Bank of Holly Springs
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Photos by DeMill Dixon
Coach Donald Deans (right) looks on as quarterback Dylan King prepares to take the snap from center Anthony Gulledge. At left is running back Joshua Kimble.
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Joshua Kimble (33) follows the blocking of teammate Chartez Tucker (63).

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Photos by Barry Burleson
Closing in on the quarterback are Holly High defensive players Tyren Williams (58) and Willie Finley (51). In back is Latorrence Davis (29).
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Pulling down the quarterback in one of the spring games is Holly High’s Jacolby Bailey (55).

Hawks work toward better season

There’s a good feeling as the Holly Springs Hawks look to a new football season.

Coach Donald Deans got a preview of his 2018 team during a spring jamboree May 11 at Sam Coopwood Park, and he liked what he saw.

“Our guys are more experienced – we have returning starters at the skill positions and on the line,” he said. “I saw a lot of good things.”

Deans, entering his fifth season as head coach of the Hawks, said he was particularly impressed with the offensive line.

“That was a big struggle for us last year, and we’re definitely better there – not where we need to be, but better,” he said.

The hard work must continue, he said, throughout the summer and in preseason practice leading up to the season opener in August.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do on weights and in seven-on-seven this summer and get ourselves ready so we will have a better season than last year,” Deans said.

In 2017, the Hawks finished 3-8 overall and 1-4 in the district.

He said seven-on-seven will particularly be important as far as timing between quarterbacks and receivers, plus necessary improvements in the secondary, too.

“And we have to get stronger (in the weight room),” Deans said.

He said his team will kick off practice July 30 and play in the Oxford Jamboree on either August 10 or 11.

The Hawks will start the season on Friday, Aug. 17, by making the short ride across county to Byhalia.

Other non-district opponents for Holly Springs in the 2018 season are Mantachie, Ash­land, Strayhorn, J.Z. George and Tishomingo County.

District 2-3A foes are Water Valley, Independence, Coahoma AHS, North Panola and Palmer.

Holly Springs South Reporter

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