After a few teams started their playoff drive last week, the remainder of the eligible Miss-Lou teams plunge into the postseason tonight, as MHSAA Class 1A and 6A and all LHSAA teams get their playoffs started. Last week was a very good week for Natchez High. The Bulldogs went on the road to defeat a good Hattiesburg team and clinch a playoff spot. Natchez hosts Petal tonight in a rematch of last year’s first round game, which was a 25-21 NHS victory. Franklin County holds on to the No. 1 spot after blasting Velma Jackson 33-0 in the Class 3A first round last week. The Bulldogs have a tough test as they travel to play Philadelphia tonight.

1. Franklin County (9-3)

Last week: defeated Velma Jackson 33-0

Tonight’s game: at Philadelphia

Why ranked here: The Bulldogs had no problems coasting past their first round playoff opponent last week, as they crushed Velma Jackson by 33 points. Franklin County has now won nine of its last 10 games. But a much bigger test awaits the Bulldogs tonight as they travel to face an 11-1 Philadelphia team that has won seven games in a row by an average of 32 points. If Franklin County can get past the Tornadoes, they might be set up for a rematch with Tylertown in a few weeks.

2. Natchez High (8-3)

Last week: defeated Hattiesburg 29-20

Tonight’s game: vs. Petal

Why ranked here: After a lull in the middle of the season when the Natchez dropped two out of three games, the Bulldogs have recovered to win four games in a row to finish runner-up in the tough Region 3-6A. Natchez got its biggest win of the season last week when the Bulldogs went on the road and defeated Hattiesburg to clinch a playoff spot. Tonight’s game is a rematch of last year’s first round playoff game, when Natchez defeated Petal 25-21 on the road.

3. Centreville (9-3)

Last week: defeated Glenbrook 46-38

Tonight’s game: at Brookhaven Academy

Why ranked here: Just when it looked like Centreville had everything figured out, they had a much tougher than expected game against Glenbrook last week in the first round of the MAIS Class AA playoffs. The Tigers blew a 38-14 second-half lead and won only when Zach Sinclair scored his sixth touchdown of the night with 33 seconds left. Now the Tigers must travel to take on the No. 1 ranked team in Class AA in Brookhaven Academy. The Cougars defeated the Tigers 45-30 in the regular season and Centreville’s defense must play much better than it did last week if it want to defend its state championship.

4. Trinity Episcopal (9-3)

Last week: defeated Riverdale 48-13

Tonight’s game: vs. Sylva Bay

Why ranked here: The Saints finally got to play on a dry field after weeks of rain and it showed, as Trinity’s speed and quickness were too much for Riverdale. Trinity had a 42-7 halftime lead before coasting to victory in the second half. Tonight’s home game against Sylva Bay should be a much tougher test, as Sylva Bay defeated Porter’s Chapel 45-0 last week. Should Trinity win, they’ll be just two victories away from a state championship.

5. Ferriday (7-3)

Last week: lost to Farmerville 44-24

Tonight’s game: vs. Welsh

Why ranked here: Ferriday’s defense didn’t play well last week in a 20-point loss to Farmerville, but the Trojans still got a good seed in the playoffs thanks to a tough schedule. The No. 12 seed Trojans take on No. 21 seed Welsh tonight, giving the Trojans defense an opportunity to redeem itself for last week’s performance.