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)
Blue Devils power their way into third round of 3A playoffs
Whoever faces the Water Valley Blue Devils in the next round of the MHSAA Class 3A baseball playoffs take warning: You’re going to need a bigger boat.
Paced by a potent offensive attack, the Blue Devils defeated the Kossuth Aggies 10-8 Friday night at Kossuth and went on to sweep the series Saturday with a 10-3 win at Blue Devil Field to advance to the third round. The Blue Devils will face the winner of the Mooreville and Independence series, which is scheduled to play its third and decisive game tonight in Independence. (more…) (May 2, 2011, Page 1B)
WVHS wins slugfest, wrap up No. 2 seed
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley’s Chris Conard got his grand slam ball returned with a fitting message on Tuesday night at Blue Devil field. (April 20, 2011, Page 4B)
Blue Devils fall to S. Pontotoc
A late rally wasn’t enough to lift the Water Valley Blue Devils to a win over South Pontotoc on Tuesday night. WVHS fell 8-7 despite three hits each from Taylor King, John Michael Grimmett and J.D. Fondon. One of King’s hits was his eighth home run. Water Valley will be back in action Friday at Mooreville. (April 13, 2011, Page 10)
LHS takes down Devils
Lafayette coach Greg Lewis knew his Commodores didn’t play their best against Oxford to start Saturday’s baseball fest at W.V. Brewer Field. Instead of changing the lineup drastically against Water Valley on Saturday night, Lewis decided to let his team work itself back into normal form.
The end result was a much better approach at the plate in a 15-5 win over the Blue Devils in five innings. (April 4, 2011, Page 7A)
WVHS Blue Devils sweep Nettleton Tigers
The Water Valley Blue Devils baseball team had been plagued with slow starts recently, falling behind early in games and fighting to get back in them. (more…) (March 23, 2011, Page 7)
Several Blue Devils make MAC 3A Team
Several Water Valley Blue Devils were honored on Wednesday for their standout play on the football field.
Included on the 2010 Mississippi Association of Coaches’ Class 3A All-State Team were first teamers, linebacker J.D. Fondon, safety/running back Eric Buckley and long snapper Fred McGee. Cornerback/receiver Chris Conard was named to the second team, while linebacker C.J. Jackson, lineman Tommy Lipscomb and punter John Michael Grimmett were named as honorable mentions. (December 9, 2010, Page 6)
Versatile Conard developing as WVHS leader
Chris Conard has all the attributes of a star football player. He easily passes the eye test and looks good on paper. He has the skill set that not only makes him stand out, but has allowed the current junior to play on Water Valley’s varsity squad since he was in eighth grade.
Last Friday, Conard had a career-game in Water Valley’s 20-10 win in the season finale at Mooreville, grabbing three interceptions while also making nine tackles and breaking up five passes.
It’s because of that stellar performance that Conard was named the EAGLE’s Final Player of the Week for the 2010 season. (November 2, 2010, Page 9)
Aberdeen takes advantage of miscues
As Water Valley head coach Brad Embry pointed out Friday night, football can be — and often is — an unforgiving sport.
When Water Valley blinked or made a mistake, the Aberdeen Bulldogs pounced and took full advantage en route to a 35-14 victory.
“They’re a good team,” Embry said. “They don’t forgive you, do they?” (October 11, 2010, Page 3B)
