Bobby Bell and his Jackson State teammates face an awesomechallenge Saturday night in Hattiesburg. The JSU Tigers battle theheavily-favored Golden Eagles in M.M. Roberts Stadium. A recordcrowd will witness the first meeting between the two schools since1987.

Bell, a redshirt junior from Brookhaven, will be starting atdefensive end for the Tigers. If you have a good memory, JSUbattled USM tooth and nail before losing 17-7 before a crowd of33,687 some 15 years ago.

“We are going down there to win,” said a confident Bell.”Southern has a pretty good ballclub and an awesome defense. Wehave been working hard since the spring on a lot of differentschemes.”

Jackson State sparkled on defense in the last meeting. TheTigers limited quarterback Brett Favre to 64 passing yards. Theyplugged up USM’s running game and allowed just 59 yards on theground. That’s 123 yards total offense.

If you have a real good memory, Brookhaven product CammieCollins was starting at linebacker for the Tigers. They didn’t winthe game but JSU earned a moral victory and tons of respect.

USM’s defense also was dynamic. Head coach Jim Carmody was adefensive wizard. The Eagles wound finish 6-5 in his last season atthe helm.

Asked about JSU’s game plan, Bell said, “We will have to play avery physical game, carry out our game plan and play as ateam.”

Another Lincoln County product, freshman DominickAddison of Bogue Chitto, will be the starting punter forJSU Saturday night. An outstanding athlete, Addison was signed as apunter and he has won the job. It should be a great game.

Professor Hoopla B.S., has a great debut last week, picking thewinners of two games and getting both of them right. He’ll tackle aheavy load today, starting with a parade of Friday night highschool games.

Hazlehurst at Brookhaven: A big crowd watchesthe Panthers debut on King Field and eke out a narrow victory overthe high-octane Indians. Brookhaven 28-26.

Copiah Academy at Brookhaven Academy: Bothteams were disappointed last Friday. This Friday, the Cougars pullout a close win. Brookhaven Academy 14-12.

McLaurin at Enterprise: Yellow Jackets launch apromising campaign with a triumph on Harry Cole Field. Enterprise20-12.

Bogue Chitto at Stringer: Playing on the roadcan cause more than a few problems. Stringer 16-14.

Loyd Star at Bay Springs: There’s plenty ofspeed and firepower awaiting the Hornets. Bay Springs 23-14.

Madison St. Joe at West Lincoln: The Bears areoverdue to find a victory. West Lincoln 14-13.

Salem at Wesson: Cobras are expected to be oneof the top area teams this year. Wesson 27-12.

Collins at Lawrence County: It’s a cat fight inMonticello and the Tigers have the sharpest claws. Collins26-12.

In other area games, South Pike should sackNorth Pike 22-10, Hattiesburg should beat McComb 14-7, SillimanInstitute should shave Parklane 16-14 and Raymond should edgeCrystal Springs 8-6. In a Saturday night special, Franklin Countyshould dump Jena, La. 20-10 in Vidalia, La.

Making a leap to the college scene, Hoopla begins with aThursday night special.

Delta State at Northwestern State: It lookslike a losing debut for new DSU coach Ricky Rhoades. NorthwesternState 28-14.

Louisiana-Monroe at Ole Miss: “Ulmmmmmm.” TheIndians have a new cheer but it can’t compare to “Hotty-Toddy.” EliManning authors an impressive passing performance inVaught-Hemingway Stadium. Ole Miss 35-10.

Jackson State at Southern Miss: The GoldenEagles have Derrick Nix and the Tigers boast Robert Kent. Eagleshave a stronger defense. USM 27-14.

Mississippi State at Oregon: There’s Ducks inthe air. There’s Ducks everywhere. Oregon 30-17.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State: The Braveslook like winners in Spinks Stadium. Alcorn State 28-14.

West Alabama at Belhaven: The Tigers have toomuch speed and muscle for the Blazers to handle. West Alabama26-10.