“Getahit! Getahit! Getahit!”

Chants, with lots of variations, echo through the dugouts duringthe high school girls slowpitch softball season. These young ladiesare fired up, anxiously awaiting their turn at bat.

Cheers get louder as the state softball playoffs start today.The first round of competition continues through Saturday. There’slittle chance of rain this weekend so the first round should becompleted by late Saturday night. It is a best-of-three series ateach location, hosted by the division champions.

Several teams from this area are entered in the state playoffs.In Lincoln County, Enterprise’s Lady Yellow Jackets and WestLincoln’s Lady Bears are competing in Class 1A. Loyd Star’s LadyHornets are entered in Class 2A.

The Lady Jackets (18-6), coached by SteveSasser, successfully defended their Division 7-1A title.They host Sebastopol Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bears (14-11), under the direction of first-year headcoach Andrew Redd, are on the road Saturday. They visitPuckett and play at 1 p.m.

The Lady Hornets (10-13), coached by Lori Britt,captured the Division 6-2A championship. There was a 3-way tie forthe top rung and they won the tie-breaker. They’ll host MortonSaturday, starting at 1 p.m.

At Lawrence County, the Lady Cougars are fresh fromwinning the Division 6-4A championship. The Lady Cougars (18-5),coached by Patsy Sandifer, host Oak Grove Saturday, starting at 5p.m.

At North Pike, home of the Division 6-3A champions, theLady Jaguars (21-9) are in action tonight, hosting Magee. The LadyJags are coached by Bogue Chitto native Sonya Wallace. Actionstarts at 6 p.m. Due to Saturday’s state band competition, someschools are playing tonight in an effort to avoid a conflict withplayers involved in both events.

Good luck to the area teams in the playoffs. Hopefully,at least one of them will reach the state finals at Shiloh Park inBrandon, Oct. 20-21.

Meanwhile, back at the sports desk, Professor HooplaB.S., hopes he can make it until payday. He predicted the winnersof 22 games last week and even Alcorn State lost. Hoopla posted a14-8-0 worksheet.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, startingwith a Thursday night high school special.

Loyd Star at Wesson: Throw out the record book whenthese archrivals clash. Give the Hornets a shaky nod. Loyd Star16-14.

Brookhaven at South Pike: It’s an old-fashioned,hard-hitting contest on Colee Field. In an upset, Brookhaven14-12.

Centreville Academy at Brookhaven Academy: The Tigersare having an off year so that’s good news for the host Cougars.Centreville 21-7.

West Lincoln at Enterprise: Homecoming ceremonies delaythis game 30 minutes but it won’t slow the Yellow Jackets.Enterprise 35-12.

Salem at Bogue Chitto: Another homecoming celebrationarrives and the Bobcats respond with an impressive win. BogueChitto 31-14.

Lawrence County at Terry: Cougars overcome a letdown andremain in the state playoff hunt. Lawrence County24-10.

Franklin County at Hazlehurst: It’s a must-win situationfor both teams as they seek a Division 6-3A triumph. FranklinCounty 28-18.

In other area action, North Pike will edge JeffersonCounty 13-8, McComb will plug Crystal Springs 37-12 and JacksonPrep will pinch Parklane 17-14. Copiah Academy has an open date tocontemplate next season.

Pearl River at Co-Lin: The Wildcats wreck Saturdayafternoon’s homecoming festivities in Stone Stadium. Peal River24-14.

Gulf Coast at Southwest: Homecoming arrives Saturdaynight in Hurst Stadium and the Bulldogs escape with a victory. GulfCoast 27-20.

Ole Miss at Alabama: Rebels end a long victory famine atTuscaloosa as Deuce McAllister runs wild. Ole Miss35-25.

Southern Miss at Tulane: Golden Eagles ride theoffensive talents of Jeff Kelly to victory in the Superdome.Southern Miss 27-17.

Jackson State at Valley State: Blue Bengals take outtheir frustrations in Itta Bena. Jackson State 38-18.

In other Magnolia State college games, Texas Southernwill trounce Alcorn State 48-8, Delta State will shave SouthernArkansas 24-20, Mississippi College will edge Mary Hardin-Baylor20-17, Cumberland will ambush Belhaven 17-10 and Rose-Hulman willedge Millsaps 18-14. Mississippi State has an open date to enjoyits No. 15 national ranking.