Here are your Jones, Jasper, Smith and Wayne County Week 13 predictions as picked by James Pugh.
Current record: 80-30 (72.73 winning percentage).
East Central (7-4) at West Jones (11-0)
Congratulations to the Mustangs on an undefeated season…but that means nothing now as the playoffs begin.
I have to admit that for weeks, I've had a gut feeling that West Jones may never meet Picayune in the South State Championship like everyone seems to be in anticipation of. Due to the lack of competition West Jones has faced in Region 3-5A this year, my fear is they'll ultimately slip up in the first or second round of playoffs and see their season come crashing down. While it's not my wish for this to happen, I believe the likelihood is medium-to-high.
Take this as a warning and motivation - East Central could be a nightmare matchup for you, West Jones. The Hornets held Picayune to 35 points in Week 5 - Picayune's lowest-scoring game of the season thus far, a team that averages 53.2 points per game.
West Jones has had notable problems in the first-round in recent years, losing to Stone two years ago and needing fourth-quarter heroics a year ago to advance to Round 2. Could those first-round jitters carry on into this year? We shall see.
Prediction: East Central 21, West Jones 17.
Pascagoula (6-5) at Laurel (9-2)
Now that we’re in the playoffs, it’s anybody’s game.
Laurel has the tools to win and win comfortably. My only drawback with Laurel is they've played inconsistently at times. They can't afford to play sloppy now. And I don't expect them to this week.
Laurel, enjoy Friday night and get the W. I’m trying hard not to look ahead, but Picayune awaits around the corner.
Prediction: Laurel 34, Pascagoula 17.
Taylorsville (11-1) at Collins (4-7)
I promise I’m not trying to be lazy, but what’s there to say about this playoff matchup?
It’s big and bad Taylorsville vs. a struggling year for Collins.
Prediction: Taylorsville 35, Collins 0. (Like it was in Week 5)
Forest Hill (5-7) at Wayne County (8-3)
Wayne County may have lost its regular-season finale and a shot at the Region 4-5A, but it was against one of the best teams in Class 5A (Picayune).
I expect Wayne County to vent its frustration out on Forest Hill in round one of the playoffs and win big.
Prediction: Wayne County 42, Forest Hill 12
Other Predictions:
Tri-County Academy 28, Wayne Academy 7.
Magee 21, Raleigh 20.
