Tigers set to open 2004 slate at Forest

By By Steve Swogetinsky / special to The Star
July 4, 2004
NEWTON After a solid spring football training session in May, the Newton High School Tigers are in the weight room this summer, working toward their season opening game Aug. 27 at Forest.
"We had a good spring," Newton coach Pepper Posey said. "Now we have to hit the weight room this summer and work hard. We have a way to go. But if everyone keeps working hard, we can get there."
The Tigers finished 4-7 last year, but two of those losses came as the result of a missed extra point or error on the kicking game. Posey said the Tigers worked on that in the spring.
"We will be spending a good bit of time on special teams," Posey said.
Phillip Evans will be doing the punting and some place kicking. Luzezo Jones will also be working on place kicking.
Starting center Mike Pientowski missed part of spring training with a shoulder injury but is expected back for the fall. Montez Moore came out of the spring as the starting quarterback, but his talents may also be needed at cornerback. Backup quarterback Courtney Ruffin threw the ball well and is expected to see a lot of playing time this spring.
The Tigers compete in Division 5-2A along with Kemper County, Philadelphia, Williams-Sullivan, Lake and Clarkdale. They play a tough non-district schedule as well. After Forest, the Tigers host Ackerman on Sept. 3, then visit Enterprise and Bay Springs.
They host Kemper County on Sept. 24 in their first division game of the season, beginning a three-week home stand that brings in Philadelphia on Oct. 1 and West Lauderdale on Oct. 8.
The Tigers visit William Sullian on Oct. 15, host Lake on Oct. 22, and then close out the season at Clarkdale.