MOUNT IDA LIONS – FOOTBALL

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Mount Ida is coming off an 11-2 season with an all-state backfield returning. Head coach Michael White, in his 18th year, says the Lions have “a good core of players coming back,” though some spots will be “hard to fill from last year’s team.” He’s assisted by Rowdy Scott and Bridger Farmer, and a strong offseason has him confident others will step up.

Offensively, Mount Ida returns its all-state quarterback and running back but must rebuild the offensive line, running a split-back veer built on a disciplined, hard-nosed approach to run the ball, control the clock and control the game. Junior quarterback Jackson White (6-1, 178) totaled 1,279 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns, rushing for 816 yards and 15 TDs while passing for 443 yards and five scores. Senior running back Kaceston Phimvongsa (5-9, 170) ran for 888 yards at 7.9 yards per carry with nine touchdowns, and senior running back Chris Dorrell (5-10, 178) added 567 rushing yards on the year (423 in one accounting). Senior Eli McCullough (6-2, 245-260) anchors the retooled line, now working at center, alongside junior tackle Eli Porter (6-0, 260), while senior receiver Jett Brooks (6-1, 168) contributed 342 all-purpose yards. The Lions’ conference schedule includes Mountain View, Quitman, Riverview, Salem, Marshall, Yellville and Melbourne.

Defensively, Mount Ida returns five starters in a 4-4 front, with a multiple scheme built around Okie and Bear fronts to stay flexible and aggressive. White emphasizes that the Lions “want to be aggressive and disciplined in every aspect.” Dorrell at linebacker produced 90 tackles and 15 TFLs, McCullough anchors the defensive end spot, White at linebacker/safety added 73 tackles and six TFLs, and Phimvongsa at linebacker chipped in 53 tackles and 12 TFLs.