Online Edition
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Improved passing game pleases Embry
The Blue Devils were taken out of their element this weekend — big time.
Normally, Water Valley’s football team utilizes a run-heavy offense. But this weekend, the team participated in Oxford High’s O-Zone Classic, a pass-only 7-on-7 tournament held at FNC Park, and the Blue Devils threw the ball nearly as many times in two days as they did all last season (89 attempts in 12 games).
It was a good trial by fire for the Blue Devils, who enter their third year under coach Brad Embry looking to become an even more balanced offense.
For the Blue Devils, tournaments like this one — in which Water Valley went 3-4 overall and finished third in the Class 1A-3A grouping — make good stepping stones towards the ultimate goal of being a complete team. (July 12, 2010, Page 7)
Bounds to receive plenty of help on offense
Helping to make freshman quarterback E.J. Bounds’ life a lot easier this season will be the likes of Desmond Hervey and Chris Conard at receiver.
Both juniors are expected to step up on offense and assume larger roles this season.
Last season, Hervey caught just two passes for six yards, while Conard hauled in five for 98 yards and three scores.
But if this past weekend is any indication of how the season will play out, both Hervey and Conard could factor greatly into the team’s passing attack. (July 12, 2010, Page 7)
Oxford’s Johnny Hill pleased with tourney
SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — Oxford’s head football coach Johnny Hill was pleased with how the O-Zone Classic at FNC Park turned out for all 12 of the teams involved. He was also very thankful for the support shown by the local community on several fronts. (more…) (July 10, 2010)
Update on Ole Miss’ Derek Horne
SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — Impressive. That one word is the best one to describe how well Ole Miss senior associate athletic director Derek Horne performed in his recent interview with Florida A&M for the school’s vacant athletics director position. (more…) (July 10, 2010)
Acclimated Dorsey ready for first fall
One look at Wayne Dorsey’s recruiting videos and it’s easy to see why the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College transfer is expected to contribute right away.
Using a combination of swim moves, speed and power moves, Dorsey made his junior college counterparts look silly over and over and over.
Once he arrived in Oxford for the spring semester, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end continued to impress those who were in attendance at practices and the Grove Bowl spring game with the same kind of power he displayed on the videos.
Like most other newcomers and underclassmen, Dorsey described the spring season as a learning experience. (July 9, 2010, Page 6A)
Reds finish season with perfect record
The Bert’s Plumbing Red finished the Oxford Park Commission’s 9-year-old league season with a perfect 12-0 record and become one of four teams to win a championship in 2010.
The First National Bank Braves finished with an 11-1 record to win the 10-year-old league title this summer, while the Chandler Nissan Cardinals and Hunter’s Hollow Inc. Brewers tied for the 11-12 title with identical 8-4 marks. Winning a title in the 13-14 league were the Sharp Insurance Royals with a 10-2 mark. (July 9, 2010, Page 6A)
Oxford to host 7-on-7 tournament
The start of the 2010 high school football season may still be a little more than a month away, but fans that have been in need of some passing, catching and running from players can get their fix this weekend at FNC Park.
Oxford will serve as the host school for a 12-team 7-on-7 tournament held Friday and Saturday at FNC. Members of the Chargers’ offense and defense have been working on their skills in preparation for the season as well as the tournament. (July 8, 2010, Page 1B)
Horne a finalist for FAMU AD opening
Ole Miss’ Derek Horne may have a new position in the athletic world if an interview today in Tallahassee, Fla., goes well.
Horne, the senior associate athletic director for external affairs at Ole Miss, is interviewing for the vacant athletics director job at Florida A&M University. Horne, who graduated from Ole Miss in 1987, has worked in the Ole Miss athletics department since May 1995. Horne is reportedly one of the two finalists to fill the vacancy that was previously occupied by Bill Hayes until December. (July 8, 2010, Page 1B)
Freshman CB learning the ropes
The 2010 Grove Bowl was Charles Sawyer’s first opportunity to get meaningful game action since joining the Ole Miss Rebels.
After redshirting during the 2009 season, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound cornerback made the most of his debut to fans by pulling in two interceptions. (July 8, 2010, Page 2B)
Swindoll hired to lead LHS tennis
Lafayette Athletics Director Jeff Nelson knew his new tennis coach, Debbie Swindoll, was a special athlete and intense competitor when he first came in contact with her at a middle school basketball tournament in Pope.
As Nelson prepared to help lead Lafayette’s middle school team to a victory, he saw Swindoll show her skills as a member of Winona’s team and he marveled at how hard Swindoll played the game. It was that drive to be the best coupled with an extensive knowledge in tennis that separated Swindoll from the rest of potential candidates in his search to replace former coach Marty Pearson. It’s also why he was so pleased that his recommendation to hire Swindoll was approved by the Lafayette School Board Tuesday night. (July 7, 2010, Page 6)
