Blue Devils have used first two weeks to their advantage

WATER VALLEY — The preseason officially ends tomorrow evening for the Blue Devils when they trek north to open their season at Region 3-3A opponent Independence.

The last couple of weeks have proved to be valuable for Water Valley as it has been able to learn about itself, especially last weekend when the Blue Devils worked out some kinks in a jamboree showdown at Vardaman. (August 18, 2011, Page 1B)

Blue Devils shake off rust in win

VARDAMAN — The Blue Devils can chalk up Friday’s jamboree game as one 40-minute learning experience.

After eventually pulling away from Vardaman in the second half for a 28-6 victory, head coach Brad Embry said there were both good and bad things the Water Valley coaching staff can take away from its preseason game against the Rams. (more…) (August 15, 2011, Page 3B)

Blue Devils shake off rust in jamboree

BLOG: The Blue Devils had a rough start to their jamboree at Vardaman tonight, as flags and two turnovers limited Water Valley to just seven points in the first half.

Water Valley regrouped at half and ended up routing the home squad 28-6. (more…) (August 12, 2011)

Embry likes early look of Blue Devils

WATER VALLEY — The Blue Devils have wasted no time getting back into the swing of things.

After what defensive coordinator Richard Russo called one of the program’s best summers, Water Valley hit the practice field for the second time on Tuesday in preparation for its season opener on Aug. 19 at Independence. (August 3, 2011, Page 8)

Camp serves as motivation for WV’s QB

Cars with license plates from as far away as Missouri, Texas, the Carolinas and Florida littered the parking lot of Ole Miss’ Indoor Practice Facility on Saturday, where the Rebels were playing host to more than 300 high school football players competing for scholarship offers.

The silver truck of Water Valley football coach Brad Embry was also in the parking lot, having transported rising sophomore  quarterback E.J. Bounds to the senior-heavy camp. (more…) (July 27, 2011, Page 6A)

Blue Devils show another dimension

Water Valley didn’t look like a football team that was out of its element this weekend. It was just the contrary.

The Blue Devils, known as a smash-mouth team that sprinkles in the passing game on offense, regrouped after losing its opening game to advance all the way to the Group B Championship Game of the O-Zone Classic 7-on-7 tournament hosted at FNC Park. (July 11, 2011, Page 7)

Area football teams shaking the rust off

Football practice may still be almost two months away, but high school teams have already gotten a jump on the 2011 season with work on the passing game, both from an offensive and defensive standpoint.

Every Monday night during the summer, Oxford’s Bobby Holcomb Stadium becomes a busy place as teams from around the area stop by to compete in 7-on-7 games that feature a lot of throwing, catching and defending on the part of cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers trying to cover everyone on offense. (more…) (June 8, 2011, Page 6A)

Blue Devils looking to expand field house

The Gridiron Blue Devils have apparently outgrown their current home and are looking to expand.

Water Valley officially kick-started its efforts to fund an expansion to its field house last week, depositing a check for $4,000. (more…) (April 14, 2011, Page 7)

Rangers getting a jewel in Fondon

Ask around about J.D. Fondon and there’s a few key words and phrases that coaches always respond with:
He’s instinctive. He has a nose for the ball. He’s a leader. (more…) (February 3, 2011, Page 8)

Buckley finds home with Ragin’ Cajuns

Eric Buckley had an idea last weekend might be a memorable one when he left Water Valley for Lafayette, La. on Friday.

Once he made the six-hour trek south, heard the sales pitch of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and saw all that Lafayette, La., had to offer, Buckley knew he had found the right fit and gave his verbal commitment to the coaching staff on Saturday. (January 31, 2011, Page 7)