Robles, Hervey lift Water Valley in OT

Water Valley has several big-time players that litter its roster: senior running back/safety Eric Buckley, junior receiver/cornerback Chris Conard and freshman quarterback E.J. Bounds, just to name a few.

On Friday at Nettleton’s Jack Carlisle Field, it was an unlikely recent roster addition, however, that ended up being the hero for the Blue Devils in their 23-20 overtime victory. (more…) (October 4, 2010, Page 3B)

Water Valley expecting to get best effort from Nettleton on Friday

Brad Embry wants to make it clear that the Nettleton Wildcats squad that Water Valley (5-1 overall) will face on Friday is not going to be the same team that lost to Bruce 43-13 last week, nor the team that opened the season 0-2 after losing to Amory and North Pontotoc.

Instead, Embry said he expects Friday’s showdown in Nettleton to be a “knock-down, drag-out” for the Region 2-3A opponents. (September 30, 2010, Page 8)

Blue Devils roll Wildcats on the road

A more reserved, business-like approach proved to be the key to earning a win for the Water Valley Blue Devils in their final non region game of the season Friday night. Instead of the swagger and attitude that the team displays at the start of each game each week, the Blue Devils executed at a more subdued, methodical pace in their 33-6 win over Independence. Instead of hitting the gas early in the game, the Blue Devils found themselves hitting the accelerator more as the game wore on.

The main reason for a little less passion resided in the fact that two energetic starters on defense, Eric Buckley and Chris Conard, were held out for injury and illness. For junior linebacker C.J. Jackson, not having the two in the game meant a little bit slower start and feel overall from the team. (September 27, 2010, Page 5B)

Aggression the key to Conard’s game

Aggression is a key intangible needed to play football at a high level, especially for defenders who must routinely sacrifice their bodies to make tackles and keep opposing teams out of the end zone. For Water Valley corneback/wide receiver Chris Conard, playing with a mean streak, or better yet with a high amount of aggression, has never been an issue.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder routinely sacrifices his body for the betterment of the Blue Devils. As a member of the Wrecking Crew, Conard is the one player who has the ability to make all the finesse plays in coverage as well as hit like a safety or linebacker in the running game.
 (September 9, 2010, Page 6)

Blue Devils’ defense pounds Pirates in win

The sweat that rolled down  the face of Water Valley senior linebacker J.D. Fondon following Friday night’s 28-0 win over Coffeeville was like a refreshing rain in the midst of drought.

A year after giving up 34 points in a home loss to the Pirates, Fondon wanted to make sure that the Blue Devils got some revenge on their Yalobusha County rival to the south. Leading the Wrecking Crew defense, Fondon and company battered and bruised the Pirates all night when they had the ball. (August 30, 2010, Page 1B)

Wrecking Crew shuts out Coffeeville

SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — Water Valley’s standout defense was on display Friday night in the team’s 28-0 win over Yalobusha County rival Coffeeville. (more…) (August 28, 2010)

Wrecking Crew’s swagger tough to match

During Water Valley’s preseason game against Vardaman, a message was sent to opposing teams — look out.

To say the Blue Devils have a mean streak might be an understatement; junior cornerback Chris Conard made that blatantly clear during Water Valley’s preseason game against Vardaman when he came downhill on a kickoff and knocked out a 270-pound player, literally.

It’s that kind of take-no-prisoners attitude that is expected to be on display all season. (August 27, 2010, Page 6A)

Blue Devils win thriller in OT

WATER VALLEY — The Blue Devils’ game didn’t quite go like head coach Brad Embry drew it up, but in the end a win is a win. After scoring on the first possession of overtime, but failing to convert the ensuing extra point, the Blue Devils had to hold on for dear life to secure a 13-7 victory over Bruce at Bobby Clark Field. (more…) (August 20, 2010)

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)

Sumrall tops WV to take series

Water Valley found out what all of Sumrall’s opponents have discovered this year as the Blue Devils dropped an 11-1 decision to the Bobcats in the second game in their Class 3A state baseball championship series at Trustmark Park in Pearl. Sumrall swept the series with WVHS to wins its third-straight state title, but Water Valley coach Doug Robbins said his ballclub had a special season in finishing second in the state for the second time in five seasons. (May 28, 2010, Page 7A)