By Myra Bean

It is Homecoming 2011 at North Panola promoting the theme “Sounds of Motown.” The coronation was held last night and tonight’s festivities start with a parade at 5 p.m.

Mr. and Miss Homecoming 2011 will be crowned at halftime of the game between the North Panola Cougars and the M.S. Palmer Dragons of Marks which begins with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Cougar team is excited about hosting Palmer in the opening game of the district season, according to head coach Robert Hunter. The two teams were in the same district a few years ago, but North Panola moved to 4A for a couple of years.

Back in 3A the two teams are set for a matchup that promises to be full of hard-hitting excitement. Palmer comes to town 4-0 having defeated Coahoma AHS 32-8 to open the season August 26, followed by a close 34-32 win over Greenville O’Bannon. Another close win on September 9 over West Tallahatchie 34-30 followed and then last week’s 46-18 blowout over Riverside in Avon.

North Panola’s gridiron luck has not run as smoothly as they enter the “second season” with a 0-5 record. However, Hunter feels the team has been put through the fire and is ready for what the district brings. While North Panola has played one team in 6A, 3A and 2A and two in 4A classifications, Marks’ opponents have only come from 3A and 2A. Some of the best competitions come from the higher numbered classifications.

Hunter was reluctant to say the level of competition could have an effect on the turnout of tonight’s game. He was more than happy to comment on the state of the center for tonight’s game. Junior linebacker/tightend Aaron Kimmons has been tapped to take over the center position. Actually, he volunteered for the job, Hunter said.

“The level of leadership rose immediately,” Hunter said. “He has experience and can handle the pressure. The center is like the quarterback on the offensive line. With his previous position on defense, he is able to see how the defense is set up and when a blitz is coming.”

All the defensive linemen and other previously injured players are cleared to play this week except for K’Shawn Morgan and Tacoris Lee who are out for the season. Starting defensive tackle Izear Farmer had to sit out last week from an ankle injury sustained in the game against South Pontotoc. Virgil Jones, who broke his nose in a non-football injury, is cleared to play. Jerrick Gordon, who left the game last week in an ambulance due to a shoulder injury, will be back on the field tonight.

“The team is excited and not fearful of meeting Palmer,” Hunter said.