The Hinds Eagles can assure at least a tie of the South Division title Thursday night with a win over struggling Jones.

With a critical game the following week against Southwest, ranked nationally and second in the South Division, Hinds coach Gene Murphy said his team better beware of the Bobcats.

“I don’t look at that second game, only this one,” Murphy said. “All I know is Jones loves to play Hinds and they’ll be ready to go (tonight). If we overlook them, we’ll be in trouble.”

Jones is coached by ex-Hinds coach Parker Dykes.

Hinds dominates statistically with a perfect 4-0 division record and just one loss, a 42-10 thumping at Northwest. Jones throttled Pearl River early in the season for its lone division win.

The winner of each division will host the first round of the playoffs, while the second-place team in the South will travel to the North champion.

Hinds beat Itawamba last season in the playoff opener before losing the state championship game at Northwest. Should Hinds win out and take the first-round playoff win, the Eagles would host the state championship game.

Hinds is led by Brad Banks, the second-highest ranked quarterback in the state. Banks has thrown 14 touchdowns.

Ex-Vicksburg High standout Thomas McKnight had his best game of the season in Thursday’s blowout win over Co-Lin, but still averages less than 68 yards per game and has only scored four touchdowns.

Game time at Raymond is scheduled for 7 p.m.