By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Nov. 22, 2001
WAYNESBORO Wayne Academy does not have much size or blazing speed, but the Jaguars do have heart and tradition on their side.
On Friday night, Wayne Academy tries to take the next step to a possible Academy A state title game when the Jags welcome DeSoto (Ark.) School to, "The Jungle," otherwise known as Tom Giles Field, for a semifinal contest. The Jaguars are seeking their third state title in the last four years. They won the Academy A title in 1998 and 1999.
Wayne, 11-1, is coming off two straight playoff wins including a 32-6 decision over West Memphis, (Ark.) Christian School last week in West Memphis. DeSoto enters with a 10-2 record. One of its losses was against West Memphis.
The other Academy A semifinal will pit Glenbrook, La. (10-2) against Trinity Episcopal (10-2). The winners will meet next Thursday at 1 p.m. at Mississippi College's Robinson-Hale Stadium in Clinton.
There is no question in Wayne Academy head coach Tom Boszor's mind who Desoto reminds him of.
DeSoto has put up an impressive margin of difference in its 12 games. They have outscored their opponents by a 401-53 count,
Last week, DeSoto whipped fellow District 1 rival Mississippi County 34-0 to advance to the semi-finals. Mississippi County had earlier beaten defending state champion Heidelberg 32-26 in a first round playoff game.
Wayne's lone loss game in week 10 when they were routed by Heidelberg 35-0. It is those types of comparisons that concern Boszor.
A key for the Jaguars will be ball possession.
The Jaguars' run based, two-tight end, offense is led by halfback Cory Cochran and fullback Matt Brown. The pair have rushed for nearly 1,000 yards each this season. Jacob Ferguson is the third back while Steven Woods directs the offense at quarterback.
The offensive line has Kyle Davis and Chris Bunch at the tackles. The guards are Lucas Little and Bubba Bunch while Derek Brown is the center. The two tight ends are Jaret DuVall and Shawn Deerman.
Jeff Byrd is a sports writer for the Meridian Star. He can be reached at 693-1551 or by e-mail at jbyrd@themeridianstar.com.