They control their own destiny. In other words, the BrookhavenPanthers, Brookhaven Academy Cougars, Enterprise Yellow Jackets,Lawrence County Cougars and Franklin County Bulldogs must winFriday night to keep their football playoff hopes alive.

In most cases, it isn’t an easy assignment. The situation inDivision 6-4A has McComb (8-1, 4-0) with a secure grip on the toprung. The Tigers will host the Division 8-4A runner-up, probablyD’Iberville or George County, on Nov. 10, in the first round of theplayoffs.

The battle for second place in 6-4A is between Brookhaven (5-2,2-1) and Lawrence County (5-3, 2-1). The division runner-up willtravel to Gautier.

Brookhaven must beat Terry on the road Friday night whileLawrence County hosts cellar-dwelling Crystal Springs in divisionaction. The showdown is Nov. 3, here on King Field when LawrenceCounty visits BHS.

Brookhaven Academy (6-4, 2-1) has a shot at finishing second inthe District 4-AA race. However, the Cougars must beat districtchampion Bowling Green tomorrow night at Franklinton, La.

Enterprise (6-2, 2-1) must beat a strong Dexter squad Fridaynight on the road if the Jackets are to reach the playoffs inDivision 7-1A. An earlier loss to Bogue Chitto put the Jackets onthe ropes. Division 7-1A plays Division 5-1A this year, eitherScott Central or Lake.

Franklin County (3-5, 3-1) was ambushed at Port Gibson lastFriday night so the Bulldogs face an uphill battle in Division6-3A. They must beat Amite County and division leader WilkinsonCounty back-to-back.

Loyd Star (8-1, 4-0) already has clinched a playoff spot but theHornets would love to beat Richland (8-1, 3-0) Friday night and winthe Division 6-2A title. That would give Loyd Star the right tohost an opening round game of the state playoffs, either PerryCentral, North Forrest, Gulfport St. John or Lumberton out ofDivision 8-2A.

On the flip side, Professor Hoopla B.S. is coming off injuredreserve to make his weekly predictions. He developed a severeheadache last Friday night at the BHS homecoming game, probablycaused by the McComb Tigers and the extremely loud McComb band.

Hoopla predicted the winners of 19 games and missed seven.Here’s a list of this week’s winners, starting with three Thursdaynight specials.

Bogue Chitto at West Lincoln: Ailing Bobcats bring downthe curtain on West Lincoln’s third campaign. Bogue Chitto27-7.

Gulf Coast at Co-Lin: A high-powered offense and astrong defense visit Stone Stadium. Gulf Coast 24-10.

Southwest at East Central: Bears are still in the huntfor a state playoff berth. Southwest 28-14.

Brookhaven at Terry: Panthers must avoid a letdown onthe road. Brookhaven 27-13.

Brookhaven Academy at Bowling Green: It’s tough winningon the road, especially in Franklinton, La. Bowling Green29-20.

Loyd Star at Richland: In an offensive showcase, theHornets escape with a narrow win. Loyd Star 35-34.

Enterprise at Dexter: The Bulldogs are for real ondefense and former head coach Jim Lowery is helping refine theNotre Dame Box offense. Dexter 26-12.

St. Andrew’s at Wesson: Cobras win their second straightgame. Wesson 21-12.

Crystal Springs at Lawrence County: Cougars tune up fora showdown with the Brookhaven Panthers. Lawrence County41-12.

Amite County at Franklin County: Bulldogs face amust-win situation in Meadville. Franklin County17-14.

In other area action Friday, Port Gibson will defeatNorth Pike 28-12, McComb will dump South Pike 27-14, GreenwoodPillow will beat Parklane 21-14, Hazlehurst will dump JeffersonCounty 31-0 and Madison Ridgeland will edge Copiah Academy20-12.

Southern Miss at Houston: Golden Eagles should climbhigher in the polls after beating the Cougars. Southern Miss27-7.

UNLV at Ole Miss: Rested Rebels put some points on thescoreboard but so do the visiting Rebels. Ole Miss31-20.

Middle Tennessee State at Miss. State: A homecomingsacrifice takes place Saturday in Starkville. Miss. State48-14.

Prairie View at Valley State: Larry Dorsey returns toItta Bena and bags a win. Prairie View 22-14.

In other Magnolia State college games, Delta Stateshould whip Central Arkansas 33-12, Jackson State should dumpArkansas-Pine Bluff 32-14, Austin should dump Mississippi College28-10 and Sewanee should shave Millsaps 17-14. Belhaven and AlcornState have open dates to heal the wounded.