The second week of area football is off to a great start after a hard fought contest between county foes Bogue Chitto and Enterprise.

The Yellow Jackets defeated the Bobcats 14-6 to move to 2-0 on the season. While Ole Brook hits the road for a date with Northwest Rankin, Loyd Star, West Lincoln, Wesson and Brookhaven Academy will all be at home.

Here are some outlooks and players to watch in what is sure to be a good Friday night for football in Lincoln County.

Brookhaven vs. NW Rankin

The Panthers get the chance to avenge a 21-14 loss to the Cougars tonight. Ole Brook played as close to a complete game as one would expect in the first week of the season.

They avenged another loss from last season in the KDMC Classic by beating the Franklin County Bulldogs 21-13 last week. Getting off to a fast start is top priority for the Panthers after dropping their first six games last season.

The Panthers got 143 yards from running back Kenneth Dixon and Demarrell Legget added 119 yards and one score in what was a coming out party of sorts for the kid with the mean stiff arm. If the offensive line can make lanes for the duo, they could put up similar numbers.

The defense stood tall last week, only allowing one offensive score, but they will be tasked with a different type of challenge this week.

Northwest Rankin has a seasoned signal caller in Braden Smith and head coach Toby Collums is not hesitant to put the ball in the air.

Smith completed 20 of 27 passes for 249 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a blowout victory over Germantown. Jeffery Johnson and company need to apply pressure early. If they can, defensive back Jemauriun Jones and a host of others are sure to make a play.

Loyd Star vs. McLaurin

The Hornets look to continue their winning ways after a blowout victory over county rival Bogue Chitto in the annual Possum Bowl. They will be facing a McLaurin team looking for its first win of the season after a 14-12 loss to Wesson last week. Primetime 23 linebacker Parker Flowers had nine carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

He also tallied eight tackles on defense. The Hornets rushed for 404 total yards against the Bobcats, so expect to see multiple runners toting the rock out of the backfield.

West Lincoln vs. Sacred Heart

After one of their practices earlier this week, West Lincoln Bears’ head coach Charlie Jackson said he brought a bus around to the practice field and made his team practice “getting off the bus.”

The Bears will not have to get off the bus for their home game against Sacred Heart. Still, the concept Jackson was trying to instill could be of use after a disappointing 40-16 loss to Mount Olive.

The Sacred Heart Crusaders are looking for their first win as well. They were defeated by Columbia Academy in the opening week of the season. Freshman running back Michael Brothern was a bright spot for the Bears last week with 63 yards on eight carries, so he should see significant carries tonight. Also, Primetime 23 wide receiver Chase Owen had a down game by his standards (five catches, 45 yards)and will be looking to register a big game. The Sacred Heart defense surrendered over 500 yards to Columbia Academy. If the Bears can cut down on the miscues they could have a good day statistically.

Wesson v. Sumrall

Last week, the Cobras inched out of a close game in sloppy conditions that led to the contest being dubbed “The Mud Bowl.” Despite the conditions, Wesson had an efficient and well-rounded game. Quarterback Peyton Burns was 11-19 for 106 yards and one touchdown.

Head coach Jeremy Loy’s crew rushed for 257 yards in the winning effort. Expect to see speedster Dell Thigpen to get more touches in this game, as he is sure to be the fastest player on the field.

Sumrall lost to Enterprise in a close game 36-30, but they had great play from their quarterback, senior Rhett Murphy. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns. This could be this first real test of the year for Wesson’s secondary.

Brookhaven Aca. Vs. Central Hinds

The Cougars come home looking for their first win of the season and also hoping to break a losing streak dating back two seasons. The Cougars allowed 265 yards of offense in last week’s 43-0 loss to Prentiss Christian. Senior defensive back Fisher Warren had eight tackles in the loss. Central Hinds pitched a shutout in their season opening 35-0 win over Union Christian.