Poplarville ready to make run at 4A State Championship

Poplarville has the offensive firepower to make a run at the 4A South State Championship.

The Hornets return 13 starters from last year’s team that went 7-5 and finished third in Region 7-4A. The Hornets’ other nine projected starters also saw plenty of playing time in 2015.

“We have a lot of experience coming back,” Hornets coach Jay Beech said. “We’ll have a lot of fun and get after it. We won’t get overconfident.”

With the return of two 1,000 yard rushers Austin Bolton and Jesse Pernell, Poplarville’s potent Wing-T offense will be hard to stop. Bolton, a junior, rushed for a team-high 1,319 yards and 15 touchdowns. Pernell, a senior, gained 1,269 yards and scored 15 TDs.

“It feels good to have a pair of 1,000 yard runners back,” Beech said. “They both put on weight and have experience. Pernell’s good and Bolton has a chance to be real special.”

Antonio Barnes will start at quarterback for a second straight season. The sophomore threw for 551 yards and two TDs, giving the Hornets a solid signal-caller. Senior Evan Spiers returns at tight end.

Seniors Trey Griffin and Austin Carter will start at wingback and wide receiver, respectively.

The Hornets’ only question mark on offense is their offensive line, returning only two starters: junior tackle Josh Spiers and senior guard Austin Arceneaux.

Juniors Jordan Temple and Kyle Tynes will be the starting center and guard. Sophomore Tyler Mata will be the other starting tackle.

“We’ll be starting a new offensive line, but we feel good about the guys upfront,” Beech said.

Beech, Poplarville’s third-year coach, feels defense will be the team’s strongpoint. Eight starters return, including five All Region 7-4A performers.

Senior Chad Hart and junior Amari Harmon both return at defensive tackle. Senior Jamerrick Waller is also back at defensive end.

A pair of seniors— Zac Rice and Brandon Bullock— will start at nosetackle and defensive end in the Hornets’ 5-2 defense.

Senior Turan Smith returns at one linebacker spot. Junior Peytan Graham will start at the other linebacker role, replacing Tyler Fricke.

Poplarville’ strength on defense could be its secondary, returning three of four starters. Sophomore Tyson Holston and senior Camden Ray are the strong safety and free safety. Senior Aritaeus Johnson is also back at cornerback.

Junior D.J. Travis will start at cornerback.

“Our defense will carry us,” Beech said. “We’ve got a strong secondary and two good linebackers. We’ve got a strong defensive front.”

Beech sees Purvis as the favorite to win Region 7-4A and reigning Region 8-4A champion St. Stanislaus in 4A South state.

“Purvis will be good,” Beech said. “FCAHS has a lot of players coming back. I heard Columbia has a couple of studs. You can’t count out Greene County and Sumrall because their coaches have won state championships. Our Region will be better. Three of our teams can easily advance. The Coast Region is really strong with St. Stanislaus and East Central. Moss Point’s tough.”

This story was originally published August 1, 2016 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Poplarville ready to make run at 4A State Championship."