#HSFT16: Stop No. 8 – Nanih Waiya Warriors

NANIH WAIYA, Miss. (WCBI) — Since 2002, Nanih Waiya has missed the playoffs and had a losing season just once.

That’s 13 out of the last 14 years being a success. Second year head coach Ryan Keeton continued the winning trend in his first season, but now his second season brings a new challenge with replacing key seniors.

“We lost four seniors that started on both sides of the ball but we have a lot more depth coming back,” coach Keeton said. “We have guys that were young last year that have more experience. We’re expected to be bigger and more physical up front and have a lot better understanding of what we’re doing offensively and defensively.”

“We’re ready to improve,” junior Chris Smith said. “The last two years we came up short. Coach has been pushing us to be better and stronger and we’re getting better day by day each week.”

That is what drives the Warriors this off-season.

Getting to the playoffs is always the goal, but breaking through that State Title barrier has been the issue. This season, coach Keeton hopes with a full year of his system ingrained his kids will help get Nanih Waiya over the top.

“We were late getting in last year then trying to put in your offense and defense in the summer is not conducive to what you’re trying to do,” Keeton said. “We got to do spring this year even though we didn’t have linemen or our skill guys playing baseball. Those guys knew what they were doing and we focused on smaller things rather than who you’re supposed to block. We could focus on their technique and things like that so we’re a lot further along.”

When asked about whether the team is talking State Title, junior Taemaus Glass says it is being mentioned.

“Yes sir. It’s a long way away. We have to go work hard and we’ll get there.”

A big piece of the run to a State Title will be in the backfield.

It’s a thunder & lightning combination with Chris Smith and Taemaus Glass.

“Chris is lightning with the speed and I’m thunder coming with the power,” Taemaus said.

And that power & strength across the board could make for a historic season at Nanih Waiya.

“I think really for us to take that next step where everybody wants this program to be is we need leaders to emerge,” Keeton said. “Some guys that will show up and work hard every day but also hold others accountable. If we get that leadership, then we’ll have something special.”