On Tuesday evening, January 18th the 6th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard brought us
South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) High School in Batesville, Mississippi. South Panola finished #1 nationally in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 poll which is determined by MaxPreps writers and #6 nationally in the MaxPreps Freeman rankings, a computer analysis. No matter where these Tigers finished one thing is certain; they were an outstanding football team!
I headed over to South Panola High School after lunch where I happened to experience the local cuisine, better known as a fried catfish po-boy. As I walked into South Panola High School, I noticed the celebratory championship messages sprinkled throughout the walls. It looked as if the Tigers had never lost a championship since the early 2000's! I peered down from the championship pictures and into their trophy case where I noticed the Army National Guard national ranking trophy from last year's tour.
Shortly thereafter, I met up with head football coach and Athletic Director Lance Pogue who was very welcoming and enthusiastic for the trophy ceremony that was to take place at halftime of their boys' varsity basketball game. Prior to the boy's game, I had a chance to converse with South Panola High School football alum and Mississippi Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Dan Palmer who was also presenting the highly coveted trophy. SSG Palmer and I talked with the coaches about what the future holds for the upcoming team and graduating seniors. Coach Pogue is very confident in next year's team. He is also very proud of this year's graduating seniors and Coach said many of players will be continuing their football careers at the next level.
The ceremony kicked off at halftime with MaxPreps representative Steve Spiewak who spoke to the crowd on how he had only been in Mississippi for a few hours but felt so welcomed by their kind hospitality. He also stated that South Panola could compete with any team in the country, and most likely, would win the game. The crowd roared in excitement and it was SSG Palmer's turn to present the Army National Guard national ranking trophy. SSG Palmer talked about his days on the South Panola football team and how much appreciation he receives by being able to present this trophy to his alma mater. He proudly handed off the trophy to a very receptive Coach Pogue, who addressed the crowd and said he hopes to win another national championship next year.
All the players were snapping pictures of the trophy on their phones and parents were taking pictures of their sons with the trophy. It was a fantastic ceremony and don't be surprised if we are back next year for the third consecutive year. Go Tigers!
