Since head coach Paul Anderson arrived at Copiah Academy three years ago,  the program’s improvement has been steady.

After winning just three games in his first year, Anderson doubled that number in 2015.
His team advanced to the second round of the playoffs before Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Dandy Dozen offensive lineman Saadiq Charles stalled them.

Anderson still was pleased with his team’s effort during the season and their playoff run.

“I thought we learned to compete on every play, and we learned not to quit despite the circumstances,” Anderson said.

The Colonels’ head coach believes he has all the necessary tools to have more success this year.

On offense, the Colonels will base out of a spread offense, utilizing the length of the 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior wideout Caston Granger and the ability of Miquell Powell. Powell totaled over 800 yards receiving for Copiah Academy last year.

Things get interesting for Anderson’s team at the quarterback position. The Colonels have two capable possibilities at starter in Jackson Prep senior transfer Dylan Torrence and last year’s starter, Dalton Hayles.

Anderson said both quarterbacks could likely see significant playing time this year.

“If playing them both makes our team better, then we will play them both,” he said.

Senior Landon Murphy will carry the load at running back. Murphy rushed for over 1,200 yards last season. His coach spoke highly of a young man he called “one of the best running backs you will see in the area.”

That is high praise considering Anderson has crossed a great running back or two during his coaching tenure. He coached Anthony Dixon during his days at Terry High School.

“He is a competitor in its truest form. He wants to get something out of everything,” he said of Murphy.

The offensive line lost four veteran starters last season. Braxton Hayles is the lone returning starter on what Anderson said is a young, untested unit.

On defense Hayes (6’1” 305 pounds), Breenan Freeman (6’1”, 220 pounds) and Ian Roberts (6’2”, 290) will anchor the front line of the Colonels’ 4-2-5 defense.
Conner Jones (6’, 180 pounds) will be returning for his senior yeas as a starting linebacker.

The defensive backs may be the Colonels’ deepest unit. The group is led by ball-hawking free safety Miquell Powell, Will Lingle and Ladarius Stovall.

Powell had a monster year last season with eight interceptions, prompting Anderson to dub him the leader of the secondary. He also said he expects great things from his strong safety Lingle, who he called more of a “down in the box player.”

The Colonels’ head coach added he hoped his team would build on last year’s progress and compete every night. If they do that, he said, they have a chance to be successful this year.

“I expect us to stay focused on what our job is. If everyone does their job,” he said, “the rest will take care of itself.

The Colonels first game of the season is set for Aug. 19 at Glenbrook.