November 16, 2006.

Every two years, the Mississippi High School Activities Association reclassifies all member schools. The top 32 schools in enrollment earn the state’s top classification.

Not since the 1986-87 season have Warren Central and Vicksburg been in different classifications, but there is a strong possibility it will happen this year.

The MHSAA is still waiting on enrollment numbers from several schools, but Vicksburg High, one of the smallest 5A’s, may drop to 4A and become one of the biggest schools in that division.

Warren Central seems solidified in 5A and St. Aloysius will remain in 1A.

The question is the Gators.

It appears that Terry, Petal and DeSoto Central will move up in class from 4A to 5A, which could lead to Vicksburg’s being dropped a class.

It also means that the annual football matchup with Warren Central would not be played on the final Friday of the regular season. It would likely be played during the four non-conference game schedule to open the season.

That, though, may not be a bad thing. So much effort, so much emotion is put into the last game of the regular season that when both schools do make the playoffs, the chances of them coming out flat are increased.

Getting the pomp and hoopla out of the way early could pay dividends in the long run.

Unofficial numbers have the Gators missing out on Class 5A by about 10 students. George County would become the smallest Class 5A school.

Official announcements from the MHSAA will come in the next few weeks, but Gators be prepared for two years in Class 4A ….

The rotten egg.

The Egg Bowl – the annual grudge match between Ole Miss and Mississippi State – will be played on Nov. 25 at 1 in the afternoon, with no television coverage.

Less than a decade ago, this game was the prime-time college game on Thanksgiving night. A full day of NFL action would always lead to the Egg Bowl.

Oh, how the times have changed…

Thursday playoffs?.

The second round of the Mississippi Private Schools Association A and AA division playoffs this week will all be played tonight.

The Academy-AAA championship games are scheduled for Friday at Mississippi College and the governing body wanted all coaches from other private schools to be able to watch the AAA championships. Hence, a Thursday game for everyone else.

Three area teams are still alive in the hunt for state championships. Porters Chapel and Central Hinds in AA and Briarfield in Class A.