There is no I in team.

“Teammates Matter,” a sports-related bookwritten by Alan Williams of Nashville, Tenn., digs deeply into theworld of athletics, especially college basketball.

    Williams was a walk-on basketball player at Wake Forest Universityand his book chronicles the many situations he encountered as abench-warmer. He will be the guest speaker Tuesday night, Oct. 18,at the Lincoln County Civic Center.

    All athletes and coaches and church youth groups from LincolnCounty are invited to attend the meeting. Parents and students alsoare welcome for the  7 p.m.program.

    It is sponsored by Bank of Brookhaven and Lincoln County FarmBureau. Event spokesman Ricky Ferguson said Williams will providean enlightening message on what it means to be on a team andhelping a teammate.

    Ferguson said Williams will present a similar program at LawrenceCounty on Wednesday, Oct. 19, starting at 6 p.m.

    Williams is married to the former Amanda Lynch of Brookhaven. Hegrew up as a basketball junkie, with dreams of playing in theAtlantic Coast Conference. During his tenure at Wake Forest, heonly played 59 minutes in 120 games.

    Why was it worth it? What kept him coming back?

    Williams shares an amazing story in his 200-page book.

    

    The Freedom From Religion Foundation has reared its ugly head righthere in Lincoln County. The organization recently had a massmailout to Mississippi high schools, challenging the traditionalrite of pregame prayer at athletic events. Citing separation ofchurch and state, the FFRG promised legal litigation  if the routine continued.

    Most schools agreed to obey the ACLU’s earlier statement regardingprayer at public events. Others, like Wesson, provided a differentresponse.

    Yours truly attended last Friday’s Loyd Star-Wesson football game.It’s an arch-rivalry, which means the Cobras and Hornets don’t likeeach other when it comes to athletics and other competition.

    Praise the Lord! Prayer suddenly united these two adversaries.After the playing of The National Anthem by Wesson’s band, the fansremained standing and recited The Lord’s Prayer together. Playersfrom both teams, gathered in opposing end zones, with their helmetsremoved, followed suit.

    After the “Amen,” folks on both sides of the field loudly cheered.That’s also known as one nation under God, indivisible, withliberty and justice for all.

    In case you missed it, our country is in a downward spiral morallyand spiritually, not to mention economically. It’s time to get onour knees and pray.

    

    Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S. was praying for rain as hesurveyed his horse pasture and front lawn. It’s a dust bowl outthere.

    His weekly list of predictions was coated with dust. Last week,Hoopla showcased his wisdom, predicted the winners of 24 games andonly missed two.

    Hoopla begins this weekend’s action with a Thursday nightspecial.

    Delta State at North Alabama: In a showdown of thetop-ranked  NCAA DivisionII teams, Statesmen fall short of a win., North Alabama 35-30.

    Pearl at Brookhaven: In a homecoming thriller, the Panthers win byanother whisker. Brookhaven 28-27.

    Brookhaven Academy at Columbia Academy: Injuries have taken theirtoll on the host Cougars who celebrate homecoming. BrookhavenAcademy 44-14.

    Natchez Cathedral at Bogue Chitto: The scoreboard on Troy SmithField is expected to blow a fuse as these two unbeaten (7-0) teamscollide. Cathedral 42-34.

    Wesson at Enterprise:     Ailing Yellow Jackets have allowed 145 points in their last twogames. The Cobras will have mercy. Wesson 48-12.

    Puckett at Loyd Star: Wolves will run and run some more. Puckett38-14.

    West Lincoln at Union Christian. This MAIS opponent hasn’t won agame this year, so the outlook is good for the Bears Friday nightin Farmerville, La. West Lincoln 18-6.

    Lawrence County at South Pike: Cougars need a win to keep theirClass 4A state playoff hopes alive. Lawrence County 20-14.

    Crystal Springs at Franklin County:      Tigers are the most improved teamin the area but they’ll find homecoming trouble in Meadville.Franklin County 32-22.

    Hazlehurst at Wilkinson County: Surging Indians move closer toclinching the Region 7-3A championship. Hazlehurst 29-12.

    In other area games, Copiah Academy over Hillcrest 44-6, Parklaneover Presbyterian Christian 21-19, North Pike over Columbia 37-12,McComb over South Jones 17-14 and Jefferson County over Prentiss32-8.

    After sipping a cup of hot chocolate, Hoopla gazes at Saturday’scollegiate scene, starting with two community college homecomingcontests.

    Gulf Coast at Co-Lin:Those nemesis Bulldogs have too much power forthe Wolfpack to handle, even on homecoming day. Gulf Coast26-17.

    Hinds at Southwest: Bears have upset two straight opponents butthat streak ends in Summit as the unbeaten Eagles continue to soar.Hinds 30-18.

    Alabama at Ole Miss: Hotty-toddy, Bear Bryant would be impressedwith this year’s unbeaten Crimson Tide. Alabama 42-17.

    South Carolina at Mississippi State:      Bulldogs must play their best gamein a must-win SEC encounter. State 28-21.

    Jackson State at Valley State: Winless Delta Devils mightdiscontinue their football program after this nightmarish season.Jackson State 48-6.

    In other collegiate action, Millsaps over Rhodes 17-14, Belhavenover Shorter 21-10,  andMississippi College over East Texas Baptist 26-16. Alcorn State andSouthern Miss have open dates to promote their basketballprograms.