Editor’s Note: Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters will share five questions each Wednesday through Aug. 17, as we count down to the start of the prep football season.
Well, it’s finally show time.
Mississippi High School Activities Association and Mississippi Association of Independent School members can kick off the 2016 season this weekend with preseason jamboree games.
Next week, we can actually start breaking down game previews and begin our weekly routine of finding out who really is best.
As we get set for preseason activity this weekend, let’s answer some more questions.
1. What are some expectations for Columbus?
In Randal Montgomery’s third season, the Falcons will win between eight and 10 games. The non-region schedule is full of challenges but the Class 6A, Region 1 schedule is very manageable.
Kylin Hill will run for 2,000 yards. C.J. Gholar will throw for 1,000 yards. You will also find out a lot more about Kenneth Martin, Patrick Jackson and Devin King.
Columbus will be back home in the first round of the playoffs. That is a good thing.
2. How are we feeling about Starkville?
Coach Ricky Woods’ second set of Yellow Jackets will have some serious potential.
We will go ahead and place the Yellow Jackets in the eight to 10-win category, as well. This year, we learn a lot in difficult non-region games against Noxubee County and West Point. The Class 6A, Region 2 race will feature typical bumps in the road Madison Central, Clinton and Warren Central.
Behind the offensive abilities of Andreus Swanigan and the defensive abilities of Willie Gay, this team will be much better at season’s end than beginning.
Starkville will also host in the first round of the playoffs. Last year tells us the squad knows how to navigate the course from there.
3. Will West Point take that next step?
Have to admit, feeling really good about the Green Wave in this corner. Let’s put the regular-season win total at 10 or 11 games.
Clayton Knight will provided the Green Wave a stronger passing attack. Chris Calvert will have the backfield on lockdown. Marcus Murphy is a highlight-film waiting to happen when he touches the ball.
The jury is still out at how strong the West Point defense will be. There are some play-makers there, including Terrence Cherry.
The good news is the offense will be strong enough to make up for any shortcomings on defense.
West Point will start the season at Davis Wade Stadium and end it there, as well.
4. Can Noxubee County win a third straight state championship?
It’s really going to be exciting to see what the Tigers have this season. Since the non-region schedule is again brutal, let’s go with between eight and 10 wins for the Tigers.
Noxubee County will be needing to fill the quarterback spot. On offense, this should be a breakout season for Javarcus Walker. Kymbotric Mason will be one of the top pass-receiving threats. On defense, Antonio McCloud and Jimmy Morris will be forces.
The Tigers will again make quick work of the opposition in Class 4A, Region 4. After that, the games will count a lot more and Tyrone Shorter’s sixth squad should be up to the challenge.
5. Is New Hope ready to contend again?
We are also eager to see what Kris Pickle’s third squad has in store in Trojans’ country.
A turnaround is probable with the squad penciled in somewhere between seven and nine victories this season.
Senior Thomas Stevens returns at quarterback. Junior Tyran Reed returns in the backfield. One can’t miss highly-sought recruit Tae-Kion Reed anchoring the line.
New Hope should return to the postseason this year. Playing a first-round home game may prove too tall a task.
However, if the squad starts winning the close games they lost a year ago, the sky is the limit for this team.
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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