By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Aug. 30, 2002
BUTLER, Ala. County rivals Choctaw County and Southern Choctaw square off tonight here at Tiger Field in their annual season opening tilt.
The Indians of head coach Larry Boykin will be out for revenge from last season's tough 12-6 overtime loss to the Tigers. Southern Choctaw finished 7-4 last year breaking a string of double-digit win totals.
Southern Choctaw won two consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A titles in 1999 and 2000. They went 28-2 in that span.
Choctaw County, meanwhile, will debut a new coach in Charles Graves who served as an assistant at Sumter County last year.
Southern Choctaw is led by quarterback Bernard McGrew who played tailback last year for the Indians. Tight end Billy McGrew and flanker Terrell McGrew are keys to the passing game.
The Indians' defense is paced by returning starting linebackers Detric Causey and Thomas Hill.
Choctaw County will try to hammer returning fullback Gerald Johnson into the Indian defense. Johnson finished with over 500 yards rushing last season.
Dexter Leverette takes over the quarterback role for the Tigers while tackle Odell Williamson anchors the line.
The Tiger defense will be led by the team's returning leading tackler in linebacker Merrill Johnson.
Clarke Prep at Patrician
Patrician got a jump on action in Alabama by opening its season Thursday night against visiting Clarke Prep out of Grove Hill.
New Saints coach Jim Archibald makes his debut for the club. Archibald was previously the head coach at Choctaw County High School in Butler.
Patrician is led by quarterback Steven Russell, running back Allen Gibson, and linemen Brian Anderson. The Saints were 5-5 last year.
SCA at Mobile Christian
The Rebels open the season on Friday traveling to Mobile to take on AISA second ranked Mobile Christian.
SCA was 4-6 last year under coach Windham Pittman. Key players are quarterback Rob Dahlberg, tailback Justin Bonner, fullback Landis Herndon, and tackle Matthew Eaves.
Sumter County at Demopolis
Long time coach Arbie Parker returns to the sidelines tonight to again lead the Sumter County Wildcats. Parker coached at Sumter from 1977 through 1999.
The Wildcats are led by returning quarterback Reynundo Sturdivant and tailback Anthony Watkins. Andrew Raymond keys the defense.
Livingston at Fayette
New Livingston coach Scottie "Scatter" Jones makes his debut when the Cougars venture to Fayette for their season opener.
The team is led by potential Division I recruit in tight end LaRon Moss (6-4, 240). Corey Speight is the quarterback and Jermaine Robinson is expected to carry the load of the running game.