Each Monday I'll be writing a weekly opinion column on things I noticed from the past weekend’s slate of games or events. It may be high school, college, or professional sports, but I’ll give you some quick hits to think about.
District play is upon us
Sure, 1A football has already started district play. However, many teams enter this weekend’s slate of games with district play looming large. Most coaches will tell you there are three parts to a season, part one: non-district, part two: district, and part three: playoff football.
Some coaches are stressing to their teams to carry the momentum from non-district play into the second part of the season where it really matters. Others are hoping that they can gather their team back together despite less than stellar non-district play.
Despite whichever speeches are given, one thing is clear: this is where your dreams of getting to M.M. Roberts Stadium truly begin in the season. All the practices, hot days, struggles through non-district play prepare you for these games.
For me, this is the football I enjoy the most. It is fun to watch 5A and 6A teams cross paths or cross-town rivals square off, but district play is where everything clears up and prepares the stage.Â
Local stars shine in Oxford
I don’t think it is a secret that I enjoyed watching John Rhys Plumlee play football. He is one of the most electric players I ever watched on the sidelines. Each snap you were anticipating a highlight-reel play. Saturday, starting Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral went down with a rib injury.
Enter Plumlee.
The true freshman quarterback nearly engineered a comeback of the ages over top-25 ranked Cal. Plumlee finished seven-of-seven with 82 yards, along with 53 yards on three rushing attempts. Some might say he should have a touchdown, but that is a rabbit hole I’m not entering (looking at you, referees).
Plumlee isn’t the only local star who shined, though.
Former Oak Grove wide receiver Jordan Duncan had a touchdown along with 63 receiving yards on five receptions. Former Laurel receiver Dontario Drummond grabbed three receptions for 22 yards, and former South Jones running back Scottie Phillips totaled 63 yards. Benito Jones also found three tackles.
If you live around the Pine Belt, there is a ton of talent to root for at the next level.
Preston Smith deserves everyone’s respect
In my opinion, Preston Smith has often flown under the radar of successful Mississippi State alumni. You often hear about Dak Prescott, Fletcher Cox, and Darius Slay from Bulldog faithful. Around Starkville, those young men are legends. If you take a peek up in Green Bay, you’ll see Smith having a banner year just three games into the season.
Week one versus the Bears, Smith had the game-ending sack on Mitchell Trubisky. He ended his night with one and a half sacks, but that last one mattered most. Week two, Smith was in the backfield constantly, and even though he registered only two tackles, he was setting up his teammates to make a play. Yesterday versus Denver, Smith was a monster. He registered three sacks, hit the quarterback three times, and was a presence throughout.
Smith’s best season came in arguably 2017 where he registered eight sacks and 42 tackles [he did record 53 tackles in 2018], but he is on pace to surpass the 2017 season sack total.
As a Packers fan, I hope he keeps up his great start. I also hope that when his name pops up on the video board in Starkville, he gets a loud ring from clanging Bulldog fans. Take notice, Mississippi State fans, Smith deserves more of your love and attention.
