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Playoffs Pick Em

Playoffs Pick Em round two. Curtis Weldon of Brandon won the regular season Pick Em contest and won a Southern Sports & Travel hoodie valued at $49 and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports.
Over the course of the 2010 playoffs games will be posted on Mondays. At the end of the playoffs the participant with the most wins will win a Southern Sports & Travel hoodie valued at $49 and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shop or Best Buy.

Round Two
**Jackson Academy vs MRA
**Tunica at Winona
**DeSoto at Tri-County
**Leake at Winston
**Centreville at River Oaks
**North Delta at Simpson
**Cenla at Brookhaven
**Newton at Sylva Bay
**University Christian at Trinity
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**Tie-Breaker - Total points Centreville/River Oaks
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Each week picks must be sent via email by noon on Friday to aafandaman@yahoo.com

Brookhaven rolls past Adams Christian

For Southern Sports & Travel, By Brett Rutland

Brookhaven Academy welcomed the Rebels of Adams County Christian School into R. M. “Red” Stuard Field Friday night for the first round of the MAIS AA State playoffs looking to make a successful state championship defense. Adams coach Paul Hayles knew that his Rebels had to keep the high powered Cougar offense off the field for his team to author a huge upset, but that task proved nearly impossible for the visitors from Natchez.
Brookhaven whipped Adams 52-28 thanks to a powerful rushing performance that helped the Cougars pile up 317 yards on the ground and race to a 42-13 halftime lead. Brookhaven improved to 11-1 on the season and advances to meet playoff newcomer Cenla Christian in the second round. Adams Christian ends its season at 8-4.

(Above) Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers (#12) gets up-ended by Daniel Guedon of Adams Christian
“We knew we had our hands full with Brookhaven with the kind of numbers they put up offensively.” said Hayles. “We made a couple of mistakes and didn’t convert on opportunities when we had them and before we knew it they had pulled away. But I’m proud of my kids. They got down early and still played hard the whole game. We hate to see our season end this way but Brookhaven is a really good team.”
Adams appeared to grab momentum early in the game after a successful onside kick attempt to start the game gave the Rebels the ball at the Brookhaven 48 yard line. But Brookhaven’s defense did its job and force the Rebels into a punting situation. Rebels punter Rusty Blackwell saw the snap sail over his head, giving the Cougars the ball at the Rebels 37 yard line. It took just one snap for Brookhaven to find the end zone as quarterback Chandler Rogers connected with Bubba Keene on a 37 yard strike at the 7:41 mark of the first quarter. Tyler Trout added the extra point for a 7-0 Brookhaven lead.
Brookhaven reached the end zone again at the 4:15 mark of the first quarter, capping a seven play, 56 yard drive that ended with Landon Nettles scoring on a 14 yard run. Trout added the extra point for a 14-0 Brookhaven lead.
Adams put its first points on the board on the ensuing drive moving 68 yards in 7 plays before Brandon Sanders scored on a 30 yard run with 1:05 remaining in the first quarter. Johnny Smith added the extra point, cutting the Brookhaven lead to 14-7.
Brookhaven responded at the 7:43 remaining in the first half as Rogers scored on a 9 yard run. Trout added the extra point, pushing the Brookhaven lead to 21-7.
Adams responded quickly as Kent Yates connected with Daniel Guedon from 27 yards out with 6:13 left in the first half. C.J. Duckworth blocked the extra point attempt, allowing Brookhaven to have a 21-13 lead.
The Brookhaven offense exploded in the final five minutes of the first half as the Cougars were able to put three scores on the scoreboard before the break. Rogers connected with Jennings Mills from 8 yards out at the 4:48 mark, pushing the Brookhaven lead to 28-13 after Trout’s extra point. Nettles added a 15 yard run at the 2:13 mark and Rogers connected with Keene from 26 yards out with 1:31 remaining in the half, giving Brookhaven a 42-13 lead at the break.

