First-year Central Holmes football coach Mitch Womack told his players that they need to be prepared, there are no weak sisters on the schedule and plenty of question marks.
The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) recently issued a release about the upcoming season, saying that football would begin as scheduled with most teams starting Aug. 21.
But Central Holmes is one of a handful of schools that will begin on Aug.14 as the Trojans travel to Pearl to take on Park Place.
“As far as I know, we are still on for Aug. 14,” Womack said. “They were very good in the skill positions last year and gave us some problems. We didn’t really play up to our standards and turned the ball over way too many times and they capitalized. Park Place is not a team that needs to be overlooked. They had a lot of young guys and will cause problems for teams this year. They were very physical.”
In week two, the Trojans will host East Rankin, a team they beat 35-0 last year. The Patriots have a new coach in long-time Union High School head coach Brad Breland, who retired from the public school system after the 2019-20 school year had concluded.
“I’m not sure what to expect out of them,” Womack said. “They were young last year and are trying to implement some new things. They had some good young players and didn’t back down. They have had some good teams in the past and I know the caliber of team they can put on the field. I’m sure they are going to be prepared and well coached.”
In week three, the Trojans will host MHSAA foe Ethel, a team they beat 42-7 last year.
“We are all kind of in limbo with the public schools right now,” Womack said. “I know that our kids know each other and it will be a challenge. They are going to be a gritty bunch.”
The Trojans will then travel to Winona Christian to open district play. Last year, the Stars claimed a 53-19 blowout win.
“They beat us up pretty bad last year,” Womack said. “We had four big injuries that game. It was a really physical game. They lost a couple of kids, but have the quarterback back and coach (Junior) Graham does a good job of getting his kids ready and playing to his strengths. Our kids know each other and it’s a big rivalry in the hills.”
The Trojans will continue in district play as they travel to Indianola.
“It’s another one of those games that we know will be tough,” Womack said. “Tommy Nester will do the things that he does well and will give you fits. They have built a reputation as a team that will be in Jackson at the end of the season.”
In week six on Sept. 18, the Trojans are scheduled to host J.Z. George, a team they beat 37-34 in a barn burner last year.
“They have a loaded football team,” Womack said. “It’s another game we don’t know what is going to happen with at this point. I just know they had a lot of freshmen and sophomores and a new football coaching staff.”
The Trojans will then return to district play as they host Benton.
“I think they are going to be tough this year,” Womack said. “They have a good defensive front and the defense did a good job. They had a young group and I expect them to give us everything they have. I think they will be much improved.”
The Trojans will open October with a road trip to Hillcrest Christian.
“They have a new coach as well and a great group of skill kids,” Womack said. “I think the QB has transferred and that’s good because he was probably one of the top players we faced last year. He gave us fits. We will just have to wait on the film on then.”
After an off week, the Trojans will host Oak Hill on Oct. 16.
“I think they have a new staff as well and the quarterback is one of those kids that is good in the RPO (run-pass option) game,” Womack said. “I think they are losing some kids up front but I think they will be tough. Everything can change by that point in the season.”
The Trojans will then finish the regular season by hosting Carroll.
“I heard they are loaded up with some kids,” Womack said. “They wee already going to be pretty good and have some talented sophomores moving up from junior high. They are our biggest nemesis and I hope we can match their intensity.”
2020 SCHEDULE
Aug 14 at Park Place
Aug 21 East Rankin
Aug 28 Ethel
Sept 4 at Winona Christian
Sept 11 at Indianola
Sept 18 J.Z. George
Sept 25 Benton
Oct 2 at Hillcrest Christian
Oct 9 Open
Oct 16 Oak Hill
Oct 23 Carroll
