By James Pugh
How Laurel starts the season on paper, has little effect on how they end the season. In 2015, the Tornadoes entered Region 3-5A with a 1-3 record. The following season, 2016, they began region play, 3-1.
Both years Laurel finished the regular season with seven straight wins, claiming the Region 3-5A title with appearances in two consecutive Class 5A South State Championships. Last season, the Tornadoes made another trip to Starkville where they fell short of earning their four football title in program history.
“Last year didn’t end quite the way we wanted it too,” said Breland. “But to reach that point and play for another state championship, after overcoming a lot of adversity, was a great accomplishment.
“But now we have to bury [last season] and move on to the next. This upcoming season will be different from any other, as they all are. They all have their unique challenges.”
But one unique challenge mixing from this year’s equation is Wayne County. The War Eagles, who normally contend for the Region 3-5A title against Laurel, will be in a different region.
Brookhaven, a team that practically returns everyone on its roster from a year ago, will likely be the team Laurel will have to beat to claim this year’s region title.
Offense
Laurel was dealt a major blow on offense in the offseason. Michael Terrell, who led the team in yards (681) at running back last season, suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. Terrell is expected to miss the majority of the regular season.
“Obvious Michael Terrell will start the year out on the injured reserves, but stepping in his place will be a young man named Zias Perryman (Jr.), who I think people are going to get to know well,” said Breland. “He’s a six-foot, 210-pound guy that runs with great power.
“We will also move a few other guys around to get some snaps in the backfield and take the pressure off of Perryman.”
Whoever lines up in the backfield – and behind center, as a starting quarterback has not yet been named – will do so with an experienced and athletic offensive line.
“Athletic is the word that comes to mind with those guys,” Breland said. “Brandon Crosby is our returning starter at center. He does a great job for us. We also have a couple of tackles that will be juniors this year, Charles Cross and Anton Lofton. They are extremely long and athletic. I’m really excited about those guys.”
Junior Sinclair Ulmer and freshman Xavier Evans are the top two contenders for the quarterback position this season.
There will be plenty of new faces on the outer edges this year. Gone are wide receivers Dontario Drummond and Jevah Jones. Both combined for 2,459 yards on 117 catches and 32 touchdowns.
“I don’t look at the numbers of returning starters that much,” Breland states. “Because we always have guys that have played some before.
“Our wide receivers we have this year are fast. We probably have more overall speed on the perimeter than we’ve had in a while. The main difference in this year’s receivers from last year is they’re smaller [in size].”
Defense
Laurel’s defense shined in 2016, allowing an average of 19 points a game. That defense was overshadowed by their team’s offense that averaged nearly 40 points a game.
“Coming back is Levi Walker who anchors down our secondary,” said Breland. “Levi is one of the most physical players I have ever coached. We worry about him injuring himself because he will launch his body. He is so physical. He is little on the short side, but he does a great job. He is confident in his abilities and we are confident in him.”
As a sophomore, Walker recorded 63 tackles and three interceptions.
Jaques Bester, Patrick Andrews, Jalen Smith and Vandorian Lyles all return with starting experience at the linebacker positions.
Chinn, who also plays on the offensive line will lead the group up front on the defensive line.
