West Point flying high at 3-0

The quest for a repeat state championship is a fascinating challenge.

Whether the school is a traditional power or a newcomer to championship honors, it seems like each one takes a different path when trying to win a second-straight state championship.

Price hopes to play big role in backfield for EMCC

SCOOBA — On some nights, the standout running back for the East Mississippi Community College football team is along for the ride.

EMCC prefers to throw the ball all over the field. The Lions have built a national-championship pedigree with standout quarterbacks and a bevy of talented receivers in a hurry-up offensive scheme.

West Point’s defense shuts down Starkville

WEST POINT — When West Point High School senior linebacker Rasson Carr was asked how long he had been waiting to beat Starkville, the answer came quickly.

“Four years.”

Scott Jr. helps No. 2 EMCC rally past JCJC

SCOOBA — While Lindsey Scott Jr.’s opening act at East Mississippi Community College was a far cry from what the final act will look like, it was enough to leave the fans wanting more.

Stephens reaches milestone with victory

SCOOBA — Buddy Stephens called himself a “JuCo lifer” after the East Mississippi Community College football team won the school’s first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship in 2011.

Crowell, No. 2 EMCC set to open season with Jones

SCOOBA — East Mississippi Community College sophomore Daniel Crowell never doubted his ability to play on a high level.

However, confirmation is always good for any athlete.

Walters column: Dominant victory over Columbus pleases Noxubee County’s Shorter

Seconds after Noxubee County knocked off Columbus 34-9 Friday night in Macon, Noxubee County head coach Tyrone Shorter uttered the phrase the rest of Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A doesn’t want to hear.

Stephens, No. 2 EMCC face big season

The East Mississippi Community College football team’s season opener against Jones County Junior College on Thursday night will kick off arguably the program’s biggest season.

Montgomery ready to play bigger role at QB for ICC

FULTON — Itawamba Community College sophomore Montario Montgomery said the calls home are fewer this season.

A year ago, the former Starkville High School standout was learning to be independent. He admits it was a struggle.

Columbus offense struggles in loss to Noxubee County

MACON — Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery has won big games in his 14-year coaching career.

While a slow start by his Falcons this season hasn’t dampened Montgomery’s enthusiasm, Montgomery, his team’s early season struggles have made it tough on him.

Noxubee County bounces back to beat Columbus

MACON — When Noxubee County senior linebacker Terry Joiner was given his team’s sack number Friday night, he had to have the number repeated.

“Eleven sacks is hard to believe. I had no idea really,” Joiner said. “I knew we were back there a lot. I knew we were making plays and having fun. I knew this was a lot better game than last week. That’s still a big number.”

Forside ready for final season at ICC

FULTON — Most senior college football teams have a handful of elder statesmen. It is not uncommon for players in their fifth or sixth year in a program to be leaders on the field and in the weight room.

Such veteran leadership usually doesn’t happen in the junior college ranks, where most players are ushered in and out in two seasons or less.

Walters column: Area teams make statements in opening week

Typically, the first week of the regular season is not full of a lot of quality matchups.

West Lowndes shuts out Caledonia

The West Lowndes High School football team already had delivered a dominating defensive performance when junior cornerback Tray Lucious took things one step further.

Lucious’ interception capped West Lowndes’ 14-0 victory against county rival Caledonia in the season opener for both teams Friday night at Panther Field.

Rousing rout for West Point in opener

WEST POINT — West Point High School senior Chris Calvert plans to make the most of his final opportunity.

Undervalued as one of the state’s best running backs, Calvert missed more than half of last season recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

Keeping the torch burning: Noxubee junior QB tries to follow family tradition of winning rings

Noxubee County High School junior Maliek Stallings already knows the price of admission when he later attends a family reunion.

First games will answer questions about prep teams

We have finally arrived at the opening weekend for football teams in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS).

Report: Former LSU quarterback enrolls at EMCC

SCOOBA — The East Mississippi Community College football team added to the long line of standout quarterbacks Tuesday with the signing of LSU transfer Lindsey Scott Jr.

Columbus’ King will bring needed experience to secondary

Columbus High School senior cornerback Devon King considers himself a veteran.

Pruitt enjoys going both ways for Shorter at Noxubee County

MACON — Noxubee County junior Kyziah Pruitt feels blessed.