About the National Prep Poll:
Compiled weekly since 1987 and a property of World Features Syndicate, the National Prep Poll is the nation’s second oldest weekly high school sports rankings and are the only high school rankings distributed to newspapers and Web sites around the United States by the Associated Press national wire service. The National Prep Poll is the first of the three major high school football and boys basketball polls to released each week during the season.

Note: Jamie DeMoney also compiled the preseason Power 50 national and regional rankings for the School Sports/Sporting News 2006 High School Football Preview Magazine. The publication (available in bookstores and on newsstands (or at ) NOW includes an in-depth breakdown on all 50 nationally ranked and 100 regionally ranked teams, including key players, strengths, weaknesses and overall outlook.

"I’m the best at what I do," said South Panola Tiger senior defensive end Marlon Wilks said.

Wilks answered the question of why he, at 5’9" tall, 190 pounds beat out others taller and bigger for that starting position.

Wilks has been playing for the Tigers since he was in the seventh grade. He has started at the defensive end position all of his years except his sophomore year.

He started the first three games of that year then played behind Brandon Burnett.

"I still got a lot of playing time that year," Wilks said.

What makes him so tough?

"I work out every day," Wilks said. "I push myself to the breaking point. I have not gotten there, but it has been close. I work out in the hot sun."

Wilks, who bench presses 275 pounds, was the third leading tackler on the team last year with 65 total tackles. He was second in sacks for the year with six and a half. He really made his mark in last year’s state championship game by stripping the Meridian quarterback of the ball two times.

He owns two state championship rings and expects to receive his third one following this season.

Wilks was candid when he spoke about the the undefeated record of the Tigers for the past three years.

He said yes it is hard for South Panola to keep up the undefeated streak.

He does not really believe anyone has a chance to take it from them this year.

"The thing about football is the best team will eventually get beat," he said. "It might not be this year but on down the road, someone might. The thing about it is if someone does beat us, it will be in the beginning of the year.

"We are going to keep winning championships," Wilks added. "We might not have a perfect season but we are going to keep winning championships."

In his role on the team, Wilks said the coach asks him to show others how to lead since he has been on the team for so long.

He said some of his teammates are hardheaded and that makes things a little tough.

Wilks gave some insight on why he thinks South Panola has been very successful over the past few years.

They will start the season at the No. 4 team nationally according to the National Tony Poll. The team is expected to be listed on the USA Today national preseason poll. They ended the season No. 6 in that poll last year.

"Other schools concentrated and focus on one thing ? that is to beat us," Wilks said. "We look at one team at a time."

The toughest team he thinks the Tigers will face will be the Starkville Yellowjackets team.

One of Wilks favorite players was former teammate
Marcus Johnson, who now plays linebacker for Northwest Community College.

"Marcus has a great attitude," Wilks said. "He was just a good person to be around."

When Wilks graduates, he does not know where he will attend college but he does want to teach.

He is the son of Marvis and Lee Wilks of Batesville. He has two brothers, a sister and a nephew. His grandmother is Mattie Wilks of Coldwater.
 

Cody Hallmark said playing college football is a dream come true for him.

"I’m blessed that I have the opportunity to play after high school," Hallmark said. "A lot of people don’t get to play. I’m thankful for it, too."

He signed to play with Delta State University following his senior season at North Delta.

During his freshman year, he was redshirted.

He will play at the linebacker position after playing the spring as a fullback.

He said things have been going good for him at Delta State.

"I had a real good spring," Hallmark said. "I am fighting for a starting position. I expect to get a lot of playing time on special teams and linebacker."

Hallmark described Delta State’s 2005 season as a "good team" which struggled some.

"We struggled a little bit last season, had a couple of injuries and lost a few close games," he said. "We lost a lot of conference games real close. Some turnovers cost us."

This upcoming year will be the second with the defensive coordinator, according to Hallmark.

"Everybody is finally getting adjusted to him," he said. "We will have a real strong defense this coming year. We had a lot better defense last year compared to past years."

Fifth year senior, quarterback Scott Eyster, is a real good leader, Hallmark said.

Since Hallmark was redshirted last year, he said he is looking forward to this year.

"It’s a real good school," Hallmark added. "I enjoy the atmosphere. I like the coaching staff. Coach (Rick) Rhoades is a real nice guy and he take cares of you."

Hallmark talked about the differences he has experienced in college football compared to high school.

One of the biggest differences he sees is that the players have to train a lot harder.

"Everybody you go against is as good as you are or a lot better," Hallmark said. "The speed of the game is a lot faster compared to high school. You have to really work hard in the summertime because you know everybody else on other teams is working hard too. I try to outwork them everyday in the weightroom, conditioning or whatever."

As to matching up with the other players on his team and other teams, Hallmark said he matches up comparably.

"In our league of football compared to D-1, a lot of people are not as tall," Hallmark said. "My style-wise I think I matchup pretty good. My strength wise I am stronger than some of them and of course some are stronger than I am.

"Speed-wise anybody coming up has to be able to work on their speed, footwork and quickness," Hallmark continued. "You have to be quick and fast to play at the college level. It takes some adjusting to. Overall, I think I have a good chance and will play all four years. I hope to be a starter next year."

Hallmark is majoring in physical education and is leaning toward coaching. He is the son of Rita and Johnny Hallmark of Batesville.

Hallmark reported to Delta State last week. The team started practice yesterday morning.

Delta State reported 121 players will make up this year’s team. The public will have a chance to meet the Statesmen on Thursday, August 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at "Meet the Statesmen Night".