New Hope Trojans Celebrate a Season of Triumph
As the sun sets over New Hope, there’s a buzz in the air surrounding the high school football field. The Trojans have been having quite a season, and after an impressive 42-7 victory against Lafayette, the excitement is palpable. With one more game left in the season, the Trojans are on the brink of claiming a district championship, something they haven’t experienced in years. This year marks their first winning season since 2016, a massive turnaround after struggling through an 0-10 season in 2023.
A Culture Shift Under New Leadership
Much of this success can be attributed to the new culture brought in by first-year head coach Allen Glenn. His energy and vision have ignited both the newcomers and seasoned players alike, and it’s evident that the Trojans are rallying around a common goal. Senior player Lonnie Shinn Jr. expressed the team’s collective determination: “I said it earlier this season, we want this more than anything. We’ve worked for it, we pay for it, and every week we’re fired up to play on Friday. We want to shock the state and keep pushing. 1-0 every week.”
With Shinn and the senior class leading the charge, they are eager to secure their ninth win this week. Achieving this milestone would equal the Trojans’ win total from the previous three seasons combined. What makes this journey even more remarkable is the teamwork displayed, with contributions from every player on the roster, especially standout freshman quarterback Tyrekus Brooks.
Fresh Faces Making Waves
Brooks has quickly established himself as a key player, stating, “I’ve been playing football since I was really little. It sort of comes naturally to me. My role early was the new guy; I had to show what I can do. Now I’m one of them; I’m part of the team.” He demonstrated his prowess in the game against Lafayette, scoring a remarkable hat trick of rushing touchdowns.
While the joy of victory is still fresh, the Trojans are already focused on their upcoming challenge against West Point, the defending Class 5A champions. With resilience and a fierce desire to create a legacy, Brooks emphasized, “I’m ready for the next game. That’s all I’m worried about now. It’s one week, one game at a time.”
West Lowndes Panthers on a Winning Streak
Meanwhile, the West Lowndes Panthers are also finding their stride and peaking at just the right moment. After finishing third in their four-team district last season, they came into 2024 with renewed focus. Last year’s quarterfinal run gave them something to build on, and they’ve powered through despite a rocky start this season.
Head coach Anthony King redefined the Panthers’ game strategy, leading them through a challenging non-district play. They faced tough opponents and even managed to take Biggersville to overtime. After a tough initial loss to Vardaman, the Panthers rallied back, defeating Okolona 52-13 and Smithville 48-0. They are now gearing up for their playoff opener at home against Tupelo Christian Prep.
The departure from their traditional Wing-T offense has proven effective. With senior Dekambi Evans, Jonivon Edwards, and junior Jakylen Lucious making explosive plays, it’s clear that the Panthers are not just playing; they’re making a statement.
Challenges Ahead for the Starkville Yellowjackets
On a different note, the Starkville Yellowjackets faced hurdles in their recent game, suffering a 31-8 loss to Madison Central. The team struggled offensively, managing only 256 total yards. Coach Chris Jones noted, “We’ve got to get back to the drawing board on offense and find a way for those guys to execute better.” Despite the setback, Starkville has secured a playoff spot and remains in the mix for a favorable seeding.
With the playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on the teams to see how they capitalize on their strengths and learn from their challenges. In sports, as in life, it’s all about perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of success.
