Here are James Pugh's and Kevan Lindsey's predictions for Week 5 of high school football.Â
Richland at NEJ
Richland was an opponent NEJ beat in 2019. That win, and a win against Florence, helped NEJ get into the playoffs.
Richland seems to be improved from 2019, and is currently 4-0 on the season, beating everyone by two scores or more.
NEJ is looking for it’s first win in 2020 and might have to wait a bit longer.
James’ Prediction: Richland 28, NEJ 14.
Taylorsville at Bay Springs
COVID-19 nearly got this 2A Region-5 matchup when Bay Springs fell victim to quarantine. Thank goodness both schools were able to work something out and keep this game on the schedule. Because of that, we get high school football on Saturday night.
Bay Springs will be limited due to not having much time to practice, and Taylorsville is coming off a huge win over Jackson Prep [the Tartars proved me wrong and let me know about it in good fun].
Taylorsville should handle the Bulldogs, but both of these teams might see each other again come playoff time, so this is likely just the battle before the war.
Kevan’s Prediction: Taylorsville 45, Bay Springs 18.
Puckett at Mize
Mize could not slow down Loyd Star’s Eric Birch who ran for over 200 yards and had four touchdowns against the Bulldogs. That does not bode well as Mize plays host to Puckett who has been rolling along and currently sits at 4-0.
If Mize pulls off the upset, it could give them some momentum in the region to maybe, just maybe make a playoff push. However, I believe Puckett will handle their business and stay undefeated.
Kevan’s Prediction: Puckett 31, Mize 21.
Crystal Springs at Raleigh
I know that it sounds like a broken record, but Raleigh is a solid team that once they learn to put it all together, they will be a force. A close 26-20 loss to Scott Central puts their record at 1-3, but they have hung close with Seminary and did not look bad against a great West Jones team.
They now move to region play where they have to put it all together to make a playoff push. Crystal Springs is 3-1 on the year, but this should be another close one. I’ll put my faith in the Lions that they do put it all together and get the region-opening victory.
Kevan’s Prediction: Raleigh 26, Crystal Springs 20.
Resurrection Catholic at Stringer
Stringer has won two straight home games with a short-handed team. That says a lot about their toughness and ability to handle adversity. They should be getting a few key players back this week and they will need them as Resurrection Catholic comes to town.
The Eagles are 4-0 and have allowed just 13 points on the year, positioning themselves as one of the better teams in 1A football. If the Red Devils expect to win, they’ll need to crack the code on how to score against Resurrection Catholic. Even if it doesn’t happen, Stringer should be in a decent position still in Region-4.
Kevan’s Prediction: Resurrection Catholic 31, Stringer 12.
Sylva-Bay Academy at Centreville Academy
No quit has been the mantra for Sylva-Bay head coach Terry Underwood and his Saints. Still winless, they travel to Centreville Academy who is 3-1 on the season.
There is a lot of mutual respect between these two programs and Sylva-Bay is playing a bit better as the season progresses. Still, Centreville is Centreville and it will likely be a long drive back for the Saints.
Kevan’s Prediction: Centreville Academy: 34, Sylva-Bay 21.
Note: Choctaw Central at South Jones had not been scheduled at the time of publication. Laurel at Brookhaven has been postponed.
