Top-ranked Delta State directed its band to play the Star Spangled Banner in recognition of everything great in America last Saturday. Then they trampled West Alabama 47-7 to cement its hold on college football’s Division II No. 1 ranking.

Quarterback Josh Bright, winner last season’s prestigious Charlie Conerly Trophy and the star I voted for, showing out as only a real star can, Delta State turned West Alabama every way but loose as a “2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS” banner waved in the hometown Parker Field bleachers.

Bright had a banner day for the Statesmen as DSU piled up 547 total yards to WA’s 98. Thinking of all the terrorist action in our land, Bright opined that “our minds weren’t fully into the game because of all the distractions, but we did pretty well considering.” He didn’t look distracted completing a 93-yard TD pass!

As the American flag flew at half-staff in the south end zone, and little ones popped out all over, Delta State indeed started laying claim to possibly another national championship with its excellent showing. Head coach Steve Campbell’s charges set their sights and pulled the trigger like the title-sniffing team they are.

And, hey, don’t forget Mississippi State-South Carolina tonight at Starkville.

CHRISTY LIPSCOMB, pretty as ever and singing better than ever, absolutely wowed throngs of people last Saturday in her hometown of Vidalia that included music lovers from Vidalia-Natchez and all over Northeast Louisiana.

I got to visit with area high school coaches like Bobby Marks as the popular Jim Bowie Festival unfolded over there and included genuine Cajun and patriotic music that shook downtown. Christy’s ever-popular rendition of songs loved by people from here to Branson filled the air, plus the good ole down-home visiting all over the Courthouse grounds that was right up my alley.

Vidalia turned out good because folks around here look forward to Christy’s annual singing (and personal) appearance in her hometown. Saturday’s Jim Bowie Festival crowd, again, attested to that. It was a festival and genuine Miss-Lou gem in the truest sense, plus I got a few hints from coach-talk that I can use here in my column.

Hurry back, Christy, we want to talk area football again … And, oh, enjoy what “brung” ’em – your singing.

Incidentally, Miss Lipscomb will be taking her wonderful singing talents to parts of Texas, where she and her parents will now live after a considerable working stay in Clinton, Arkansas. Her parents Bubba and Cindy are excited. And Christy, too.

…Kenneth Jones was one of the first high school football heroes under the late coach A. I. Rexinger at old Natchez High. It must have been 1943 that Kenneth was the tailback in coach Rex’ tricky single-wing the Rebels ran.

Kenneth died last week and I thought about his days of football here, and all the other things he did good for his hometown. And his country, for that matter, because he was a navigator for the U.S. Naval Air Force during WWII. He had so many buddies! Yes, I was one of them, but I was speaking of schoolmates in particular.

To his precious wife Mary Ann, children Kim, Kenneth, Jr., and Mary Ann Cartwright, grandchildren and great-grandchildren I remind that you weren’t alone in realizing that your loved one was special to so many others.

God bless America!

Glenvall Estes is a long-time sports columnist for The Natchez Democrat.