Patrick’s Picks: Can Ocean Springs football prove it’s a contender vs. D’Iberville?
With so many sports seasons disrupted by COVID-19 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we can take solace in the fact that there will be meaningful games Friday night in South Mississippi.
None, though, will be more important than the D’Iberville-Ocean Springs contest at Greyhound Stadium.
While both teams are undefeated, the Warriors have earned the right to be the favorite on the road after trouncing Biloxi 34-0 last week and picking up impressive hard fought victories on the road at Wayne County and Poplarville.
D’Iberville (3-0, 1-0 in Region 4-6A) had already raised eyebrows through their first two victories, and the win over Biloxi was arguably the Coast’s most impressive win of the season so far. The Indians are a talented squad and the final score reflected how thoroughly dominant the Warriors were that night.
Senior running back/defensive back Justin Walley has always been one of the better cornerbacks on the Coast, but the Minnesota commit has taken his game to another level this season. He’s added some power to his 5-10, 185-pound frame and he has a shot to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. He has 26 carries for 298 yards and seven touchdowns, giving him 11.5 yards a rush. As a receiver, he has 13 catches for 163 yards.
As for Ocean Springs, the Greyhounds (4-0, 1-0) haven’t really been challenged since Moss Point jumped out a 15-10 lead at halftime in the season opener.
As a team, Ocean Springs is averaging 6.7 yards a carry with sophomore quarterback Brayson Hubbard, junior running back David Humphries and senior running back Jahiel McCreary each playing significant roles in the ground game.
On Friday night, I see a tough D’Iberville defense proving to be the difference.
COVID-19 wiped four games off the slate this week in South Mississippi: North Forrest-St. Patrick, West Harrison-Gulfport, Long Beach-East Central and Hancock-St. Martin.
The Hancock, Long Beach and Gulfport football teams were all put in quarantine because of possible COVID-19 exposure. North Forrest called off its season due to a small roster size.
Even though they won’t be playing Friday night, St. Patrick, West Harrison, East Central and St. Martin will pick up victories via forfeit.
My Pick: D’Iberville 27, Ocean Springs 17.
The rest of my picks
Here’s how I see the rest of Friday’s games playing out.
Harrison Central 31, Biloxi 17: After stumbling on the road at D’Iberville last week, this game takes on a lot of importance for Biloxi (2-1, 0-1). However, Harrison Central (3-0, 1-0) has shown no signs of slowing down with a potent offense and a defense that’s allowed only 23 points through three games. Senior receiver Jacobi Moore missed last week’s 42-0 win over West Harrison after leaving the season opener with an injury.
Picayune 35, Gautier 14: The Maroon Tide (4-0, 1-0) isn’t blowing away the competition this season, but they’re stepping up and doing the things they need to do to come out on top each week. Sophomore running back and defensive end Dante Dowdell has been out with an injury, taking one of Picayune’s main weapons off the field. Senior running back and defensive back Austin Samples will be relied on to carry much of the load in the ground game. At the moment, Picayune is probably your favorite in Region 4-5A.
Hattiesburg 24, Pascagoula 17: If Pascagoula (2-2, 1-0) is to make a run in Region 4-5A, it will have to continue to get production out of sophomore quarterback Keilon Parnell similar to last week’s 200-yard rushing performance against Pearl River Central. Hattiesburg rolls in a 2-1 and 1-0 after taking down Wayne County 20-10 in the region opener.
Wayne County 20, Pearl River Central 17: The War Eagles (1-3, 1-0) have had a rough start, but they will likely play enough defense to pick up the win in Carriere Friday night. The Blue Devils (2-2, 0-1) need to stop the bleeding after a pair of back-to-back lopsided defeats.
Brandon 20, George County 17: The Rebels (0-3, 0-1) are struggling to find the right mix. They’re talented enough on offense to beat teams, but an inexperienced defense is going through some struggles.
Bay High 24, Pass Christian 21: This should be one of the tighter contests on the Coast Friday night. In the end, junior running back Noah Cutter likely gives the Tigers (3-1) the edge at Pass Christian (2-2).
Poplarville 35, Forrest County AHS 17: The Poplarville offense came to life at St. Stanislaus in a 27-7 victory. Senior Gregory Swann, junior Tyron Holston and junior D.J. Richardbey each cleared 100 yards. If that continues, the Hornets (1-2) will be tough to handle in Region 7-4A.
Moss Point 35, St. Stanislaus 21: Moss Point senior quarterback Ruben Lee ranks among the best passers in the state through four games. He has completed 62.6 percent of his passes 1,133 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. He is also far and away the Tigers’ main rushing threat with 67 carries for 328 yards and four TDs. The St. Stanislaus defense has been sturdy, but the Rockachaws (3-1) will have to find more product on offense to hang with the Tigers (2-2).
Resurrection 28, Stringer 20: Resurrection sits at 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Region 8-1A after last week’s forfeit victory over Sacred Heart. Of the 87 points scored by RCS this season, senior Will Clemens has accounted for 69. He has 9 TDs, one 2-point conversion, seven extra points and two field goals. He also leads the Eagles on defense with 41 tackles and four interceptions.
Purvis 27, Stone High 21: Stone High junior running back Carlos Brown ran 30 times for 359 yards and 5 TDs last week against Moss Point, but the Tomcats (1-2) host an undefeated Purvis squad (4-0) Friday night in Perkinston.
Friday’s schedule
All games at 7 p.m.
Picayune at Gautier
Hattiesburg at Pascagoula
Wayne County at Pearl River Central
Biloxi at Harrison Central
Brandon at George County
Pass Christian at Bay High
D’Iberville at Ocean Springs
Forrest County AHS at Poplarville
St. Stanislaus at Moss Point
Resurrection at Stringer
Purvis at Stone High
This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 11:35 AM.
