From left, Dayreke Show, Austin Adams, Garrick Alford and Jermaine Poole at Newton High School's signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Before Austin Adams, Dayreke Snow, Garrick Alford and Jermaine Poole jotted down their names on their national letters of intent Wednesday at the Newton High School library, Newton coach Ryan Smith instructed those in attendance to focus their attention on the projection screen he set up in the corner of the room.

The first-year coach then started the video, and music played as season highlights of the four seniors splashed across the screen. At the end of the montage, Smith’s voice quivered with emotion as he thanked the players and their parents, and commended their dedication throughout the years.

“I think at the end of the day, I’m called to bridge the gap,” Smith said. “Everybody I come in contact with is at a point, and they’re trying to get to a point, and I want to bridge that gap. For them, it was getting to play college football. So we just started working, and our whole staff, we called and talked and questioned and pushed the envelope. To be able to do that in the short time we’ve been here is huge. The talent they have is already there. We just instilled some football stuff, and then pushed them.”

Adams and Snow committed to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Poole inked with Northeast Mississippi Community College and Alford made his decision to play for Alcorn State University official at the Wednesday ceremony.

“This is the biggest achievement of my life,” said Alford, a linebacker who scored 18 on the ACT. “With my height, I never thought that I’d be going to a university. (Coach) Smith made it possible. You can do anything you set your mind to. Height doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a number. My dad used to take me to practice when I played Pee Wee, and my mom always encouraged me. That’s love, and I’m just happy. I’m smiling.” 

Poole, a center, anchored an offensive line that produced a 1,818-yard passer and a running attack that accumulated 1,174 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also scored 19 on the ACT.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Poole said. “I’m short, but I have a big heart and I love this sport. I’m going to use it to go as far as I can. I love the coaches, I love Newton and I put it down for my city. I just love them all.”

Snow finished the season with 58 total tackles as a safety and 520 yards and four touchdowns as a wide receiver. His family and friends jostled for a position near the 6-foot-1, 178 pounder to snap pictures after he signed his letter of intent. Snow, who scored a 22 on his ACT, flashed a toothy grin.

“Today is a great day — it’s a day I’ll never forget and will love forever,” he said. “I knew this would happen because I had it in me from all the work I put into it. You have to put in the work. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything.”

At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Adams will be a nice addition to Mississippi Gulf Coast’s defense. He currently carries a 3.9 GPA and scored 21 on the ACT. 

“It was a great season, and I loved playing with my brothers,” Adams, a defensive end and linebacker, said. “It’s a blessing and it means the world to me. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid. And since it’s finally coming true, I’m blessed.”

Adams, Snow, Alford and Poole helped Newton achieve a 7-4 season that included a trip to the postseason and produced the first winning season in 12 years. After Smith arrived at the school in the spring, the players said he quickly earned their trust. The results have been beneficial for all parties. 

“When he first got here, we tried to trust him because he’s a good man,” Poole said. “We just bought into what he said, so we trusted him, and we love Coach Smith, because he made this dream become a reality. That’s a man right there, and he’s respected throughout Mississippi.”