By Myra Bean
South Panola football will open the season at home against Clinton, Thursday, August 18.
Before that time, the relatively young team had to go through some growing pains this past spring.
South Panola finished its spring practice Thursday and did not play a spring scrimmage for various reasons, according to head coach Lance Pogue.
Pogue is starting his 10th year as head coach of the Tigers. For the second time during his Tiger coaching career, he is facing a team that has to replace 33 seniors, 18 of whom were starters.
Though that sounds scary for people who are used to the powerhouse team producing year after year, Pogue and his coaching staff are prepared for what is going to happen after the 2016 seniors left the team.
“We had a good spring,” Pogue said. “It was very productive. We chose not to scrimmage anyone else for several reasons. “
Pogue likened this year to 2011 which had young team after the 2010 national championship players graduated. That team included Nick Brassell and Kendrick Market.
“It’s a very similar situation,” Pogue said.” Every year we always try to get younger guys some experience.”
He has not come across with a perfect answer when facing a year depleted by a big senior class, but he does feel like they did a good job of getting the younger guys some experience.
“I know we did a good job this spring of hopefully getting them ready,” Pogue said.
The upcoming sophomore class will possibly play a big part in this year’s team, according to Pogue.
“Realistically we will probably have more sophomores play in the fall than we have had in a long time. We don’t have a lot of older experienced kids,” he said.
Patrick Shegog
Leading the offensive charge is first year starting quarterback junior Patrick Shegog. He backed up Tyler Pogue last year.
The coaching staff has high hopes for him.
Shegog completed 10 of 13 passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions last year.
“He had a really productive spring,” Pogue said. “Obviously, he hasn’t done it in a game yet. That goes for any kid, any year that he has to do it for the first time. He has put himself into position and I am anxious to get to August because I think he is going to do a pretty good job.”
Backing up Shegog is sophomore Kenada Lewis. Lewis will also play in other positions, according to Pogue.
O’Bryan Goodson
Goodson has been collecting awards for his defensive lineman play since his sophomore year. He has been garnering the attention of college scouts.
He had six sacks, five pass deflections, one fumble return for a touchdown and 52 tackles with 21 for loss yards.
Pogue hopes Goodson takes advantage of some summer camps to get further exposure to colleges and get even more attention.
“He has been a really good player for us,” Pogue said. “I count on him having an outstanding senior season. He has an opportunity to get a good college opportunity as we keep moving along.”
Kicking
A couple of the spots left blank with graduation is the kicker who was Steven Collins and punter Turner Rotenberry.
The coaching staff is not totally certain on who will be kicking and punting as they are still in the evaluating stage. He said they always have someone to come along as an answer to the situation.
Rest of year
As exams and state testing is going on, the team will finish out the school year lifting weights. Summer workouts will start the Tuesday after Memorial Day on May 31.
“It will be full speed ahead for the summer,” Pogue said. “As we move forward, we will keep finding answers. There are a lot of unknowns when you play younger kids. That’s part of it and sometimes that’s what makes it fun.”
Panolian Preseason Magazine
The Panolian will publish the preseason football magazine = August 16. By that time, more answers for the upcoming season will be available.
Pogue will release the schedule as soon as all teams return their contracts.