It’s time for the “0” classes to take a bow. Homecoming alreadyhas arrived for many of the 0 classes and a few celebrations are ontap this weekend.

Brookhaven and Loyd Star celebrate homecoming Friday. There areschool friends to see, parties to attend and things to do. There’salso an important football game on tap Friday night.

Looking back over the decades, the 0 graduates played theirsenior football seasons in ’09, ’99, ’89, ’79, etc.

As a refresher course, let’s take a look at some of theBrookhaven and Loyd Star 9 teams. In 1979, the Ole Brook Panthersfinished 4-6 under Les Bumgarner, beating the archrival McCombTigers 21-0. Certainly, there were some close games that season asBHS lost its homecoming game 23-21 to delta powerhouse Clarksdale.The Panthers also lost a 27-26 heart-breaker to North Natchez intriple overtime.

Bumgarner now serves as mayor of Brookhaven. Tucker Peavey, asenior member of that ’79 squad, is in his ninth season at the helmof BHS football fortunes.

Meanwhile, out a Loyd Star, Coach Ricky Ferguson’s Hornets wereposting a 7-4 worksheet in ’79. The Hornets blitzed Bogue Chitto58-0 but lost a 14-12 decision to Enterprise. They lost 12-0 toWesson in the season finale after beating New Hebron 12-8 theprevious week.

In 1989, the Class of ’90 at BHS authored a 5-4 record for CoachDon Coleman. The Panthers beat McComb 27-19 in the season finale.They also had a 21-3 win over Clinton. Natchez spoiled theirhomecoming by a 13-10 margin.

At Loyd Star, Coach Roe Burns guided the Hornets to a 5-5 recordin 1989. They beat Utica 48-18 in the finale. They knocked offJackson S. Joe 28-15 in their homecoming game.

In 1999, Greg Wall coached the Panthers to a 4-5 worksheet. Itwas a rare losing season for Wall who had forged a dynasty at SouthPike before moving to BHS in 1996. His Panthers managed a 55-31homecoming win over the Terry Bulldogs but lost their season finale35-28 to Lawrence County, the eventual, unbeaten (14-0) Class 4Astate champion.

At Loyd Star in ’99, Coach Burns guided his team to a perfect10-0 regular season. The Hornets beat Philadelphia 25-7 in thefirst round of the Class 2A state playoffs but lost to Bay Springsthe next week.

In 2009, Coach Peavey’s Panthers posted a 5-6 record, beatingPearl River Central 41-12 in their homecoming game. They wereeliminated by Moss Point in the opening round of the Class 5A stateplayoffs.

At Loyd Star, Coach Ryan Ross led the Hornets to a 10-2 record.They defeated Enterprise-Clarke in the opening round of the 2Astate playoffs but lost to eventual state champion Bassfield in thesecond round.

For sure, the memories are good. They become bigger and sweeterwith age.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., is becoming sweeter with age,too. He likes his Community coffee with cream and sugar.

Hoopla predicted the winners of 22 games last week and got 17correct. Special congrats to the MSU Bulldogs for their win overFlorida.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with twoThursday night specials.

East Central at Co-Lin: It’s the last home gamefor the Wolfpack as they battled for a berth in the state playoffs.It’s also Pink Night. Co-Lin 24-14.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State: Bravesplot an ambush of the Golden Lions in Lorman. Alcorn State28-21.

Stone County at Brookhaven: Panthers battle fora homecoming victory against the Tomcats on King Field. Brookhaven30-21.

Columbia Academy at Brookhaven Academy: As theseason winds down, the BA Cougars are reaching state playoff form.Brookhaven Academy 35-12.

Enterprise at Loyd Star: Homecoming brings outthe best in the Hornets as they satisfy the large crowd gathered atWilliam E. “Sambo” Smith Field. Loyd Star 28-14.

Bogue Chitto at Natchez Cathedral: Scoreboardcould blow a fuse Friday night as the pass-happy Green Waveentertains the rush-minded Bobcats. Bogue Chitto 42-35.

Sebastopol at West Lincoln: The Bobcats fromScott County are strong on offense and defense. Sebastopol42-12.

Wesson at Madison St. Joe: Unbeaten Cobrassurvive a scare on the road as they battle for first place in theRegion 6-2A race. Wesson 29-20.

Columbia at Lawrence County: Cougars must winthe rest of their games to claim the runner-up spot in Region 7-4Aand the right to host an opening round, state playoff test.Lawrence County 38-14.

Tylertown at Franklin County: Chiefs aredefending Class 3A state champions as they struggle through arebuilding campaign. Bulldogs won’t have enough offense to outscorethem. Tylertown 40-27.

Hazlehurst at Jefferson County: Indians must avoid an ambush inpicturesque Fayette. Hazlehurst 31-21.

In other area action, Forest Hill over McComb 29-20, South Pikeover Port Gibson 28-27, North Pike over Crystal Springs 48-6, EastRankin over Copiah Academy 33-24, and Presbyterian Christian overParklane Academy 29-20.

After sipping a Diet Dr Pepper, the old prognosticator revealsSaturday’s winners, starting with a junior college special inSummit.

Jones County at Southwest: Struggling Bears areoverdue for some good luck. Southwest 24-21.

UAB at Mississippi State: Center Darion Smithand his Blazer teammates will give the Bulldogs fits in the firsthalf before the homecoming crowd can breath a sigh of relief. State28-18.

Ole Miss at Arkansas: Football fans can enjoyan early brunch and catch the Rebels vs. Hogs on the Tube. In anoffensive show, Arkansas 34-24.

Jackson State at Texas Southern: Blue Bengalsappear to be on a roll. Jackson State 38-18.

In other Magnolia State action, Millsaps over Centre 35-10,Mississippi College over Howard Payne 19-7, Grambling over ValleyState 48-6, and Belhaven over Union 42-12. Southern Miss has anopen date to promote its basketball program.

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