Coach Woods’ squad more experienced, deeper this year

By Brad Greer

Even though they are non-district competitors this year, the South Panola-Tupelo rivalry is still going strong. The two squads  kickoff the regular season tonight in Tupelo.

Both teams are coming off successful jamborees last Friday as South Panola downed Lafayette County 14-0 while Tupelo defeated Amory 18-6.

The Golden Wave, who remains in District 1-6A this season, are coming off a 7-5 record in 2018 in which they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Tupelo, under the direction of head coach Trent Hammond, must replace last year’s starting quarterback Stephon McGlaun, 1,800-yard running back Jaquerrious Williams along with wide receiver and Ole Miss signee Jordan Jernigan.

Despite losing the aforementioned starters, South Panola head coach Ricky Woods knows the Golden Wave cupboard of talent is far from bare.

“When your one of the biggest if not the biggest school in the state, its not hard to find talent and I am sure Coach Hammond still has some. I do feel like both teams are evenly matched personnel wise and its more than likely going to come down to whichever team executes better and minimizes their mistakes will have a good shot at coming out on top,” Woods said.

Tupelo will be looking to gain a measure of revenge after losing a 21-7 to South Panola at home last season.

The Tiger’s offensive line consisting of Dorian Baker, Quin Hodges, Antonio Victom, Daunte Carr and Markevian Jones will look to open up running lanes for South Panola’s backfield that includes Anterrio Draper, Nate Harris and Janari Dean among others.