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Lawrence Countians in star wars
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| By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor |
July 06, 2009 |
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MONTICELLO -- Lawrence County standouts Kendrick Hardy and Monterrio Taylor and LCHS head coach Mike Davis are ready for an all-star experience. The trio will represent their school in the July 16, Mississippi Association of Coaches High School All-Star Football Game.
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Kickoff is 7 p.m., Thursday night, July 16, at Mississippi College's Robinson-Hale Stadium, located in Clinton. Hardy and Taylor will play for the South and Davis will coach the offensive line.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Coach Davis. "It should be a lot of fun."
All-stars report for physical exams and practice July 13, at Hinds Community College in Raymond. The South is under the direction of Picayune coach Dodd Lee.
Hardy, The DAILY LEADER's 2008 All-Area Offensive Player of the Year, has enrolled in summer school at Southern Miss where he will be on scholarship this fall. Besides taking some summer school courses, he is busy working out with other Southern Miss football players.
Hardy, (6-0, 220) compiled some impressive statistics last season, helping the Lawrence County Cougars to a 10-2 record and the Region 6-4A championship. He rushed the football 177 times for 1,762 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He averaged 9.9 yards per carry, making him a prized recruit.
High school success is just a memory as Hardy joins USM teammates in the grueling summer conditioning workouts in Hattiesburg.
Asked about his workout routine, Hardy said, "We have to run in the mornings. We lifted yesterday."
Hardy's speed and strength could land him playing time as a true freshman. Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora employs a wide-open, spread offense.
Hardy said he's been impressed by his future teammates. "These players have a lot of heart. I know I'll have to compete. I'm really looking forward to the season."
Next Thursday's all-star game will be his last high school experience. "There are a lot of good players in it," said Hardy. "I'm looking forward to it."
He said he hopes to have Taylor as his roommate. "Monterrio did a good job blocking for me. He pancaked (knocked down) people a lot."
His older brother, Wayne Hardy, is a police officer with the Hattiesburg Police Department. Wayne played fullback and linebacker for the Golden Eagles, from 2003-06. His other brother, Kenterio, is a defensive lineman at Nicholls (La.) State University.
Kendrick said he appreciated the work ethic promoted by Coach Davis, both on and off the field. "I liked playing for Coach Davis. He knew what to do. He made sure we had our grades, too."
Hardy wore jersey No. 27 in high school. He plans to major in exercise science at Southern Miss.
"Kendrick can flat-out run with the best of them," said Davis. "He had exceptional speed and talent.
"I enjoyed coaching all three of the Hardy brothers," Davis added. "They helped Lawrence County achieve success on the football field."
Taylor (6-1, 225) was a 2-way starter for the Cougars. As a defensive lineman, he accounted for 56 tackles last season, including 30 solo stops. He also had 2 quarterback sacks and intercepted 1 pass.
He has signed a scholarship with Southwest Mississippi Community College. He reports to campus July 7, to begin summer school.
This summer Taylor has been working with the Lawrence County summer youth programs. He plans to become an electrician.
"I'm proud to represent Lawrence County," said Taylor. "Last year we only had one all-star," referring to linebacker Julius Magee.
Taylor said he has enjoyed the benefits of hard work before, after and during the football season. "We've been 10-2 for two years in a row. I've learned a lot the past four years from Coach Davis and the other coaches."
Davis said Taylor's contributions to Lawrence County's football program don't show up on the statistics sheet. "Monterrio just loves the game of football. His smile and enthusiasm is infectious throughout the whole team. He's a good young man to be around. He's always smiling. It will be fun getting to coach him one more time."
Davis will be coaching the South's offensive line. He said Taylor is familiar with the blocking schemes because they are similar to Lawrence County's.
All-Star notes: Joining Lee and Davis on the South coaching staff are John Douglass of Quitman, Brian Oakes, Stone County; Lance Reed, Natchez; David Parker, Morton, and Brian Edwards, Picayune.
Phil Oakley of Senatobia is the North's head coach. Also on staff are Greg Robinson, Cleveland; Tavares Johnson, East Side; Carter Norris, Senatobia; Malcolm Jones, McComb, formerly of Indianola Gentry; Michael Bradley, New Hope, and James Ray, Bruce.
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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