Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters concludes his preseason look with five final prep football questions, as we count down to the start of the prep football season Thursday.
1. What did we learn from the New Hope Jamboree?
The New Hope Jamboree lost a little bit of its luster with Noxubee County and Starkville not participating in this year’s event.
That being said two days of football did take place at Davis Wade Stadium. It appears the long-term future of this event remains bright, despite recent coaching changes at New Hope.
Again, you really can’t read anything into practice games. However, they are all we have to go by far now.
Columbus thumped New Hope 33-7.
For the Falcons, Jaelan Craddieth looked like a grown man at quarterback. His performance was encouraging on so many levels.
New Hope needs practice time. New coach Wade Tackett was hired late in the spring. This was already going to be a rebuilding season.
Time will help that cause greatly.
2, What did we learn from Louisville Jamboree?
Quite honestly, not much.
Noxubee County shut out Greenwood 17-0 in the Louisville Jamboree, which was moved to Starkville High School.
The defense for the Tigers has a chance to be the best unit Tyrone Shorter has ever coached. Now, there is a statement.
Louisville beat Starkville 17-16. Credit to the Wildcats for coming on the road and competing well against the Yellow Jackets.
That being said Starkville played as few as four starters. We did learn the Yellow Jackets’ reserves did a good job of moving the ball after they had a couple of series to get comfortable.
M.C. Miller’s final team at Louisville is loaded. The Wildcats have size, speed and depth.
Yes, you can go ahead and get excited about Noxubee County at Louisville on Oct. 5. That is going to be outstanding.
3. Which player stood out the most during preseason interviews?
West Point senior cornerback Ryan Melton.
My first attempt to reach Melton fell through. To this young man’s credit, he kept calling/texting until we could get caught up to talk about the Green Wave.
West Point assistant coach Roger Burton has talked about the high IQ of his defense. After just a few minutes with Melton, you can tell why.
He has stepped into the “quarterback of the defense” role for his senior season. If the younger players follow, Melton has a chance to lead this team to some great heights.
The West Point defense has a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Credit to the coaches for putting it all together.
4. How has newspaper coverage of games changed in 25 years?
With little doubt, social media is the big difference. You can now keep tabs on everyone around the state while your game is going on.
Kids today have a huge advantage on the recruiting trail with the ability to have highlight videos posted as soon as games come to an end.
Practice is not as rigorous as it once was, which is a good thing.
However, there is still a burning desire to play for a particular coach, particular program and for the brothers along side you on a Friday night.
Hopefully, that will never change.
5. In closing, can we have that game-day routine broken down again?
Always eat a big meal, roughly two hours before kickoff. On a game night, you never known the next meal is going to come along.
When arriving at the stadium, park somewhere where it is easy to get out quickly. Time of arrival should be an hour before kickoff.
With press card, legal pad (at least eight sheets needed), laptop bag and binoculars in hand, enter the stadium and thank everyone you see for assistance.
During the game, play by play is charted as follows: black ink visiting team offensive plays; red ink home team offensive plays; blue ink scoring plays, scoring drives; green ink first downs, penalties, turnovers.
Post game, thank the players and coaches who take the time to speak to you.
On the ride home (always have a driver), add the stats with the light on your phone and start texting players you enjoy covering who play for other schools.
Once home, call Jason Crowder and act important. Then write a story worthy of a mother’s scrapbook. There is no better feeling than to know you impressed mom.
Scott Walters is a sports reporter for the Commercial Dispatch. He may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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