Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Marshall Academy quarterback Dakota Dailey is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. The sophomore led the Class AA fourth ranked Patriots to a 54-21 win over Tunica and in doing so rushed for 100 yards on 5 carries and a touchdown and went 8/9 passing for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns.

"Dakota is a very talented and hard working young man," said Marshall head football coach Bart Jenkins. "He understands our system, the game of football and most importantly how to compete. We know we are going to get his best everyday and his teammates and coaches know that."
Dailey rushed for 108 yards on 12 carries and 3 touchdowns and was 6/9 passing for 93 yards in the Patriot's 28-10 win over Magnolia Heights in week one.

Parklane smothers Oak Forest on the road
Southern Sports & Travel
The past four meetings between Parklane and Oak Forest have been must see football with the two squads splitting those games by a combined 9 points. On Friday night the Parklane Pioneers made the 40 mile trek south on I-55 to Amite to battle an Oak Forest team coming off an impressive season opening win on the road against Class AAA Copiah.

In a matchup that many suggested would be another classic between the two ultimately resulted in a Parklane 26-0 hammering of Oak Forest fueled by the play of quarterback Brady Lea and a smothering, hard hitting defense that limited Oak Forest to 53 total yards in the first half of play.

Lea, a 5’11” 175 lb. junior, completed 6 of 8 passes for 108 yards and rushed for 126 yards on 15 carries and 2 touchdowns in helping Parklane start the 2012 season at 2-0 heading into next week’s huge showdown at Centreville.

Parklane’s defense set the tone early as they quickly forced the Oak Forest offense into a three and out on the opening possession of the contest.
Parklane went to work on their opening offensive possession and quickly threatened to take an early lead. Brady Lea’s 13 yard hook-up with Zach Stutzman at the Yellow Jacket 9 yard line set the Pioneers up with an opportunity to complete the six play drive with a score but a first and goal fumble was recovered by Oak Forest defensive lineman Daniel Henderson at the Jacket 18 yard line four minutes into the game to halt the Pioneer drive.
Oak Forest seemed eager to capitalize on the Parklane turnover but after collecting two first downs the Jackets stalled on their own 48 yard line and were forced to punt.

Parklane took over at the Pioneer 31 yard line following an Austin Lee 21 yard punt and began winning the battle in the trenches.
The Pioneers capped a seven play, 69 yard drive on the first play of the second quarter as senior tailback Taylor Burt took an option pitch from Brady Lea and scampered 13 yards seven seconds into the quarter for the first score of the night. Zack McDaniel’s PAT gave Parklane a 7-0 edge at the 11:53 mark of the quarter.
McDaniel’s pooch kick set Oak Forest up at their own 43 yard line but the Jackets managed just one yard on the possession and would quickly give the football back to a Parklane offense that was getting primed as the game wore on.
Brady Lea connected with wide-out Justin Brent for a 35 yard first down strike to the Oak Forest 41 yard line and that was followed by two Joseph Clark carries that advanced the football to the Jacket 29.
Four plays later Clark polished off the seven play, 76 yard drive with a 4 yard burst to give Parklane a 13-0 advantage with 7:45 remaining in the half.
The Oak Forest offense struggled to find holes in the Pioneer defense and compounded the issue with a fumbled snap that Parklane defensive lineman Tyler Stutzman recovered at the Oak Forest 23 yard line with just over three minutes left in the half.
Parklane quickly cashed in on a Brady Lea 20 yard bolt on second down with 2:36 left in the half to give the Pioneers a 19-0 cushion, one they would take into halftime.
Parklane would close the door midway through the third quarter.
Oak Forest relinquished prime field position at the Parklane 41 yard line when Pioneer linebacker Dylan Barnes recovered a fumble in the Yellow Jacket backfield at the 7:52 mark of the third quarter.
Parklane put the game out of reach as quarterback Brady Lea darted through the middle of the Oak Forest defense 53 yards on third down  to extend the Pioneer lead to 25-0 with 6:07 left in the quarter. McDaniel’s PAT provided what would be the final score of 26-0.
With the win Parklane, under first year head coach Mike Powell, improves to 2-0 and will travel to Centreville next Friday to battle the Tigers. Parklane beat Centreville 21-6 last season in McComb and the Pioneers have won 8 of the past 9 meetings between the two.
Oak Forest falls to 1-1 and will make the trip to Decatur, Mississippi next week to take on a Newton Academy squad coming off a 12-0 win over Wayne.
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Post Game with Parklane Head Coach Mike Powell

