By By Richard Dark/The Meridian Star
May 12, 2001
The pads were poppin' once again at Meridian High's annual spring football scrimmage in front of a small crowd at Meridian High's Ray Stadium.
This year's opponent was the Clinton Arrows and the 2000 Class 5A Runner Up showed exactly why they were just that in defeating the recently-assembled Wildcats.
Head coach Bill Sartin said he took away plenty of positives from the three-week session and in Friday's game.
The Wildcats have nine returning starters from last year's 9-3 team that was upset in the first round of the playoffs.
Sartin said despite losing key playmakers such as Mario Hill, Eddie Moss and Jeremy Ruffin to graduation, this year's edition should have just as much talent.
Sartin cited several keys on defense such as Lindell Naylor, C.C. Finley, Dion Hampton and Greg Harris as defensive mainstays that should step up this year.
Some injuries coming out of spring practice were De'Angelo Moore, Kevin Moore and Courtney Lynch, who are nursing various bumps and bruises.
Sartin said he thought one of his biggest assets this year is team speed.
The Wildcats will need all of it, as once again their schedule looks like murderer's row with names like Petal, Laurel and Louisville, in addition to the always-tough Division 3-5A.
Richard Dark is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. You can call him at 693-1551, ext. 3235 or e-mail him at rdark@themeridianstar.com.