[9/12/03]Hinds AHS coach Michael Fields has one piece of advice for fans wanting to see tonight’s Highway 18 showdown between the War Dawgs and Raymond: Arrive early.

In one of the most anticipated installments of this heated Hinds County rivalry, the undefeated War Dawgs will kick off against Raymond at 7:30 p.m. in Utica.

“To hear talk around this school it’s like a Jackson State-Alcorn game,” said Fields, who was an assistant and head coach at Raymond before moving to Hinds AHS. “Some of the girls are going to get new outfits. It should be a really good crowd and we are expecting standing room only.”

Fields said the game four years ago a 34-32 Raymond win was the biggest game in the series up until this year. During that game, Hinds AHS had the ball on the 2-yard line in the closing seconds, but could not find the end zone.

While the players and fans are hyping the game up, Fields is keeping an even keel.

“It’s not a big deal to me, it’s just another game,” Fields said. “It’s a good game for the fans and the gate, but it’s not a district game. We just want to get out without any injuries.”

McCall (1-0) at Fair Park (0-1)

Class 2A McCall will step up in class this week when it travels to Shreveport to face Class 4A Fair Park.

McCall routed crosstown rival Tallulah High 57-0 in its opener last week, while Fair Park lost 32-28 to BTW-Shreveport.

Port Gibson (1-1) at Tylertown (2-0)

Port Gibson’s defense will get a stiff challenge from Tylertown, which has outscored its opponents 85-39 so far, but Blue Waves coach Bo Wright is more concerned with his offense.

Port Gibson has scored just 22 points in two games, and must get on track before next week’s region opener against Hazlehurst.

Newellton (1-0) hosts Vidalia (1-0)

Newellton totaled 421 yards of total offense in a win against Sarepta, but will have a tougher time of it this week against Vidalia.

Vidalia, ranked No. 4 in Louisiana Class 2A, needed a late fumble return by C.J. Williams to beat Block 18-14 last week.

Tensas (0-3) hosts WCCA (1-2)

Tensas Academy will try to right the ship with a rare home game against Wilkinson County Christian. It’s the first home game of the season for Tensas, and the only one in the first six weeks of the season.

Tallulah High (0-1) at False River (1-0)

Tallulah will try to rebound from a mistake-filled loss to McCall against a strong False River squad. Tallulah committed three turnovers, managed only 119 yards of offense, and allowed 556 yards to McCall in a 57-0 loss last week.

Briarfield (2-1) hosts Greenville Christian (1-1)

Briarfield opened its Conference 5-A schedule with a dramatic 34-28 overtime win against Deer Creek last Friday.

Briarfield coach Lance Prine hopes the momentum carries over against a big Greenville Christian team with an offensive line averaging 260 pounds across the board.

CHA (0-3) at Riverfield (0-3)

Chamberlain-Hunt failed to score a point for the second time in three games last week, a 39-0 loss to Central Hinds.

Chamberlain-Hunt has been outscored 147-6 in its three losses this season, and has scored just 64 points in its last 13 games dating back to last season.

Central Hinds (2-1) hosts East Rankin (2-1)

It’s no surprise that this game is important to Central Hinds as it has a chance to begin Conference 3-AA at 2-0.

“This game means more than anything we’ve played so far,” CHA coach Kenny Granberry said.

SIA (3-0) at Strider (2-1)

SIA coach Paul Kirchharr has preached fundamentals all year long and his players have responded with a 3-0 start.

To continue their magical season, the Confederates will have to play well against a well-coached Strider squad, Kirchharr said. Strider runs a wing offense that features a lot of traps and sweeps.

South Delta (1-1) at Simmons (1-1)

Following a first-week embarrassment, South Delta coach Derrick Hooker went back to the basics and his players responded with a 14-12 win over West Bolivar.

The Bulldogs now look to get another win under their belts before the beginning of district play.

Tri-County (3-0) at University Christian (1-2)

Outscoring opponents 87-6 over their first three games, the Tri-County Rebels get their first crack at a Conference 4-A foe.

With only three district games, each one is important.

Tri-County coach Bo Milton looks for University Christian to improve upon its seven-turnover performance against Prentiss Christian last week and he expects a tough challenge.