Sports

Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Gulfport seniors want win against Biloxi rivals

GULFPORT — Gulfport senior defenders John Cooley, Lamar Smith and Jonathan Monroe know that all eyes will be on them and their teammates when Biloxi and Gulfport renew their football rivalry on Friday night at Biloxi.

Kickoff at Biloxi is 7:20 p.m., pushed back 20 minutes since it is being televised statewide by Cellular South and locally on WLOX-TV.

For the Gulfport seniors, this is a chance to come out ahead in bragging rights. As sophomores, Biloxi won a 48-44 shootout at Biloxi. Last season, the Admirals bounced back to win 21-7 at Milner Stadium. So this is the rubber game for the seniors.

“This is one of the biggest rivalries in the state,’’ Smith said. “I can’t wait to play them.’’

Smith had a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 42-20 win over Pascagoula on Sept. 25.

Gulfport is 5-5 and Biloxi is 3-7.

Cooley is coming off a 17-tackle performance in a close loss to Ocean Springs. He leads Gulfport in tackles with 94 and Monroe is third on the team with 60 tackles.

They face an Indian team led by running back Travoris Robinson, who is knocking on the door of a 1,000-yard season with 953 rushing yards.

“This is a huge game,’’ Cooley said. “I can’t wait.’’

“Last year they ran a lot,’’ Monroe said. “We were concerned about their big receiver (Devron Spain).

“We expect them to try and hit us in the mouth. But we have the best defense on the Coast. They can’t run it down our throats.’’

Gulfport leads the series 49-32-4 since 1920. Amazingly enough, 25 years ago, the series was tied at 28 games apiece. But Gulfport dominated the series until 2005 when it got back on a more even footing.

“It’s going to be crowded Friday night, a great atmosphere,’’ Monroe said. “It will be an honor to play in the game.’’

Both teams have lost some close games. While the playoffs are no longer possible, this still is a prestige game.

“It’s a big game for us,’’ Gulfport coach Mike Justice said. “Biloxi started off like a house on fire. There are four games they think they should have won and there are three games we think we should have won. We want to go 6-5 and have the bragging rights for ourselves.’’