Year in review: Looking back at Gautier, Long Beach, Stone and West Harrison
Eight more South Mississippi football teams wrapped up their seasons Nov. 6.
Below is a look back at 2015 for Region 4-5A schools Gautier, Long Beach, Stone and West Harrison.
Gautier
Record: 5-6 overall, 3-4 Region 4-5A
Quick hits: Like many left on the outside looking in this time of year, the fifth-place Gators struggled to find consistency for much of 2015. A touchdown separated Gautier from a 3-0 start to the season, but a 0-3 streak that bridged into Region 4-5A schedule, and a 1-2 record in the final three weeks, kept the Gators from returning to the playoffs.
Statistical leaders: Senior QB Le'Charles Pringle was more efficient as a runner than a passer, gashing teams for 939 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He also passed for 356 yards at a 36-percent completion percentage with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. RBs Deandre Torrey, William Beverly and J.T. Triplett added to the rushing attack, racking up 722, 443 and 401 yards respectively while combining for 18 touchdowns. K Josh Penton was one of the more reliable on the Coast, tallying 22 touchdowns while converting 6 of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 46.
Looking ahead: The Gators will largely need to turn to reserves from 2015 next season with Torrey the only leading skill player back in 2016.
Long Beach
Record: 3-9 overall, 2-5 Region 4-5A
Quick hits: The Bearcats had two signature wins on the season, knocking off playoff-bound Vancleave 34-21 early in the season. Later, on the road, LBHS took Picayine to overtime in a 36-34 victory.
Statistical leaders: Injuries decimated a QB position that saw five players attempt at least 10 passes, from senior Byron Walker down to eighth-grader Cade Crosby. Still, senior WRs Trevor Terry and Brock Byrd managed to be two of the more productive players in the state. Terry averaged 102.8 ypg, hauling in 62 passes for 1,234 yards and 12 touchdowns. Byrd was a good compliment, making 66 receptions for 761 yards and seven scores. Defensively, LB Kevin Wayne was one of the most productive in the country, totaling 213 tackles on the season. Wayne snapped former LBHS standout and current MSU LB Richie Brown's season (213) and career (587) tackles marks in a personal season to remember.
Looking ahead: The bad news: Most of the aforementioned production graduates. The good news: LBHS will have four experienced QBs to choose from in 2016 and also return two 100-tackle defenders in Jarius Warren (142) and Dustin Bryant (100).
Stone
Record: 4-7 overall, 2-5 Region 4-5A
Quick hits: After five- and six-win seasons in 2013 and 2014, the Tomcats took a step back this season. Stone picked up an impressive 14-7 win over East Central in Week 2, and beat FCAHS the following week, but then stumbled the next five weeks against four playoff-bound teams.
Statistical leaders: Junior RB Terrion Avery was one of the Coast's rushing leaders, averaging 116.2 yards per game. He finished with 1,278 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Trey Wegner and senior Wade Cobb finished with 124 and 101 tackles respectively. Junior Nick Brown was also among the Coast's leaders with five interceptions. Tavarus Breland was a jack of all trades for the Tomcats. He threw a touchdown, rushed for five and caught two more. Breland also made 43 tackles and three interceptions.
Looking ahead: Stone will return Avery, as will starting QB Ashton Hickman, Brown and R'Tarriun Johnson, who does a bit of everything.
West Harrison
Record: 0-11 overall, 0-6 Region 4-5A
Quick hits: The Hurricanes had another difficult season marking their second consecutive winless campaign and the third in four seasons for the young school.
Statistical leaders: Coach Sean Harden raved about senior QB Brandon Triplett coachability, calling him one of the better kids he's coached. Triplett passed for 363 yards and seven touchdowns and also rushed for another four scores. Offensive lineman Josh Oatis was one of the better big men on the coast this season and will be one to watch on signing day. Senior WR Coreian Palmer led WHHS with 16 receptions for 298 yards.
Looking ahead: WHHS will return several RBs, including sophomore Zavion Pride, who led the team with 593 yards, and junior Devin Minner, who rushed for 379 yards.
This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Year in review: Looking back at Gautier, Long Beach, Stone and West Harrison ."