MERIDIAN —
Last year, Union scored with 8 seconds remaining to beat Clarkdale.
Last week, Clarkdale fell behind 27-0 before a fierce rally fell short.
Clarkdale coach Jud Gartman is hoping his Bulldogs have learned from those close losses — as well as those against Kemper County, Pisgah and Enterprise last year.
"I think our guys are excited, they know they played them so close last year," he said. "In fact, we lost that on the last play of the game. That's been on their mind for awhile now. I think they are excited about it.
"It's still Union and it's still over there, but they know that they can play with like they did last year."
Still, he knows that won't be an easy task this week as Clarkdale heads to Union to face a Yellowjackets team that reminds Gartman of a team Clarkdale just saw.
"They look strong up front, and a real good tailback," he added about Forzetra Ealy, who scored Union's lone touchdown last week on a 58-yard run one week after a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown. "He's got good speed.
"They are kind of similar to Enterprise up front."
Aiding the Bulldogs' chances are the adjustments Clarkdale made at halftime against Enterprise, moves that helped shut down the visiting Bulldogs' powerful rushing attack. Another good sign was the rhythm Clarkdale got in with you spread offense in just its second game.
"I think we can build on just the knowledge that if you don't quit, you'll be OK," Gartman said. "But, you just can't give them a big lead in the first half. That's what we learned right there.
"I think our guys can see it. We made some big plays in the last half, some big catches."
Corey Skinner leads Clarkdale's offense with 159 yards rushing in the two games as the Bulldogs have rushed for 379 yards total. Quarterback Micah Redmond has added 43 yards rushing, but two scores, while throwing for 57 yards.
Union lost 30-10 to Choctaw Central last week despite rushing for 300 yards. The Yellowjackets, who are 1-1, were undone by four interceptions.
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Bulldogs look to get over hump against Jackets
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Neel leaving champion War Eagles for Panthers
Eric Neel spent three seasons coach at East Central. The Hornets played in three state championship games.
Neel then coached the past three years at Wayne County, leading the War Eagles to three straight Class 5A fast-pitch state crowns.
And now, he doesn’t see why the same can’t occur at Quitman. After guiding Wayne County to its third straight championship Saturday, Neel resigned his position in Waynesboro on Thursday to replace Kacie Roberson at Quitman. -
Unexpected Honor
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RCA’s Lee and pair of Generals chosen for All-Star tilt
Russell Christian Academy senior Camryn Lee and Newton County Academy duo Clay Upton and Dillon Williams will wrap up their senior seasons today.
The local trio will play in the MAIS All-Star Class A game at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson at 2 p.m. The Class AA-AAA game will follow. -
McFarland named first-team All-American for Jones County
The honors continue to come in for the Jones County Junior College softball program.
Pitcher Ginger Lonergan and centerfielder Relanda McFarland were both named to the NJCAA Division II All-American first-team on Thursday. -
A Family Affair
Five days. Two state titles. One family.
It’d be hard to find a family that had a better week than the one Robbi and Shay Cooper just experienced. -
Roundup — Stephens receives Sekul Award
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The Drought Is Over
All Mason Irby was hoping for was to find a way on base.
The Southeast Lauderdale sophomore did that and so much more. Irby's single with two outs in the seventh inning broke a tie, lifting the Tigers to a 6-3 MHSAA Class 3A state championship win at Smith-Wills Stadium on Wednesday, and handing Southeast (32-7) its first title since 1966. -
Ramey shines again, hurls Tigers to MHSAA Class 3A crown
The bar was set pretty high.
After all, Southeast Lauderdale senior right-hander Colby Ramey needed just 65 pitches to beat Kossuth in Game 1 of the MHSAA Class 3A state championship game Thursday.
However, according to fellow senior Blake McMullen, Ramey cleared the hurdle Wednesday when he scattered eight hits on 104 pitches to finish off the Aggies in a 6-3 state championship-clinching win at Smith-Wills Stadium on Wednesday. -
Southeast wins MHSAA Class 3A Championsip
Slideshow from the MHSAA Class 3A state championship game between Southeast Lauderdale and Kossuth.
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Briarwood to host Emerald Coast Golf Tour in June
Professional golf is coming to Meridian.
The Emerald Coast Golf Tour will be holding the Meridian Pro-Am Classic at Briarwood Country Club June 26-29. - More Sports Headlines
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Neel leaving champion War Eagles for Panthers

