Oak Grove is set to host Hattiesburg this Friday night in what many are calling the “Battle for the Burg”. Just like last season, the crosstown rivals meet up with identical 3-0 records and state championship aspirations.
Offensively, both teams are averaging right at 42 points a game. Still, neither of their head coaches are banking on an offensive shootout.
“I don’t know what to expect,” said Tiger coach Tony Vance. “When Hattiesburg and Oak Grove play, you don’t ever know what to expect.”
Last year, Vance’s Tigers snapped a five-game losing streak to the Warriors, winning 42-28 at D.I. Patrick Stadium. Oak Grove’s superstar quarterback, John Rhys Plumlee, was unable to play in that one, but the Georgia commit is back and for sure playing in Friday’s contest.
Without top target Kevin Barnett, Plumlee has thrown for 641 yards and nine touchdowns-to-zero interceptions through three games. On the ground, he’s ran for 180 yards and three scores.
“It starts with their quarterback [Plumlee]. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” said Vance. “He’s got some guys around him that can make plays, but anytime you play a quarterback as versatile as he is, it’s certainly a concern. He competes with his legs and his arm.”
Nick Milsap leads Oak Grove’s ground game with 248 yards, and through the air, Liam Breithaupt and Tavion Smith have stepped up as top targets for Plumlee in the absence of the injured Barnett and Brandon Hayes.
Defensively, the Warriors are holding opponents to 15 points a game.
“I think we’ve done pretty well,” said Oak Grove coach Drew Causey. “I think there’s a lot we still have to do to get better. I don’t think we’re anywhere near how good we can be offensively or defensively. But offensively, especially, I think there’s a lot of areas we can improve.”
Vance feels the same way about his team, which is outscoring opponents 124-59 this year.
“At times we’ve shown flashes of what we could be offensively,” said Vance. “But we still got some things we gotta improve on. It’s still early in the season, and both teams are going to improve.”
Like the Warriors, the Tigers are led by a star quarterback. Jarod “Snoop” Conner, a Memphis commit, has thrown for just one touchdown so far, but he leads Hattiesburg in rushing with 431 yards and eight scores. In last year’s matchup, Conner ran for 109 yards and four touchdowns against the Warriors.
“Their quarterback [Conner] is an unbelievable player,” said Causey. “I think you take him and ours, and you got two of the best players in the state in my opinion.”
As most polls reflect, two of the best teams in the state will square off on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm at Oak Grove.
“Expect an electric atmosphere,” added Vance. “We’re just blessed to be a part of it, man. It’s the ‘Battle for the Burg’, and we’re all excited about it.”