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Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Quarterback Tyler Pirtle is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. Pirtle led second ranked Class AA North Delta to a 24-13 win over Lee (MS) with 210 yards rushing on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns. Pirtle also passed for 136 yards and a touchdown in leading the home standing Green Wave to a season opening win. “Coming into the season we put the responsibility on Tyler to take the reigns with regards to leadership on our team,” said first year North Delta head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro. “His actions have always demonstrated leadership,” said Ciaramitaro. “But this summer he worked hard in the weight room and put on about 15 pounds of muscle and that helped set the tone for the rest of the team. He's accepted the challenge and is more vocal and it's great to see.” Pirtle led North Delta to a 10-2 record and a District 1AA championship last season with 15 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions and rushed for 1,133 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 6’2”, 185 lb. senior accounted for 2,400 all-purpose yards and 34 touchdowns in 2011.

Colonels blast Bayou

By Watson Cook

The IA Colonels opened the 2012 football season in grand fashion with a 40-0 win at home over Bayou Academy.

IA used a solid running game that produced 327 of the 443 yards of total offense, and delivered the first punch early as junior RB/LB Dalton Sykes returned the opening kick 72 yards for a touchdown. Junior RB/DE Tristan Tackett punched in the 2-point conversion and the Colonels led 8-0 merely ten seconds into the game. The Colonel defense, which swarmed to the ball all night, and limited Bayou to only 99 yards of offense, recovered a fumble on Bayou’s first possession at the IA 40. Five plays later, senior QB/LB Trey Roberson reached paydirt on a quarterback keeper from 6 yards out. Sophomore QB Jonathan Holland found junior WR/DB Hunter Vance wide open in the end zone for the 2-point conversion and put the Colonels up 16-0 with 6:55 to play in the first quarter. Following an exchange of punts, the Colts looked to be getting back into the game, driving deep in Colonel territory. However, sophomore RB/DB Wheeler Timbs picked off a pass near the goal line and returned it to the Colonel 8 yard line, ending the threat. IA wasted little time adding to the lead as minutes into the second quarter, junior RB/LB Michael Sykes barreled his way into the end zone from one yard out to put the Colonels up 22-0. The extra point try was unsuccessful. The defense was able to halt the following Colt drive thanks to a Tackett sack that resulted in a 9-yard loss from the Colonel 32 back to the 41. Three plays later, Bayou was forced to punt, giving IA one more opportunity to pad the lead before the half. The Colonels did just that, driving 80 yards on 8 plays, capped by junior RB/LB Ashton Knight’s 3-yard touchdown run with :45 left in the half. The PAT failed again and the Colonels took a 28-0 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter proved to be sloppy as both teams seemed to be going through the motions. The Colonels and Colts each exchanged fumbles and punts in the quarter with neither team able to reach the end zone. Bayou turned the ball over on downs with 1:23 left in the quarter. The Colonels took over at their own 20 and drove to the Colt 28 as the quarter expired. Three plays into the fourth quarter M. Sykes scored on a 14-yard run, his second TD of the night, putting the Colonels up 34-0 (PAT no good). Following another Colt turnover on downs, Timbs gave the home crowd one final thrill with an explosive 55-yard TD run with 3:12 remaining in the game to make the final margin 40-0.

Offensively, the Colonels gained 443 yards of total offense with 116 coming through the air and 327 on the ground. Roberson finished 1-3, 24 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT and also had 3 carries, 63 yards and a TD. Holland was 6-7, 0 TD, 0 INT in his high school debut. He added 3 carries, 34 yards. Timbs racked up 85 yards on 4 carries, including a TD. D. Sykes added 46 yards on 5 carries. Knight finished with 5 carries, 38 yards. M. Sykes gained 28 yards on 4 carries, including 2 TD’s. Junior WR/DB Tristan Knight had 1 carry for 7 yards.