(Above) Brandon Sanders (#33) of ACCS is halted by Alan Michael Allred (#60) and Mark Rushing (#6) of Brookhaven
Nettles opened the scoring of the second half at the 6:06 mark of the third quarter on a 12 yard run, capping a 10 play, 59 yard drive. Trout added the extra point for a 49-13 Brookhaven lead.
Tyler Trout added a 25 yard field goal with 9:19 left in the game to push the Brookhaven lead to 52-13.
Adams got a three yard run from Zack Day with 6:05 remaining and added a 28 yard run from Tyler Buckles with 2:33 left to end the scoring at 52-28.
“We had a solid performance tonight.” said Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “Our offensive and defensive lines dominated the line of scrimmage, and except for two deep balls and two turnovers we played pretty well. We were able to put it out of reach early and get the younger guys in and get our starters some rest. Now we just have to get ready for another challenge next week.
Nettles led the Brookhaven offense, picking up 144 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns. Rogers completed 9 of his 15 pass attempts for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He added 60 yards on 9 carries with another touchdown on the ground. Bubba Keene was the leading receiver, hauling in 4 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Kent Yates led Adams offensively, completing 4 of his 18 pass attempts for 74 yards with a touchdown. On the ground he added 46 yards on 8 carries. Brandon Sanders added 44 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown.
On defense, Alan Michael Allred led Brookhaven with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. Bailey Hodge added 9 stops in support. C.J. Duckworth, Jeff Rushing, and Hayden Hux each added 7 tackles in support.
Brookhaven hosts Cenla Christian of Pineville, La. Friday night in the second round of the MAIS AA state playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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Photos Courtesy of Sherylyn Evans

Leake advances with convincing win over Marshall

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Leake Rebels erased last season’s last minute loss to Marshall in round one of the playoffs and pounded the Patriots 30-0 last night in Madden to advance to the second round of the playoffs where they will face Winston. The Leake offense piled up 409 yards while a stifling defense held Marshall to 91 total yards on the night.
Leake hit pay-dirt on their second possession when Ethan Bobo capped of a 54 yard, 4 play drive with a 1 yard plunge with 2:44 remaining in the opening quarter. (Above) Leake quarterback Grant Wilson (#13) turns the corner for a 20 yard touchdown run in the opening quarter
The Rebels quickly regained possession as defensive tackle Hank Coleman recovered a Patriot fumble at the Marshall 24 yard line.
Leake cashed in two plays later when quarterback Grant Wilson sprinted 20 yards for a touchdown. Dylan Alford’s PAT increased the Rebel lead to 14-0 with 1:08 left in the first quarter.
Marshall was in a giving mood as the Patriots turned the ball over again. A mishandled snap on 1st down was recovered by Leake defensive end Cain Prestage at the Patriot 5 yard line to end the first quarter.
Leake made the most of Marshall miscues as the Rebels pushed their advantage to 20-0 on a Brad Hunter 3 yard run just 4 seconds into the 2nd quarter. (Above) Leake headed into the final quarter in control with a 30-0 lead
After forcing Marshall’s offense into a quick three and out Leake turned the football over as Hank Owens recovered a fumbled snap at the Rebel 41 yard line.
Marshall failed to capitalize on the turnover. The Patriots stalled on a 4th and 8 at the Leake 28 yard line.
Leake finished the half with a 10 play drive that chewed up over four minutes and was capped off with Dylan Alford’s 23 yard field goal with 1:32 remaining to give the Rebels a 23-0 lead heading into the locker room.
The Leake defense dominated the 3rd quarter holding Marshall to 6 yards and no 1st downs. Brad Hunter’s interception with 3:53 left in the 3rd quarter would lead to Tanner Winstead’s 5 yard run five plays later to push the Rebel lead to 30-0.
Marshall’s only scoring threat came following a Leake fumble at the Rebel’s own 18 yard line to start the 4th quarter. Marshall pounded the football down to the Leake 5 yard line but the Leake defense stopped tailback Kevin Fitzpatrick two inches short on a 4th and goal. (Above) Marshall tailback Kevin Fitzpatrick (#4) gets swarmed by Leake defenders
Leake improved to 9-2 and will travel to Louisville Friday night to take on District 2AA champion Winston who defeated Indianola last night 32-7.
Leake and Winston met in week one in Madden with the Rebels coming away with a 55-19 win.
Marshall ends their season at 8-3.
Brad Hunter led Leake with 112 yards on 9 carries and a touchdown, Joshua Mascagni picked up 91 yards on 13 carries and Brad Wilson had 84 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.


Post Game with Leake head coach Brian Pickens

Oak Forest one game from AAA crown
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Oak Forest Yellow Jackets held Magnolia Heights to -31 yards rushing and advanced to the Class AAA Division II Championship game with a resounding 42-7 thumping of Magnolia Heights in Amite last night. Nine different Jacket rushers piled up 222 yards on the ground as 18 seniors played their last home game for an Oak Forest squad just two years into playing at the Class AAA level.

