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Posted on Sat, Aug. 11, 2007
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D'Iberville: The need for speed

Warriors rely on athleticism in new division

By DOUG BARBER
dmbarber@sunherald.com

    • 22 Days lineup

      • Sunday, Aug. 5 -- Pass Christian
      • Monday, Aug. 6 -- Poplarville
      • Tuesday, Aug. 7 --- Pearl River Central
      • Wednesday, Aug. 8 -- Picayune
      • Thursday, Aug. 9 -- Bay High
      • Friday, Aug. 10 -- St. Stanislaus
      • Saturday, Aug. 11 -- D'Iberville
      • Sunday, Aug. 12 -- Long Beach
      • Monday, Aug. 13 -- Stone
      • Tuesday, Aug. 14 -- East Central
      • Wednesday, Aug. 15 -- Vancleave
      • Thursday, Aug. 16 -- St. Martin
      • Friday, Aug. 17 -- Gautier
      • Saturday, Aug. 18 -- Moss Point
      • Sunday, Aug. 19 -- Biloxi
      • Monday, Aug. 20 -- Hancock
      • Tuesday, Aug. 21 -- Harrison Central
      • Wednesday, Aug. 22 -- Ocean Springs
      • Thursday, Aug. 23 -- George County
      • Friday, Aug. 24 -- Pascagoula
      • Saturday, Aug. 25 - Gulfport
      • Sunday, Aug. 26 - St. Patrick

    D’IBERVILLE --

    D’IBERVILLE— A new division. A lot of speed. High expectations.

    And a defense that hits hard.

    That sums up the preseason analysis for the D’Iberville Warriors, who move into Region 8-4A for the 2007 football season.

    The Warriors return a highpowered offense, led by tailback Mark Seymour, wide receiver Kevin Norwood and quarterback Matthew Wright. And the defense looks strong with the return of inside linebacker Justin Campbell, lineman Chase Sherman, end Dylan Holley and free safety Jacoby Bell.

    “I think it will be a tough district,’’ Warrior head coach Louis Smith said. “We are looking forward to the challenge. We have high expectations.

    “We do have lot of younger players that have matured over a year. We have a lot of good skill folks, good speed and have some good linemen. Justin Campbell had a great year (in 2006), and we expect him to really do well again. We are counting on him heavily on defense.’’

    Smith is starting his sixth season as the D’Iberville head coach, compiling a 30-23 record, including the 2002 Class 4A state football championship. The Warriors are coming off a 7-4 season in which Terry knocked them out of the playoffs for the second straight year.

    Seymour, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior rushed for 1,223 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. Kevin Norwood (6-3, 180, jr.) made 22 catches for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns.

    Defensively, Campbell (5-11, 210, sr.) led the team with 134 tackles, of which 92 were solos. Bell (6-3, 205, jr.) made 60 tackles and picked off three passes.

    Wright suffered a concussion last season and missed a few games in mid-season. He is getting over a slight fracture in his wrist.

    “Kevin Norwood is a guy who can make things happen at receiver,’’ Smith said. “He is exciting as a kick and punt returner. Jacoby Bell has great hands. He is getting stronger, bigger and more mature. Mark Seymour at tailback really is one of the quicker ones around. He can motor.

    “We are still looking for a couple of offensive linemen since we lost Blake Rushing and Garrett Johnson to graduation. We didn’t find what we were looking for in the spring.

    “On the defensive line, we feel comfortable with Chase Sherman and Titus Ruiz. Dylan Holley, a sophomore defensive end, is one of the better ones around. We are still experimenting at the other defensive end. Darrius Brown played it some in the spring game.’’

    One key area of competition is at placekicker after the graduation of Clayton Seymour. Austin Chamberlain and Andrew Bentz are competing. Bell is projected as the team’s punter.

    Expectations aren’t just high with the Warrior fans. Warrior players can still remember watching their predecessors win the state title in 2002, routing West Point in the championship game.

    “Our strength is we came together as a team and we have the most speed on the Coast,’’ Brown said.