The playoffs are here for several area teams while others are fighting for playoff spots. See who James Pugh and Kevan Lindsey picked this week.
Current Records: James Pugh (15-8) and Kevan Lindsey (27-11).
West Jones at Brookhaven
Due to COVID-19, and a forfeit loss against South Jones, West Jones needs a good showing Friday night and a little help by Natchez to finish as the number two seed in Region 3-5A.
West Jones can only focus on what it can focus on, and that’s to beat Brookhaven by 12 or more. The task at hand is completely doable.
Last season, the Mustangs handed Brookhaven a 44-7 loss. With so much on the line, I believe West Jones will accomplish what it can control.
James’ Prediction: West Jones 35, Brookhaven 7.
Natchez at South Jones
No game is as big as Friday night’s final regular season contest.
Win and you’re in, loss and you’re out.
It doesn’t get anymore simple and plain as that.
But easier said than done.
Last season, South Jones put up a ‘W’ against the Bulldogs on the road, 43-40.
Last week, Natchez narrowly lost to Brookhaven 41-38 - a team that beat South Jones by 11 (28-17) several weeks ago.
I think South Jones can do it, but it will need everything to go their way.
James’ Prediction: South Jones 24, Natchez 21.
Greenville St. Joe at Sylva-Bay Academy
The Saints marched their way to a first-round bye with their third straight district title two weeks ago. What a turnaround from a season that looked bleak at the start.
Unfortunately, they host a powerhouse in Greenville St. Joe who shut out Tunica Acadamy 35-0 last week. Celebrate the three-peat as district champs, Saints, because I do not believe the march will continue.
Kevan’s prediction: St. Joe 41, Sylva-Bay 22.
Jefferson Davis County at Raleigh
Teacher vs. Student.
That is what we get treated to this week as Lance Mancuso brings his Jaguars to Raleigh to face his former assistant Ryan Higdon and his Lions.
Expect a tough, physical game for all 48 minutes. Raleigh captured the 3A Region-6 title last week and is riding a wave of momentum. Jeff Davis comes in as a four seed, but that won’t matter. I predict the Lions keep their hot-hand and even though they are the higher seed, Higdon gets the “upset” over his predecessor.
Kevan’s prediction: Raleigh 14, JDC 8.
Richton at Stringer
After a week off due to the Sacred Heart forfeit, Stringer will look to get momentum for the playoffs as they face off against Richton. There might be a bitter taste in the Red Devil mouths from last season’s disappointing loss to the Rebels which could provide the spark needed to get a victory.
Stringer finds some offense and wins this one close.
Kevan’s prediction: Stringer 24, Richton 13.
Bay Springs at Wesson
Dan Brady’s Bulldogs gave Laurel all they could handle Friday night, falling just short 26-20. Brady was adamant facing a team as high-powered as Laurel would benefit them this week. Time to put that to the test.
Wesson is 7-2 on the season with four shutouts. They love to spread the ball around and have been held to under 30 points just twice all season.
Because of that, it might be an early exit for the Bulldogs.
Kevan’s prediction: Wesson 26, Bay Springs 18.
Enterprise-Lincoln at Taylorsville
This one is simple: Taylorsville is eager to hit the gridiron and this Enterprise-Lincoln team is not ready to see a motivated Tartars team.
I’m sure Tartars head coach Mitch Evans does not want his team to get overconfident in a playoff game, but this is one that could be over by halftime.
Taylorsville wins big and will get prepared for round two of playoff action.
Kevan’s prediction: Taylorsville 48, Enterprise-Lincoln 12.
