Devils start season Friday

Coach Christopher Suggs isn't quite sure what to expect when his Ashland football team rolls into Walnut this Friday for the season-opener.

He said preseason practice has been "frustrating" as his Blue Devils just haven't gotten on the same page yet.

"We're staying healthy, but we're not doing everything we can to get better," said Suggs, entering his fourth season at the Benton County school. "It's a pressing year so far, and one of the craziest I've seen. I'm sure it's somewhat that way everywhere as we all deal with different issues."

He lost eight seniors from last year's state playoff team that went 5-2 in the district and finished 5-6 overall.

He expects about 20 high school players on the roster at the Class 1A school.

Three seniors expected to provide leadership are defensive back Caleb Williams, lineman Christopher Brooks and kicker Ana Morales.

Offensively, he said the Devils will be an option team but also have to pass from the spread to be successful. Defensively, Ashland will operate from an odd-man front.

"This team has to pull together and establish its identity," Suggs said.

He's hoping that happens in three non-district games to start the season versus Walnut August 27, Mantachie September 3 and Strayhorn September 10, the latter being the first home contest.

Following an open date, the District 1-1A slate starts on Friday, Sept. 24, with Smithville on the road. Then comes H.W. Byers at home October 1, Thrasher away October 8, Tupelo Christian at home October 15, Okolona at home October 22, Falkner away October 29 and Biggersville away November 5.

He will have 10th and 11th graders on the field who have never played at the varsity level.

"We're going to get better," Suggs said. "We're making strides. We just have a lot of inexperience.

"If it all falls into place, I think we will be OK. We're still just trying to establish a program that's football-minded. In our junior high right now, the focus is there. The high school has to come along."