Pre-Season Playoff Preditions: Tupelo Christian Prep Football.

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tupelo Christian Prep Eagles had a solid season in 2021 despite losing their two first games. After shaking off those two losses the Eagles went the rest of the season undefeated granting them a spot in the 1A Semi-Finals. How will the Eagles fare in 2022? Will they repeat their run to the semi-finals? Let’s consider the program, returning athletes, and other key factors that may determine how successful the Tupelo Christian Prep football team will be in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tupelo Christian Prep 11-3 Overall, 7-0 District</strong><br><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Shaune Holiday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tupelo Christian Prep Football team features a balanced running and passing attack which has helped them defeat their opponents quite easily. Their ability to be effective in multiple avenues allows for them to be a complete team who keeps their foot on the gas. The Eagles were able to outperform most of their opponents and be competitive in every game. Being a team that is able to both run and pass the ball is what got earned them the title of the top 4 teams in the 1A division but will their returners be able to produce just as much as last year?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Returning Athletes:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles will not be losing many of their starting pieces on offense however they will be losing their main signal caller to graduation and main receiver. The other seniors were decent contributors however the load was evenly distributed among the different classes therefore much talent will remain on their roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Layth Holiday</strong>, 5-7 145 ATH Class of 2023<br>Layth is a versatile returner who may more than likely be starting QB in 2023. If not QB Layth is set to be a productive WR for his team as well. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff is able to get him up to speed and capitalize on his athleticism. If the coaches can do that Layth will be a great piece to aid in getting them back to the semi-finals. On defense, Layth is just as versatile and productive. He collected 5 INTs in 2021 proving his ability to go up and make plays in crucial moments. However, Layth’s skills are put to use he is sure to be an important part of this team making the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13342644/61a5163123475106584321ba">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13342644/61a5163123475106584321ba</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emmanual Randel</strong> 5-6 175 RB Class of 2025<br>Emmanual Randel is a young stud who lead the Eagles in rushing yards last season. His tenacity and instincts have propelled him into the role of starter which he has done so well. His running style is aggressive and also boasts great speed and agility. When watching him play you rarely see him go down with first contact which is what allowed him to gain over 1,000 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. This young man is a force to be reckoned with and a promising recruit. If the Eagles do make it back into the playoffs Emmanual will certainly be a big reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GatA6">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GatA6</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id=’281329’ first=’Brewer’ last=’Bailey’], </strong> 5-10 152 SS Class of 2024<br>[player_tooltip player_id=’281329’ first=’Brewer’ last=’Bailey’] is an athlete that packs a punch with every tackle. Every chance he gets Brewer is attacking the ball carrier and stopping him right in his tracks. He is a sure tackler who can make tackles both in the open field and within the box. Brewer is an excellent coverage man and great with his run fits as well. He plays with the tenacity that Troy Polamalu played with willing to do what it takes to make the play. This is what lead to him recording over 120 tackles and 2 interceptions. His performance will be crucial to the Eagles keeping their opponents in check while making their run to the playoffs in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15332876/61213a670dc02a09e0c61a4c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15332876/61213a670dc02a09e0c61a4c</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Returning Athletes:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jenkins Wells, </strong>5-8 160 ATH Class of 2023<br><strong>Gabe Malone,</strong> 5-7 180 MLB Class of 2024<br><strong>Stuart Long, </strong>5-9 160 K, P Class of 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In order for the Eagles to be competitive this year the previously mentioned athletes and their teammates will need to dramatically improve to repeat the results of 2021. The most notable area that needs improvement will be their passing game as they lost their main QB and WR duo. If the rest of the team can step up and fill those voids then the probability of being successful in the playoffs is tangible. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Place in 2022</strong><br>The Tupelo Christian Prep Eagles finished within the state’s top 4 1A football programs last year. Although reaching the semi-finals is an achievement on its own, one can’t help but wonder if the coaching staff will be able to capitalize on the momentum in the 2022 season. It may take some effort but I won’t be surprised if we see the Eagles in this same position come November. Let’s wait and see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->