As we rapidly head to the end of September and the end of non-region play in the prep football ranks, the region races are starting to take shape.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A schools are in region play. Classes 5A and 6A begin next week. Classes 2A, 3A, and 4A will start in October. The Mississippi Association of Independent Schools members also are counting down to the games that determine which teams advance to the playoffs.
With one-third of the regular season complete, let’s preview the big matchup in each region.
n MHSAA Class 6A, Region 1: South Panola at Hernando (Oct. 9): South Panola and Hernando are the lone undefeated teams in this region. Hernando has opened with wins against Tennessee foes Memphis Northside, Westwood, and Millington Central and Mississippi’s Lewisburg. The Tigers have won each game by 35 or more points and only allowed 21 points.
Also of note: Columbus will face two critical region games in its quest to make the playoffs. An Oct. 2 game at Tupelo and an Oct. 23 home game with Olive Branch most likely will be the swing games that will determine the Falcons’ ability to finish in the top four.
Class 6A, Region 2: Clinton at Starkville (Nov. 6): When the season started, it appeared this matchup would be the region’s highlight game. A year ago, Brady Davis and Cam Akers competed in a shootout that Starkville won 56-46. Starkville has most of its defensive bulk from last season, while Clinton returns most of its offensive firepower. While this game is still huge, one has to be impressed by the 4-0 start from Northwest Rankin and the 3-1 start for Madison Central.
Also of note: Starkville has the power three at home — Northwest Rankin comes to town Oct. 2 and Madison Central comes to Oktibbeha County on Oct. 16. One win should give Starkville a playoff berth. Two wins should give it a home playoff game. Three wins should give it a repeat region crown.
Class 5A, Region 1: West Point at Oxford (Sept. 25): Last season’s biggest game in the region appears to again be this year’s biggest game. Oxford won the region, but New Hope clipped West Point for second a year ago. Through the first four weeks this season, West Point and Oxford have established themselves as the region’s best teams. This matchup will feature Oxford’s up-tempo offense against West Point’s defense, which is among the state’s best in Class 5A.
Also of note: New Hope will have to shake off a 0-3 start to return to the playoffs for a second-straight season. The Trojans have the talent level to do it. New Hope will need to win at Lake Cormorant (Oct. 9), at Lewisburg (Oct. 23), and at Saltillo (Nov. 6) to have a chance.
Class 4A, Region 4: Kosciusko at Noxubee County (Oct. 2): It is really hard to pick the best game in this region. Caledonia is undefeated. However, the Confederates will have to step it up a notch give the Tigers, the reigning Class 4A state champions, a run for their money. Realignment also gives us the Louisville-Noxubee County rivalry again. But, with hesitance, the nod for best game in this region goes to the Kosciusko-Noxubee County matchup. The Whippets are also undefeated, while the Tigers (2-2) will try to get back on track in region play.
Also of note: Caledonia looks for a second-straight playoff appearance. The Confederates have a chance for a top-two finish in the region and a chance to play a first-round playoff game at home. Back-to-back home games with Louisville (Oct. 9) and Kosciusko (Oct. 16) will foreshadow the importance of Caledonia at Noxubee County (Oct. 23).
Class 3A, Region 4: Hatley at Aberdeen (Oct. 9): The Bulldogs have talked openly about wanting to play for a Class 3A state championship. Aberdeen made a great run last season before losing to a Kemper County squad it beat in the regular season. Aberdeen should be able to go undefeated inside its region. The stakes then will get much higher. However, this team has enough defensive talent and offensive firepower to make state championship dreams become reality.
Also of note: Aberdeen, Hatley, and North Pontotoc are off to 3-1 starts. Aberdeen will play host to Hatley and travel to North Pontotoc (Oct. 23). It is a realistic expectation for that game to decide region title.
Class 1A, Region 1: Smithville at Falkner (Oct. 2): It appears these 3-1 clubs are on a collision course for the region title. Falkner beat Smithville 26-19 a season ago. However, Coffeeville finished the region slate undefeated and won the title. Coffeeville won its region opener, but is off to a 1-3 start.
Also of note: West Lowndes also won its region opener. However, the Panthers will have to pluck off some of the region’s heavyweights to earn the right to play host to a first-round playoff game. West Lowndes will play host to Falkner (Sept. 25) and travel to Smithville (Oct. 9). It will play at Hamilton (Oct. 23) and play host to Coffeeville (Oct. 30).
MAIS Class AAA, District 2: Starkville Academy at Heritage Academy (Sept. 25). As expected in the preseason, the rivalry should decide this district title. Starkville Academy looks for a second-straight win in the series. It won 31-0 last season at home.
Also of note: Starkville Academy will play host to Leake Academy on Oct. 9 in another huge matchup, while Heritage Academy will play host to Leake Academy on Oct. 16.
Class A-AA, District 2: Oak Hill Academy at Winona Christian (Sept. 25): It appears the district title will be on the line next week in Winona. Both teams are 3-1. With Deer Creek Academy, Carroll Academy, and Columbus Christian a combined 2-10, it likely will be difficult for one of those three to mount a charge.
Also of note: Oak Hill Academy will play host to Columbus Christian on Oct. 2.
Eight-Man District 2: Hebron Christian at Kemper Academy (Oct. 30): The showdown for this district’s top honors should take place in the final week of the regular season. Hebron Christian already has beaten Central Academy, so a win against Calhoun Academy (Oct. 16) at home will set up its part of the showdown.
Also of note: Central Academy will have to upset Kemper Academy on Oct. 16 at home to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Scott Walters is a sports writer for The Dispatch. You can email him 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 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.