The first week in full equipment developed the usual allotmentof bumps and bruises as high school football teams concluded thesecond week of preseason practice. Most of the coaches and playershad to dodge afternoon thunderstorms much of the week and somepractices were conducted in gymnasiums.

The third week of preseason drills will be concerned withfine-tuning the offense and defense as the final countdown for the2002 season continues. Brookhaven Academy, a Mississippi PrivateSchool Association member, starts its season a week earlier

than the public schools and plays Friday night at Simpson CountyAcademy in Mendenhall. Copiah Academy of Gallman debuts Fridaynight, hosting Silliman Institute of Clinton, La.

LOYD STAR:

“I was real pleased with the attitude and the intensity lastweek,” said Loyd Star head coach Sidney Wheatley. “It was alearning experience for everybody.”

Wheatley, in his first year at the helm, also has three newassistant coaches in Jonathan Breakfield, Eddie Britt and JoshThibodeaux.

“We’ve done a lot or contact work this week,” said Wheatley. “Wewere kind of sluggish. Some of our guys are banged up and sore.

“We need leaders to push our younger guys,” Wheatley continued.”We have met with our seniors and talked about inspiration.”

The Hornets kick off their season Aug. 30, at Bay Springs.

“We have a long way to go and a short time to get there,”Wheatley continued. He said there are 46 players on thevarsity.

Brookhaven: “We are progressing,” said headcoach Tucker Peavey. “For the most part, the kids are working hard.We just have to keep making improvements. That’s the bottomline.”

There are 51 varsity players and 26 more on the freshman team.Brookhaven debuts Aug. 30, hosting the Hazlehurst Indians.

Meet the Panthers Night is Thursday. Activities begin at 6:30 onKing Field.

Lawrence County: Wet weather has been a problemfor the Cougars this week. Afternoon thundershowers have saturatedthe practice field.

“It’s been tough dealing with the weather,” said Lawrence Countyhead coach Trent Hammond. “It makes for some muddy, boggypractices.”

Hammond sent his team through a Saturday morning scrimmage afterposing for team photos.

The Cougars debut Aug. 30, hosting the Collins Tigers who aredefending Class 3A state champions.

Wesson: “We have all been real pleased with theprogress of our players,” said head coach Ronald Greer.

“We have had our share of bumps and bruises.” Greer saidoffensive tackle Herman Johnson was slowed by a pulled quadricepsmuscle in his upper leg.

“I’m not sure when we’ll get Herman back,” said Greer. “It’s aday-to-day thing.”

The Cobras practiced in full gear this past week and saw plentyof contact. “We have two week to go. We are tired of hitting oneach other.”

Wesson hosts the Salem Wildcats in its Aug. 30, seasonopener.

Franklin County: Coach Anthony Hart sent hisBulldogs through their first week in full equipment and battled therain.

“We only got to go outdoors two days,” said Hart. “We got a lotof rain and a lot of lightning. We got outside for a little whilebut then we had to go inside.”

The Bulldogs scrimmaged Friday. “I saw some bright spots but Ialso saw some things we need to work on,” Hart pointed out.

The Bulldogs debut Saturday, Aug. 31, meeting Jena, La., in theVidalia Jamboree. They play Jena in the third game, starting atapproximately 6:30 p.m.

Enterprise: “Everything went pretty for us thisweek,” said Coach Ricky Deere. “We are trying to get better everyday in some part of the game. Everyone is working hard.”

The Yellow Jackets debut Aug. 30, hosting McLaurin on Harry ColeField.