By Amber Dodd
Special to The Dispatch
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Academy football team made the tradition of a perfect Homecoming Night work in its favor Friday night.
Encouraging signs inspired by holidays encouraged the Volunteers to “Gobble up the Chiefs” for Thanksgiving and “Seniors brew up a win” for Halloween. A huge crowd of returning alumni and fans anxiously awaited announcements of the Homecoming court and to see if Chase Nicholson’s Starkville Academy squad could improve to 5-0.
Nicholson’s group did its part with its second-straight shutout in a 24-0 victory against Magnolia Heights at J.E. Logan Field.
“Anytime you get to play on Homecoming night it’s special,” Nicholson said. “It’s a tradition that’s never been lost. You love playing Homecoming games. Everybody does.”
Starkville Academy’s tradition of hard-nosed defense fit right in on the festive evening. Through five games, Starkville Academy (5-0) has allowed only 34 points. Twenty came in a victory against Lamar School in the season opener.
On Friday, seniors Campbell Spivey and Conner McLaughlin and junior William Latham led a defense that continues to give opponents fits. Starkville Academy held Magnolia Heights to eight three-and-outs, recovered a fumble, and made two interceptions.
“We’re starting to get comfortable doing things,” Nicholson said. “Our great defense is what we believe in. This is who we are.”
While the defense delivered another typical dominating effort, senior running back Taylor Arnold (23 carries, 160 yards) shined in his final Homecoming game. He opened the second quarter with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, his first of three scores.
“If you put Arnold anywhere he’s going to make you look good as a coach,” Nicholson said. “We’re going to move him around when we need to. He’s smart and understands the system. He can play both sides of the ball. Having a kid like that whose smart and athletic- he’s a godsend.”
Arnold scored all of the points, including a 41-yard field goal.
“Nicholson] can put me anywhere he wants, and I’ll go out there and do whatever job for him,” Arnold said. “My number one goal is to be a team player. I don’t (win) it myself, though. I have to give the line credit where it’s due.”
Arnold’s confidence and comfort are built from the tradition of family for the team. He hopes it helps Starkville Academy continue its journey back to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAA State title game. Last season, Starkville Academy beat Indianola Academy 21-14 in overtime for the program’s seventh championship.
This year’s team is showing signs it has the ability to joke, to laugh, and to display an unmoving determination. Those qualities mesh well with the family environment that was evident at J.E. Logan Field on Friday, as fans mourned Volunteers who have passed away and celebrated Volunteers who are flourishing beyond high school.
The older teammates supported their younger teammates like regular “little brothers.” Hayden Peeples, a sophomore, was one of those “little brothers” who had a chance to shine late in the game, as was sophomore running back C.J. Jackson, who added 26 yards and helped put Arnold in great scoring position.
“We’re all brothers,” Arnold said. “There’s no problems with each other. We love each other. It’s nice to have that because we love playing with each other. It’s nice to have a family environment like this.”
Starkville Academy completed the Homecoming weekend tradition with a dance Saturday night at the school. On Monday, Starkville Academy will begin preparation for its Class AAA, District 2 opener against Winston Academy.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.