West Harrison looks for turnaround in 2016

A new coach, a new optimism.

The West Harrison High School Hurricanes have a new head coach — Tracy Rogers — and a reborn optimism heading into the 2016 football season.

The Hurricanes football program has been struggling recently, going 0-22 the past two seasons.

The ‘Canes have not won a game on the gridiron since a 27-20 win over Long Beach in 2013.

Rogers replaced Sean Harden as the head football coach, and the Hurricanes are looking forward, not backward, in preparing for the Region 4-5A race.

“There is a lot of excitement,” Rogers said. “Throughout the summer, we’ve had 90-95 percent attendance, and we have around 60-to-65 kids in uniform.

“First, when we got the job, our numbers were down. We want to get the numbers up. I had a few coaches that stayed on and we hired some new coaches. These coaches love the game of football and love these kids. When the kids see that you care about them, then they want to play for you. We’re building a big family, a West Harrison football program. We’re preaching family — work together, help each other out.”

Leading the way

Sophomore Dayln Anderson will direct the spread offense for the ‘Canes.

“He played as a freshman for us last year,” Rogers said. “He’s a leader for us, he leads by example. He may have missed one summer workout. But other than that, he has been here every day.”

Some of the other top skill players for the Hurricanes include junior running back Zavion Pride, junior wide receiver Ahmad Gage and junior tight end/wide receiver Hunter Sonnier.

Senior center Arthur Pickett leads the offensive line.

“We are looking for him to have a big year and lead that offensive unit,” Rogers said.

The 3-4 defense is led by senior inside linebacker Cody Gassman and sophomore outside linebacker Jeprice Preston.

The Hurricanes team is more junior/sophomore-oriented in terms of numbers. The ninth-grade football team went 4-3 in 2015.

Rogers, a 2004 Mississippi State graduate, has had previous coaching stints at Philadelphia, West Jones and Hancock before coming to West Harrison.

New outlook

The Hurricanes are radiating optimism.

“We look more like a team, a family, than last year,” Anderson said.

“I’m looking for a winning season,” Gage said. “We’re way better than last year.”

“I think we are going to win,” Sonnier said. “Things are different around here than last year. The coaches are really going to help, and attitudes are different.”

“I believe we are going to do pretty good,” Pickett said. “We are going to push it. We will put a lot of points on the scoreboard.”

Rogers said the non-region schedule will prepare the Hurricanes for the 4-5A campaign.

“In non-district play, we play some quality football teams,” Rogers said. “Hancock is two years removed from the 6A playoffs. Bay is a quality playoff team. South Jones was 7-3 last year and we played them a close game here last year (a 35-26 loss) and I know Pass Christian came close to a playoff berth. It will test where we’re at.

“There is not an off weekend in district. You have to be ready to play every week.”

West Harrison opens the 2016 season at home on Aug. 19 against Bay High. The Hurricanes open region play at home on Sept. 23 against Hattiesburg.

This story was originally published August 8, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "West Harrison looks for turnaround in 2016."