Rivalry weekend has arrived on the prep football scene.
As senior college football finally gets ready to join the fray this weekend, we find Week 3 of the prep football regular season littered with good games.
In Oktibbeha County, longtime rivals Starkville and West Point meet in a matchup of top-five powers. In Lowndes County, unbeaten New Hope plays host to Columbus
Here is what we are watching for:
Green Wave or Yellow Jackets
Will Starkville continue its recent mastery of West Point?
We keep hearing West Point is legit this year. Word on the street is this is the year the Green Wave finally returns to the top of Class 5A. While this game won’t prove anything in 5A, it will help tell us if West Point has arrived.
In the last two series meetings, West Point hasn’t managed a touchdown against Starkville. Despite having good offensive teams, the Green Wave lost 34-3 in 2014 and 16-0 last season.
Starkville has been one the surprises of the season with a 2-0 start. Victories against Noxubee County and Oxford indicate Starkville might have a chance to repeat as Class 6A state champions.
This game most likely won’t be good as the 2012 North State championship game that Starkville won in overtime. Even if it doesn’t reach that status, it still should be a great game.
Falcons or Trojans
Can New Hope start the season 3-0?
The New Hope-Columbus game also should be far better than last year’s struggle, won 27-6 by Columbus.
New Hope has defeated Louisville and Aberdeen after losing to each squad last season. The Trojans have put up some great offensive numbers. However, the Columbus secondary will provide the biggest challenge to date. There is no reason not to think New Hope has a chance in this game because it is playing at home and playing with confidence.
On the other hand, Columbus still has to be smarting from a 24-23 home loss to Noxubee County last week. Falcon Field was packed to the rafters and the Falcons gave the Tigers a very competitive game.
For Columbus, it will be important not to have a Noxubee County hangover. At kickoff Friday, it’s a new week and a new opportunity for the Falcons.
If Columbus’ last game has set the standard, maybe we still will be talking about this game a week later, too.
Chiefs or Volunteers
Speaking of 3-0, will we find Starkville Academy there Friday night?
A pair of 2-0 teams meet Friday night at J.E. Logan Field, as Starkville Academy plays host to Magnolia Heights. We know Starkville Academy won 10 games last season. What you might not know is Magnolia Heights won one game a year ago.
Starkville Academy has opened with victories against Marshall Academy and West Lowndes. The offense is rounding into shape with first-year starter Noah Methvin at quarterback and Dalton Dempsey emerging as a threat at running back.
However, the storyline of the first two wins might be the Volunteers’ defense. The Volunteers have been stingy and have picked up right where last year’s team left off. That defense will be needed as Starkville Academy tries for another undefeated run through district play.
The home team might not win them all this season. However, victory Friday shouldn’t be a problem.
Patriots or Raiders
Will Oak Hill Academy end the losing streak against Heritage Academy?
Oak Hill Academy will try to get its first win in the series since 2007 when it plays host to rival Heritage Academy.
Oak Hill Academy coach Chris Craven was excited about how well his team played last week in a 31-15 win at Tupelo Christian Prep. The Raiders are breaking new players in on both sides of the ball, and it appears the chemistry working together was much better than in Week 1.
Heritage Academy returns to the field after a hard-fought loss to Lamar School. The Patriots entered the season with some unknowns and still might be sorting things out this month.
It is hard to read this game. Then again, most people didn’t have a 10-0 Heritage Academy victory projected a year ago, either. We know both teams will do well in their districts. This will be another test for both as they get ready for that play.
Panthers or Bulldogs
Will Aberdeen find its first win of the season in the A-Game?
It has been tough sledding through two games for coach Eric Spann and the Bulldogs. With several starters lost from last year’s team, Aberdeen was going to need time for the 2016 team to come together.
Amory has struggled in recent seasons, but this might be the year it finally turns the tide in the A-Game. Amory opened with a tough loss to DeSoto Central, but it bounced back last week for a win at Saltillo.
It appears to be an uphill climb for both teams to make the playoffs this year. A victory in the A-Game could be something to brag about when the season ends.
Scott Walters is a sports writer for The Dispatch. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.