Madison Ridgeland Academy took its first step to what it hopes is a state championship season with a 42-20 win over Parklane Academy in the season opener last week.
For Patriots Head Coach Herbert Davis, it was his first time back on the sideline since winning a personal title, a new lease on life. Davis was hospitalized last August for two weeks with a heart problem and infection, complications from kidney disease which he battled for nearly a decade. In November he learned he would receive a new kidney in a historic seven-way donor to recipient transplant program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. On December 11, he successfully received the new kidney and hasn’t look back with a new outlook on life.
“I am so blessed and I’m feeling really good,” said MRA Head Coach Herbert Davis. “I’m down 46 pounds, feel great and all my tests are coming back good. I have grown in faith, and I just appreciate life a lot more. I am definitely more patient than I used to do be.”
Davis says it’s been a humbling experience and one he does not take for granted. That perspective is exactly what this year’s MPATs need as they grow into several new roles.
This week the Patriots will travel to take on 5A opponent Magnolia Heights Academy in Senatobia. The Chiefs won their opener with a 56-20 blowout of North Delta Academy.
Coach Davis watched patiently as his new quarterback, junior Samuel Stockett, shined in the first week. Stockett completed 12 of 14 passes for 238 yards and five touchdowns against Parklane, all in the first half. Last year, as a sophomore, Stockett was a back-up to the record setting great John White, who is now dropping dimes at the University of Southern Miss. Stockett made seven appearances last year in mop-up roles and was 22-36 for 442 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. So far, he has used that as a springboard into this season.
“He (Stockett) is playing really well. He’s had a great summer,” said Coach Davis. “Sam is showing very good pocket presence, checking his protections, and continues to get better with reads, which is understanding where to put the ball. We teach our guys that they have the freedom to go with the ball wherever they want within our system and that certainly showed last week as we were able to take our starters out at halftime.”
Davis says it’ll also be up to the big guys up front to give Stockett the time he needs to make the right reads. Several are very young and learning in trial by fire. The offensive line is anchored by senior center Blayne Williams. Junior guard Owen Phillipi is turning heads along with senior Kailand Stewart, sophomore Caleb Unger, sophomore Clay Lawson and junior Michael McCrory.
“We are working with them on focusing on the scheme, fundamentals, and knowing their assignments. Five of the seven are brand new and learning. I think their ceiling is high. We’ve just got to get there and get better,” said Davis.
As usual there is no shortage of receiving targets in this fun and gun offense. Leading the way is junior wide receiver Case Thomas, who caught two touchdowns in the opening win against Parklane. Thomas is coming off an unbelievable sophomore campaign where he had 59 catches for 1,296 yards and seven touchdowns. He led the state in touchdowns and was second in receptions. It's a deep receiver room with juniors Will Bizot, Jack Poole and senior Jack Polles who all contributed as dangerous targets a year ago. Poole is versatile and can line up at running back and both receiver slots.
Newcomer DJ Watkins is a welcome addition at running back. Watkins, a senior, found the end zone in the season opener and is committed to Arkansas State University. Also rotating in the backfield senior AJ Parker, Poole and junior Michael McCrory.
While Coach Davis is an offensive guru, he is excited about the defense the Patriots have this year. Davis says this is the fastest, most aggressive defense he’s had at MRA. This group of pitched a shutout in the first half against Parklane last week. The strength lies in the defensive line where 6’3, 235-pound junior Cade Gentry returns at defensive end. Gentry led the team with 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss as a sophomore. At the other end is 6’3 sophomore Brody Brown. The tackles you’ll get to hear about, seniors Winn Crews and Camden Starkey, will make running up the middle very tough.
The linebacker level is super quick. Senior Jackson Toler, junior Fletcher Cox (who will also play tight end on the other side of the ball), junior Parker Durham and senior Patrick Plunkett will certainly make ball carriers earn every yard.
The defensive backs can flat out fly and are ball hawks. Keep your eyes on Senior AJ Parker, DJ Watkins, Junior Matthew Perkins, senior RJ Ridgeway, and Senior Jake McMillan. In the pass heavy district, this group will have plenty of chances to shine.
This will be the second game for the Patriots to knock the dust off and build confidence. Davis will grade the game based on improvements to both execution and physicality. It’s one of the deeper teams MRA has fielded which means Davis won’t need too may guys having to play on both offense and defense. While Magnolia Heights is a formidable 5A opponent, for Davis the gameplan is simple to try out a lot of different formations and schemes to see what they are doing the best.
It will take a lot of patience to work through the growing pains of young players, but Davis with his new lease on life and new perspective is up to the challenge.
“I love it, it’s my passion and I am grateful to be out here every single day,” said Davis.
The journey continues for the Patriots as they will take a long ride north on I-55 to Senatobia Friday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Chiefs of Magnolia Heights.
Keys to Victory for MRA:
On offense: It’s fun to watch Samuel Stockett take over the reigns of the high-powered offensive system. Stockett did have an interception returned for a touchdown against Parklane, so not forcing the ball into tight windows and not trying to do too much too quick will be the key. With the talent of DJ Watkins in the backfield, the Patriots can afford to mix things up, which should keep the Chiefs off balance.
On defense: Magnolia Heights is proving its offense can score in bunches after hanging 56 on North Delta last week. It’ll be important for the defensive line to get pressure on the quarterback and for the linebackers to play smart in the middle. While you’d still love the Patriots in a shootout, the defense will be tested.
The Series: MRA leads 14-2
Last Match-Up: MRA won 56-14 in 2023 regular season.
AT A GLANCE
MRA Patriots:
Class/Division: Class: 6A District 1 (MAIS)
2024 Record: 1-0 (beat Parklane Academy 42-20)
Head Coach: Herbert Davis
Assistant Coaches: Danny White, Matt Walker, John Weaver, Kenny Williams
Magnolia Heights Chiefs
Class: 5A District 1 (MAIS)
2024 Record: 1-0 (beat North Delta 56-20)
Head Coach: Russ Whiteside
Assistant Coaches: Ed Rich, Chris Wamble, Hunter Lacefield, Kylee Brown, Jacob Melendez
