SP Tigers to face improved Falcons

By Myra Bean

Despite handing Columbus a 42-0 shutout last year, first year head coach Lance Pogue does not expect South Panola to have an “easy” game with Columbus tonight.

Columbus is 4-2 on the season, 1-1 in district after defeating Southaven last week 29-7.

In the first district game, Columbus tangled with Tupelo, but fell 31-20. Tupelo jumped out to a 21-7 first quarter lead, but Columbus slowed them down after that. Tupelo led 24-14 at the half and was allowed one touchdown in the third quarter while being shut out the last quarter.

Tupelo (5-1 overall, 2-0 district) is the only other 1-5A team with an undefeated district record.

Columbus’ only other loss was to West Point 27-7 in the second game of the season.

West Point will be in a battle of 4-4A domination tonight with Noxubee County in the game of the week.

The history between South Panola and Columbus is varied and colorful and involves wins and losses on both sides.

In 2005, Columbus made a move on the Tigers and pulled within three points 28-25 in the third quarter. Most South Panola games are over by then and the back up squads enter the game to maintain the lead.

Pogue expects a different scenario when the Tigers and Falcons tangle this year.

“They have big linemen and team speed,” Pogue said. “They are a team on the rise. Tupelo barely beat them.”

Pogue said the Tigers have had a big week of preparation and tailback Darius “Tig” Barksdale practiced with the team. Barksdale was suspended for last week’s game against Olive Branch.

The Tigers have prepared for Columbus because like other teams “we get everybody’s best shot,” Pogue said.

Kickoff tonight is 7 p.m.

Other 1-5A games tonight include DeSoto Central at Olive Branch; Horn Lake at Starkville; and Southaven at Tupelo.

1-5A Standings overall, district, scores fielded, scores allowed:

South Panola 6-0, 2-0, 210, 53

Tupelo 5-1, 2-0, 191, 117

Olive Branch 5-1, 1-1, 229, 64

Columbus 4-2, 1-1, 135, 95

Horn Lake 4-2, 1-1, 136, 141

Starkville 3-3,101, 134, 133

Southaven 4-2, 0-2, 167, 139

DeSoto Central 1-5, 0-2, 122, 134

Directions to Columbus:

Take Interstate 55 South to Winona. Take a left onto Highway 82 East and go about one and a half hours. Signs to Columbus will mark the way. Coming up to Columbus, take the Highway 50 and 12 Exit. At the traffic light at the intersection keep straight. There will be signs to Columbus High School. Go across a long bridge. When you come to intersection at Lehmberg Road, take a right and see Columbus High School sign. Take the first right at the traffic light on Warpath Road. Go to 3-way stop and keep straight. Take second left past the Elementary School and you will see the stadium.