenged more so than physically. Hours of film watching and studying with the coaches left me physically and mentally drained at the end of the season.”

During any championship season there comes a point when a team has a defining moment and for Rogers that came after a round two playoff win over defending champion Centreville. “We knew we had a special team after defeating the Centreville Tigers. They are known for their championship football teams, and defeating them gave us the extra confidence that we needed,” said Rogers.
The numbers associated with the season Rogers has had are impressive to say the least. Rogers averaged 326 yards of offense a game in an undefeated season against one of the most difficult schedules in AA football. He also was one of a very few to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards to go along with 59 touchdowns this season.

More insight on Chandler Rogers
* How long have you attended Brookhaven?
“My family and I moved to Brookhaven in 2000, and I began school at Brookhaven Academy in the second grade.”
* When did you first start playing football?
“I played pee-wee football in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. However, I did not play my seventh and eighth grade years due to traveling baseball. I returned to junior high football in the ninth grade.”
* Looking back at the 2009 season what was one of the more humorous things that sticks out in your mind?
“During a very emotional speech before the Centreville playoff game, Coach Davis got his thoughts mixed up...he said, "We may not be the best team, but we are the best T-E-A-M." (He spelled out T-E-A-M)”
* In your personal life who has been the most influential and why?
“My parents have been the most influential people in my life. On game days, my dad always sends me a Bible verse for encouragement. Mom is always there for love and support, when I need it the most.”
* What will it take for Brookhaven to be successful next season?
“It will be very tough to top the Cinderella story of the 2009 season. The team and I will have to work twice as hard as we did this year. It will take hours of offseason and extra workouts to remain champions, however, "We Believe."
* What are your plans for the summer....camps?
“In the off season I plan to attend as many combines and camps as possible. I plan to spend countless hours in the gym and on the field to improve every aspect of my game.”
*What are your goals after your senior season?
“After my senior season, it is my hope and dream to continue my football career at the college level. I plan to further my education by going into the medical field.”

2009 numbers breakdown:
Passing – 3,813 yards – 46 tds – 4 Ints
Rushing – 1,071 yards – 13 tds
Total yards – 4,884
Record as a starter – 23-4 (two seasons)

There were lots of great players in AA football this season and many faithful supporters of each one. The criteria for selecting the player of year was based on input from coaches, non-partial observers and input from readers as to why a particular player should be chosen.

Apaches have big shoes to fill

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The Glenbrook Apaches recently completed a successful first year in AA football that included a playoff appearance, but replacing senior quarterback Preston Wise may prove to be a tall order for head coach Ryan Porter.
Wise led the Apaches to a 7-4 record and a second place finish in district 6AA, but the word quickly spread regarding the signal caller’s abilities after a 46-38 loss to Centreville in round one of the playoffs. Wise and the Apaches fought off a big first half deficit to tie the defending champs late in the game only to lose in the waning moments. In that game Wise passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns and accounted for two more touchdowns on the ground as he rushed for 70 yards.
Preston Wise definitely left his mark as the quarterback at Glenbrook. Wise amassed 2,868 all-purpose yards and 37 touchdowns this season.

(Photo below) Wise (#25) was part of the 2007 Glenbrook team that won the single A title.

Inside the numbers……
Passing
128/182 – 2,011 yards
70% completion rate
19 tds – 8 ints
Rushing
857 yards on 124 carries – 18 tds
Avg yards per carry – 6.9
31 career rushing tds
Defense
57 tackles (3 year starter at LB)
1 int
221 career tackles

Wise was selected to the MAIS All-Star squad this season and was chosen as District 6AA MVP.

All-Star Game Final
South 41
North 26

(Above) MAIS South All-Star Team

*Photos Courtesy of Darrell Winget

Canton falls to Columbia

Southern Sports & Travel

With a loss to Columbia Academy Saturday afternoon in the Hillcrest Tournament, the Lady Panthers fell to 5-5. The score was 51-35. Canton was in trouble from the start because of poor shooting and the problem continued for the entire game. The Lady Panthers were 4 of 11 from the free throw line and only 15 of 59 for 25.4% from the floor. Junior Katie Pepper had her second double-double of the week with 13 points and 12 reboounds. She was the only Canton player in double figures. Columbia was led by Ashton Scarborough with 22 points. Columbia also had 2 others in double figures: Martin with 13 and Williamson with 10.

Canton........6...7..11..11...35
Columbia...15..11..11..14...51
Canton hosts Central Hinds Tuesday night and end the week with trips to Leake on Thursday and Lamar School on Saturday.

Apaches fall to Riverdale

Courtesy of theMinden Press-Herald, By Gregg Parks
The Glenbrook Apaches fell to the Riverdale Rebels, 53-42, Tuesday night.
“We played a very good Riverdale team,” Glenbrook head coach Chris Kourvelas said. “They are a very disciplined, well-coached team. I believe we were a little fatigued from playing the night before.” Riverdale jumped out to a 13-7 first quarter lead and then took a 19-15 lead into the half. The Rebels out-scored the Apaches 14-12 and 20-15 the final two quarters to get the win.
“There are a few things we need to work on if we want to continue to improve,” Kourvelas said. “We’re looking forward to the tournament this week and are hoping these non-district games will help us prepare for district which starts in January.”
Deangelo McDonald led Glenbrook with 14 points and Colton Spurlock had 11. Zach Specht dropped in five.

