Saban says talk about 2009 title win is over
The hiring of Nick Saban three years ago really started to pay dividends last season for the Alabama Crimson Tide. A program that is used to winning national titles under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was treated to yet another title last season when the Crimson Tide defeated Texas in the BCS Championship game.
If you ask Alabama fans about which team will win the title this year, the answer is simple, the Crimson Tide of course. But for Saban, last year’s team and what they accomplished is in the past. He’s more worried about the 2010 version and what this younger, but still talented group can accomplish. (August 23, 2010, Page 2B)
Liggins, Dennis lead ‘Dores in rout
SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — If you thought Lafayette’s run to the Class 4A state championship last season was a fluke, then Friday night’s one-sided win over Cleveland made some more doubters believers. (more…) (August 21, 2010)
Norris leads Chargers’ offensive line
Avery Norris may be the nicest guy in the world walking the halls of Oxford High during the week, but when the lights turn on Friday nights, he becomes a different person altogether.
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior is the Chargers’ center, the leader of the offensive line, an additional coach on the field each game and the designated fireplug, or enforcer if you will, of the team. His role as the guy that will lay his body on the line is as important as his ability to snap the ball to quarterback Guy Cameron Billups each play. In short, without Norris, the Chargers’ offense can not function like it’s supposed. (August 20, 2010, Page 6A)
Former Copmmodore loving Georgia Tech
College is a time for students to experience the best parts of life and for former Lafayette High swimming standout Jeffrey Phillips, there have been many great experiences over the last three years at Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-6, 227-pound Phillips was one of the best swimmers in the state four years ago and his speed in the water enabled him to be recruited by several colleges and ultimately sign a scholarship offer from Georgia Tech.
Since his arrival in Atlanta, Phillips has become a reliable member of the Yellow Jackets swim team. He has career best times in the 50-meter freestyle and the 100-free during his career and is looking to build on his success during his final season with the team. (August 20, 2010, Page 6A)
‘Dores headed to Cleveland
Another run at winning a Class 4A state title begins in earnest Friday night for the Lafayette High Commodores. A year after advancing to the championship game and posting a 14-2 overall record, the Commodores will try to return to Jackson to take care of some unfinished business.
The first game on the road to the Mississippi Veterans Coliseum begins at Cleveland, a place the Commodores suffered a loss the last time they visited in 2008.
LHS coach Anthony Hart said the Wildcats would likely spread the ball out and try to use their abundance of speed to make plays. (August 19, 2010, Page 6)
Oxford hosts Grenada in season opener
Speed is something the Oxford Chargers are going to have to deal with when they host Grenada Friday night at Bobby Holcomb Field.
While first games are always the hardest for coaches to scout for, the one thing that has been consistent in preparing for Grenada is the amount of speed it has at the skill positions.
Leading the way from a skill standpoint is Cedric Tillman, who was second in Class 6A in the 100 meter dash this past spring. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound senior leads a talented backfield for coach Lamar Pitcock, who turned was able to improve Grenada from a 1-10 team in 2008 to a 5-6 team last year. (August 19, 2010, Page 6)
Rebels’ D takes a toll on quarterbacks
Ole Miss’ football practice on Tuesday was one dominated by the defense and the rain. Shortly after the punting and place-kicking work was completed, heavy rain and wind forced the action inside. Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt said the offense and defense ran 80 plays and did everything but tackle to the ground.
The Rebel defense, led by players such as defensive end Kentrell Lockett, forced several mistakes by quarterbacks Nathan Stanley, Jeremiah Masoli and Randall Mackey during the practice. (August 18, 2010, Page 8)
Apology allows Kennedy to finally move forward
Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy finally heard somebody else say they were sorry in public.
For the past 20 months, since his now famous entanglement with a cab driver and the police in Cincinnati, Kennedy has been on the losing end of a story that has now ended the way Kennedy was hoping it would, with an apology. (August 18, 2010, Page 8)
Oxford players shine in recent tourney action
Over 100 players from four different states competed in a successful junior tennis tournament hosted by the Oxford Park Commission and Oxford Community Tennis Association.
Included in those numbers were 38 players for Oxford who helped make the tournament a big success. (August 18, 2010, Page 9)
FAMU to introduce Horne as AD today
The dream of becoming an athletics director has finally become a reality for Derek Horne. The former Ole Miss basketball player will officially be introduced as the AD for Florida A&M today at 1:30. Horne, who has worked at Ole Miss for the past 15 years and was most recently the senior associate AD for external affairs, said he was excited about his new role at the Tallahassee, Fla., based school. (August 17, 2010, Page 6)
