A challenging 2019 football schedule for Choctaw County will include a team that won four state championships in the past six years and a return visit to Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium. There are also currently two open dates that coach Ben Ashley is hoping to fill.
After winning the 4A championship in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017, Noxubee County has dropped down to 3A and landed in Region 4-3A with Choctaw County. The Chargers have a home game with the Tigers Oct. 25. “It will be a challenge,” Ashley said.
Noxubee County replaces South Pontotoc in the region and on Choctaw County’s schedule. The other three teams in the region remain the same -- defending champion Houston, Aberdeen and Hatley.
The Chargers will play their jamboree game at Mississippi State. The Aug. 16 opponent is Pontotoc, a strong 4A school that reached the third round of the state tournament in the fall before losing to state champion Louisville.
The Chargers also played their jamboree game at Mississippi State this past season and Ashley said his players enjoyed the atmosphere of a college stadium. “They had a good time," he said.
Choctaw County was once again invited to play at Davis Wade by New Hope, host team for the jamboree. “If they keep asking us back, we will play there,” Ashley said.
Other teams new to the schedule are Independence, Calhoun City and Kosciusko, another 4A school. Teams that go off the schedule are Choctaw Central, Caledonia, Eupora, Ray Brooks, Nettleton and South Pontotoc. The Chargers won all six of those games.
Another strong opponent on the schedule for the second year in row is Region 5-3A champion Winona.
Choctaw County currently has open dates Sept. 27 and Oct. 18. Newton was penciled in for Sept. 27 but has backed out. Ashley hopes to have a full schedule.
Choctaw County finished 2018 with an 8-4 record and second on 4-3A.
