A pair of local prep football teams will get to line up against someone besides their own teammates for the first time tonight as jamborees take place across the state.

Both Poplarville and Pearl River Central will hit the playing field as all four area teams get ready to open the 2006 season in one week.

New PRC head coach Jeremy Weir will get too see his squad in action against another opponent for the first time, as Pearl River Central travels to Bassfield for a jamboree tonight competing with Lumberton and Bassfield.

The Blue Devils will meet Bassfield at 6:30 for a half of play and then follow that with a half against Lumberton. Bassfield and Lumberton will also meet one another.

Both Bassfield and Lumberton are members of Division 8-2A. Lumberton is the two-time defending Class 2A champion, and possess Dandy Dozen member Rashard Henry, a running back that will be trying to replace Terry Grant in the Panthers’ backfield who was last year’s Mr. Football in the state.

Poplarville is travelling to Purvis, and will be involved in a five team affair.

The Hornets, Oak Grove, Harrison Central, Sumrall and the host Tornadoes will all compete in the event.

Poplarville meets Sumrall at 7:30 for a half, and then follows that with a half against Harrison Central.

Sumrall features new head coach Buddy Duke, who came to Sumrall after two years at Hattiesburg High and a long career at Laurel.

Neither Picayune or Hancock High will be competing in jamborees this year. Picayune is preparing for its season opener on the road against Moss Point next week. The Maroon Tide celebrated Meet the Tide Night on Monday and then conducted a scrimmage after that event.

Hancock, under new head coach Brian Barkley, is having Meet the Hawks Night tonight at 6 p.m., at the Hancock Stadium.