Defense wins championships? It did when Gulfport and Ocean Springs met for 4-7A crown

Since foot first met ball, coaches have insisted defense wins championships. It did once again Friday night.

Ocean Springs relied on a stifling defense, combined with just enough offense, to capture the Region 4-7A championship with a 20-3 victory over Gulfport.

The title is the Greyhounds’ fourth consecutive district crown, and the victory ran Ocean Springs’ winning streak in district play to 23 games. The Greyhounds last dropped a district game when it fell to Harrison Central in the final game of the 2021 regular season in Region 4-6A play.

The Ocean Springs defense kept the Gulfport offense in check all night, holding quarterback Dane Sullivan to 9 completions on 30 attempts and 108 yards passing. The Admirals’ leading rusher, Cooper Crosby, was held to just 15 yards on 8 carries.

Overall, the Greyhounds defense held Gulfport to 155 yards, while forcing three turnovers. Gulfport recorded first downs on only four of 12 possessions.

Offensively, quarterback Sharroid Whitehead was the star for Ocean Springs. The junior quarterback carried the ball 21 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns. His 61-yard touchdown pass to Jax Coleman early in the third quarter gave the Greyhounds a 13-0 lead and forced Gulfport to play catch-up for the rest of the second half.

Senior running back Will Smith also hammered the Gulfport defense, adding 114 yards on 20 carries. Overall, the Greyhounds ran for 273 yards, dominating time of possession and wearing down the Admirals’ defense.

What’s next?

Ocean Springs will finish the regular season Thursday with a short trip to St. Martin (3-6, 0-4). After that, the Greyhounds will open postseason play with a home game against the fourth-place finisher from Region 3-7A. After Friday’s games, that position is held by Northwest Rankin (5-4, 2-2).

This story was originally published November 2, 2024 at 5:00 AM.