Bailey growing as a man, player

WATER VALLEY — There was a time five years ago when Brad Embry first took over the football program at Water Valley High School where he wondered how an eighth-grader named Quinterrio Bailey was going to turn out. (more…) (September 27, 2012, Page 6)

Devils, ‘Dores see positives from jamboree

WATER VALLEY — High school baseball returned to the area Monday in the form of two dress rehearsals for the Water Valley Blue Devils and Lafayette Commodores. Both teams played two four-inning contests at Blue Devil Field, including a matchup against each other in the nightcap of the day-long jamboree.

Lafayette got the better of the Blue Devils with a 1-0 win, but both LHS coach Greg Lewis and WVHS coach Kary Bridges saw positives and things they can both build on.

Lewis, whose Commodores lost 5-4 to Grenada just before playing Water Valley, was focused on how his pitchers performed. (February 21, 2012, Page 9)

No. 9 Rangers host No. 8 PRCC tonight

The quest to win a second MACJC North Division title in a row begins tonight for the No. 9 Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers. NWCC, which went 9-1 last season in coach Ricky Woods’ third season in Senatobia, hosts No. 8 Pearl River at Bobby Franklin Field. Kickoff for the game is set for 6:30 p.m. and the contest can be heard locally on 93.7 FM.

The Wildcats may not be a North Division opponent, but a win over a team as talented and respected as they are would be a great start for the young Rangers. (more…) (September 1, 2011, Page 6)

LB Jackson embodies Wrecking Crew

WATER VALLEY — Driving toward Bobby Clark Field on Wise Street, it’s hard not to notice the 1990 state championship sign on the right side of the road.

Though the blue and white proclamation is now faded and chipped, it still serves as a reminder of Water Valley’s greatest triumph on the gridiron.

The sign’s message is not lost on the current crop of Blue Devils, who are dreaming big once again. (August 19, 2011, Page 8A)

Woods has big expectations for Rangers

SENATOBIA — Team chemistry was a big reason for the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers’ success in 2010.

With a roster comprised of players who went on to the next level, the Rangers won the MACJC North Division title thanks in large part to the momentum they gained at the start of the year and the way they played as a unit during the middle and end of the regular season.

From NWCC coach Ricky Woods’ perspective, this year’s team has some of the same makeup as the 2010 group and his hope this season is that his young, but talented, roster can garner some early momentum and build from there. (August 16, 2011, Page 9)

Barber’s focus, talent leads to Player of Year award

A focused approach that started this past summer made Oxford High baseball player Zac Barber the most important player on the field for the Chargers this season.

For a team that had several good high school players on the roster but nobody that was headed to play at the Division I level next season, Barber was able to carry the Chargers to an unexpected 19-12 overall record and a spot in the Class 5A North Half title series. (more…) (June 2, 2011, Page 1B)

Blue Devils on All-Division team

Water Valley senior outfielder Walt McCullough was recently named the Offensive Player of the Year for the All-Division 2-3A team that was chosen by the coaches of all the teams. (more…) (May 18, 2011, Page 7)

Devils unable to keep up with Troopers

A return trip to Jackson to play in the MHSAA’s Class 3A title series was not in the cards for the Water Valley Blue Devils this season. A year after winning the Class 3A North Half title and playing Sumrall in Pearl at the state championship series, the Blue Devils were defeated by Mooreville in the quarterfinals on Saturday night. (more…) (May 9, 2011, Page 3B)

Troopers top Blue Devils in Game 1

SPORTS BLOG: WATER VALLEY — Water Valley Blue Devils baseball coach Kary Bridges didn’t make any excuses for his team’s 12-8 loss to Mooreville in the opening game of a best-of-three series in the third round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs Friday night at Blue Devil Field. (more…) (May 6, 2011)

Water Valley’s McCullough, Fondon talk 3A playoffs

VIDEO BLOG: Water Valley seniors Walt McCullough and J.D. Fondon talk about the team’s win over Leflore County on Monday in the Class 3A playoffs and the upcoming series with Kossuth. (more…) (April 26, 2011)