Statesmen make statement in 47-24 playoff win over Lions

CLEVELAND — Despite losing to North Alabama 31-7 in the regular season, Delta State coach Ron Roberts said he told his team Friday night, before their Round 2 Division II playoff game against the Lions, that this time around it would be different.
"I told the team Friday night don't be surprised if we put it on them bad," said Roberts.
Either Roberts has a crystal ball or he really thinks highly of his DSU offense, which he touts as one of the best in the nation.
Either way, Roberts' prediction was right on point, as the Statesmen (9-3) ran over North Alabama 47-24 in their fifth posteason game under Roberts.
DSU, known for their high-powered passing game, leaned on the run this time. The Brandon Lucas and Trevar Deed one-two punch led DSU en route to a 359-yard rushing display. Quarterback Micah Davis added 77 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
"(Our) defense got whipped about as had as we've been whipped," said UNA coach Terry Bowden.
The 23-point DSU victory, however, can be deceiving. The Statesmen led 47-10 at the end of the third quarter before removing their starters.
Two UNA fourth quarter touchdowns against DSU's second-team defense made the "whipping" look a little more presentable.
"I told (coach Roberts) after the game," Bowden said, "(that) I've never worked so hard to make a game not look like a butt-whopping...."
DSU struck first with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Chance Dennis and never looked back — scoring three more times in a four-drive span.
The Statesmen held a 27-7 lead at halftime.
Davis rushed for a 25-yard TD and Lucas added another score on a 23-yard scamper in the third quarter. A 13-yard TD pass to Blake Swain put the game out of reach during the waning seconds of the third quarter — giving the Statesmen a 47-10 insurmountable lead.
The UNA defense which marched all over DSU in the regular season was non-existent Saturday afternoon. The Lions were held to 274 total yards, with a bulk of those coming in the fourth quarter against DSU’s backups.
Meanwhile, DSU gained 524 total yards, including 359 on the ground. Deed rushed for 109 yards and a TD on 15 carries while Lucas added 106 yards and two TDs on 11 attempts.
The Lucas-Deed one-two punch is one to be reckoned with, said Deed.
“You can’t stop all of us,” he said. (If) you stop me, we have (Lucas). It’s scary....I don’t see anyone stopping us from here on out if we play our game.”
Roberts said his team “played their most complete game of all season.” That may be an understatement.
DSU held UNA to 66 rushing yards and forced Lee Chapple to throw two picks.
DSU’s Davis, meanwhile, went 19-of-25 for 165 yards and three TDs. Chance Dennis had five catches for 60 yards and two scores.
The Statesmen punted only twice during the game.
“You talk about what (Davis, Deed and Lucas) did today and their ability to step up in big games and make those plays...It puts them among the elite people who have played football at (DSU).”
DSU’s 47 points were the most scored against the Lions in the 53-year history between the two schools.
Kickoff for next week’s game at Albany State will be at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time.

Turner makes DSU debut

CLEVELAND — Shepherd Tech isn’t the most appealing draw for basketball fans — but coming out to watch a former SEC talent is.
Phil Turner, a senior transfer from Mississippi State, made his Delta State (2-2) debut Tuesday night, coming off the bench and scoring 12 points and adding three blocks in a 89-69 victory over the small Christian academy school based out of Memphis.
Tuner nailed his first shot in green and white — a 3-pointer. He finished the night hitting 4-of-6 shots, including 2-of-3 from downtown.
Turner was suspended for the team’s two exhibition games and the first three games of the regular season due to unspecified reasons.
“He gave us a big spark off the bench,” said DSU coach Jason Conner. “We’re looking for big things from him.”
Turner was one of four Statesmen in double-figures. Chris Poelinitz had 19 points while Marqueys Brown (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Jamarkus Holt (14 points, 13 points) each had a double-double.
“We played much better offensively,” said Conner. “If we would have hit it anything from the free throw line, we would have beat them like we should.” DSU went 11-of-27 from the charity stripe.
DSU lead for most the game and held 32-26 halftime lead before sprinting away with the 20-point victory.
As for Turner, Conner said he still has a little work to do, but he’s happy to have him back with the team.
“We’re glad he’s back with us,” said Conner.

It was a good day to be named Davis

JACKSON – Tuesday was a good day to be named Davis.
Delta State quarterback Micah Davis and Mississippi Valley State defensive back Markkus Davis were named two of the 10 Conerly Trophy finalists.
There’s a 70 percent chance a quarterback will take home the trophy when it’s announced Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson.
Of the 10 finalists for the trophy, which is awarded to Mississippi’s top college football player, seven are quarterbacks.
The finalists at the state’s big three schools include QB Jeremiah Masoli (Ole Miss), linebacker Chris White (Mississippi State) and quarterback Austin Davis.
The other finalists include QB Brandon Bridge (Alcorn State), QB Alex Williams (Belhaven), QB Micah Davis (Delta State), QB Casey Therriault (JSU), running back Shane Brower (Millaps), QB Tommy Reyer (Millsaps) and defensive back Markkus Davis (MVSU).
Davis ranks No. 4 in the SWAC in tackles, while Davis has led the Statesmen a first round playoff bye and threw for 3,310 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 63 percent of his passes.
The banquet starts at 5:30 p.m. at Hall of Fame Museum at 1152 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

Division 2 Playoff Schedule

Here is the Division 2 playoff schedule. As most of you most likely know, Delta State will face Gulf South Conference division foe North Alabama Saturday at 1 p.m. at Parker-McCool Stadium. The winner of that game will face the winner of Albany State and Wingate on Dec. 4.

