My mouth is wide, awaiting my size 13 boot.

But before I stick my foot in my mouth again, I would like to remind everyone last year’s “bold predictions” column nearly hit the ball out of the park. Cathedral had the best record in the Miss-Lou with a 14-1 record (Centreville Academy was 13-1), as I predicted. However, I did just miss out on my wild prediction of the LHSAA Class 2A Ferriday Trojans upsetting MHSAA Class 5A Natchez Bulldogs (Natchez pulled away late with a 40-24 victory).

This season, I’m aiming for the fences again, but I’m not making things easy with my first prediction.

One new coach will have eight wins

More specifically, look for Natchez High School, Ferriday High School or Delta Charter to break the barrier. Of the new coaches in the area (Sicily Island’s Stephen Collins, Block High School’s Danny Adams and WCCA’s Chris McGraw will begin their first season with their clubs also), I believe Henry Garner, Dwight Woods and Dwayne Taylor have the best opportunity to conquer this feat.

First, let’s start with Garner and the Natchez Bulldogs. With Chris Scott at quarterback — a player who was listed in the Top 50 2018 prospects in the nation by 247 Sports — and three of the fastest players in the area joining him in Ty Terrell, Malik Byrd and Shavoke Herrington, an eight-win season seems attainable. Of course, a lack of depth on the offensive line and 5A competition will cause reality to set in quickly, potentially thwarting this achievement.

Competition might prevent eight wins for both Ferriday and Delta Charter also. Woods and his Trojans play in a district with the likes of Rayville, Mangham and Ouachita Christian — three teams that you could make an argument for as legitimate state championship contenders. Taylor and his Storm face a similar situation with Oak Grove and St. Frederick awaiting them in an eight-team district.

However, I consider both to have a chance because of the talent gathered, especially Ferriday High School. Big boys like Alabama commit Dare Rosenthal don’t come around too often. Truly, Ferriday has the size to tower over teams this fall. In addressing his team before a practice last week, Woods told his club — “We are as talented if not more talented than any team we’ll play this season.” That wasn’t a psychological ploy to get his players to believe either; the man was speaking truth.

The Miss-Lou will have two state champions

Had Cathedral High School not moved to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, I might have said three state champions. Unfortunately, because of the move and the classification Cathedral received (MAIS District 4-AAA), the Green Wave will have to go through Adams County Christian School and Centreville Academy to earn a second straight title. Of those three teams, I’m confident one of them will be standing tall as champions at the end of the season.

As for the other state champion, I’m sticking in the MAIS with the Trinity Saints. University Academy, the team that put Trinity out in the semifinals last season, has moved up in class, opening the door wide open for Trinity to take advantage. With Kevontaye Caston, Jakarius Caston, Cade Wells, Demond Fleming and most of the vital pieces of this team returning, I see no reason as to why Zach Rogel and the Trinity Saints can’t win a state championship this fall. Sorry for the added pressure, Zach.

No winless seasons in the area

I hear you, Vidalia. We all want to relive the glory days under Dee Faircloth in the early 2000s when the Vikings were one of the most feared teams in the state, but as for now, it’s still about rebuilding. Vidalia won’t be winless like it was a year ago, though. Head coach Jeff Hancock has set the table for success with an impressive offseason of team-building, workouts and understanding concepts. The Vikings will be young, especially on defense, but Vidalia will be much improved this fall.

 

JAKE MARTIN is the sports editor for The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3633 or jake.martin@natchezdemocrat.com.