Some area Class 5A and 6A teams are at the crossroads in the third week of Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) region play.
As October rolls in, it is too early in the month for a second region loss. In Class 6A, Columbus and Starkville will be in bounce-back mode Friday night. Columbus will look to shake off a loss to Tupelo, while Starkville will look to shake off a loss to Northwest Rankin. In Class 5A, New Hope and West Point will try to ride the momentum of victories from last week.
Here is what to watch for in Week No. 8:
Falcons or Eagles
Can Columbus finish region play with a 6-1 record?
The Falcons should be favored in their next five games. If Columbus continues to improve and tightens up some things on defense, a second-straight 6-1 finish in Class 6A, Region 1 play is well within range.
A week ago, Tupelo hit too many deep balls against Columbus’ secondary. New Hope and West Point had similar opportunities but couldn’t find the range from deep.
Columbus will hit the road Friday night for a region game at Horn Lake. It is always difficult to get the motor running when you are three hours from home. A slow start against Tupelo doomed Columbus out the gates.
Horn Lake (6-1) won only two games last season. This will be a good measuring stick to determine how much Columbus has matured.
Hornets or Yellow Jackets
Will the Starkville-Grenada game be competitive?
If past seasons are any indication, this game is usually over before halftime.
However, after going winless a year ago, Greenville has three wins, including a victory in Class 6A, Region 2. Starkville and Greenville enter the game 1-1 in the region standings.
The Starkville struggles have been on offense. Vast improvement is needed on that side of the ball.
With Clinton, Warren Central, and Madison Central straight ahead, this is a must-win for Starkville, even if it falls on the third week of the region schedule.
Confederates or Wildcats
Can Caledonia bounce back and even its region record?
We have seen the recent struggles of Caledonia in region play the last couple of seasons. However, with a bunch of seniors in the lineup, we knew there was a chance for this season to be different.
However, Caledonia struggled last week in a 41-17 loss to Houston to start region play. Thus, the road trip to Louisville is vital. The Confederates don’t want to fall to 0-2 in the region.
Caledonia has the offensive weapons. However, injuries have forced adjustments and affected depth on defense. As the season progresses, the biggest challenge is for Caledonia to keep its composure and to continue to believe in what it is doing.
This will be a huge opportunity for the team to take a step in the right direction.
Patriots or other Patriots
Will we see Heritage Academy win a district championship?
After a huge victory against rival Starkville Academy two weeks ago, Heritage Academy returns to Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAA, District 2 play with a road trip to Winston Academy.
Winston Academy is much improved over the last couple of seasons. This will be a huge test for Heritage Academy, which has stayed close to Lowndes County in all of its games this season. There is little doubt coach Sean Harrison should be looking forward to seeing what his troops can do on the road, especially since the offense appears to be clicking on all cylinders. Tyler Anderson has emerged as one of the area’s best quarterbacks.
Most people didn’t see a 6-1 start coming for this team. A 7-1 start will be even more impressive.
Volunteers or Rebels
Are we feeling a playoff berth for Starkville Academy?
After winning the MAIS Class AAA, District 2 championship a season ago, Starkville Academy saw its hopes for a repeat title severely damaged by the loss to Winston Academy.
However, there is plenty of football left to be played. Starkville Academy will play at Leake Academy in its next district game. When you only play three of them, the second one becomes must-win if you are 0-1.
Starkville Academy has had its spirit wounded. However, there has been a lot of tradition built in the Volunteers’ program in the past decade. Tradition can help you when you need a win.
Scott Walters is a sports writer for The Dispatch. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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