#HSFT17: Stop No. 1 – Vardaman Rams

VARDAMAN, Miss. (WCBI) —  In Vardaman, playoff appearances are expected.

From 1991 to 2012, the Vardaman Rams were a household name in the high school football postseason.

After a three year drought, the Rams returned to the postseason in 2016.

“It’s really clear now, the expectations and what it takes to reach that level of playoff contention and
a winning season,” head football coach Larry Gann said.

“We have the same goals most everybody else does.”

In 2016, the Rams finished above .500 for the first time since 2012.

This year brings a new challenge in 2017, as Vardaman jumps from region one to region three in 1A for the upcoming season.

“We’re in unfamiliar territory in our division games outside of West Lowndes and Hamilton,” Gann said, “so the unknown part about it makes you a little apprehensive, but we feel good about the kids we have coming back”

Fifteen seniors return for Gann, eleven of those starters from a year ago.

“Our goal this season is to make it further in the playoffs than last year,” senior wide receiver and outside linebacker Tanner Havens said, “…learn from the mistakes that cost us big games last year.”

“Fundamentals, strength, speed. Anything that we need to improve in we are improving in,” senior left tackle Dillon Williams said.

“I see it in the weight room, out on the field, everywhere.”

This year’s senior class has been a part of the rebuilding of Rams football.

“I just hope we have a winning season and make it to the playoffs. Our goal isn’t to go to the championship yet, it’s the step by step to get there,” senior defensive tackle and defensive end Zack Berry said.

While Vardaman fans await the school’s first championship, they’ll continue to root for a Rams revival.

“The town of Vardaman has really increased their support for our football program,” Williams said.

“Last year we made our playoff appearance, I have to say, we had some of the best crowds at our home games that we’ve seen in a while.”

The Rams kick off the 2017 with a road trip to take on the South Pontotoc Cougars on August 17th.