IronEagle The Voice “Delta” 2021 Playoff Thread

[IRONEagle]

Story #1: Starting in the playoffs, I’ll follow the Clarksdale High Wildcats as they attempt to win their 5th State Championship in schools history. The Wildcats are a talented and physical football team playing under the direction of Coach Henry Johnson former West Bolivar Head Coach where he won two State Championships as Head Coach and played for the 1989 State Championship under Lelandary Head Coach Leland Young. Coach Henry Johnson Wildcats are poise to compete for another State Championship as the 4A playoffs get ready to start in a few weeks. More details coming soon. 
 

Story #2: Hollandale has one of the best small school football teams I’ve ever seen since I’ve started coaching and  studying football in 2005. They are on the same level as the 2A Championship teams they faced in the era of West Bolivar, Calhoun City, Baldwyn, Eupora, Bruce and East Webster. They don’t have big players across the board or even world class speed.. yet they play fundamentally sound football with physicality and strength to the whistle each and every snap. Their lead RB Rush is probably just as skilled as Kailo Moore was who everyone knows was a Dandy Dozen and one of the top recruits in the nation. I don’t know this kids name but from last night their 2nd best player #52 looked like a D1 player on defense. I believe they’ll win 1A this season. 
 

Story #3: I saw a mirror image in Hollandale of what I watched every week at West Bolivar for years between 2000-2012. I’m encouraged now more than ever that football here in the Delta can be restored by watching the likes of Clarksdale, Northside, and Hollandale in recent years. At one point, all those programs struggled to the same degree that West Bolivar is now. The moral of the story is last night I watched four WB Jr. High kids view from the sidelines the kind of opponent they have to compete with and will have to battle with in the near future. That hasn’t been done in years. Those kids we have coming up are the future and I’ll go to battle with them against everyone. This isn’t a David vs. Goliath storyline for years to come. We aren’t going to be down for much longer. This is Kong vs. Godzilla. Heavyweight vs. Heavyweight.  West Bolivar will be back.. get your popcorn ready! I’m excited and motivated as ever. 
 

 

[IRONEagle]

Playoff Games November 5th

4A South Pontotoc (4-6) vs Clarksdale High (7-1) 

 

2A Calhoun City (2-6) vs Northside High (8-1)

 

 

 

[Clever Clogs]

Just looking at the delta schools records, it’s really a sad sight too see administration put so many schools in a bind last year with shortened season and some not playing at all.. My hat goes off to those coaches that had to endure that and still find a way to attempt to run a program. Most coaches would have fled. Hopefully all of those programs can find a way to rebound next year because that area and kids need extracurricular activities. I don’t see but maybe 2 or 3 programs still alive after first week of playoffs.. 

[CharlestonTiger4Life]

10 hours ago, Clever Clogs said:

Just looking at the delta schools records, it’s really a sad sight too see administration put so many schools in a bind last year with shortened season and some not playing at all.. My hat goes off to those coaches that had to endure that and still find a way to attempt to run a program. Most coaches would have fled. Hopefully all of those programs can find a way to rebound next year because that area and kids need extracurricular activities. I don’t see but maybe 2 or 3 programs still alive after first week of playoffs.. 

2 or 3 programs still alive after the 1st week? Now that is just disrespectful.....LOL.  I predict you are wrong.

[Clever Clogs]

I was only considering the playoffs that start this week … Delta 1a teams are pretty solid though from the looks of it.

[CharlestonTiger4Life]

2 hours ago, Clever Clogs said:

I was only considering the playoffs that start this week … Delta 1a teams are pretty solid though from the looks of it.

Oh, I understand your post a bit better now. Who are these 2 or 3 teams you think will still be alive after week 1?

[IRONEagle]

On 10/31/2021 at 5:01 PM, Clever Clogs said:

Just looking at the delta schools records, it’s really a sad sight too see administration put so many schools in a bind last year with shortened season and some not playing at all.. My hat goes off to those coaches that had to endure that and still find a way to attempt to run a program. Most coaches would have fled. Hopefully all of those programs can find a way to rebound next year because that area and kids need extracurricular activities. I don’t see but maybe 2 or 3 programs still alive after first week of playoffs.. 

The canceled season didn’t help but there’s more to it then one year. I’ve stated this often over the years the administration decisions are the main reason West Bolivar football program has been stagnant. At one point, the decisions were done intentionally and there’s people willing to admit this off record which is also part of the issue. Now with so many parents involved and them putting their support behind the people who are actually willing to work for and be there for the student athletes a change is on the horizon. I’ve started training kids and multiple parents have given me the permission to do so. I have three of the top 7th graders, four 8th graders, three 9th graders, and two sophomores that have show interest  to work a full offseason with IronEagle athletics starting in November. Get your popcorn ready! 

