One year after 9-11, citizens of the USA are still patientlywaiting. A public apology from the religious leaders of Islam forthe terrorist attacks on this nation by Islam extremists would bemuch appreciated.

“I’m sorry. We are sorry.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for an apology.

We like what the Rev. Franklin Graham observed during aninterview on Fox News. If some maniac Catholic, strapped withexplosives around his torso, had walked into a restaurant locatedin a Moslem country, proclaimed he was acting in the name of JesusChrist, and pressed the detonator, killing several people, theuproar would be deafening.

Pope John would be on international television within 24 hours,apologizing for the actions of that deranged individual plusoffering to send financial and medical aid to the country where thevillainous act was committed.

By comparison, after 9-11, the silence was remarkable. In thename of Allah, those hijackers had crashed American passenger jetsinto the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing thousands ofpeople.

Apologize?

That would be a sign of remorse, a sign of weakness.

If there is any consolation, America is much stronger since9-11. Patriotism is alive and well. People are more aware of theirspiritual lives. They are more aware of what goes on around them.They appreciate family and they appreciate the simple things oflife, the many blessings we take for granted.

Professor Hoopla, B.S., appreciates the opportunity to predictthe winners of football games. Remember, it’s just a game.

This week Hoopla starts the parade with two Thursday nightjunior college specials.

Coahoma at Co-Lin: The Wolves were surprise winners last weekwhen they upset Delta. This time they’re the heavy favorites.Co-Lin 27-8.

Southwest at Holmes: Look for the Bears to continue theirwinning ways in Goodman. Southwest 21-10.

Brookhaven at Mendenhall: These Tigers have speed to burn onoffense and defense. Mendenhall 22-20.

Silliman Institute at Brookhaven Academy: The Cougars arecontending with a beefed up schedule and it’s tough as leather.Silliman 21-13.

Franklin County at Loyd Star: After losing to the Hornets forthree straight years, the Bulldogs finally savor some revenge.Franklin County 24-14.

Richton at Bogue Chitto: Rebels are an improved item and theyenjoy some revenge. Richton 28-20.

West Lincoln at Enterprise: Fresh from a big victory, the YellowJackets flex their muscles against the Bears. Enterprise 35-10.

Prentiss at Wesson: Bulldogs still are celebrating their winover county rival Bassfield when they invade Stone Stadium. Inanother tight game, Prentiss 18-12.

Port Gibson at Hazlehurst: Ambitious Indians tackle anotherlarger Class 4A opponent. Hazlehurst 29-19.

Lawrence County at Magee: Cougars are coping with a heavyweightschedule in a rebuilding campaign. Lawrence County 21-20.

Adams County at Copiah Academy: The Colonels are packing someoffensive weapons this year and that’s bad news for the ACCSRebels. Copiah 31-14.

In other area games, North Pike should clip West Marion 20-14,McComb should dump Tylertown 30-12, Warren Central should shaveSouth Pike 21-20, Jackson Prep should ambush Parklane 27-23 andCrystal Springs should climb to 3-0 by whipping Jefferson County30-12.

Taking a look at Saturday’s collegiate scene.

Ole Miss at Texas Tech: Eli Manning and the Rebels outshineHeisman Trophy candidate Kliff Kingsbury in Lubbock. Ole Miss33-20.

Memphis at Southern Miss: An impressive victory over the Tigerswould give a USM a legitimate shot at making the AP Top 25.Southern Miss 23-10.

Jacksonville State at Mississippi State: Kevin Fant passes theBulldogs to a lopsided victory. State 38-14.

Delta State at Valley State: The Statesmen pull out a narrowvictory in Itta Bena. Delta State 18-14.

In other Magnolia State action, Tennessee State should outscoreJackson State 42-31 and Wisconsin-Stout should master Millsaps28-10. Alcorn State, Belhaven and Mississippi College have opendates to recover from setbacks.