Numbers even out for Immanuel football team

The numbers should even out this week.

This also should be one of the few weeks this season when the Immanuel Christian football team has more bodies on the sidelines than its opponent.

That fact, coupled with the Rams’ moving from 11- to eight-man, should make for intriguing storylines when they take on Central Academy at 7 p.m. Friday in Macon.

Emotion carries Starkville volleyball team to victory

CALEDONIA — A little emotion can go a long way.

Inserted at the proper time in a match, that energy can help make for a very long evening or it can erase any surge of momentum.

The Starkville High School volleyball team picked the right time Tuesday night to deliver a shock to the system.

Sparked by an impromptu players-only scream-fest in front of coach Lauren Love, the Yellow Jackets rallied to score the final five points in game four to clinch the game and the match against Caledonia, 3-1.

Game scores were 25-19, 25-12, 18-25, 25-20.

EMCC could use Patterson to build on success

SCOOBA — Time is ticking away for the East Mississippi Community College football team.

In nine days, the No. 7 Lions will try to build off the most successful season in the school’s history when they travel to Perkinston on Sept. 2 to take on No. 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C.

Cockrell hopes hard work pays off this season

SCOOBA — Working hard wasn’t enough for Johnny Cockrell.

Entering his sophomore season with the East Mississippi Community College football team, Cockrell realized he needed to do something to move up the depth chart.

Central Academy’s Newman hides behind line, slips through gaps

MACON — Cole Newman knows what it takes to be “The Man.”

A year ago, he watched teammates Hunter Campbell and Trevor Eaves do their best to lead the Central Academy football team’s rushing attack.

But when Campbell went down with a season-ending injury, Eaves assumed a bigger role and Newman earned an opportunity to contribute.

Timing right for renewal of Columbus-New Hope rivalry

The timing was perfect.

On Thursday, Lowndes County Schools Superintendent Mike Halford was at New Hope High School to catch some of the action between the Columbus and New Hope High School slow-pitch softball teams.

Softball is one of the few sports that the two Lowndes County schools compete against each other. In the past few years, the schools haven’t played each other in football and boys basketball due to problems that fans attending the matchups might have created.

Timberwolves belief in themselves shine through in beating West Lowndes

It takes a lot to be a Timberwolf.

With depleted numbers in recent years, the West Oktibbeha High School football team has learned how not to make excuses.

Instead, the Timberwolves rely on faith, family, and heart to get them through difficult situations.

The belief the Timberwolves have in themselves and in their teammates came through in shining fashion Friday night.

Columbus, New Hope finalizing matchup

After a one-year hiatus, the Columbus-New Hope High School football rivalry looks like it is set for a return — next month.

If everything falls into place Monday, plan to be at New Hope High School’s Trojan Field at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 to watch the Falcons and Trojans renew their rivalry.

Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Dr. Del Phillips said Saturday that while details remain to be finalized he said when asked about the game: “I think it is going to happen.”

Stanford debuts as CHS’s coach

The clarity might be the first thing you notice.

Even though you’re several hundred feet away from the practice field, the words reverberate sharply and cause you to pick up your pace.

As you turn the corner, the words slam into you, prompting you to break into a sprint.

You hustle into place and hope today is a good day and that he doesn’t single you out because, truth be told, he is loud and the words can get caught up in the helmet and stay with you for a while.

West Point ready to test skills for four quarters

WEST POINT — The names change most every year.

The coaches tinker and tweak positions and schemes.

But the more changes that appear to hit the West Point High School football program, the more it keeps producing teams that contend for state championships.

The 2010 edition doesn’t figure to be any different.

Sanders leads 17-attack to help New Hope claim softball win

One team is building toward a repeat.

The other is building toward respectability.

Even though it is only August, the New Hope and Columbus high school slow-pitch softball teams showed Thursday they have plenty to look forward to this season.

D.J. Sanders had four hits, including three doubles, to lead a 17-hit attack in New Hope’s 13-5 victory at Lady Trojan Field.

Mott brings energy to Rebels

OXFORD — Matthew Mott always knew he wanted to be a head coach, especially a head coach in the Southeastern Conference.

After seven years of working as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Auburn University, Mott took a “risky” move, by his admission, to become an assistant coach at the University of Texas.

Bramble continues to build at Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It’s all about an attitude this season for the University of Alabama women’s soccer team.

After seasons of nine and six wins in his first two years at the school, coach Todd Bramble hopes an infusion of 11 newcomers and the maturation of his underclasswomen helps his program make strides in the Southeastern Conference.

Showtime for West Lowndes

Friday night is showtime for the West Lowndes High School football team.

At some point this season, coach Bobby Berry hopes the Panthers’ play graduates to capital letter status. For now, though, the veteran coach would like to see his players back up all of their talk on the field.

It’s not that West Lowndes has been burning the phone lines with fabulous boasts. Berry is just eager to see his players prove to him their confidence — and potential — is real.

Oak Hill is ready to host Heritage

Leroy Gregg has coached high school football teams that have gone through a season without any injuries.

Gregg hopes he has that same good fortune this season.

With only 17 players on his roster, the third-year Oak Hill Academy coach knows the 2010 campaign will be challenging. After two solid showings in the preseason, Gregg and the Raiders will make their debut at 7 p.m. Friday when they play host to Heritage Academy.

Jones’ kill seals deal in Columbus’ victory

Ja’Bria Jones twisted her body to make a play.

Playing two steps off the net, the middle blocker reached tentatively with her left hand in an effort to keep the ball alive.

Jones did more than that.

With a flick of her arm, the Columbus High School freshman sealed the deal with one final kill and helped her team defeat West Lowndes 3-2.

Lessons help McCrary mature into leader

Anna McCrary thought her coach was crazy.

Sure, she slugged a pitch to the bottom of the fence for an easy extra-base hit, but McCrary didn’t think she was quick enough to make it home for an inside-the-park home run.

Tabitha Beard thought differently.

Williams sets goal to change ICC’s fortunes

FULTON — Jon Williams willingness to fire himself shows he has bought into a fresh start at Itawamba Community College.

Williams’ decision to relieve himself of his duties as offensive line coach was difficult, but the new ICC football coach realized when he replaced Jeff Terrill things needed to change.

So the 15-year veteran coach gave up his love and has taken on the responsibilities as the team’s new coach of the running backs.

New Hope squeaks by Philadelpiha

STARKVILLE — The New Hope High School football team showed last season it can win close games.

The Trojans won rain-slogged efforts at Saltillo and at Clarksdale and equally tight games against Hernando and Indianola Gentry en route to a second-place finish in Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A, Region 1.

Things were even better in the playoffs.

West Point shuts out Itawamba

STARKVILLE — New year, same old story for the West Point High School football team.

Led by a 77-yard rushing effort from senior quarterback Justin Cox, West Point grinded it out for 251 yards Saturday en route t a 35-0 victory against Itawamba Agricultural High at the Fall Football Jamboree at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium.

The rushing total was even more impressive considering the Green Wave, the defending Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state champion, did in only two quarters of varsity action. Eight players had a chance to tote the ball, led by Cox and LaKenderic Thomas, who added 55 yards.