By Staff
Jan. 16, 2002
The Question …
Who won the first high school state football championship?
What year was it played? Where was the game played? Who lost the game and what was the final score?
Austin Bishop
Star Tracking …
Jan. 16, 2001
For three seasons, Mario Hill played for a head coach who rooted for Mississippi State. But when it came time to choose a college, Hill turned to Ole Miss. Hill, Meridian's standout senior wide receiver, verbally committed to Ole Miss Tuesday morning.
South Leake girls' and boys' basketball coach Richard Rivers recorded his 600th career victory when his boys' team defeated Thomastown in the Leake County Tournament finalls last month.
The Wilcats knocked off Williams-Sullivan on Friday to improve to 21-1 and up Rivers' career mark to 607-482.
Jan. 16, 1997
Two local high school stars secured that they will be taking their athletic talents to the next level by signing national letters of intent Wednesday. Southeast Lauderdale golfer Benji Carpenter inked with Meridian Community College, while Newton County baseball player P.J. Pearson signed with East Central.
George Seifert is walking away from his job as coach of the San Fransisco 49ers, a startling departure signaling the overhaul of a team that won five Super Bowls and was known for its continuity. California coach Steve Mariucci, a newcomer to the 49ers organization, but not their offensive system, is expected to be named as Seiforts successor and become just the third 49ers coach in 18 years.
Jan. 16, 1992
STANFORD, Calif. Faced with offers from two former emplyers, Bill Walsh has reportedly turned his back on the 49ers and accepted the head coaching job at Stanford, where he says he spent the happiest years of his life.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Mississippi State coach Richard Williams is dead right on two counts. "When people see Arkansas 99, Mississippi State 78, they'll think it was a blowout, but it was closer than that." In fact, the Bulldogs led the 12th-ranked Razorbacks 63-62 with 12:43 to play before running out of gas.
The Answer …
Pike AHS of Summit won the first high school state championship in Mississippi sponsored by the Mississippi Literary Association (later named the Mississippi High School Activities Association).
The game was played in Jackson in 1923.
Pike AHS defeated the Tupelo Bullets by a final score of 19-13 to cap a 10-0 year.
Only two opponents scored on Pike the entire year.
In addition to Tupelo, Magnolia crossed the goal line in a 15-6 loss.
Tupelo finished the season 8-2-3.
Sports Faces …
Veronica Cook
Veronica Cook stands only 5-foot-6, she says 5-8, but her role on the Enterprise High basketball team is playing center.
She's been playing basketball since the seventh grade.
Cook says the Lady Bulldogs have a team that will make things difficult for future foes.
Jeff Byrd