Worried about the financial state of the nation?

Worried about your economic future?

Relax. Things are looking good in Brookhaven. Judging from theoverflow number of entries for this weekend’s 13th Annual TuckerSmith Memorial 4-Ball Tournament at the Brookhaven Country Club,many folks are walking in tall cotton.

“We were a little worried due to the economy but our corporatesponsorship has really been great,” said tournament chairman JoshSmith. “We are on pace to be ahead of last year with ourfundraising.”

During the last two years, 72 teams were considered a fullfield. Due to overwhelming interest and response, the field hasexpanded to 80 teams.

“We only have 40 carts available so that’s the best we can do,”said Smith. “The weather is supposed to be beautiful. We arelooking forward to it.”

The format is the popular 2-man, 4-ball match play. The firstround is Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shotgun starts.On Sunday, the same tee times are set.

On Monday, the field is cut in half. There will be a shotgunstart at 10 a.m. The final 40 teams will compete in 5 flights, with8 teams in each flight.

Dr. Mark Smith and his son, Craig, were the 2008 champions.

A free practice round is set Friday. Participants must pay fortheir cart. Three dinners are on tap this weekend after a day ofgolf, starting with the pairings party Friday night. On Saturdaynight, players and family members enjoy a barbeque and horseshoetournament.

“The horseshoe is a real grudge match,” said Smith. “We take 16two-man teams. It is bracketed out with a winner-take-all prize. A$50 entrance fee per team sees a portion of that entry fee going tocharity. The defending champs are Slay White of Hattiesburg and TyHardin of Olive Branch, both former Brookhaven residents.

On Sunday night, there will be a poker tournament, with proceedsgoing to charity.

“We are probably on track to raise $13,000 this year,” said JoshSmith. “Over the years we have raised over $150,000.”

The chief beneficiary is the Lincoln County Chapter of theHabitat For Humanity.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., was trying to figure out whichend is up after a deflating pigskin prognosticating performance. Hepicked the winners of 15 games last week and only managed to get 8correct. Blame it on the economy.

After that mediocre effort, Hoopla got a good pep talk from hismentor and promised to pick it up a notch or two or three or four.He’ll begin with two Thursday night community college specials.

Mississippi Delta at Co-Lin: It’s too early in the season to bewin-starved but the Wolves and their devoted followers certainlywould enjoy a victory in Stone Stadium tonight. Co-Lin 17-14.

Southwest at Coahoma: The Tigers have actually become a force inthe North Division. In another squeaker, Coahoma 16-14.

Brookhaven at Clinton: Panthers have their hands full on theartificial turf and encounter some sharp Arrows. Clinton 24-12.

Brookhaven Academy at Riverfield (La.): It’s a long ride toRayville, La., as the Cougars tune up for their District 4-AA menu.Still, it will be a fun night. Brookhaven Academy 42-6.

Bogue Chitto at Wesson: Bobcats encounter a potent option attackwhen they visit the Cobras. Wesson 34-14.

Enterprise at West Lincoln: Stung by their last-minute loss toBogue Chitto, the Fighting Yellow Jackets take out theirfrustration on the Bears. Enterprise 30-12.

Richland at Loyd Star: Hornets have an opportunity to sharpentheir offensive skills. Loyd Star 44-13.

In other area action, Copiah Academy over Rocky Bayou (Fla.)21-20, Hinds AHS over Crystal Springs 26-12, Tylertown overLawrence County 32-21, South Pike over Hazlehurst 20-14, FranklinCounty over McComb 19-12 and East Central over North Pike 22-9.Parklane’s Pioneers has an open date to improve their footballskills.

Starting Saturday, college football kicks off full-speed thisweekend in the Magnolia State. Hoopla shares his picks.

Jackson State at Mississippi State: In an historic meeting ofSEC and SWAC teams, the Starkville-based Bulldogs unveil anexplosive offense and a refurbished defense. Miss. State 38-18.

Alcorn State at Southern Miss: Golden Eagles spread their wingsand overwhelm the Braves from Lorman. Southern Miss 52-12.

Millsaps at Mississippi College: Choctaws notch a victory in theBackyard Brawl. MC 23-14.

Ole Miss at Memphis: In a Sunday afternoon, Liberty Bowlextravaganza, a national audience watches the Rebels live up to allthat preseason hype. Ole Miss 37-17.