A new Gentry High football season is fast approaching, and changes and goals are the word of the day.
Historically, last year the Gentry High Rams football team posted a 6-6 record, a campaign which included a first-round playoff loss to eventual 5A state champion West Point High School.
Fast forward to the 2024 season and the Rams feature a new head coach and nine positions fielding returning starters as they approach their August 31 season-opening game.
It will be new Head Coach Derrick Farrow who will be at the helm of the Rams’ 50+-member roster when they take their home field in eight days against Greenwood High School.
In preparation for that opening contest, Coach Farrow noted, “We expect to have some growing pains early in the season because we have a lot of first-time starters. After graduating 27 seniors, many of which were two- or three-year starters, some growing pains are to be expected.”
“As the season progresses, I expect us to become more competitive and possibly make a run to get in the 5A playoffs,” he said.
Among those nine returning starters are four on defense and five on offense.
Defensively, Jacorvin Little (5’9”, 165 lbs.) will spend time at the strong safety position.
Additionally, Adarian Gooden (6’5”, 240 lbs.) will man a defensive end position while Kadarrius Minton (5’10”, 245 lbs.) is back at defensive tackle.
Rounding out the defensive returnees is linebacker Bryson Smith (5’10”, 190 lbs.)
On offense, Coach Farrow lists his offensive line as a potential strength of this year’s version of the Rams.
Returning starters within that offensive line include center/guard Dalton Milam (5’11”, 225 lbs.), Minton (guard), and Gooden (tackle).
At the skill positions, the Rams have Little (wide receiver) and Smith (running back) returning to help the Rams score points.
At the quarterback position, three senior Rams are vying for the position and Mitchell Davis is listed as a new starter expected to make an impact on the field.
Noting Davis’s “arm talent,” Coach Farrow is also impressed with prospective quarterbacks Malique Walker’s athleticism and Nazavier McGrew’s decision-making skills.
As for Region 2-5A competition, the Rams will once again compete with Canton High, Cleveland Central High, Greenville High, last year’s regional champion Holmes County Central High of Lexington, and Yazoo City High.
The balance of the Rams 2024 schedule mirrors last season. The 11-game slate includes teams from 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A classifications; seven of whom reached the playoff competition.