Second Round
Saturday, Nov. 27
Wingate (8-3) at Albany St., Ga. (10-0), Noon
Shepherd (10-1) at Kutztown (10-1), Noon
Bloomsburg (10-2) at Mercyhurst (9-2), Noon
St. Cloud St. (10-2) at Minnesota-Duluth (11-0), 1 p.m.
Grand Valley St. (11-1) at Augustana, S.D. (10-1), 1 p.m.
Central Missouri (10-2) at Abilene Christian (11-0), 1 p.m.
Northwest Missouri St. (10-1) at Texas A&M-Kingsville (10-1), 1 p.m.
North Alabama (9-3) at Delta St. (8-3), 1 p.m.

Quarterfinals
Saturday, Dec. 4
St. Cloud St.-Minnesota-Duluth winner vs. Grand Valley St.-Augustana, S.D. winner, TBA
Central Missouri-Abilene Christian winner vs. Northwest Missouri St.-Texas A&M-Kingsville winner
Wingate-Albany St., Ga. winner vs. North Alabama-Delta St. winner, TBA
Shepherd-Kutztown winner vs. Bloomsburg-Mercyhurst winner

Semifinals
Sunday, Dec. 12
TBD, 2 p.m.
TBD, 6 p.m.

Championship
Saturday, Dec. 18
At Braly Municipal Stadium
Florence, Ala.
TBD, 11 a.m.

Double duties: Stovall coahing both GWHS basketball programs

GREENVILLE – After the Greenville-Weston girls basketball team walked off the court Friday night following their win over Humphreys County, GHWS coach Curtis Stovall stayed around.
Not just to shake the opposing team coach’s hand, but his night wasn’t over just yet. Following a $163,000 cut to the athletic budget, Stovall is now the head coach of both Greenville-Weston basketball teams.
But this isn’t the first time Stovall has had such duties. In the past, Stovall has served as the Greenville-Weston boys and girls junior varsity coach while assisting with both varsity teams.
He admits it’s a challenge coaching both high school teams, but it’s one he’s willing to take head-on.
“It’s a challenge; it’s not a problem,” said Stovall. “It’s a challenge that I welcome because it’s not like I haven’t done it before. It’s just on a larger stage now.”
As of Friday night, Stovall has led the Honeybees to a 2-2 record while the Hornets sit at 3-1.
Both teams are coming off an impressive 2009-10 campaign, where the Hornets closed out their season with a loss to Meridian in the Class 6A semifinals and the Honeybees fell to Horn Lake in the 6A championship game.
When the news broke that Stovall would be pulling double-duties, his Honeybee players thought “they were losing their coach.” But as time has passed, both sets of players have bought into the idea of sharing not only the basketball – but their coach as well.
“They’re beginning to buy in,” said Stovall. “I explained to them I need their help to help them. So they’re being a little bit more understanding.”
Some small high school coaches in the state have been known to pull double-duties – including legendary Hollandale Simmons’ coach George Willis, who made a big mark on both teams.
But that practice has been seldom used in 6A programs with larger athletic budgets. GWHS, however, had to slice $163,000 from its athletic budget, resulting in the suspension of six sports – baseball, slow-pitch softball, golf, soccer, tennis and power-lifting. The sports were eventually reinstated and volunteer coaches appointed to most of them.
In an effort to save money, Stovall, who coached only the girls team last year, was appointed as the coach of both high school teams on a temporary basis – at least for this year.
Stovall, who also teaches at the school, said he’s having the time of his life. He’s been in a similar position before and welcomes this opportunity with open arms.
“I’m just a little older,” said Stovall, “other than that I love it. This is a passion, not an interest. This is a passion.”
It’s not known yet whether Stovall will have the same duties next year, But as long as he’s in this position, he said will make the most of it.
“I just welcome any chance to impact a kid’s life, whether it’s on the court or off,” said Stovall. “I don’t know how long I will get to do this, but we’re going to make it fun while we have it.”

Details released about MVSU football stadium

GREENVILLE — Demolition has been scheduled to start in late December for the visitors side of Mississippi Valley State’s football stadium, according to an MVSU official.
The renovations will continue during the 2011 football season; however, Rice-Totten Stadium will be available for the team’s six home games in 2011. MVSU played their home games 50 miles away at Greenville-Weston High School this season due to structural damage to the stadium’s visitors side.
Construction on the new East Grandstand is scheduled to begin in Feb. 2011, with final completion slated for early 2012. It will be completed in several phases.
The final costs to renovate the East Grandstand has not been finalized because “the stadium bid process is under way and a construction figure is not available due to the scope and complexity of the project,” according to an e-mail from MVSU’s public relations department.
According to the e-mail, the renovations will be funded by the “state of Mississippi.”
For now, the renovation will only include the visitors side, but “renovations/additions/repairs to other portions of the overall stadium complex are being evaluated for future projects.”
Key components of the new visitors side design include: 5,000 seats, including a section of chairback seating; storage for track and football; concessions; merchandise vendor stalls and university bookstore stall; restrooms and ticket booths; a façade wall; and two ciruclation aisles.
The track facilities will remain available for use throughout the entire period of construction.
The renovations do not include the Devils Den or the visiting team’s dressing rooms.