Defensively, M. Sykes led the charge with 14 total tackles (5 solo). D. Sykes had 13 total tackles (2 solo). Senior DT Samuel Rose finished with 9 total tackles (6 solo). Junior LB Andrew Garrett tallied 8 total tackles (2 solo) and a fumble recovery. Tackett finished with 8 total tackles (3 solo) and a sack.

Indianola Academy is 6-1 in season openers under head coach Tommy Nester. The Colonels will travel to Clarksdale Friday, August 24 to take on Lee Academy, who dropped their opener to North Delta 24-13. The Colonels will be looking to avenge an 18-6 loss to Lee last year at Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 7:00.

Simpson pummels Leake in season opener

Southern Sports & Travel

Last season the Simpson Cougars ran the table in capturing the Class AA state championship going a perfect 14-0. Two huge factors were the stable signal calling of quarterback Brandon Johnston and the power running of tailback Cade Eiland. Many questioned how Simpson would replace those two seniors but after last night’s 42-13 domination over 8^th ranked Leake in Madden those questions may have been quickly put to bed.

The top ranked defending champions chewed up 426 yards on the ground and broke open a 14-6 halftime lead to manhandle Leake in the second half and in doing so displayed a stable of backs capable of inflicting massive damage on opposing defenses.

Senior tailback Michael Layton rushed for 160 yards on 21 carries and hit pay-dirt three times and junior tailback Andrew Berry gathered 108 yards on 6 carries to help Simpson outscore home-standing Leake 28-7 in the second half.

“I was a little nervous before the start of the game but also really excited,” said Layton. “Our line did a great job of opening up holes all night.”

Leake was looking for a solid start in hopes of pulling an upset but the Cougar defense forced a quick three and out for the Rebel offense on the opening possession of the contest.

On Simpson’s opening possession they looked as if they hadn’t missed a beat from last season’s championship squad. Michael Layton exploded off the left side for 48 yards to the Leake 6 yard line on the Cougar’s first play from scrimmage and the senior scampered in on the next play to give Simpson a quick lead with 10:04 left in the opening quarter. Seth Blackledge’s PAT was blocked giving the Cougars a 6-0 advantage.

Leake’s offense struggled in the first quarter against the Cougar defense and managed just one first down while turning the football over twice but while the Rebel offense couldn’t move the football their defense settled in for the remainder of the quarter and kept the game close at 7-0.

Simpson produced a signature Cougar drive after getting backed up to their own 9 yard line following a Leake punt with 5:57 remaining in the half.

Four different players combined for 91 yards on the ground and quarterback Josh Hankins capped the 91 yard, 10 play drive with a 9 yard keeper with 1:03 remaining in the half. Michael Layton crashed off the right side for a successful 2-point conversion to give Simpson a 14-0 lead.

Leake looked to be heading into the halfway point with no momentum and staring at a two touchdown deficit but lightning struck on the kickoff following the Simpson score.

Leake tight-end Will Myers took in the pooch kick at the Rebel 27 yard line and found daylight around the ride side and raced 73 yards for a touchdown to give the home squad a much needed boost with 49 seconds remaining in the half.

Simpson’s Shane Brown blocked the Leake PAT attempt and the half closed with Simpson holding a slim 14-6 lead.

“We knew at halftime what we had to do,” said tailback Michael Layton. “We were moving the ball well and knew what we could do in the second half.”

The momentum shift before the half was short lived as Simpson took the opening possession of the second half and methodically marched 61 yards on 7 plays and pushed the Cougar lead to 21-6 on a Michael Layton 15 yard score with 8:30 left in the third quarter.

Leake coughed the football up on their second play from scrimmage of the second half. Tristan Shivers recovered the football at the Leake 28 yard line and advanced it to the Rebel 17 just 13 seconds into Leake’s possession.