(Above) Oak Forest tailback Alex Rimes (#33) rushed for 90 yards
Senior tailback Chris Gill broke a 34 yard run at the 7:21 mark of the first quarter to give the Jackets an early lead. Drew Misita’s 4 yard plunge with 13 seconds remaining in the half gave Oak Forest a 14-0 cushion at the halfway point.
Oak Forest broke the contest wide open in the second half. Blake Carter nailed Chris Gill for a 49 yard touchdown hookup and Homero Natal added the PAT to put the Jackets on top with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter.
Three fourth quarter touchdowns put the cap on a dominating night for Oak Forest. Alex Rimes ripped a 28 yard score at the 9:27 mark and Chris Gill scored his third touchdown of the night as the senior picked off Magnolia Heights quarterback Mac McDonald and raced 35 yards to put the Jackets up 35-0 with 8:35 left in the contest.

(Above) Oak Forest tailback James Peterson (#26) gets contained by Jake O'Bannon (#22) and Sharkey Luna (#21) of Magnolia Heights
Oak Forest linebacker James Peterson followed Gill’s interception with one of his own on the Chief’s following possession. Peterson picked off the third McDonald pass of the night and scampered 46 yards to seal the deal for the Jackets.
Jake O’Bannon scored from 11 yards out with 54 seconds remaining for Magnolia Height’s only score of the night.
Alex Rimes led the Oak Forest ground game with 90 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown and Chris Gill added 59 yards on 3 carries and a rushing touchdown.
Oak Forest totaled 303 yards on the night while Magnolia Heights (6-5) finished with 146.
The Jackets (9-3) will face Pillow (9-2) Thursday night at 6pm for the Class AAA Division II Title.

Photos Courtesy of Lee Wheeler

Cenla football, welcome to the party
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
If you like feel-good stories you have to like the amazing turnaround that has taken place at Cenla Christian out of Pineville, Louisiana. In just their fourth season the Lions have wiped out the memories of a combined record of 7-23 and finished the 2010 regular season campaign with a 7-3 mark and District 6-AA runners up.

(Above) Cenla tailback Dar Green (#21) leads the way for quarterback Graham Kelly (#7)

With a first year head coach who took over just a few weeks before the season began and a part time staff the Lions have exceeded the expectations of most. Early on during pre-season Jamborees the Lions only dressed 14 or 15 kids but they showed promise even while dropping their first two games of the season. Since then they have won 7 of their last 8, the one loss was to District 6-AA Champion River Oaks.
Cenla makes school history once again tomorrow night as they host Central Private in a round one Class AA battle.
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Cenla head coach Kevin Vanek

PLEASE TEXT OR CALL 985-750-3455 WITH ANY MAIS BASKETBALL SCORES

Prather takes the reigns at Hillcrest
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The boy’s basketball program at Hillcrest Christian will kick off the 2010 season next week when they travel to Vicksburg to take on St Aloysius. The boy’s program at Hillcrest has established itself over the past decade as one of the premier in the MAIS having won three Overall Championships and three State Titles.
With most programs change is inevitable and Hillcrest is no exception. James Crain, who spent six seasons as the Cougar’s head coach and compiled a 167-53 record, departed last spring to take over the boy’s program at Simpson Academy in Mendenhall.
Taking over the program will be a familiar face to Hillcrest supporters. Wes Prather was named the new head coach back in May and has had a hand in coaching at all levels at the school for the past four years. Prather knows the challenges associated with taking the reigns as head coach and that first challenge will be replacing lots of talent that graduated last spring. Gone are starters Austin Hartzog, Caleb Baucum and Josh Rogers.
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One on one with Wes Prather
What’s your coaching background?
“I attended Mississippi College and Hinds Community College. I graduated from Hillcrest in 2003 and started coaching 5th and 6th grade my freshmen year of college. I just kept moving up on through the years and have been the head coach for Junior Varsity for the past 4 years. I have also been coaching 7th and 8th boys and assisting both High School teams the past 4 years.”
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What brand of basketball will you bring to the varsity level at Hillcrest?
“I hope to bring an up-tempo type style to Hillcrest Varsity basketball. I liked to push the ball when I was playing and I like for my kids to run the floor, so we will see how it works out. I believe in defense and I think with the personnel we have coming back we can play defense the entire length of the floor. We will be a fast paced team that likes to pressure the ball and capitalize on mistakes. I believe we will be a deep team so I think we can keep fresh legs on the court.”

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Will you run a similar system to what Coach Crain ran?
“There are things that Coach Crain ran that I will run, and there are things that we will do different. I have picked up a lot of basketball from some great coaches the past few years so I plan on picking things that will give our team the best chance of being successful. This team is a different make-up of the past teams we have had at Hillcrest so we will adjust to what fits us best.”