Reclassification process results in changes for 5 schools

GREENVILLE — South Delta, Riverside, Gentry, J.J. McClain and SV Marshall will soon be going through some changes.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) released its reclassification process plans for the 2011-2013 academic years Wednesday afternoon — and all five schools will be moving down from their current classification.
Gentry will begin play in Class 4A in 2011 while J.J. McClain moves to 3A. South Delta, S.V. Marshall and Riverside, who all played in Class 3A this year, trickled down to 2A.
All other area schools will remain in their respective classes.
The classification of schools was based on the student enrollment reported on the October monthly report filed with the Mississippi Department of Education Finance and Statistic Division.
A school may appeal their enrollment by submitted in writing a breakdown of the total enrollment that caused an error in the report. The appeal must be in the MHSAA office by Monday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m.
The cutoff for Class 6A was 1,085 students; 760 for 5A; 487 for 4A; 305 for 3A; and 197 for 2A, with those schools whose numbers fall below 197 making up Class 1A.
Greenville-Weston High - who will remain in Class 6A, ranks as the third largest school in the state - with 1,751 students, according to the report.

MVSU's Morgan to recruits: We have plenty of open spots

GREENVILLE – Mississippi Valley State head football coach Karl Morgan has a message for recruits: if you want to play right away, MVSU may be your best shot.
“The No. 1 thing we can sell here – besides the chance to get a quality education – is opportunity. The opportunity to come in and be a part of something right now,” said Morgan, whose team just wrapped up an 0-10 season after falling to Alabama A&M 21-7 at Greenville-Weston High.
Needless to say, the Delta Devils need help. They’ve lost their last 11 games; their last victory came in Nov. 2009 when they defeated then-winless Lincoln University, 16-6.
This year, MVSU sits dead last in the SWAC in both scoring offense and defense. The Delta Devils didn’t score their first touchdown until the third game of the season during a 27-9 loss to Alcorn State.
Next year, Valley will retain quarterback Oliver Hughes and their two top receivers Paul Cox (21 catches, 520 yards, five TD’s) and Chris Williams (32 catches, 315 yards).
But Morgan contends that everyone’s job is up for grabs this offseason.
“We have a lot of positions that we need help and upgrade (in)….We have nobody really set in stone as far as coming back for next year…..All positions can be upgraded,” said Morgan.
So, coach Morgan what exactly is your living room pitch to recruits?
“If you want to play (and) wanna play right now, you want to come in and really be a factor in helping us turn it around, you can do that here,” said Morgan.
“You won’t have to go and sit, let’s say, if you go to a place like Jackson (State) or Alcorn (State) maybe. You may have to spend a little more time in the waiting process. Our deal is wide open. I’m not going to guarantee anybody is going to start, but I’ll tell you what – I can give you pretty good odds that you have a real good chance at coming in and playing.”
One area Valley looks to need an immediate upgrade in is at running back. Chris Watkins’ 406 yards and two touchdowns lead the team in both categories. It marked the second straight season MVSU didn’t have a player to reach the 500-yard mark.
Morgan said he has his eyes on both high school seniors and transfers – anybody that can make an immediate impact.
“I think it’s gotta be a mix. We need immediate help in a lot of positions,” he said.
One of those positions Morgan refers to is his injury-riddled linebacker corps.
“Linebacker-wise, I think we finished the year with five guys that are traveling (from different positions),” said Morgan. “We lost three guys to (season-ending injuries) at linebacker. So at that position, we need numbers and we need an upgrade.”
Morgan was announced as the team’s head coach in early January, which put him several steps behind on the recruiting trail, resulting in no announced signees a few weeks later on Signing Day.
But there’s an upside to that scenario, said Morgan.
“We have money left over because we didn’t sign many (recruits) last year,” he said during a recent SWAC teleconference.
Despite having no signees in January, no home stadium in 2010, and an athletic budget of only $3.3 million — which is $1.9 million less than Alcorn State and $3.5 million short of Jackson State — Morgan says money isn't the problem.
“Money isn’t the reason we’re losing," Morgan said in an interview with the Associated Press. “We’ve got to get some better players...”

Those unlucky Devils: MVSU ends season winless

GREENVILLE — There was a chance here and a shot there. But by the end of Saturday's season-ending game against Alabama A&M at Greenville-Weston High, MVSU was left with an all-too familiar taste in its mouth — a loss.
The Bulldogs (3-7, 2-6 SWAC) used two first quarter touchdowns and a 1-yard Justin Jones score to escape with a 21-7 victory over the winless Delta Devils (0-10, 0-9). It was their 11th straight loss.
MVSU's last win came on November 14, 2009 when the Delta Devils defeated Lincoln University, who was winless at the time, 16-6.
MVSU coach Karl Morgan said he thought they had a chance, but weren't "over confident."
"We had hope, but I don't know if we were over confident, because they've lost seven games and we've lost nine. They've won two and we haven't won any," said Morgan. They're the defending (SWAC Eastern Division champions) so we knew they weren't a team that would come in here and lay down. So we felt good about our chances, but we weren't over confident."
It looked as if the game might get out of hand early after the Bulldogs scored two early touchdowns — one on a 14-yard run by Tony Green midway through the first quarter and another on a 33-yard scamper by Kaderius Lacey near the end of the first.
But MVSU held A&M scoreless through the second quarter.
MVSU's lone touchdown came with 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter on a 12-yard run by Tristian Hudnall (32 yards, 12 carries).
MVSU had several chances at a comeback, recovering two Bulldog fumbles, but each drive ended with a punt or a red zone interception.
"Not enough. Same thing the whole year, basically," said Morgan.
Besides a 92-yard pass to G'Alonzo Milton, MVSU stalled A&M passing attack. But they had no answer for Green and Lacy, who combined for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
MVSU's Oliver Hughes was 10-21 for 123 yards and an interception. Hudnall, Chris Williams and Paul Cox each had three catches.
Christopher Watkins led MVSU's rushing attack with 54 yards on 12 carries.
MVSU ends its season without a game with an 100-yard rusher.
Morgan said he now wants his team to focus on academics and thanked his senior players for their effort.
"(Returning players), enjoy your off time, but be disciplined...don't go crazy the last couple weeks of school. And for the seniors, I wish you the best," he said.

