By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 30, 2001
East Mississippi Community College Head Coach Tom Goode is still trying to sort out who can play … and who cannot.
The Lions open up their 2001 season next Thursday night against Southwest Community College.
The Lions recently went through a full-scale scrimmage which left Goode with mixed results.
East will get a big test from Southwest. The Summitt-based Bears are ranked 17th in the National Junior College Association Top 25 poll.
One of the top newcomers for East Mississippi this year is Jeremy Foster of Southern Choctaw High School out of Silas, Ala. Foster was the Alabama Class 2A Linemen of the Year and helped the Indians to 2A state titles in 1999 and 2000.
Eight of the freshmen players hail from Meridian High School. They include: Otis Bumpers, Braz Coleman, Frank Edwards, Deshune Howells, Eddie Moss, Tyler Richardson, Tate Fines and Gerrad Williams.
Richardson was a standout tight end for the Wildcats last season. While Moss a key figure at fullback and Tate at defensive back.
Five sophomores from Lauderdale schools are back. They include quarterback Scotty Elliot of West Lauderdale, defensive back Pete Malone of SE Lauderdale, defensive end Rocky Rockette, safety Jessie Snowden and receiver Matt Vaughn all of West Lauderdale.