Two Mississippi high school football teams, Brandon and Northside, were placed on probation and fined by the MHSAA for starting preseason practices too early with full pads. Both teams began their sessions on August 13, two days prior to the official allowance on August 15. Although this probationary status does not affect their playoff eligibility, any further infractions could lead to stricter penalties. This marks the second consecutive season Brandon has received a probation warning for similar violations. The Bulldogs and Northside will kick off their seasons on August 28.

By the Numbers
  • Brandon and Northside began practices two days early on August 13.
  • This is the second consecutive year Brandon has faced probation for early practices.
Yes, But

While the MHSAA's penalties include fines and probation, they don鈥檛 directly impact eligibility for playoffs. There is concern about the potential for increasing penalties if the teams violate rules again.

State of Play
  • Brandon and Northside are currently under scrutiny for compliance with practice regulations.
  • Both schools are scheduled to begin their seasons on August 28 against outside competition.
What's Next

Both teams must adhere strictly to MHSAA guidelines moving forward to avoid harsher penalties. Upcoming games will be closely monitored for compliance with practice rules.

Bottom Line

The MHSAA's actions send a clear message about adherence to practice protocols. For Brandon and Northside, any future violations could jeopardize their seasons and further hinder their programs.