DSU gets a piece of GSC title

CLEVELAND — The Delta State football team didn’t play a game Thursday night. But they did earn a share of the Gulf South Conference title.
West Alabama’s 24-21 victory over No. 7 Valdosta State gives the Statesmen (7-3, 6-2 GSC) a share of its fifth GSC title and coach Ron Roberts’ third in four years.
“It’s a great feeling to get a piece of this thing,” said Roberts. “We play in one of the toughest leagues in the country and to say you’re a champion is a huge accomplishment in the GSC.”
DSU is currently tied with Valdosta, North Alabama and Henderson State for the league crown. North Alabama will close out their regular season slate with at Harding, while Henderson State will face off with West Georgia. Valdosta has now concluded its conference schedule.
DSU will close out their regular season Saturday at Lambuth, which will kickoff at 1 p.m. at Trinity Christian Academy.
A win Saturday will guarantee the Statesmen a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The NCAA will announce the field on its selection show Sunday at 2 p.m. on ESPN News.

MVSU has one last shot at a win

GREENVILLE – Saturday’s 1 p.m. game against Alabama A&M at Greenville-Weston High School will be Senior Day for 21 Delta Devil players. And MVSU coach Karl Morgan said he hopes to give his departing players something “positive” to remember.
“It’d be nice to go out a winner,” said Morgan, whose team is 0-9 on the year. “One win and we would still be 1-9, but one win would be huge in the grand scheme of things.”
Last week at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Delta Devils lost by 29 points, but Morgan said he saw some things to build on going Saturday’s game and into next year: Oliver Hughes threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns, Paul Cox and Tristian Hudnall both had over 100 yards receiving and as they scored 20 points, tying a season-high.
And if it’s any consolation, Alabama A&M (2-7, 1-6 SWAC) hasn’t had a season to remember either.
So can this be considered a winnable game for MVSU?
“I don’t know about that, because you’re talking to the head coach of an 0-9 team, so they’ve had a little more success,” said Morgan.
Both of the Bulldogs’ wins came in September – a 45-0 victory over Central State and a 34-14 win over Southern. Last week, Alabama A&M fell victim 41-24 to an up-and-coming Alcorn State team.
Currently, both the Bulldogs and Delta Devils rank last in the SWAC in total offense. Alabama A&M does, however, rank second in total defense, allowing just over 306 yards per game.
Despite the Bulldogs’ offensive woes, MVSU can’t overlook the team who edged out a 17-12 victory over the Delta Devils in last year’s season-ending game, said Morgan.
“Offensively they’ve struggled some, but nobody in our situation, in our plight, is a guaranteed anything for us,” he said. “So we’ll have to be prepared to come in and play a real good football team in order to get a win.”
Area MVSU senior players to be honored include Milton Gaston, Jr. (Greenville), Chris Watkins (Greenwood), Donta Reed (Belzoni) and Johnvonta Brooks (Winona).

WS's Brozovich inks with DSU baseball

GREENVILLE — Most high school athletes are thankful to get interest from colleges in one sport. But Eric Brozovich isn’t most athletes.
The Washington School senior baseball and football standout said he received interest from several colleges in both sports. But when it came down to his true passion, he knew his love for throwing a baseball was greater than launching a football.
And on Wednesday afternoon, he answered the final question: What college should he attend?
Brozovich signed a scholarship to play baseball at nearby Delta State.
“I just wanted to stay close to home,” said Brozovich, who has been the Generals’ go-to guy on the diamond and the gridiron. He was Washington School’s ace pitcher last season and has led the Generals to two MAIS state state titles in three years as quarterback.
Brozovich said he considered going with football, but he couldn’t overlook his love for baseball.
“I like football, but I have a deep passion for baseball, so I’m pretty sure I made the right decision,” he said.
It was also good news for Washington School baseball coach Jeff Walls, who once pitched for DSU and helped lead the Statesmen a Gulf South Conference title in 2000.
“It’s a real exciting day for me because I know what’s in front of him. And I really think he’s going to fit in there,” said Walls. “And it’s a place where I’ll get to go watch him play.”
Brozovich said he will be on the mound at DSU, but Statesmen coach Mike Kinnison will also give him the opportunity to branch off to other positions.
“(Coach Kinnison) said I can try dual positions, so I’m going to try that out and see where that goes,” said Brozovich.
Brozovich, who was named the Delta Democrat Times’ Pre-season Offensive Player of the Year in football, is quite talented on the gridiron as well.
So, what are what chances DSU fans will see him on under center one day in Cleveland?
“There’s still a slight chance,” said Brozovich. “....Right now probably not, but you never know. Things change.”

DSU now a win away from playoff berth

CLEVELAND — Last week, Delta State found out that they were ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Super Regional II Poll. The problem was only the top six teams advance to the Division II playoffs.
But thanks to a 33-27 comeback victory over Ouachita Baptist last Saturday and a loss by formerly ranked No. 3 Catawba, the Statesmen are now at No. 5 in the poll and control their own destiny for a playoff berth.
A win for DSU (7-3, 6-2 GSC) at Lambuth Saturday would advance the Statesmen to the playoffs for the third time in four years under Roberts.
“(It’s) down to a one-game season,” Roberts said Monday before he heard the news of where his team was ranked. “It’s win or go home. If you don’t want to go home, yo have to take care of business.”
If both Valdosta State and North Alabama win this week, half of the six teams from the region will be from the Gulf South Conference.
Also, there is still a possibility that four GSC teams can end up in a tie for first place in the conference. DSU, Valdosta State, North Alabama and Henderson State all have a shot at the title — depending on this weekend’s results.
If there is a tie, conference officials will be responsible for selecting the automatic qualifier.
DSU will travel to face Lambuth for a 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday. The game will be played at Trinity Christian Academy.

