photo by Marcus Frazier

Natchez Falcon Gregory Terrell maneuvers through South Jackson 49er defenders Saturday at Natchez High School.

Natchez Falcons youth football players gain knowledge in first season

By Brian Reynolds (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, October 12, 2008

NATCHEZ — Although all three Natchez Falcons teams finished with losing records, head coach Darryl Smith said they had a winning season.

For the Falcons, who are in their first season in the Mississippi Youth Sports Association, going out and playing was victory enough.

“They’ve practiced hard all year and tried their best, Smith said.

Jamal McCullen, coach of the 6 to 8-year old C-team agreed.

“I told the kids, once we get off the bus in Jackson, we’ve already won.”

The league was also a great character builder for the team, he said.

“Some of them started — I don’t want to say undisciplined — but unfocused, and have turned it around,” McCullen said of his players.

Standout receiver for the A-team in Saturday’s game, Greg Terrell said he also learned a lot from the league.

“I learned team work,” Terrell said. “I can’t have my way all the time. There’s no I in team.”

The fact that players must maintain a C average in their schoolwork was also encouraged him to keep his grades up. Terrell said he got all As this year.

But he also cannot wait to get back on the field next season and improve their record.

Smith echoed that sentiment.

“We still have something to prove,” Smith said.

And he thinks that, much like the South Jackson 49s who beat all three teams easily Saturday, they will get better with time.

“Some of the kids we’ve been playing out of Jackson have been playing since they were six and it shows on the field,” he said.