Last night I made the drive about 20 miles past the state line to glorious Theodore, Alabama to catch my first glimpse of Alabama high school football this season. Coming in from the other side were the defending state champions and undefeated Daphne Trojans who had marched in from the Eastern Shore take on the underdog Theodore Bobcats. With clear skies and temperatures in the 70's, it was a perfect night for high school football and the scene at Theodore High School was the perfect setting.
I was very surprised at how big and nice the stadium was, especially on the home side of course. Stretching from end zone to end zone and going upward 25-30 rows, you definitely do not have trouble finding a seat. And with its brick design outlayer instead of the traditional high school stadium metal it definitely resembed that of a small college stadium. As I was climbing up the middle set of concrete steps to make my entrance for the first time, I could hear a woman's voice in the stands ask, "Bubba where did Daddy go?" It made me feel at home. However, I did not catch Bubba's response on the whereabouts of Daddy.
Unlike many high school games the home and visiting team stands are completely accessible to each other. And positioned mid-way between them was a concession stand the size of mid-size family home. When it comes to a central base of operations for selling hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and skittles, I say bigger is better! However, I was not completely satisfied with the way the concessions went. My "beef" though is with my fellow patrons and not the volunteer parents working it. In my multiple visits to purchase $3 hamburgers, the short lines took much longer than anticipated due to the confusion, indecision and lack of planning that seemed to constantly affect the customers in line ahead of me when they reached the ordering window. I may be unsure of myself in other areas, but when it comes to ordering food at a counter, damn I'm good and I expect the same from others around me!
Next to the concession stand just outside the fence to the North End Zone was the Bobcats practice field. I can only assume this was the North End Zone. In my hands and distributed between my three pockets were a pen, notepad, wallot, camera, blackberry, mini tape recorder and flip phone, all pulling my $10 Khaki Target shorts halfway down my ass, but no compass. I actually believe it was the east end zone, but end zones are always referred to as north and south not east and west, and far be it from me to use any inaccurate references.
Fortunately for spectators and specifically younger non-attentive fans, the Bobcats practice field was also completely accessible with the blocking sleds located out of the way on the far end. This is where the real game took place between the 10 and 11 year olds. But it wasn't just one game. There were at least a half a dozen unofficial pick-up games going on out out there simultaneously, with a half-breed, no collar German Shepherd that was running between all of them. The Beijing Summer Olympics did not have as much action taking place at one time as that which was occurring on the Bobcats practice field last night.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, their nice facilites could not bring them an upset victory over the defending state champions, as they fell to the Trojans 41-20 in a very hard fought game. The contest had the makings of a blowout early when junior wide receiver Jonathan McGaster scored on a 60 yard run, but the tough, straight ahead running of Bobcats running back Dylan Busby (5-10, 195 lbs) kept his team in the game, and the score was tied at 14 at the half. Also impressive for the Bobcats was 6-2, 195 lb sophomore tight end Jerry Gibson who caught a 56 yard touchdown pass in double coverage from quarterback Jimmy Jones. He is definitely one to keep on the recruiting radar for the next few years.
The size advantage definitely belonged to the Trojans and in the second half they just wore the Bobcats down. Auburn commit, 6-2, 210 lb tailback TJ Yeldon, who was held in check in the first half, pounded his way through the Bobcats defense in the second half. Running with more authority from the start of the 3rd quarter, Yeldon broke tackles, cut into the open field and scored on two long touchdowns to give the Trojans a 28-14 lead in which they never looked back. Not sure if Yeldon will be the next great running back to come out of Auburn, but he definitely has a running style that resembles that of former Auburn great Stephen Davis.
The Daphne defense was led by Alabama commit Ryan Anderson. The 6-3, 250 lb Anderson alternated between middle linebacker and defensive end. His size makes him a looming force at middle linebacker as he appears to be cut from the same mold as current Crimson Tide Preseason All-SEC LB Dont'a Hightower (6-4, 260 lb). Anderson also had two 4th quarter sacks lined up as defensive end when the Bobcats were passing more and trying to play catch up. It will be interesting to see where Nick Saban uses Anderson, and to see he and Yeldon go at each other in the Iron Bowl in the next few years, should they develop and progress as expected.