MVSU flexes their muscles on DSU

GREENVILLE — The Delta State and Mississippi Valley State men’s basketball teams closed out the exhibition portion of their schedules Monday night at the Washington County Convention Center.
MVSU used a strong second half effort to put away the Statesmen 90-72 in the 30th meeting between the rival programs. The two squads last met on December 1, 2003, with MVSU holding on for a 64-61 victory in Itta Bena.
With the victory, MVSU holds a 15-14 series lead over DSU.
Through two quarters, the two teams looked to be on the same page, with the Statesmen holding a 37-35 halftime lead.
DSU’s Chris Poellnitz caught fire in the first half, scoring 16 first half points while knocking down 2-of-4 from the arc.
But MVSU’s fast-paced offense blew by DSU in the second half with Orlando Smith, Jason Holmes and Mississippi Delta Community College transfer Falando Jones taking over the game.
MVSU shot 59 percent from the floor in the second half compared to DSU’s 41.4 percent.
Smith led MVSU with 18 points while Jones and Holmes added 17 points each.
DSU was led by Central Arkansas transfer Poellnitz, who had 25 points. Jamarkus Holt added 18 points while Arian Maliqi and Marqueys Brown put up 10 each.
DSU, who lost both of their exhibition games, begins regular season play Friday when they travel to Valdosta, Ga. to compete in the SSC/GSC Classic against Rolins College at 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, MVSU, who won both of their pre-season games, will tip-off their season Friday on the road at Georgia.

MVSU falls to JSU in SWAC soccer finalé

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Mississippi Valley State Devilettes soccer team fell to Jackson State Sunday 2-0 in the SWAC title game.
Yamala Ebru and Liana Knight both scored a goal each for JSU. MVSU fell to 7-13 on the season.
Mandi Quirk, Jency Jose and Shelby Willcoks all earned All-Tournament honors for MVSU.

Ruleville enters DTC Poll after shocking victory over Leflore County

GREENVILLE — Ruleville’s shocking 30-24 victory Friday night formerly No. 2 ranked Leflore County took the Delta by surprise and shot the Tigers to the No. 10 spot in the Delta Touchdown Club Power Poll this week.
Ruleville’s victory snapped Leflore County’s nine-game winning streak and sent the Tigers to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Ruleville will host Water Valley (10-2) Friday night.
Leflore County's loss ended their season and dropped them to No. 5 in the Delta Touchdown Club Power Poll. Meanwhile, West Bolivar moved up to No. 2 after their 52-0 win over West Tallahatchie Friday night in the first round of the 2A playoffs.
No. 8 South Delta also saw their season come a close Friday night after falling victim to No. 3 East Side 34-18.

1. Charleston (11-1)
2. West Bolivar (10-2)
3. East Side (10-2)
4. Greenwood (11-1)
5. Leflore Co. (9-2)
6. Leland (9-3)
7. JFK (8-4)
8. Simmons (8-4)
9. South Delta (7-5)
10. Ruleville (7-5)

HS football roundup: Leland, Simmons move on

LELAND — The opening round game against the Palmer Dragons was supposed to be an easy victory for the Leland Cubs.
Instead Palmer (6-4) fought till the end, but still came up short in a 18-14 defeat at the hands of Leland (9-3) in an opening round Class 3A playoff game.
Leland will be on the road this Friday against Aberdeen, who defeated Kossuth 50-8 in their first round matchup.
Leland coach Eugene Sanders said everyone else may have thought Palmer was a push over, but he knew the Cubs were in a battle.
“I know about 15 years ago (Palmer coach Aaron Holden) had the program on the rise until he got sick. But now he’s back,” said Sanders. “And we knew if we ran into them later on in the year they were going to be tough.”
And Palmer wasted no time flexing their muscles Friday night, as they scored on a Lakendrick Conley 67-yard interception return for a touchdown on the fourth play of the game. A Terrell Emerson 2-point conversion run gave the Dragons an early 8-0 lead.
Leland didn't strike back until midway through the second quarter when Davantae Overton capped off a 95-yard drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak. Leland failed the 2-point attempt and found themselves down 8-6.
But the Cubs would take the lead on their next drive after Jamaros Barnes scored on a 15-yard scamper. Leland then held a 12-8 lead with three minutes remaining in the first half.
With both team’s defenses playing stout, it would be late in the third before either team would score again. Palmer took a 14-12 lead with over minutes left in the third quarter when Conley rammed in a touchdown on fourth on goal.
A 8-yard touchdown pass from Overton to Nicholas Mosby in the fourth quarter was the final touchdown of the game — and it was all the Cubs needed to move on to the next round.
Palmer used a three-back backfield and rushed the ball nearly every play.
“We knew they would do that coming into the game,” said Sanders. “Their offense was their defense.”
Now Leland has to travel to face one of toughest teams in Class 3A - Aberdeen. The Bulldogs (11-1)has scored over 40 points in seven of 12 games.


Simmons
SHELBY — The Simmons High Blue Devils held on for a 28-26 victory Friday night over Broad Street in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.
Simmons (8-4) will host Calhoun City (12-0) Friday night at 7 p.m. Calhoun City defeated Hamilton 40-3 Friday in their round round matchup.

Riverside
CHARLESTON — The Charleston High Tigers rushed for 362 yards Friday night as they defeated Riverside in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.
Riverside ends their season with a 4-8 record. Charleston will now travel to Winona for a second round showdown.

