Top Baldwyn defensive lineman cut from roster after felony arrest

Baldwyn’s Bearcats have lost a major defensive asset after 19-year-old Braxton Stewart was arrested on two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police say the confrontation began on Second Street and ended on Cemetery Street, where Stewart allegedly struck a juvenile with a handgun, though no shots were fired. He was booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail on Monday, Aug. 17, and released on bond the following day while his case heads to a grand jury.

Stewart, a 6-foot, 205-pound senior, posted impressive stats last season, including 59 tackles and a team-leading 13 quarterback hurries. His dismissal follows the earlier departure of cornerback Ashton Grice, and Baldwyn will open the 2026 season at home against Kossuth.