Sports - Columnists - Doug Barber

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

Trick or treat: what will it be?

It’s one day before Halloween, and Doug’s Picks thinks of ghosts, goblins, Billy Cannon, Donald Pleasance, Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Myers.

So on this football Friday — and it will probably be a wet one — we will get to see who gets the treats and who plays the tricks.

It could be a scary night for some teams.

Doug’s Picks is coming off a 9-4 week, which lifted us to 94-37 for the season and a .717 winning percentage.

Playoff positioning is on the line while others play for pride. Let’s pull out the crystal ball.

n Moss Point at D’Iberville: The Tigers are undefeated in Region 4-5A and a win sets up a title match against Gautier. D’Iberville still has a shot at home field advantage. We expect the Tiger defense to hold the winning hand. Moss Point 28, D’Iberville 14.

n Ocean Springs at Gulfport: The ‘Hounds need to win to stay in contention for Region 4-6A title. Gulfport has been especially tough on Ocean Springs in Milner Stadium, losing to OSHS in 2007 and 2003. Another thrilla. Ocean Springs 17, Gulfport 15.

n Purvis at St. Stanislaus: The Rockachaws are one-point short of a perfect season. This is for the Region 8-4A title. Only Jackson Prep has slowed down the SSC aerial circus. St. Stanislaus 31, Purvis 14.

n Gautier at St. Martin: Gautier wants to set up a region title shot with Moss Point. St. Martin needs to win to stay in contention for a playoff berth. Vancleave has been Gautier’s only roadblock lately. Gautier 35, St. Martin 24.

n Picayune at West Jones: This is a good time to catch the Mustangs, who are coming off win over Wayne County, Tide is no slouch with six straight wins. West Jones 20, Picayune 14.

n Biloxi at Hancock: The Indian defense braces for 1,000-yard rusher Keagon Gillihan. Biloxi’s Travoris Robinson is 200 yards short of a 1,000 yards with two games left. Hancock is a slight favorite but we go with the upset. Biloxi 22, Hancock 21.

n Pascagoula at Harrison Central: THe Red Rebels are looking for a school-best 9-1 start. Harrison Central 24, Pascagoula 7.

n George County at Petal: The Rebels can’t afford to look ahead to Ocean Springs, not with an assignment in the last game at Panther Stadium. George County 14, Petal 13.

n Long Beach at East Central: The Bearcats put themselves in playoff contention with back-to-back upsets. East Central plays better defense than overall record shows. Long Beach 20, East Central 17.

n West Harrison at Vancleave: Vancleave still has a shot at a winning season and the Hurricanes are in the way. Vancleave 31, West Harrison 6.

n Wayne County at Pearl River Central: Picayune last week, Wayne County this week, and West Jones next week. What a way for PRC to finish the year. Wayne County 41, PRC 12.

n Stone at Forest Hill: THe Tomcats are playing for pride and a winning season. Stone 28, Forest Hill 21.

n Pass Christian at FCAHS: The Aggies are trying to head into playoffs on a high note. FCAHS 27, Pass Christian 7.

n Greene County at Poplarville: The Wildcats, likewise, want to head into playoffs on positive side. Greene County 28, Poplarville 7.

n St. Patrick at Perry Central: A tough game for the Fighting Irish since high-scoring Perry Central is unbeaten. Perry Central 28, St. Patrick 17.

Doug Barber can be reached at 896-2321 or dmbarber@sunherald.com