French Camp provides a friendly rivalry for SA for the last four seasons
French Camp Academy provided a matchup that the Starkville Academy Volunteers really needed four years ago.
As members of MAIS Division 2-3A South at that time, the Vols were traveling quite a bit for games. They had to go to Presbyterian Christian in Hattiesburg and Jackson Prep.
Starkville Academy was looking for non-conference matchups against public schools closer to home.
The Vols had a two-year experience with Ackerman and St. Andrews of Jackson, but it was still not what they wanted.
After hearing that French Camp had a school drop of its schedule, coach Jeff Terrill of SA at the time gave Nathan Wright a call to see if the Panthers would like to play the Vols.
It worked out for both schools. This is the fourth year and the teams are still playing each other.
Starkville Academy and French Camp meet once again on Friday night at J.E. Logan Field.
Volunteer head coach Chase Nicholson, who was an assistant on Terrill's staff at the time the series started with the
Panthers, had no problem keeping the relationship going.
“It just made sense because it was right down the road,” Nicholson said. “After two years, we called them back immediately and said we want to do it again. We were 1-1 and they were 1-1 and they were close games. It's a really good matchup for us. We've had kids that used to go to school here that go to school there and vice versa. A lot of kids live out that way. It brings a good gate. They travel well and we travel well.
“I really enjoy it. They are good kids, good coaches and they are well-coached. They are gritty, tough and it's going to be a good game.”
Wright said the coaches and players respect each other on both sides.
Strong competition against quality people makes for a good situation in Wright's mind.
“I like the way both programs are run,” Wright said. “Both coaching staffs on both sides appear to be believers (in God) from all I can see. You would expect it to be wellplayed. I think it will be a great environment Friday night. It will be fun going back over there and seeing all of the coaches there. I
look forward to a good night and it looks like it's going to be a great football night.”
After losing the first four games of the season, French Camp has won its last two decisions.
The Panthers were outscored 159-25 in losing to Winona Christian, Eupora, Winona and Sebastopol, but turned it around to win division games against Montgomery County 54-18 and McAdams 47-0.
“They are like anyone with a young team,” Nicholson said. “They are going to mature and are no longer young. They are good kids and well-coached. When you have that, you'll have a formula put together and one that
helps you get better.”
Holman Edwards has led the French Camp resurgence at quarterback. Along with completing 22-of-34 pass attempts for 313 yards and five touchdowns, he has also rushed 26 times for 208 yards and another score.
Kendall Coleman is the leading rusher for the Panthers with 324 yards on 35 carries and five touchdowns. Braxton Bright has caught seven passes for 205 yards and one touchdown.
“We're getting a little better each week,” Wright said. “Only the Lord knows what our potential is. We are improving so I'm thankful for that.”