The rallying cry was “One for the thumb.” Unfortunately, the 20th century Steelers didn’t win that fifth ring. Let’s get back to the present. Saturday night at The Rock in Southern Miss was the venue where the West Point Green Wave attempted to win the 10th state championship in Mississippi’s history. They could have called it “One for the Second Thumb.” It was awarded to West Point, which is not surprising for anyone who closely follows Mississippi prep football. Chris Chambless’s Green Wave defeated West Jones by 27-12 to win their third consecutive Class 5A title. This was the largest margin of victory in the six state championship games. It was even more impressive that an estimated 8,000 West Jones fans packed into the stadium’s east side, making it the largest crowd of the weekend at 10,367. This was a game West Point would consider a road match. The Green Wave has won the state championships in 1992, 1987, 1989, 2005 and 2009, 2010 and in Starkville and Oxford. In his twelve years at West Point, Chambless won five. Want more? The Green Wave has won 43 out of 45 games. In three seasons, they have not lost a playoff or district game. In three seasons, they have not lost to a Class-5A team. Perhaps more impressive? Perhaps even more impressive?West Point graduated 18 starters, all on defense. This is in contrast to the team that won 15 of its 15 games last year by an average margin 35 points. Who loses 18 starters but wins a third consecutive championship? That’s West Point. Chambless stated, “I guess you could just say that we reloaded.” It’s also possible to say that West Point had many great players, even though they weren’t playing last year. However, the Green Wave won so decisively. Those backups were waiting for their chance. What is the secret to this success? The Green Wave is fast and plays as sound in high school football as any other team. West Point’s linemen are so thin that they look like they live on a squat rack. They have thick legs and rears. They block their tails. This is how Brandon Harris, running back, was selected as the game’s MVP. He ran for 120 yards and scored a touchdown thanks to West Jones’ huge defensive line. West Point is known for making special teams very special. Green Wave defensive back Ryan Melton, a West Point player, broke through the line to block a punt. He then grabbed the ball from the line and ran 25 yards for the touchdown. Chambless stated, “That was a game-changer.” “That was just an important play in the game.” Melton stated that West Point coaches witnessed something on West Jones’ game film last week that convinced them they could block a punt. Melton stated, “It happened exactly as we expected it to.” Melton, who could easily have been the MVP, was also the most important defensive player in the game. In the fourth quarter, West Point led 20-12 – still a one score game – With a chance of pulling closer to the West Point 15, or even tying the game, West Jones was at the West Point 15. Melton, a West Jones receiver, stepped in front of Melton and intercepted the pass at West Jones’ 5-yard line. He returned it 11 yards to the 16. The block punt was perhaps the most important play in the game, but the interception was second. Melton stated that the receiver made a double move, and I didn’t bite. “The quarterback threw the ball high, and I went up to get it at the highest point. This is how they teach us. The pick was enormous.” Chambless, the team’s coach, had a moment of conversation with Jake Chambless (his son and former 6-year old ball boy). That’s amazing! Your son is your quarterback and you win your fifth state championship. The quarterback stated, “We’ve had ups and downs.” It can be difficult to be the coach’s son at times. My dad is undoubtedly the best coach in the state, and I’m not surprised. We had a team meeting last year two days after the state champion and decided that we needed another one. “I don’t believe anyone thought we could, at least not outside West Point.” But they believe in West Point. They have a track record in West Point that supports their belief. The West Point football-loving folks, in collaboration with Nautilus Publishing, created a beautiful, informative coffee table book that tells the rich history and achievements of West Point football. You would expect it to be found at an SEC school. It was a common sight at an SEC school. They need another chapter.