Region action begins for about 80 percent of the prep football teams in the “Southern Six” of Mississippi this week.
Getting off to a good start in league play is always a positive thing, and it’s always much better than the alternative.
Rock’s Locks went a paltry 8-5 last week, and now stands 37-15 after the first four weeks of play.
“With a little love and luck, you will survive…”
- George County at Gautier (Game of the Week) — Before the season started, this game appeared to be one with huge implications for Region 8-5A, and it still is except it no longer appears to be a clash of league contenders. Well, at least not for one squad. Gautier bounced back from a disappointing season-opening loss to Jackson Provine and has righted the ship with two straight wins. Meanwhile, the Rebels have just been disappointing overall so far starting the year 0-3. I see George County’s season continuing its slide in the swamp…Gautier 28, George County 13
- West Harrison at East Central — This one just as easily could have been the game of the week, and it may well turn out to be so as a pair of teams with perfect marks clash in Hurley/Wade. Both the Hornets and the upstart Hurricanes are 3-0, and obviously both would like to remain unblemished as league play begins. But only one team can keep that perfect mark this week. We like the home team in this battle of the unbeatens. East Central 34, West Harrison 16.
- Biloxi at D’Iberville — The Warriors return home after back-to-back road losses, and awaiting their arrival is the neighborhood rival Indians. D’Iberville, in fact, brings a three-game losing streak into this Region 8-6A opener, while BHS has won two straight. A shaky nod goes to…D’Iberville 23, Biloxi 21.
- Ocean Springs at Hancock — The defending Region 8-6A champ Greyhounds head to Hancock County to face the home-standing Hawks, in what has become the annual league opener for both teams. The Greyhounds have dominated this series as they have won 17 of the past 18 games since 2004. As you can see, it’s long been an extremely one-sided affair in favor of Ocean Springs, and we think Bray Hubbard and the Greyhounds will ensure that it remains that way. Ocean Springs 35, Hancock 20
- Gulfport at St. Martin — This also has become the traditional opening league game for both the Yellow Jackets and the Admirals. And, just like the prior game, it’s been a series that has been seriously unbalanced in the visitors’ favor as Gulfport has won every game played on the field since 2011. In fact, SMHS has only beaten the Admirals once on the field in 16 games all time. I think the Jackets will be in the hunt for a playoff berth this year, but just like always they’ll have to start the chase after a loss to open region play. Gulfport 24, St. Martin 18
- Vancleave at Long Beach — The Bulldogs have started the season 3-0 for the first time in 12 years. The Bearcats have lost 14 straight games and have won just three times in their past 35 games played on the field. That just about says it all. Vancleave 42, Long Beach 14
- Bay High at St. Stanislaus — The annual “Battle for the Crab Trap” takes place at Brother Phillip Memorial Stadium as the Rock-A-Chaws take on their Hancock County neighbors in this 54th renewal of this long-standing series. This one is a bit tough to read, as neither team has done much to impress so far, but SSC’s only win was against the aforementioned Long Beach while Bay High is 2-2. Bay High 16, St. Stanislaus 7
A Six Pack to go:
Pascagoula 17, Harrison Central 14
Resurrection 14, Lumberton 13
Picayune 56, Pearl River Central 3
McComb 23, Moss Point 20
Poplarville 40, Pass Christian 21
Stone 6, South Pike 2