Michael Layton chewed up 15 yards on 1^st down to set up his third score of the night, a 2 yard plunge at the 7:36 mark. Seth Blackledge’s PAT pushed the Simpson lead to 28-6.

Simpson put the game away on their third possession of the half with a 99 yard, 9 play drive that took 4 1/2 minutes off the clock. In that drive Christopher Sullivan took over the signal calling duties and the senior cashed in with a 7 yard keeper with 48 seconds left in the quarter to give the Cougars a 35-6 lead.

Things regressed for Leake as a low snap on a punt attempt resulted in a fumble recovered by Simpson defensive back Joshua Broadhead at the Rebel 26 yard line.

One play later Simpson sophomore Jacob Allen plowed 26 yards to score his first touchdown as a Cougar. Blackledge added the PAT and with 10:39 remaining in the contest Simpson’s lead had swelled to 42-6.

Leake scored with 5:58 left in the game on a Taylor Nazary 1 yard dive. John Sisson added the PAT for the final score of 42-13.

Layton led Simpson with 160 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns and credited playing behind Cade Eiland last season. “Cade was an excellent role model and I learned a lot from watching him run the football last season.”

Andrew Berry produced 108 yards on 8 carries, Josh Hankins had 49 yards on 9 carries and a touchdown and Chris Sullivan picked up 37 yards on 7 carries and a score.

Josh Hankins recorded a fumble recovery and an interception on defense for the Cougars and the Simpson defense held Leake to 133 yards of total offense with a large bulk of those yards coming on Leake’s last possession of the night.

Simpson will host Presbyterian (0-1) next week while Leake travels to Immanuel (0-1) for a District 2AA matchup.     

Post game with Simpson Head Coach Billy Wayne Hankins

Haute Travels Escape to Jamaica!

To get more information send an email to hautetravels@gmail.com

Brookhaven wins battle of the cats

Recap submitted for Southern Sports & Travel

The Brookhaven Academy Cougars wanted to kick off their 2012 campaign and make a statement about their place in this year’s MAIS Class AA contender talk. Coach Tripp McCarty and the Cougars would have to do that on the road traveling to Clinton, LA in the heart of East Feliciana Parish and taking on the Silliman Institute Wildcats. McCarty knew his team had to put in the work during the summer months and three-a-day practices leading up to the start of the season, but like any coach he wanted to see how his squad would perform under the lights on Friday night.

Read more..............

North Delta takes season opener

For Southern Sports & Travel, By Brad Greer

In what started out looking like a blowout turned into a nail-biting season opener for North Delta as the Green Wave held off a second-half rally by Clarksdale Lee to take a 24-13 victory over the Colts Friday night in Batesville.

North Delta quarterback Tyler Pirtle accounted for 359 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns as the Green Wave took a 18-0 lead at halftime. Pirtle rushed for 207 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns while throwing for 152 yards including a 95-yard scoring strike to Austin Hagstrom in the first quarter.

Michael Agostinelli got the Colts on the board with a 10-yard touchdown run in the third quarter while Cam Monix added a three-yard scoring run to close the Green Wave margin to 18-13 with 7:07 remaining in the contest.

North Delta had everything going its way in the first half as they scored on their first two possessions to grab a 12-0 lead after one quarter of play. The Green Wave took the opening kickoff and marched 66 yards on 11 plays as Pirtle scored on a four-yard run. William Dean's point after attempt sailed wide left to leave the score 6-0 at the 7:15 mark of the first period.

Following a fumble recovery by Parker Jones on Lee's first possession, North Delta capitalized on the turnover as Pirtle tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Hagstrom to complete a six-play; 35-yard drive that incrested the lead to 12-0 after a failed two-point conversion. Pirtle's 25-yard pass to Sam Copeland on 3rd-and-9 from the Colt 34 keyed the scoring drive.

After a Bobby Leone 51-yard punt pinned North Delta on its five-yard line, Pirtle zipped a pass over the middle to Hagstrom who outraced two Colt defenders down the field for a 95 yard touchdown reception on the first play of the second quarter to make the score 18-0 with 10:05 remaining before intermission.

