ROLLING FORK — South Delta had a banner season in 2007. Ten wins, a first-ever trip to the state quarterfinals and an all-star coaching berth for coach Derrick Hooker.

Yet according to Hooker, it was a good thing the Bulldogs have enjoyed some success in the last two seasons. In his first four years, South Delta went 21-23. Over the last two, they’ve gone 19-5, including a pair of divisional titles.

“We had a really good year last year, but this time out, it’s been rough. We’ve started off slow. We didn’t have that same drive in the weight room like we had last year. And we’ve got a lot of people to replace,” said Hooker, who ended his season as an assistant coach in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game. Hooker coached team Mississippi’s offensive line, and that unit helped the Magnolia State grab its first win in the series in four years.

The Bulldogs do return a key cog from last year’s 10-3 club, which lost twice to eventual Class 2A champion West Bolivar. Tailback Darrell Barnes led the Vicksburg Post area with 1,641 yards rushing.

“Darrell’s back but we don’t have much else back to go with him,” Hooker said. “We’re pretty young upfront and really young on defense.”

Offensive guard JeMichael Myles will be counted on to open holes for Barnes and the Bulldog offense.

Myles is the only experienced lineman back. Filling in for four departed starters will be Cedric Clark, Tyree Hubbard, Shaquille Carter and David Adams.

The Bulldogs still have a battle at quarterback between sophomore Reginald Brown and Jeremy Pollard. Brown, though, will get plenty of work at outside linebacker.

Myles will anchor the defense at middle linebacker and Darius Harris will be a two-way starter at fullback and outside linebacker for the Bulldogs.

The secondary could be OK with George Stubbs at strong safety and Curtis White at free safety. Eric Beard will double at corner and receiver while Jeremy Barnes will start at the other corner.

Clark, Hubbard, Carter and Anthony Simpson will key the defensive line. Hooker says Simpson is a promising defensive end.