Week ten of high school football season is here. Here are my predictions for teams in the Hattiesburg-area and Covington County.
Hattiesburg (8-0) at Picayune (7-1)-This game will likely decide who wins Region 4-5A, so yeah, it’s a pretty big one. Hattiesburg is rolling, Picayune is rolling. Really could not ask for a better setup here. That being said, Hattiesburg is the best, most complete team I’ve seen play this year. I haven’t picked against these Tigers yet, and I do not plan to anytime soon. This team is special.
Hattiesburg 41, Picayune 24Â
Sumrall (5-4) at FCAHS (5-4)-This matchup is important for a few reasons. For one, it’s a rivalry. Also and more importantly, it will likely decide who grabs that final playoff spot in Region 7-4A. Both teams are coming off blowout losses. Aside from that and their record, not a whole lot of similarities here. Sumrall has a dangerous offense, while FCAHS has leaned, at times, on a solid defense. As well as the Aggies may have played there, I don’t see them matching up well with Dannis Jackson and crew.
Sumrall 28, FCAHS 17Â
Oak Grove (5-3) at Brandon (5-4)-I cannot imagine the disappoint for Oak Grove last week. Losing to Terry on your Senior Night? I don’t think you would wish that on your biggest rival. The Warriors will have to put it behind them quick if they want to beat Brandon. The Bulldogs are not quite the team we’ve seen in years past, but they’re still Brandon and always a tough out. The Warriors are 2-0 this year in games following a loss. Not a huge sample size, but I still like their chances again. You will probably not see a more angry or motivated team.
Oak Grove 24, Brandon 20Â
Meridian (2-6) at Petal (5-3)-Right next to Hattiesburg and Collins, I’d say Petal has been one of the most impressive teams I’ve seen thus far. Really and truly, the Panthers are a break or two away from being 7-1 right now. You wouldn’t really know it looking at polls or power rankings. The Panthers are flying way under the radar right now, and I’d imagine that’s fine with them. Whether they’re playing in Panther Stadium or a parking lot, fans in the know realize what you’re gonna see on a consistent basis from Petal: Winning football. Good luck, Meridian.
Petal 35, Meridian 21Â
Purvis (4-4) at Poplarville (8-0)-If you’re Purvis, this is the test you’ve been preparing and waiting for. Can the Tornadoes pass it? Sure, but it’s gonna take their best performance of this season. The Hornets are averaging 38 points a game and allowing only 12. Quite the winning formula. On the other side, Purvis’ offense has awoken the last two weeks. The Tornadoes scored 49 points against Greene County and 60 against Lawrence County. I think we’re gonna get a highly-contested affair. But with Poplarville being at home, where they haven’t lost in nearly two years, I’ll give the Hornets a slight edge.
Poplarville 37, Purvis 31Â
Sacred Heart (3-5) at Mount Olive (2-7)-This is a must-win for both of these teams if they want any remaining shot at making the playoffs. Win or lose, chances are dim, but crazier things have happened. Offensively and defensively, both teams are struggling. Sacred Heart could get running back Campbell Klein back from injury this week, which would be huge. I’m banking on Klein returning and the Crusaders picking up a big win here.
Sacred Heart 28, Mount Olive 23Â
Richton (2-7) at North Forrest (6-3)-Not a whole lot to say here. Richton’s defense is allowing nearly 40 points a game, which is far from ideal going against an explosive offense like that of North Forrest. From top to bottom, the Eagles are simply the better team and should win this one convincingly.
North Forrest 38, Richton 10Â
East Rankin Academy (4-5) at PCS (5-4)-PCS has had it tough the last few weeks. Just look at the teams they’ve played. In their last four games, the Bobcats have played teams with a combined 30-4 record. That schedule is no joke. Things will get a little easier this week against an East Rankin Academy team that’s lost four games in a row and struggling mightily on the defensive side of the ball.
PCS 31, East Rankin Academy 17
Perry Central (8-0) at Collins (7-2)-Wow, how big of a game is this? Collins has won seven in a row, Perry Central has won eight as their record indicates. Offensively and defensively, these teams are clicking on all cylinders right now. Kudos to Chip Bilderback and Eric Booth. The jobs they’ve done at their respective schools, it does not go unnoticed. Now to my pick. As well as Collins has played the last seven weeks, there’s no denying Perry Central has been the most dominant team in 2A in that span. Defensively, the Bulldogs are allowing eight points a game. Offensively, they’re averaging about 34. Oh yeah, they’re also undefeated for a very good reason as you see. Should continue this week.
Perry Central 27, Collins 24 Â
Jefferson Davis County (8-1) at Seminary (4-5)– Seminary’s inconsistencies should continue this week against 3A favorite Jefferson Davis County. The transition for the Jaguars this season has been seamless. They’re averaging 35 points a game, and all but one of their eight wins have been decided by at least 10 points. Seminary just does not have the firepower to keep up.
Jefferson Davis County 35, Seminary 13Â