North Delta looked to pad its lead late in the half by driving to the Colt four-yard line befoe a fumble halted the drive. Lee then ran out the remaining 44 seconds of the half.

The second half was a different story as the Colts began their comeback as Agostinelli called his own number on a 10-yard scoring-run to cap off a eight-play; 55-yard drive to make the score 18-7 following Taylor Schelder's PAT.

The score stayed that way until midway though the fourth quarter when Monix blasted over from three yards out for a 18-13 North Delta lead. But whatever momentum Lee had quickly vanished as on the Green Waves next series Pirtle, who had left the game briefly with a knee injury, raced 82 yards for a touchdown with 2:53 remaining in the contest.

North Delta racked up 490 yards total offense which included 338 yards via the ground game. Lee meanwhile finished with 200 yards offense. Freshman fullback Hunter Baker followed Pirtle in rushing with 77 yards one seven carries while Taylor Morris added 53 yards on 14 totes. Linebacker Will Magee led the North Delta defense with five tackles while Dean intercepted two passes from his cornerback position.

North Delta travels to West Memphis, Ark. next Friday.

"Pick Em" Contest & "Player of the Week"

Nominations for The Gateway Tire & Service "Player of the Week" for MAIS football are to be emailed to aafandaman@yahoo.com or texted to 985-750-3455 no later than 10:00 pm each Monday night.
Those wishing to participate in the "Pick Em" football contest must have their weekly picks emailed to aafandaman@yahoo.com by noon on Fridays.
For rules and prize information click on the following link: http://aafansportsandtravel.blogspot.com/p/pick-em-contest-rules.html
For updated MAIS football scores follow me on Twitter.

MAIS issues information on West Nile Virus

The MAIS has issued important information on the West Nile Virus and steps to take to guard from mosquitoes during the 2012 football season.

Parents and coaches should take proper precautions as suggested in the attached memo from the Mississippi State Department of Health.

http://home.msais.org/mailouts/msg5095.pdf

A new King era begins Friday night

Southern Sports & Travel

Lots of coaches at the high school level hope to one day return to their alma mater to coach and many ultimately do but with new Adams Christian head football coach David King that moved only consisted of a few miles. King, a 1987 Adams Christian graduate, confirmed talk that was swirling around the MAIS last spring that he was leaving Trinity by taking over as the head football coach at ACCS but also as headmaster this past June.

King’s move immediately changed the landscape of MAIS football in the Natchez area. That move gave Adams Christian instant credibility and a sign to their supporters and the MAIS that they were serious with regards to investing in their athletic program. With King came a pedigree consisting of four state championships and a 140-41 record over 14 seasons at across town Trinity Episcopal, but perhaps the biggest thing that came with King was defensive coordinator Richey Spears who is one of the premier defensive coaches in the entire MAIS.

While Adams Christian had secured instant stability the same did not apply to Trinity as turmoil seemed to swirl during the summer. Trinity Headmaster Brandt Dick wasted little time in announcing that Ryan Porter had accepted the position as new head football coach last February but Porter suddenly resigned in June leaving the football program in limbo less than three months before the start of the 2012 season. Josh Loy was announced as Porter’s replacement less than two weeks later. Loy is very familiar with the Trinity football program and had worked under King.

At ACCS King is charged with instilling confidence and a work ethic that made him so successful at Trinity but also turning around a stale offense that struggled to put points on the scoreboard during a 2-9 season last year.  Adams had a solid showing at the Copiah Jamboree but not only on the playing field, the sideline consisted of 41 players, a welcomed sight for Rebel fans.

The David King era at Adams Christian begins on Friday night as the Rebels make the short trek to Cathedral High to open up the 2012 MAIS football season. When the two squads kickoff King will look across the field and see a familiar face and another King coaching disciple, Ron Rushing, who coached at Trinity. Rushing led Cathedral to a 12-2 record last season and was one game from playing for a MHSAA Class 1-A state championship.

