Tigers, Jackets get top billing

JACKSON — Energy and effort transformed into joy twice Saturday for Greater Golden Triangle football teams.

Starkville High’s Berryhill chooses Jones Co. JC

STARKVILLE — Years worth of hard work came to fruition Monday afternoon for Carolina Berryhill.

Next steps could help transform MSU soccer

STARKVILLE — One counter attack can change a match.

For most of the past nine seasons, the Mississippi State University women’s soccer team tried to become a program that did more than bunker in and absorb pressure. While MSU had admirable success in non-conference games, it often opted to play a more defensive style against Southeastern Conference opponents. That brand of soccer is what then-coach Neil Macdonald felt gave his team its best chance to be successful.

Robinson caps stellar career with 50 TDs, state title

JACKSON — Darrell Robinson has been the workhorse for the Noxubee County High School football team all season.

Bradley leads dominant defense as Tigers cap perfect season in 4A title game

JACKSON — Dylan Bradley crouched on the 48-yard line and took a moment to reflect.

Noxubee County will look to defense vs. Greene County

JACKSON — Business as usual.

That’s the mind-set of the Noxubee County High School football team as it prepares to face Greene County at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State title at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jackson.

MSU women hearing Schaefer’s message

STARKVILLE — The message has been received loud and clear.

Each day the Mississippi State University women’s basketball team gets closer to playing the game for 40 minutes like coach Vic Schaefer envisions.

Williams has career high in MSU victory

STARKVILLE — Carnecia Williams aims to please.

After playing in only 69 minutes in her first two seasons at Mississippi State University, the 6-foot-3 redshirt sophomore forward plans to make every second count.

Perseverance, persuasion pay off for Fair Jr.

JACKSON — Power of persuasion has a special meaning to David Fair Jr.

It’s not surprising considering how much Fair Jr. loves the game of football. After suffering his third knee injury and facing the possibility of having to give up the something that is such a big part of his life, Fair Jr. turned on the charm.

Record secured, title in sight for Tigers’ Robinson

JACKSON — Someone always is watching.

Darrell Robinson knew his teammates were counting on him. His senior season was still months away, but Robinson wasn’t going to waste any time. He knew backfield mate Ladarrell Hunt was on his way to Itawamba Community College, so he was going to have to shoulder an even bigger role in 2012 for the Noxubee County High School football team.

Injuries haven’t been enough to stop Starkville

JACKSON — Jamie Mitchell believes adversity can be a positive.

That’s a philosophy the Starkville High School football coach has had to espouse over and over and over again this season.

Off-field work helps Noxubee County come together

JACKSON — Dylan Bradley knows the importance of team chemistry.

As one of 23 seniors on the Noxubee County High School football team, Bradley has dreamed of playing an integral role in the Tigers’ march to a state championship.

Building continues tonight for MSU women

STARKVILLE — Typically, there wouldn’t be a lot of building blocks to take from losing three games in three days thousands of miles from home.

Things are different for the 2012-13 Mississippi State women’s basketball team.

Robinson, Noxubee County enjoy record-setting evening

MACON — Darrell Robinson needed a moment of reflection.

He didn’t yell at himself or shake his head in frustration. He just paused on two knees and stared.

To his right, Javoris Glenn lifted himself from the turf after recovering a fumble by Robinson.

Noxubee County’s defense keeps focus after big plays

MACON — Dylan Bradley was still going more than 20 minutes after his shift ended.

Instead of trying to track down Louisville High School quarterback Wyatt Roberts or to corral a Wildcat, Bradley was content to move a little slower and pose for a few more pictures.

Bradley could take his time because he had another reward for his and his teammates’ labor — a Class 4A North State trophy — in his right hand.

Ryland hopes to help Noxubee County set title date

MACON — The “A-Train” will be focused tonight on setting a final trip to Jackson.

To realize that goal, senior Antonio Ryland intends to lead another dominating defensive effort at 7 tonight when the Noxubee County High School football team plays host to Louisville in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A North State title game.

Ballard showing poise at quarterback for Tigers

MACON — DeAngelo Ballard knows he has changed.

Two years ago, Ballard would have surveyed the coverage, not found a receiver, and tried to force a pass to a receiver.

Hunts bring special combination to Noxubee County defense

MACON — Speed, quickness, power.

The Noxubee County High School football team prides itself in having at least 11 players who have all three of those qualities that come together to form one of the state’s best defenses.

Schaefer wants MSU women to build toughness

Vic Schaefer hopes perseverance is a precursor to toughness.

In its last game, the Mississippi State University women’s basketball team rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit to beat Louisiana Tech. Schaefer hopes MSU (2-1) can build on that momentum at 3:30 p.m. today when it takes on Winthrop University in its first of three games in the inaugural Hardwood Tournament of Hope in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Dominating defense delivers for Noxubee County

FULTON — Don’t put it past the Noxubee County High School football team’s defense.

You may think a scoreboard can only count forward, but the Tigers are out to prove to the state of Mississippi that a defense can push opponents into negative numbers.