By By Robbie Robertson/The Meridian Star
Clarkdale will play region football next year but won't have to play Region 7-2A.
According to Clarkdale Athletic Director Rick Roberson, Clarkdale won its appeal with the Mississippi High School Activities Association and was moved to Region 5-2A.
Ackerman also won it's appeal and will move from 5-2A, making room for Clarkdale.
On the other hand, Clarkdale lost its appeal to play independent football.
The Bulldogs will join South Leake, Kemper County, Scott Central, Williams-Sullivan and Newton in Region 5-2A. In 7-2A, Clarkdale would have had to play Enterprise, Taylorsville, Bay Springs, Seminary, Sumrall and Bassfield.
Roberson said he felt that Clarkdale's appeal was helped by the fact that Ackerman also wanted to move.
Under the MHSAA's new format, four teams from the region will make the playoffs, something that excites Roberson.
Roberson said he thinks the move will also benefit the other teams in the division and will make for better crowds for everyone involved.
As for other sports it might be a little tougher.
In other appeals, Meridian was denied its appeal to change division in basketball. Meridian, which is in the south in football, was place in the north in basketball with Tupelo, Starkville and Columbus.
Robbie Robertson is sports editor for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rrobertson@meridianstar.com.