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)
Jennings’ late strike sinks Devils
The Water Valley defense did it’s best on Friday night to come away from Calhoun City’s “Boneyard” with a victory, holding a prolific offense that had averaged 47.5 points to just 10 points.
It wasn’t enough in the end, however, as the Wildcats were able to score a go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter and hold on for a 10-7 victory.
“The simple answer to the night is we just have to get better on offense,” WVHS coach Brad Embry said. “That’s all I told the kids. It was a great effort, a championship effort against a championship-caliber team, but offensively we have to get better. That’s on me, I know that, and we will (get better).” (September 6, 2010, Page 4B)
WVHS falls to Wildcats in heartbreaker
CALHOUN CITY —The Water Valley defense did its best to leave Class 2A Calhoun City’s “Boneyard” with a victory Friday, holding athletic QB J.R. Jennings and the Wildcats in check for most of the night, but in the end it wasn’t enough as the Blue Devils fell 10-7. (more…) (September 4, 2010)
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)
Blue Devils need another great effort Friday
Another great effort, similar to what they gave in the season opener against Bruce, is what the Water Valley Blue Devils will be looking to achieve Friday night against Yalobusha County rival Coffeeville.
The annual Railroad Trophy game will be played in Coffeeville this year. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game can be heard locally on WTNM (105.5 FM). (August 26, 2010, Page 6)
Water Valley survives OT scare
It took late-game heroics, but the Water Valley Blue Devils were able to survive an overtime scare to defeat the Bruce Trojans 13-7 Friday at Bobby Clark Field.
“You win football games by fighting and scrapping and we did that,” WVHS coach Brad Embry told his team after the game. “It doesn’t matter how you get it done on Friday night.”
Senior Eric Buckley scored on a 4-yard run to open the overtime period, but a botched extra-point attempt gave the Trojans a chance to go ahead on the ensuing possession.
With the season-opener on the line, Water Valley’s Wrecking Crew defense answered the call of its coach. (August 23, 2010, Page 3B)
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)
WVHS QB makes debut
Freshman E.J. Bounds made his debut on Friday as Water Valley’s quarterback, taking over for departed senior Josh Johnson.
Against Vardaman, Bounds did not complete either pass he attempted (0-for-2) but he was able to manage the Blue Devils’ offense and engineered two scoring drives.
He also carried the ball one time for 11 yards, resulting in a first down.
Expect Bounds to be a true dual-threat quarterback. Head coach Brad Embry indicated during the preseason that the Blue Devils expect to pass more this season. When a pass play breaks down, Bounds possesses the feet and ability to scramble for positive yardage. Opponents beware. (August 16, 2010, Page 8)
Blue Devils ready to get physical
The intensity of summer football drills picked up for the Water Valley Blue Devils Wednesday evening. Coach Brad Embry prepared his team for their first action in shoulder pads today by sending them through a practice that lasted a little over three and a half hours on Wednesday. (July 29, 2010, Page 7)
