2012

determined to prove pollsters wrong stand the league and under– stand how tough it is," said Anderson of the nearly two dozen returnees. "They also understand how a small mistake can tum the course of a ball game...and that sometimes it's the little things that will win ball games ...one turnover here, one caused turnover there. That's why we are so excit– ed about our team this year...we have high charac– ter kids who know what it takes to win....who know it means something not to let a team score in the fourth quarter...who know it means to punch the ball in for a score from the two– yard line instead of settling for a field goal. ..who know that it takes a high level of intensity and a willingness to do the things necessary to be a winner." Anderson considers defensive returnees, respec– tively. The freshman class is led by quarterback Colton Kane (6-4, 215) of Pen– sacola, Fla., and a transfer from' Florida Atlantic Uni– versity in Boca Raton. Kane is a fonner standout at Navarre (Fla.) High School. where he received All-Star and Player of the Year honors. "Colton is a big guy with a big ann who also has mobility," Anderson said of his projected starting signal caller. ''He is also a good decision maker....and l'm absolutely pleased with him and his character and lead– ership ability. J feel confi– dent be bas what it takes to successfully lead this foot– ball team." Anderson also had high handles pressure in a game a sophomore from Oxford, s ituation remains to be will probably start at the seen, but we are excited other safety. Dominic about him and what he Carter (6-2, 185) a sopho– brings to the position." more from Nanih Waiya, Anderson added. "So, if will also battle for free you are good at quanerback safety. So we'\e got a lot of and good in the kicking competition for the defen– game, you have a chance sive backfield." for success." Anderson also had On the defensive side, praise for Martaze Jackson Anderson said "speed" best (6-3, 240), a University of describes this year's squad. Tennessee signee from "Ben Brooks (5-9. 175) Demopolis (Ala.) High is the fastest player we've School, and returnee had since I've been here," Lakenneth We1dman (6-6, saidAnderson ofthe sopho- 240), a South Leake prod– more defensive back from uct, ''who witt provide a Northeast Lauderdale. ferocious pass rush for "Ben will be at one comer opposing quarterbacks and sophomore Steffon from their defensive end Fuller (6-4, 200) ofKemper positions." County will be at the other In analyzing this year's comer. We are also excited roster, Anderson said most about Deante LawTence of squad members come from Prattville, AJa., a Southern schools outside the Col– Miss signee, who will be lege's "original" five-coun– playing strong safety. ty recruiting area, which Deante will be a headhunter included Leake, Neshoba. in the middle of the field Newton, Scott and Winston from his safety posinon and counties. is expected to be an impact Now that the state is player in the secondary. "wide open" for recruiting Demarius Pegues (6'. 190), SeeWARRIORS. page 15E wide receiver KeiVondre Watford (6-4, 220) of Tuscaloosa Central and defensive lineman Bradley Dorsey (6-6, 380) of Mor– ton as the top offensive and praise for his freshman kicker, Austin Franklin (6', 180) of Petal. "We are very pleased with Austin and consider him the best kicker we've had since I have been here," Anderson said. "How he

£CCC PHOTO

Warriors prepare for 2012 season during recent practice sectlo 4 ns.