University of West Alabama linebacker John Wallace made sure theTigers would have a pleasant memory during the winter months.Wallace, a redshirt sophomore from Bogue Chitto, helped the Tigersupset heavily favored North Alabama 28-27 in their season finale.Wallace, playing middle linebacker, was credited with 11 tackles inthe victory.

UWA scored the winning touchdown on a 31-yard pass reception byAndre Epps and just five seconds left in the game. The victory gaveUWA its second straight victory over UNA as the Tigers captured thefirst-ever “Victory Bell” trophy.

UNA ended its season at 5-5 and 4-2. UWA finished last in theGulf South Conference with a 2-7 record and was 2-9 overall. Forsure, the Tigers can look forward to next year.

Wallace accounted for 13 tackles in the Tigers’ 34-20 loss toHenderson State two weeks ago. He had sat out a year to pursue apossible career in youth ministry but elected to return to collegeand play football again.

Wallace played for Coach Carl Cole at Bogue Chitto, helping theBobcats reach the second round of the state playoffs in 2001 andpost an 11-2 worksheet.

Jackson State punter Dominick Addison also was a member of thatexceptional Bogue Chitto squad. Addison also starred at runningback and linebacker for the Bobcats.

There’s a conflict of high school sports currently taking place.Football teams are in the state playoffs, the soccer season hasstarted and basketball teams are trying to get their campaignsunder way.

Some boys basketball teams, Brookhaven and Franklin County forexample, are feeling the greatest pinch. Franklin County coachChris Jordan has five projected starters playing football for theBulldogs. Brookhaven coach Ronald Hines has three players still onthe gridiron, among them his two most promising post people.

Salem, competing in the Class 1A state playoffs, has postponedits first two basketball games because the Wildcats areshort-handed. Games this week with Enterprise and West Lincoln havebeen put off until a later date.

Salem is scheduled to participate in the Brookhaven Invitationalstarting Monday of next week, but if the Wildcats beat Union Fridaynight, that could drastically change.

In the meantime, Professor Hoopla B.S. is struggling to finishhis prognosticating campaign. Soccer balls and basketballs areclouding his judgment as he observes the flying footballs in hiscrystal ball.

Last week Hoopla predicted the winners of 19 football games andonly got 13 right. Special congratulations to the Millsaps Majorswho defeated Rhodes for their second straight win.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s games, starting with someFriday night playoff specials.

Brookhaven at South Jones: Panthers employ asolid defense to slow down the Braves in the second round of theClass 4A state playoffs. Brookhaven 28-10.

Franklin County at Forest: In an upset special,the Bulldogs pull out a Class 3A victory. Franklin County24-21.

Newton County at Hazlehurst: The Indians haveseveral injured starters watching from the sidelines. Newton County28-14.

South Pike at St. Stanislaus: The Rockachawshave too many horses for the Eagles to handle. St. Stanislaus35-27.

Southern Miss at Memphis: On a chilly nightnear the Mississippi River, the Tigers hand the Golden Eagles asecond straight setback in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis31-21.

Hinds at Pearl River: On a beautiful afternoonin Poplarville, the unbeaten Wildcats win a second straightcommunity college state championship. Pearl River 29-14.

Ole Miss at Arkansas: After an open date, theRebels are rejuvenated. They pull out a rare win in Fayetteville.Ole Miss 23-20.

Jackson State at Prairie View: Even though theTigers haven’t found much offense this season, they should haveenough to handle the lowly Panthers. Jackson State 22-12.

Alcorn State at Alabama A&M: Braves havediscovered that it’s better to be lucky than good. Just ask Valley.Alcorn State 28-10.

In other Magnolia State college action, AlabamaState over Valley State 38-14, Millsaps over Trinity 22-17, HowardPayne over Mississippi College 29-10, and Kentucky Wesleyan overBelhaven 31-8. Mississippi State has an open date to promote itsbasketball program and Delta State has until next September toimprove its defense.

In the rest of the SEC, LSU over Alabama 35-19,Auburn over Georgia 26-14, Florida over South Carolina 24-21, andVanderbilt over Kentucky 17-14. Tennessee has an open date to dwellon its loss to Notre Dame.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com