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What are the biggest challenges this season?
“Anytime you have a new head coach it will be a challenge to the players. I think the transition for me will be easier because I coached all these kids in Junior High, but some new things might be difficult for the players to pick up. Being a young coach is a challenge in itself, but I believe in my players and I am looking forward to keeping our program where it always has been. I don’t look at challenges as a bad thing, but as an opportunity to grow, and I am looking forward to growing with this team.”
“This year’s group of seniors was really the reason I got into coaching. I have been their head coach every year except for the last two in High School. I am really excited that the timing worked out for me to be their head coach in their final season at Hillcrest.”

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Hillcrest finished the 2009/2010 season with a 28-5 mark and will be a force this season in District 3AA.

BRAND NEW ROUND OF PICK EM STARTS FRIDAY...SEND IN YOUR PICKS

Playoffs Pick Em begins this week. Curtis Weldon of Brandon won the regular season Pick Em contest and won a Southern Sports & Travel hoodie valued at $49 and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports.
Over the course of the 2010 playoffs games will be posted on Mondays. At the end of the playoffs the participant with the most wins will win a Southern Sports & Travel hoodie valued at $49 and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shop or Best Buy.

Round One
**Presbyterian at Jackson Academy
**Tunica at Greenville Christian
**Newton at Claiborne
**Marshall at Leake
**Central Hinds at River Oaks
**Magnolia Heights at Oak Forest
**Indianola at Winston
**Central Private at Cenla
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**Tie-Breaker - Total points Tunica/Greenville Christian
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Each week picks must be sent via email by noon on Friday to aafandaman@yahoo.com

North Delta claims District 1AA title

For Southern Sports & Travel, By Brad Greer

Forget about all the razzle-dazzle and trick plays associated with Halloween. The execution of North Delta's offense Friday night against Kirk was just plain scary.
The No.2 ranked Green Wave rolled up a season-high 488 total yards of offense in route to a 39-0 romp of the host Raiders to capture the District 1-AA championship in the regular season finale' for both schools.
North Delta, (8-1; 4-0) will now focus its attention on hosting a first round play-off game as they take on District 3 runner-up Manchester Academy Friday night at 7 p.m. Kirk saw its season end at 2-8; 1-4 in district.
Quarterback Bryan Nickle led the Green Wave offense with 237 all-purpose yards including 119 passing and 118 rushing and two touchdowns while the North Delta defense flexed their muscles by forcing four turnovers in the contest.
Head coach Dan Werner said senior leadership has been the catalyst for North Delta's championship run this season.
" This group of seniors has just been outstanding for us all season long. They have been a great class long before i got here and they are all competitors they are good football players their tough, smart kids who know how to get the job done. They wanted this district championship since they were in the seventh or eighth grade and have worked hard to get to where they are at now," said Werner.
Taylor Morris set the tone early for the Green Wave by returning the opening kickoff to the Raider 43 yard line. John Cody Dalrymple kept the North Delta drive alive later in the series with a 12 yard reception from Nickle on 3rd- and - 10 from the Kirk 33. Three plays later, Tres Brasell busted a 26-yard run up the middle to give the Wave a 7-0 lead after Kyle Devazier's PAT with 8:41 remaining in the first quarter.
Nickle extended the North Delta lead to 13-0 later in the period as the senior called his own number on a fake pitchout to fullback Michael Magee and raced nine yards for the score at the 4:07 mark. Nickle's 56-yard bomb to Dalrymple to the Raider nine yard-line keyed the drive.
The Wave extended their lead to 19-0 early in the second quarter as Brasell capped off a 10- play, 80-yard drive with a two yard run with 10:40 left in the first half. Brasell finished with 84 yards on 12 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Kirk then put together their most impressive drive of the game on the possession by moving the ball to the Green Wave eight, but could not cash into the endzone as defensive back Corbin Baker stopped Tyler Kirk on the North Delta one-yard line on 4th -and goal to halt the Raider drive.
North Delta extended their lead to 32-0 in the third quarter as Magee busted a 80-touchdown run with 3:57 showing on the clock to make the score 26-0 after Devazier's PAT was good. Then on Kirk's next possession, Baker stepped in front of a Cade Moody pass and raced 53 yards for the senior's second interception return for a touchdown in as many weeks. Baker also had a 45-yard "pick six" in North Delta's 63-14 win at Greenville Christian last week. Derrick Shawn and Bailey Guckert also picked off Moody in the contest. Will Dunlap also recovered a fumble for the Green Wave defense.
Catlin McArthur added North Delta's last touchdown as the senior scored his first touchdown of his high school career on a 30- yard run with 4:01 remaining in the contest. Ty Ferguson booted the point after attempt to make the score 39-0.
The Green Wave amassed 369 yards rushing as Magee followed Nickle with 88 yards on three carries while Morris added six carries for 41 yards and one catch for 14 yards. McArthur chipped in with two carries for 34 yards while Dalrymple had one two carries for six yards to go along with six receptions for a season-high 105 yards.
Brandon Hubbard led Kirk in rushing with 13 carries for 82 yards as the Raiders had 162 yards rushing in the game. Moody was 10-of-19 passing for 74 yards with three interceptions.
Morris and Dalrymple each had six tackles to lead the North Delta defense while Guckert and Will Reynolds added five stops each.

