Mississippi
Three legendary football coaches who left lasting legacies in Mississippi
Their hallmarks of authentic goodness, love of coaching young men and strong affection for Mississippi overlap their wins and losses.
The trinity of former head college football coaches in this state, Archie Cooley at Mississippi Valley State, Steve Sloan at Ole Miss and Bob Tyler at Mississippi State, secured some sweet victories, however. While not as often as desired by all fans, each delivered the glory.
I knew Tyler best, mainly from his willingness to do anything he could to help this state, on or off the field. He was super successful as a prep coach with records that vaulted him into the college ranks.
I’ll always believe that if he’d been chosen to succeed John H. Vaught at Ole Miss in 1970, the Rebels’ long run as a Southeastern Conference power would’ve endured. He wasn’t picked and the Rebs’ heyday closed.
Tyler prospered as head coach at Mississippi State from 1973-1978, taking his 1974 team to the program’s first bowl in 11 years, defeating North Carolina in the Sun Bowl and attaining a national ranking. Eventually, he worked in government, lobbying for the state parks system and his home county of Yalobusha.
He and I talked about a book project. It never happened, but I wanted to entitle it, “Bob Tyler: He coached the Bulldogs; He should’ve coached the Rebels.”
Sloan was called “America’s hottest young coach” when he became the Ole Miss head man, succeeding the fired Ken Cooper. He’d won everywhere he’d been, including the impossible Vanderbilt, where, at age 27, his team played in the school’s first bowl in 20 years.
He never got it going at Ole Miss from 1978-1982, his best season 5-6 as he compiled a 20-34-1 overall record. Sloan went beyond the call supporting “The Ole Miss Spirit,” a publication of mine and two associates, Chuck Rounsaville and Josh Bogen, while he was the Rebel coach. We are forever grateful.
I’ve often said Sloan missed it on vocations. I believe he was good enough to have played professional golf. He found time to play often and well, even while coaching, and qualified and competed in the 1995 U.S. Senior Open.
Veteran Mississippi sportswriter Rick Cleveland called Sloan “the nicest coach I ever covered. Just a prince.” That’s a sentiment heard often about this, well, prince of a guy.
Sloan played quarterback for Alabama legend Bear Bryant, who on his deathbed called in Sloan to sit with his family.
Cooley, the most colorful of this coaching triumvirate, was known as “The Gunslinger” for his wide-open, no-huddle “Satellite Express” offensive scheme sometimes featuring five receivers.
Cooley found microphones early and often in Itta Bena, highlighted by his Sunday night TV show that attracted an outsized Mississippi Delta following.
At Valley from 1980-1986, he coached inarguably the greatest wide receiver ever known in College Hall of Famer and NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who dazzled crowds catching passes from Delta Devils quarterback Willie “Satellite” Totten.
Cooley took Valley to the NCAA playoffs and coached a momentous game in 1984 against in-state rival Alcorn State. Both were unbeaten at 7-0 going into the game played in Jackson because, in a move successfully sought by the writer Cleveland, Valley’s stadium was deemed too small for such a tectonic game.
Alcorn rattled Valley 42-28 before 63,000-plus fans. The Jackson stadium’s capacity was 62,000. “They whipped us good, like we usually do to people,” Cooley admitted later.
Each member of this special trio spoke candidly, among their other traits.
— Mac Gordon, a native of McComb, is a retired newspaperman. He can be reached at macmarygordon@gmail.com.
Mississippi
Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 12, 2025
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 12, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 12 drawing
12-14-17-25-27
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 12 drawing
Midday: 0-1-2, FB: 3
Evening: 4-2-3, FB: 6
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 12 drawing
Midday: 2-7-9-1, FB: 3
Evening: 7-3-4-5, FB: 6
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 12 drawing
Midday: 12
Evening: 04
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Mississippi
7 top recruits to watch in Saturday’s Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic
Many of the future stars of college football will be competing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic on Saturday afternoon on the campus of the University of Southern Miss in Hattiesburg.
