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MHSAA Class 1A football: Here are seven bold predictions for 2023 season

Langston Newsome, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·4 min read

The 2023 MHSAA and MAIS high school football seasons are right around the corner. MHSAA Class 1A will look completely different with the departure of back-to-back champion Bay Springs.

Here are seven bold predictions for Class 1A in MHSAA.

McEvans leans on Christopher Watkins

McEvans advanced to the Class 1A championship last season behind seniors Omarion Blakes and Brenton Hall. The departure of the duo — who combined for 47 touchdowns — places added pressure on sophomore Christopher Watkins. The quarterback finished with 878 passing yards, 280 rushing yards and 18 total TDs in 14 games.

Watkins went 10-of-17 for 95 yards with two interceptions as the Warriors lost 22-0 to Bay Springs in the state title game. McEvans will need Watkins to continue his growth for a shot at another deep postseason run.

Kyzer Verner is player of the year in Class 1A

Hamilton had an undefeated regular season because of Kyzer Verner. The junior was one of the best running backs in the state. He finished with 207 carries for 2,279 yards with 31 TDs. Verner's return allows the Lions to continue to compete at a high level in Class 1A.

Verner will rush for 2,500 yards and 40 TDs and help Hamilton avenge last season's disappointing exit in the second round of the playoffs.

Laza Beavers takes another leap forward for Taylorsville

Beavers was one of the best quarterbacks in Class 1A last season. The junior completed 55.5% of his passes for 2,445 yards and 20 TDs. Beaver could take another step forward this season, especially with return of senior Cobey Craft.

The tailback led Taylorsville with 225 carries for 1,775 yards with 35 TDs in 13 games last season. The one-two-punch of Beavers and Craft will help the Tartars advance past their state semifinals finish in 2022.

Simmons is primed for another deep playoff run

Bay Springs has dominated the past two years and won consecutive state titles. During that span, Simmons also has been extremely competitive. The Blue Devils went 12-1 and lost to the Bulldogs 32-12 in the state title game in 2021. Simmons won five consecutive games before losing to Biggersville in the second round last season.

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East Marion overcomes huge departures

The Eagles went 4-0 in Class 2A-Region 7 last season before losing to Lake in the second round of the playoffs. East Marion dropped to Class 1A in the latest reclassification and also lost most of its offensive production.

The Eagles graduated quarterbacks Karon Weary and Leon Andrews Jr. along with their top four rushers. However, East Marion does return several key defensive pieces. Paden Mclin led the team with 67 tackles, three for loss and an interception in eight games. Senior Kyler Collins returns after finishing with with 57 tackles, three for loss, four forced fumbles and a interception in eight games.

Hastin Nelson shines for Baldwyn

Baldwyn followed East Marion down to Class 1A in the latest reclassification but with one major difference. The Bearcats still have offensive star Hastin Nelson. The senior led the team with 49 catches for 737 yards with seven TDs last season. He also had 401 punt return yards.

Nelson will be the focal point of Baldwyn's offense and could help the Bearcats build on their 10-2 season last year. Baldwyn advanced to the second round of the MHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Velma Jackson's offensive firepower continues in 2023

Velma Jackson returns quarterback Terrelle Smith and running back Gavin Griffin. The duo should power the Falcons back to the playoffs. Smith completed 50.4% of his passes for 1,841 yards with 20 TDs in 13 games. Griffin added 183 carries for 1,663 yards with 25 TDs.

The improvement of both players should help Velma Jackson improve on its 8-5 record last year. The Falcons also return Tyshun Willis on defense. He had 136 tackes, 24 for loss, 18 sacks and six forced fumbles in 13 games.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here are seven bold predictions for MHSAA Class 1A football in 2023