Loyd Star (4-7, 2-3), led by second-year head coach Adam Cook, return to the Class 2A playoffs after beating the West Lincoln Bears 60-0 last Friday to clinch the final spot in Region 7-2A.

The Hornets will be in action tonight as they travel to Puckett to take on the Wolves in the opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

The Wolves (10-1, 5-0), coached by Jason Goodwin, clinched the No. 1 seed in Region 6-2A after defeating the Pisgah Dragons 41-20 last Friday.

Loyd Star’s top offensive performer last week against West Lincoln was Parker Flowers with 165 yards rushing on 14 carries. He also had a 71-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Flowers also kicked all the extra point attempts for Loyd Star, finishing 6-of-9 for the night.

Michael Harvey finished second in yardage behind Flowers as he completed 4-of-6 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns. James Beard was the top receiver for the Hornets with two catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Shay Hodges caught two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Blake Ramsey directed the Hornets with six tackles. Konner Allen and Nicholas Smith had five tackles each. Zabien Price provided four tackles. Michael Harvey and Anfernee Claire intercepted a pass each.

My prediction: Puckett defeats Loyd Star 49-28.