A week away from their 2012 season opener, the Copiah-Lincoln Community College coaching staff continues to hone and  fine-tune players at various positions.  In some cases, starting jobs remain up for grabs.

     Co-Lin’s Wolfpack draw their final exam Aug. 30, at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville. It’s about a 5-hour bus ride from Wesson, so the Wolves will have plenty of time to snooze and focus on the Northeast Tigers.

     Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis sent his team through at situation scrimmage against the Holmes Community College Bulldogs last Friday on Ridgeland High School’s field.

     Davis saw some bright spots but said there was plenty of room for improvement. “We struggled at times offensively. We must reduce our presnap penalties.”

     On the other side of the football, Davis said, “On defense, we have to keep playing hard and improving. We kind of got a measuring stick of how we stand.

It was a good chance to evaluate our people.”

     Co-Lin’s roster must be reduced to 55 players, plus 10 taxi squad members. The cuts are encouraged to stay in school and look forward to spring practice.

     Davis said the team’s best two running backs, Darrius Gey and Robert Wells (ankle), were held out of the scrimmage due to injuries. Freshmen Kelton Smith and Van Lee have come on strong and done well.

     “Overall, I’m optimistic about it.”

     Sophomore quarterbacks Chandler Rogers and Darren Anderson are certified. Freshman Chuck Lacey will be with the practice squad.

     In the offensive line, Davis said the players are making progress. “We are working at trying to get the best five out there.”

     He said Demechery   Hickingbottom at left guard, Stone Underwood at center, Joc Johnson at right tackle and David Adams at left tackle are getting the most reps.

     “We are still looking for a right guard right now.”

     Co-Lin’s receiving corps features several veterans and some newcomers. Among the veterans, De’Vante Scott and Anderson are the most experienced at wide receiver. Marquise Hayes and Joe Craig, a transfer from Clemson have potential. Christian “Bubba” Keene is doing well.

      Sophomore receiver Trent Powell of Brookhaven will miss the season because of  ankle surgery earlier this summer.

     At tight end, Jamie McCardle has done well. Tyson McDonald and Javarius Banks have been sidelined with injuries.

 

     On defense, veteran ends Jerrell Jordan and Terrell Hartsfield stand out. A.J. Bowen and Philantes Jarrett are potential starters.

     “We need some guys in the line to step up,” said Davis.

     At linebacker, Chico Martin and Raymond Williams return. They are being pushed by freshmen Jamal Ellis and Jordan Harris.

     At cornerback, Greg Sims and Jeremy Davis are the leaders.

     “We still have some competing going on in the secondary,” said Davis.  Alonzo Lewis, Shamonte Brookes, Kalen Jackson, Lance Daniels and Bryan Issac are competing at free safety and rover.

     The kicking game appears to be in great shape with the return of two veterans. Nolan Long and Tevin Tobias are solid as punter/kicker and long snapper respectively.

     For sure, Davis, his coaching staff and the players are eager to get the season under way. Their first home game is Sept. 4, hosting Northwest.

 

     Professor Hoopla B.S. is looking forward to Co-Lin’s season opener, too. He enjoys watching the Wolfpack.

     Hoopla made his 2012 debut last week and predicted the winners of 12 games, getting 10 of them right. He will aim for perfection this time, starting with a Thursday night special.

     Lawrence County at Brookhaven: There’s excitement in the air as the Panthers make their long-awaited debut on King Field. They present Coach Tommy Clopton with a solid win against their archrivals. Brookhaven 27-14.

     Copiah Academy at Brookhaven Academy: Another hot rivalry sees the Cougars outlasting the Colonels 32-21.

     Enterprise at Bogue Chitto: The Bobcats use their blazing speed to rush past the Yellow Jackets. Bogue Chitto 44-12.

     Loyd Star at Franklin County: Compared to last week, the Hornets move from a pillow fight to a mismatch. Bulldogs are big, fast and bad. Franklin County 48-10.

      Resurrection at West Lincoln: Eagles displayed offensive talent last season and most of them are returning. Resurrection 36-18.

     North Pike at Wesson: It’s predicted to be a tough, hard-nosed struggle. North Pike 18-12.

     Hazlehurst at Heidelberg: Yipes! Indians are on the warpath. Hazlehurst 52-6.

     South Pike at McComb: Eagles must have more offense to stay on the field with the talented Tigers. McComb 34-12.

     Parklane at Oak Forest: Pioneers boast big-play potential on offense. Parklane 40-24.

     In other area games, Jefferson County over Natchez 20-18 and Florence over Crystal Springs 27-13.

 

     Contact sports editor Tom Goetz by Email: tgoetz@dailyleader.com