Patriots kick off preseason practice

Some new additions are working in nicely with the returnees as Marshall Academy tunes up for a new football season.

“I thought we had a very productive week of football,” said coach Tony Banks, whose Patriots began practice last week. “It was the hottest week of the year so far, and that made it sort of tough, but we managed to get them acclimated to pads and helmets.”

Turnout the first week was limited. “We had some kids missing who are still playing baseball, so we can’t put everything in yet (offensively and defensively),” he said. “We also have a few new faces, and we think we may get a few more new ones.” Registration for the new school year is continuing. Classes begin at MA on Monday, Aug. 9.

However, Banks and his coaching staff did install some plans on both sides of the football last week.

“We tried to teach some things and put people in the right places,” he said.

He expects the offense to be more wide open this year.

“Last year we were limited offensively,” Banks said. “We believe we can be more balanced this season with the run and the pass.”

Some key players are back from last year’s 6-5 team that was eliminated in the second round of the Class 3A state playoffs. MA has made 14 straight postseason appearances.

This year Marshall steps up to Class 4A, where it faces some traditional opponents in District 1 competition.

The district opponents are Kirk Academy, Lee Academy, North Delta School and Oak Hill Academy.

Last year, in what was then non-district games, the Patriots defeated Lee and lost close contests to Kirk and North Delta. Oak Hill is also moving up to 4A, and Marshall also defeated the Raiders a year ago.

“I believe we can be competitive in the bigger conference,” Banks said. “But it will definitely be a very competitive district. We will be the smallest of the schools (enrollment-wise).”

A year ago, in Banks’ first season back at MA as coach and head of school, the Patriots hung their hats on being a physical football team.

“I thought we were physical, even in our losses,” he said. “We want to be a physical team again, and I do think that will continue.

“The kids are working hard.”

The Patriots kick off the season Friday night, Aug. 20, at home versus Fayette Academy, Tenn. The next week, August 27, they host Bayou Academy.

The first road game is September 3 at Rossville Academy, Tenn. Next up is a public school, South Pontotoc, on the road September 10.

The first district game is September 17 at home against North Delta.

MA then travels to face public school Walnut on September 24.

Three of the last four are district contests — Lee at home October 1, Kirk on the road October 15 and Oak Hill away October 22.

The Patriots will host nondistrict opponent Winona Christian on October 8.