Poplarville gets defensive against Columbia

Poplarville ended the regular season with a 44-14 victory over Columbia on Friday.

The Hornets (8-1, 5-0 Region 7-4A) will host Pass Christian in first-round of the 4A state playoffs next week.

Austin Bolton scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, which the Hornets led 16-0. The Hornets also recorded a safety.

The Hornets scored 21 points in the second quarter for a 37-0 lead.

Austin Carter scored on a reception and Jesse Pernell had a rushing touchdown. Tyson Holston had a 40 yard interception return for a score.

“Our defense played really well again,” Poplarville coach Jay Beech said. “Ever since we’ve started Region play they’ve been really consistent, getting better and better every week. Tonight, they did it again.”

Columbia avoided a shutout as Antonio James scored, getting within 37-14.

Daquan Ball’s 30-yard TD run in the fourth quarter ended the game’s scoring.

“There was really nothing on the line tonight…we were already seeded where we were going to be so we really did a good job of coming out and ignoring the circumstances and playing our best,” Beech said. “Columbia’s got a fine football team. They’ve got a lot of injuries but they’ll be back.”

This story was originally published October 28, 2016 at 11:34 PM with the headline "Poplarville gets defensive against Columbia."