By Myra Bean

When North Panola wins, the Cougars win big. The same as when they have lost this season, allowing at least 42 points in each loss.

The Lewisburg Patriots have been in the same boat. In the three losses they have have given up at least 46 points per game.

So this district matchup tonight should bring some high powered offenses into play.

North Panola (3-2 overall, 2-0 district) is coming off a huge 50-21 win over district foe Byhalia. The week before they defeated Holly Springs 20-13 in district play.

Lewisburg (2-3 overall, 1-0 district) defeated 1A opponent Strayhorn 49-0 in the second week of the season and Byhalia 41-20 September 19.

Last week, Lewisburg lost to SBEC of Olive Branch 63-48.

Lewisburg has been described as a senior-laden big team. Scoring for Lewisburg last week were junior wide receiver/cornerback Chad Hunter, senior athlete Tavious Johnson, sophomore running back/linebacker Tracy Johnson, sophomore tightend/defensive end Pat Johnson, junior wide receiver/kicker Dylan Castoria and freshman quarterback/safety Ryne Womack.

SBEC only led by a touchdown at halftime, 35-28. SBEC went ahead another touchdown score in the third quarter and the two teams were separated by only one point in the fourth quarter when Lewisburg missed a PAT.

Last year Lewisburg came into 3A throwing the ball most of the time, remembered Cougar head coach Clifton Davis Jr. He said the Cougars can compete with Lewisburg but they have to limit their errors.

The errors he had in mind were two turnovers on the one-yard line last week as they were about to score. One was a fumble and the other an interception.

Davis called the defense “erratic” but they made enough plays to get the job done. Davis is still looking for the Cougar receivers to go hard to the ball each time it is in the air.

“Lewisburg has a determined runner and they have a big offensive line,” Davis said. “Playing them we have to make sure we stop the run. They are much-improved.”

Kickoff for this district matchup is 7 p.m. in Lewisburg.

Directions: Take I-55 north and turn at the Hernando Exit. Take a right off the interstate and go to the first traffic light. Take a left. Approximately two miles take a right onto Byhalia Road. Follow this road for about 7 miles until get to Craft Road 4-way stop. Take a left onto Craft Road and the school is down this road on the left.