- Win
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Facing Tragic Loss, D'Iberville Honors Fallen Teammate, Gets Big Win Over Long Beach
It was an emotional night for the D'Iberville Warriors football team who experienced tragedy in last Friday's win over Gautier when junior fullback Latrell Dunbar died after collapsing on the field following a play. News reports indicate it was from a preexisting heart condition. The D'Iberville community responded with incredible generosity in honoring Dunbar, as did the players and fans of the visiting Long Beach Bearcats. Warrior supporters and cheerleaders had shirts with Dunbar's name and number 18 on them, while fans of both teams wore buttons and bracelets in his memory. Pregame ceremonies honoring Dunbar included a moment of silence, the placement of black lines at each 18 yard line and 18 pushups in unison from the D'Iberville High School Jr. ROTC Unit of which Dunbar was a member.
The greatest tribute to Dunbar, however, came from the his teammates who dedicated the game to him. An inspiring on-field perfomance by the Warrior players resulted in a 26-20 upset victory over the previously undefeated and Number 1 ranked Long Beach Bearcats that featured Division 1 college recruits defensive tackle Nick James and FB/LB Richie Brown. Especially impressive was the player Dunbar shared the offensive backfield with in good friend and senior running back Justin Brister. Despite his lean
6-0, 175 pound frame, Brister's tough running broke the tackles of Bearcat defenders all night, as he constantly picked up additional yardage after contact and finished with 144 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The Warriors Defense also did their part, particularly in the secondary where three different defensive backs each had an interception of Long Beach sophomore quarterback Thad Miller. The first and last interceptions impacted the game significantly. Senior Cornerback Marcellus Henderson scored the game's first points with a 35 yard return first quarter pick six and Elija Wilson's snag of a deep Miller throw with 1:14 left to play ended the Bearcats hopes for a winning touchdown drive. Prior to Wilson's interception, the Bearcats went on a fourth quarter surge scoring two touchdowns in less than 4 minutes to cutdown on the Warriors commanding 26-6 lead. The Bearcats final touchdown was a 40 yard punt return by lightening quick 138 pound junior Chad Cook who scooped the ball off the bounce, found a seam and sprinted through the D'Iberville punt coverage igniting the Long Beach stands and sideline.
Also impressive was D'Ibervile Senior Quarterback Garrett Landrum who effectively commanded the Warriors offensive attack throwing two touchdowns, one on a screen to Brister and the other a 33 yard strike to junior fullback Tyler Schankin. In looking at potential future stars, two players that are bound to make heads turn on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the next two years are beefy sophomore defensive ends Anthony Santos and JC Caldwell. They are listed at 6-3, 280 and 6-5, 295 respectively and constantly put pressure on Miller greatly contributing to the Warriors 3 interceptions.
D'Iberville advances to 4-0 while Long Beach falls to 2-1.
- Win
The greatest tribute to Dunbar, however, came from the his teammates who dedicated the game to him. An inspiring on-field perfomance by the Warrior players resulted in a 26-20 upset victory over the previously undefeated and Number 1 ranked Long Beach Bearcats that featured Division 1 college recruits defensive tackle Nick James and FB/LB Richie Brown. Especially impressive was the player Dunbar shared the offensive backfield with in good friend and senior running back Justin Brister. Despite his lean
6-0, 175 pound frame, Brister's tough running broke the tackles of Bearcat defenders all night, as he constantly picked up additional yardage after contact and finished with 144 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The Warriors Defense also did their part, particularly in the secondary where three different defensive backs each had an interception of Long Beach sophomore quarterback Thad Miller. The first and last interceptions impacted the game significantly. Senior Cornerback Marcellus Henderson scored the game's first points with a 35 yard return first quarter pick six and Elija Wilson's snag of a deep Miller throw with 1:14 left to play ended the Bearcats hopes for a winning touchdown drive. Prior to Wilson's interception, the Bearcats went on a fourth quarter surge scoring two touchdowns in less than 4 minutes to cutdown on the Warriors commanding 26-6 lead. The Bearcats final touchdown was a 40 yard punt return by lightening quick 138 pound junior Chad Cook who scooped the ball off the bounce, found a seam and sprinted through the D'Iberville punt coverage igniting the Long Beach stands and sideline.
Also impressive was D'Ibervile Senior Quarterback Garrett Landrum who effectively commanded the Warriors offensive attack throwing two touchdowns, one on a screen to Brister and the other a 33 yard strike to junior fullback Tyler Schankin. In looking at potential future stars, two players that are bound to make heads turn on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the next two years are beefy sophomore defensive ends Anthony Santos and JC Caldwell. They are listed at 6-3, 280 and 6-5, 295 respectively and constantly put pressure on Miller greatly contributing to the Warriors 3 interceptions.
