Brookhaven Academy (11-0), the only unbeaten team in southwest Mississippi outside of Tylertown, puts its record on the line Friday night when the Cougars host Silliman Institute in the opening round of the MAIS Class AA playoffs. Most important, the Cougars earned the right to host three rounds of the state playoffs by capturing the District 4-AA title.

Copiah Academy and McComb Parklane Academy are entered in the Class AAA state playoffs as both teams tackle powerhouses. The Colonels are at Greenville Washington and the Pioneers are at Jackson Academy.

In the MHSAA, Class 4A, 3A and 2A teams start state playoffs tomorrow night, needing 5 wins to claim a state title Dec. 4 or 5. In Class 4A, Region 7-4A champion Lawrence County is hosting Mendenhall and North Pike is hosting Florence. The Cougars and surprising Jaguars finished 1-2 in their region, giving them the right to host opening round games. No. 3 seed Columbia visits Newton County and No. 4 seed South Pike is at Magee.

In Class 3A, Franklin County is in Meadville Friday night to host Velma Jackson. Region 7-3A champion Tylertown (11-0) hosts McLaurin. Jefferson County and Hazlehurst, seeded third and fourth, are on the road as the Tigers visit Morton and the Indians invade Forest.

In Class 2A, Loyd Star hosts Enterprise-Clarke Friday night. The Hornets are No. 2 seeds out of Region 6-2A, behind Puckett, which is home for Bay Springs. Wesson, seeded third, visits Mize.

For sure, South 2A is loaded with title contenders. Bassfield, North Forrest and Taylorsville are loaded.

Meanwhile, teams from Class 6A, 5A and 1A are wrapping up their seasons tomorrow. Their playoffs begin Nov. 13.

Brookhaven, the No. 4 seed in Region 3-5A, will be on the road in the opening round. The Panthers will play the winner of the Moss Point-Gautier game next Friday night.

Bogue Chitto's Bobcats have an outside shot at making the 1A playoffs but they have to beat the Dexter Bulldogs tomorrow night. It's homecoming at Bogue Chitto and that can cause a major distraction from the task at hand.



Professor Hoopla B.S., delivered his list of weekly predictions in unusual fashion. They were neatly wrapped around and Osage orange and rolled through the front door. The sticky, green fruit came to rest in the corner of the newsroom.

Hoopla predicted the winners of 23 games last week and got 18 right, including a perfect 10-for-10 on the high school menu. Here's his preview of this weekend's winners.

Forest Hill at Brookhaven: Panthers want to win their final home game and it actually looks like a dry night on King Field. Brookhaven 28-14.

Silliman Institute at Brookhaven Academy: Cougars chalk up their 12th straight victory and look forward to next week. Brookhaven Academy 34-12.

Enterprise-Clarke at Loyd Star: Competition becomes stronger in the state playoffs but the Hornets survive their first test. Loyd Star 21-10.

Mount Olive at West Lincoln: Pirates have too much speed for the Bears to contain. Mt. Olive 33-14.

Wesson at Mize: It's another tough road test for the Cobras. Mize 25-16.

Dexter at Bogue Chitto: Unpredictable Bobcats haven't had much time to prepare for this game since they played and won at Salem Monday night. Bogue Chitto 16-14.

Mendenhall at Lawrence County: Cougars unleash a powerful rushing attack with their double-wing formation. Lawrence County 46-12.

Velma Jackson at Franklin County: Look for the Bulldogs to flex their muscles in Meadville. Franklin County 35-6.

Hazlehurst at Forest: Indians will have to be lucky and good to escape the Bearcats. Forest 24-20.

In other area action, Tylertown over McLaurin 42-8, South Pike over Magee 23-21, North Pike over Florence 26-7, Jackson Academy over Parklane 27-12, Washington over Copiah Academy 29-14 and Stone County over McComb 35-12.

After draining a Diet Dr. Pepper, Hoopla reveals Saturday's winners, starting with the MACJC State Championship game.

Gulf Coast at East Mississippi: EMCC cheerleaders chant "Scooba Tech, Scooba Tech," but it won't slow down the powerful Bulldogs. Gulf Coast 38-21.

Northern Arizona at Ole Miss: Rebels deserve a break from the SEC wars. Ole Miss 43-10.

Alabama State at Jackson State: Blue Bengals find a victory in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jackson State 28-14.

In other Magnolia State action, Texas Southern over Valley State 38-14, Delta State over West Georgia 22-10, Mississippi College over Sul Ross State 28-13, and Belhaven over Shorter 29-7 in a homecoming celebration. Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Alcorn State and Millsaps have open dates to promote their basketball programs.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com