WEST POINT — West Point High School football coach Chris Chambless had two favorite days this season.
“Winning a state championship is always special,” Chambless said. “My favorite day each year is signing day because it is an opportunity to see some young men have a chance at a free education and to continue playing the game they love. We have been fortunate to have a good number of players sign. We take pride in that as a program. This day ranks right up there with championship day.”
West Point beat Laurel 29-8 on Dec. 3, 2016, at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State championship. It was West Point’s first title since 2010. With as many as nine starters returning on offense and defense, the Green Wave will be a favorite to repeat.
Three members of West Point’s talented senior class finalized plans to continue their careers in college. Linebacker Keonta Hampton signed with Jackson State, while defensive lineman Everett Cunningham signed with East Mississippi Community College and defensive lineman James Spann signed with Coahoma C.C.
“It felt so great to finally break through this year,” Cunningham said. “This program has been close but we couldn’t get by Oxford (playoff losses in 2014 and 2015). To finally get this program back to winning a state championship is exciting. For the seniors, it was our way to leave a mark on the program.”
Cunningham, Spann, and Hampton spear-headed a ferocious defense that allowed three touchdowns in four postseason victories.
“We really played some West Point defense this year,” Hampton said. “Some of the teams in the past weren’t physical enough. We took pride in hitting people, playing smash-mouth, hard-nosed, physical football. It really paid off. We felt disrespected if the other team got a first down. We were going to fight them for every inch.”
Hampton made a verbal commitment to Jackson State early in the season. Chambless was pleased he honored that commitment.
“Keonta has really been high on them from the beginning,” Chambless said. “He will be able to step in and make an impact right away. He was really one of our heat-and-soul leaders on defense. As far as Everett and James go, two really good lineman. They are coachable young men who will take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Chambless even joked Spann’s family will be happy Coahoma C.C. will have to feed the 318-pounder on a daily basis.
“I really enjoyed my time there, meeting the players and the coaches,” Spann said. “It will be a good fit for me, and I am excited about the opportunity. The challenge is to work hard and to prepare yourself for the next level after that.”
Cunningham will fit right in with an EMCC defense that ranks among the nation’s best on an annual basis.
“The East Mississippi program is all about winning championships,” Cunningham said. “That is why I am excited about this opportunity. The program is known as one of the best in the nation. You get to play along some really good players. It’s a challenge to prove you belong there.”
Hampton is also looking forward to making an immediate impact at Jackson State. Many national services said the Jackson State recruiting class was the best of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
“The coaches really made me feel welcome,” Hampton said. “They have been high on me for a long time. I really liked the campus, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for me academically and athletically.
“I will always be grateful to coach Chambless and the other coaches here. They worked with me and made me the best player I could become. They helped me become a better player and a better person. My time here will always be full of great memories, including the state championship.”
Chambless expects more signees from his senior class as the month progresses.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.