Starkville Academy Volunteers

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) –– Repeating the success of 2005 is still the goal at Starkville Academy.

That was the last time the Volunteers brought home the MAIS State Football Championship and the Vols were just one win short of winning that elusive State Title a season ago.

Now they move on without the man that got them there twice in Jeff Terrill, which has opened the door for offensive coordinator Chase Nicholson to take over the Volunteers for 2015.

“Other than the fact I sit behind the computer a little more, everything is the same,” Nicholson said. “I have great coaches around me and that has helped. I know I can leave for a week and go to class and know everything is fine. The pressure has been light thanks to the coaches I have with me.”

Speaking of that coaching staff, it’s an all star cast of characters that helps coach Nicholson lead the way.

Brad Butler continues his duties at defensive coordinator, Louisville High State Champion Tony Stanford takes over the line and special teams and like a good infomercial: that’s not all.

Legendary State Champion coach of West Point Bubba Davis remains on staff as well.

With those big names, the Volunteers feel they have the best coaching staff in the state of Mississippi.

“I’ve been making a joke that everybody who works with me has more head coaching experience than I do,” Nicholson said. “A combined 50 something years and I have six months of it. Having those guys with the knowledge and the relationships they make with the kids and knowing what the kids need to hear is invaluable.”

But it’s the team returning at SA that will make the Vols a dangerous side.

Quarterback Houston Clark returns for his third year under center, super athletes Parker Guest, Drake Gordman and Colt Chrestman are all back along with Noah Heflin and big man Carter Wood in the trenches.

That all star cast teaming up with a who’s who of coaches could make for a special season at Starkville Academy.

“That part of it is awesome because we can hit the ground running offensively this year,” Nicholson said. “We hope to put up some points and our ultimate goal is to score 50 points per game. It’s not like we’re fielding a bunch of rookies. There’s a lot of experience and athleticism across the board.”

The Vols will start the season with back to back home games against Marshall Academy and West Lowndes as they look to make their return to Clinton to play for the State Title in 2015.