By Myra Bean
It has been 19 years since North Panola has won a district championship. Now, they have to wait a little longer.

Though North Panola (6-4) defeated Rosa Fort (7-3) in what was thought to be the championship game, 44-20, Senatobia (6-4) was declared to be district champion.

In head-to-head action in Region 3-3A, Senatobia lost to Rosa Fort by two points, 19-17. Senatobia defeated North Panola 26-16. North Panola was first told they needed to defeat Rosa Fort by 12 points to be declared the winner. In the formula used to determine district champions, 12 points is the most allowed, but North Panola did not get the benefit of the doubt this year.

Regions 2A, 3A and 4A all start playoffs this week.

North Panola is No. 2 in the district and will host Booneville (6-4) Friday in the first round of the playoffs at 7 p.m.

Booneville lost to Ripley Friday night 28-18. Senatobia will host the No. 4 team in 1-3A, North Pontotoc. Rosa Fort, 3-3A No. 3 team will travel to Ripley, 1-3A district runner up. District 1-3A champion Corinth will host Holly Springs, No. 4 team in 3-3A.

In other 3A north action, Region 4 champion Charleston will host Aberdeen, Velma Jackson will host Amory; Louisville will host McClain; and Winona will host Cleveland East Side.

In south 3A action, Newton County will host Jefferson County; Collins at Perry Central; Raleigh at Tylertown, Green County at Magee; Crystal Springs at Columbia; and Morton will host South Pike.

Hazlehurst will host Purvis and Franklin Co. will host SE Lauderdale.