Dante Dowdell leads motivated rushing attack as Picayune powers through the playoffs
The Picayune playoff monster created by legendary head coach Dodd Lee is back in full form under second-year coach Cody Stogner.
The Maroon Tide are back in the semifinals for the first time under Stogner and for the fourth time since 2015.
They’ve done so behind a powerful run game and the memory of how the 2020 season ended. Picayune opened the Stogner era with eight consecutive wins last season before dropping two straight regional matchups and setting itself up for a first round loss to eventual champion West Jones.
“That left a sour taste in our mouth since then,” Stogner told the Sun Herald. “We’ve been working like crazy not to have that again.”
For running back Dante Dowdell, one of only four 2,000-yard rushers in the state, it caused him to change up his attitude on the field.
“It motivated us to play harder,” Dowdell said. “That’s why I run angry. That’s why I run hard, I want to win that championship.”
Dowdell leads deep backfield
Dowdell is the figurehead of a lethal team ground attack that leads the entire state, regardless of class or region, in total rushing yards with 4,422, and rushing touchdowns with 64.
Five different players have more than 200 yards rushing and nine different players have scored a rushing touchdown.
Sophomore Chris Davis is the primary complimentary back to Dowdell with his elusive run style resulting in 776 rushing yards on just over 10 yards per carry.
“Me and Chris Davis are a one-two punch,” Dowdell said. “With me you get the power and with Chris you get the speed.”
Fullback Darnell Smith rounds out a trio of backs that have produced 3,491 rushing yards this season.
“Dante is kind of more of a bruiser running back but he can also run away from players,” Stogner said. “Chris is a typical Picayune running back. He’s shifty, he’s quick, he’s fast. He’s also not afraid to put his helmet down and run through your chest... on top of that I feel like we probably have the best fullback in the state.”
In the spotlight
Dowdell ran for three scores and 173 yards against Brookhaven in the quarterfinal game to punch his ticket into the 2,000-yard club.
“He’s a physical specimen and a special human being,” Stogner said. “The good thing about him is he’s gotten better every game since the first game of the season but he’s only a junior so we still have him for another year. The future is bright for him. He’s a pretty special guy to have.”
Dowdell credits the rest of his offense for his own successes.
“The guys up front work hard,” Dowdell said. “My fullback works hard. With the other running backs it all works together.”
The Maroon Tide are readying their run game for Laurel with the same game plan as any other game: play Picayune football.
“We’re going to try and take care of what we do,” Stogner said. “We don’t try to do anything special. We just have to come prepared with a lot of want-to and will power and execute a game plan. There’s no special tricks.”
Picayune will play Laurel for the south state title on Friday night at 7 p.m.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