Alabama Crimson Tide signees are expected to be among the headliners, with six total players (four for Alabama, two for Mississippi) competing in the game. Auburn’s representation was greatly reduced by injuries. The Tigers are left with one player representing Alabama after Saraland receiver DeShawn Spencer, Wadley linebacker Jaquez Wilkes and Petal defensive lineman Corey Wells were late scratches from the game.
Best in Bama Top 50
Players from the game are headed to four of the 12 teams in the College Football Playoffs, including Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Alabama.
The game will kick off at noon on Saturday and will be broadcast across the state on Alabama Public Television.
Here are seven players to be on the lookout for during the matchup.
ALABAMA
CD Morgan, wide receiver, Benjamin Russell (jersey No. 1)
There likely will not be a player on the field who looks more SEC-ready than the 6-foot-4, 220-pound wide receiver. Are the comparisons to former Foley, Alabama and NFL star Julio Jones fair? This will be the biggest stage so far for Morgan to begin justifying the lofty and unfair comparisons.
DJ Broughton, tight end, Mary G. Montgomery, (No. 15)
Broughton was one of the catalysts for a remarkable turnaround for Class 7A Mary G. Montgomery, along with all-star teammate and Mississippi State signee Kaleb Morris (No. 0).
After being a longtime commit to South Florida, Broughton will forever be remembered as the first Auburn commit of the Alex Golesh era.
EJ Crowell, running back, Jackson, (No. 13)
The hype could not be any higher for Crowell, who is the most celebrated back to sign with the Crimson Tide since Derrick Henry. Like Henry, Crowell will have to learn the nuances of the position before becoming a major contributor in college. But the talent when Crowell has the ball in his hands is undeniable.
Brock Bradley, quarterback, Spain Park, (No. 7)
The Alabama squad should be in good shape with two pocket-passer quarterbacks who are athletic enough to make plays on the run. Bradley is a longtime pledge to the Clemson Tigers. He will share the position with his future in-state rival Landon Duckworth (No. 3), who will play for South Carolina after leading Jackson to back-to-back state championships.
Mhari Johnson, defensive lineman, Muscle Shoals, (No. 9)
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive lineman was a catalyst for one of the stiffest defenses in the state at Muscle Shoals. He could be a strong candidate for early playing time with the Crimson Tide.
While Johnson is expected to be one of the top playmakers on the defensive line, look for Central-Phenix City linebacker and Jacksonville State signee Tristan Lyle (No. 19) and Gadsden City defensive back and Alabama signee Zyan Gibson (No. 5) to also be defensive leaders.
MISSISSIPPI
JJ Hill, running back, Tupelo (No. 0)
Hill is the younger brother of Alabama’s Daniel Hill. Both are bruising backs. The younger Hill is 25 pounds lighter than his brother, but he’s still listed at 6-feet, 220 pounds. Hill will share the backfield with Gulfport’s Cooper Crosby (No. 6). Crosby was likely headed for Auburn before the Tigers made a coaching change. He will now play for Mississippi State. Tupelo and Gulfport squared off in a wild state championship game a week ago, with Gulfport scoring on a Hail Mary pass and extra point at the end of the game to win. Now the two backs who starred in that game will be all-star teammates before playing together at Mississippi State.
Bryson Cooley, offensive lineman, West Jones (jersey No. 63)
Securing Cooley late in the recruiting process was a huge win for Alabama. He is one of two future Tide players on the Mississippi roster, joining defensive lineman Nolan Smith (No. 34) of Picayune Memorial.
Mississippi
Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 11, 2025
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 11, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 11 drawing
01-10-12-20-28
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 11 drawing
Midday: 4-5-1, FB: 4
Evening: 2-5-4, FB: 4
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 11 drawing
Midday: 9-0-0-7, FB: 4
Evening: 1-7-0-0, FB: 4
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 11 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 11
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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