Optimism is running high in Ackerman as the Choctaw County Chargers enter the 2018 season after winning Region 4-3A and reaching the third round of the MHSAA playoffs a year ago in Ben Ashley's first year as head coach. Eight starters return on offense and six on defense as the Chargers look to build on last year's success.
“We have to stay healthy and we cannot beat ourselves,” Ashley said. “We have to take care of the ball and limit penalties.”
One key will be the play of sophomore quarterback Tylan Carter, up from the junior varsity. He looked good in a jamboree game with Nanih Waiya.
The only sure thing about running back is that Laterrion McBride will be the fullback after running for 729 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore last year. “He's the guy we are going to rely on heavily,” Ashley said. “He's kind of like the hammer in our system. He has to soften up the inside which in turn will open up everything on the perimeter.”
There are several candidates for the other running back positions in the Chargers' Wing T offense who will have an opportunity to show what they can do early in the season. By the beginning of region play — against Houston on Sept. 28 — Ashley expects to know who the starters should be. “We'll figure it out we go along and we hope someone will emerge.”
Senior Rakeim Ashford leads the receiving corps after having a team high 24 receptions for 483 yards and two TDs a year ago. Preston Payne and Purnell Carter will also see time at receiver.
The Chargers have line depth on both sides of the ball. “We have a slew of kids who can play up front,” Ashley said.
Seniors Julius Buggs and Teliak Davis are two of the Chargers' biggest players, Buggs at 272 pounds and Davis at 250. Both can play on either side of the line.
Brady Brooks will be the center. Logan Stirewalt plays on the line on offense and at linebacker on defense. Other linemen are Tabias Merritt, Kaleb Nichols, Kervin Bell and Tyler Holman.
The linebacking corp is led by Israel Whitmore, last year's leading tackler with 138. He has sideline to sideline speed and is strong enough to have had a state best in the shot put last spring.
Julian Foreman, Preston Lindsay and Brian Threadgill will also see time at linebacker. “All three of these guys are really talented, but they haven't played a lot. It will take some time for them to get adjusted,” Ashley said.
The secondary is in good hands with the return of Ques McNeal and Andrew Johnson at cornerback and Ashford and Chris White at safety. Ashford had three interceptions last year, McNeal and Johnson two each.
The kicking game is Ashley's biggest concern with the graduation of last year's punter and placekicker. Trace Beard and Calvin Talley are candidates for the punting chores and Beard and Isaiah Conerly for placekicker.
The other schools in 4-3A are Aberdeen, Hatley, Houston, Nettleton and South Pontotoc. “It's a tough league, no doubt about it,” Ashley said. “There are good football teams all up and down it.”
