By Myra Bean

It may not be the fall football season, but it is football season of a sorts around the state.

The three local football teams are now fully involved in spring practice with spring scrimmages on the horizon.

As spring is progressing, coaches are beginning to see who will replace outgoing seniors on each squad.
South Panola.

South Panola started practice April 8 and will play in a spring scrimmage at Northwest Rankin against the host school and Columbus Thursday, May 2.

Rip Kirk is returning as the senior quarterback and seeing some backup time at that position is sophomore Tyler Pogue, son of seven year head coach Lance Pogue.

Coach Pogue is concerned early on about replacing four offensive linemen.

“Offensive line is the key to any offense,” Pogue said. There are some quality prospects trying for the positions that Pogue believes will develop over time.

The Tigers lost two wide receivers, and the young, inexperienced ones will have to work hard to learn the ropes this year, according to the coach.

Running back Darrell Henderson had a good year, said Pogue, so they expect him to have a “huge impact” his junior season.

“Tony Conner was a four-year starter,” Pogue said. “There is really no way to replace him.”

However, many on the defensive line and the defensive back field are returning and Pogue said they feel good about that.

North Panola
North Panola started its spring practice April 22 with 55 on the roster, led by Jatavious Farmer at quarterback. Farmer returns as a junior after missing most of last season due to a broken leg.

In his corner is upcoming junior wide receiver/cornerback Willie Hibbler, who received a scholarship offer from Ole Miss recently.

North Panola will play in a spring jamboree with Senatobia and Lewisburg at Senatobia on Thursday, May 17.

Second year head coach Derek King is mostly concerned about the size of his defense.

“We lost a lot on defense,” he said. “Offensive line is still big.”

The defense will be faster, King said.