Harrison Central ready to compete for more in Tony Myers’ second year
A little shakeup around the building is just what Tony Myers needed in year two.
A reorganized coaching staff and a new starting quarterback have the Red Rebels off to a 4-1 start and ready to begin competing in the Coast’s tough 7A region.
In five games, Harrison Central has already bested the win total posted by last year’s 3-7 team.
The catalyst for the quick turnaround has been the installation of new schemes on both sides of the ball and the hunger of a senior in his first year as the starting quarterback.
“They’re definitely connected to the schemes a little better,” Red Rebels head coach Myers said about his players adjusting to new playbooks. “The coaching styles of the two coordinators has taken a while for them to get used to, but the consistency is myself. They’re buying into what we’re trying to build and they’re adjusting.”
Leading the new offense is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College baseball commit Tri Gaughf. The senior backed up Christian Turner over the last two seasons before taking the reins this year.
He’s already up to 1,103 yards and 11 touchdowns compared with three interceptions. Gaughf has eclipsed 200 passing yards four times and had a four-touchdown game in the Red Rebels’ lone loss of the year against Meridian.
“Tri’s an athlete; he just has that ‘it’ factor,” Myers said. ”He’s a natural leader: He’s quiet, but he naturally leads. He’s very efficient in running the offense. It’s real subtle, but you’ll see him getting on to kids for miscommunications or missed assignments. He does what he needs to do to keep this going.”
Ready for the moment
Gaughf has moved into his new role at a pivotal time. Harrison Central finished the 2022 season on a four-game losing streak and had lost five of its last six games.
As a result, Myers used the late season as an opportunity to play a slew of younger athletes. That decision is beginning to pay off.
“Having young players play last year helped this year because now they’re getting more mature and that maturity is showing on the field; they’re showing experience,” Gaughf said.
One of those players who stepped up last year was receiver Tyree Barnett. Now a junior, Barnett caught 56 passes as a sophomore and has been Gaughf’s favorite target this year.
Gaughf himself played receiver a year ago and his experience on the other end of the ball has helped his connection with Barnett.
“Yeah, it’s special,” Gaughf said of his link with Barnett. “You know, I’m gonna get the ball in his hands. He’s open a lot.”
Barnett has 24 catches this year and is paired with sophomore running back Jaden Eckford as the Red Rebels’ go-to skill weapons.
The trio make up the bulk of HCHS’s offense. The opportunity to lead it is one that Gaughf has been preparing for.
“Obviously I’ve been waiting on this my whole high school career, finally starting,” Gaughf said. “I’ve been ready, we’ve been prepping all summer... . I’ve been waiting on this moment.”
Pitching with defense
As a pitcher who worked a 2.45 ERA across 11 starts during the spring, Gaughf knows a thing or two about the importance of defense.
That side of the ball is giving up just 19.4 points per game under new defensive coordinator and former West Alabama assistant Ervin Jackson.
Jackson’s “hard-nosed” coaching style has been an adjustment, according to Myers, but has improved the team’s discipline.
“Each week as our mistakes come down, that unit is getting better and better,” Myers said. “They’re sticking to their techniques and the production is showing on the field.”
One of the leaders who have stepped up is Boone Wilson, who picked up 55 tackles as a sophomore a year ago. Though traditionally undersized for his position, Wilson is already up to 60 stops and 12 tackles for a loss in this campaign.
“If you look at (Wilson), you wouldn’t think he’s one of the best linebackers in South Mississippi,” Myers said. “You’re either a finder or a chaser. You either cannot find the ball and you’re chasing it all night, or you’re the kind of kid that’s naturally finding it. Boone is a finder. He just flies to the ball and he brings the thump when he comes ... . If he was 6-foot-1, 220 lbs, Alabama would be here.”
Wilson’s defense will be put to the test this week when the Red Rebels open district play against four-star prospect and Ole Miss commit Noreel White and his St. Martin Yellow Jackets.
Harrison Central will then return home for two key district games against Ocean Springs and D’Iberville.
“As long as we’re improving in certain areas, we’ll get better and better as the season goes on,” Myers said. “We feel like we’re ready to compete in district. But we want to keep improving through district and be ready to compete in the playoffs.”
