“Gridiron Gold,” a compilation of facts, photos and storiesabout Mississippi high school football coaches, is known as a goodread. The new book was produced by Jackson attorney X.M. FrascognaJr., and his two sons, Mike and Marty.

They conducted over 100 interviews with many legendary coacheswho shared information on their careers and players. In a 2006study conducted by USA Football and the Wharton Business Initiativeat the University of Pennsylvania, the state of Mississippi wasrecognized for having the best high school football in America.

In fact, Mississippi produces more college and professionalfootball players per capita than any other state in the country.For sure, some folks consider football a religion.

Nothing can beat Friday night lights at a high school footballgame in Mississippi. Football is played with passion, coached withpassion and followed by thousands of passionate fans.

Southwest Mississippi has several coaching legends, active anddeceased, included in this book. On Sunday, Nov. 4, there will be abook signing in Natchez, at Cover To Cover Books and More, locatedat 401 Main St.

Coaches Greg Wall of Brookhaven/South Pike, Ed Reed of SouthNatchez, Ken Beesley of Natchez Cathedral, Willie Young of Lanier,Joey Porter of South Natchez and Charlie Newlon of McComb Parklanewill be present from 1-3 p.m., to sign books and visit withfriends.

Books may be reserved by calling 601.445.5752 or sending amessage to info@c2cbooks.com.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., was busy signing checks as thefirst of the month arrived. He dropped off his weekly list ofpredictions which were scrawled on the back of a checkregister.

Last week Hoopla predicted the winners of 25 football games andgot 20 correct. Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners.

Florence at Brookhaven: Well-rested and firedup after an open date, the Panthers tune up for the Class 4A stateplayoffs by grounding the Eagles. Brookhaven 24-10.

Yazoo Manchester at Brookhaven Academy: Alreadyowners of the District 4-AA crown, the Cougars battle a stronggroup of Mavericks. Brookhaven Academy 21-14.

West Lincoln at Bogue Chitto: Bobcats take careof business in the first half and cruise past the winless Bears.Bogue Chitto 39-12.

Enterprise at Hinds AHS: Fighting YellowJackets found out how much tougher Class 2A can be this season.Hinds AHS 24-8.

Loyd Star at McLaurin: Tigers are playing for astate playoff berth while the Hornets are just playing for pride.McLaurin 30-16.

Amite County at Franklin County: DefendingClass 3A state champion Bulldogs must beat the Trojans to make theplayoffs. Franklin County 34-12.

Port Gibson at Lawrence County: Obviously, theBlue Waves can’t stop the Cougars’ awesome rushing attack. LawrenceCounty 42-6.

Copiah Academy at Presbyterian Christian:Gearing up for the state playoffs, defending state championColonels travel to Hattiesburg for their regular-season finale.Copiah 31-10.

In other area games Friday night, Hazlehurstshould dam Crystal Springs 30-12, Lamar should dump Parklane 28-14,McComb should stop Forest Hill 26-10 and South Pike should smashNorth Pike 35-13. Wesson has an open date to rest up for theplayoffs.

Jones County at Itawamba: Indians spring anambush in Fulton as the Mississippi Association of Community/JuniorColleges begins state playoff action Saturday. Itawamba 22-9.

Northwest at Gulf Coast: Perkinston-basedBulldogs won an overtime thriller at Senatobia three weeks ago.This time they’ll handle the Rangers by two touchdowns. Gulf Coast28-13.

Northwestern (La.) State at Ole Miss: Rebelsreceive a break from SEC warfare but they can’t overlook the Demonswho have a Brookhaven connection in defensive end Darius Perkins.Ole Miss 30-14.

Southern Miss at UAB: Golden Eagles find thewinning combination on Legion Field as quarterback Jeremy Youngreturns to action. Southern Miss 22-14.

In other Magnolia State action, Jackson Stateover Alabama A&M 20-10, Valley State over Alcorn State 13-12,Belhaven over Campbellsville 37-29, Delta State over West Alabama35-14, Mississippi College over Howard Payne 29-14, and Millsapsover Colorado College 19-10.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com