Lee, Byrd ready for challenges after moving on

Bill Lee and Pat Byrd weren’t going to run and hide from losing records.

Their decisions to leave Starkville and Amory high schools, respectively, were difficult despite what was perceived as the poor status of their programs.

The coaches will now move on to other challenges. Lee has decided to retire and spend more time in the ministry and his family, while Byrd will try to resurrect the program at Saltillo High.

MSU’s Dixon named All-SEC

STARKVILLE — The postseason recognition continues for Mississippi State senior running back Anthony Dixon.

One week after taking home the Cellular South Conerly Trophy as Mississippi’s top college player, Dixon earned first-team honors on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team.

MSU men face key road trip

STARKVILLE — This is an important week for the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.

The Bulldogs go back on the road, but it’s not going to be an easy trip.

Sherrill says talk of UFL is premature

Jackie Sherrill finds ways to be around the sport of football.

Since retiring as Mississippi State’s all-time winningest coach, Sherrill has tried to stay close to the game by working in television and radio and with his sports nutrition company.

There might be another way Sherrill will be able to satisfy his football desire: The United Football League.

Mississippi State victory never in doubt

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State found playing St. Bonaventure to be a little bit easier this season.

Last season, the Bulldogs had to score the final five points to beat the Bonnies 76-71.

However, the rematch Saturday was never in doubt as MSU hit four 3-point field goals in the first 4 minutes, jumped out to a 16-2 lead and went on to a 105-53 win at Humphrey Coliseum. It ties for the largest margin of victory in the 12-year era of coach Rick Stansbury.

Saltillo gets Byrd through persistency

Pat Byrd enjoyed his 19 years being a football coach at Amory High School.

When Lee County School Superintendent Mike Scott first contacted Byrd about coaching the Saltillo High School football team a few days before Thanksgiving, Byrd wasn’t ready to leave Amory.

Scott called him again a few days later during the Thanksgiving break and the persistence paid off.

Byrd felt he owed it to himself to give it some thought.

He came to the conclusion that a change wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Starkville football coach Bill Lee retires

STARKVILLE — Sometimes there comes a time when a coach has to give up something he loves.

That time has come for Starkville High School football coach Bill Lee.

After 30 years of coaching on the high school and junior college levels, Lee has decided to retire effective at the end of the school year.

Lee said opportunity to spend more time in ministry and with his family motivated him to make the decision.

Nicholson presents Varnado challenge

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury knows St. Bonaventure center Andrew Nicholson will be a difficult matchup.

The toughest thing for the Bulldogs about facing Nicholson is center Jarvis Varnado might have his shot-blocking hand taped up.

Varnado dislocated two fingers on his left hand last week attempting to block a shot against Old Dominion. Stansbury isn’t sure how much he’ll be able to help against the Bonnies at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Hebron Christian responds to overtime pressure

MACON — Hebron Christian School girls basketball coach Greg Watkins wondered if the Lady Eagles could handle the pressure of going into overtime.

That question was answered Thursday night.

Tied at 39 at the end of regulation, the Lady Eagles used a 15-point overtime to earn a 54-47 victory against Central Academy.

Watkins wasn’t only concerned about playing an extra quarter, he was worried about dealing with the Lady Vikings’ defense. He was pleased his players responded.

Taylor enjoys giving back to West Point

It’s all about serving others to Shaun Taylor.

Whether it’s working in game management at Mississippi State or helping as a volunteer football coach at West Point High School, Taylor welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the communities and schools he loves.

Heritage improves shooting to beat Starkville Academy

STARKVILLE — Heritage Academy basketball coach Bruce Allsup learns more and more about his boys team each game it plays.

With four games in five days this week, he should find out quite a bit.

The Patriots had played only three games prior to Tuesday night’s matchup at Starkville Academy.

Heritage Academy made sure it began the week on a positive note by recording a 65-37 victory.

Byrne pleased with Bulldogs’ progress

STARKVILLE — One year ago, Mississippi State Athletic Director Greg Byrne was looking for a new football coach.

After Sylvester Croom resigned following a 4-8 season and a 45-0 loss to the University of Mississippi, Byrne knew he had to find someone to help energize the program.

He found Dan Mullen.

MSU football team hopes to build on Egg Bowl win

STARKVILLE — Carl Torbush has been on both sides of the Egg Bowl rivalry between Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

As the defensive coordinator at Ole Miss from 1983-86, Torbush didn’t lose to MSU.

Now as the defensive coordinator at MSU, Torbush turned the tables on Ole Miss on Saturday as the Bulldogs won the Egg Bowl 41-27 at Davis Wade Stadium.

It was a satisfying way for Torbush and MSU (5-7, 3-5 Southeastern Conference) to end the season.

Relf gets payback against Ole Miss

STARKVILLE — It remains to be seen whether Chris Relf is the quarterback of the future for Mississippi State.

On Saturday, Relf was more than adequate for the present.

The sophomore rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns and threw for two more scores to help MSU upset No. 20 University of Mississippi 41-27 before a crowd of 55,365 at Davis Wade Stadium.

MSU (5-7, 3-5 Southeastern Conference) ended Dan Mullen’s first season as coach on a good note and avenged a 45-0 loss to the Rebels last season.

Mullen thanks fans for helping set attendance record

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen couldn’t leave Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday afternoon without getting a microphone to address the crowd one more time this season.

Mullen wanted to express his appreciation to the fans for helping set attendance records and energizing the football team this season.

Even though the Bulldogs were only 2-5 at home this season, they closed their home schedule with a 41-27 victory against No. 20 University of Mississippi.

MSU’s Dixon, Ole Miss’ McCluster concern coaches

Coaches often use the phrase “you can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him” when discussing a talented player from an opposing team.

Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen feels that way about University of Mississippi running back Dexter McCluster.

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt has the same measure of respect for MSU running back Anthony Dixon.

Lee has been leader for Bulldogs

Tyson Lee is a leader.

It’s a trait the Mississippi State quarterback has tried to present throughout his football career.

Through his dedication, determination, and faith, Lee, a former standout at Columbus High School and Itawamba Community College, has gained respect from coaches and teammates.

Patterson biding his time with Rebels

Noxubee County High School coach M.C. Miller believes it’s just a matter of time before wide receiver Pat Patterson does the things he did as a Tiger in Macon at the University of Mississippi.

Patterson has been looking for more playing time as the season has progressed for the Rebels.

MSU men will try to get more from bench

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury challenged sophomore forward Romero Osby a week ago.

Stansbury wanted to get Osby’s attention about his role off the bench.

MSU offensive line wants to do better job vs. Ole Miss

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior center J.C. Brignone and the offensive line have something to prove Saturday against the University of Mississippi.