From the notebook.......................

**Before each big UFC fight ring announcer Bruce Buffer yells at the top of his lungs “It’s Time” as the anxious crowd erupts in anticipation. For MAIS football followers…..”IT’S TIME” as the 2011 playoffs get underway this Friday night. Third ranked Centreville and sixth ranked Marshall may have the toughest first round matchups. Centreville will host a dangerous Lamar squad that gave top ranked Simpson all they could handle for three quarters last week while Marshall could have their hands full with a physical Central Hinds team that has won five of its’ last seven games and nearly took out River Oaks two weeks back. If the upset bug is avoided Friday night next week’s round two matchups could be the strongest in years in Class AA.

**This Friday night’s playoff game between Centreville and Lamar will pit two of the best high school coaches in the state of Mississippi against one another for the very first time. Centreville head coach Bill Hurst and Lamar head coach Mac Barnes have won nearly 600 games and 12 state championships combined. That’s reason enough for this game to be the Southern Sports & Travel game of the week.

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**In October of 2010 Trinity traveled to Brookhaven and ended the state’s longest winning streak at 22 games with a 34-28 upset of the Cougars on their home field. This past Friday night Brookhaven returned the favor as the Cougars went to Natchez and upset then second ranked Trinity 40-36 to end the Saint’s 30 game winning streak against MAIS opponents. Jackson Academy now holds that honor at 18 games.

**Trinity will attempt to do what no other team has done since the 1998 Winston Patriots team accomplished and that is win consecutive state titles in two different classes. Winston beat Tri-County in 1997 for the Class A Championship and then moved up to Class AA the following year where the Patriots  reeled off three straight championships.

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**In Class A football undefeated and top ranked Tri-County may have to hold off on ordering those state championship rings for now. The prohibitive early season favorite to win the Class A title may have a difficult task ahead of them. In the north half of the bracket alone stands Winona who nearly topped the Rebels two weeks ago. A potential second round game with Benton could be interesting as the Raiders have won six straight after starting the season out at 0-4. Meanwhile in the south bracket WCCA is on a major tear. The Rams have obliterated everyone of their schedule with the exception of Class AA power Centreville who handed WCCA a loss back in week four.

**Speaking of Tri-County, the Rebels have won 24 straight regular season games.

**A big thank you to two new sponsors of Southern Sports & Travel. Check Exchange of Mississippi and The Keene Financial Group have generously purchased ad space on the website. Without their help and the schools who purchased sponsorship ads Southern Sports & Travel wouldn’t be possible.

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**A few new features have been added to Southern Sports & Travel. A message board has been attached to the site and while there were some server issues over the weekend it will be an added benefit for anyone wanting to put out some information or just spout off about MAIS sports in general. It’s also easy to post game photos or links to stories on the message board. Anyone can post, the only requirement is matching the verification code to avoid spam. The other feature is the rolling message banner at the top of the page. If anyone has news that is important I’ll be glad to include it.

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**Basketball is here…….I’ve posted Class AA & AAA rankings. Class A will be coming in a few days. Please text any MAIS basketball scores to 985-750-3455. There are a few tournaments taking place but apparently even The Clarion Ledger can’t get those scores. If you follow a particular school and can’t find a score contact the school and ask why.
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**Everyone please travel safely this Friday night and buckle up…..God is great!