Greenville Christian
GREENVILLE — The Greenville Christian Saints saw their season come a close Friday night after falling victim to Tunica Academy 48-7.
GCS (6-5-1) ended their season by winning five more games than last year. Tunica will be on the road at Winona Christian this Friday night.

O’Bannon
CLARKSDALE — The O'Bannon Greenwaves lost to Coahoma County Thursday in their first round game.
O'Bannon's (4-8) lone touchdown came from a 33-yard Maurice Homes touchdown run. Coahoma County will host Baldwyn this Friday night.

Greenville-Weston
GREENVILLE — The playoffs have escaped Greenville-Weston for the ninth straight year.
GWHS (4-7) closed out their season Friday night after falling 29-19 to heavyweight Madison Central (10-1). The loss marked Hornets' fifth straight.
Donald Jackson led GWHS's rushing attack with 86 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He finished with 1,234 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.
Donnel Corbin had a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown - his second of the year.
Terrell Williams had two catches for 63 yards. Williams also finished the season with a team-high 93 tackles.
Jaleel Bolden had two sacks Friday night. Kendrell Canada had 11 tackles while Chucky Moore picked up nine tackles.

St. Joe
The St. Joseph Fighting Irish capped off their regular season with a 37-26 victory over McAdams, but the Irish were still unable to capture a playoff birth.
St. Joe (3-8) had an explosive output from their offense, as the Fighting Irish put up 21 first half points before adding 16 more in the second half.
J'Daylan Jackson had his night of the season, finishing with three touchdowns on runs of 17, 5, and 5.
Matt Menchaca had two touchdowns — one on a 7-yard run and another on a 20-yard pass from Jacob Reifers.
Evan Russell hit a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

It's do or die for DSU

CLEVELAND — It’s as simple as this: lose Saturday’s 1 p.m. showdown at Ouachita Baptist and it’s a wrap for Delta State.
And that’s a far cry from an earlier DSU squad who used their high-powered offense to outscore opponents at will. But two losses later - including a heartfelt 38-35 loss to Harding on homecoming and a 31-7 defeat last week against North Alabama - the playoff situation looks dicy for DSU.
The Statesmen (6-3, 5-2) find themselves on the outside looking in after they found out they were ranked No. 8 in the Super Regional II Poll, which was released Monday. Only the top six teams advance to the playoffs.
DSU may be down, but they’re not out. If they can win their final two games (Ouachita Baptist and Lambuth), the Statesmen will have a better shot at the playoffs.
Currently, DSU is tied for second place in the Gulf South Conference with Henderson State at 5-2. No. 10 Valdosta State holds the No. 1 spot with a 5-1 record.
DSU coach Ron Roberts said he can’t worry about how the other teams finish; his focus is solely on the Statesmen.
“No matter what happens we need to win these last two games and finish 8-3,” he said. “It’s not good to put your destiny in somebody else's hands.”

Newly acquired Turner suspended indefinitely by DSU

GREENVILLE — When Delta State travels to Ole Miss Friday, they will be without their only player with SEC experience.
Phil Turner, a senior transfer guard from Mississippi State, has been suspended indefinitely, said DSU coach Jason Conner. WABG-TV broke the news Tuesday evening.
“Right now, the suspension is indefinite, and I just want and need Phil to have the time to take care of his overwhelming circumstances,” said Conner. “He's coming from (a larger university) Mississippi State, some family issues and it's a big time change for him.....I want him to have this time to know where he is with his attitude and work ethic...”
Conner would not go into details as to what brought about the suspension or how long it would last.
According to several sources, an incident at practice may have played a role in the suspension.
“I have the best interest for all parties,” said Conner, although he wouldn't go into detail as of who the “parties” were. “....I never can overlook the ultimate importance of the team and program.....There are so many things that are involved with that.”
Turner spent the last four seasons — one year as a redshirt — at MSU, playing a key role for the Bulldogs. This summer, he decided to transfer to DSU to play his final year of eligibility after his scholarship was not renewed at MSU.
Conner said the transition from a large conference like the SEC to the Division II level Gulf South Conference may have played a role in the suspension.
“This is probably like going from steak and potatoes to chicken fried steak....There is certainly a transition....(But) the team must always come first,” said Conner.
DSU is scheduled to open their season Friday with an exhibition at Ole Miss before playing Mississippi Valley State Nov. 8 at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville.

DSU ranked 8th in Super Region II Poll

CLEVELAND — With two weeks left in the regular season, the Delta State University Statesmen football team is on the outside looking in, as the NCAA officially released the Super Regional II Poll with the green-and-white sitting eighth. The Statesmen have two weeks to climb into the top six with road games at Ouachita Baptist and Lambuth.
Regional rankings will be released every Monday throughout the end of the regular season. The top six schools in the final poll advance to the NCAA Division II Football Championships. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds receive byes in the first week of the playoffs with seeds three through six facing off in the first round.

