It is difficult to fathom that in 42 days the 2023 high school football season will begin.
As for the Indianola Academy Colonels, the new season will commence with an August 18 home-field clash against North Delta School of Batesville.
Additionally, the Colonels will be finding themselves competing in a new district.
With IA Head Coach Tommy Nester entering his 18th season at the helm of the IA football program, the Colonels are now a member of District 2-3A for this upcoming season.
The Colonels, who spent the past two seasons in 4A competition, also have an opportunity to make school history during the upcoming campaign.
Beginning with the school’s 1969 inaugural season, IA football teams have accumulated a 392-216-1 overall record, leaving the program eight wins shy of reaching the 400-win plateau. Last season the Colonels completed their campaign with a 5-6 mark.
As for the Colonels’ new district home, District 2-3A will offer four other teams competing with IA for the district title. This group includes one school that an IA football team has never played and another team being a defending state champion.
That new opponent will be Sylva-Bay Academy of Bay Springs, which is located approximately 24 miles north of Laurel.
Meanwhile, the Colonels’ district line-up will also include Canton Academy, who is the defending 3A state champion.
The balance of IA’s new district will be comprised of Benton Academy and Central Holmes Christian School of Lexington.
The Colonels’ schedule will also feature a pair of very familiar opponents this season in the form of Lee Academy of Clarksdale and Washington School of Greenville; both of whom are listed as 4A schools.
Additional 3A competition on the 2023 IA schedule includes Kirk Academy of Grenada, Marshall Academy of Holly Springs, North Delta School, and Winona Christian School.
