Archives for August 2017

#79: Rankings shakeup; rivalry games on tap – 08/30/17

August 30, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

The early part of the football season sees a lot of big rivalry games, and there are a couple of note this weekend.

On this episode, Brad and Dalton preview Starkville at West Point (10:25) as well as the A-Game between Aberdeen and Amory (12:29). Also this week, unbeaten Tupelo is back home to take on Clarksdale (13:50).

The guys also look back at last week’s key results, including Baldwyn’s win over Booneville (1:25). It wasn’t a pretty game, and it was made even worse for the Blue Devils due to the loss of two key players to season-ending injuries. Tupelo turned in a dominant performance at Corinth (5:36), while Itawamba AHS rallied to win a shootout against New Albany (7:00).

Just two weeks into the season, and Brad has shaken up the Daily Journal’s small school rankings (8:32), with Houston taking over the top spot.

And finally, Brad presents the Athletes of the Week (14:47).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

#78: Golden Wave, Warriors open season with big wins – 08/23/17

August 23, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

Week 1 of the high school football season is in the books. On this episode, Dalton and Brad take a look back at some of the notable results.

Dalton covered Tupelo’s win against Meridian (1:39), which wasn’t always pretty. The Golden Wave had too many turnovers and too many penalties, but Jaquerrious Williams led an effective rushing attack, and the defense made life hard for the Wildcats’ QB.

Brad made it down to the Pontotoc-Houston game (4:38). It was a tight one until the third quarter, when Pontotoc tailback Immanuel Vance scored three touchdowns en route to a 41-12 win. The Warriors played two quarterbacks, with Justin Carter having the stronger outing, and the defense hemmed in dangerous Houston QB Urriah Shepard.

In other action, Itawamba AHS, Shannon and Smithville all picked up wins (8:33). And so did Biggersville, which is led by the dynamic duo of Quamon Davis and Quonn Mayes (10:42).

Looking ahead, the guys preview some of this week’s key games: Tupelo at Corinth (12:11), Baldwyn at Booneville (13:38) and Oxford at Starkville (16:07).

The guys have some basketball news, too. The Lighthouse Thanksgiving Classic and the Tangle on the Trail tournaments both announced their lineups this week (17:00). There will be loads of talent at each event.

And finally, we have Athletes of the Week (21:24).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

#77: Football week is finally here – 08/16/17

August 16, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

The football season is finally upon us, as area teams kick off the 2017 campaign this Thursday and Friday.

Brad and Dalton have plenty to talk about today, including some preview material from the annual Football Journal preseason section. The guys break down the preseason rankings (2:22), including some analysis of West Point, Calhoun City, North Pontotoc and Amory.

Also in the section was a list of 12 players to watch (11:44), a list that includes four Tupelo players. And speaking of the Golden Wave, Dalton is looking forward to covering their season opener a very good Meridian squad (13:04). Brad – who just rejoined the sports department(!) – will be at the Pontotoc-Houston game (14:29), which will feature the Hilltoppers’ standout QB, Urriah Shepard.

The guys also take a look at the Corinth-Shannon matchup (15:44).

And finally, the Athletes of the Week feature returns (17:01).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

#76: Preseason camp updates from Pontotoc, IAHS, Corinth – 08/09/17

August 9, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

Dalton Middleton has been traversing the region to learn more about some of the football teams leading up to the start of the season. On today’s episode, he provides a few updates from his travels.

One of his stops was at Pontotoc (1:27), which is dealing with injuries to several key players. Middle linebacker Hayden Harris is out for the year, tailback Gabe Harmon won’t be back until mid-season, and safety Trevor Morgan will miss some time.

The Warriors also have a question mark at quarterback with the graduation of Jacob Carter, who was the Daily Journal’s 2016 Offensive Player of the Year. His younger brother, Justin, is battling with senior London Jordan for the starting role. One thing coach Jeff Carter can count on is the play of lineman Cole Smith, an LSU commit.

Over at Itawamba AHS, it looks to be a rebuilding year due to the loss of 26 seniors (6:20). The Indians have some playmakers on defense, though, including Lane Domino and Jamal Shumpert.

Corinth, meanwhile, is looking to get back to the postseason after missing it last year for the first time since 1999 (9:30). Jon D. Warren returns at QB to run second-year coach Todd Lowery’s Wing-T offense. The Warriors are expected to be tough on defense, where all 11 starters return.

Dalton also has a hoops update. Corinth’s Tada Stricklen, a senior guard who helped the program win the Class 4A state title in 2016, is starting to get noticed by colleges (13:14). He’s looking to lead the Warriors to another big year.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

#75: Early looks at Tupelo, Ripley football – 08/02/17

August 2, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

Preseason football camp got under way earlier this week, and Dalton Middleton has already visited a couple of practices.

On this episode, Dalton gives us an update on Tupelo (1:34), which is coming off a 12-1 year but is trying to leave the past in the past. Some big-time players are back – like linebacker Jett Johnson and quarterback Stephon McGlaun – but several holes must be filled, especially on defense.

Dalton also visited Ripley (7:18), which is breaking in new head coach Sam Hathorn, formerly the Tigers’ offensive line coach. Hathorn’s squad is on the small side, but they look strong at several skill positions. Trey Blanchard, a starting safety last year, takes over at QB. He’ll have good help in the form of running back Mikichio Adams. One thing Hathorn is emphasizing to his players: building relationships.

And in tragic news, North Pontotoc lineman Ty Rayford died Monday following the Vikings’ first practice (11:39). He was recalled as a “gentle giant,” but a beast when the whistle blew.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS