Blue Devils shake off rust in win

VARDAMAN — The Blue Devils can chalk up Friday’s jamboree game as one 40-minute learning experience.

After eventually pulling away from Vardaman in the second half for a 28-6 victory, head coach Brad Embry said there were both good and bad things the Water Valley coaching staff can take away from its preseason game against the Rams. (more…) (August 15, 2011, Page 3B)

The joys of Friday night high school football

There’s little better to enjoy than Friday night high school football. So says Assistant News Editor Jeff Eubanks, who’s been on hand for his share of games through the years. It’s time again for another season, and Eubanks lays out plans for 2012 while also taking a look at the past. (August 12, 2011, Page 4A)

Embry likes early look of Blue Devils

WATER VALLEY — The Blue Devils have wasted no time getting back into the swing of things.

After what defensive coordinator Richard Russo called one of the program’s best summers, Water Valley hit the practice field for the second time on Tuesday in preparation for its season opener on Aug. 19 at Independence. (August 3, 2011, Page 8)

WVHS, Potts Camp seeing progress

Another hot Monday evening on the gridiron meant another day of progress for the eight teams that participated in Oxford’s weekly 7-on-7 scrimmage.

Water Valley’s Blue Devils, led by coaches Richard Russo, Steve Thompson and Jeb Lee, utilize the weekly competition to gain experience in both passing the ball and stopping aerial attacks. (more…) (June 21, 2011, Page 7)

Conard stands out at Tupelo combine

Those in attendance at last weekend’s Scout.com football combine at Tupelo High saw first hand what the Water Valley coaching staff has been saying for years: Chris Conard is a legit talent.

In his writeup of the event, Scout.com’s Steve Robertson wrote that several players proved they were D1 talents. (more…) (June 1, 2011, Page 6)

Sixteen Blue Devils advance to 3A regional meet

The Water Valley track and field squad stood out at the recent Division 2-3A meet at Winona, with seven division champions and six runner-ups. The Blue Devils will have 16 athletes advance to the Class 3A regional meet at Winona on April 30. (more…) (April 21, 2011, Page 7)

Rangers getting a jewel in Fondon

Ask around about J.D. Fondon and there’s a few key words and phrases that coaches always respond with:
He’s instinctive. He has a nose for the ball. He’s a leader. (more…) (February 3, 2011, Page 8)

Buckley finds home with Ragin’ Cajuns

Eric Buckley had an idea last weekend might be a memorable one when he left Water Valley for Lafayette, La. on Friday.

Once he made the six-hour trek south, heard the sales pitch of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and saw all that Lafayette, La., had to offer, Buckley knew he had found the right fit and gave his verbal commitment to the coaching staff on Saturday. (January 31, 2011, Page 7)

Mistakes end Blue Devils’ playoffs

All season the Water Valley Blue Devils had been a team that made the most of opportunities and cashed in on other team’s mistakes.

Friday night, it was the Winona Tigers that capitalized on the Blue Devils mistakes that led to a hard-fought 10-7 win in the third round of the Class 3A playoffs at Bobby Clark Field. (November 22, 2010, Page 4B)

Water Valley looking forward to facing Winona Tigers

The manner in which Water Valley defensive coordinator Richard Russo answered the phone on Tuesday pretty much sums up the Water Valley Blue Devils’ attitude regarding its game with region 2-3A foe Winona on Friday in the third round of the Class 3A playoffs. (November 18, 2010, Page 7)