D'Iberville advances to 4-0 while Long Beach falls to 2-1.
- Win
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Big Easy vs Cajun Country
Usually you have to wait for the championship games at the end of the year to watch back-to-back high school football games when the state title contests between the different classifications are held consecutively at one designated stadium traditionally reserved for college or professional teams. Last season, I spent a whole weekend in early December camped out at Mississippi Memorial Stadium watching each state championship game. It actually started on Friday morning around 11 for the IA title match up between Durant and Mount Olive, and then ended around 10:30 Saturday Night with South Panola defeating Meridian for the 6A championship.
The following weekend I spent seveb quality hours in the Superdome for the Louisiana State Championships. Despite having only seen the final two games, I didn’t get out until well after midnight after Acadiana High School of Lafayette upset the heavily favored West Monroe Rebels 21-14 in the 5A championship. Unlike Saints games with no alcohol being served, let’s just say there was a lot of coke and popcorn involved.
This year you don’t have to wait until the final weekend of the season to watch back to back high school football games in person. The Allstate Sugar Bowl is hosting their inaugural prep classic this evening with a doubleheader between New Orleans area schools and Lafayette area schools, and a couple of participants in the 2010 state championship games will be making a quick return trip to the Superdome. In the opener, 2A runner up John Curtis Christian of Kenner takes on consistent playoff contender Westgate of New Iberia. John Curtis is a small school powerhouse that produces numerous big time college prospects. It will be interesting to see how they match up against a school in a classification three times larger that is also a quality program. Curtis has already gotten off to an impressive start shutting out 2010 4A Champ Franklinton 34-0. Westgate fell in their opener to Breaux Bridge 35-10.
In the finale, Acadiana returns to the Dome and takes on St. Paul’s of Covington, who they knocked out of the state playoffs last year 41-20, giving the Wolves their only loss of the season. Acadiana was victorious in their opener against Northside of Lafayette 36-13, while St. Paul’s defeated 4A runner up and New Orleans public school powerhouse Edna Karr 38-7.
According to the listings on Scout.com, most of the college prospects from tonight’s games come from John Curtis with the highest rated recruit being LSU commit TE Dillon Gordon, who is ranked #9 in the whole state. Other Curtis prospects include DT Marcel Andry (undecided) and OLB Torrey Bell (Mississippi State). I was a little surprised to not see anybody from St. Paul’s listed considering how successful they have been, but I do see that they return a over 1000 yard rusher in 6-2, 220 lb Dylan Long so it will be interesting to see how well he does.
It will be a perfect night for high school football, and to an extent I am disappointed I will be watching it all indoors. However, I am confident that while standing on the platform outside of the Superdome, I will still catch a whiff of that crisp, early autumn air we are experiencing this week which compliments the sport so well.
The following weekend I spent seveb quality hours in the Superdome for the Louisiana State Championships. Despite having only seen the final two games, I didn’t get out until well after midnight after Acadiana High School of Lafayette upset the heavily favored West Monroe Rebels 21-14 in the 5A championship. Unlike Saints games with no alcohol being served, let’s just say there was a lot of coke and popcorn involved.
This year you don’t have to wait until the final weekend of the season to watch back to back high school football games in person. The Allstate Sugar Bowl is hosting their inaugural prep classic this evening with a doubleheader between New Orleans area schools and Lafayette area schools, and a couple of participants in the 2010 state championship games will be making a quick return trip to the Superdome. In the opener, 2A runner up John Curtis Christian of Kenner takes on consistent playoff contender Westgate of New Iberia. John Curtis is a small school powerhouse that produces numerous big time college prospects. It will be interesting to see how they match up against a school in a classification three times larger that is also a quality program. Curtis has already gotten off to an impressive start shutting out 2010 4A Champ Franklinton 34-0. Westgate fell in their opener to Breaux Bridge 35-10.
In the finale, Acadiana returns to the Dome and takes on St. Paul’s of Covington, who they knocked out of the state playoffs last year 41-20, giving the Wolves their only loss of the season. Acadiana was victorious in their opener against Northside of Lafayette 36-13, while St. Paul’s defeated 4A runner up and New Orleans public school powerhouse Edna Karr 38-7.
