Pass Christian is strong enough to challenge in wide open Region 8-4A

Pass Christian has the experience to earn a second straight Class 4A state playoff berth.

The Pirates return 12 starters from last year’s team that went 5-5 and reached the state playoffs. Eventual South state champion Poplarville eliminated Pass Christian in first-round action last year.

A 27-14 season-opening loss to Long Beach last week hasn’t affected Pirates coach Casey Wittmann’s outlook.

“If we stay healthy, we have a chance to be a good team,” Wittmann said. “We’re optimistic about this year. Our program has been growing the last few years.”

Defensively, Pass Christian has six of its front seven returning.

Seniors Travon Frost, Justin Kidd, Tyson Scott will be joined by junior Terre’ Johnson and sophomore Montrell Alexander on the defensive line.

Both linebackers — Nate Stewart and John Parfait — also return. Stewart started three years, while Parfait is a two-year starter.

The Pirates’ secondary has two returnees: Elijah Barnes and Josh Tinson. Titus Schwartz, Gage Scruggs and Andrew Moffitt are battling for the other two starting spots.

“We have a senior-laden defensive front,” Wittmann said. “Frost, Kidd, and Scott will play linebacker from time to time.”

Wittmann is excited about the Pirates’ offense, which will revolve around sophomore quarterback Dustin Allison and junior running back Tionne Frost. Allison threw for 500 yards last year and has a strong arm. Frost averaged seven yards a carry. Against Long Beach, he ran for 143 yards.

“Dustin has been around football his whole life,” Wittmann said. “He’s very accurate, been to a few football camps and is poised to have a great year. I think Frost is one of the best running backs on the Coast.”

Gordon Ward will start at fullback. Andre Moffitt, Matt Stubbs and Damonta May are projected to start at wide receiver.

Anchoring the Pirates’ offensive line are center Steven Labat, guards Jordan Drake and Nate Weatherly, tackles Colton Jeanfreau and Devin Scandurro.

Reese Baughman will handle both placekicking and punting duties for the Pirates.

East Central is considered the Region 8-4A favorite, but the other three playoff berths are wide open between Pass Christian, Moss Point, Vancleave, St. Stanislaus and Bay High.

“The Region is always tough,” Wittmann said. “We’re excited about the competition. Hopefully, our stout non-Region schedule will prepare us.”

This story was originally published August 22, 2017 at 3:00 AM with the headline "Pass Christian is strong enough to challenge in wide open Region 8-4A."