MERIDIAN —
Meridian High doesn’t play this week as the majority of the largest two classes in the MHSAA have a bye week prior to the start of division play next week.
But the Wildcats still have a bull’s-eye on their backs as they head into the bye, sitting atop the MPB Top 25 rankings and the state’s Associated Press poll.
Meridian, which has won 30 straight regular season games, ascended to the top spots a week ago following South Panola’s loss to Hoover, Ala. The Wildcats then defeated Quitman 21-6 on Friday, remaining there. MHS (4-0) leads defending Class 6A champion Olive Branch by 11 points in the MPB poll, and 28 points in the overall rankings of the AP poll. Meridian is 20 points ahead of the Conquistadors in the Class 6A portion of the AP rankings.
Quitman, which fell to 3-1 with the loss to the top-ranked Wildcats, fell out of the MPB rankings. The Panthers climbed into the poll last week at No. 24 before tumbling back out. They have the fourth-most votes of the teams not ranked.
Quitman did remain at No. 4 in the AP’s Class 4A rankings behind Tylertown, which leapfrogged Noxubee County, and two-time defending champion Lafayette. The Panthers host North Forrest on Friday.
The only other area team ranked is Class 3A power Philadelphia. The Tornadoes, who have won 32 straight regular season games, are No. 2 in their class according to the AP. Philly (4-0) trails Hazlehurst by 16 points. The Tornadoes, who host Northeast Lauderdale on Friday, have the third-most votes of schools not ranked in the MPB Top 25.
JUCO RANKINGS
East Mississippi Community College continued its reign atop the NJCAA Top 20 rankings as the defending national champions even picked up an additional first-place vote.
The 2-0 Lions, fresh off a 51-7 demolition of rival East Central Community College, received eight of the nine first-place votes and 140 points overall. They lead Butler (Kan.) Community College by seven points.
Arizona Western, last year’s national runner-up, is third followed by Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hinds is ranked sixth, while Northwest Mississippi is ranked No. 10 and Itawamba broke into the poll in a tie at No. 20
Sports
Wildcats head into bye week at No. 1
- Sports
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Fundamentals leading Newton County to Jackson
In 2006, Newton County baseball won the 3A state title. Since then, they've moved up a class but haven't had much luck – until now.
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Roy takes over as football head coach at Clarkdale
After nine years serving as an assistant on the Clarkdale football coaching staff, Wes Roy proudly considers himself a Bulldog. The coach has not only grown to love the team and its players, but also the Clarkdale community itself.
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Bennett stays on as softball coach at Clarkdale
In one season as the interim coach for the Clarkdale softball team, Britt Bennett has gone through what most coaches go through in a career. Over the past year, Clarkdale has dealt with the death of two students, a coaching scandal and the departure of two star players.
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Titles nothing new for Newton County
Newton County captured its seventh fast-pitch state championship, outscoring defending champion Houston 26-3 in two games. The Cougars took home the title despite not having a single senior on their roster –– still, few were surprised.
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Embry completes 5A title sweep
In his first year coaching the Neshoba Central softball team, Trae Embry won two state titles but wouldn't take all the credit.
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Morgan takes runner-up at Nationals
Meridian Community College golfer, TJ Morgan, from Bruce, MS, tied for the
individual medalist at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held in Lubbock, TX, but lost on the first hole of a playoff. TJ shot 7 under for the tournament with a 76 on the first day followed by 68, 67 and a last round 70. Aksel Olsen from Wallace State Community College won the playoff. TJ was named First Team All-American for his high finish. -
MSU’s Renfroe wins Ferriss Trophy
The first time Mississippi State coach John Cohen saw Hunter Renfroe play baseball, he marveled at his natural ability.
Three years later, he's also in awe of his work ethic. -
(PHOTOS) Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship
Slideshow of Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship fast pitch series.
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(PHOTOS) Newton County wins Class 4A
Slideshow of Newton County in the Class 4A State Championship fast pitch series.
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(PHOTOS) Neshoba wins Class 5A
Slideshow of Neshoba Central in the Class 5A State Championship fast pitch series.
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