Edited November 5, 2021 by IRONEagle

[IRONEagle]

IronEagle Weekly Recap: 

 

The 4A Clarksdale High Wildcats were firing on all cylinders last night. This is the team of the Delta this year. Outside of a close battle ending in their only loss to South Panola where some people are saying they outplayed the Tigers of Batesville, Clarksdale has won every game pushing their record to 9-1 after a dominating 41 - 0 win over South Pontotoc. They do it with physicality, playing hard nose and fundamentally sound football. Coach Johnson and his staff have done a great job developing this team and they definitely are a contender. The talent and chemistry of this team is what I saw for 12 seasons here at West Bolivar. Johnson is 5th all-time in wins among active Head Coaches in the State of Mississippi. 

[IRONEagle]

Today was the start of a full offseason of training for IronEagle athletics. There’s a saying “ it’s not how you start but how you finish.” To the contrary, the way you start off will dictate how you finish. 
 

I could not have been more impressed this morning with the way these young players performed in the WR/DB session.  They both played as freshmen although at different schools in 2021 and now are ready to perform at a high level heading into year 2. One of these kids team season ended in the playoffs last night, and they were back at it once the sun came up on the field. This is a movement. Get your popcorn ready. 

Edited November 13, 2021 by IRONEagle

[IRONEagle]

S/O to Hollandale Simmons and Leflore County for advancing to the North Half Championship games in Class 1A & 2A. 

[Arashatora]

1 hour ago, IRONEagle said:

S/O to Hollandale Simmons and Leflore County for advancing to the North Half Championship games in Class 1A & 2A. 

Not including Charleston in this?

[greenandgoldhawk]

Hopefully Either Leflore or Simmons or both bring it back to the Delta and their hometowns

[CharlestonTiger4Life]

On 11/20/2021 at 6:48 AM, Arashatora said:

Not including Charleston in this?

Heck who knows, Charleston is considered in the Delta when it suits some people. Go Tigers!!!!  Charleston that is.

 

[IRONEagle]

S/O to Leflore County and Hollandale on successful seasons. I’ve always respected Charleston and honestly just can’t follow them closely as I use to with them and West Bolivar moving down to 1A and 2A. In 1A, teams play few non region games, so I have fewer opportunities to watch other teams especially since Covid. 
To be honest, the Delta teams as well as the North overall were overmatched this year in the State Championship games.
 

Clarksdale was the Delta’s best chance at a State Championship and will be a contender again in the 2022- 2023 season. I believe had they gotten past Louisville in a game that came down to the last play they might’ve played for the 4A State Title. 
 

Leflore County is improving and could possibly contend for the next two years. I said earlier I thought Simmons had one of the best small schools ever after following classes 1A-3A since 2005 but I quickly started to look closely at their schedule and competition after the Biggersville game after they gave up 30 points. Going into next season, Simmons will be a favorite but the championship window is closing for them, South Delta, and McEvans. People will say Simmons won the Jr. High DVC title but I also watched their Jr. High in person. The seniors they loss this season won’t be replaced talent wise for the foreseeable future. West Bolivar lacks stability right now.. if there was a strong foundation in place in terms of leadership & coaching from 10th - 6th grade the best athletes in this division are at WB. I watched Kailo Moore, William Lloyd, Jovious Wade, and Demarrion Hayes etc come through Jr. High at WB. They were exceptional athletes but the developmental (feeder program) made them outstanding football players. There’s about 3 7th graders and 4 8th graders at WB that can play HS football talent wise in 2022.
 

They just need stability and structure at Jr. High to develop into football players by the time they reach HS which hasn’t been put in place by the athletic administration. When I see no sense of urgency from people at the top that just proves to me that changes have to be made and changes will be made soon because the community see what I see. 
 

 

[Kurt Cobain]

On 12/13/2021 at 12:54 PM, IRONEagle said:

S/O to Leflore County and Hollandale on successful seasons. I’ve always respected Charleston and honestly just can’t follow them closely as I use to with them and West Bolivar moving down to 1A and 2A. In 1A, teams play few non region games, so I have fewer opportunities to watch other teams especially since Covid. 
To be honest, the Delta teams as well as the North overall were overmatched this year in the State Championship games.
 

Clarksdale was the Delta’s best chance at a State Championship and will be a contender again in the 2022- 2023 season. I believe had they gotten past Louisville in a game that came down to the last play they might’ve played for the 4A State Title. 
 

