Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
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South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) football program has a knack for adding onto its already rich history. Not only do they hold the third longest winning streak in high school football history (89 games), but they continue to bring home state championships on an almost yearly basis.
On Dec. 7, 2014, the Tigers defeated Oak Grove 27-21 in overtime of the Class 6A state championship game to complete a perfect 15-0 season and capture the school's MHSAA-leading eleventh state football title. The victory marked the Tigers' fourth state championship in the past six years, and ninth since 2003. It may be an understatement to say that South Panola's football program has built somewhat of a dynasty over the past decade.
MaxPreps and the Mississippi Army National Guard visited South Panola High School Friday night, Jan. 30, to honor the football team on the 10th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. Each year, MaxPreps chooses only 50 football programs across the country out of more than 16,000 to honor on the Tour. In South Panola's case, this stop marked the fourth time since 2009 that the Tigers have been recognized on the Football Tour of Champions. This type of recognition never gets old for South Panola athletic director and head football coach Lance Pogue.
"MaxPreps' name is so well respected, and being honored by them is such an honor for our football program," he said.
Of the more than 16,000 football programs nationwide, MaxPreps ranked the Tigers No. 10 in the country.
Earlier that Friday, Staff Sergeant Christopher Edwards of the Mississippi Army National Guard tabled in the cafeteria during the school's lunch periods with information about the National Guard and answered any questions students had regarding the National Guard. The display also featured the Army National Guard national ranking trophy that would be presented to coach Pogue and the football team later that night at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game. Several students came up to the table asking about the Minuteman trophy.
As the night got underway, the entire football team and coaching staff met up in the school's lobby before the basketball game began. There, SSG Edwards handed out Tour of Champions commemorative shirts and cinch bags to all of the players. The coaching staff and team then took formal photos with the "Minuteman" trophy and were asked several questions about their championship season.
When the moment came to honor the Tigers, coach Pogue and the team made their way out to the center of the gym. Before handing over the trophy to coach Pogue, SSG Edwards congratulated the Tigers on their accomplishment and spoke of character traits that led to their success this season, such as teamwork and commitment. He expressed that these same character traits are a priority and necessity in the Army National Guard. To conclude the ceremony, SSG Edwards presented coach Pogue and the team with the prestigious trophy. After accepting the trophy, coach Pogue briefly reflected on their season and thanked everyone who supported them throughout the year.
If the Tigers continue to add on to their "dynasty," MaxPreps would sure like to be there every step of the way.
Congratulations to coach Pogue and the South Panola Tigers on a great season and national ranking!
