By Angie Ledbetter

The Panolian’s first game of the week for Panola County will feature South Panola and West Point. An estimated 10,000 fans will be on hand at West Point to watch the only Saturday high school football game in the state.

It will be the battle between two ranked state championship teams as the two time defending 6A state champion Tigers take on the two time defending 5A state champion West Point starting at 7:30.  

The Tigers start the 2011 season ranked No. 1 in the state by the Clarion-Ledger while West Point stands at No. 3. Nationally, USA Today ranks the Tigers at No. 8 while MaxPreps has them at No. 12 and West Point at No. 4 in the state.

South Panola opens the season on a 27-game win streak and the 2010 national championship under its belt.

Rewinding the history books to 2004, the last time the teams met, the Tigers were on their 89 game winning streak run and West Point came close to being the the team that ended it.

It was the last regular season game and West Point had a 14-0 lead at the half. Regulation ended in a tie at 14 but the Tigers managed to win 21-14 in overtime for their 26th straight victory.
The Tigers went 11-0 that season with only five returning starters. The Green Wave went to 4A after that season.

Both teams have winning traditions in their history but it will be a new test for them as each one will try for a three-peat in their respective classifications.  

West Point finished the 2010 season with a 14-1 overall record and defeated Brookhaven 21-3 in the 5A state championship game. The Tigers finished 15-0 after defeating Meridian 28-7 in the 6A state championship.

Tiger head coach Lance Pogue has a lot of respect for the West Point program.

“Their two in a row 5A state championship is an unbelievable statement,” said Pogue. “They’ve been in control of 5A like we have in 6A and they have a great football program.”

West Point returns only seven starters this season, four on offense and three on defense.

“West Point’s style of play is similar to ours. They base everything off running the ball offensively so it’s going to be two teams very similar in style. It should be an interesting matchup.”

Leading the offense will be senior quarterback Dequinter Spraggins who made the move from free safety.

“He’s an exceptional athlete and that’s why they moved him to quarterback,” Pogue said. “It’ll be interesting in the first game how we adjust to his style of playing and at same time how he adjusts at playing quarterback.”

Another player Pogue talked about is Tez Lane.

“He’s a junior running back with a lot of courage who isn’t very big but has speed and the ability to hit a homerun every time if you don’t tackle well.”

Returning also on offense is junior Mario Virges, a full back with a lot of ability, according to Pogue.

Also returning on offense are senior running back William Harrell and offensive lineman Romia Wilson.  
Returning starters on defense include junior defensive lineman Freddie Reed, senior linebacker Brandon Edwards and defensive lineman Charles Heard.

“They pride themselves on being a great defensive team,” said Pogue. “No question about it their defense is always physical, very tough and hard hitters. That’s a concern for us too because our offensive line is inexperienced going up against a great defense.”

Edwards is listed among the top 125 seniors in the Clarion-Ledger. The linebacker stands at 6’0”, 205 pounds.

“He plays a lot of ball for them and stands out on film. Wherever the play is, he’s involved. He’s a difference maker for them.”

Pogue said West Point is like the Tigers in the secondary.

“They’re inexperienced but talented. Those are things you’re always concerned with. The only way to get experience is putting the kids out there and letting them play.”

The Tigers are polishing their game in preparation for West Point as they want to minimize any mistakes that are likely to occur in the first game.

“The positive is that we have an extra day since it’s a Saturday game,” Pogue said. “You don’t want to turn the ball over and hopefully the penalties don’t bog you down.”

Pogue is counting on the  inexperienced secondary to adjust as the game goes along.

“We’re going to make some mistakes because that’s part of being inexperienced but hopefully we can rely on our defensive front that has a lot of experience,” he said.

The team is excited, according to Pogue.      

“I know we’ve made it very tough and physical. The first week was hot but we obviously handled that well. I think they’re excited about tuning up this week and getting ready to play against another color jersey.”

Directions to West Point: Take highway 6 east to Pontotoc. In Pontotoc take highway 15 south to Highway 41 south. Follow Highway 41 to Highway 45 alternate south near Okolona into West Point. In West Point go to fourth traffic light which is Church Hill Road. Take a left and the stadium is on the left at the end of Church Hill Road.