By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Sept. 20, 2002
Two teams fresh off one rivalry game have to turn around for another this week as Philadelphia and Choctaw Central tangle Friday night at Philadelphia's Harpole Stadium. The game is the Division 5-3A opener for both teams. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
The Tornadoes defeated Neshoba Central 25-7 last week, while Choctaw Central was a 34-0 loser at Cherokee, N.C., in the Battle of the Nations VII.
Philadelphia rolled to a 53-30 win over the Warriors last year. The Tornadoes have won the last five meetings to take a 9-3 lead in the series.
Against Neshoba, the Tornadoes had a 305-183 total yards advantage, but were the victim of seven fumbles, five of which were lost.
Tyler Threadgill had 11 carries for 154 yards to lead the Tornadoes. He scored on runs of 81 and 35 yards. Threadgill was 7-of-15 passing for 75 yards.
The Braves of Cherokee outgained Choctaw Central 466-95 last week with 316 yards coming on 47 rushes. The Warriors had four turnovers, while Cherokee had none.
Heidelberg Academy
at Winston Academy
Two academy small school powerhouses collide at Louisville. Heidelberg heads up Hwy 15 North with a 3-1 record, while the homestanding Patriots are 2-2.
Both have been among the premier small schools in the MPSA as Winston has won six state championships (1975, 1983, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000) and Heidelberg has won four (1980, 1981, 1994, and 2000). Both were state runner-up twice, Winston in 1986 and 1991 and Heidelberg in 1972 and 1974.
The two did not meet in 2001.
Nanih Waiya
at Noxapater
The annual battle of Winston County is set for Friday night at Noxapater with Nanih Waiya coming in unbeaten at 3-0 and Noxapater coming in winless at 0-3. Noxapater, however, has faced a much tougher schedule in the early going as the Tigers have played Weir, Philadelphia, and Puckett, all of which are undefeated.
Nanih Waiya won last year's contest 28-21. In the series' history, Nanih Waiya has only won once at Noxapater, McMullan said.
Aberdeen at Louisville
Fresh off last week's 33-17 spanking of Meridian, Louisville opens Division 2-4A play at home against the Aberdeen Bulldogs. The Wildcats struggled to a 12-6 win over Aberdeen last year.
Louisville is 1-2 with the losses coming to unbeatens Starkville and Tupelo. Aberdeen is 2-1 with its wins coming over Amory and Houston and its lone loss to Eupora.
Leake Academy
at Carroll Academy
The Rebels are off to a 3-1 start as they travel north to Carrollton to take on Carroll Academy.
Leake holds a 4-0 series advantage with the last meeting being a 33-19 LA victory in 1987.
Bay Springs at Kemper County
Much like a year ago when they started out 0-6, the Wildcats are still searching for their first win of 2002 as they host the Bulldogs of Bay Springs.
Bay Springs rolled to a 49-0 victory over Kemper last year.
Bay Springs lost 19-16 to Heidelberg last week, while Kemper took a 42-0 beating from Enterprise.