Leflore County is improving and could possibly contend for the next two years. I said earlier I thought Simmons had one of the best small schools ever after following classes 1A-3A since 2005 but I quickly started to look closely at their schedule and competition after the Biggersville game after they gave up 30 points. Going into next season, Simmons will be a favorite but the championship window is closing for them, South Delta, and McEvans. People will say Simmons won the Jr. High DVC title but I also watched their Jr. High in person. The seniors they loss this season won’t be replaced talent wise for the foreseeable future. West Bolivar lacks stability right now.. if there was a strong foundation in place in terms of leadership & coaching from 10th - 6th grade the best athletes in this division are at WB. I watched Kailo Moore, William Lloyd, Jovious Wade, and Demarrion Hayes etc come through Jr. High at WB. They were exceptional athletes but the developmental (feeder program) made them outstanding football players. There’s about 3 7th graders and 4 8th graders at WB that can play HS football talent wise in 2022.
 

They just need stability and structure at Jr. High to develop into football players by the time they reach HS which hasn’t been put in place by the athletic administration. When I see no sense of urgency from people at the top that just proves to me that changes have to be made and changes will be made soon because the community see what I see. 
 

 

My brother I got a lot respect for you all in them Delta but, Simmons won't be the favorite in 1A . Number 1 Bay Springs has over 97%of their team coming back period. 

 

Number 2 down here we always look at you all schedule first just to see who guys be playing... 

 

I understand it's hard to travel to play certain teams because of cost and stuff. And I guess most of games you guys are playing are "Gate Games" I guess .

 

We knew off the back what Simmons was a good team but  just lack depth and discipline. But playing them rinky dink teams it's good wen u have a less experience team to  build up character.

 

The same thing we knew about Biggersville , Smithville and, TCPS. We knew the lack of scheduling good quality teams would play a part in alot teams up north not just the Delta. 

 

Lumberton played the hardest schedule out of 1A team then it was Taylorsville who played the 2nd hardest schedule . Then it was Bay Springs with 3rd hardest schedule..

 

Also from what you saw with in 1A-5A that was typical Bay Springs,Scott central and specially JDC and Columbia and Picyune. 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2021 by Kurt Cobain

[IRONEagle]

On 12/14/2021 at 4:30 AM, Kurt Cobain said:

My brother I got a lot respect for you all in them Delta but, Simmons won't be the favorite in 1A . Number 1 Bay Springs has over 97%of their team coming back period. 

 

Number 2 down here we always look at you all schedule first just to see who guys be playing... 

 

I understand it's hard to travel to play certain teams because of cost and stuff. And I guess most of games you guys are playing are "Gate Games" I guess .

 

We knew off the back what Simmons was a good team but  just lack depth and discipline. But playing them rinky dink teams it's good wen u have a less experience team to  build up character.

 

The same thing we knew about Biggersville , Smithville and, TCPS. We knew the lack of scheduling good quality teams would play a part in alot teams up north not just the Delta. 

 

Lumberton played the hardest schedule out of 1A team then it was Taylorsville who played the 2nd hardest schedule . Then it was Bay Springs with 3rd hardest schedule..

 

Also from what you saw with in 1A-5A that was typical Bay Springs,Scott central and specially JDC and Columbia and Picyune. 

 

 

I said Hollandale will be a 1A favorite (North) not the favorite in 1A.. 
 

I can speak for West Bolivar and say they did beat two of the best programs in 2A South for State Championships #4 & #5. Taylorsville (2007) and East Marion (2011).

 

I’ve watched small schools for years and the difference between North and South programs right now in my area is simply the athletic admin & coaching. In the Delta it’s the difference between having success or struggling due to incompetence. Just look at West Bolivar. Hasn’t been the same since Coach Henry Johnson went to Clarksdale. However, we’ve won some district titles and advance to the 3rd Round of the Playoffs twice since the departure. The issue is there’s no structure or stability. The athletic admin has not only been unethical with hiring practices but clearly neglecting of a WB sport (football). 4 different head coaches in HS and 4 different head coaches in Jr. High since 2014. Not one job opening posted on Misshsaa website for the Head Coach position to advertise statewide despite it being available multiple times since 2014. 

I don’t know how many people subscribed to the NFHS network but this past week there was a basketball tournament (Bolivar Co. Tourney) broadcast on the live stream.

That’ll show you all there is to know about the athletic admin. Find them in the video and you’ll see exactly what I’ve been saying is the issue.

People see it but simply talk behind close doors as oppose to pushing hard for the student athletes to give them the kind of support, leadership they deserve as the winningest football program in this area and one of the top programs in the state. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by IRONEagle

[IRONEagle]

2021 season recap coming tomorrow morning. 
 

Big announcement will be made tomorrow by IRONEagle Athletics on the athletes at West Bolivar we will be training in 2022. It’s a movement.