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From the sidelines, Rogers relayed the offensive plays to the team. His Fighting Yellow Jackets (3-6) took their lumps and absorbed another setback. For the record, Enterprise is in its third year of membership in Region 6-2A and has yet to realize a region win.
For Enterprise, moving up from Class 1A was a major challenge. Changing the 1A mentality is a much bigger issue. It's a whole new ballgame in all sports.
Rogers only had 30 minutes each day on the field to work with the junior high football team and his help was limited. The word ridiculous doesn't describe it. Basic fundamentals are taught and repeated daily in junior high. These youngsters are the future of the varsity football program.
"I don't know what I've done," said Rogers. "I'm old school and I've made some choices that weren't acceptable with some people."
Certainly, football demands much from the coaches and the players. If a player skips practice, why should he be entitled to play on Friday nights?
Last year, the Jackets struggled to a 1-9 record in Rogers' first season. In the offseason, he installed a disciplined and demanding weightlifting and conditioning program. However, some prospects preferred to skip the regimen but they still wanted to play ball when school started.
Asked about the football-coaching situation, Eubanks said, "It's a personnel issue and I really don't want to get into it."
Eubanks said Rogers is the coach "until the end of the season and the athletic director until the end of the school year. We evaluate teachers from year-to-year. He's a good friend and an excellent coach."
Rogers was principal at Loyd Star for seven years before stepping down in 2008. Eubanks had worked with him as a teacher at Loyd Star before becoming principal at Enterprise. After a brief retirement, Rogers was given an opportunity to coach football again and that attracted him to Enterprise.
For sure, Rogers is a loyal soldier, dedicated to the task of improving Enterprise athletics. He staunchly supported his coaches in other sports through some controversial situations last year. He also promoted self-control and sportsmanship on the gridiron.
Apparently, the powers that be aren't satisfied and feel they can do better.
Professor Hoopla B.S. was wearing muck boots when he dropped off his list of predictions Wednesday afternoon. Due to a rainy forecast, he also had a yellow poncho and umbrella available.
Last week Hoopla predicted the winners of 25 games and got 18 right. Here's a preview of this weekend's games, starting with a Thursday night special.
Enterprise at Madison St. Joe: Bruins are tougher to beat on their home turf, no matter how muddy the conditions. St. Joe 24-14.
McComb at Brookhaven: This ancient rivalry could determine which team goes to the state playoffs in two weeks. Brookhaven 21-14.
Bowling Green at Brookhaven Academy: Buccaneers have had the upper hand in this series too long. It's time for the Cougars to assert themselves. Brookhaven Academy 36-26.
Bogue Chitto at Salem: Bobcats are in a tailspin but it comes to a halt in Walthall County's Mud Bowl. Bogue Chitto 18-12.
Loyd Star at Hinds AHS: High-flying Hornets need a win over the Wardawgs to secure second place in the region race and claim a home field advantage in the state playoffs. Loyd Star 27-19.
St. Aloysius at West Lincoln: The latest homecoming in Lincoln County won't have a happy ending for the Bears. St. Al 22-8.
Wesson at Puckett: Cobras have the knowledge and technique but they don't have enough venom to bring down the Wolves. Puckett 30-12.
Port Gibson at Lawrence County: Region 7-4A champion Cougars showcase their underclassmen as they tune up for the state playoffs. Lawrence County 44-6.
Franklin County at Jefferson County: Bulldogs can't afford a loss in Fayette if they want to host a state playoff game next week. Franklin County 21-14.
Hazlehurst at Amite County: Stunned by a home field loss to Jefferson County, the Indians go on the warpath in Liberty. Hazlehurst 51-14.
In other area action, North Pike over South Pike 14-12, Jackson Prep over Parklane 31-21, Copiah Academy over Oak Forest 13-10 and Columbia over Crystal Springs 42-8.
After inspecting his rye grass plot, Hoopla reveals Saturday's winners.
Ole Miss at Auburn: Riding a wave of confidence, the Rebels must dodge an ambush on the Plains. Ole Miss 13-7.
Mississippi State at Kentucky: Bulldogs find out how difficult it is to win an SEC game on the road. Kentucky 24-14.
Southern Miss at Houston: Cougars outscore the Golden Eagles in an offensive show. Houston 39-32.
In other Magnolia State action, Grambling over Valley State 38-10, Texas Southern over Alcorn State 28-14, Delta State over Arkansas State 28-18, Mississippi College over Sewanee 31-16, Millsaps over Howard Payne 14-3 and Belhaven over Lambuth 27-17. Jackson State has an open date to work on its offense.
Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com
