Lafayette’s D.K. Buford named Player of Week

It’s not often that a sophomore has the ability to make big plays, especially on a team that features two senior standouts on offense. But Lafayette running back/wide receiver D.K. Buford isn’t your typical sophomore and he’s not your typical athlete with just average speed.

What separates Buford from the rest of the pack is his ability to streak past defenders on any given play each Friday night. His raw speed, coupled with his great running instincts, showed up in a big way for LHS in its 40-11 win over Tupelo in the opener. Buford scored the first touchdown of the season for the Commodores, one that set up six straight scores, and finished with two touchdowns overall as well as 73 yards rushing and 37 receiving. His outstanding effort didn’t go unnoticed as he earned the first Player of the Week honor in 2011. (August 23, 2011, Page 8)

Lafayette’s Robbins gets top award from MHSAA

A career of coaching excellence was rewarded Thursday when the MHSAA recognized Lafayette’s Dennis Robbins with its Coach of the Year award prior to its executive council meeting.

Robbins, who helped lead the Commodores to the 2010 state powerlifting title, said he was honored to win the award. (April 8, 2011, Page 7A)

Lafayette lifters experienced, looking for more accolades

Experienced lifters is a common thread the Lafayette girls and boys powerlifting teams share this year. A season after the Commodores won the Class 4A title and the Lady Commodores finished third in the state in its Class II division, several lifters who were on those teams return to both squads in the attempt to repeat those lofty results. (more…) (January 21, 2011, Page 7A)

Lafayette’s D. Dennis runs away with top honor

Teams that win championships always have great players leading the way. In the case of the Lafayette Commodores, there were a handful of players that stood out above the rest on a team that was filled from top to bottom with solid high school athletes. (more…) (December 16, 2010, Page 1B)

Tight knit staff key to LHS success

A strong connection between the current members of the Lafayette High football team and former members has always been something that has made the Commodores a force to be reckoned with each fall. But the bond amongst the coaching staff and their immediate family is arguably just as strong, if not stronger, and the role that they play has also helped LHS achieve at a high level. (more…) (December 2, 2010, Page 4B)

Mack paces ‘Dores in win over Pats

Thursday may have been Senior Night, but it was sophomore Brandon Mack that stole the show for the Lafayette Commodores.

Starting in place of junior quarterback Jeremy Liggins, who was dressed but held out of the game to rest a sore right ankle, Mack did a little bit of everything to lead the Commodores to a 37-7 victory over the Lewisburg Patriots at William L. Buford Stadium.

Against the Patriots, Mack completed 2 of 6 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, rushed for 64 yards and two scores, and also intercepted a pass from Lewisburg quarterback Colby Sappington inside Lafayette’s 10-yard line. (October 29, 2010, Page 6A)

Liggins-Gooch connection too much for MCHS Trojans

Anfernee Gooch’s diminutive size can be misleading.

The Millington Central  Trojans discovered that the hard way as the Lafayette Commodores routed the Trojans 35-6 at Mooney Boswell Field, Millington Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

By the time the game was over, Gooch, listed at 5-foot-6, had racked up 172 receiving yards and four touchdowns. (October 18, 2010, Page 1B)

‘Dores’ Dennis runs into POW honors

The catalyst for Lafayette’s 52-0 romp over Byhalia on Friday was running back Demarkus Dennis.

The junior rushed for 187 yards and four scores in Lafayette’s Region 2-4A showdown. As a result, Dennis was named the EAGLE’s Player of the Week for the first time this season. (September 28, 2010, Page 6)

‘Dores learn lessons in latest win

Two valuable lessons about being prepared at the start of a game and not underestimating an opposing team were the big things the Lafayette Commodores took away from their 42-24 win over Center Hill Friday night.

A slow start by the normally reliable LHS defense resulted in 17 first-half points for the Mustangs, while the overall execution of the Commodores, a group that usually has no trouble putting teams away early, was only enhanced for the future.

For coach Anthony Hart, the win, which improved the Commodores to 5-0 on the year overall and 1-0 in Region 2-4A play, turned out to be a good test for his team. (September 20, 2010, Page 4B)

Mack, Dennis lead LHS past Indians

Friday night’s matchup between the Lafayette Commodores and Itawamba-AHS Indians had been circled on calendars as a quarterback showdown — Ole Miss commit Maikhail Miller pitted against possible Division 1 athlete (position to be determined) Jeremy Liggins.

Instead, Liggins was held out due to a minor injury and the Lafayette defense never let Miller get comfortable during the Commodores’ 28-6 victory. (September 13, 2010, Page 3B)