Classic Games, authorized by the Mississippi High School Activities Association, will usher in the 2009 football season Friday night across the state. Yes, the Classics are a week earlier than usual.
Yes, I know it's too early to play high school football games in the sweat-soaked Magnolia State. Many football coaches elected to skip the Classics and start their seasons Aug. 28, four weeks after the start of preseason practice.
It's a matter of conditioning, both mentally and physically. Call these coaches old school or wise men. Personally, they are following a tradition that many veteran coaches observe.
Traditionally, the third Friday of preseason practice was reserved for a jamboree. In their infinite wisdom, the MHSAA decided to let teams participate in a jamboree just two weeks into preseason drills. That's just four days in full equipment.
Many schools elected to skip the jamborees. Hazlehurst traveled to Yazoo City for a jamboree but the Indians were among a small number who tried it.
This column has stood on that sturdy soapbox in the past and expressed displeasure with the early playing date. It's really too early to play football, public or private.
The Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, formerly known as the Mississippi Private School Association, always starts its season a week earlier than the MHSAA. That's another tradition worth debating.
Football fans and cheerleaders should make sure they hydrate with lots of water before being broiled by the bleacher heat Friday night. Better yet, carry a canteen. Of course, the greatest heat risk is for the players who must labor in full football gear.
While standing on our soapbox, let's question the wisdom and doctorate degrees of those folks leading the State Department of Education in Mississippi. Why start school in the first week of August when children and parents should be enjoying a vacation in a cooler climate?
Why not begin school on the Tuesday after Labor Day. That's the way we grew up and it worked just fine.
For that matter, consider the economic benefits of starting school at a later date. In these tough financial times, it is utterly ridiculous to spend thousands of dollars air-conditioning school buildings for the whole month of August.
Taxpayers should have a voice in how their hard-earned dollars are spent. Can you imagine the magnitude of the August energy bill in every school across the state?
It's outrageous!
Taxpayers are supposed to grin, shrug their collective shoulders and accept the annual increases in tax rates. Ho-hum, just keep working. Those high-paid administrators in Jackson really know what they're doing.
Speaking of wisdom, Professor Hoopla B.S., has agreed to predict the winners of football games for the 2009 season. Leaning on his favorite fence post, Hoopla says he can't retire or unretire. He's just tired.
The MAISteams are ready to play and some other MHSAA teams are in Classic Games. Hoopla says he's game, so here goes another Friday night preview.
Silliman Institute (La.) at Brookhaven Academy: The Wildcats from Clinton, La., should provide a difficult challenge for the rebuilding Cougars who eke out a narrow win. Brookhaven Academy 17-14.
Riverfield (La.) at Copiah Academy: The Colonels have been promoted to Class AAA for the next two years. They'll start with a victory in Gallman. Copiah Academy 22-12.
Parklane Academy at Jackson Academy: For openers, the Pioneers have drawn a powerful opponent. Raiders have too much beef. Jackson Academy 14-7.
Franklin County at Loyd Star: Two strong football teams collide on William E. "Sambo" Smith Field. Bulldogs have superior strength and speed. Franklin County 28-14.
Madison St. Joe at Bogue Chitto: In a major rebuilding campaign, the Bobcats showcase their speed in an offensive shootout. Bogue Chitto 36-28.
Williams-Sullivan at West Lincoln: It's a long ride from Durant to Perry Miller Field as two win-starved teams battle on the gridiron. In a thriller, West Lincoln 14-12.
Jackson Callaway at Lawrence County: Cougars unleash their thundering herd tomorrow night. Lawrence County 42-16.
Hinds AHS at Hazlehurst: Indians outnumber and outrun the Wardawgs. Hazlehurst 31-18.
Richland at North Pike: New members of Class 4A, the improving Jaguars start their season on a winning note. North Pike 26-10.
McComb at Tylertown: Talented Chiefs were Class 3A state runners-up last year. They should go all the way this time. Tylertown 26-13.
Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com
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