Shannon High head football coach Chad Cook spent Sunday afternoon breaking down film. His opponent this week is a familiar one: West Point High School.

But what's not so ordinary about this year's game is all the hype going into it. West Point and Shannon could very well be state title contenders come November and December.

"They could quite possibly be one of the toughest teams we face this year," said West Point head coach Chris Chambless.

Shannon was 12-2 last season and a state Class 4A semifinalist. West Point went 8-3 but was ousted in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

The two will kick off their 2009 seasons in a Mississippi High School Activities Association Classic game set for 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Shannon.

Other Classic games - which will raise money for the MHSAA and the schools competing - to keep an eye out for this Friday: Aberdeen at Columbus, Booneville at New Albany, Mooreville at Saltillo, Nettleton at Amory and Tupelo Christian at Mantachie.

New Albany will dedicate its season to Marshuan Braxton, a team leader who died on a missionary trip in June.

The storyline for Booneville? It's Jim Drewry's 50th season as a coach.

Meanwhile, J.J. Plummer, the son of longtime coach Johnny Plummer, will begin his first season at North Pontotoc when his Vikings play at Lewisburg on Friday night.

Tupelo Christian will be debuting as an official MHSAA member this Friday when they play at Mantachie.

While there are 18 games involving teams in the Journal's circulation area kon Friday, quite a few teams - including Tupelo and Corinth - will open their seasons on Aug. 28.

Click here for more high school sports coverage at the High School Sports Blog.