The Exit 40 ramps off I-55 should have a huge banner greetingvisitors to Brookhaven tomorrow.

“Ka-Ching!” will be the collective ring of cash registersechoing along Brookway Boulevard as over 2,000 visitors from WayneCounty invade the Homeseekers Paradise. The object of attraction isFriday night’s Brookhaven/Wayne County football playoff game.

According to BHS athletic director/head football coach TuckerPeavey, Wayne County requested 2,500 tickets for pregame sale.Wow!

Peavey sent them 2,000 tickets.

Talk to Wayne County athletic director and head football coachMarcus Boyles and he will proudly tell you about his gridironprogram. Yes, the War Eagles are successful. Yes, they do have ahuge following of fans.

Boyles said average attendance at Wayne County home footballgames is 4,000. Obviously, the Eagles don’t lack financialsupport.

Wayne County is the defending Class 5A state champion.Unfortunately for Class 4A, the Eagles slipped below the magic 5Aenrollment number and are favored to win two straight statechampionships.

Brookhaven’s Panthers also have designs on a state title. Theywill need their best game to beat Wayne County. It should be anepic struggle on King Field.

Hopefully, there will be more Brookhaven fans present than WayneCountians. Attendance should surpass the estimated 5,000 folks whowitnessed the Brookhaven-South Pike game four weeks ago.

Bring out the extra portajohns and brew a hundred gallons moreof coffee and hot chocolate. On a cold night, the concession standsshould do a record business.

Bogue Chitto, coached by Gareth Sartin, also has a big Class 1Ahome playoff game with South Leake Friday night. Those travelerswill probably stop in Brookhaven to buy gasoline, eats and drinksbefore completing their journey to Troy Smith Field.

Lawrence County, under the direction of Trent Hammond, isenjoying the home field advantage Friday night when the Cougarshost Northeast Lauderdale in a Class 4A quarterfinals playoff game.Most of those fans will travel to Monticello by Highways 84 and 27.That means Monticello eateries and quick stops will be busytomorrow night.

Beware of the upset!

Our condolences go to the Loyd Star Hornets and the FranklinCounty Bulldogs. Both teams were seeded No. 1 out of theirrespective divisions but nothing is sacred in the state playoffswhich began last Friday. The previously unbeaten Hornets fell toHeidelberg in Class 2A and the Bulldogs bowed to Richland in Class3A.

Professor Hoopla, B.S., was passing out “Bald Is Beautiful”flyers when he dropped off his latest list of football predictions.He also was wearing a hat to keep his head warm.

Hoopla predicted the winners of 24 games last week and got 17right, stubbing his toe in the process. Here’s his latest list ofwinners.

Wayne County at Brookhaven: This looks like an offensive show onKing Field. Brookhaven 31-28.

South Leake at Bogue Chitto: Bobcats have the home fieldadvantage and a victory. Bogue Chitto 26-16.

Northeast Lauderdale at Lawrence County: Cougars are clicking onoffense and defense. Lawrence County 27-20.

South Pike at West Jones: Minus their injured quarterback, FredJones, the Eagles managed to squeak past Petal last week. Theywon’t be as fortunate against the Mustangs. West Jones 36-19.

Hazlehurst at Tylertown: Unbeaten Chiefs have too much speed andpower for the Indians to handle. Tylertown 29-12.

Pearl River at Hinds: In the Mississippi Association ofCommunity/Junior Colleges state championship game at RaymondSaturday, the Wildcats outscore the Eagles. Pearl River 30-21.

Mississippi State at Tennessee: This is no farewell party forJackie Sherrill as the Volunteers go on a rampage. Tennessee33-7.

Tulane at Southern Miss: In a Battle for the Bell, Golden Eaglesmaintain their drive to the C-USA championship. Southern Miss28-13.

In other games, involving Magnolia State institutions of higherlearning, Alabama A&M should outscore Alcorn State 38-28, DeltaState should dump Arkansas-Monticello 31-19, Trinity should trounceMillsaps 42-14, Virginia-Wise should dump Belhaven 17-10, and EastTexas Baptist should clip Mississippi College 14-7. Ole Miss andJackson State have open dates to heal their wounded.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz at P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com