Here’s every South Mississippi football team that could clinch a playoff berth this week
No season moves quite as fast as football season in South Mississippi. District play is hitting its final weeks, which means the playoffs are just right around the corner.
A few schools have already locked in their spots in the statewide playoffs and several more have an opportunity to join them this week.
Here’s a look at who’s in and who could be, as well as which two regions will have their champions decided this week.
Locked in
St Stanislaus
The Rock-a-Chaws have won four straight games and have done enough to earn a postseason bid out of the five-team Region 8-3A. St. Stanislaus is 2-0 in district play with only a couple more left to play.
St. Stanislaus is coming off a 38-0 win over Seminary behind 18 tackles and four tackles for loss combined from Jacob Bradford and Max Fromme.
Pass Christian and Stone
These two teams will meet Friday for every marble on the table. While both are safe and sound in the playoffs, the historical stakes are high in this meeting.
The winner of the game will be crowned district champion of Region 8-4A. For Stone, it would be champion of its area for the first time since 1994. The Pass, on the other hand, has had over 90 football teams and none have claimed a district title yet.
The game will be at Pass Christian and kicks off at 7 p.m.
The Hornets have staked their claim to a playoff spot with a spotless 3-0 Region 7-4A record so far. Poplarville must face Columbia this week, who has also clinched a postseason berth, and the winner will be crowned district champion.
Poplarville had its perfect district season upended by Columbia last season in a 27-3 loss.
Win and in
Moss Point
It’s been a trying year for a proud Moss Point program. The Tigers won their first game of the entire season this past week against Greene County, putting them in an opportune spot heading into their final contest.
If Moss Point takes down Bay High on Friday, the Jackson County-based Tigers will eliminate BHS Tigers from playoff contention and lock itself into the postseason. If it loses, it will need Pass Christian to beat Greene Co. and Stone to beat The Bay next week.
Picayune
Nobody has had a more dominant season on the Coast than Picayune. The Maroon Tide are 8-0 and 4-0 in district play. It just defeated West Harrison, 55-0, despite the absence of Oregon commit Dante Dowdell.
Picayune’s path is simple: take down a 1-6 George County team on Friday and it’s spot in the postseason is secured.
Gautier
Another team undefeated in district play out of Region 4-5A, the Gators have the benefit of a pair of scenarios that could play out.
If Kaden Irving and company can take down a strong East Central squad on Friday, then it’s in the playoffs. Even if it loses, a Pearl River Central loss to Vancleave will seal a spot for Gautier.
East Central
As it just so happens, three of Region 4-5A’s four playoff spots could be filled by Friday night. The Hornets need a couple things to happen to guarantee a prolonged season.
If East Central beats Gautier and George County loses to Picayune, the Hornets are in the playoffs. East Central has played postseason football for eight straight years and is looking to ensure that streak extends to nine this week.
Ocean Springs
The Greyhounds have an unblemished slate thus far and could be locking in its postseason ticket this week. Ocean Springs is 4-0 in Region 4-6A play and need a pair of outcomes to go their way on Friday.
If Harrison Central drops its matchup with Hancock and the Greyhounds get a win at St. Martin, then Bray Hubbard’s squad will have their spot sealed with a couple of weeks to spare.
Gulfport
A lot of eyes will be on the Red Rebels this week. Gulfport also needs a Harrison Central loss to clinch its spot, as well as a win over D’Iberville this Friday.
If both happen, the Admirals are sailing into the playoffs for the 11th time in 14 years. The champion of the region will likely be decided next week when Gulfport and Ocean Springs collide.
