In times of budget crunches and economic shortfalls in theeducation business, athletic department needs usually are shoved tothe back-burner. Obviously, academics are supposed to receivepriority over sports activities. Even the band suffers during thebudget crunch.

Case in point is the outdated scoreboard at Copiah-LincolnCommunity College’s Stone Stadium. Yes, it’s old. Yes, it needsreplacing.

Fuses blew and breakers melted Saturday afternoon in StoneStadium. The scoreboard malfunctioned in the first quarter and the25-second time clocks died earlier. The officiating crew haltedplay several times to adjust the critically ill scoreboard.

Meanwhile, up in the press box, the air-conditioning system woreout in the third quarter. Unfortunately, few windows could beopened to get fresh air relief from the sweltering heat.

Is this why junior college games usually are played atnight?

Efforts are being made to purchase a new scoreboard but themajority of funding would have to come from private enterprise.Thank Gov. Haley Barbour and the rest of the legislature for thecutbacks in education.

By the way, when do our legislators get their next payraise?

Budgets come and budgets go. Scoreboards don’t last, especiallywhen they are over 50 years old.

Co-Lin’s football teams have struggled in recent years. Perhapsit is best that the scoreboard doesn’t attract too much attention.Better to focus on the band and the Colettes.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., was focusing on this weekend’sfootball games while praying for some rain to settle the dust andpollen. Yes, it’s mighty dry out there.

Last week Hoopla predicted the winners of 31 games and got 22right. Blame it on Hurricane Ivan.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting withThursday night community college action.

Northwest at Co-Lin: Another outstandingquarterback dazzles the Wolfpack defense with shifty moves andpin-point passing. Northwest 34-17.

Hinds at Southwest: Bears have played someclose games this year but they’ve been on the losing side of thescoreboard. Their luck won’t change in Hurst Stadium. Hinds27-14.

Jim Hill at Brookhaven: After three straightroad games, the Brookhaven Panthers return to the friendly confinesof King Field. A large crowd watches an offensive show. Brookhaven35-18.

Brookhaven Academy at Columbia Academy: Whoeverscores last could be the winner in this battle of the Cougars.Brookhaven Academy 29-21.

Loyd Star at Bassfield: Yellowjackets use theirhome field advantage to the max. Bassfield 26-16.

St. Aloysius at Bogue Chitto: In a hard-foughtcontest, the Flashes escape with a victory. St. Al 24-20.

Enterprise at Salem: Can the Yellow Jacketsrecover from a lopsided loss at Mt. Olive and remain in the huntfor a state playoff berth? Enterprise 28-20.

Mt. Olive at West Lincoln: The McNair familywatches several offspring produce big plays against the winlessBears. Mt. Olive 39-8.

Wesson at Terry: Besides a rebuilding year, theCobras are wrestling with a difficult schedule. Terry 37-12.

South Pike at Lawrence County: Powerful Eagleshave too much speed and muscle for the Cougars to handle. SouthPike 41-14.

Franklin County at North Pike: UnbeatenBulldogs take no prisoners when they invade Summit. Franklin County45-12.

In other area action: Hazlehurst should whipAmite County 38-8, Adams County should ambush Copiah Academy 21-18,McComb should find its first victory at Wingfield, 20-7; Parklaneover Lamar 21-20, Raleigh over Crystal Springs 39-12 and WilkinsonAcademy over Union Academy 28-14.

After a gulp of fresh autumn air, Hoopla looks at Saturday’scollegiate scene.

Ole Miss at Wyoming: Rebels endure the perilsof playing on the road and escape with a victory. Ole Miss27-24.

Mississippi State at LSU: Ouch! Death Valley isno place for a rebuilding program. LSU 42-10.

Southern Miss at Tulane: After an unexpectedopen date, the Golden Eagles keep winning in the Superdome.Southern Miss 31-14.

Valley State at Jackson State: Thanks to theDelta Devils, the JSU Tigers are finally in the win column. JacksonState 28-12.

In other Magnolia State action, Belhaven shouldedge Millsaps 27-20, Delta State should take Henderson State 28-18,Alabama State should surprise Alcorn State 18-13, andHardin-Simmons should romp past Mississippi College 29-10.

In the SEC: Arkansas over Alabama 27-17, Auburnover The Citadel 49-6, Florida over Kentucky 28-10, South Carolinaover Troy State 28-8, Tennessee over Louisiana Tech 43-21 andVanderbilt over Navy 19-12. Georgia has an open date torecuperate.