Former Meridian High School head coach Larry Weems makes his Jackson Academy coaching debut today when his Raiders visit Northeast Lauderdale High School. Weems departed Meridian last season after leading the Wildcats to a state title.

But there won’t be any feelings of nostalgia for the 40-year coaching veteran when he makes his return to Lauderdale County.

For him, it’s strictly a business trip.

“It’s our first game, and I hope that we’ll play well and be successful — that wouldn’t matter where (the game) was,” Weems said. “Every team that suits up tonight, that’s their goal, and it doesn’t matter where they’re playing. We just happen to be playing in Meridian.”

Being from the area, Weems said he is aware of his team’s opponent, and also added he has the utmost respect for Trojans head coach Curt Blackburn and his players.

“Coach Blackburn has done a good job with his kids, and they have some good skill players who have the ability to make plays,” Weems said. “We have to play well to have a chance to win.”

Weems’ three keys to the game:

• Execute at a very high level

• Play with effort

• No turnovers

When Northeast Lauderdale hosts Jackson Academy Friday night, it will be the sixth meeting between both teams, with the Trojans defeating the Raiders 16-7 in their most recent meeting in 2015.

While some coaches shy away from adding tough out-of-district opponents to their early schedules, Trojans head coach Curt Blackburn welcomes the opportunity, adding that he feels it better prepares his team for the competition they’ll face in district and throughout the year.

“I like this game on our schedule because they’re always going to be a well-coached team, and they’re going to be disciplined and do what they’re supposed to do,” Blackburn said. “It’s going to show us what weaknesses we have to work on going into the season, so it will be a real good test to see where we are before getting really deep into the season.”

While the outcome of Friday’s game will ultimately be decided by the players on the field, Blackburn said Weems’ return should make for an amplified atmosphere.

“It’s about the kids playing the game, and I don’t want to make it any more than that, but it definitely has an allure to it that will draw some people in,” Blackburn said. “I’m sure Coach Weems is excited about it, as I would be. So it is a special night, I guess, in that respect.”

Blackburn’s three keys to the game:

• Protect the football: “That’s always the key, especially since we have a 60 percent chance of rain tomorrow night.”

• Execute our assignments

• Win on special teams

Union High School

Union High School head coach Brad Breland will enter his 16th year as the Yellow Jackets’ head man Friday when Union kicks off its season Nanih Waiya. Breland has gone 117-65 during his tenure.

In last year’s contest, Union defeated Nanih Waiya 14-12.

Breland’s three keys to the game:

• Execute on offense

• Limit the turnovers

• Eliminate big plays

Newton County High School

Gene Mitchell enjoyed his best season in three years at Newton County High School last year, leading the Cougars to a 6-5 record.

Although the Cougars missed  out on a trip to the playoffs in 2015, the signs of progression were there, as Newton County rode a five-game win streak at one point during the season.

Leake Central, which beat the Cougars 20-18 last year, travels to Newton County today.

Mitchell’s three keys to the game:

• Have a sound kicking game

• Prevent Leake Central from going over the top defensively

• Consistent execution of  the offensive scheme