MEADVILLE — Franklin County senior kicker Chris Blackwell madehis intentions clear Wednesday morning, by signing a full athleticfootball scholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Community CollegeWolves. Blackwell will serve as the team’s punter and place-kickerduring the next two years.

“I feel good about going to Co-Lin,” said Blackwell. “I can’twait to start.”

As a senior on a Bulldog squad that went 9-3 this season asRegion 7-3A district champions, Blackwell received interest fromseveral Division One and Two schools as a top-notch kickingspecialist. He connected on four field goals this season, with hislongest a 49-yarder coming against Loyd Star.

“Chris has all the potential in the world to be good at the nextlevel,” said Bulldog head football coach Anthony Hart. “He helpedus a lot this season.”

Blackwell also led Class 3A in punting duties, with a 34.24average a boot. His strong leg helped pin opponents back inside the20-yard line numerous times this season. He also was a force ondefense as a blitzing linebacker. He registered 50 tackles, sixsacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.

“He (Blackwell) will help us a lot next year.” said Co-Linassistant coach Calvin Green a member of new head coach GlennDavis’ staff. “He’s a real good player and a kid who loves thegame.”

Blackwell has been named Region 7-3A Kicker of the Year duringhis last three seasons. He was named the district’s Punter of theYear this season.

“I’ve had fun here at Franklin over the years,” said Blackwell.”I just hope to continue my success on the field at Co-Lin. I knowI’m going to have to work even harder for that to happen.”

Blackwell’s mother, Tonya, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, whilehis father, David, serves on Sheriff James Newman’s staff and isthe chief security official at Franklin County High School.

Both parents agreed that this was a proud moment for them andtheir son. Blackwell’s senior teammate Zach Thomas, a 6-foot-5football and basketball standout,changed his mind and elected notto sign with the Wolves. Thomas cited undisclosed reasons for notsigning.

Blackwell is the first Bulldog to sign with the Wolves since2001, when defensive tackle Jahard Faust signed a letter ofintent.

Calcote To Co-Lin

Brookhaven Academy two-way lineman Wade Calcote signed Wednesdaywith the Co-Lin Wolves. Calcote (6-2, 270) anchored the Cougars’line on offense and defense. He plans to major in history at Co-Linand eventually attend law school.

“Wade has been a 3-year starter for us,” said Brookhaven Academyhead coach Ray Ishee. “He has been all-district two years.

“Wade is a good student,” said Ishee. “I coached at (Co-Lin)that level for many years and I expect him to step in and do wellat Co-Lin. It’s a good fit for him.”