Hornetville!

That’s what preseason predictions suggested when head footballcoaches were polled during The Daily Leader’s Region 6-2A PreseasonPoll. The Loyd Star Hornets, who return several talented seniorsand juniors, are expected to be the team to beat when the regionschedule kicks off in September.

“It’s good to be selected number one before the season starts,”said Hornet coach Anthony Hart. “Our health will be the main factorthis season. If we stay healthy we will have a chance to gofar.”

Hart’s Hornet’s controlled the poll with 25 overall votes andfive first place. The Hornets begin their season Aug 31. hostingBay Springs.

Loyd Star has a solid group returning on defense, led bylinebackers Cody Covington and Adam Speeg and 314-pound linemanBeau Morrison. On offense, the Hornets are led by speedy tailbacksDemarcus Barnes and Derrick Johnson.

Placing second in the poll were the McLaurin Tigers with 16votes. The Tigers have moved down from Class 3A to Class 2A. Mostcoaches think McLaurin and Loyd Star are the teams that return themost experienced players with overwhelming talent.

Next, a tie for third place occurred between the Wesson Cobrasand Hinds AHS Bulldogs. The Cobras and Bulldogs each received 14votes, with Wesson catching one first place vote.

Wesson approaches the season under the direction of veterancoach Ronald Greer. The Hinds AHS Bulldogs are still in the midstof finding a leader for their gridiron program with less than athree weeks left before kickoff.

Taking fourth and fifth place were a pair of parochial schoolsin the

St. Andrew’s Saints with 13 votes and the St. Joseph Bruins with8 respectively.

Hart’s Hornets started practice last week and began schoolFriday. He’s very pleased with the way his players have comealong.

“Our kids are adjusting real well,” continued Hart. “They’reimproving each day of practice.”

His Hornters made the state playoffs last year as runners-up toHinds AHS. They lost to Gulfport St. John in the opening round ofthe playoffs.

Region 6-2A Poll

Loyd Star (5)

25

McLaurin

16

Wesson (1)

14

Hinds AHS

14

St. Andrew’s

13

St. Joseph

8