Two Mississippi high school football programs were put on probation and fined by the Mississippi High School Activities Association for practicing too early with full pads, MHSAA executive director Rickey Neaves confirmed to the Clarion Ledger on Aug. 18.
Neaves told the Clarion Ledger that Brandon and Northside were given a one-year probation and a fine for starting practices too early with full pads. The MHSAA said the probation will not affect the team's eligibility for the playoffs, and it did not disclose the fine given to each school.
The MHSAA said both schools practiced on Aug. 13, two days before full pads were allowed on Aug. 15.
On June 8, the MHSAA announced a timetable on its website for when players can wear full pads during pre-season practices.
- Week 1: Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, no shoulder pads allowed; 5-panel/pads (hip, tail and thigh pads) girdles can be worn or added. No full-length football pants can be worn; practice pants/old game pants cut into shorts will be allowed. (Note: Girdles do not present an advantage but do help with injury prevention).
- Week 2: Beginning Monday through Friday, shoulder pads can be worn.
- Week 3: Beginning with Saturday of Week 2, after 5 full days of shorts and shoulder pads, full gear practices are allowed.
Because Brandon and Northside are on probation, any further rule violations by either program could result in harsher penalties from the MHSAA, including more fines or possible game bans.
This is the second consecutive season Brandon has received a probation warning for practicing too early with full pads, after being caught with full pads ahead of the 2025 season. The Bulldogs begin their season at Tupelo on Aug. 28 under first-year coach Eugene Clinton.
Northside starts its 2026 year on the road at Jefferson County on Aug. 28.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Brandon, Northside football given probation, fined by MHSAA after practice violations