6A-Region 2
- Madison Central- This is an easy pick in my mind. Top to bottom, the talent at Madison Central is incomparable to that of any other school in Region 2. Madison's real fight this year will be outside their region (see non-region schedule: Olive Branch; Starkville; Petal; West Monroe, LA). The transferring of Jamarion Robert to MRA should prove somewhat tricky (the degree of which has yet to be determined). Former Madison Central and Auburn University offensive lineman Chaz Ramsey has now taken the Tight End coach job at MC, which is pretty cool if you ask me. It doesn't hurt that Madison Central has the best special teams unit in the nation (at least that's what MC kicker Patrick Rahaim tells me, but he is a tad biased). This is looking like a complete team, just ask offensive lineman Leonard Swilley, "Y'all really don't know what's coming. All I've got to say is 'Get ready'". Record: 11-0 or 10-1; 7-0 (a letdown game somewhere in non-region schedule possibly)
- Northwest Rankin- Although NWR has lost offensive firepower, coach Pete Hurt isn't going to let that stop his team from attempting to grab the top ranking in this region. With QB Reid Humphries out from Tommy John surgery and RB Ramone Nash transferring to MRA (weird how so many players are "transferring" to MRA, hmm...), the cougars will have to play stout defense to allow newcomers some slack. New QB Benton Yancey is not incompetent, however. And the new lead RB Curtis Hicks has impressed many current players with his ability to run the ball. But, as is the same case with Olive Branch, how much of last years production can this year's team replace? My answer: A lot. Kicker Cason Gooch thinks that this year's atmosphere around coach Hurt's program is "Incredible. Very exciting." Record: 11-1; 6-1 (Loss: @ Madison Central)
- Murrah- The Mustangs are a team on the rise in Region 2. And for Murrah, it's all about getting one player the ball, Malik Dear. Dear had 994 receiving yards, 434 rushing yards, and over 100 yards as a punt/kick returner in his freshman year. Yes, you heard that correctly. Malik Dear had over 1,500 all-purpose yards AS A FRESHMAN. If this man doesn't have over 2,000 all purpose yards this year, he's hurt. That is the only reason this player cannot achieve that number. Murrah is slowly closing the gap between itself and the top of the region. Record: 8-3; 5-2 (Losses: Madison Central, Northwest Rankin, and either @ Provine, @ Callaway, or @ Jim Hill)
- Clinton- Clinton's decline in football the past several seasons has stemmed from a mediocre offense and lackluster defense. Sure, Clinton makes playoffs nearly every year, but it just seems like the team is normal. Just mediocre. Just right in the middle of everything. Skill players. Offensive lineman. Defensive players. Coaches. Everything: just in the middle. Lets take a closer look; on offense, no returning passer or rusher over 500 yards. On defense; Clinton's best player,Cornerback Cedric Jiles, a MSU signee, is gone. Someone is going to have to step up here or else another 5-7 season is on the horizon. Record:6-5; 4-3 (Losses: @ Meridian, @ Brandon, @ Madison Central, @ Murrah, Northwest Rankin)
- Jim Hill: 6-5; 2-5 (Losses: Either @ Callaway or Provine, @ Clinton, Northwest Rankin, Madison Central, Murrah)
- Greenville-Weston: 3-8; 2-5 (Wins: Gentry, @ Vicksburg, Warren Central)
- Vicksburg: 3-8; 1-6 (Wins: Richwood (LA), @ Lawrence County, Warren Central)
- Warren Central- 1-10; 0-7 (Win: Callaway)
I think the rankings are pretty accurate, except I think MC will drop two or more games and one of those may be in Region. The loss of Roberts on defense is significant as he was the best player on the field. Special teams was a weakness last year as that is how Olive Branch compounded their win in the playoffs with the pooch kicks into the holes on MC's kick returns. Only two returning starters on the OL with one playing a new position. New defense scheme moving from 3-4 to 4-3. Talent is available from the incoming Jr class, but too much focus on the starters and not enough development of depth. Offense will take a step back. Although Schwartz is more accurat in passing than last year's QB, size and durability may be an issue. They go from a 6'3" 220lb QB and 6' 220lb FB to a 5' 10.5" 175lb QB to 200lb and lighter FBs who are not as fast as Warren was last year. Out of region losses to West Monroe and Starkville, in region possible losses to Clinton and NWR. NWR coach did not have time to build last year in his first year, but will improve from last year. If MC makes post season, South Panola will be a beast. They have a new QB that is a stud and MC's receivers are no match for Connor. MC will win or tie in region, but will not advance far in post season. With a Jr class that has not lost a game as 8th, 9th, and JV (10th) graders, the HC will only have this season and next with talent. The incoming JV (10th) class is limited in numbers and talent pool is shallow. Will be tough this year on MC but they have a chance next year if they develop players and depth.
ReplyDeleteI believe the fullback position will be very successful with Goodspeed taking over. If he plays anything like his brother (which he has and will), MC's running game won't take a hit. And with a QB that can throw and a receiving corps that includes Williams, the passing game will just add to the strength of Central. However, I do believe that they may drop 2 games this year, to Olive Branch and maybe West Monroe.
ReplyDeleteSome really goo comments! And yes, Goodspeed was extremely effective last year during Hugh Warren's brief injury. Always interesting hear people's opinions. Thanks for reading and commenting!
ReplyDeleteAgree about Goodspeed, was a great fill in for Warren last year. If the OL can protect Schwartz, he'll be an effective QB. Williams has good hands and I think Morgan will be good on short passes. The other receivers are unknown and they did not get any real time on the field last year as sophomores. Offense will need to score some points to make up for the potential step back on defense. There are only 7 more practices until Olive Branch. Go Jags!
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