Video: Buchanan Aims To Lead Okolona Deep Into The Playoffs

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) — Antonio Buchanan looks to keep the Chieftains in the winning direction.

The Okolona Chieftains have been on the up swing this season after having back to back 2-9 seasons. The team dropped down classifications from 2a to 1a this summer, and the team is posing and 8-2 record with the region 1-1a division wrapped up. One of the talented athletes on the Chieftains squad has helped right the ship.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most is being able to win,” said student athlete Antonio Buchanan.  ” Win the game of football with my brothers. We seem to have each others back when we need each other. we are there for each other and everyone is willing to step up.”

Head coach LaMart Harvey has turned the program around in a year, winning their first division title since 2010. Buchanan says that coach Harvey has pushed him and the team to become better.

“He told us to work hard,” Buchanan said. “He’s always taught us effort between you and you, so that’s what’s made us step up and push ourselves each and every day.”

Coach Harvey and quarterback Jacob Buchanan have seen his leadership on and off the field firsthand.

“He’s a coach’s dream,” said LaMart Harvey. “Very coach able. Excels not only on the basketball court and the football field, but excels in the classroom, and that’s what I’m most proud of from Antonio because he does it in the classroom as well.”

“He leads by example,” said teammate Jacob Buchanan. “Everybody looks up to him. Only thing he goes and gives the best in everything he does. That’s just something he does. Everybody looks up to Antonio.”

It has been twenty four years since the Okolona Chieftains have been crowned state champions, but Antonio hopes that can change for the community.

“It would mean a lot for us,” Buchanan said. “It’s been a minute since we’ve brought a state championship to Okolona. It would be a great accomplishment for me and my class.”

Okolona will host Potts Camp Friday at 7 p.m. in the  regular season finale.