On Wednesday, February 1st four members of the record setting 2016 PHS Football team sign national letters of intent to play football at the next level. Aritaeus Johnson, Chad Hart, Jesse Pernell and Jammerick Waller helped lead the 2016 Football team to a District Champion Title, a South State Champion Title and a trip to the Class 4A State Championship for the first time in school history.
In order from left to right in the photograph.
Senior cornerback Aritaeus Johnson Jr., the son of Yolanda Moon and Aritaeus Johnson Sr., signed a national letter of intent to play football at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Colin) in Wesson, MS under the direction of Coach Glenn Davis.
Aritaeus, known by his teammates as Frisky or 2 Swavy, leaves Poplarville after playing football for six years with an impressive resume. He led the state in 2016 with 9 interceptions. He was the recipient of the Hornet Defensive Back Award.
He was selected for the:
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2016 All District MVP Team-Defensive Back
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4A All State Defensive First Team
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All USA MS Football Team
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All-South MS Standouts
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Second Team ALL USA
Senior defensive tackle Chad Hart, the son of Lanora Hart and Chadwick McGee, signed a national letter of intent to play football at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS under the direction of Coach David Saunders.
Chad, known by his teammates as Big Nasty, leaves Poplarville after playing football for the past 6 years with a stunning record. He had a career total of 140 tackles and 9 sacks. In 2016, Chad recorded 83 total tackles and 6 sacks. He was the recipient of the Hornets Most Valuable Defensive Player Award.
He was selected for the:
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2016 All-District MVP Team- Defensive Lineman
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Class 4A All-State Defense Second Team
Chad gives God all the glory and stand by the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13
Senior fullback Jesse Pernell, the son of Cynthia Pernell, signed a national letter of intent to play football at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS under the direction Coach David Saunders.
Jesse, known by his teammates as The Train, leaves Poplarville after playing football for the past 6 years with an admirable legacy. Jesse finishes his high school career ranked #1 in Poplarville school history in rushing attempts (599), and rushing yards (4,264). He finished with a total of 51 touchdowns.
Jesse’s 2016 senior year was also his career high with 220 attempts; 1,830 yards; 27 touchdowns; 215 carries; and 3 catches for 82 yards. He was the recipient of the Hornet’s Most Valuable Offensive Player Award and the 2016 Ironman Award with a new school record of 232 points.
He was selected for the:
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2016 All District MVP Team
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2016 All District Overall MVP
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4A All-State Offense First Team
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All-South MS Standout
Senior defensive end Jamerrick Waller, the son of Neki Kinney and grandson of Kary Waller, signed a national letter of intent to play football at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS under the direction of Coach David Saunders.
Jamerrick, known by his teammates as The Smash, leaves Poplarville after playing football for the past 6 years with an outstanding achievement. He had a career total of 155 tackles, 25 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries and 1 touchdown. In 2016, Jamerrick recorded 58 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He was the recipient of the Hornets Defensive Lineman Award and the 2016 Weight Champion with a total of 1,045 pounds, 240 bench, 525 squat, and 280 clean.
He was selected for the:
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2016 All District MVP Team- Defensive lineman
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Class 4A All-State Defense Second Team