By JIM STEELE
mckenzierebels.com

Over the last three seasons, McKenzie's middle school football team has won 22 of its last 27 football games and against some pretty stiff competition.

Last year, the Rebels were untested, largely inexperienced. Same for the Rebels two years ago at this point. Many were uncertain as to what fortunes, if any, lay ahead for the MMS crew. Well, folks, here we go again.

Gone are most of McKenzie's starters, most of McKenzie's yardage, most of McKenzie's size and all of its leadership. Finding someone who will take the reins on the field will be a priority Monday when MMS hits the practice field this spring.

"We're still looking for leaders, but the thing I like about these kids is the effort they give," said McKenzie coach Brad Chappell. "We had an exceptional group last year; we had size and strength."

This year?

"This year, our guys are going to have to get used to the idea that we're not going to be as big as most people we play," said Chappell. "But we're going to need to find our strength and play to our strengths."

McKenzie will be without one its returning prodigies. Chance Flippin, who had two long touchdown runs totaling over 150 yards a year ago, recently broke his hand in a non-football related incident and won't be available for spring practice. But one of the big cogs in machinery will be back. Storme Hilliard is slated to run the show at quarterback. Hilliard is a speedster who made a big impact on both sides of the football last year.

"There is no doubt that Storme will be a big part of the offense and defense," said Chappell. "We have two starters back on the offensive line, Matt Warren and Jay McCutcheon, but they may be at different positions this season."

Warren played tackle, but Chappell thinks he may be better suited as a tight end.

"We have some players who got a lot of experience last year and that will help us," Chappell. "They played a lot last year in varsity games and we had a few seventh-grade games, too."

In addition, next year's seventh graders have potential, says the coach.

"We're excited about the group that was in sixth grade this year," said Chappell. "They are pretty good and work hard."

The Rebels have made use of the weight equipment, passed down from the high school. The Rebels wanted to get started in the weightroom the day after the bowl game, but MMS started a vigorous weight and conditioning program in January.

"I have seen other weightrooms around and I think we probably have one of the best weightrooms in West Tennessee, probably better than most high schools," said Chappell. "If a kid wants to get stronger and faster, he's in the right spot if he doesn't mind working."

The Rebels will feature new game uniforms, new helmets and will make use of a new blocking sled for practice. McKenzie has one spring scrimmage and that will be Friday, March 7 at Rebel Field against perennial middle school power Paris-Inman. Tentative start time is 4 p.m.

"Inman will be good again," said Chappell. "We're going to have to get used to playing teams like that because we don't have size like we used to, but looking at these kids, we aren't that small either. We'll get started MOnday."

The Rebels may postpone Monday's practice if the weather is stormy.

"I don't mind practicing in rain or snow or cold," said Chappell. "But I'm not going to risk anyone's life with storms and tornadoes."