Meridian High seniors pose after signing national letters-of-intent in the school's library Wednesday morning. The Wildcats are sending 15 of the players to East Mississippi Community College, while another will play at Northwest Community College.

    With a library jam-packed with friends, relatives and MHS faculty, an impressive 16 Meridian High football players inked their names on the dotted line to continue playing on the collegiate level Wednesday on the Meridian High campus.

    As a result, East Mississippi Community College just got a huge boost for next year’s campaign as 15 of the 16 Wildcats, who were MHSAA Class 6A South State champs and tied a school record with 14 wins, signed on to play in Scooba next year.

    “These are a fantastic group of guys we are getting,” said East Mississippi coach Buddy Stephens. “These kids won the 2008 state championship.”

    This group of MHS seniors boasts an impressive 39-4 record in their time as WIldcats.

    The list of players includes: Tyler Stanley (OL), Jacoby Eason (DL), Shaquille Fluker (S), Jason Yarbor (DB), E.J. Perry (OL), Duane Hendrix (TE/DL), Lauren Jackson (DL), T.J. McNeil (LB), Deangelo Ford (DB), Jodase Rhone (DL), Kenya Roberts (RB), Antoinne Adkins (QB), Ryan Butchee (LB), Andrew Brewster (DB) and Quamaine Portis (WR).

    Offensive tackle Jibri Cole decided to sign with Northwest Community College in Senatobia.

    “I’m excited for these guys,” said Meridian coach Larry Weems. “I’m glad I’m gonna get to see them play close next year. They are going to have a pretty good football team up in Scooba next year.

    “The key to having a great football program is having great kids and these kids are great. We’ve had tremendous senior leadership and that is evident by all these guys singing today. I hate to see these kids leave, but they will be close.

    “We as coaches (at Meridian) will have our work cut out for us next year trying to fill all of these holes.”