The Loyd Star Hornets (3-1) will try to bounce back from their first loss of the season tonight when they host the Stringer Red Devils (3-1) on W.E. “Sambo” Smith Field.

The Red Devils from Jasper County are one of the traditionally strongest 1A programs in the state from year to year. Last season Stringer finished 10-4. In 2013 the Red Devils lost in the 1A state championship game after winning the title the previous season.

This season the lone defeat for Stringer was to their powerful county rivals the Bay Springs Bulldogs. The Red Devils have wins over Clarkdale, Mize, and Enterprise-Clarke.

Senior running back Anthony Thomas is the man to stop for Stringer as he is averaging 157 yards per game while scoring seven touchdowns so far this season.

In their 40-20 loss to Wesson last week, Loyd Star was led by senior fullback Zach Baker who rushed 13 times for 134 yards. His long run went for 53 yards.

Senior Braden Ezell leads the Hornets with 28 tackles through four games.

Loyd Star will be looking to avenge a 56-34 loss last season at the hands of the Red Devils.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Story by Cliff Furr