By Myra Bean

North Panola is still in the hunt for a playoff berth. Sounds kind of unbelievable for a team sporting a 1-8 record?

First and second places are wrapped up by Charleston and Winona but third and fourth places will be decided tonight. North Panola will host Byhalia during senior night in the last game of the regular season at 7 p.m.

If North Panola does not defeat Byhalia by 26 or more points, the Cougars’ season will end tonight and Byhalia will go into the playoffs in third place, followed by Palmer in fourth.

Byhalia (5-5 overall, 2-2 district) is coming off a 56-30 win over Palmer last Friday. In other district action, the Indians lost to Charleston in the district opener 43-22, defeated Independence 46-7 and lost to Winona 40-6.

Byhalia is averaging 30.5 points per game and 380.6 yards per game and have scored 305 points and allowed 287.

Byhalia is led on offense by quarterback Marqeese Rodgers who spends more time rushing than passing. He has completed nine of 31 pass attempts for 169 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has 42 carries for 170 yards and four touchdowns.

Andrea Collins leads the team in rushing with 1,745 yards on 141 carries and 15 touchdowns, followed by Devonte Norman who has 1,198 yards on 144 carries and seven touchdowns.

On defense for Byhalia, Curtis Akins leads the team with 153 total tackles this season, followed by Jamal Danley with 102, along with 10 sacks. The team has five interceptions on the season.

North Panola secured its first win of the season with a commanding 42-0 score over Independence who will end its season tonight at Charleston.

Palmer will host Winona in the last regular season games for each team.

Cougar head coach Robert Hunter got his first win as head coach of the team and said the win was good for the self-confidence of the team.

As he has said of most games this season, he believes the Cougars can win tonight.

Byhalia is giving up on average 28 points per game which is just what the Cougars ordered if the defense can remain strong and earn another shutout.

The four seniors to be honored tonight include Chris Conner, Quadarius Cole, Ronnell Keys and Jarvis Harris.

Tickets are $6.