As I walked across Trojan Field before the division game between Bruce and Water Valley this past Friday, he was calmly standing in the North end-zone watching his squad warm-up for just another game. This was not just another game. With both hands slid in each of his pant pockets, while donning a blue and white jacket, you can only imagine what was racing through Brad Embry’s mind.
He could have been revisiting his numerous receptions as tight end just a few years ago while playing his high school football at Bruce. Or, it could be aiding Malcolm Williams and Benjy Parker by stopping former West Lowndes and Mississippi State running back Keffer McGee in the 1992 Playoffs. If I were a betting man, he was thinking of the night Bruce was trailing Water Valley late in the game at Clark Field. The Trojans were being beaten on the line of scrimmage and the Blue Devils had driven to the 10-yard line and inching ever so close for the go ahead score. Following a time-out, head coach Darrell Logan and defensive coordinator Donny Logan called his name, “Joey, make something happen, son!” And he did. The brothers did. The team did. That’s what Trojan Football is. That is the competitive nature in Embry and it showed last Friday night, only this time he wore the Blue but it did not encompass any Gold.
Embry, the first-year head coach at Water Valley, has earned his stripes so far. The Bruce native began his career at Madison Central High School and furthered his career at Tupelo High School, serving as an assistant at both schools and drawing quite the praise from numerous coaches across the state. The staple of success and discipline, obviously instilled by his parents Bill and Gwen, will continue to shine among our high school athletes. Only this time as head coach.
As we were regaling in the tales of yesteryear, I glanced to the right and saw his parents heading to their seat to watch their son, grinning ear to ear. As I continued the conversation, we both understood what words were not spoken. Brad’s brother would not be here to revel in the joy of seeing both his beloved Trojans play and “big brother” coaching his first game back home. Many times, silence says more than we can ever fathom.
“Were happy in Water Valley,” Embry said. “I am really enjoying the opportunity I have been given, the staff is great and I am so proud of our kids,” he added. Much of the roster is loaded with younger kids and building a program takes time. There is little doubt, the Blue Devil program is well on its way. Look no further than Bruce and Calhoun City. Both James Ray and Mike Ray, respectively, have built powerful programs that are no stranger to post-season play year in and year out. Playoff appearances are not celebrated. They’re expected. The gap in talent and experience was evident this past Friday as Bruce extended a 20-14 halftime lead to the 33-14 victory. Similar to the Vardaman Rams administration in the hiring of Justin Hollis, the administration at Water Valley should be commended; a job well done.
Seasons will come and seasons will go. I can only envision how much Joey would have relished this moment. To be honest, this adds to the list of memorable games, and moments, in the storied history of Bruce and Water Valley. Let’s hope it will not be the last.
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