By Myra Bean

Though the game might not be as big as South Panola’s, the North Panola Cougars are raring to take the field to open the season at home tonight.

The Cougars will host the Kingsbury Falcons out of Memphis in a non-conference season opener.

Both are coming off playoff seasons and anxious to see what this year’s teams bring to the field.

Cougar three-year head coach Clifton Davis Jr. reported that practice has been going good since they had such a slow start.

His main concern is the defensive front in which all the positions are held by first timers.

“We are small up front,” Davis said. “I don’t know what we have. The linebackers and secondary are solid. I am pretty confident in the secondary.”

Davis feels the Cougars are ahead on the offense with returning two-year quarterback Quinn Ellis at the head and All-State junior wide receiver Ricky Hunt. Also starting at a  wide out spot is Aricus Diggs for Kiwanis Bobo who is not playing this year.

North Panola finished last season 7-5 in the second round of the playoffs against Winona. They were second in the district.

Kingsbury, Regional 8-4A, finished last season 5-6 and lost to Henry County of Paris, Tenn. 48-7 in the first round of playoffs. Last week the Falcons lost to Memphis East in the jamboree 18-0.

First year head coach of the Falcons is Earl Lester. The Falcons top returnees include sophomore quarterback Dedrick Whitmore, wide receiver junior Tony Bell and wide receiver/cornerback Alexander Skinner.

Kickoff tonight on Cougar field is 7:30 p.m.

Meet the Cougars will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. on Cougar Field.