Mississippi High School football predictions for Week 5, including Starkville vs. Louisville
Football fans it is getting good. Showdowns of undefeated teams abound. There is nothing like rivals battling it out to see who has the best program in the state regardless of classification. Going into Week 5 of the season Madison Central football coach Toby Collums faces Northwest Rankin, a program he coached for six years.
Here's a look at the top five games across the state with score predictions.
Game of the Week
No. 4 Louisville (3-0) at No. 1 Starkville (3-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
This game has drama written all over it. When Starkville coach Chris Jones looks across the football field, he sees a mentor and father figure in Louisville coach Tyrone Shorter. If not for Shorter moving Jones to wide receiver in high school, Jones might not have earned a scholarship at Jackson State or played in the NFL.
These games are like family fights, and no one wants to lose. In last year's game, Starkville won 21-20. Look for another last-second play to win the game at the end for either team.
Prediction: Starkville 35, Louisville 34
No. 9 Madison-Ridgeland Academy (4-1) at No. 3 Oak Grove (3-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Madison-Ridgeland Academy is either going to bring its track shoes or play a really physical brand of football. Oak Grove is fast and loaded while trying to get better. MRA is young and needs great efforts on offense from running back Charles Simpson and USM commit John White.
Prediction: Oak Grove 42, Madison-Ridgeland Academy 35
No. 5 Madison Central (3-0) at Northwest Rankin (2-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
This game is not as emotional as it used to be for Madison Central coach Toby Collums, who coached at Northwest Rankin for six years. Madison Central has found a way to win close games this season.
Northwest Rankin plays fast with an experienced quarterback and two good running backs. To win, Central will have to limit Rankin's running game and keep its playmakers in front of them.
Prediction: Madison Central 24, Northwest Rankin 21
SUPER TEAMS: Mississippi Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 4: Some shuffling in top 10
No. 13 Brandon (1-2) at No. 10 Warren Central (2-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Brandon is coming off its first win of the season against its rival, Clinton. The Bulldogs' Nate Blount rushed for more than 200 yards in the game and seems to be getting untracked. Brandon is facing a hungry Warren Central team that wants a little get-back. Brandon has beaten the Vikings four times in the past two years and knocked them out of the playoff in successive seasons.
Prediction: Brandon 38, Warren Central 21
Parklane Academy (3-1) at No. 7 Jackson Prep (4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Jackson Prep is an old-school football team, fundamentally sound and physical on both sides of the ball. Prep coach Danny Goodwin has lost one game in two seasons. Look for Jackson Prep to continue to roll.
Prediction: Jackson Prep 38, Parklane Academy 14
Last week's picks: 4-5 (.800)
Season picks: 11-15 (.733)
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi high school football: Week 5 top games, score predictions