Brookhaven seals district crown

For Southern Sports & Travel, By Brett Rutland

Brookhaven Academy entered its final regular season game against Bowling Green having already secured the district 4-AA championship and a number one seed heading in to the state playoffs. For all intensive purposes, Friday night’s game was just a formality. The Cougars were expected by all to roll to an easy victory while being able to rest key players in preparation for the playoffs.
Someone forgot to tell Bowling Green coach Brett Beard and the Buccaneers how the game should have gone on paper. Brookhaven completely dominated the Bucs in the first half and roared to a 38-7 halftime lead, but when Brookhaven coach Herbert Davis substituted his younger players in the second half, Bowling Green’s senior starters roared back and cut the Brookhaven lead to 45-33 before the final horn sounded.

(Above) Brookhaven tailback Landon Nettles (#33) rushed for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns
Brookhaven improves to 10-1 on the season and finishes a perfect 4-0 in district play. Bowling Green fell to 3-7 overall and 1-3 in district play.
“I thought we played the best we’ve played all year in the first half.” said Davis. “We executed well, put points on the board and our defense was tough. We just need to do a better job of securing the football when we have it. We had a couple of fumbles tonight and those could cost us down the road.”
Brookhaven took just under two minutes to put points on the scoreboard as they took the opening kickoff and marched 54 yards in 5 plays before Landon Nettles scored on a 13 yard run at the 10:03 mark of the first quarter. Tyler Trout added the extra point for a 7-0 Brookhaven lead.
The Cougars added their second score of the night with 5:14 left in the first as Chandler Rogers connected with Bubba Keene from 38 yards out, completing a three play, 76 yard drive. Trout added the extra point for a 14-0 Brookhaven lead.
Nettles found the end zone again for Brookhaven, this time from three yards out, with 47 seconds left in the first quarter. Trout added the extra point for a 21-0 Brookhaven lead at the end of the first quarter.
Brookhaven got its fourth score of the night as Rogers again connected with Keene on a 41 yard strike with 8:18 to go in the first half, giving the visitors a 28-0 lead. Rogers then connected with Will Lucas from 8 yards out at the 4:23 mark of the first half. Trout added the extra point for a 35-0 lead.
Bowling Green got its first score of the night with 30 seconds left in the half as Chris Lott connected with Seth Fauntleroy from 8 yards out. Jason Milton added the extra point, cutting the Brookhaven lead to 35-7.

The Cougars were able to drive 46 yard in three plays on the ensuing drive to allow Trout to add a 28 yard field goal as time expired in the half, giving them a 38-7 halftime lead.
Brookhaven’s only score of the second half came at the 9:36 mark of the third quarter as C.J. Duckworth scored on a two yard run. Trout added the extra point for a 45-7 Cougar lead.
Bowling Green took advantage of Brookhaven’s substitutes in the second half, registering 26 second half points. Fauntleroy scored on a 58 yard run with 3:52 left in the third to cut the Cougar lead to 45-14 after Milton added the extra point.
Hunter Thomas scored on an 11 yard run with 9:32 left in the game and again with 6:16 remaining to cut the Brookhaven lead to 45-27.
Bowling Green’s final score of the night came with 3 seconds remaining in the game as Lott scored on an 80 yard run, ending the scoring at 45-33.
Rogers led the Brookhaven offense, completing 9 of his 13 pass attempts for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once. Nettles led the Brookhaven ground attack, rushing for 199 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns. Bubba Keene led all receivers with 6 receptions for 188 yards and two scores. Sidney Chaffin added 6 receptions for 100 yards. Gage Posey completed 6 of his 16 pass attempts for 103 yards with an interception in relief of Rogers.
Lott led Bowling Green with 131 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. Hunter Thomas added 70 yards on 18 carries with two scores.
One defense, Duckworth led Brookhaven with 13 tackles. Alan Michael Allred followed with 12 and Bailey Hodge and Jeff Rushing each added 10 in support.
Brookhaven hosts Adams County Christian School Friday night in the first round of the AA state playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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Photos courtesy of Sherylyn Evans