Led by tailback Bradford Blackmon and quarterback Conway Craig,the St. Andrew’s Saints are favored to repeat as champions in theRegion 6-2A football race. The Saints tied for the top rung withthe HInds AHS War Dawgs in The DAILY LEADER’s poll of Region 6-2Acoaches.

The Saints, coached by David Bradberry, claimed 3 first placevotes and 23 total points. That tied the numbers accumulated byHinds AHS.

The 5-10, 160-pound Blackmon rushed the football 221 times for1,846 yards and scored 27 touchdowns last year as a sophomore. Healso caught 37 passes for 712 yards and six touchdowns. Blackmonfinished the year with 36 touchdowns and 222 points.

Craig, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior, guided the Saints to aperfect 10-0 regular season record. They won their first roundplayoff game and finished 11-1.

The War Dawgs, coached by Michael Fields, finished third behindSt. Andrew’s and McLaurin last year. They posted an 8-4 record.McLaurin has moved up to 3A.

The War Dawgs are led by two outstanding offensive players inquarterback Larry Jones and tailback Marcus McDonald.

Region newcomer Amite County received 16 points and landed thirdplace in the preseason poll. The Trojans, Class 3A members lastyear, are coached by veteran Charles Jackson.

Wesson, coached by Tommy Clopton, was picked to finish fourthand polled 15 points. The Cobras were 2-8 overall and 1-4 in theregion last year.

Loyd Star, led by rookie head coach Josh Thibodeaux, received 9poll points and fifth place. The Hornets were region champions in2003 but finished 3-7 overall last season and 0-5 in theregion.

Madison St. Joseph, coached by Eddie Guerrero, drew 7 points andwas pickled to finish last. The Bruins finished 5-6 and 2-3 lastseason but advanced to the playoffs as the No. 4 team.