Looking to bounce back from last week

By By Marty Stamper / staff writer
November 12, 2004
It was only fitting for the best week of picks for 2004 be followed by the worst as last week produced nine hits to go with four misses. Pulling surprises were Meridian High School losing to Northwest Rankin, Newton County knocking off Collins, Wayne Academy falling to River Oaks and Heidelberg defeating Perry Central.
That's a yearly total of 111 hits, 24 misses, and one tie.
Don't forget, tickets for MHSAA playoff games are $7 with the MHSAA getting its usual 30 percent cut. The best line offered on that subject was that God only asks for 10 percent.
Lamar at Magnolia Heights
In MPSA Class AAA action, the Raiders take a 7-4 record to Senatobia where they will face an 8-2 Magnolia Heights team whose only losses were to 9-1 Jackson Academy (35-26) and 11-0 North Delta (35-21).
Lamar has played a tougher overall schedule, facing Jackson Prep, Simpson, MRA and JA.
Magnolia Heights has won both games in the series, including a 28-0 blanking at Lamar in the 2002 playoffs.
The pick: Magnolia Heights
Salem at Union
In MHSAA Class 1A play, Union returns to action after an open date last week. The 9-1 Yellowjackets get one last nibble of cake and ice cream before the competition level steps up next week.
Salem is 7-4. While that isn't terrible by any means, consider this quote from West Lincoln coach Brooks Burns. "We competed in every game we played, except Mize and Mount Olive. We had a legitimate shot at beating Salem." Now consider West Lincoln finished 1-10.
The pick: Union
Philadelphia at East Marion
The good news for the Tornadoes is that former Eagle quarterback Jimmy Oliver now plays at Pearl River Community College where he was recently named MACJC Player of the Year.
Philadelphia (10-1) cruised to a 54-6 Class 2A win over Madison St. Joseph last week despite having over 150 yards in penalties. It will cost the Tornadoes one day, just not likely today.
East Marion is 8-3 after last week's 21-20 win over Taylorsville.
The pick: Philadelphia
St. Andrew's at Heidelberg
Also in Class 2A, Heidelberg bounced back from a 14-0 loss to Taylorsville to take a 36-22 first-round win at Perry Central last week. Which Oiler team will show up this week?
St. Andrew's sports a perfect 11-0 record… for now.
The pick: Heidelberg
Newton County
at Hazlehurst
In Class 3A, Newton County takes its 7-3 record after last week's 14-13 win over Collins to Hazlehurst where a 9-1 Indian squad awaits.
The talent-laden Indians' only loss was to then top-ranked Brookhaven in the season opener.
Special teams could well be the deciding factor in this game.
The Cougars play in a league of meat eaters, while the Indians are in a cheese-eating division.
The pick: Newton County
Greene County at
West Lauderdale
Also in 3A, the 8-3 Knights host 7-4 Greene County at Collinsville. These teams met in 2001 and 2002 with the Wildcats winning 33-3 and 32-10.
Greene County's current team isn't at that level after winning the 3A state title last year.
The pick: West Lauderdale
Laurel at Wayne County
In Class 4A, neighbors Laurel and Wayne County get it on for the 11th time, but the first since a 42-17 War Eagle win in 2002. Laurel had won five straight from 1997-2001. In fact, the Golden Tornadoes hold a 6-4 series advantage.
Laurel held off Vancleave 21-14 last week to improve to 6-4-1. Wayne County improved to 11-0 with a 34-0 win over Lawrence County.
The pick: Wayne County
Biloxi at Meridian
In Class 5A, Meridian (8-1-1) looks to rebound from last week's showing when the Wildcats host a 7-3 Biloxi team that took a 32-6 beating from Gulfport last week.
This will be the 33rd meeting of the two, but the first since a 19-0 Meridian win in 1987. Meridian holds a 17-13-2 series advantage.
Can the Wildcats right their ship or will preseason expectations exceed season results?
The pick: Meridian
Cathedral at Scott Central
In Class 1A, the 10-0 Rebels host the 5-5 Green Wave from Natchez. Scott Central is looking for another trip to the state championship, while Cathedral will be looking for the shortest route home.
The pick: Scott Central
Franklin County at Forest
The Bearcats are undefeated at 11-0. Franklin County's Bulldogs are 10-1, losing only to Hazlehurst.
Look for a high-scoring affair in Scott County.
The pick: Forest
Callaway at Noxubee County
The Tigers from Macon are 10-1 with the 8-2 Chargers from Jackson coming to town.
The pick: Noxubee County
McLaurin at Lumberton
Both teams are 10-1 coming into this Class 2A matchup. Look for the host Panthers to give McLaurin its second loss.
The pick: Lumberton
Oak Grove at Gulfport
The winner of this game will take on the Meridian-Biloxi winner next week. The Admirals took a 41-14 playoff beating from Oak Grove last year.
Oak Grove is 7-3, while Gulfport is 10-1.
The pick: Gulfport