1. Albany State (9-0/8-0)
2. Valdosta State (7-1/7-1)
3. Catawba (6-2/6-2)
4. Wingate (6-2/6-2)
5. North Alabama (7-2/7-2)
6. Morehouse (7-2/7-2)
7. Fort Valley State (8-1/7-1)
8. Delta State (6-3/6-2)
9. Carson-Newman (6-3/5-3)
10. Henderson State (6-3/6-3)

Rebirth: Greenville Christian School enjoying success on the gridiron

GREENVILLE — During last year’s boys basketball season at Greenville Christian School, several opposing teams went to extreme measures to stay within reach of the Saints — several teams went as far as holding the ball an entire quarter to have a chance at defeating GCS.
Now it looks as if GCS’s success on the hardcourt has trickled down to the gridiron.
The Saints (6-4-1, 2-1 District) defeated Deer Creek last Friday night 49-21 en route to a district title and a spot in the MAIS playoffs. And it’s been a long time coming for a team who finished 1-10 last year.
The last time the Saints made an appearance in the playoffs was in 2001. And their last state title was in 1982.
GCS coach Jimmy Jennings said he told his team at the beginning of the season that if they followed instructions, good things will come.
“We told them if they worked hard and did what we asked them to do, they had a good shot at having a successful season,” said Jennings, a longtime coach who is in his his first year as head coach after working as an assistant last season.
This year’s Saints team seems to have had a rebirth. Their offense is clicking thanks to quarterback Justin Leavy, who rushed for 316 yards and two touchdowns last week over Deer Creek. He also had 112 passing yards, including a touchdown pass to Michael Hardy for the first score of the game. For his performance, Leavy was named one of two Southern Sports and Travel Players of the Week.
The Saints have scored over 20 points in all but three games, including shutout wins over Strider Academy and Byers.
Jennings said his team set their goals high before the season began.
“Before the season, our goals were to have a winning season, get to the playoffs and win the district — and from there we have one goal left: a state title,” he said. “We’ve accomplished three of our four goals. You can’t ask for anything else.”
This Friday the No.1 seeded Saints will take on Tunica Institute at 7 p.m. in the first round of the playoffs. The last time the two teams played, the game was called off because of lighting issues at Tunica’s stadium.
The two teams didn’t make up the game, but Jennings said he knew they would have meet again.
“We had a feeling that might happen,” said Jennings. “We talked about it after the game and said we may end up seeing each other again anyway.”
It’s been 28 years since GCS has held up the state title trophy.
Coach Jennings, what would it mean to bring that streak to an end?
“It would be something else,” he said. “If they do that, they would have really accomplished a lot.....It would be the greatest thing in the world if that happened to those kids.”

DTC Power Poll (Week 11)

1. Charleston (10-1)
2. Leflore Co. (9-1)
3. West Bolivar (9-2)
4. Eastside (9-2)
5. Greenwood (10-1)
6. Leland (8-3)
7. JFK (8-4)
8. South Delta (7-4)
9. Amanda Elzy (7-3)
10. Simmons (7-4)

GREENVILLE — After winning their last nine games and their regional title, the Charleston Tigers have ended the regular season as the top ranked team in the Delta, according to the Delta Touchdown Club Power Poll.
Charleston (10-1) defeated East Side last Thursday 29-12 to win the Region 3-3A championship. They will host Riverside Friday night at 7 p.m. in the first round of the 3A playoffs.
Shifts in the poll from last week include previously unranked Amanda Elzy (7-3), who moved to No. 9 in the poll.
Simmons’ 49-6 loss to West Bolivar (9-2) cost them the Region 4-2A title and dropped them from No. 9 to No. 10 in the poll. Simmons (7-4) will be on the road at Broad Street Friday night in the first round of the playoffs.
Washington School, who was ranked No. 10 in last week’s poll and are unranked this week, saw their season come to a close last Friday night after falling to Madison-Ridgeland Academy 34-12.
Leland defeated district foe South Delta 21-15 last Friday night, but they remain at the No. 6 spot in the poll. Leland (8-3) will host Marks Palmer this Friday night in the first round of the playoffs.
Meanwhile South Delta (7-4), who swapped places with JFK this week in the poll, will travel to East Side Friday night for their playoff showdown.

Made in Mississippi

Made in Mississippi, a weekly series which profiles athletes with Mississippi ties now playing in the NFL, continues this week with a host of former Magnolia State athletes making their mark on a national scale.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis (Patriots)
The Former Ole Miss Rebel carried the ball 17 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns for the New England Patriots as they held on for a 28-18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Jason Campbell (Raiders)
The Laurel, Miss. native completed 15-of-27 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Oakland Raiders to a 33-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Mario Haggan (Broncos)
The Clarksdale, Miss. native and former Mississippi State Bulldog linebacker had eight tackles against the 49ers.
Patrick Willis (49ers)
The former Ole Miss standout racked up 9 tackles (one for loss) Sunday in a 24-16 win over the Denver Broncos.
Mike Wallace (Steelers)
The former Ole Miss receiver led the team with three catches for 43 yards, but the Steelers fell to the Super Bowl champion Saints Sunday night.
Kendrick Lewis (Chiefs)
A New Orleans native and former Ole Miss Rebel, Lewis had three tackles in a 13-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Michael Spurlock (Buccaneers)
The Indianola native had three catches for 60 yards, as the Bucs moved to 5-2 on the season after beating the Cardinals 38-35.
Quentin Groves (Raiders)
The Greenville native and former Auburn Tiger had two tackles (one for loss), as the Raiders moved to 4-4 on the season after defeating the Seahawks 33-3.
Brandon Jackson (Packers)
The Horn Lake native rushed for 55 yards on 15 carries Sunday in a
9-0 victory over the Jets.
Donald Lee (Packers)
The Maben native and Mississippi State alum had one catch for five yards.
Brett Favre (Vikings)
The former Southern Miss standout went 22-of-32 for 259 yards and an interception. He was knocked out of the game in the fourth quarter, but said he plans to play next week at Arizona.
LaGarette Blount (Buccaneers)
The former East Mississippi Community College star led the way with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries..
Deion Branch (Patriots)
The former Jones County Junior College standout had one catch for 21 yards.
Jamarca Sanford (Vikings)
The former Ole Miss safety had two tackles.
Ashlee Palmer (Lions)
The Ole Miss alum had four tackles in a 37-25 win over the Redskins. He racked up 13 in his last game – which was two weeks ago.
Anthony Dixon (49ers)
The rookie running back from Mississippi State had 11 yards on five carries.
Greg Hardy (Panthers)
The rookie defensive end from Ole Miss had two tackles and a QB hit, but the Panthers continue to struggle as they dropped to 1-6 on the season after losing 20-10 to the Rams.

