Garland’s ark arrived after dark. The Chevu Tahoe’s headlightsilluminated the circular drive way. Benton, our yellow Lab,welcomed their arrival with several deep woofs and Lyman, ourQuaker parrot, chirped loudly.

Laurie and I drew a deep sigh of relief. Our loved ones weresafe and sound. Daughter Gale and son-in-law, the Rev. GarlandBoyd, had made the journey from north Gulfport, fleeing the wrathof Hurricane Ivan. In tow, were two teenage granddaughters, Jessicaand Kallie Rose; plus Birdie the parakeet; Toots, the family cat;Daisy, the outdoor Boxer; and three indoor poodles, Belle, Punkieand Yogi.

This wasn’t your typical, happy family reunion. Left behind,just off Highway 49, was the parsonage, full of personalpossessions, and the First Baptist Church of Lyman where Garlandpastors. Ironically, the church sanctuary has been under renovationfor the last two months. Sunday is supposed to be the first worshipservice in the remodeled facility.

God only knows what they’ll find when they return. Likethousands, make that millions of Gulf Coast residents, they canonly imagine the kind of destruction Ivan will bring to that area.Certainly, it is a helpless feeling.

All we can do is pray and hope for the best.

In other areas of Mississippi, the games must go on. Footballgames and softball tournaments remain on schedule for this weekend.Most Coast teams probably will have to reschedule their Fridaynight football games.

Hurricanes have a nasty habit of turning daily life upsidedown.

Hoopla sweats hurricane warning

Professor Hoopla, B.S. was last seen wearing a yellow poncho ashe prepared for Friday night’s football action. He heavilyperspired last weekend after predicting the outcome of 27games.

For the record, Hoopla posted a 21-6 worksheet, missing suchmajor upsets as Southern Miss over Nebraska and Millsaps overMississippi College. Congratulations to the Golden Eagles andMajors.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with Fridaynight’s high school schedule.

Brookhaven at Wingfield: Forest Hill’s gridironis the location of this Region 6-4A contest. Panthers werepredicted to win the region and the Falcons were picked last.Brookhaven 41-6.

Brookhaven Academy at Wilkinson Academy: Aftera long ride to Woodville, the Cougars raise their record to 5-0 onthe season. Brookhaven Academy 42-14.

Lake Providence (La.) at Loyd Star: Stillrecovering from a lopsided loss to Franklin County, the Hornetsattempt to rebound. Loyd Star 21-20.

Bogue Chitto at Mize: Winless Bobcats won’tfind any sympathy in Smith County when they meet the Region 4-1Apowerhouse Bulldogs. Mize 45-18.

Enterprise at Mt. Olive: Yellow Jackets tacklethe McNair family on the road. Mt. Olive 36-27.

West Lincoln at Natchez Cathedral: In a massiverebuilding season, the Green Wave is wobbling, Bears are hungry fora win. West Lincoln 20-18.

Franklin County at Wesson: Coach Anthony Hartdisplayed some mercy last week and put the leash on his Bulldogs athalftime. He’ll do the same tomorrow night. Franklin County49-6.

Lawrence County at McComb: Wounded Tigers areabout to realize their first victory of the season. McComb28-9.

In other area games, Wilkinson County shoulddump North Pike 26-6, South Pike should outscore Vicksburg 49-20,Centreville Academy should clip Parklane 14-10, Hazlehurst shouldhumble Port Gibson 51-12, and Collins should crush Crystal Spring56-6.

After consuming a low carb desert, Hoopla checks his waistlineand looks at Saturday’s collegiate scene. Two postponed communitycollege games start the parade.

Pearl River at Co-Lin: Wolves played a Fordpassing attack last week at Northeast. This time they play theLincoln model. Pearl River 38-10.

Southwest at East Central: Bears appear to havesolved their offensive problems. Southwest 25-12.

Vanderbilt at Ole Miss: Crunch time has arrivedfor the Ole Miss Rebels. They’ll need some lucky bounces and alast-minute field goal. Ole Miss 24-21.

Maine at Mississippi State: If the sun isshining, the Black Bears should be worn out by halftime. State28-14.

Tennessee State at Jackson State: The Tigers areimproving but not enough this week. Tennessee State33-23.

In other games, Alcorn State should beat Howard 21-12,Sul Ross State should whip Mississippi College 29-7, Delta Stateshould stop North Alabama 17-8, Lambuth should clip Belhaven 31-28,Alabama State should sink Valley State 28-10, Millsaps should beatEmory & Henry 22-12.

In the SEC, Auburn should clip LSU 32-22,Alabama should whip Western Carolina 42-7, Arkansas should clipLouisiana-Monroe 21-14, Tennessee should ambush Florida 33-20,Georgia should stop Marshall 38-21, Kentucky should edge Indiana17-14 and South Carolina should sack South Florida 37-17.