The countdown is on for Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) state championship weekend at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.
Columbus, West Point, Noxubee County, and West Lowndes will represent the area as state championship hopefuls.
Each team must win three games to get to Starkville. As the temperatures drop, we know the football is going to heat up.
In the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) playoffs, Heritage Academy is one win away from playing for a state title.
Here is what to watch for in Week No. 13:
Falcons or Jaguars
1. Is Columbus on borrowed time?
Even last-second invitations to the postseason count.
Columbus had to win its final game by seven or more points to keep playing. The Falcons did that by beating Hernando 60-47 on Senior Night at Falcon Field.
One could sense a high level of relief for players and coaches alike after Columbus overcame a 1-2 start Class 6A, Region 1 play to secure a spot in the postseason.
Madison Central might be one of the best surprises of the season. The Jaguars carry a six-game winning streak into Friday night’s home playoff game against Columbus.
With the pressure to advance to the playoffs off, Columbus can relax, take a deep breath, and play for fun. If the Falcons can match last week’s enthusiasm, they have a chance.
When playing with pride and passion, the Falcons can go a long way.
Jaguars or Green Wave
2. Does anyone know anything about Holmes County Central?
It’s a safe bet West Point coach Chris Chambless, his staff, and his players do.
West Point will play host to Holmes County Central to open the Class 5A playoffs Friday night at Hamblin Stadium.
This is Holmes County Central’s third year. It is the school’s first playoff appearance. On paper, the Jaguars appear to have a strong defense and limited offense.
Meanwhile, West Point has won nine-straight games and should have little trouble extending that number to 10.
West Point is on a mission, and has a Class 5A State title firmly in its sites. This will be the first top on that tour.
Warriors or Tigers
3. Can we get excited about Noxubee County yet?
Let’s wait for one more round.
Noxubee County has won six-straight games after a 47-0 romp against Gentry last week to start the Class 4A playoffs. The Tigers are on a similar path to last season’s state championship team. The Tigers even have an identical record entering the second round.
There are times weak opponents make the playoffs. Gentry finished 1-10 after last week’s defeat. However, after a grind to win the region title, it was a probably a good thing Tyrone Shorter could give some players some rest in the first-round win.
The stakes will get higher as each round is completed.
Personally, it probably is time to get excited about Noxubee County, but let’s give it another week anyway.
Hawks or Panthers
4. Could this be the year for West Lowndes?
We won’t get the answer to that question this week.
West Lowndes will open the Class 1A playoffs by playing host to Shaw (4-7). The Hawks have been held to two touchdowns in their last five games.
On the other end of the spectrum, West Lowndes is clicking on offense and moving the ball at will on the ground and through the air.
West Lowndes also will find much stiffer competition on down the road. As far as feeling good entering the playoffs, West Lowndes can check that box.
Patriots or Colonels
5. What did Heritage Academy learn from its first meeting against Indianola Academy?
Heritage Academy has won 10 games for the first time since 1999. To get to No. 11 will prove quite the challenge.
Heritage Academy will try to realize that gal Friday night when it takes on undefeated Indianola Academy in the semifinals of the MAIS Class AAA playoffs.
The teams met four weeks ago with Indianola Academy taking a 35-13 victory, also at home.
The keys to victory are simple for the Patriots. Heritage Academy will need to score early and often and limit turnovers.
While Indianola Academy playing at home, Heritage Academy gained confidence from the first meeting. Confidence always helps when trying to secure a spot to play for a state championship.
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.
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