2014 High School Football Tour: South Pontotoc

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PONTOTOC, Miss. (WCBI) — A new era begins this year at South Pontotoc.

Former New Hope head coach Michael Bradley ventures north to take over a Cougar football team that went 3-8 last season.

That’s nothing new for Bradley, as he took over a New Hope team that struggled before making them into a State Championship contender.

It’s a slow process thus far for the Cougars, but coach Bradley likes what he sees thus far from his new squad.

“Any time you go into a new situation there’s going to be a process,” Bradley said. “There’s a period of change and getting accustomed to one another. I hope we can gel together quickly and have some success and hopefully that means some wins.”

For the players at South, it almost feels as if they’ve joined a new team this off-season.

The fieldhouse weight racks still say ‘Cougars’ but it’s almost as if it’s a new squad and a new energy around South Pontotoc that the Cougars hope they can use to their advantage this upcoming season.

“It’s a whole new atmosphere,” senior Clay Hood said. “Everybody is working together as a team. Coach Bradley really has us disciplined and I think we’re ready for a great season.”

“It’s a whole new energy,” senior Colton Rogers said. “I feel like there’s a lot more intensity with coach Bradley. Everybody is excited and looking forward to what we can accomplish this year.”

It will still be a young and inexperienced team in spots, but coach Bradley will be the first to say there’s plenty of talent and leadership at South Pontotoc for 2014.

One key ingredient though stands out that will help take the Cougars to a new level in 2014.

“Our work ethic will really be our strength,” Bradley said. “The guys have worked really hard.

“We have 14 seniors and a good group of kids. We’ll start several sophomores this year but the future is bright. We have to keep working every day and continue to get better and hopefully some good things go our way.”

South will start the season on the road at Hatley before returning for their home opener versus Vardaman on August 29th.