Playoff fever is here for three local teams, but so is the threat of severe weather. Due to a threat of thunderstorms entering the area Friday night, several local teams – Bogue Chitto, Loyd Star, Lawrence County and Franklin County – have elected to play their games tonight.

In Region 3-5A action, Brookhaven is looking to clinch a playoff spot Friday night as it battles the Natchez Bulldogs at King Field.

Brookhaven (3-7, 3-3), coached by Tommy Clopton, captured its third win of the season with a 35-15 victory over the Wingfield Falcons last week at Hughes Field in Jackson.

This week, the Panthers are fighting to clinch the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in Region 3-5A.

The Bulldogs (4-5, 3-3), coached by Henry Garner, lost to West Jones 44-28 last week in Laurel.

Sophomore quarterback Chris Scott directed the Bulldogs’ offense completing 18-of-25 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns.

Travez Lyles was the top receiver for Natchez with five catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Malik Byrd caught four passes for 74 yards. Chris Crockett had five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Ernest Woods powered the Bulldogs’ defense with 10 tackles. Kenan Johnson contributed seven tackles. Shavoke Herington had six tackles.

BHS’ top performer last week against Wingfield was junior running back Kenneth Dixon with 165 yards. Don Blandon finished with 69 rushing yards on eight carries. Duke Leggett had 65 yards rushing on eight carries. Tyriq Reese had 40 yards rushing on four carries.

Sevante Quinn completed 4-of-8 passes for 23 yards and one interception. He also rushed for 25 yards on six carries. Tremail Richardson led all receivers with two catches for 12 yards.

Sophomore kicker Tyler Mixon finished the night a perfect 5-of-5 on the extra point attempts.

Defensively, Wesley Calcote led the Panthers with 11 tackles. Greg Watts provided eight tackles and Jeffrey Johnson had four tackles.

Last year, Ole Brook edged Natchez 34-32 in Brookhaven.

My prediction: Brookhaven will clinch a playoff spot with a 32-28 win over Natchez.

In Region 7-1A action, Bogue Chitto will celebrate Senior Night tonight as it welcomes the Springfield, La. based Bulldogs to Troy Smith Field.

In Class 2A action, the Loyd Star Hornets are on the road for the opening round of the state playoffs as they travel to Puckett to battle the Wolves.

In Class 3A playoff action, the Franklin County Bulldogs will host the St. Andrews Saints in Meadville. The Hazlehurst Indians will entertain the Crystal Spring Tigers.

In Class 4A playoff action, the Lawrence County Cougars will welcome the Columbia Wildcats to Monticello.

In other games of local interest, Copiah Academy travels to McComb to take on Parklane in MAIS playoff action. In Class 4A playoff action, McComb hosts Poplarville and North Pike visits Forrest County.