Chargers start fast, drop Falcons in hole

Take the first quarter away Friday night and the Columbus High School football team might have been in position to get back into the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A, Region 1 race.

Central Academy making strides with bigger numbers

In August, Ronnie Sciple figured numbers would play an integral role in the fortunes of the Central Academy football coach.

With less than 15 players to start the season, Sciple knew the Vikings, who play eight-man football in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (Division 1) couldn’t afford to have any injuries if they want to have a successful year.

Team concept has fueled success of Caledonia volleyball

CALEDONIA — The sum of the parts of the Caledonia High School volleyball team have carried it to greater heights this season.

Regional games to give clearer pictures for East Webster, Hamilton, West Lowndes

The logjam that is the Class 2A, Region 2, District 4 race begins tonight.

On paper, at least two coaches agree East Webster (6-0) and Eupora (3-2) figure to be at the the head of the pack of the six-team fight for four playoff spots.

West Point game crucial for New Hope’s chances

New Hope High School players always consider a victory against Columbus High to be special.

West Point motivated by loss to Starkville

Chris Chambless doesn’t feel the West Point High School football team is where it needs to be.

Falcons have less room for errors

A year ago, the Columbus High School football team nearly worked itself out of a hole.

New Hope’s 20 hits lead to district crown

The New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team used a 20-hit barrage Thursday night to paint another picture-perfect moment at Lady Trojan Field.

Oak Hill Academy wants to prove it belongs

WEST POINT — The Oak Hill Academy fast-pitch softball team is where it thought it would be.

The journey to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA State Tournament included a few more detours than expected, but the Lady Raiders got back on track just in time.

Hebron Christian softball has grown into state power

The bar has been raised at Hebron Christian.

On Saturday, the Lady Eagles will try to make their first state tournament appearance even more memorable when they take on Heidelberg Academy at 10:45 a.m. in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class A fast-pitch softball event at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.

Starkville seniors celebrate victory over Columbus

Rebecca Myles could have used the first two months of the 2010-11 school year to prepare for the girls basketball season.

Hebron Christian loses in North, will go to state

The little things get magnified against a four-time state champion.

EMCC’s Ward uncertain of his next career move

Perrance Ward isn’t sure where his next step will take him.

Oak Hill Academy’s Sanford does it all in victory

WEST POINT — The adjustment took only two weeks.

To be honest, Bo Sanford imagined it was going to take longer. After all, Sanford was transferring schools and had to get used to a new set of rules and a different way of doing things in the classroom. He also had to adjust to a new coach, a new group of teammates, and a new set of expectations on the football field.

Area football teams set sights on playoffs

The stretch run to the playoffs begins in earnest tonight. For Class 6A Columbus High School and for Class 5A New Hope and West Point, that journey will take them through two of the state’s toughest regions.

Starkville Academy softball team hopes to make a point Saturday

Jessica Dickens has believed in her team from the start of the season. The first-year Starkville Academy head fast-pitch softball coach said in the preseason and in the beginning and the middle of the regular season that the Lady Volunteers had the potential to be one of the state’s best teams if they stayed focused on offense, defense, and in the circle.

Heritage Academy gets back to action

Brad Butler has prepared the Heritage Academy football team.

Now it is up to the Patriots to take on the adversity they have faced in the first half of the 2010 season head on.

Johnson, Roby dynamic duo for EMCC

Donnelli Johnson had a choice to make.

The former East Oktibbeha County High School standout could have done what a lot of individuals in his position would have done and played back-to-back seasons at East Mississippi Community College.

But Johnson realized there was a bigger picture.

MSU’s Rance contributing in all rotations

STARKVILLE — Caitlin Rance loves a challenge.

Like most hitters, her biggest obstacles usually come at the net reading a block or when she is trying to deliver a kill.

Blanchard leads Indians to coach’s first victory

It’s easy for Tevin Blanchard to attract attention. At Aberdeen High School, the 6-foot, 170-pounder earned All-District and second-team All-State honors in football and helped the boys basketball team win the Class 3A state title in 2008.