The World Series promises to be a fall classic. Sports fansbecome serious baseball fans for the best-of-seven series featuringthe Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants.

Got a favorite in the World Series?

Some area baseball coaches provided their opinions.

Randy Spring, Brookhaven: I’m pulling for theRangers. I liked Nolan Ryan when I was growing up. Now he’s theowner of the team. Obviously, Josh Hamilton has a great story.

Keith Case, Co-Lin: I think the Rangers willwin it in seven. Case’s assistant coaches offer a difference ofopinion. Justin Brewer says Rangers in six and Bryan Nobile saysGiants in six.

Jody Britt, Bogue Chitto: I’m hoping theRangers win. I’ve always liked Nolan Ryan. I really like JoshHamilton’s story. He’s a recovering alcoholic so they celebratedwith ginger ale.

Jonathan Breakfield, Loyd Star: I really likethe Rangers. I’m an Astros fans but I like the way Nolan Ryan runsthat team. Cliff Lee played some college ball at Meridian.

Cory Keyes, Lawrence County: The Rangers arekind of a local team. Josh Hamilton has a great testimony for youngpeople.

Time-Out: Personally speaking, I was a DallasRangers fan as a youth growing up in Big D, way back in the late1950s. In fact, my short essay was selected when the team wasseeking a new nickname. I was rewarded with a book of Ranger gametickets.

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S. was talking smack after lastweek’s pigskin prognostications. He revealed the winners of 24games and managed to get 20 right.

Hoopla will take a swing at three Thursday night specials beforerevealing Friday night’s winners.

Co-Lin at Northeast: The long bus ride makesfor a sluggish start but the Wolves finish strong. Co-Lin24-17.

Southwest at East Central: Bears find ahazardous situation on the road in Decatur. East Central 31-20.

North Alabama at Delta State: Statesmenshowcase their talents on television. Delta State 28-27.

Brookhaven at McComb: Great football weatherbrings out the best in both teams. Panthers by a whisker.Brookhaven 28-27.

Brookhaven Academy at Bowling Green: A largecrowd watches the Cougars wrap up regular season play on a winningnote. Brookhaven Academy 35-18.

Hinds AHS at Loyd Star: Hornets are gainingmomentum after a rocky start and land in state playoffs. Loyd Star29-13.

Salem at Bogue Chitto: Still smarting from alopsided loss at Cathedral, the Bobcats step it up on Homecomingnight. Bogue Chitto 36-19.

Madison St. Joe at Enterprise: Bruins look likethe No. 3 team in the Region 6-2A race as they spoil Homecomingfestivities on Harry Cole Field. St. Joe 42-22.

West Lincoln at St. Aloysius: Flashes showtheir potential. St. Al 27-12.

Puckett at Wesson: An epic struggle takes placein Stone Stadium as the top two teams in Region 6-2A collide.Unbeaten Cobras stay that way. Wesson 22-20.

Lawrence County at Port Gibson: Cougars arehealthy as they surf the Blue Waves in a tune-up for the Class 4Aplayoffs. Lawrence County 33-16.

Jefferson County at Franklin County: Bulldogsneed a victory to stay in contention for a playoff berth. FranklinCounty 19-13.

Amite County at Hazlehurst: Indians tune up forthe Class 3A state playoffs. Hazlehurst 44-12.

In other area games, Tylertown over Wilkinson County 30-13,North Pike over South Pike 33-16, Oak Forest over Copiah Academy29-10, Columbia over Crystal Springs 19-8 and Jackson Prep overParklane Academy 38-21.

After draining a Diet Dr. Pepper, Hoopla reviews Saturday’scollegiate scene.

Auburn at Ole Miss: Quarterback Cameron Newtondwarfs many of his Auburn teammates and the Rebels are in awe.Auburn 30-14.

Kentucky at Mississippi State: Bulldogs mustavoid an upset special in Starkville. State 28-20.

UAB at Southern Miss: Blazers author a mildupset in Hattiesburg. UAB 39-30.

Prairie View at Jackson State: Panthers handJSU’s Tigers their second straight setback. Prairie View 32-22.

In other Magnolia State college games, Southern U. over AlcornState 28-24, Texas Southern over Valley State 33-12, Millsaps overSouth 31-16, Mississippi College over Sul Ross State 28-14 andBelhaven over Cumberlands 17-14.

Write to sports Editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com