With healthy foot, USM quarterback is playing well

When Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis was sidelined for the last eight games of the 2009 season because of a foot injury, he tried to take advantage of the new perspective.

Lions beat Indians, get first win

The visiting Lions of East Mississippi held Itawamba scoreless in the second half en route to their first win of the year with a 37-10 division triumph over the Indians Thursday at Lambert Stadium on the ICC campus.

Magnolia State 100 to be run today and Saturday

The 21st annual Premier Ford Magnolia State 100 will come to life today and Saturday at Columbus Speedway.

Federal grand jury indicts Ala. football coach

A federal grand jury has indicted an Alabama high school football coach on charges of child molestation and trying to get the victim to lie to authorities about the incidents.

Questions and answers about new health care changes

The nation’s new health care law turns 6 months old today, and starts delivering protections and dollars-and-cents benefits that Americans can grasp. But it won’t affect all consumers the same way, which may cause confusion.

Rivalry games highlight West Alabama schedule

West Alabama high school football teams will take a breather from regional play Friday night, but their opponents won’t be strangers.

Trustmark to buy Cadence Bank

Trustmark National Bank is buying Starkville-based Cadence Bank in a $53.8 million deal that will give it a powerful presence in the Golden Triangle, but leaves uncertainty for many employed in Cadence’s Starkville and Columbus operations.

After losses, Rebels struggle to regroup

The University of Mississippi wasn’t expected to have an incredible football team this season after losing multiple star players to the NFL.

Ingram’s knee, game hold up well against Duke

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Mark Ingram barely even felt like he played a football game when he woke up Sunday after the top-ranked University of Alabama football team beat Duke, much less like a guy who was returning from knee surgery.

4-County names former manager as new CEO (video)

After a five-month search, 4-County Electric Power Association named Joe B. Cade its new CEO and general manager today.

With deadline passed, Cadence quiet about future

Cadence Bank officials are keeping mum on the future of the company this week, just days after a deadline passed for the bank to meet federal capital standards.

Wanted West Point man arrested in Missouri

A West Point man wanted for armed robbery and assault is in custody in Missouri.

LSU finds easy pickings

trick Peterson’s remarkable interceptions gave a boost to the star cornerback’s Heisman Trophy credentials and took the pressure off LSU’s inconsistent offense.

Vandy rolls to 28-14 win over Ole Miss

For his first two months as Vanderbilt University’s new football coach, Robbie Caldwell was only known for his jokes.

Mark Ingram returns for easy victory

Mark Ingram took his first handoff of the year and darted nearly 50 yards. Later, he went the other direction and dashed another 50.

Louisville overcomes big plays, Columbus

LOUISVILLE — Big plays nearly proved to be too much for the Louisville High School football team to overcome.

But the Wildcats used a key turnover in the fourth quarter and a strong running game to regain their focus and beat Columbus 36-28 Friday night.

Virden, MRA beat Heritage on somber night

Myres Virden rushed for 137 yards and four touchdowns Friday to lead the Madison-Ridgeland Academy football team to a 34-6 victory against Heritage Academy on what turned out to be a somber evening.

News that 17-year-old Heritage Academy student Spencer Perkins, who shot himself earlier in the week in a hunting accident in Noxubee County, died Friday night in Jackson, spread throughout the field and left many in the Patriots’ family shaken.

Starkville Academy falls to JA, remains winless

STARKVILLE — Records and final scores don’t tell the whole story about the Starkville Academy football team.

On Friday night, the winless Volunteers didn’t back down against defending state champion Jackson Academy. Even though the final score — 42-14 in favor of the Raiders — didn’t go their way, the Volunteers eliminated their opponent’s big-play ability and kept the score within reach before a costly fumble late in third quarter.

Aberdeen rolls past Okolona

ABERDEEN — After starting the season with a disappointing loss to Class 6A Columbus, all is well with Aberdeen High School football coach Chris Duncan.

The Bulldogs, who have outscored their last four opponents 219-24, dropped 61 points on outmanned Okolona here Friday in a 61-6 rout — the third time this season they have topped the 60-point mark.

East Webster cruises past Bruce

MABEN — Ledrick Patterson and Demetrius O’Briant had more than 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns each Friday night to lead the unbeaten East Webster High School football team to a 53-15 victory against Bruce.