In year one under head coach Rayshawn Westerfield, it was all about learning how to win.

Now in year for Kemper County, how will they respond to the success they saw?

The Wildcats are making the drop to MHSAA Class 2A from Class 3A after going 8-3 in 2020, claiming the Region 5-3A title and reaching the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. 

“Last year was about teaching the kids how to win and getting the program back headed in the right direction,” Westerfield said. “All offseason we’ve reminded our kids of the feeling they had on Nov. 13 when we came out on the losing end of our second-round playoff game. It has fueled our offseason program.”

Kemper County returns nine starters on an offense that will be anchored by a dynamic duo of quarterback Aaron Steele and running back Dicenzo Miller Jr. Steele tossed for 1,755 yards with 18 touchdowns and also rushed for 605 yards with 12 touchdowns. Miller had 1,545 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns and also had three receiving touchdowns. 

Wide receivers Jamar Grace (731 yards, eight touchdowns last season) and Ty’Keveon Steele (520 yards, seven touchdowns) return to help lead the passing attack. 

“Offensively, we are excited that we return all of our skill guys from last season,” Westerfield said. “We have a bunch of guys who can make plays, and they’ll play a huge part in helping us reach our goals.”

The Wildcats bring back seven starters on defense, including linebacker Devon Baskin (60 tackles, three sacks in 2020) and defensive end Jakylan Bourrage (73 tackles, four sacks) to lead the front seven, while Aaron Steele returns at defensive back to lead the secondary.

“Defensively, I’m excited about seeing our guys fly around. Our guys had a tremendous offseason and the weight room,” Westerfield said. “We will be much-improved on that side of the ball.”

Kemper County will now compete in Region 5-2A with Lake, Nanih Waiya, Newton and Philadelphia.

“I don’t read too much into classifications,” Westerfield said. “There is a lot a good football played in the state on all levels. We are excited to compete with some really good programs in our region. Nanih Waiya has the heart of a champion with their most recent success over the last few years. Lake is always a tough, hard-nosed football team. Newton has athletes all over the field that are tough to defend. Philadelphia is always in the hunt. They start every year in the second round of the playoffs at minimum. All of those coaches do a great job with those programs, so it’ll be a battle every week.”

SCHEDULE

Aug. 27 — Leake Central

Sept. 3 — at Louisville

Sept. 10 — Forest

Sept. 17 — Quitman

Sept. 24 — at SE Lauderdale

Oct. 1 — Lake

Oct. 8 — at Noxubee County

Oct. 15 — at Newton

Oct. 22 — Philadelphia

Oct. 29 — at Nanih Waiya