24 Teams: Stone returning to Region 4-5A
WIGGINS -- For the first time in five years, Stone High returns to the Coast region.
The Tomcats (4-6, 2-3 in 2012) are in Region 4-5A with Picayune, Pascagoula, Long Beach, East Central, Gautier, West Harrison and George County. The Tomcats and Pearl River Central switched spots in Region 3-5A.
"We're so excited to be back on the Coast," Tomcats coach Adam Stone said. "We're going back to traditional rivarlries against Coast teams when I played at Stone. It's a lot less travel for us."
Stone never found its niche in Region 3-5A, competing against Wayne County, West Jones, Brookhaven, Laurel, Pearl and Wingfield for one of the four playoff spots.
"Pearl and Wingfield brought no fans to our home games," Stone said. "We're now playing Picayune and Pascagoula. Both schools are 45 minutes away from us. Brookhaven, Pearl and Wingfield are two-hour drives."
Stone certainly has the experience to challenge for the Region 4-5A championship, returning 16 starters.
The Tomcats return nine starters on offense, including three senior backfield members.
Running back Justin Smith is back and gained 960 yards last year. Fullback Bryan Cuevas returns, as does quarterback Clayton Johnson. Sophomore Tavarus Fairley is the new starting running back.
Four starters are back on the offensive line: Malik Moore, Demarious Johnson, Dalton Stanley and Khalil Washington. Dalton Barnes will be the other offensive line starter.
"Justin Smith is one of the best players on the Coast," Stone said. "Fairley will be a good one. My outlook is to have multiple formations and a clock-control offense. We only have one sophomore starter on offense."
Defensively, Stone returns seven starters.
Malik Moore and Demarious Johnson are back as starters on the defensive front. Luke Kiser and Dalton Barnes are the other likely starters.
Cody Conner and Justin Smith return at linebacker. Caleb Amacker, Chris Blanchard, Evin Jagours and Marcus Knott are the other candidates battling to start at the other two linebacker positions.
The secondary will be one of Stone's strengths. Demerek Fairley and Jaderek Johnson return at cornerback. Efelis Hayes is projected to start at safety, while Amacker will also get a look at safety.
"We'll have a swarming, hard-hitting defense," Stone said. "We won't have as many sophomores."
Stone is confident the Tomcats will compete in the rugged 4-5A. Picayune and 5A South State champion Pascagoula are considered the top two teams. Stone will battle Gautier and George County for the two final berths.
"Our region will be tough," Stone said. "If you look past anyone, you'll get beat."
The Tomcats beat Biloxi 31-13 during a spring jamboree at A.L. May Stadium in Perkinston. Smith didn't compete in the late May scrimmage, but Stone was encouraged about the Tomcats' impressive performance.
"The Biloxi contest helped our morale and intensity level," Stone said. "It showed if you work hard, we can play with anyone. I feel good about this team. Our kids are going to work hard and be consistent."
Smith believes Stone will challenge for Region 4-5A supremacy.
"I feel that we're one of the best teams on the Coast," Smith said. "We're glad to be back playing teams on the Coast."
Demarius Johnson.
The Tomcats (4-6, 2-3 in 2012) are in Region 4-5A with Picayune, Pascagoula, Long Beach, East Central, Gautier, West Harrison and George County. The Tomcats and Pearl River Central switched spots in Region 3-5A.
"We're so excited to be back on the Coast," Tomcats coach Adam Stone said. "We're going back to traditional rivarlries against Coast teams when I played at Stone. It's a lot less travel for us."
Stone never found its niche in Region 3-5A, competing against Wayne County, West Jones, Brookhaven, Laurel, Pearl and Wingfield for one of the four playoff spots.
"Pearl and Wingfield brought no fans to our home games," Stone said. "We're now playing Picayune and Pascagoula. Both schools are 45 minutes away from us. Brookhaven, Pearl and Wingfield are two-hour drives."
Stone certainly has the experience to challenge for the Region 4-5A championship, returning 16 starters.
The Tomcats return nine starters on offense, including three senior backfield members.
Running back Justin Smith is back and gained 960 yards last year. Fullback Bryan Cuevas returns, as does quarterback Clayton Johnson. Sophomore Tavarus Fairley is the new starting running back.
Four starters are back on the offensive line: Malik Moore, Demarious Johnson, Dalton Stanley and Khalil Washington. Dalton Barnes will be the other offensive line starter.
"Justin Smith is one of the best players on the Coast," Stone said. "Fairley will be a good one. My outlook is to have multiple formations and a clock-control offense. We only have one sophomore starter on offense."
Defensively, Stone returns seven starters.
Malik Moore and Demarious Johnson are back as starters on the defensive front. Luke Kiser and Dalton Barnes are the other likely starters.
Cody Conner and Justin Smith return at linebacker. Caleb Amacker, Chris Blanchard, Evin Jagours and Marcus Knott are the other candidates battling to start at the other two linebacker positions.
The secondary will be one of Stone's strengths. Demerek Fairley and Jaderek Johnson return at cornerback. Efelis Hayes is projected to start at safety, while Amacker will also get a look at safety.
"We'll have a swarming, hard-hitting defense," Stone said. "We won't have as many sophomores."
Stone is confident the Tomcats will compete in the rugged 4-5A. Picayune and 5A South State champion Pascagoula are considered the top two teams. Stone will battle Gautier and George County for the two final berths.
"Our region will be tough," Stone said. "If you look past anyone, you'll get beat."
The Tomcats beat Biloxi 31-13 during a spring jamboree at A.L. May Stadium in Perkinston. Smith didn't compete in the late May scrimmage, but Stone was encouraged about the Tomcats' impressive performance.
"The Biloxi contest helped our morale and intensity level," Stone said. "It showed if you work hard, we can play with anyone. I feel good about this team. Our kids are going to work hard and be consistent."
Smith believes Stone will challenge for Region 4-5A supremacy.
"I feel that we're one of the best teams on the Coast," Smith said. "We're glad to be back playing teams on the Coast."
Demarius Johnson.
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