According to the listings on Scout.com, most of the college prospects from tonight’s games come from John Curtis with the highest rated recruit being LSU commit TE Dillon Gordon, who is ranked #9 in the whole state. Other Curtis prospects include DT Marcel Andry (undecided) and OLB Torrey Bell (Mississippi State). I was a little surprised to not see anybody from St. Paul’s listed considering how successful they have been, but I do see that they return a over 1000 yard rusher in 6-2, 220 lb Dylan Long so it will be interesting to see how well he does.
It will be a perfect night for high school football, and to an extent I am disappointed I will be watching it all indoors. However, I am confident that while standing on the platform outside of the Superdome, I will still catch a whiff of that crisp, early autumn air we are experiencing this week which compliments the sport so well.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Gulfport, South Panola Clash On Saturday
Just as the Gulf Coast was experiencing beautiful fall weather after being pounded over Labor Day weekend by Tropical Storm Lee, another force of nature is preparing to strike. However, this surge is not building up in the Tropics, but rather Batesville.
This will be a special weekend for high school football on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as "The University of South Panola" makes the long trip from Batesville to face the Gulfport Admirals in a rare late Saturday afternoon game at Milner Stadium. The South Panola Tigers have established themselves as the dominant program in Mississippi High School football only losing three times in their last 123 games, and winning 7 out of the last 8 state championships. They are also consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. This season, however, the Tigers have experienced something that rarely occurs - a loss. In their second game, the Tigers fell to Alabama powerhouse Hoover during a national ESPN broadcast. It was a contest in which South Panola could not ever get their tough, physical rushing attack going against a seemingly smaller, faster Hoover defense.
Gulfport appears to be surging program under coaching legend Mike Justice who faced off against South Panola in many playoff games during his days at Madison Central. However, the Admirals also encountered an early season hiccup losing to a lean, mean Picayune team 17-14 in their opener. The Admirals would respond strong the following week demolishing traditional powerhouse Moss Point 43-0. One of the most interesting battles I see in this game is between 6-2, 260 pound LB/DE Jamison Goins of Gulfport and lightening fast RB Tony Connor of South Panola, who is also a ball hawking Free Safety. Goins is a tackling maching, leading the Admirals in tackles in 2010 and already has 20 this season according to The Sun Herald. Connor, who is only a Junior, is Mr. Everything for the Tigers returning kicks and playing some QB in addition to his roles as running back and defensive back. It is also a safe prediction he will be the state's top recruit for the Class of 2013.
I realize it may be hard to pull away from college football this Saturday, but this is an excellent opportunity for Mississippi Coast residents to come watch one of the country's most successful high school football programs play, and they may just witness an upset in the process.
Here is the thorough game preview from The Sun Herald:
This will be a special weekend for high school football on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as "The University of South Panola" makes the long trip from Batesville to face the Gulfport Admirals in a rare late Saturday afternoon game at Milner Stadium. The South Panola Tigers have established themselves as the dominant program in Mississippi High School football only losing three times in their last 123 games, and winning 7 out of the last 8 state championships. They are also consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. This season, however, the Tigers have experienced something that rarely occurs - a loss. In their second game, the Tigers fell to Alabama powerhouse Hoover during a national ESPN broadcast. It was a contest in which South Panola could not ever get their tough, physical rushing attack going against a seemingly smaller, faster Hoover defense.
Gulfport appears to be surging program under coaching legend Mike Justice who faced off against South Panola in many playoff games during his days at Madison Central. However, the Admirals also encountered an early season hiccup losing to a lean, mean Picayune team 17-14 in their opener. The Admirals would respond strong the following week demolishing traditional powerhouse Moss Point 43-0. One of the most interesting battles I see in this game is between 6-2, 260 pound LB/DE Jamison Goins of Gulfport and lightening fast RB Tony Connor of South Panola, who is also a ball hawking Free Safety. Goins is a tackling maching, leading the Admirals in tackles in 2010 and already has 20 this season according to The Sun Herald. Connor, who is only a Junior, is Mr. Everything for the Tigers returning kicks and playing some QB in addition to his roles as running back and defensive back. It is also a safe prediction he will be the state's top recruit for the Class of 2013.
I realize it may be hard to pull away from college football this Saturday, but this is an excellent opportunity for Mississippi Coast residents to come watch one of the country's most successful high school football programs play, and they may just witness an upset in the process.
Here is the thorough game preview from The Sun Herald:
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