Fielder’s Choice
Another football season, my 38th on the sideline covering games, has come to an end.
Byhalia was back in the the playoffs after a five-year absence. Things are on the right track in Indian land, with coach John Danley at the helm. And next year the Indians will move down to Class 3A.
My favorite memory of the past season came from a two-win team, the H.W. Byers Lions. On the last week of the season, I witnessed one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in high school football.
Coach Chris Daniels had 11 players on the field at all times (as is required) and just one substitute on the sideline with him. His Byers team trailed Ashland 20-0 at the half, and to be perfectly honest, I thought the game was over. I did not think the out-manned Lions had a chance. The life seemed to be sucked out of them after a late chance to score in the first half went awry.
But I failed to consider the hearts of the Lions.
Byers showed determination, guts, fight and grit the next 24 minutes. The Lions outscored the Blue Devils 32-0 in the second half.
Byers has faced tons of adversity, particularly injuries, in seasons 2017 and 2018.
The week before the Ashland game this season, they almost shocked county rival Potts Camp, only to fall victim to a late Cardinal scoring drive.
But they rebounded, and a never-say-die attitude paid off with the thrilling win at Ashland.
I enjoyed a rare Saturday high school football game this season. Holly Springs’ game versus Tishomingo County in September was postponed from Friday night due to storms.
The photos are better in the daylight, and the Hawks crushed the Braves 47-0. It was perhaps their most impressive win in a six-win season.
The rain returned in the fourth quarter, but like I’ve said before, I prefer not to leave the sideline, and I didn’t on this day either. Rain games just add to the adventure.
And coach Donald Deans’ team enjoyed the post-game celebration in the mud.
My longest road trip of the season was for Marshall Academy’s playoff contest in late October – 244 miles one way to Brookhaven. It made for eight hours (four hours down there and back) on the road in a day.
It all goes with the job, and having a high school cheerleader at MA.
Coach Barrett Donahoe’s team battled the injury bug all season long, too, with one or more key players out every game.
I had to “break in” a new coach this year, as far as assisting me with statistics and post-game comments, etc. And coach Darrow Anderson at Potts Camp always either answered his phone, quickly called me back or sent me a text.
And, he, too, has another Marshall County program on the right track with the Cardinals. I first met Coach Anderson while he was at West Memphis Christian (Ark.), where his Black Knights won a state championship, and I know all about his knowledge of the game, his love for his players and his success.
As I put a wrap on another season, I also want to thank those who assisted along the way – DeMill Dixon, Penny Lomenick, Theresa Bolden Devore, Dillon Day and others.
Now, it’s on to basketball.