Story Created:
Jul 16, 2008 at 5:21 PM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 1, 2008 at 4:59 PM CST
HUMPHREYS ACADEMY REBELS
Class 1-A, District 2
2007 Results: 8-4 overall, 6-2 in district - lost in 1st round of the playoffs to Winona Christian
Key Losses: Zach Millwood (Mississippi College) QB Preston Lloyd
Head Coach: Benny McLendon (entering 12th season)
Coach's 2008 Outlook:
Humphreys Academy Offense: A lot of key pieces return for Coach McLendon's wishbone attack, most importantly offensive lineman Taylor Hawkins, and Joel and James Bellipanni. The legs of Ethan Helms will be used a lot as their top returning runner. What the Rebels are missing is a reliable quarterback. Preston Lloyd served that role for the previous three seasons.
Humphreys Academy Defense: The Bellipanni brothers will be key on defense as well, making plays from their defensive end and linebacker positions. The play up front should be strong, so it will be up to a young secondary to carry their weight and make this defense dependable.
Humphreys Academy Notable Games: The games that will make or break the season in the mind of the Rebel faithful will be against Sharkey Issaquena and Deer Creek.
Coach's Key To Victory: Coach McLendon emphasized the impact of finding a new quarterback to run his complicated offense. The former QB Lloyd, Coach McLendon's nephew, knew the schemes inside and out and had been running the attack since middle school. If the Rebels find a solution to that problem, they have the other pieces in place to have another successful season.
Humphreys Academy Schedule
Aug. 29 Central Holmes Christian* Away
Sept. 5 Briarfield Academy* Away
Sept. 12 Manchester Academy Home
Sept. 19 Sharkey Issaquena* Home
Sept. 26 Greenville Christian* Away
Oct. 3 Bayou Academy* Home
Oct. 10 Strider Academy* Home
Oct. 17 Deer Creek* Away
Oct. 24 North Sunflower* Home
Oct. 31 Veritas Away
*denotes district game
