Every year it seems to get bigger and better. The McLaneSouthern 13th Annual United Way Benefit Golf Tournament providesgreat food, fellowship and prizes for the participants in the 4-manscramble. Besides, the proceeds benefit a worthy cause in theUnited Way of Lincoln County, providing basic human needs, such asfood, shelter, clothing and protection, plus assistance in the areaof education and literacy. It also contributes to programs whichprovide community leadership for youth and senior citizens.

This year the Brookhaven Country Club will showcase its new18-hole layout on Thursday, Oct. 4. Tee time for the shotgun startis 8:30 a.m.

The tax deductible, $200 donation provides each golfer with alight breakfast, 18 holes of excellent golf and a delicious lunch.Ringers are welcome. Hole sponsorships are available for $500.

For more information, contact Justin Buckner, People Manager atMcLane Southern, 833-6761; or Carol Williams at 1-800-537-4611.

Did you enjoy the first Friday night of the 2001 high schoolfootball season?

I did and we did. There were a couple of pleasant surprises.Bogue Chitto made a strong statement by dismantling Region 4-1A foeStringer. Hazlehurst scared the heck out of Brookhaven and FranklinCounty served notice that the Bulldogs are back.

Enterprise took care of business at McLaurin and BrookhavenAcademy manhandled Copiah Academy. The Yellow Jackets and Cougarsare anticipating good seasons and it looks like they will besuccessful.

Loyd Star was overpowered by Bay Springs in its season openerbut the Hornets should be contenders in Region 6-3A. Bay Springscould be playing for a Class 2A state championship in December.Wesson looked good against Salem so the Cobras should be battlingthe Hornets for first place in the division.

Professor Hoopla B.S., got his prognosticating season off to animpressive start last week. He predicted the winners of 20 gamesand got 17 right.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with aThursday night, community college special.

Itawamba at Co-Lin: The Wolves were picked to finishlast in the South Division while the Indians were chosen second inthe North. That means Itawamba 17-7.

Vicksburg at Brookhaven: These Gators are for real andthat means the Panthers will have their paws full. Vicksburg28-21.

Brookhaven Academy at Central Hinds: In a battle of theCougars, the Lincoln County version has the sharpest claws.Brookhaven Academy 27-12.

Loyd Star at Enterprise: The Sting Bowl should providesome thrills and chills. Enterprise 19-18.

Franklin County at Bogue Chitto: It’s the Class 1ABobcats versus the Class 3A Bulldogs. After an in-depth study, theprognosis says Franklin County 24-14.

Clarkdale at West Lincoln: Bears put their best footforward on Perry Miller Field but it’s not quite enough. Clarkdale20-14.

North Pike at Wesson: This should be one of the bestgames in the area. Wesson 21-12.

West Jones at Lawrence County: Cougars lost aheart-breaker at Collins last week. They’ll regroup just in time.Lawrence County 14-13.

McComb at Warren Central: The Tigers don’t mind playinglarger, Class 5A teams. The Vikings don’t mind winning on theirhome turf. Warren Central 19-8.

East Rankin at Copiah Academy: Look for the Colonels topull out a squeaker. Copiah 17-16.

Hazlehurst at Raymond: The Indians unleash a high-octaneoffense on the road. Hazlehurst 33-19.

Parklane at Adams County Christian School: The Pioneersflex their muscles in Natchez, spoiling the head coaching debut ofDoug Clanton. Parklane 27-12.

South Pike at Tylertown: Eagles can’t afford to fumbleseven times like they did against North Pike and still manage avictory. South Pike 14-13.

After dining at Bowie’s Smokehouse, Hoopla provides apreview of Saturday’s collegiate scene in Mississippi.

Ole Miss at Auburn: Tommy Tuberville’s Tigers outscorethe Rebels on the Plains. Auburn 31-21.

Valley State at Delta State: This is the original CottonBoll and the Fighting Okra have the advantage. Delta State28-9.

Alcorn State at Alabama State: That infamous losingstreak grows to 18 games. Alabama State 38-19.

In other Magnolia State games, Belhaven will ambush MaryHardin-Baylor 17-10 and Austin College will kick Millsaps 9-7.Mississippi College, Jackson State, Mississippi State and SouthernMiss have open dates to enjoy their season-openingtriumphs.