Lafayette’s Gooch earns POW award

Friday’s outstanding all-around performance for Lafayette’s Anfernee Gooch at Center Hill almost didn’t happen. Instead of racking up 177 yards receiving and an additional 93 yards through the return game, Gooch almost didn’t play because of a car wreck he was involved in the night before.

LHS coach Anthony Hart remembers Gooch telling him that he didn’t think he would play Friday night. Hart was preparing to move to Plan B when the senior was convinced that playing would not only be his best option, but the best option for the Commodores as well. (September 21, 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)

LHS headed to Center Hill, WVHS hosts Vikings

The Lafayette Commodores will be looking to start region play with a bang tonight when they travel to Center Hill, while the Water Valley Blue Devils host North Pontotoc to conclude their non-region schedule.

Both games are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Lafayette’s game can be heard on 93.7 FM, while the Blue Devils can be heard on 105.5 FM. (September 17, 2010, Page 7A)

Commodores ready to start region play

Lafayette’s drive to return to Jackson to play in the Class 4A state title game again started four weeks ago in Cleveland. But another more important part of that journey begins this week for the Commodores with the start of Region 2-4A play.

Without wins in the region, there is no appearance in the playoffs and without the playoffs, there can be no return to Jackson.

The Commodores enter as the favorite to win the region and while it’s highly unlikely that they will lose a game based on their talent level and the way they have played so far, coach Anthony Hart has stressed the importance of taking each game one at time and focusing on doing things right. If not, Hart said, the consequences will be losses, especially this Friday night against a much improved Center Hill team. (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)

‘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)

Chargers turn their sights to Senatobia

A final opportunity to work out some kinks and start to fine tune things against another solid opponent heading into region play is what Oxford faces this Friday night at Senatobia.

The Warriors (2-1 overall) are always a well-coached team and in the past have given the Chargers a lot to prepare for.

This year is no different said OHS coach Johnny Hill, who enjoys squaring off against SHS coach Phil Oakley. Oakley scolded his team after falling to Winona 45-21 in the opener and the motivational talk has resulted in a win over Corinth as well as a win last week over Tate County rival Independence. (September 9, 2010, Page 7)

‘Dores outlast Chargers in Crosstown Classic

The annual matchup between Lafayette and Oxford is called the Crosstown Classic for a reason and the latest installment in the series played Friday night at Oxford’s Bobby Holcomb Field definitely lived up to the moniker.

In a game that is usually decided by just one play, it was Lafayette junior defensive end Keeyon Tyson that produced the single-biggest play in a 21-14 win for the No. 1 Commodores. Just a little over a minute after the Commodores (3-0 overall) scored the game-winning touchdown on a 12-yard run by Demarkus Dennis at the 2:13 mark of the fourth quarter, Tyson was able to thwart a potential game-tying scoring drive for the Chargers (2-1) by slapping the ball away from quarterback Guy Cameron Billups at the LHS 13-yard line. (September 6, 2010, Page 1B)

Competition drives Pegues brothers

Two of the most competitive players for Oxford are two of the most enjoyable to be around. Demarius and Demarcus Pegues, a lineman and linebacker for the Chargers, are brothers that have the equal ability to light up a room as easily as they do an opposing ball carrier.

For Oxford coach Johnny Hill, the brothers represent everything he loves about high school football. They are great players, great teammates and great to be around. (September 3, 2010, Page 8A)