WESSON – The long-awaited opener for the Copiah-LincolnCommunity College Wolves has finally arrived. Co-Lin kicks off its2001 season Thursday night, hosting the Itawamba Indians. Kickoffis 7 p.m. in Stone Stadium.

The game is special for Dave Cross, Co-Lin’s new head coach. Hewas defensive coordinator at Co-Lin for five years before replacingPhil Broome who resigned in December.

“I think we need to play somebody,” said Cross. “August seemslike it has been six years ago. We need to tee it up and get somekind of indication of where we are.”

Cross has two new assistant coaches this year; offensivecoordinator David Armstrong and offensive line coach DavePoinsett.

Asked about a game plan, Cross said, “What we are stressing isprotecting the football and minimizing penalties. I think we hadfive turnovers last year against Itawamba,” in a lopsided roadloss.

Itawamba won the North Division title last year when Northwestwas on probation. The Indians (6-5, 4-1) lost to Southwest 46-14 inthe first round of the state playoffs.

Jay Miller has compiled a 53-32 record in eight years atItawamba’s helm. The Indians are picked to finish second toNorthwest in this year’s division race.

“Itawamba is up near the top again,” said Cross. “Jay Millernever brags on his teams but he is bragging on this one.

“He has those big district kids up front and those out-of-statekids at the skill positions. “

The Indians are led by tailback Chourse Young (6-2, 210), asophomore from Atlanta, Ga. Young rushed for 814 yards and scored 9touchdowns as a freshman.

“(Miller) has a big tailback returning from Georgia and he hastwo out-of-state wideouts who are new,” said Cross.

Cross said the following players would be in Co-Lin’s startinglineup tomorrow night. The Wolfpack features a veteran secondaryand two 300-pound freshmen in the defensive line.

On defense: Alvin Young (6-3, 300. fr.) of Starke, Fla. andVictor Cooper (6-5, 300, fr.) from Pahokee, Fla. are at defensivetackle. Kinton Emile (6-3, 245, fr.) from Miami, Fla., and RonaldMay (6-1, 285, so.) of Monticello at end.

Starting linebackers are Daniel Gawronski (5-10, 225, so.) fromCharlotte, N.C. and Ken Bournes (6-2, 255, so.) of Monticello.Strong safety is Marcus Winn (6-1, 210, so.) of Mendenhall and freesafety is Sidney Wiley (6-0, 180, so.) of Hazlehurst. At cornerbackare Aaron Pitts (6-0, 185, so.) of Monticello and Odell Bradley(6-0, 180, so.) of Hermanville.

Jeffrey Hobbs (5-10, 175, so.) and Brent Boyd (6-1, 215, fr.) ofBrookhaven (Enterprise) will punt. Placekicking will be handled byJimbo Thornton (5-9, 170, fr.) of Mendenhall..

Offensive Starters

On offense, Aaron Yarborough (6-1, 265, so.) of Brookhaven andLorenzo Townsend (6-0, 225, so.) of Monticello will alternate atfullback. At tailback, Mike Wannamaker (5-8, 185, fr.) ofSpartanburg, S.C. and Willis Hobbs (5-8, 180, fr.) of Mendenhallwill share time.

Wideouts are Tracy Barlow (5-7, 160, so.) of Wesson and CoreyPayne (6-3, 170, fr.) of Magee.

At quarterback, either Jeffrey Hobbs or Willie Johnson (6-0,185, fr.) of Jacksonville, Fla. will start. Sophomore transferCleveland Smith and freshman Jerry Smith are no longer with theteam.

At tight end, Chase Davis (6-5, 215. fr.) of Bogue Chitto willdraw the starting nod. Davis was a redshirt at Belhaven Collegelast season.

At tackle, Tyewan Brown (6-4, 300, fr.) of Savannah, Ga., andLeonard Campbell (6-4, 300, fr.) of Natchez will start. At guardare Kelvin Lee (6-5, 325, fr.) of Spartanburg, S.C. and BroderickJones (6-4, 320, fr.) of Stone Mountain, Ga. The center is TimBaker (6-0, 280, so.) of Natchez.

Wolf Tails: Last year Itawamba whipped Co-Lin 24-0 at Fulton.The Wolfpack posted a 40-31 triumph in 1999 at Wesson.