By Rupert Howell

“Dear Santa:

Please let all boys play football. Boys in wheelchairs and all different boys, because football is a cool sport. And Santa, please let me get all the stuff on my list. Oh, and Santa, please let there be no penalties in football because you have to stop the game. Thank you, Santa.

Lee Self

Teacher: Kathy Morgan”

That letter from Lee Self 11 years ago spoke of a big heart at a tender age.

Overcoming butterflies while trying to fill the large shoes of heralded former Tiger quarterback and current professional baseball player David Renfro may have weighed heavy on Self’s mind last year. But after the first game against Petal, all was put to rest when Self went 11 for 11 in passing with over 200 yards and two touchdowns.

The senior quarterback is much more comfortable this year anticipating another dominant Tiger season and listing all of his talented team mates while noting they have another year of experience under their belts since last year’s state championship season.

Self started his first game as quarterback last year against Petal as a junior. Opponents had to think the Tigers would revert to their renowned ground game, grinding out the hard yards while wearing down opponents.

But Self put other teams on notice that night that South Panola could still pass. Every opposing coach worth his weight had to take note that the Tigers still had a passing game.

The Tiger quarterback is an only child, the son of Jerry and Tish Self, who has played football since age 8. In addition to his three-a-week workouts and running this summer, Self has been playing baseball with the Mississippi Prospects and was chosen to play in Mississippi’s state All-Star games.

As a two sport athlete, Self has trouble describing which he likes best, but answers, “I know which one I like to play, but I also know which one I might have a future with.”

Self has kept himself in shape with the summer workouts and baseball but may be doing some extra running in the next few days to be in shape for the first game. Besides playing quarterback, he also delivers plays from the sidelines running back and forth between each of the Tiger’s offensive plays.

He also lines up as receiver in the “Wild Tiger” formation where he may be decoy, throw a block or catch an occasional pass. Self can punt if called upon and also is holder for field goals.

He is optimistic about the Tiger’s passing and running game noting that two senior receivers in Nickolas Brassell and Marcus Henry are able to make big plays. He also said that Qyen Griffin’s move from linebacker to running back should place the running game, “where Nick Parker and Domonique Carrothers (last year’s senior running backs) left off.”

Self also noted that “tons” of tight ends and fullbacks are available mentioning senior tight end Taylor Rotenberry who had a break-out season last year.

Senior offensive linemen Kenyahti McMurry, Austin Douglas and Deshondrick Hinds are senior linemen who will be among the protectors and hole makers.

And there should not be any exchange problems between center and quarterback as Douglas has been centering to Self since they were eight-years-old.

Self noted that this team has a lot of seniors and notes, “We are a really close bunch.”

Asked which game they are most looking forward to and replies MUS.

That Tennessee team broke their home winning streak last year and was their only loss of 2009. “We felt we were the better team,” Self said.

At 5’8” and 180 pounds, Self says he is the smallest quarterback in Mississippi 6A.

That may be true if one doesn’t measure heart.