By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Aug. 29, 2002
New Northeast Lauderdale head coach Steve Nelson makes his debut in front of the Trojan faithful Friday night when the Heidelberg Oilers come to Trojan Field for the season opener for high school football in Lauderdale County.
Nelson, who came over from Lake High, replaces Andy Stevens who is now at Aberdeen. Northeast broke out to a 3-0 start in 2001 and that included a 28-0 win over the Oilers in Heidelberg in last year's opener. They then lost the next seven games to finish 3-7.
The Trojans will rely on big back Marcus Betts to power past the Oilers. Betts was a key figure in the Trojans' three opening wins last season. He hurt a shoulder in the fourth game and missed the remainder of the season.
Northeast's defense will revolve around Betts and Tievo Durr at linebacker. Tyler Barnett and Eric Boyd key the defensive front.
Heidelberg will be led by a third-year starting quarterback in senior Michael Johnson. Linebacker Doug Ryan paces the defense.
Lamar School
at Heidelberg Academy
Lamar School paid back one debt from 2001 by turning the tables on Academy A runner-up Wayne Academy 21-8 last week in Waynesboro.
This week the Raiders look to make it two straight when they travel Friday to meet Heidelberg Academy.
Heidelberg spanked the Raiders 35-14 in Meridian last year scoring 21 points in the second half. The Rebels opened the season last week by beating Columbia 7-0.
In that game, Heidelberg was outgained by Columbia 255-to-152 in total offense. The Rebels were held to 93 yards rushing but did manage the game's only score on a three-yard TD run by Brent Welch.
Lamar is led by quarterback Drew Moffett and running back Dylan Anderson. Anderson scored two touchdowns on runs of 22 and eight yards last week. Moffett set up two of the scores after hitting Daniel Harrison for long pass plays.
The Raider defense is keyed by linebackers Monroe Mayfield and Vaughn Waters.
Coffeeville
at Southeast Lauderdale
Southeast head coach Dwane Taylor begins his 24th season with the Tigers when Coffeeville visits for the season opener at Tiger Field on Friday.
Southeast won last year's meeting in Coffeeville 13-7.
Coffeeville has a new head coach in David Baughman who last year coached in the Baton Rouge, La., area. Baughman previously coached at Calhoun City leading that school to the 2A state finals.
Southeast is led by senior Andy Landrum. Landrum may either open at quarterback or at wide receiver. He is also the top returning tackler for the Tigers defense.
The Tiger offensive line returns four starters led by tackles Patrick Ezell (6-5, 350) and Matt Pickett (230) and guard Zack Wiskerchen.
West Lauderdale
at Florence
West Lauderdale, fresh off a playoff season in 2001, opens on the road at Florence, a member of Division 5-4A. The Knights won last year's game in Collinsville 30-21.
Coach Stan McCain's club will be led by returning the Meridian Star Player of the Year in running back Carlessio Blanks. Blanks rushed for over 2,000 yards last year.
Three-year starter C. Jay Fountain returns at quarterback for the Knights.
The defense is led by 225-pound defensive tackle Richie McAlister and 240-pound defensive end Shundrick Scott.
Clarkdale
at Edinburg
Second year Bulldogs head coach Bubba Hathorn will guide Clarkdale in its season opener against Edinburg on Friday night.
Clarkdale beat Edinburg 20-6 in Clarkdale last year in the season opener. The win was one of three on the year for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are led by returning All-Region 5-2A linebacker Allen Moffite who made a team high 118 tackles in 10 games last year. Quarterback Justin Culpepper paces the offense.