Recognized best for his aggressive, smash-mouth unyielding defensive mindset, Sullivan would have been amazed by the number of points put on the scoreboard. Back in 1963, Sullivan had coached the Lions to a 10-1-1 record, including an 18-14 victory over Tyler (Texas) JC in the Hospitality Bowl played in Gulfport.

One of those 50-year-old Sullivan stories relives the time when he put his defensive team on the bank of a lake during practice and told the offense to shove them in the water. To say the least, it was a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred mud brawl.

It would be safe to observe that there was little if any defense last Saturday when the Lions (10-1) won their first-ever state title, defeating the 2-time defending state champion Bulldogs (9-2) in Scooba.

If you like statistics, consider these numbers. The Lions amassed 622 yards total offense. Gulf Coast collected 597 yards. That amounts to over 1,200 yards.

EMCC quarterback Randall Mackey, the 2-time MACJC Most Valuable Player, completed 31 of 42 passes for 477 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mackey also rushed for 125 yards.

Mackey probably could have sold popcorn during timeouts and tooted the trumpet during the halftime show, too, if necessary. Mackey (6-0, 185 soph.) is from Port Sulphur, La.

By contrast, Gulf Coast quarterback Greg Jenkins completed 14 of 21 passes for 331 yards and 5 touchdowns. Jenkins (6-2, 210, soph.), from Dade City, Fla., rushed for 69 yards.

Certainly, Mackey and Jenkins are known as impact players. They are high on many senior college recruiting lists.

Co-Lin battled East Mississippi before losing 27-13 in the season opener for both teams. The Wolfpack lost 38-14 to Gulf Coast in the sixth game of the season and finished 6-3 overall, 4-2 in the South Division.

Co-Lin head football coach Glenn Davis and his staff are busy recruiting players for the 2010 campaign. They have a solid offensive backfield returning, led by quarterback Percy Turner. Large shoes must be filled on the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary.

Davis said sophomore defensive end Ken Adams has committed to Tennessee. The Volunteers also crave cornerback Dequan Menzie.

Many Co-Lin players are making campus visits as they enjoy recruiting trips. Davis said two Brookhaven High School products; linebacker Bobo Rancifer and center Darion Smith are high on the list of several D-I colleges.



Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla, B.S., is high on several most-wanted lists. He's been wearing camouflage since the football season began because he agitates some readers with his prognostications.

Last week, Hoopla predicted the winners of 21 games and got 18 right. Finally, it must be football weather.

Hoopla will start his forecast with some Friday night high school playoff games.

Brookhaven at Moss Point: It's a 4-hour haul to Jackson County and a long ride home for the Panthers. Moss Point 31-13.

Centreville Academy at Brookhaven Academy: This shapes up as an offensive showcase. Cougars pass and Tigers run. Brookhaven Academy 38-30.

Loyd Star at Bassfield: Offense should dominate this Class 2A showdown. Bassfield 42-29.

Laurel at Lawrence County: Cougars must consistently run the football to beat the Golden Tornados in the Class 4A second round. Lawrence County 28-14.

Franklin County at Philadelphia: Bulldogs need a solid game to beat the Tornadoes on their home turf. Franklin County 21-10.

Bogue Chitto at Nanih Waiya: Bobcats made the most of a wholesale rebuilding year by reaching the Class 1A state playoffs. Warriors have too many weapons. Nanih Waiya 27-17.

North Pike at West Lauderdale: Jaguars are in uncharted territory but they're enjoying the scenery in the Class 4A state playoffs. North Pike 19-14.

After cleaning his deer rifle, Hoopla focuses on Saturday's collegiate scene.

Tennessee at Ole Miss: Coach O returns to Oxford as defensive coordinator and slows down the Rebels. Tennessee 23-13.

Alabama at Mississippi State: Saturday night has all the makings of an upset but the unbeaten Crimson Tide will take care of business in Starkville. Alabama 34-24.

Southern Miss at Marshall: After an open date to patch up their defense, the Golden Eagles escape West Virginia with a narrow win. Southern Miss 34-24.

Jackson State at Alabama A&M: Late-season improvements help the Tigers win their second straight game. Jackson State 28-18.

In other Magnolia State action, Prairie View over Alcorn State 38-19, Millsaps over Birmingham-Southern 21-10, Belhaven over Union 20-10, Valley State over Lincoln 27-21 and Mississippi College over Texas Lutheran 35-21.

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