MHSAA Class 2A football: Here are seven bold predictions for 2023 season
The 2023 MHSAA and MAIS high school seasons are nearly a month away. MHSAA Class 2A is home to three championship-winning teams from last season after the state association's reclassification.
Here are seven bold predictions for Class 2A in the MHSAA.
Raleigh reloads after Suntarine Perkins
The Lions won their first state title in a 55-52 thrilling victory over Noxubee County last season in the Class 3A championship game. Due to the latest MHSAA reclassification, Raleigh moved down to Class 2A and must adjust without Suntarine Perkins. The Ole Miss linebacker did it all for the Lions with 86 tackles on defense and 28 touchdowns scored on offense.
Kyvryn Moncrief leads all returners with 116 carries for 822 yards and 15 TDs. Jay Owens also returns after finishing with 441 receiving yards for seven TDs along with 64 tackles. Leading tackler Jordan Coleman is back after totaling 114 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 15 games.
Bay Springs adjusts to new classification
Bay Springs is in a similar situation as Raleigh in that they are in a new classification after winning a title. The Bulldogs won consecutive Class 1A championships and moved up to Class 2A. Bay Springs also lost Mississippi State freshman Ty Jones — who led the team with 34 rushing TDs, 50 tackles and seven sacks.
The Bulldogs return Ole Miss commitment Kamron Beavers. The four-star recruit is the No. 20 defensive lineman nationally and No. 141 overall recruit in the Class of 2024. The senior finished with 52 tackles, 13.5 for loss, a sack and a forced fumble in 14 games.
Scott Central searches for answers
Scott Central, the defending Class 2A champion, are in a unique position with the arrival of Raleigh and Bay Springs. However, the departures of seniors Austin Goss and Southern Miss freshman wide receiver Javieon Butler. Goss completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,812 yards and 37 TDs. Butler finished with 63 catches for 1,366 yards and 18 TDs.
The Rebels return Marquavious Bradford on defense. The linebacker had a team-high 85 tackles, seven for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 15 games.
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Charleston builds on last year's success
The Tigers (11-4) advanced to the state title game and won nine consecutive games before falling to Scott Central. Charleston returns quarterback Devon Olive, running back Marcus Flowers and linebackers Timothy Kirk Jr. and Latese Edwards.
Flowers leads all returners with 143 carries for 817 yards and 11 TDs. Kirk and Edwards combined for 133 tackles and nine sacks in 15 games.
Eupora looks to get over the hump
Eupora lost to Biggersville 36-12 on Sept. 9 and then rattled off 10 consecutive wins leading to the state semifinals. The issue is the Eagles lost starting quarterback Ty Murphy, tailback Jessie Sudduth and wide receiver Tabb Powell.
The good news for the Eupora is the defense returns several key starters. Eli Clark leads all returners with 113 tackles along with 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four fumble recoveries. Clark is joined by Elijah Wofford and Khyrin Morris. The duo combined for 19 tackles for loss.
Chance Ross leads North Side in rushing
North Side ran through senior Chance Ross. The running back had a team-high 141 carries for 1,477 yards and 18 TDs in 12 games last season. Ross will have a bigger workload this season with the departure of Ricardo Butler Jr. He finished with 59 carries for 502 yards and 13 TDs.
Ross and sophomore Jar'Ketitus Davis will help carry the Gators' offense in 2023. North Side advanced to the third round of the state playoffs last season.
Kadin Lott shines for Mize
Kadin Lott did it all for Mize last season. The senior leads all returners with 67 carries for 382 yards and five TDs. He also finished with 77 tackles, five for loss, two interceptions and two blocked punts in 12 games.
Lott will be vital as the Bulldogs (9-3) look to build upon advancing to the second round of the state playoffs. Mize won five consecutive games before losing to Velma Jackson in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MHSAA Class 2A football: Here are seven bold predictions for 2023 season
