Eric Collins, head coach of the Pearl River Central Blue Devils football team, is hard at work preparing his team for the upcoming season.
Originally from New Orleans, Collins has always had a love of sports. In high school he played football, baseball, basketball and was on the track team. He went on to play football and baseball at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.
Collins is heading into his sixth season as head coach at PRC, and has high hopes for his team.
“We are going to be very good, I think we could win a state championship,” said Collins.
Last year, the Blue Devils ended their season at 6-5. PRC fell to Picayune in the first round of the playoffs to end the season, said Collins. Although the Blue Devils were able to defeat Laurel last season, the only 5A team to do so, they could not seem to find a positive rhythm.
“Last year we had a good team, but we were not really consistent. We still have some things we want to get accomplished,” said Collins.
With 25 seniors on his roster this season, Collins has good reason to be optimistic. Collins expects Christian Roberts and Hunter Holifield, a pair of senior running backs, to be dangerous in the offensive backfield this season. All of Collins’ linebackers will be returning, including senior inside linebacker David Salser.
Collins feels like he has several standouts this season including senior free safety Dalton Howe, who is already getting a lot of looks from college recruiters. Senior defensive tackle Josh Neumann has already received an offer from Hines University.
Collins is already looking ahead to some of the bigger games on his schedule, and said that he always looks forward to meeting Picayune and Poplarville on the field during the season.
“Those are big county rival games, and they are always meaningful,” said Collins.
He is also looking forward to the game against Hattiesburg this season.
“They are in our district so that will be big,” said Collins.
With junior quarterback Wyatt Davis at the helm, Collins feels his group will have a successful season.
“He will do well leading the team, there is no doubt in my mind,” said Collins.
The Blue Devils will open their season against Forrest County at home on August 21.