Opposing viewpoints: Jackets know Jaguars can throw

BEN WAIT, DANNY P. SMITH

Madison Central Bobby Hall didn't hide in the preseason what he wanted to do offensively.

"We've got a quarterback that can throw the ball and we've got receivers that can catch it," Hall said. "We've got a lot of speed, so you'll definitely see us throwing the football."

That strategy almost worked for the Jaguars in the season-opener against defending Class 6A champion Olive Branch.

Even though Madison Central lost a 31-28 decision on a last-second field goal, senior quarterback Jake Schwartz was 18-of-25 passing for 225 yards and a touchdown. Eight of those completions went to Keith Williams for 81 yards.

Schwartz also showed what he could do with his feet with 13 carries for 94 yards.

"He is a very good runner and throws the ball extremely well," SHS football coach Jamie Mitchell said. "He is a very good high school quarterback."

The game against Starkville Friday is one of four tough non-conference matchups for Madison Central.

After the game with Olive Branch (Class 6A champion), the Jaguars play the Jackets (Class 5A runner-up), Petal (Class 6A runner-up) and West Monroe, La. (Louisiana's Class 6A champion).

"We do have a difficult schedule, but we're looking forward to the challenge," Hall said.

Friday's game in Madison is scheduled to kickoff at 7:06 p.m. and will be televised by CSS.

– Danny P. Smith

Vols face familiar opponent

The Starkville Academy Volunteers will have a familiar opponent when they play their first game of 2012 at home.

SA (1-0) and Heritage Academy (0-1) are set to square off at 7 p.m Friday night.

"We are both close," SA head coach Jeff Terrill said.

Last season, the Vols beat the Patriots 33-7. Heritage will return two of its top five rushers from last year's game.

Miller Puckett who rushed one time for 10 yards and Aaron Studdard who carried it four times for 19 yards will lead the Patriots.

Heritage is coming off a 33-7 loss to Lamar School last week. The Patriots had only 147 yards of total offense on 49 plays.

The Patriot offense was also bothered by four turnovers. Heritage also allowed two return touchdowns.
– Ben Wait