Stone is determined to stay on winning track this season

Under first-year coach John Feaster, Stone High was one of the Coast’s biggest surprise teams in 2016.

The Tomcats won eight games en-route to earning a Class 5A state playoff berth, including an upset victory over Picayune, Feaster’s alma mater.

Feaster plans to keep the Tomcats on the winning track.

“I’m looking forward to the season,” Feaster said. “Hopefully, the kids will continue to work hard and play hard every Friday night. If we continue to grow as a team, we will be alright.”

Defense will be the Tomcats’ strength where six starters return, including the entire front four: bookends Kolby Willis, Spencer Edwards and tackles Kendall Arrington and Tavin Peters. All four are seniors. Arrington had 72 total tackles and eight sacks.

Junior Trey Arrington, who had 92 tackles, is the only returning starting linebacker. Senior Jamir Jamison will start at the other linebacker spot.

The Tomcats’ secondary has a returning starter, cornerback Enrique Whaley. Senior Demetrius Whitaker will start at the other cornerback spot. Junior Kelton Marshall will start at safety. Seniors T.J. Polk and Dennis Roberts are the starting strong safety and free safety.

“We need to play fast and be disciplined on defense,” Feaster said. “The defense will have to carry us.”

The Tomcats’ offense, however, is a huge concern. Stone must replace its entire offense from last year, including Sun Herald’s All-South Mississippi running back Terrion Avery.

Feaster will rely on seniors at the skill positions to boost an inexperienced offense, including Kentrell McCray, who ran for 500 yards.

Travis Picco will start at quarterback.Whaley and Errol McDonald will start at receiver. Justin Batiste will start at wingback.

Justin Batiste will start at wingback. Enrique Whaley and Errol McDonald are the wide receivers.

Three sophomores are slated to start on the offensive line: guards Tytan Lee, tackle Zach Bond and center Matthew Fountain. Senior Hagen Ladnier will start at guard, junior Chris Brown at tackle.

“We have a group of guys that can replace Terrion, not just one person,” Feaster said. “We have a lot of unproven guys. Anytime you work hard and have a lot invested into what we’re doing, can translate into success.”

Junior Dawson Cudd is the kicker. Whaley, who scored five touchdowns on punt returns, will be the punter.

Competing in Region 4-5A will be another tough challenge for Stone.

This story was originally published August 17, 2017 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Stone is determined to stay on winning track this season."