‘Dores roll past Louisville in 4A Playoffs

Great teams find ways to respond to adverse situations.

The Lafayette Commodores showed just why they are one of the top teams in the state by responding to adversity and claiming a dominating 44-12 win over the Louisville Wildcats Friday night at William L. Buford Stadium in the second round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs.

Thanks to a couple of quick strikes, two scores within 30 seconds, the Wildcats put themselves back into the game late in the second quarter, pulling within two, 14-12, with 2:57 left in the first half. (November 15, 2010, Page 3B)

LHS makes statement in Round 1 win

Believe it when Lafayette senior defensive end Demetri McIntosh says the top-ranked Commodores wanted to make a statement on Friday night.

After a slow start in the first quarter, the Lafayette Commodores rattled off 49 unanswered points to claim a 49-7 victory over the North Pontotoc Vikings in the Class 4A, first-round playoff meeting at William L. Buford Stadium. (November 8, 2010, Page 6B)

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 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)

LB Miller an important catalyst on Lafayette D

If there is a play that needs to be made by the Lafayette defense, it’s a safe bet that No. 9, middle linebacker Kris Miller will not only have set it up, but made the stop as well.

On a defense with a bevy of talented playmakers, Miller is arguably the most important defender on the field.

Every single call that the defense gets from coordinator Eric Robertson comes through Miller. If the team gets lined up properly and a stop is made, it’s because Miller had everyone in the right position. Then, if the Commodores are playing a team like Itawamba AHS last week, Miller is cleaning everything up with a bunch of tackles and big plays. (September 16, 2010, Page 6)

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)

No Liggins no problem for LHS

The big-time quarterback showdown that Friday Night’s Lafayette-Itawamba game was previously circled as will have to wait until the postseason.

Lafayette’s Jeremy Liggins was sidelined with what coach Anthony Hart considers day-to-day injury and IAHS’ Maikhail Miller was running for his life during most of the Commodores’ 28-6 win at William L. Buford Stadium. (more…) (September 11, 2010)

McIntosh embodies ‘Dores mission

It only takes a few seconds of talking with Demetri McIntosh to realize what he’s all about and what he means to the Lafayette Commodores.

Any team in the hunt for a state title needs leaders and McIntosh provides the senior leadership that helps the Commodore defense thrive. (September 10, 2010, Page 7A)

‘Dores looking to stay focused on IAHS

Every season the Crosstown Classic against Oxford isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s a rivalry game that can take an emotional toll on its participants.

After winning their fifth straight game against Oxford, the Commodores will now have to regroup, recharge and focus their energy on Class 4A opponent Itawamba AHS (1-2 overall).

Last year, the Commodores’ lone regular season loss came at the hands of the Indians following a big win against Oxford.

This year, the Lafayette coaching staff is focused on not letting history repeat itself. (September 9, 2010, Page 6)

Lafayette’s Tyson earns POW award

Other players may have had more yards and tackles, but no player made a bigger play over the weekend than Lafayette defensive end Keeyon Tyson.

With the Oxford Chargers marching down the field late in the fourth quarter, Tyson broke around the Oxford offensive line and was able to punch the ball away from Chargers quarterback Guy Cameron Billups.

Fellow Commodore Kris Miller fell on the ball and Lafayette’s 21-14 victory was secured. (September 7, 2010, Page 6)