O’Briant leads East Webster football team into playoffs

MABEN — Coach Jimmy Carden has had the privilege of coaching several O’Briants at East Webster High School, but said Demetrius might be the toughest.

Carden said all of them have brought something extra to the table while playing for the Wolverines, but Demetrius, a junior running back, doesn’t let his size (5-foot-11, 150 pounds) bother him.

“He’s not a big guy, but has a lot of heart,” Carden said. “He’s pretty much fearless and doesn’t mind sticking his nose in there and getting after it.”

Determination key to win for West Lowndes

West Lowndes High School boys basketball coach Herman Peters saw a determined look in the eyes of his players on Tuesday.

Peters knew it would be a tall task for Class 2A West Lowndes to knock off Class 6A Columbus on its court, but in this matchup size didn’t matter.

Peters said the Panthers may not have much height, but they have plenty of heart and that led to a 58-51 victory.

MSU in must-win situation

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior linebacker Jamar Chaney has a “must-win” mentality entering the final month of the regular season.

The Bulldogs (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) will play host to Alabama at 6 p.m. Saturday, travel to the University of Arkansas on Nov. 21, and play host to the University of Mississippi on Nov. 28.

MSU’s Broomfield likes potential of secondary

STARKVILLE — Corey Broomfield is ready to make history.

As the Mississippi State freshman defensive back walks through the team room, he observes the photos on the wall of former Bulldog greats Walt Harris, Pig Prather, and Fred Smoot.

Broomfield believes the current secondary that includes freshman Johnthan Banks, of East Webster High School in Maben, and sophomore Charles Mitchell can make names for themselves before their careers are done at MSU.

Football recruits excited about Mississippi State

Just the mention of “Mississippi State” causes Brandon Hill to smile.

Hill, a linebacker and defensive lineman on the West Lowndes High School football team, is as sure as he ever has been about his commitment to play football for the Bulldogs.

Even though the possibility exists MSU (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) won’t have a winning season or play in a bowl game this season, Hill believes the Bulldogs have what it takes to reach the postseason.

Columbus, Starkville meet with playoff spot on line

Bubba Davis and Bill Lee have playoffs on their minds.

Unfortunately, only one man’s team could get to realize those dreams.

That will be the storyline at 7 tonight when Davis’ Columbus High football team plays host to Lee’s Starkville Yellow Jackets.

Starkville and Columbus enter the game at 3-7, but the Yellow Jackets are 3-3 in Class 6A, Region 1, District 2 and the Falcons are 2-4.

All Starkville has to do is win and it’s in the playoffs.

Sidney’s attorney notices progress

Attorney Donald Jackson has noticed progress in the case of his client, Renardo Sidney, a Mississippi State freshman basketball player.

Jackson held a meeting in his Montgomery, Ala., office Friday with MSU and NCAA representatives, and believes it could be an important step in getting Sidney eligible for the Bulldogs very soon.

The NCAA has been investigating Sidney’s status as an amateur athlete since MSU signed him in April.

Bazzell hired as Starkville Academy baseball coach

Starkville Academy hopes Shane Bazzell can bring some of his state championship magic to its baseball program.

Bazzell, who played baseball at New Hope High School from 1993-98 and helped the Trojans win state titles in 1996 and ’98, was named Monday the new head baseball coach at Starkville Academy.

“He played at one of the best high school programs in the state and has obviously learned the game,” Starkville Academy Athletic Director Glenn Schmidt said. “He has a passion for baseball.”

MSU’s Dixon earns SEC honor

STARKVILLE — Anthony Dixon still has some unfinished business.

Even after the Mississippi State senior running back had become the school’s all-time leading rusher and then rushed for a new single-game record 252 yards Saturday in a 31-24 victory against the University of Kentucky, there’s more on his mind.

Dixon, who has 3,604 rushing yards, wants to help the Bulldogs make it to a postseason bowl.

To do that, MSU (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) has to win two of its last three regular-season games, and Dixon wants to win all three.

Victory worth the wait for Winston Academy’s Moffitt

WEST POINT — It was worth the wait for Winston Academy football team and Rob Moffitt.

