Ray Guy could write a book about his storied NFL career as anAll-Pro punter for the Oakland Raiders. He helped the Raiders winthree Super Bowl championships. He had the opportunity to play withOakland legends like Lamonica, Stabler, Otto, Upshaw, Alzado andLong.

Guy was in town Tuesday night for a meeting of the SouthwestMississippi Chapter of the Southern Miss Alumni Chapter. He is amember of the USM Legends Club, setting numerous records as apunter, placekicker and free safety during the 1970-72 seasons.

He entertained the crowd with numerous stories about theRaiders. As a Pro Bowl selection, Guy is best remembered forhitting the Superdome screen that hangs above the footballfield.

Guy shared the experience in detail. He was backed up at the2-yard line. According to Pro Bowl rules, there was no punt rush sohe had plenty of time to launch the football.

“From the field level to the bottom of the screen is 100 feet,”Guy noted. “My punt was still going up when it hit the side of thescreen.”

The football fluttered back to field level. The game’s officialscalled it a no-play, so Guy had to punt again. Most of the membersof the punt coverage team were offensive linemen who never playedthat position in the pros.

“They were huffing and puffing,” laughed Guy. “When I punted thesecond time, the receiver signaled for a fair catch. They (linemen)got to midfield and made a 90-degree turn for the sideline.”

Guy said he enjoyed the camaraderie and family atmosphere in theRaiders’ organization. After 14 years with Oakland, he was forcedto retire because of a chronic back ailment.

Under today’s zillion dollar pro contracts, Guy would have beena multimillionaire. Instead, he played before free agency reallygot started. “I made less than a million dollars in 14seasons.”

Still rail-thin, Guy looks in good shape. He conducts kickingcamps during the summer months.

He’s currently employed by Southern Miss, beating the publicrelations drums for the university. A popular ambassador, he makesmany alumni meetings and thoroughly enjoys meeting the public.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S. was busy dodging rocks thrownby irate readers. His latest fearless forecast upset a fewsubscribers, although he did pick the right team to beat the localfavorite.

Hoopla posted a 21-6-0 record last week. Special congratulationsgo the Millsaps College Majors who are unbeaten in 7 games thisyear.

Hoopla will start with two Thursday night community collegespecials before moving to Friday’s high school scene.

Hinds at Co-Lin: It’s offense versus defense in Stone Stadiumtonight. Gave a shaky nod to the Wolfpack. Co-Lin 17-14.

Southwest at Holmes: In a muddy, defensive struggle, the Bearsprevail. Southwest 10-7.

Brookhaven Academy at Adams Christian: Overconfidence is theonly obstacle facing the Cougars Friday night in the River City.Brookhaven Academy 42-12.

Mt. Hermon (La.) at Bogue Chitto: The Yellowjackets are afledgling football program that is still growing. Bobcats have ahappy homecoming. Bogue Chitto 39-6.

St. Andrew’s at Enterprise: Homecoming doesn’t have a happyconclusion for the Yellow Jackets as they encounter the Region 6-2Achampion. St. Andrew’s 38-13.

Madison St. Joe at Loyd Star: Hornets finally have a few luckybounces go their way on homecoming night. Loyd Star 28-19.

West Lincoln at St. Aloysius: The Bears make a long ride toVicksburg and battle the Flashes in Region 4-1A action. St. Al30-12.

McLaurin at Wesson: Cobras need four strong quarters to beat theTigers. Wesson 24-21.

Lawrence County at Forest Hill: Two Region 6-4A high-octaneoffenses slug it out in south Jackson. Lawrence County 35-27.

Franklin County at Wilkinson County: Only question Friday nightin Woodville is the point spread. Franklin County 45-6.

In other area games, Copiah Academy should edge Columbia Academy14-12, Jefferson County should swamp North Pike 45-13, Tylertownshould smash South Pike 33-0, Hazlehurst should humble JacksonBailey 70-6, Crystal Springs should stop Amite County 26-6 andMcComb should have a happy homecoming by clawing Florence 39-8.

After sipping a Sierra Mist, Hoopla looks at Saturday’scollegiate scene.

Ole Miss at Arkansas: After another disappointing setback, theRebels and former Razorbacks coach Houston Nutt find trouble inFayetteville. Arkansas 24-21.

Middle Tenn. State at Mississippi State: This is a perfecthomecoming opponent for the struggling Bulldogs. Miss. State18-7.

Southern Miss at Memphis: Golden Eagles hatch their firstConference USA victory Saturday night. Southern Miss 31-21.

Valley State at Jackson State: Tigers apparently have found thewinning combination, much to the dismay of the Delta Devils.J-State 38-19.

In other Magnolia State action, Texas Southern over Alcorn State28-18, Delta State over Southern Arkansas 17-10, MississippiCollege over East Texas Baptist 26-14, and Cumberland over Belhaven17-10. Millsaps has an open date to enjoy its unbeaten (7-0)worksheet.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com