2016 Around the South columns

November 15, 2016 A focus on the family at UMHB UMHB star Baylor Mullins played high school ball with his father and brother as his coaches. Today, his dad is helping to coach the Cru, just on the opposite side of the ball.

November 8, 2016 Small-school life suits Centre's star Devin Hayes spent his first couple of seasons sitting behind Centre all-time great Heath Haden. Now that Hayes has had a chance to shine, he's taken full advantage of it.

November 1, 2016 Patience the path to peak performance Hardin-Simmons quarterback Ryan Breton got the call to step in as a starter midseason last year, and he hasn't looked back since.

October 25, 2016 From signal-caller to ball-hawker A high school career as a quarterback has uniquely prepared Southwestern's Matt Gillen for his role as the team's star wideout -- and it would be little surprise to see him add another first-team all-conference selection to his resume.

October 18, 2016 Bears linebacker has taken ownership of defense On a Washington U. defense marked by youth, Jake Coon has exceled as a leader and the team tackle leader.

October 11, 2016 TLU's first win is a historic one The Bulldogs' first win of the season has sent coach Danny Padron into the school record books.

October 4, 2016 Rusher's collegiate rise began humbly Running back Aurren Cooksey was a high school star who ended up on Louisiana College's JV roster. But it was there he learned patience and perseverance, helping to propel him to being among the nation's best.

September 27, 2016 Watching his family and flooding from afar The flood waters that destroyed the Louisiana home of Zac Stuart stood taller than the Rhodes defensive back's shoulders.

September 20, 2016 Trinity roaring toward the national stage As a player on the 2002 Stagg Bowl team, current Trinity coach Jerheme Urban knows what life is like at the national level. He wants to get the Tigers back there.

September 13, 2016 Berry rusher channels confidence on record day Running back Austin Lowe is helping to propel a Berry offense that just set a school record for points in a game.

September 6, 2016 ETBU out to prove it's no one-hit wonder ETBU linebacker CJ Johnson is expected to play a pivotal role all season for the Tigers, who have high hopes of repeating atop the ASC, but this time come away with a playoff bid.

August 31, 2016 10 games to watch for 2016 Columnist Brian Lester has seen a lot of the nation suit up and battle it out on the gridiron, and he's back for his second year celebrating stars of the South. He gives you a snapshot of 10 games that should be on your radar.