Class 3-A, Region 6

2007 Record: 4-7 overall, 3-3 in district

Key Losses: QB/LB Curtis Thomas, WR/DB Marcus Norwood, FB/LB J.D. Jones, DT Rashaun Alford

Head Coach: David Virgil (entering 7th season)

Coach's 2008 Outlook:

Crystal Springs Offense: Under Coach Virgil, the Tigers will run their primary offense out of the Wing-T and the Power-I. This offense did its job in the running game last year as the team rushed for over 1,700 yards behind returning running back Dequel Whitfield. The Tigers will use Whitfield and fellow backfield mate Cameron Clark to provide a 1-2 punch. If the Wing-T and Power-I formations prove to be successful, the coaching staff will have to give the biggest thank-you to the beef on the line. They include: C-Jertarvis Johnson, G-Josh McCoy, and OT-Tevin Evans.

Crystal Springs Defense: The Tigers return many players on the defensive side of the ball, including massive 6'5", 360 lbs defensive tackle Oscar Johnson. Linebackers Kenjarvis Pickett and Morris Reid return to make any tackles out of the 40 defense that Mr. Johnson does not make. Dequel Whitfield returns at free safety and Arthur Benson at defensive back to provide the Tigers with the necessary experience to stop the opponent's passing game. Whitfield and Benson combined for three interceptions last season.

Crystal Springs Notable Games: The biggest game on the schedule each season is the annual rivalry with Hazlehurst. If the Tigers are not playing Hazlehurst, Coach Virgil, like most coaches, agrees that all other district games are the notable games on his teams schedule.

Coach's Key To Victory: The Tigers' season could depend on how quickly sophomore Kendarius Williams grows up at the quarterback position. Solid offensive line play will be the key in seeing how fast Williams takes control of the offense. On defense, Coach Virgil says the Tigers must create more turnovers and avoid the big play to keep his team in the game.

Crystal Springs Schedule

Aug. 29          Port Gibson                Away

Sept. 5           Hinds AHS                 Away

Sept. 12         Jefferson County       Home

Sept. 19         Raymond*                   Away

Sept. 26         Collins*                        Home

Oct. 3              Magee*                       Home

Oct. 10            Richland*                    Away

Oct. 17            Bailey Magnet*          Home

Oct. 24            Amite County             Home

Oct. 31            Hazlehurst*                 Away

*denotes district game