Sports Columnist

It’s another big weekend for football with a band show and rodeo to boot.

Of course, Troy State takes this weekend off to get ready for its Oct. 6 date with the No. 1 team in the country – the Miami Hurricanes.

The Trojans, 1-2 on the year, have added a new team to the schedule after its Sept. 17 game with App State was cancelled. The "Mean Green" of North Texas will come to town for a Dec. 1 game with our Trojans. North Texas, of the Sun Belt Conference is currently 0-3 on the year, losing at home to TCU 19-5, at Oklahoma, 37-10, and last weekend at home to Texas Tech, 42-14.

North Texas will be the first D-1A team to ever play in Memorial Stadium. I like the match-up! It’s set up just like a playoff game would be in December. it extends football season in Troy and gives our city a much deserved home game to enjoy. I’m sure Coach Larry Blakeney likes the additional practice time he’s going to get with his team.

Auburn travels to Vanderbilt this weekend for what should be a good one. My pick is Auburn 24, Vandy 21.

Alabama travels to Columbia, South Carolina this week for a bout with unbeaten USC. Everybody likes South Carolina in this one, but I like ‘Bama, 23-13. Alabama always plays its best when nobody gives them a chance.

Charles Henderson plays host to Monroe County in the local high school headliner. The Trojans are riding high right after a big area victory over Hillcrest-Evergreen last week 12-8. I say the Trojans will continue to roll 42-21 over the Tigers.

Goshen, 2-2, travels to play Red Level for a big area game tonight. GHS 26, Red Level 13.

Pike County looks to be turning it around after two consecutive wins to even its record at 2-2. They’ll clobber Barbour County in Brundidge tonight, 52-14.

PLAS continues its tough schedule at Patriot Stadium tonight against powerful Monroe Academy. Even though they have only one victory to show for it, Coach Mack Williams’ team has shown improvement each week. This Pike Patriot team can put a lot of points on the board with the likes of quarterback Layton Sanders, receiver Druid Conrad and running backs Bill Hughes and Lonnie Ward on offense. In a high scoring game, my upset special of the week is PLAS 42, Monroe Academy, 35.

Tonight should be a great night for football with temperatures in the 50s by game time.

Go out and support your favorite team!

Also this weekend we’ve got the annual Southeastern States Band Festival starting at noon Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Over 20 bands from Alabama, Georgia and Florida will be here for competition. CHHS’s Blue Machine Marching Band and Troy State’s Sound of the South will perform an exhibition starting at 7 p.m.

Troy will host its first ever high school rodeo competition this Saturday at the Pike County Cattleman’s Arena on Highway 231 South.

High school rodeo competitors from all over the state will be in town for this event. It’s sponsored by the Pike County Cattleman’s Association.

Ride ’em cowboy!