Before you head to or watch the game online, check out high school football predictions from Co-Editors James Pugh and Kevan Lindsey.
Current Records: James Pugh (4-1) and Kevan Lindsey (6-1).
West Jones at Petal
West Jones has shown consistency from Week 1 to Week 2. Typically, that’s a great thing, but this Friday night, something will have to change if the Mustangs want to go 3-0.
The defense has been its cornerstone for as long as Scott Pierson has held the reins in Soso. The defense has won West Jones games against Raleigh and Wayne County, but they’ll need more than defense against Petal.
Pierson described the offense against Wayne County last Friday night as “sputtering.” A reasonably accurate description if you ask me.
If the offense “sputters” against Petal Friday night, the Mustangs will be looking at 2-1 instead of 3-0.
James’ Prediction: Petal 17, West Jones 14.
Wayne County at Laurel
Laurel has had a rough go thus far in 2020…but haven’t we all.
What a great week for the Tornadoes to get back on track. Both teams enter the contest 0-2, and neither team needs, nor wants, an 0-3 start.
I usually don’t pick with my heart, but I’m going with the Tornadoes this week. They are a better team than what they’re record reflects.
James’ Prediction: Laurel 28, Wayne County 21.
Vancleave at South Jones
Vancleave handed South Jones a 35-10 loss last season. Both teams have improved though from where they were a year ago.
I’m looking forward to seeing Todd Breland get his first “official” win as the head coach in Ellisville…but I’m afraid we’ll wait a week longer.
James’ Prediction: Vancleave 35, South Jones 20.
Purvis at Northeast Jones
Officially, Friday night is the Tigers’ first game of 2020. I’m happy to see those coaches at Northeast Jones who contracted COVID-19 survived through it without major complications.
Purvis is loaded with seniors and 2-0 on the season already. NEJ is young and has only experienced a jamboree in 2020. That’s enough to get the nod to Purvis.
James’ Prediction: Purvis 33, Northeast Jones 21.
Mendenhall at Taylorsville
Taylorsville finally got their season started this past Friday night and what a way to start. Down by double-digits at the half, the Tartars put on a clinic in the second half to stun Seminary on their own turf 56-42.
The road does not get easier this week as Taylorsville was supposed to play Collins, but COVID-19 hampered that. They will face an athletic class 4A Mendenhall team.
I expect Taylorsville to come out of the gate strong this week and send Mendenhall back with an L in the W-L column.
Kevan’s Prediction: Taylorsville 42, Mendenhall 23.
Seminary at Raleigh
How about those Lions? Few, if any, picked Raleigh to defeat Bay Springs. Not only did they defeat the Bulldogs, but they beat them by double-digits.
They play host to Seminary who very nearly stunned the Tartars. This should be a great game with two hungry teams. While it is hard for me to pick against Brian Riles and Seminary, I’m going to ride with the hot hand this week and pick Raleigh to get their second win of the season and continue riding the momentum they have created.
Kevan’s Prediction: Raleigh 31, Seminary 27.
Mize at St. Andrews
Finally...Mize gets to play meaningful football. The Bulldogs will head to Madison to play St. Andrews Episcopal in hopes of starting their season off on the right foot.
St. Andrews is 0-2 on the year with losses to Pisgah and St. Joseph Catholic. Mize could certainly make them 0-3, but the biggest question mark will be just how much rust will the team has. Still, I’m taking the Bulldogs.
Kevan’s Prediction: Mize 27, St. Andrews 26.
Stringer at Salem
Stringer has had a rough couple of weeks. A tough loss to Enterprise week one, the announcement of quarantined players, then a loss to the Lumberton Panthers have set the Red Devils back to 0-2.
Things should change Friday night. Despite the absence of starters, the Red Devils should have enough gas in the tank to bring home their first win of the season against a Salem team that has won just four games in five seasons. If they don’t, well, let’s just say it will be a long year at Stringer.
Kevan’s Predictions: Stringer 41, Salem 12.
Benton Academy at Sylva-Bay Academy
Sylva-Bay is spiraling quickly at 0-4, but the Saints just might get some relief as they play host to Benton Academy, a team that is similar in roster size to the Saints.
Head coach Terry Underwood has been adamant that his team shows no signs of quitting. That’s definitely a good thing, and it should pay off this week The Saints stop the spiral and will get their first win of the season.
Kevan’s Prediction: Sylva-Bay 24, Benton Academy 18.
