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For sure, there have been some great players come out of Lincoln County. Brookhaven High School's glory years were in the mid 1950s when standouts like Harol Lofton, Lance Alworth, Ralph "Catfish" Smith and Don "Red" Estes were prowling King Field.
In Brookhaven's case, football was being played in the 1930s. In the 1950s, the Big Eight Conference championship was the ultimate achievement and the Panthers accomplished that feat, and so did Alexander High School, home of the Golden Panthers. The 2004 BHS Panthers won a Class 4A state championship and the memory becomes sweeter as the years roll by.
In Lincoln County, schools like Loyd Star, Enterprise and Bogue Chitto didn't start playing football until the early 1960s. Brookhaven Academy started in 1970 and West Lincoln took up the gridiron sport 10 years ago.
Overall, there have been many great players through the years. Now it's the readers' turn to list their favorites and stuff the ballot box. It should be interesting.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Professor Hoopla B.S., was busy searching the bushes for clues. He was performing in-depth research on the projected winners of this weekend's games.
Hoopla predicted the winners of 10 games last week and got 8 correct. Special congratulations are due the West Lincoln Bears for ending their 26-game losing streak. Also, the Loyd Star Hornets made lots of people sit up and take notice when they shut out Class 3A power Franklin County 12-0.
Here's a preview of this week's winners, starting with 2 Thursday night community college specials.
East Mississippi at Co-Lin: The Lions can put points on the scoreboard with their veteran quarterback throwing darts but the Wolves have an improved defense and offense. Co-Lin 17-14.
Southwest at Miss. Delta: Bears are hunting answers on offense and defense as they make the long ride to Moorhead to face the Trojans tonight. Delta 18-10.
Franklin County at Brookhaven: The Panthers have had an extra week to prepare for their season opener. It should make the difference. Brookhaven 24-12.
Brookhaven Academy at Copiah Academy: This rivalry remains intense despite the Colonels graduation to Class AAA. Cougars by a whisker. Brookhaven Academy 21-20.
Bogue Chitto at Enterprise: Looks like another close contest on Harry Cole Field as the Fighting Yellow Jackets start their season on a successful note. Enterprise 25-20.
Loyd Star at Natchez Cathedral: Hornets must beware of a letdown in D'Evereaux Stadium, in other words...an ambush. Loyd Star 18-10.
Wesson at Richland: In a rebuilding mode, the Cobras still have enough offensive weapons to create excitement. Wesson 31-21.
Lawrence County at Warren Central: Cougars are rebuilding in the offensive line while the Vikings boast a stout defense. Warren Central 17-14.
Morton at Hazlehurst: This looks like another offensive show. Hazlehurst 33-28.
McComb at South Pike: The Class 5A Tigers have had a week to correct the mistakes they made at Tylertown. That's bad news for the Eagles. McComb 24-16.
In other area action, Lamar over Crystal Springs 27-12, Parklane over Centreville Academy 29-14 and Bay St. Louis over North Pike 28-21. West Lincoln has an open date to savor its overtime victory over Williams-Sullivan of Durant.
Two Magnolia State senior colleges are starting their season earlier than usual.
West Alabama at Belhaven: In a 7 p.m. kickoff on Newell Field in Jackson tonight, the Lions elude the host Blazers. West Alabama 26-17.
Delta State at Texas A&M-Kingsville: Statesmen make a long bus ride to the Lone Star State but it will be a happy return trip. Delta State 28-14.
Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com