King said the transition from Trinity to Adams had been difficult emotionally but otherwise smooth and in typical David King fashion he had nothing but complimentary things to say about everyone involved.

The one burning question I had for King was surrounding the week six game on the Adams Christian schedule. On September 21 the Rebels and their new head coach will make the five minute drive to Trinity Episcopal and as King stated, “The emotions will run high.” For the first time in his head coaching career King will coach on the field affectionately known by Trinity folks as “the pit” but after all the emotions and reflection during pregame warm-ups the whistle will blow to signal the opening kickoff and it’s war, David King style.  

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Adams Christian Head Coach David King

Mustangs building for another run

Southern Sports & Travel

River Oaks head football coach Robert Hannah is entering his 19^th season at the controls of a Mustang football program that has won two state championships and made three state title game appearances in the past seven seasons, but this season the path to making another run at a state title in Class AA will pose a much larger challenge.

What River Oaks accomplished during that span is remarkable after being elevated to Class AA in 2007. That season the Mustangs failed to reach the playoffs but have qualified each season since. Their 2010 state championship team was blessed with talent at the skill positions and that was never more evident than their playoff wins over Centreville, Brookhaven and Leake.

Even with big losses of skill position players River Oaks worked their way past a very good North Delta team and Marshall to earn their second straight Class AA championship game appearance last season. In that matchup with eventual champion Simpson, River Oaks proved most wrong with a gutty performance against undefeated and powerhouse Simpson Academy, losing 29-15.

The biggest slot to fill in 2012 will be the most critical, the quarterback position. Gone is Ryan MacGregor who provided a steady hand with the signal calling duties for head coach Robert Hannah. River Oaks has given that duty to Brendan MacGregor, the sophomore brother of Ryan. While the younger MacGregor most likely will suffer through lots of growing pains the tailback who will line up behind him should provide senior leadership and a solid running game.

Tailback Alex Biedenharn has high credentials as he enters his senior season. The 175 lb. speedster rushed for 1,502 yards and 20 touchdowns last season and should provide a spark as the Mustangs look to win another district championship.

River Oaks will get no tune up games to start the 2012 season. The Mustangs will host Class AAA Division-II state champion Washington this Friday night followed by a trip to Cenla and in week three they visit three time defending Division-I Class AAA and top ranked Jackson Academy. Jackson Academy went to Monroe last season in week three and needed a last second Hail Mary play to defeat River Oaks 29-22 and avoid what would have been the biggest upset in the MAIS.

If River Oaks enters week four healthy the Mustangs may be a dark horse to make another run in the north. For that to happen Brendan MacGregor will need quick maturation and the Mustangs must get tailback Jacob Little healthy to compliment Biedenharn in the backfield. Little, a 6’2” and 210 lb. back, could be the key ingredient to another successful season for Hannah’s squad.
If River Oaks enters week four against Union Christian with a 1-2 record and healthy they could shock the world.      

River Oaks Head Coach Robert Hannah

MRA ready for season opener with Prep

Southern Sports & Travel

For second year MRA head football coach Forrest Williams getting his system into place was a top priority last season and with the return of quarterback Matt Porter and a solid core around him Patriot fans are excited about what the 2012 season could bring. Under Williams the Patriots compiled a respectable 7-5 mark in 2011 that included yet another playoff appearance after finishing 4-2 in district play.

The 2011 version of MRA football produced 7 points more a game than the previous season and rewrote many Patriot team and individual records. Quarterback Matt Porter set a new MRA mark for single game passing touchdowns with 7 and the signal caller also broke the single game passing record with 503 yards last season.

While Porter is back for his senior season the Patriots will have the task of filling the vacancy left by wide-out Nick Everhart who as a senior was pivotal in the MRA passing attack. Everhart racked up 1,627 receiving yards last season as a senior, 295 of those yards were against Jackson Prep. Senior Will Trammell could fill that void as the wide-out is a deep ball threat to opposing defenses.

