When Presbyterian Christian School football takes the field to start the 2025 season, it will mark their first season as a member of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). With just a couple of weeks to go, the Bobcats are deep into preparation for a new season in a new league, all while maintaining the same mission, they’ve always had: win a state championship.
PCS, which has competed in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) for a couple of decades, announced its acceptance into the MHSAA last August. The move aims to reduce travel strain, improve competitive balance, and bring new rivalries into focus.
First-year head football coach Richard Chambliss is no stranger to the MHSAA, having spent the past three years as Columbia High School’s offensive coordinator. Aside from the transition, he said this season looks much the same as the last.
“It’s a lot of transition,” Chambliss said. “We’re here for the long haul, to provide stability. PCS has seen a lot of coaching changes over the past several years, and part of why I took this job was because of the conference change. I’m very familiar with MHSAA and have played many of the schools we’ll face, so I feel comfortable we can be competitive right away.”
Chambliss also brought along four new assistant coaches, all with MHSAA experience, to help make the move smoother.
PCS Head Coach Richard Chambliss at his introductory press conference on December 17, 2024.
(Photo by: Andrew Abadie, Copyright 2024, Emmerich Newspapers Inc.)
The biggest change comes for the players, who are moving from one conference last season to another this year. Chambliss said they’re eager for the challenge of competing in the new league.
“Our guys are excited to play new teams and see what it’s like in 3A,” Chambliss explained. “There’s a big difference from what they’re used to. I think there’s a lot of confidence we’ll be competitive not just in football, but across all sports.”
The Bobcats now find themselves in Region 8-3A alongside teams like Tylertown, St. Patrick Catholic (Biloxi), St. Stanislaus College, and West Marion High School. Chambliss previously coached in Region 7-4A, so he’s familiar with the challenges this division will bring.
“As coaches, this isn’t new or different, but the players will have a learning curve adjusting to the new teams,” Chambliss said. “It’s definitely a new challenge, but one the team is ready for.”
For the PCS community, the move signals a fresh start — and the possibility of igniting new rivalries while strengthening local connections. While longtime MAIS rivals like Jackson Academy won’t be on the schedule anymore, the Bobcats are eager to make their mark in a conference they know well.
“I think for the kids and the community, it might feel different not to play some of those old schools,” Chambliss said. “But for me and the staff, many of whom come from public school backgrounds, it’s like coming home. We’re used to playing these schools in some capacity.”
As for his team, Chambliss says the identity centers on discipline, smart play, and execution.
“We expect to be competitive in every game,” Chambliss said. “Our goal is to be in position to win every game in the fourth quarter. We have guys who are disciplined, focused, and do things the right way. Even if we get outmatched physically, we’ll make up for it with intangibles that are hard to coach.”
Leadership will come from a group of quiet but steady veterans, including linebacker and tight end Rhett Robertson, wide receiver Jet Henderson, and senior linebacker Whit Alderson. Quarterback Smith Stringer returns to lead the offense.
“We haven’t named captains officially; we’ll do that week to week based on practice,” Chambliss said. “But these guys have stepped up as leaders during the offseason — quiet leaders who lead by example and work hard every day.”
Chambliss views the move as just another challenge on the path to their goal.
“Every high school team starts with the same goal: to win as many games as possible,” Chambliss said. “It’s not just about talent; it’s about who’s willing to pay the price. Since January, our guys have put in a lot of work, and the community has bought in. We’re ready to show it on Friday nights.
“It’s definitely a lot of new, but the goal stays the same.”
