Region play is in full swing and teams are attempting to lock in playoff spots. Find out who James Pugh and Kevan Lindsey picked below.Â
Current Records: James Pugh (11-8) and Kevan Lindsey (19-7).
Natchez at West Jones
Last Friday night’s loss against Laurel was the best thing that could have happened to West Jones - in my humble opinion.
Strange to say, but losses of that caliber in a year where high expectations are hanging over the program serve as humble pie and push the team to greater heights.
West Jones’ loss will be a catalyst for the program moving forward. They suffered defeat and realized that they are not indefensible when they don’t play with full gusto.
I expect a new, improved team moving forward.
James’ Prediction: West Jones 35, Natchez 7.
Laurel at Brookhaven
Beware of the high and immediate crash.
Laurel showed everyone last Friday night that the record they hold doesn’t define their program. They are capable of beating anyone when they work together as a whole.
We’ve seen it before. Teams that earn a big win tend to get stuck on the accomplishment and have some sort of crash in the game that follows.
Will this happen to the mighty Tornadoes?
I think Coach Ryan Earnest and Company have this under complete control.
James’ Prediction: Laurel 42, Brookhaven 14.
Mendenhall at NEJ
What is it with Northeast Jones and its baseball-ish scores?
The Tigers are great defensively, but the offense can’t seem to score more than twice in a game. That’s why we see finals like 14-6, 8-5, and like last Friday night against Quitman, 6-4.
Mendenhall (1-5) is struggling to this season as well, so expect another low scoring contest.
James’ Prediction: Mendenhall 13, NEJ 6.
Enterprise at Bay Springs
Out of quarantine and back in the win column are the Bulldogs from Bay Springs. Their 34-7 victory over Mize gives them their first region win of the season, not counting the Heidelberg forfeit.
Things however will not be easy this week as they play host to an Enterprise team who nearly defeated the reigning, defending 2A State Champion Taylorsville Tartars. While Bay Springs is a good football team, Enterprise is having a banner year. Because of that, Enterprise rolls over Dan Brady’s Bulldogs.
Kevan’s Prediction: Enterprise 32, Bay Springs 16.
Stringer at Sebastopol
Stringer escaped from Leake County with a win as the Red Devils were short-handed due to injuries.
Stringer head coach Morris Cascio knows all too well that nothing is given as we inch towards the playoffs, and he wants to put the pedal to the medal to get Stringer back into the playoffs this season. Sebastopol is a solid team, and they will want to avenge last season’s blowout loss.
With injuries piling up and a motivated Sebastopol team at home, this one will be close.
Kevan’s Prediction: Sebastopol 27, Stringer 26.
Sylva-Bay at Amite School Center
Despite only two wins on the season, Sylva-Bay can clinch a district title with a victory over Amite. That is a huge turnaround from what the season looked like a few short weeks ago. Credit to head coach Terry Underwood for turning things around and not giving up when things got tough.
Simply put, I believe they will win the district and get ready for part three of the season: playoffs.
Kevan’s Prediction: Sylva-Bay 33, Amite School Center 12.
Puckett at Taylorsville
Ty Keyes.
That’s all you need to know as the Tartars slipped past Enterprise 33-28 with their quarterback’s late-game heroics.
The Tartars will now get undefeated Puckett’s best shot this week, but I’m still riding with Mitch Evans and those boys. Taylorsville is on a mission, and they will flex their muscles again Friday night.
Kevan’s Prediction: Taylorsville 44, Puckett 26.
St. Andrews at Raleigh
Raleigh head coach Ryan Higdon thought his Lions did not play that well against McLaurin. They defeated the Tigers 55-6 with eight rushing touchdowns. If Raleigh did not play well and defeated their opponent 55-6, just imagine what will happen when they are firing on all cylinders.
They’ll get a chance to do that Friday as they play host to 2-5 St. Andrews. I expect the Lions to continue their dominant run with another Region victory.
Kevan’s Prediction: Raleigh 31, St. Andrews 16.
