Prep football kicks off tonight

From staff reports

August 29, 2008 10:39 am

— Laurel football fans will get their first opportunity to view the defending Class 4A champions in regular season action when the Tornadoes host Collins tonight at Blair Field “between the bricks.”
The Laurel-Collins contest is one of several season-opening games that will take place tonight across the state as Mississippi High School Activities Association teams take to the field. The Mississippi Privates School Association began their season a week ago.
Other local teams in action tonight include Northeast Jones at Gulfport, West Jones hosting Poplarville, South Jones playing host to Pearl River Central, and Wayne County traveling to Lucedale to meet George County. All games kick off at 7:30 p.m.
The Tornadoes, coming off a 14-1 campaign, defeated Collins last season in Week One in what was a severe storm shortened game in Covington County. There should be no problems with weather tonight.
Although they are coming off a championship season, Laurel enters the game and the season with some questions, particularly at quarterback where junior Walter Smith will have to supplant Akeem Davis, now at Jones County Junior College. Smith played linebacker a year ago.
Poplarville at West Jones
The Mustangs clobbered the Hornets 32-6 in the opening week of 2007 and went on to have a pretty good season that included a 9-4 record and two playoff victories. However, West Jones returns just three starters.
Northeast Jones at Gulfport
The Tigers, who had a breakout season in 2007, are hoping for much more in 2008. With a talented squad that boasts dynamic quarterback Chucky Nicholson, who helped Northeast Jones to a 9-3 campaign and playoff berth in 2007, the Tigers are poised to pounce. The did just that in the season opener a year ago, routing Gulfport 44-7.
Pearl River Central at South Jones
The Braves, who allowed a victory to slip away in 2007 when the Blue Devils rallied late for a miraculous season-opening win, are looking for revenge. South Jones bounced back to win their next two games, but dropped six of their final seven to finish 3-7. The Braves return a veteran team and have higher hopes in 2008.
Wayne County at George County
The War Eagles, who had a disappointing 2007 by Wayne County standards after claiming the 4A state title in 2006, meet a Rebels team that is expected to also contend for a state crown. Wayne County beat George County 23-6 a year ago on their way to winning their first four games. But the War Eagles split their remaining six games and failed to make the post-season.
Other games of interest tonight include: Heidelberg at Taylorsville, Bassfield at Perry Central, Mize at Raleigh, Bay Springs at Lumberton, Sumrall at Seminary, and Mt. Olive at Stringer. In academy action, Heidelberg Academy hosts Columbia Academy, Sylva-Bay plays their home opener against Winston County Academy, and Wayne Academy travels to Presbyterian Christian.
Check out all of the local scores on-line Friday night. And if you have a final score, pass it along by calling 601-428-0551 ext. 30 or e-mail it to sports@laurelleadercall.com.