4. South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 5A champion
Coach: Lance Pogue
Key players: QB David Renfroe (6-3, 200, Sr.), RB Rueben Corley (6-0, 225, Sr.), OT Don Blevins (6-1, 280, Sr.), LB Marvin Burdette (5-11, 220, Sr.), LB David Conner (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB Nicholas Parker (6-1, 195, Jr.), DT Devin Clark (6-3, 255, Jr.), DT Marjarvin Chapman (5-10, 300, Sr.), DE Kendrick Strong (6-1, 240, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Size, speed, tradition
Question mark: Inexperience on offensive line
Outlook: The only real concern for the Tigers going into this season might be the increasing pressure of playing with the nation’s longest active winning streak (75) and defending the 5A state championship for a fifth consecutive year. Four full-time starters return on each side of the ball, including seven seniors who have a chance to play Division I football next season. Starting quarterback Renfroe intends to play baseball -- and perhaps football, too -- at Mississippi. He threw for over 1,000 yards as a junior. Fullback Corley earned all-state accolades, mostly for his blocking ability, and has committed to Memphis. Big things are expected from Parker in his first year as starting tailback. The offensive line has only starter back but he is all-state honoree Blevins. The defense features speed and athleticism at every position. Linebackers Burdette and Conner are great hard-nosed players who combined for nearly 200 tackles a year ago.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. No. 24 Apopka (Fla.) - ESPN, Oct. 3 at No. 52 Olive Branch, Oct. 17 at Tupelo
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