By Robert Wilson
First-year Clinton High football coach John Carr has seen plenty of superb performances during his 28 seasons at a high school, junior college, and college coach.
But he has been few players dominate the line of scrimmage like James Farr did Friday night.
The 5-foot-8, 230-pound senior defensive lineman had a career-high 11 tackles with one tackle for loss and one sack to help Clinton to a 26-20 victory over Warren Central in the Red Carpet Bowl in Vicksburg in the season opener in both games.
For his outstanding performance, Farr has been named the Junction Deli/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Football Player of the Week.
Clinton’s win over Warren Central, one of the favorites to win MHSAA Class 6A state championship this season, equaled the Arrows’ win total of last season. It also broke a four-game losing streak. Clinton’s only win last season was a 28-21 decision over Terry. Warren Central defeated Clinton 28-7 in last year’s season opener.
The Clinton defense had three stops inside Clinton’s 3-yard line on fourth down attempts and Farr was a big reason why they were able to keep Warren Central out of the end zone on those drives.
Farr is one of Clinton’s captains and a leader of the team.
Carr – who began his coaching career in 1996 as a wide as wide receiver coach at West Ouachita High in West Monroe, La., and has coached high school, junior college and college in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama – has become a big fan of Farr.
“I have been impressed with James since the moment I stepped onto campus,” said Carr, who was named Clinton’s coach in March, replacing Judd Boswell, who was promoted to athletic director. “He has natural leadership qualities and a personality that is infectious. James is full of energy, goes hard each snap and has a throwback toughness component to him. His teammates love being around him, he knows how to push others’ buttons yet to be an awesome teammate. James has the respect of our locker room by the example he sets daily. He personifies energy, attitude, body language and toughness. James also has a kind heart and compassion for others. He is mature beyond his years. James is a super kid.”
Farr’s parents are Alan and Tara Farr. Both graduated from Clinton High, Hinds Community College, and Mississippi State. Alan played defensive end for Clinton’s football team. Farr’s sister Abagail played volleyball for Clinton and won the state championship and now works at Hinds CC. Farr’s brother Robert is in the eighth grade and plays football and golf for Clinton. Farr’s oldest brother John Alan is a Clinton High graduate and is a freshman at Hinds CC.
Clinton plays at Northwest Rankin Friday night in Flowood.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a football player from Hinds, Madison, or Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate a player by text or call to Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
WEEK ONE: Samuel Stockett, MRA
WEEK TWO: Billy Puckett, Jackson Prep
