Another year of big expectations at West Lauderdale.

The Knights had an unusual 2020 season that featured them having only played just two home games, but West Lauderdale finished the season 8-4 and reached the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. This fall, the Knights are hoping to make an even playoff run. 

“We’ve had a lot of effort from the guys this offseason, so we’re excited,” West Lauderdale head coach Brock Clay said. “Last year ended with a sour taste in our mouths, so we’re just eager to get back on the field.”

West Lauderdale returns eight starters on offense that will once again be led by a potent rushing attack that averaged 199.7 yards per game last season. 

JJ Grant is back at running back to lead the ground game after rushing for 645 yards with nine touchdowns last season before surgery ended his 2020 campaign prematurely. 

Quarterback Jackson Parker is also back to help lead the offense after tossing for 924 yards with 11 touchdowns and rushing for 612 yards with 10 touchdowns last year. Caleb Collins will also see time at running back and receiver for the Knights, while all three top receivers are back for West Lauderdale in Brett Busbea, Cooper Luke and Wyatt Castle. 

“Jackson back at quarterback, and with the experience he’s got we’re expecting a lot out of him because he’s the guy,” Clay said. “Having a guy like JJ at running back makes us a lot better. We’ve got guys that have played a lot of valuable snaps in all positions, and that’s huge and something you cannot replace.”

A veteran offensive line along with tight end Gunter Knapp is also key for the Knights. Defensively, the Knights return eight starters that will be led by an experienced front seven. Commondre Cole, Eli Bates and Jordan Gowdy all return on the defensive line, while Dillon Williamson is back at linebacker to lead the front seven. Defensive backs Dillon Brown and Braden Epting are back in the secondary as well.

“A lot of veteran guys back up front, and we’re going to be doing some things different scheme-wise,” Clay said. “It’s going to be a lot different, and some guys are going to be playing both ways, so we have to be in good condition.”

Even with the new reclassifications this year, Region 4-4A did not change at all with Louisville, Kosciusko, Choctaw Central, Leake Central and Northeast Lauderdale.

“The district is going to be tough because I feel like everyone will be better,” Clay said. “Louisville is the defending 4A state champs, so they are the team everyone is chasing.”

SCHEDULE

Aug. 27 — at Newton County

Sept. 3 — Neshoba Central

Sept. 10 — Meridian

Sept. 17 — at SE Lauderdale

Sept. 24 — at Philadelphia

Oct. 1 — Leake Central

Oct. 8 — at Kosciusko

Oct. 15 — Louisville

Oct. 22 — at Choctaw Central

Oct. 29 — NE Lauderdale