Glenbrook beat Claiborne 63-30 last night in the Riverfield Tournament and improve to 5-3 on the season.

Pats rout Raiders; MA girls fall by 10

Courtesy of The South Reporter

Marshall Academy basketball teams split with Oak Hill prior to a Thanksgiving break.
The Patriots were in control from the opening tip and blasted the Raiders 60-15 on Tuesday night, Nov. 24, at home.
MA led 28-6 after one quarter, 45-8 at the half and 54-13 following three periods.
Ten Patriots scored. Jordan Wyke led the balanced attack with 13 points. Jake Omedeo followed with 12. Caleb Byrd and Taylor Maurey scored eight each.
“Jordo and Jake had solid offensive nights, getting them all in the first half, and then we coasted in the second half,” coach Craig Dailey said.
“It was a good opportunity to get everyone plenty of playing time. We got a big lead and then just let everyone get minutes.”
The Raiders are coached by Brian Middleton, a former assistant under Dailey.
“Brian has a good junior high group coming, and he will get it turned if they give him the support and time,” Dailey said.

The Marshall Academy girls stayed close to Oak Hill much of the way, but the visitors pulled away for a 55-45 win.
MA trailed 11-10 after one quarter, 30-26 at the half and 40-27 following three quarters.
Callie Clanton was the top gun for the Lady Pats. She scored 19, including three threes in the fourth as the team pulled to within four points in the fourth. Emily Burk scored 17.
“Callie and Emily ended with strong offensive games,” Coach Dailey said. “We must find more offensive production (only one point in the third quarter) and we’ve got to a lot better job of guarding their stars.”
Oak Hill’s Bonnie Riley finished with 18 points.
“She got nine of their 11 first-quarter points, and that shouldn’t happen,” he said.
“Oak Hill is a very good and solid team. They just whipped us. We get them again quickly (this Saturday), and we will see what improvements we’ve made.”

ALL DISTRICT 6AA SELECTIONS

Offense
*1st Team
Kaleb Legg - Junior -River Oaks - OL
Joseph Matte - Senior - River Oaks - OL
Greg Credeur - Senior - Cenla - OL
Sam Spiers - Junior - Prairie View - OL
Josh Stahl - Senior - Glenbrook - OL
John Rocket - Senior - River Oaks - WR
Reagan Lane - Junior - Cenla - WR
Chandler Singleton - Senior - Glenbrook - WR
Dave Parks - Senior - Glenbrook - WR
Vincent Moore - Junior - River Oaks - RB
Dar'tavies Green - Junior - Cenla - RB
Robbie Jones - Senior - Prairie View - RB
Chance Terrell - Senior - Cenla - QB
Corey Talley - Junior - River Oaks - K
Preston Wise - Senior - Glenbrook - QB - District MVP
Defense
*1st Team
PJ Bedenbender - Senior - River Oaks - DL
Casey Rahn - Sophomore - River Oaks - DL
John Rockett - Senior - River Oaks - DL
Greg Credeur - Senior - Cenla - DL
Kasey Kidd - Senior - Glenbrook - DL
Stephen Bragg - Senior - River Oaks - LB
Harrison Holloway - Junior - River Oaks - LB
Andy Brossett - Junior - Cenla - LB
Jeremy Cooper - Prairie View - Senior - LB
Dewey Kendrick - Junior - Glenbrook - LB
Darryl Barnes - Junior - River Oaks - DB
Aaron Rogers - Sophomore - River Oaks - DB
Collin Robinson - Senior - Prairie View - DB
Sam Spiers - Junior - Prairie View - P
Chandler Singleton - Senior - Glenbrook - DB - District MVP
Coach of the year - Robert Hannah - River Oaks

