By Angie Ledbetter

Last year, the Tupelo stadium was filled to capacity as the Tigers and the Golden Wave put on a show for the ages.

This year with Tupelo going through a rebuilding stage, the anticipation for the matchup does not have the same appeal.

The South Panola Tigers will celebrate homecoming tonight with “Tiger Power” as the theme.

It might have been a year since the last game, but that game will be forever on the Golden Wave’s minds because they had the Tigers’ backs against the wall. It was a battle to the end and Tupelo had a chance, like all other contenders, of ending the Tiger’s winning streak at the time.

Tupelo had a chance to tie the game at 14 or take the lead and possibly the win with less than a minute to go in ball game. They went for the win on a two-point conversion, but the Tiger defense knocked the throw away to preserve the win.

The Tigers (6-1 overall, 3-0 district) return home after a 53-7 thumping of Columbus last Thursday. The Tigers have out scored their opponents 263 to 72 so far this season.

On the other side, Tupelo (1-5; 1-2) has scored 81 points in six games and allowed 122 so far this season.

The Golden Wave opened the season against New Hope and lost 28-17. The following week they fell to Itawamba Agricultural 35-13, then Louisville 20-17. On September 25, the Golden Wave defeated Columbus 10-6 and fell to Starkville 14-7 the following week. In a rain-postponed game, the Golden Wave lost a close battle against district foe Southaven Chargers 19-17 on Monday night.     

“The game with Southaven was a hard fought game and a close one,” said Tiger head coach Lance Pogue. “Southaven has got a great team but Tupelo played them to the end.”

The Golden Wave roster consists of 67 players with 17 seniors, 29 juniors, 20 sophomores and one freshman.

Head coach Eric Collins for the Golden Wave has been depending on his defense to carry them since his offense is so young. One player he depends on is sophomore wide receiver Mack MacIntosh who is finding ways to make big plays.

Leading the team is junior quarterback Nathan Wallace. The two top receivers are senior Jeremy Foster and junior Terrell Pinson. Carrying the ball are seniors McKenzie Tyler, Chris Donald and Wallace. Luke Hobson leads the Golden Wave in scoring.

“Tupelo is struggling some this year,” said Pogue. “They lost a lot of players last year. They didn’t get off to a really good start this year but they’ve played a tough schedule and lost a lot of close games. It looks like they’re getting a little bit better.”

Tupelo lost 26 players to graduation. A few players who left a huge void were Chad Bumphis, Chris Garrett, Garrison Heard and Justin Bean. Bumphis is playing at Mississippi State University and Garrett is playing at Louisiana State University.

“They’re just a collective team effort. There are a lot of new faces from last year because they have so many seniors that are gone.”

South Panola senior running back Nichholas Parker was top performer of the week in the Clarion-Ledger Tuesday for his performance in the Columbus game. He rushed six times for 113 yards with three touchdowns.

Parker has made it known that he intends to return to Jackson his senior year to win another state championship. After the Olive Branch game, he was keyed up.

“I told everyone we were going to beat them. They did their talking but we did ours on the field. We came out and took care of business quick and that’s what it took. We’re much improved and clicking now in every area. We aren’t looking back now.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on FM 100.5.

The homecoming queen and her court will be announced at halftime.