1977-1982

burning lettermen - give EC high hopes for '79

Even though the first day of practice (August 13) ie same 3 weeks away, Warrior head coach Ken Pouncey is anxious to-improve on last year's fine .r 6-61 record. The Warriors have 19 lavers - - returning from the 1978 team. Offensively, 10 sophmores return. Returning linemen are: center Sidney Massey (6', 175 lbs.) from Noxapater; guards Ricky Rigillio (6'2", 220 lbs.) from Batan Rouge, La., and Mark Kilpatrick (5'1OV, 210 lbs.) from Leake Academy; tackle Luther Anderson (6'3", 250 lbs.) from Columbiana, Ala.; tight end Bob Holland (6'2", 210 lbs.) from Neshoba Central; and split end Dudley Winstead (5'7", 150 lbs.) from Edinburg. Sophomores in the backfield are: quarterback Ricky Parker (6'2", 190 lbs.) from Theodore, Ala. ; * SPORTS by Marty Stamper fullback Wesley Collins (5'9", 195 lbs.) from Oxford, Ala.; and halfbacks Willie Hannah (5'1OV, 170 lbs.) from Louisville and Terry Fisher (5'7", 150 lbs.) from Citronelle, Ala. Nine sophomores return on the defense. On the line will be Robert Hull (6'2", 218 lbs.) from South Leake; Ronny Mella (6'2", 230 lbs.) from Houma, La.: and Rusty Banett (5'10", 230 lbs.) from Baton Second year linebackers are: Jim Thomas (5'1I", 190-lbs.)from Union; Richard Roush (6'2", 230 lbs.) from Theodore, Ala. ; Doug Battle (5'3I", 185 lbs.) from Forest; and Mike Lee (6', 190 bs . ) from Decatur . Donald Ficklin (6'2", 190 lbs.) from Morton and 4-- Rouge,La. i3i$

Terry Thrash (5'7", 155 lbs.) from Decatur will be back in the defensive backfield. Pouncey is counting on Thomas, Lee and Thrash (all Newton Cauntians) to start and contribute to this year's team. Thomas was credited by Pouncey as "doing a good job for us last year." The Warrior coach classified Lee as "having the most speed of any sophomore." Lee started at tight end last year, but was. moved to linebacker in spring drills. Pouncey called Thrash ''just a good football player." Seven freshmen from Newton County also signed to play with EC. Hickory contributed Eric Edison, a 5'9", 180 lb. running back, and James Mitchell, a 6'2", 230 lb. tackle. Newton added Billy Johnson, a 6'1", 266 lb. defensive tackle, and Jerry Steele, a 6',175 lb. linebacker. Members coming off Decatur's Choctaw Championship team are: Willie Earl Curry, a 6'2", 185 Ib. nose guard; Howard Allgood, a 6', 175 lb. strong safety; and Jeff Harris, a 6'4", 191 lb. offensive tackle and defensive end. Because of last year's record, Pouncey was unable to sign any out of staters this year. According to the state juco rules, out of state scholarships are .based on the previous year's won-lost record. For example, a team that finished 0-10 could sign as many as 7 out of staters in one year. A team with a 10-0 record couldn't sign any. EC was allowed 3 scholarshi~sfor non-Missis- sippians, but they already had-7 signed from the year before. The Warriors will be allowed to keep all 7 sophomores from out of state on scholarship. One prize player signed was Bennie Earl Moore from Noxapater. Moore had been recruited by such national powers as Pittsburg and Nebraska, as well as Memphis State. This year the top 2 teams from both the South and the North will meet in the state championship playoffs. The 2 first round winners wil meet for the state championship. The Warriors wil open the season at home on September 1 with arch rival East Mississippi. Another highlight will be the Homecoming game with Pearl River on October 13.