CJHS football completes impressive season

By Datti Jinkiri

The Clinton Junior High School Arrows fell 28-6 to Brandon Middle School in the Little Six Football Championship game. But despite losing in the final game, the Arrows went through the regular season undefeated and had an overall great season. They topped Warren Central 36-28; Vicksburg 24-14; Germantown 32-8; Madison Middle 16-6; and Pearl 30-6 in the regular season.

The Arrows were coached by Preston Hebert, Mark Hoskins, and Lee Martin. The coaches drilled a well-oiled machine that seemingly rolled through the regular season with ease. However, the success did not come easy. Many lessons were learned along the way.

Hebert, who coached the defense, was impressed with the players’ ability to handle adversity.

“On the defensive side, we lost three starters for the year but we were able to battle through that with the ‘next man up’ mentality,” he stated.

Some of the team’s defensive standouts were Dallas Johnson, Montario Brayden, Ontario Brayden, Jamarion Jackson, and Courtland Jones.

Hoskins, who worked with the offense, was impressed with the team’s unity.

“The team has really come together to play as one,” Hoskins said. “They leaned on each other to get through tough times during the games.”

The Arrows’ offensive standouts included Aaric Beasley, Tyler Dabney, and the entire offensive line.

The next step for the junior high Arrows will be Sumner Hill Junior High School, where they will hopefully get another chance to compete for the Little Six Championship in 2023.