Articles by Scott Walters
Free throws cost SHS girls again, this time vs. Harrison Central
STARKVILLE — Harrison Central girls basketball coach Nancy Ladner felt like her team’s game against Starkville on Friday could swing in its direction with a little more attention to detail.
Starkville girls rout Eupora to earn split
STARKVILLE — Starkville High School sophomore center Kelsey Jones admits she didn’t know what to expect when the girls basketball team started practice for this season without Blair Schaefer and Imane Montgomery.
MSU men lose fifth-straight game
JACKSON — The Mississippi State men’s basketball team endured a 13-game Southeastern Conference losing streak last season.
This year’s Bulldogs vow a similar free fall isn’t on the horizon.
Aberdeen can’t overcome slow start vs. Horn Lake
The Aberdeen High School boys basketball team learned the valuable lesson of patience Friday afternoon in the Joe Horne Columbus Christmas Invitational.
Starkville Academy chooses Nicholson as head football coach
STARKVILLE – Chase Nicholson has seen the Starkville Academy football program at its worst and at its best.
Former Aberdeen High standout Lucas signs with Troy
Justin Lucas likes to smile.
The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker has a demanding disposition on the football field.
Off the field, the former Aberdeen High School standout carries a warm-hearted persona that affects everyone around him.
For the two-year East Mississippi Community College standout, Wednesday was another reason to smile and smile big.
Nicholson takes over for Terrill at Starkville Academy
STARKVILLE — Chase Nicholson has seen the Starkville Academy football program at its worst and at its best.
Fortunately for Nicholson, the best times have happened recently.
Now it’s his job to make sure that trend continues.
Terrill leaves Starkville Academy, ready for next step
STARKVILLE — Jeff Terrill has seen a little bit of it all in more than three decades as a high school and community college football coach.
Now Terrill is ready to explore another side of life.
EMCC QB Kelly commits to Ole Miss
With the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship in the rear-view mirror, East Mississippi Community College quarterback Chad Kelly set his sights on his next mission Wednesday afternoon, verbally committing to play at Ole Miss.
Lucas, Kelly earn MVP honors for Lions
BILOXI — East Mississippi Community College sophomore defensive end Justin Lucas never worries about down and distance in a football game.
“Making plays,” said Lucas, who played at Aberdeen High School. “My biggest goal is making plays. Each time the ball is snapped, I hope to be where the ball is and I hope I can help make a play.”
EMCC defense comes up with key stop in drive to crown
BILOXI — East Mississippi Community College sophomore linebacker Justin Lucas said defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley had important instructions prior to the team’s game against No. 2 Iowa Western C.C. on Sunday afternoon.
“He told us to go out and get some turnovers,” Lucas said.
Lesley had no idea how well the Lions would grant his wish.
Offense delivers with drive that lifts EMCC to title
BILOXI — The No. 1 East Mississippi Community College football team knew the time had arrived for a drive.
Scoring never has been a problem for one of the nation’s most prolific offenses. However, the stage was different and the stakes were much higher.
EMCC claims back-to-back championships
Top-ranked EMCC made it back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association national championships with a 34-17 win against No. 2 Iowa Western C.C.
Walters Column: Storylines abound for state championship weekend
When news first broke this summer that the state championship games were moving to Mississippi State University and Davis Wade Stadium for the 2014 season, a smile broke out.
MHSAA celebrates championship weekend move to MSU
STARKVILLE – After months of preparation, show time has arrived for the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
EMCC benefiting from hard work to bring bowl to state
One has to wonder if Parker Dykes will watch Mississippi Bowl VII at 2 p.m. Sunday.
That’s when No. 1 East Mississippi Community College (11-0) will play No. 2 Iowa Western College (11-0) at Biloxi High School for the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship.
EMCC excited about chance to play for another title in Mississippi
SCOOBA — East Mississippi Community College football coach Buddy Stephens took great pride in playing for a national championship in Mississippi last season.
Rebels bounce back in big way vs. Bulldogs
OXFORD — Ole Miss linebacker Deterrian Shackelford felt like his team was ready to have a turn-around performance.
Led by junior running back Jaylen Walton and senior quarterback Bo Wallace, the Rebels enjoyed a resurgence.
South Panola ends Starkville’s season
STARKVILLE — Starkville High School senior defensive lineman Derion Ford and senior running back Matt Fuller shared a postgame hug at Yellow Jacket Stadium.
Both had dazed looks on their faces. The look of disbelief was everywhere. Almost every Friday night had ended with similar expressions on the turf at Starkville High.
