Mount Ida, Cougars will battle for 7-2A title
Graduation hurt defending league champion Mount Ida and runner-up Lafayette County.
Still, it’s pretty much unanimous that the Lions are the favorites in 7-2A again after posting a school-record 12 wins in 2015. Two of those wins were over the Cougars, the second victory coming in the playoffs, 42-14.
Lafayette County coach Bobby Clark likes his team’s prospects this fall despite the graduation of quarterback Laderrick LeMay and record-setting running back Tre Burks.
“If we’re ever going to have a shot at this thing (district title), it’s this year,” Clark said. “We’ve got seventeen seniors and thirteen returning starters.
If we get good play at the quarterback position, we could go all the way.”
LAFAYETTE COUNTY
Sophomore quarterback Martavious Miller may hold the key to the Cougars’ success in 2016.
He’ll be surrounded by talent, including dangerous receivers Dewayne Cornish and Cualan Williams. Slotbacks Kleavis Johnson and Lepatrick Miller can take it to the house running or receiving.
Linebackers Stephon Cooper, Khalil Russel, Matt Fenske and Trey Smith are the strength of an athletic defense.
Murfreesboro coach Jeff Jones may have put it best.
“Lafayette County is loaded with DI talent all over the field.”
MOUNT IDA
Eight very good seniors were lost to graduation, including all-state quarterback T.J. Wilson.
The Lions still have six returning starters on both sides of the line, and the talent off last year’s unbeaten junior high team could fill the holes.
Mount Ida is not likely to average 47 points per game this season. The defense must be reloaded because all eight graduates were two-way starters.
Most coaches claim championships are won in the trenches, and the Lions’ lines remain experienced and talented on both sides.
So it seems Mount Ida has the same problem as the Cougars, breaking in a new signal-caller.
MURFREESBORO
The Rattlers only return four starters on both sides of the ball, but veteran coach Jeff Jones is optimistic about improving on last year’s 4-7 campaign.
“We’ve got our quarterback back, and two running backs that combined for 2,000 yards,” Jones said. “We really feel like we can have an explosive offense. Our young guys have really had a good summer.”
Murfreesboro has good numbers for a 2A school with 37 players. And never forget the Rattlers have great football tradition.
Jones’ respect for Mount Ida’s program is obvious.
“They graduated some good seniors, but they’ll reload,” he said. “I’d have to say they’re the favorite going in. Everyone, with maybe the exception of Mountain Pine will be better this year.”
MINERAL SPRINGS
Once again numbers will be the Hornets biggest challenge.
Head coach Jason Burns respects, but doesn’t fear Mount Ida or Lafayette County.
“Those two are definitely the favorites, but one thing about this league is that anyone can beat anyone on a given night,” Burns said. “We’ve got good chemistry and all twenty-three of my players work hard.”
Some compare the Hornets’ athletes to those of Lafayette County. Burns just doesn’t have as many.
Mineral Springs only won two games last season, but Burns is convinced the Hornets can reach the postseason.
DIERKS
Coach Vince Perrin is new for the Outlaws, but has been around for quite some time and knows what to expect in 7-2A.
Perrin inherits 13 starters from a 6-5 team.
If Dierks can outscore Murfreesboro and Spring Hill the Outlaws could be the third playoff team from 7-2A.
FOREMAN
Mark King moved from Horatio to Foreman and inherits a veteran 2A football team.
That means he’s got eight or nine two-way starters.
The Gators only won one game last season, which means nothing to King.
“Mount Ida is always one of the best 2A teams in the state,” he said. “Lafayette County is loaded with athletes. Everywhere I’ve been we’ve enjoyed success the first year.”
The Gators just might surprise a lot of folks if they can stay healthy.
SPRING HILL
Like the Gators, Spring Hill could shock some folks this fall if it can overcome a lack of team speed.
First-year coach Matt McBride has 15 starters back, including nine on offense.
“The coaches in our conference have picked us to finish seventh,” he said. “I think the renewed excitement and the work ethic that the kids have will give us a chance in any game we play.”
Look for the Bears to upset somebody this season.
MOUNTAIN PINE
Coach Sam Counce is just hoping to field a team in 2016.
The Red Devils snapped a 33-game losing streak last fall, but reportedly only have 15 players report for their first practice this summer.
Mountain Pine is new to this district, replacing Gurdon with the new alignment. League rivals Mount Ida and Dierks scored lopsided wins over the Devils last season.