Poor weather postponed the Patriots’ matchup against Oak Hill Academy from Friday night to Saturday afternoon.

When the game was finally played, Moffitt had to wait nearly three quarters before he touched the football.

But Winston Academy coach Wyatt Rogers decided to give Moffitt a carry with 26.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Brewer resigns as Starkville Academy baseball coach

STARKVILLE — Justin Brewer thought about the opportunity and decided it was too good to pass up.

After putting off Copiah-Lincoln Community College at first when a job as assistant baseball coach came open, Brewer decided to take the job after one season as the head baseball coach at Starkville Academy.

Brewer was also an assistant football coach for the Volunteers. He wrapped up his responsibilities Friday in a 31-14 loss to Pillow Academy.

Washington looks to help MSU beat Kentucky again

STARKVILLE — Marcus Washington has pleasant memories of Mississippi State’s game at the University of Kentucky two years ago.

The defensive back had an interception to help the Bulldogs defeat the Wildcats 31-14. The victory helped carry them to a winning season (8-5) and Liberty Bowl berth.

“It’s something I always think about,” Washington said. “I remember that game like it was yesterday. They were a ranked team and had a high-powered offense. We just came in with a mind-set to get the win.”

Bost stronger as MSU set to begin season

STARKVILLE — Dee Bost has noticed a change.

As a freshman, Bost averaged more than 31 minutes a game and started all 36 games for the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.

And while he was fourth on the team in scoring at 10.9 points per game, Bost didn’t always like how he felt on the court.

“I used to get pushed around,” Bost said. “(Opponents would) give me a little nudge and throw me off track.”

Opponents will see a different Dee Bost this season thanks to strength and conditioning coach Richard Akins.

MSU basketball team ranked in both polls

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball players and coaches say their focus is between the white lines.

The program has received a lot of attention in the preseason for things that have happened outside those lines.

The Bulldogs learned Thursday they are ranked in the top 20 of both preseason polls (18th by The Associated Press, 19th by the ESPN/USA Today Coaches).

Starkville’s Johnson seeks improvement

STARKVILLE — Jaquez Johnson understands what he must do to move forward.

The Starkville High School junior quarterback wants to settle down and rely on his teammates more to make plays.

That’s something Johnson doesn’t think he’s done well enough in the past two weeks with five interceptions.

Johnson believes he’s making the right reads, but says he has tried to force some things.

Injuries will affect Kentucky vs. MSU

University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks knows sophomore Ronnie Sneed can play linebacker.

He just didn’t know he’d have to ask him to prove it this quickly.

With the potential of not having senior All-Southeastern Conference linebacker Micah Johnson available at 6 p.m. Saturday for his team’s game against Mississippi State (Fox SportsNet South), Brooks might turn to Sneed.

MSU’s Turner returns to Kentucky for game

STARKVILLE — David Turner has benefited from relationships established during his coaching career.

One of those relationships helped him earn his first NCAA Division I job as a defensive ends coach at Kentucky in 1993.

The bonds continue to help him as the defensive line coach at Mississippi State.

Turner will return to Lexington, Ky., at 6 p.m. Saturday when Mississippi State plays at the Kentucky Wildcats (FOX SportsNet South).

MSU’s Banks honored for efforts

STARKVILLE — Johnthan Banks had two teeth removed last week ago, one for each of the interceptions he returned for touchdowns Saturday night in a 29-19 loss to the University of Florida.

Turner will add more experience for MSU men

STARKVILLE — Junior guard Phil Turner has a reason to feel like one of the elder statesmen of the Mississippi State basketball team.

Turner, who turns 22 today, is considered one of the veterans on the 2009-10 squad.

MSU’s Mullen criticizes replay official

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen enjoyed watching freshman defensive back Johnthan Banks return two interceptions for touchdowns against the University of Florida Saturday night.

But Mullen didn’t like seeing Florida’s Dustin Doe return an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Mississippi State’s 29-19 loss at Scott Field.

Mullen said Doe’s touchdown should have never been allowed to stand.