With the countdown to the start of prep football practice now inside a month, it is time to turn serious about our discussions of the upcoming season.
Today, we begin a six-part series looking at some of the questions for the year ahead. We will examine five topics each Wednesday through Aug. 12.
The season officially begins that weekend (Aug. 14 and 15) with several teams playing preseason games, including seven games at Davis Wade Stadium as part of the New Hope Jamboree.
So moving along, let’s ask and potentially answer some questions:
1. Will Columbus shows signs of improvement in arguably the state’s toughest region?
There is little question that Randal Montgomery has the Falcons headed in the right direction. This past spring, more than 100 players took part in workouts.
While Columbus won four games in Montgomery’s first season, the Falcons played well down the stretch and began to buy into the new coaching staff and its philosophies.
Realignment came along and then Columbus was sent back to Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A, Region 1 after a two-year hiatus.
The most difficult region in the state, Columbus will now be fighting the likes of South Panola, Tupelo, Olive Branch and Southaven for a playoff berth.
In its last tour of duty through the region, Columbus lost all 12 region games played against Olive Branch, Southaven and South Panola. Reversing that trend will be vital to return to the playoffs.
2. Will the Starkville High defense be even better this season?
While it is hard to comprehend, the possibility does exist that the Yellow Jackets will have even more sting this season.
Even though Ricky Woods takes over as head coach, the defensive coaching staff remains intact. And yes, there is plenty of talent to work with, leading with Louisiana Tech commitment lineman Lorenzo Dantzler.
Last season, Starkville allowed 12.4 points per contest. Starkville allowed 173 points overall with a whopping 82 points of that total coming in a 56-46 win over Clinton in the regular season and a 36-26 loss to South Panola in the North State Class 6A finals.
Starkville posted five shutouts and held three other opponents to one score.
There are questions on the offensive side of the ball. However, the defense will be rock solid and will give the team a chance every Friday night.
3. Where does the momentum head in the Starkville Academy-Heritage Academy series?
Few rivalry series have lived up to the hype quite like the Heritage Academy-Starkville Academy series over the years.
Starkville Academy snapped a two-game losing streak in the series with a convincing 31-0 victory last season. It had been quite sometime since a senior class had made a three-year sweep and the Patriots were unable to complete such a sweep last season.
Typically, the underdog plays well in this series. With Starkville Academy losing so much talent from last season’s 11-win squad and breaking in a new coaching staff, it is hard to tell who will be the favorite when the teams play Oct. 9 in Columbus.
This much we do know.
With the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools’ recent realignment, the game will have far greater playoff implications than in the past.
Previously one of seven district games, this year’s meeting will be one of three district games in the new-look Class AAA and will most likely determine the district champion.
4. Speaking of realignment, is there anything else of interest that we might have missed?
Well West Lowndes now has a new home.
After several seasons of competing in MHSAA Class 1A, Region 3, the Panthers have been moved to Region 1. This also means West Lowndes now competes for the North State championship instead of the South State championship.
Region 3 was severely crippled when East Oktibbeha and West Oktibbeha were both placed on probation, as each had had good teams in the past. From a competition standpoint, it is probably a wash. Region 1 has some powers and West Lowndes will need to get past four of them to make the playoffs.
Hamilton and West Lowndes will now meet as region foes and will do so Oct. 23 in Monroe County.
Coffeeville, Smithville, Falkner and Coldwater were the playoff participants from this region a year ago.
5. How about a player to watch?
The area will be blessed with an abundance of Division I prospects this season. So how about a sleeper pick.
Avery Brown will be a 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior running back for Starkville this season. Brown is related to former Starkville High and current UT Martin running back Preston Baker and has taken Baker’s teachings to heart.
Last season, Brown stepped in nicely when both Jacquez Horsley and Matt Fuller suffered mid-season injuries. For the year, Brown ran for 371 yards and four touchdowns.
This season, he will be one of the stars in the backfield for a Starkville team slated to contend in MHSAA Class 6A yet again.
His soft-spoken manner has improved and coaches and teammates have both said he is quickly becoming more of a vocal leader. There is little doubt the ability is there.
Starkville is blessed with talent in several positions and No. 2 should certainly be one to watch as well.
Scott Walters is a sports reporter for The Dispatch. He may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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