Well we finally did it.
The calendar has finally moved to August. We stand 15 days away from the opening night of the prep football season.
This season, the talent level appears high at so many area schools. Both public and private schools should be in line in late November fighting for state championships.
As we get ready for that first heat timeout of the season, let’s look at some more questions.
1. What do we make of Heritage Academy as the new season approaches?
Perhaps, the biggest question mark amongst the area teams is Heritage Academy.
Sean Harrison takes over for Barrett Donahoe, who had a good run in his four seasons as coach.
Senior Tyler Anderson brings some experience back at the quarterback position. Junior Dontae Gray and senior Dylan Hughes will give the Patriots a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield.
The entire offensive and defensive lines will return as well.
A year ago, Heritage Academy did advance to the playoffs with a second-place finish in Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA, District 2 play. Again, it should be Heritage Academy versus Starkville Academy for the district championship.
Anytime there is a coaching change, the players have to learn on the fly.
This team should make noise once everybody is on the same page.
2. Can Starkville High repeat as state champions?
Starkville was on a collision course for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state championship in 2014. An upset loss to South Panola in the North State finals derailed that run.
A year later, Starkville closed the deal with a blowout win over Petal to claim the title in Oxford.
Ricky Woods knows a thing or two about winning state championships. Obviously, Woods on the sidelines gives Starkville a huge advantage entering the season. It is also clear the Class 6A will be a little down this year.
Some preseason polls have Clinton on top of the heap. However, the Yellow Jackets beat the Arrows twice last season and it is likely those two could meet twice again this season.
Starkville has the same questions it had a year ago … How strong will the quarterback play be? Who will emerge as the team’s top rusher? Can a few new pieces on defense find their groove quickly?
Look for those questions to be answered early with non-region games against Noxubee County, Oxford, West Point and Meridian. The region will again be full of cakewalks. However, a showdown (or two) with Clinton looms in the November shadows.
3. Will Columbus set a school record for wins this season?
The Falcons certainly have a chance do that.
In 2000, Columbus won 10 games. Last season, Columbus finished 8-4 – its second-most wins in a season. The Falcons recovered from a 2-2 start by winning six of seven region games before losing to Clinton in the Class 6A playoffs.
Coach Randal Montgomery’s third team will have a veteran feel on offense, with several newcomers ready to plug some holes on defense. If the 42 points scored in last year’s final game against Clinton are any indication, these Falcons should be ready to fly high this season.
The non-region schedule is manageable with Kemper County, Noxubee County, West Point and New Hope on the slate. Again, Columbus should go no worse than 2-2 and has a chance to do even better. Class 6A, Region 1 appears to be down this year and should be ripe for the picking. Again, the Columbus-South Panola game should decide the region champion.
Finishing high in the region will put the Falcons at home in the playoffs. Playing at home will increase the chances for a second-ever 10-win season.
4. Which game do you like the most in the fourth week of the regular season?
The fourth week of the regular season is always critical because teams are beginning to close out region play and the games count for real the following week.
Traditionally, the fourth week has also been chock full of rivalry games.
We have a pair of outstanding matchups on the slate for the second Friday in September. In Macon, Noxubee County will play host to Meridian. In Lowndes County, Columbus will play host to West Point.
Last season, Meridian had its way with a 28-0 win over Noxubee County at Ray Stadium. Obviously, being shut out in games is something unfamiliar for the Tigers. Meridian will again be one of the favorites in Class 6A. This will be a good measuring stick game before Noxubee County gets ready to run through Class 4A again.
West Point took a 13-3 win over Columbus last season at home. Played right after a torrential downpour, neither team could generate any type of offense with the wet field conditions. West Point fumbled the opening kickoff but Columbus only managed three points. From there, West Point broke two long runs to garner the victory.
Both teams will be even better this season and that should make for a great game.
5. How about another player to watch this season?
Let’s talk about Columbus cornerback Devon King.
A 5-foot-10, 160-pound junior, King had the other team’s best offensive players on lockdown throughout the 2015 season. As he learned the nuisances of playing varsity ball, his level of play kept increasing.
Time will tell the strides made during the summer workouts. With Columbus losing several defensive starers from last season, King will be counted on to make plays and to provide leadership.
Scott Walters is a sports reporter for The Dispatch. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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