If MRA is to contend for their very first Division I championship they will have to do the obvious, take down Jackson Academy and Jackson Prep. Three of those five losses last season were to the two MAIS powers.

With the return of six starters on each side of the football and the addition of three exceptional transfers MRA may have one of their best chances in several seasons to be serious contenders to win that elusive Division I crown.

Two of those transfers will provide immediate spark to the Patriot squad and the other solid depth at the quarterback position.

Tailback Ramone Nash (Photo below) transferred in from Northwest Rankin where as a junior he rushed for 1,872 yards and 21 touchdowns. Nash is a physical, bruising tailback who never shies from contact and will team up with Zack Everhart in the backfield behind Porter.

Junior Jamarian Roberts made the move to MRA from Madison Central and will booster an already solid linebacker group.

Adding to the depth at quarterback will be University Christian transfer Caleb Shufelt. The junior passed for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns last season as a sophomore and could get some quality playing time during the season.

MRA’s quest to win the school’s third state championship and first in Division I begins on the road next Friday night. The Patriots will face the team that ended their 2011 season, second ranked Jackson Prep, and according to head coach Forrest Williams getting his squad motivated will be the least of his worries.

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MRA Head Coach Forrest Williams

COPIAH JAMBOREE RESULTS

Canton 7 Trinity 7

MRA 14 River Oaks 6
MRA 0 Adams 0
Copiah 13 River Oaks 6
Adams 12 Canton 7

MRA 20 Central Hinds 0

Trinity 13 Amite 0

Copiah 7 MRA 0

Central Hinds 14 Amite 0

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

Southern Sports & Travel is excited to announce a new advertiser, Gateway Tire & Service Center. The company has 54 stores in 7 states (17 in Mississippi) and has committed to a full year of advertising. Equally exciting is their partnership in sponsoring a “Player of the Week” for the entire 2012/13 school year. Coaches, parents and fans are encouraged to email Southern Sports & Travel at aafandaman@yahoo.com or call/text 985-750-3455 to submit a player. The Player of the Week will be posted each Tuesday.

In eleven days the 2012 MAIS football season gets underway as two Thursday night games kick off what should be an exciting season. Canton will visit defending Class-A champion Tri-County while Class-AAA champion Jackson Academy treks to Hattiesburg to take on Presbyterian, but before those opening kickoffs there are Jamborees taking place this Thursday and Friday for those fans interested in getting an early look at area teams. A schedule of several Jamborees is posted on the right side of the page.

Opening week will include two district games, Calvary at Central and North Sunflower at Marvell and four squads will have an open date to start the season. That open date should be a huge benefit for teams such as WCCA who have new head coaches and get that extra week of practice before making a run at a state championship.

The Southern Sports & Travel “Pick Em” football contest will begin soon. Click on the tab at the top of the site to find out about week one games, prizes and rules. For the most up to date football scores during the season follow Southern Sports & Travel on Twitter. Just look on the left side of the website.

Seems as though two topics are reoccurring themes each football season. The early start of the season and the extreme heat that accompanies it and the concern over the increasing number of eight-man football teams in the MAIS.

The early start not only increases the risk of heat related health issues for players but it also creates a major strain on many schools who are focused on working to insure that the start of the 2012/13 school year goes smoothly for students, teachers and parents.

The MHSAA will follow a state mandated August 5th opening practice date for the 2013 season with Jamborees scheduled for August 16th. Whether the MAIS will follow in the same direction is not clear.

The steady rise in the participation of 8-man football should be a concern for the MAIS. In 2007 there were forty Class-A eleven-man squads and only six 8-man teams. Fast forward to the 2012 season and the number of 8-man teams has more than doubled to sixteen while the number of eleven-man teams in Class-A has dwindled to twenty seven. The guideline for schools who wish to play 8-man football seems cloudy at best and if some reports of schools with more than 20 varsity players competing in 8-man districts are correct the MAIS needs to clearly set a benchmark to preserve Class-A eleven man football.

I'll be hitting the road Thursday to cover a portion of the Copiah Jamboree and on Friday night the Parklane Jamboree.

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