Nov. 5 playoff matchups

All games will kickoff Friday (Nov. 5) at 7 p.m.

Class 2A
Simmons at Broad St.
Coahoma AHS at JFK
O'Bannon at Coahoma County
West Tallahatchie at West Bolivar

Class 3A
South Delta at East Side
Marks Palmer at Leland
Riverside at Charleston
Winona at Booneville
Ruleville at Leflore County

Class 4A
Kosciusko at Cleveland
Amanda Elzy at Louisville
Caledonia at Greenwood
McClain at Noxubee County

Academy A
Bayou Academy at Desoto, Ark.
Tunica Academy at Greenville Christian
Benton at Winona Christian

Academy AA
Manchester at North Delta
Indianola Academy at Winston

Academy AAA, Division II
East Rankin at Pillow Academy

Roundup: Moore leads West Bolivar over Simmons to win Region 4-2A title

HOLLANDALE — Every once in a while the Mississippi Delta births a special athlete — one who's name will be just as popular 15 years from now as it is this very moment.
West Bolivar High sophomore running back Kalio Moore has all the ingredients to be one of those players.
The Simmons Blue Devils (7-4, 2-2 Region) and a crowd full of fans lining the entire stadium witnessed Moore rally West Bolivar (9-2, 4-0) to an easy 49-6 victory Friday night over the Blue Devils to win the Region 4-2A championship.
"I've never seen a kid like him," Simmons coach Carlos Thompson said of Moore, who finished with 184 rushing yards and four touchdowns in just two quarters of play.
"He's probably one of the best athletes that I've seen in a long time," Thompson added.
West Bolivar's explosive rushing attack — along with a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Terrance Matthews — provided the Eagles with a cushy 42-6 halftime lead.
Then a 35-yard scoring strike from Kylan Johnson to Corey Smith gave West Bolivar a 49-6 third quarter lead before they retired most of their key players for the game.
Simmons' lone touchdown came early in the first quarter when Debrille Grant sneaked in a touchdown from two yards out. From that moment on, West Bolivar controlled the game on both sides of the ball.
Moore's touchdowns came from three, five, six and 34 yards out. And Jovious Wade had a 30-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter to up the lead to 40-7. Moore then punched in the two-point conversion to make it 42-7.
West Bolivar's ability to spread the ball around is what makes them a tough task for opposing teams, said Eagles coach Henry Johnson.
"Kalio is our main guy, everything we do centers around Kalio," he said. "But he opens things up for those other guys, and when those other guys start making plays, that's when it becomes very hard for the defense — and that's kind of what's going on right now."
The loss marked Simmons second straight and dropped them to No. 3 in the region behind West Bolivar and JFK, who defeated O'Bannon 18-0 Friday night.
Simmons will now now have to travel to face Broad Street this Friday night in the first round of the playoffs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
"I think we should come out well against (Broad Street)," said Thompson, who added that he thinks his Simmons squad has the talent to at least make it to the second round. "I'm not saying it's an automatic win, but I know we have our work cut out for us."
Meanwhile, West Bolivar will host West Tallahatchie Friday night at 7 p.m. And Coahoma County Agricultural will travel to JFK, while O'Bannon (4-7, 1-3) will be at Coahoma County.

GWHS
CLINTON — The Greenville-Weston Hornets saw their playoff chances dwindle Friday night after allowing two fourth quarter Clinton touchdowns, as they Hornets (4-6, 2-4 Region) fell 24-9 to the Arrows.
Willie Mosby scored GWHS's lone touchdown on a 7-yard scamper. Junior running back Donald Jackson finished with 124 rushing yards, upping his season total mark to around 1,200 yards. GWHS linebacker Terrell Williams added 12 tackles.
GWHS will close out their season this Friday night when they host Madison Central.

DCS, GCS
ARCOLA — The Greenville Christian Saints won the MAIS District 2-A Friday night after defeating rival Deer Creek 49-21.
GCS (6-4, 2-1 District) will now host Tunica Academy this Friday night in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Deer Creek (5-5, 2-1) saw their season come to a close.

Washington
RIDGELAND — The Washington School Generals won't have a shot at a third straight title after falling to Madison-Ridgeland Academy 34-12 Friday night, ousting the Generals from the playoff picture. Washington School ends their 2010 campaign with a 5-6, 3-4 record.

O’Bannon
GREENVILLE — The O'Bannon Greenwaves lost 18-0 to John F. Kennedy Friday night in the final regular season game. However, OBHS (4-7, 1-3 Region) are still in the playoffs.
O'Bannon will be on the road to face a top-ranked Coahoma County Agricultural squad Friday night at 7 p.m.

Leland
LELAND — Leland held on for a 21-15 victory Friday night over South Delta. The win gave the Cubs a 8-3, 4-1 region record.
Now Leland will face Marks Palmer this Friday night in the first round of the 3A playoffs.
South Delta, on the other hand, will travel to face a East Side team who lost to Charleston last Thursday for their regional title.

Riverside
ITTA BENA — The Riverside Bulldogs closed out their regular season with a 36-0 loss to a tough Leflore County (9-1, 5-0 Region) squad.
RHS (4-7, 2-3) will now have another huge obstacle in their way this Friday night when they travel to face the Delta's No. 1 team, Charleston. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.