Two teams fight for playoff life; one other in

Two teams who have grown accustomed to post-season football opportunities are finding themselves fighting for their playoff lives.

Hazlehurst, 6-4, 1-3, were upset by Jefferson County last week, thrusting the Indians into a showdown with Amite County on Friday night for fourth place–and a playoff berth–in div. 7-3A.  A loss by the Indians would most likely move Wilkinson County into the fourth spot.

Copiah Academy, 5-5, 1-3, is in a similar situation.  The Colonels dropped a 12-6 decision to then-1–8 East Rankin–a South AAA Div II foe–last Friday.  That loss sets up a showdown with the only other South AAA Div. II team on the schedule, Oak Forest. In the overall South AAA, Copiah, East Rankin and Oak Forest all stand at 1-3.  Oak Forest and East Rankin–who faces Presbyterian Christian on Friday–can get in the playoffs with a win or a loss, depending on what the other does.  Copiah MUST win on Friday to enter the post-season.

Wesson, at 8-1, 3-1 in 6-2A, faces Puckett, who leads the division with a 4-0 record.  A Cobra win ensures at least a third place finish.  Combined with a Loyd Star loss to Hinds AHS, the Cobras would move into a first place tie with Puckett and would be the 1-seed for the post season.  A Cobra loss would most likely leave them at third place, unless Hinds can upset Loyd Star, dropping Wesson to fourth place.

Kickoffs for the games this Friday are at 7:00.  Hazlehurst is at Amite County.  Copiah hosts Oak Forest.  Wesson hosts Puckett.  It’s do or die for the first two teams.  Get out and support these players and coaches!