Time to put away the footballs

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The 2009/10 basketball season is officially full throttle now that football has wrapped up. As was the case with football, the new re-alignment will require a little feeling out period. The true barometer test begins in earnest as teams get accustomed to practicing with their full roster participating, and while it may be early January before the contenders pull away from the pretenders there will no doubt be a handful of teams that will make a serious run at a state title.
The Brookhaven Cougars will be looking for their sixth straight AA title this season but their biggest challenge will be replacing Blaine Roberts, Jeremy Foster and Josh Winborne. Despite those losses the Cougars will put a frontcourt duo of Jake Reed (photo right) and Sidney Chaffin on the court that will cause matchup problems for most teams and point guard Jamison Powell is back for his senior season. Regardless of what Brookhaven does in December and January, the Cougars under the guidance of head coach Dale Watts, have owned February the past five seasons.
The question as to who will challenge Brookhaven this season is easily answered. The four most notable contenders are Bowling Green, Hillcrest, Marshall and Columbia. Simple as that, right? Don’t think so…..questions arise about a handful of other teams that could go unanswered for some time. Who will be the sleeper team……..West Memphis, Indianola, Leake, Simpson, Canton?
Many think Bowling Green has the most talent this season with the core of the 2008/09 team that won south state returning along with a handful of new players. The Buccaneers have advanced to the semi-finals the past two seasons only to fall short of playing in the title game. Bowling Green has arguably the best player in the MAIS in senior Jaron Edwards (photo left) and if that team gels quickly they’ll be a handful for any squad. Head coach Pat King is in his third season as boys head coach and has a record of 68-10.
The Hillcrest Cougars made the move to AA this season and will be right in the middle of the championship race. While Hillcrest did lose their two big men from last season they will no doubt be in contention in 2009/10. Senior Austin Hartzog has been lighting up opposing teams this year and the 6’3” Ole Miss signee (baseball) has proven to be one of the better all around athletes in the MAIS. James Crain is in his fifth year as head coach and has an overall record of 732-250.
The Columbia Cougars have started out the season at 8-1 and have added a big man to compliment the play of point guard Tanner Pace (photo right). Christian Robbins is a new addition to the team at Columbia and the 6’10” junior will provide a great inside-out game for the Cougars this season. Coach Reid McCay is in his seventh season at Columbia and has an overall mark of 187-95.
The team in the north that could challenge Hillcrest is the Marshall Patriots. The squad from Holly Springs returns all five starters plus their sixth man from last season’s group that nearly eliminated Bowling Green in the state tournament in Brookhaven. The Patriots will be led by 6’2” forward Jake Omedeo, senior guard Caleb Byrd (photo left) and junior Taylor Maurey. Coach Craig Dailey is in his fifth year at Marshall and has an overall record of 375-178.
Now the battle begins for the right to play for a AA championship at Indianola in late February.

From the notebook………

*Only the all-star game remains to put a wrap on the 2009 football season. And what a fun season it was. Big “Shout Out” to both Brookhaven and Trinity for earning state titles last Friday. I can’t remember ever wishing the season wouldn’t end so I could begin feeding my basketball addiction but this was an exceptional year for football. I’m already projecting what teams could make a run in 2010 and looking forward to August.

*I’ve send out emails to a group of coaches and folks who are knowledgeable about AA football asking for input on the 2009 player of the year. The response has been great. Three areas will be used in selecting the player; 1) Input from the email solicitations, 2) The Southern Sports & Travel online poll, and 3) Input from readers. If anyone would like to submit their choice and input please email me at aafandaman@yahoo.com or leave a comment below. Comments will be moderated to avoid any negative remarks being made towards a player. The selection will be released next week.

*I was reminded today that Lamar wide-out Bo Bidgood came up two touchdowns short of breaking the state single season touchdown receiving record which was set two seasons ago by Austin Byrd of Leake Academy. Bidgood finished the season with 22 receiving touchdowns, two shy of the record 24 caught by Byrd.

*Brookhaven finished a remarkable season that will stand out for many years to come. While the title game didn’t pan out to be the close battle many had hoped for the second round game against Centreville will go down as one of the very best. Brookhaven’s 57-56 double overtime win over the defending champs demonstrates how a whole season can come down to a few critical plays that don’t necessarily come in the title game. These three stick out…….With Brookhaven down 35-33 Tyler Trout nails a 44 yard field goal with 5:32 left in the 4th quarter, Chandler Rogers hits Tripp Jolly with a perfectly thrown pass on a fade route for the game tying touchdown with 22 seconds left in the 4th quarter, and in my opinion the biggest play of the Cougar’s season, the Brookhaven defense stopping Zach Sinclair one yard short on a game winning two point attempt.

*The resolve and discipline required to win a state championship is truly amazing. Brookhaven and Trinity took part in Jamboree’s back in August and then played fifteen consecutive weeks en-route to winning a title. The sacrifice and physical demand the players endure is to be applauded.

*Finally, Southern Sports & Travel needs aspiring writers or sports hounds to submit short articles during basketball season. High school students, parents or supporters are needed to expand coverage particularly in the north region. Southern Sports & Travel went over the 50,000 visitor mark this past weekend and I’m always working on how to improve the site.

See ya somewhere……………….

**Comments

From Anonymous.....

A biased comment on the Year End AA poll...RO should be No 2. They gave BA a much better contest than Lamar. They didn't surrender the points CA did, either. RO only lost to 2 State Champs and defeated one, TE, at a time when TE was healthy, which they weren't for BA or CA, having lost a few starters in the RO contest. Rant over. Great work on the season.

*

From Anonymous.....

The problem with your argument is, 1. Trinity was healthy when they played Brookhaven and 2. Brookhaven beat River Oaks with 60% of their offense on the sideline after River Oaks players took cheap shots. Do the math, if Brookhaven had been healthy the whole game, it would have been a lot worse than it was. Don't complain about a #4 ranking for such a young River Oaks team. They were good, but Lamar and Simpson would have beaten River Oaks easily.

*

From Anonymous.....

The injuries BA sustained were not due to cheap shots. Football is a physical sport and injuries happen. Don't try and drag down a young RO team by saying that they took nasty cheap shots that put kids on the sideline because that was not the case.

2009 MAIS All-Star Football Selections

http://www.msais.org/mailouts/fballstar09.pdf