Aberdeen proves offense, defense determine games

BOONEVILLE — The Booneville High School football team had all of the so-called advantages entering Friday’s Class 3A North State championship football game.

The Blue Devils (13-0) were playing at home against a team with two losses and were coached by legendary Jim Drewry, a 50-year coaching veteran who is the winningest high school coach in Mississippi history with 346 career wins, three state titles (1990, 1999, and 2000) and a 7-0 record in North State title games at Booneville.

Individually, the Blue Devils featured a quarterback who had thrown for more than 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns and had completed 52 percent of his passes, a running back who had gained more than 1,200 yards and scored 22 touchdowns, and a pair of receivers who had combined for 1,940 receiving yards and 13 scores.

Aberdeen to play for Class 3A state championship

For the third consecutive week, an unbeaten team stands in the way of the Aberdeen High School football team’s quest for its first state championship.

A week ago, unbeaten Charleston (13-0) was eliminated in a Class 3A quarterfinal contest at Aberdeen. On Friday, the Bulldogs handed home standing Booneville (13-0) its first blemish in the North Half finals.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, coach Chris Duncan’s Bulldogs will go head-to-head with Tylertown (14-0), a 28-18 winner against Morton in Friday’s South State finals.

Lamar County, Pickens County lose in semifinals

ASHLAND, Ala. –– The Lamar County High School football team came up short Friday in its quest to set a school record for wins in a season.

Lamar County had its season come to an end with a 38-7 loss to Clay County in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A state playoffs.

Lamar County (13-1) finished one win shy of setting a school record for most wins in a season that it set in 1984 and equaled in 1992 and this season.

Michael Feldman’s ‘Whad’Ya Know?’ to broadcast live from Columbus

Michael Feldman brings his popular public radio show to Rent Auditorium in Columbus for a live broadcast Saturday, Dec. 12. This will be Feldman’s first trip to enjoy the Southern hospitality of the Golden Triangle region.

Christmas Festival brings Bethlehem to life

Bright, colorful paper and fancy bows might add to the glitz and glamour associated with the holiday season. But if you were able to take your family back over 2,000 years to the streets of Bethlehem, the true reason for the season could be found.

Veteran professor named head of MSU forestry

A 24-year-veteran faculty member is the new head of the Mississippi State University’s forestry department.

Andrew Ezell will assume his new duties Dec. 1, leading the only four-year forestry degree program in the state.

‘Edam-up’ Christmas at MSU’s cheese store

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station Sales Store located on Mississippi State University’s campus offers several ways to help with the gift list, as well as the Christmas feast — with cheese and other holiday specialties.

Autumn reflections: Photography by Chris Jenkins

Autumn’s poetry is seen in its colors, shapes and benevolent shadows in ever-shortening days. Professional photographer Chris Jenkins, of Mississippi University for Women’s Office of Public Affairs, recently captured these images of Mother Nature’s handiwork.

Cypress stands at Friendship Cemetery, wooded fields on Officers Lake Road and areas of downtown Columbus offered glimpses of the season’s finale.

Holidays call for caution with Fido and Fluffy

Holidays present special situations that are dangerous for pets.

Seasonal holiday foods are rich in calories, fat or seasonings. Some treats, such as those that are chocolate or contain it, can seriously damage a pet’s internal system or even cause the pet to die.

First Book taking applications for book distributions to children

The Greater Golden Triangle Advisory Board for First Book, a national organization which provides free books to children in economic need, is accepting applications for book distributions to be given to those residing in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee Counties.

A Rebel goes to the Dawgs: Rivalries aside, this Rebel pup got a second chance at life through vet care in Bulldog country

“Don’t tell them you’re a Rebel,” Tommy Walker whispered to his son’s badly-injured dog, Tayson, as they approached the entrance to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Have a Victorian Christmas at Northport’s Dickens Downtown

NORTHPORT, Ala. — The streets and shops of historic downtown Northport, Ala., will once again come alive with music, children’s activities and holiday decor at the 20th annual Dickens Downtown Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 5-8 p.m.

‘American Idol’ stars to perform in Oxford

OXFORD — For one night only, “American Idol” stars are set to perform an array of holiday favorites at the University of Mississippi.

Betty Stone: A troubled Thanksgiving

It occurs to me that, as Thanksgiving approaches this year — the second Thanksgiving of the economic plunge — some people may have a difficult time being thankful. Just recently the jobless rate reached double digits, and that does not include the underemployed. That’s still not as bad as the rate during the Great Depression, when about a fourth of the workforce were out of work. Ten percent is not as bad as 24 or 25 percent, but for the person who is unemployed, it is 100 percent.

Adele Elliott: Gratitude

Most of us are thinking about gratitude this week. And why not? Everywhere we look there are reminders of our wealth of blessings.

Charleston unable to get revenge against Aberdeen

ABERDEEN — The expression “revenge is a dish best served cold” suggests that if something bad happens, it is better if the payback comes at a later date, and might be more satisfying if it is not inflicted immediately.

That would be the case for the Charleston High School Tigers, who still have bitter memories of a 33-20 season-ending setback at Tiger Stadium last November in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A playoffs in which Aberdeen racked up almost 400 yards passing.

Ackerman overcomes fumbles to beat East Webster

MABEN — Shawn Stricklin overcame three first-half fumbles with a 9-yard touchdown run in the closing minute Friday night to lead the Ackerman High School football team to a 14-12 victory against East Webster in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A North Half State playoffs.

The victory helped Ackerman (13-0) earn a spot in the North Half State championship game against top-ranked West Bolivar, who defeated defending state champion Baldwyn 13-12, next week.

Defense makes big plays in Lamar County victory

VERNON, Ala. — Eric “Turbo” Hudson knew it when he saw it.

Ider High School quarterback James Blevins’ pass was off and Hudson knew he was in the right spot to get the interception and take the football 78 yards for the touchdown.

Hudson’s interception return for a score was just one of the big plays the Lamar County defense made in the fourth quarter Friday night to help it earn a 35-13 victory in the quarterfinals of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A playoffs at George Bell Stadium.

Pickens County dethrones Leroy as state champion

LEROY, Ala. –– The Pickens County football team did something Friday night that no other team had accomplished since 2000.

Pickens County handed Leroy its first home playoff loss in nine years by dethroning the defending three-time state champion with a 19-12 victory in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A state playoffs.

Pickens County (12-1) advances to play at Reeltown in the semifinals, while Leroy (10-3) had its season end with a loss for just the second time in the past five years.

Hollivay leads New Hope girls basketball team to win

Rachel Hollivay scored 12 points Saturday night to lead the New Hope High School girls basketball team past Aliceville 59-36.

Kelli Petty scored nine points for New Hope (2-2).

New Hope plays Tishomingo County at 7 p.m. Monday in the Tishomingo County Classic