‘Dores open Region 2-4A schedule with shutout

No matter what the situation — playing up a classification, against a county rival, across state lines, homecoming — the Lafayette Commodores’ football program continues to win.

And in dominating fashion. (more…) (October 3, 2011, Page 1B)

Region games highlight action for area teams

Tonight’s a big night for the area’s prep football squads.

While the Water Valley Blue Devils and Lafayette Commodores open their region schedules, the Oxford Chargers will be looking to avenge last year’s loss to the New Hope Trojans in their second region game of the season. (more…) (September 30, 2011, Page 6A)

Focus is key for LHS Commodores

Things are beginning to look like Groundhogs Day for the Lafayette Commodores.

Week after week the top-ranked ‘Dores prepare like they would any other week, and every week — with the exception of the 35-34 squeaker against Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.) on Sept. 10 — Lafayette has rolled to a more than convincing victory. (more…) (September 29, 2011, Page 7)

Junior college presidents drop ball on local athletes, programs

COLUMN: Leave it to a collective group of college presidents to effectively tinker with something that isn’t broken.

When the junior college presidents of Mississippi decided late Tuesday that they were eliminating the protected recruiting list for all sports, getting rid of the current athletic districts and greatly reducing the amount of scholarships for out-of-state players, they all but killed junior college athletics in this state. (more…) (September 29, 2011, Page 7)

Lafayette Commodores win in typical fashion, cruise past Warriors

Lafayette’s whooping of Pontotoc on Friday was a pretty typical win for the Commodores.

If you’ve seen the ‘Dores this season, you know what that means.

Lafayette came out fast against the Warriors at William L. Buford Stadium, got an early lead and was able to play its reserves for much of the second half in the 48-7 victory. (September 26, 2011, Page 3B)

OHS in region play; LHS hosts Pontotoc; WV looks to rebound

Region 1-5A play begins tonight for the Oxford Chargers at home against Center Hill. The No. 1 Lafayette Commodores are back at home against Pontotoc after two weeks on the road. Water Valley will look to bounce back after a one-sided loss to Charleston on the road at J.Z. George.

Those are three subplots for the area high school teams heading into tonight’s matchups. Kickoffs for all contests are set for 7:30. Lafayette can be heard on 93.7 FM. Oxford can be heard on both 95.5 and 102.1 FM, while Water Valley appears on 105.5 FM. (September 23, 2011, Page 6A)

No. 1 LHS not overlooking Pontotoc

Top ranking or not, the Lafayette Commodores aren’t going to let the recognition as Mississippi’s best team go to their head.

Lafayette (5-0 overall) won’t be afforded that luxury, as Friday the Commodores will host a tough Pontotoc Warriors squad.

The Warriors are 4-1 on the year. (more…) (September 22, 2011, Page 6)

Liggins, Dennis pace Commodores in rout of Shannon

SHANNON — The fast start Lafayette Commodores coach Anthony Hart had been looking for from his football team finally came Friday night in Shannon.

Lafayette opened up the first quarter of play with 28 unanswered points en route to a 56-14 win over the Red Raiders, pushing the No. 1 ranked ‘Dores winning streak to 21 games. (more…) (September 19, 2011, Page 3B)

Lafayette set to face familiar opponent in SHS Red Raiders

Lafayette’s first game back in the state following last Saturday’s thrilling win over Evangel Christian Academy (La.) comes against a familiar team in the Shannon Red Raiders.

The No. 1 ranked Commodores (4-0 overall) have routinely played the Red Raiders (2-2) in the playoffs over the years and almost all of the games have been competitive. LHS last played at Shannon in the 2009 Class 4A playoffs with the Commodores earning a 23-14 win in the North Half semifinal contest. LHS coach Anthony Hart said Shannon looks similar to typical Red Raider squads. (September 15, 2011, Page 6)

‘Dores post thrilling win over Evangel

SHREVEPORT, La. — Lafayette’s goal to gain additional respect for its program and the state of Mississippi was accomplished on Saturday afternoon with a thrilling come-from-behind win over perennial power Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, La.)  in the inaugural Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase.

Adjustments made on offense and defense ultimately made the biggest difference in the No. 1 Commodores earning the 35-34 win over the Eagles in the first of three games played at Independence Stadium, but Saturday’s win was also about rising to a challenge and good, old-fashioned smashmouth power. (more…) (September 12, 2011, Page 1B)