The “Battle of Bolivar County” between the Cleveland High Wildcats (0-1) and the West Bolivar Eagles (0-1) headline tonight’s action. This game is one of the most intense rivalries in the area with West Bolivar holding a 14-13-1 lead in the series. The Wildcats have gone 1-4 in their last five contests against the Eagles. This game is close every year and should be another hot ticket tonight.
There are also two teams looking to improve to 2-0 as the East Side Trojans (1-0) will travel to Webb to play the West Tallahatchie Choctaws (0-1) and the Ruleville Central Tigers (1-0) will go just five miles down Highway 49 to play the Drew High Eagles (0-1) in a rivalry game. The game was close last year between the Eagles and the Tigers with the Tigers winning 26-20. The Eagles will be looking for revenge tonight.
Two more area teams will also be starting their seasons tonight as the Broad Street Jaguars will host the Rosa Fort Lions in Shelby and the Shaw High Hawks will hit the road to Leland to play the Leland Cubs.
In other action tonight, Bayou (0-1) will host Marvell Academy (1-0) at Colt Field; North Sunflower Academy (0-1) will host Delta Academy (0-1); John F. Kennedy (0-1) will host North Panola (0-1) in Mound Bayou and Ray Brooks (0-1) will host Aberdeen (0-1).
In last week’s picks race, sports writer Donell Maxie started the year off right at 6-2, followed by sports editor Andy Collier and guest picker Chuck Upchurch with a 4-4 mark each.
Joining us in this week’s picks is local fan Tony Wince.