Opposing viewpoints: SA hosting Prep and its history

BEN WAIT, DANNY P. SMITH

The Jackson Prep Patriots are coming in on a roll and a little history.
Last week, the Patriots (5-0, 1-0) beat Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A opponent Pearl 9-0. Prep head coach Ricky Black got his 300th win.

The Patriots look to make it 301 for Black this week as they travel to Starkville Academy (3-2, 1-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

"We play them every year, so I think we are both very familiar with each other," SA head coach Jeff Terrill said. "They are really no secrets."
Prep has put up 38.2 points per game this year and are led by senior quarterback Ryan Buchanan.

Buchanan is 30-of-60 for the year passing with 637 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

On the ground, senior running back Hamel McGraw leads the Patriots with 78 carries for 487 yards. He has four touchdowns.

Prep is led by senior linebacker Wade Meena on defense. He has 13 solo tackles and 24 assists.

"Their players are talented," Terrill said. "Their players play hard, they're well-coached, their sound in all areas and they just keep coming at you."

– Ben Wait

Lanier a mystery to SHS coaches

The Starkville High School football coaching staff doesn't have very much to go on about Jackson Lanier, its first Class 5A, Region 2, District 6 opponent this season.

With only one film to watch on the Bulldogs, the Yellowjackets are lacking a little information.

Lanier enters the 7:30 p.m., Friday matchup with an 0-4 record and haven't even competed well in any of the four losses.

"We're not sure exactly how they are going to line up offensively or defensively, so it's been a little difficult for us to prepare," SHS defensive coordinator Brooks Oakley said.

The Bulldogs have been out-scored 157-18 in four games with losses to South Delta (42-6), Murrah (41-0), Jim Hill (44-0) and McClain (30-12).

– Danny P. Smith