Here is everything you need to about this weekend’s MHSAA Football State Championships. All games are being played at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.
NOTE: South teams are the home team.
Tickets: https://gofan.co/app/school/MISSHSAA
Live stream: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com
Radio: ESPN 105.9 FM (Jackson area); Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
CLASS 7A
TUPELO (13-1) vs. GULFPORT (11-2)
Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Tupelo Golden Wave at a Glance
Head Coach: Ty Hardin
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 2 in Top 10, No. 1 in Class 7A.
State Championships: 2024, 1992.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2013, 1992, 1991, 1990.
Players to Watch: RB J.J. Hill (Class 7A Mr. Football, Mississippi State commit, 1,705 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns, 104 yards passing, 1 touchdown, 1 receiving touchdown); RB Kylan Bobo (1,672 yards rushing, 27 touchdowns, 106 yards receiving, 1 touchdown); QB Braylen Williams (629 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 311 yards passing, 4 touchdowns); LB Devontray Brewer (103 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks); DL JaReylan McCoy (Florida commit, 56 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 blocked punts, 1 forced fumble); DB Iverson McCoy (Ole Miss commit, 73 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles).
How they got here: def. Starkville 28-10; def. Germantown 35-28; def. Oxford 21-20.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 33.6.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 14.1.
Coach Speak: “We’re blessed to get to play football this week, and we’re battle tested. It’s been a different type of journey to get here, we haven’t played a complete game yet and the target has been on our back all season and getting everyone’s best shot. We had to win games in different ways in games that we got behind. Gulfport is a very hot team right now and have thumped their last few opponents, so we’ve got to start better than we have. Both teams are good at the line of scrimmage and similar athlete wise, so whoever runs the ball better will win the game. We were in this game last year, so hopefully that will help, but field position is going to be key, so we got to take advantage when the opportunity presents itself to score points,” Hardin said.
Gulfport Admirals at a Glance
Head Coach: Blake Pennock
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 6 in Top 10, No. 4 in Class 7A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 1982.
Players to Watch: QB Parker Nettles (East Mississippi CC commit, 2,522 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns); RB Cooper Crosby (1,631 yards rushing, 32 touchdowns, 609 yards receiving, 7 touchdowns); WR Javious Hales (703 yards receiving, 3 touchdowns); LB Andre Peters (144 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery); DL Lawrence Robertson (81 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 7 sacks); DE Javon Anderson (58 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 4 pass break-ups).
How they got here: def. Northwest Rankin 45-7; def. Petal 45-10; def. Brandon 40-7.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 38.0.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 15.1.
Coach Speak: “Just an exciting time for us and this was the vision when I got here three years ago. We’ve gotten really hot and have played well the last two and a half months. Offensively, we’re executing at a high level, and executing the right way and being physical up front. Defensively, we’ve made key plays and gotten stops and have given up one touchdown in the playoffs. Tupelo is a whole another animal and they catch your eye quick, they’re so talented and big up front. J.J. is a special player and the QB can take it the distance at any point. They’ve been in this game before, so we’ve got to handle the moment and just play our style of football because it will be a physical game. Execute the game plan and prevent the big play,” Pennock said.
Buzz: The Golden Wave defense is the difference.
Pick: Tupelo 28-17
CLASS 6A
WARREN CENTRAL (11-2) vs. HATTIESBURG (11-2)
Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Warren Central Vikings at a Glance
Head Coach: Josh Morgan
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 8 in Top 10, No. 1 in Class 6A.
State Championships: 1994, 1988.
State Championship Appearances: 1994, 1993, 1988.
Players to Watch: QB Nash Morgan (1,325 yards passing, 11 touchdowns, 1,393 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns); WR Michael Hall (420 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns, 49 yards rushing); WR Blake Caruthers (326 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 1 punt return for touchdown); LB Fabian Davenport (115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 blocked field goal, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass break-up); LB Chaka Walker (74 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 pass break-ups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries); DL Jamari Gaines (86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception).
How they got here: def. Center Hill 42-14; def. Lake Cormorant 24-7; def. Ridgeland 45-42.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 32.8.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 19.2.
Coach Speak: “Warren Central has a lot of pride, tradition, and is a special place with special people. There are many great coaches and players (past and present) who have invested in a made this program what it is today. We are proud of our Vikings for getting us back to the state championship game for the fourth time, and we look to finish a great season with our third championship. We got to eliminate big plays, stick our identity, win on special teams, and win the turnover margin. Hattiesburg has talent everywhere stout defense, explosive offense, and very well coached,” Morgan said.
Warren Central has a lot of pride and tradition and is a special place with special people. There
are many great coaches and players (Past and Present) who have invested in and made this
program what it is today. We are proud of our Vikings for getting us back to the State
Championship Game for the 4th time, and we look to finish a great season with our 3rd
Championship.
Hattiesburg Tigers at a Glance
Head Coach: Kendall Lacey
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 5 in Class 6A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2017, 1998, 1995, 1992, 1989.
Players to Watch: QB Gavin Ducksworth (2,140 yards passing, 23 touchdowns); WR Davion Young (1,074 yards receiving, 13 touchdowns, 674 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns); LB Emarion Price (161 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles); LB Christopher Veal (108 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble); DB Anthony Ponce (59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery).
How they got here: def. Pearl River Central 42-0; def. Pascagoula 35-20; def. Picayune 47-27.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 35.7.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 19.5.
Coach Speak: “Getting back to the state championship for the second year in a row is special but doing it in my first year as head coach makes it even more meaningful. It speaks to the resilience of our kids, the buy-in from our staff, and the standard of this program. We didn’t rebuild—these boys reloaded. They trusted the process, they worked through the tough days, and they earned the right to be here again. For me, it’s an honor more than anything. I stepped into this role wanting to uphold the tradition while also putting my own stamp on it, and watching this team fight their way back to this stage. We must win the turnover battle. We got to start fast, and we must find a way to population tackle. Warren Central is a really good football team. They have a diverse offense lead by a super dynamic quarterback that causes all kinds of trouble. A rock steady defense that play together and one string. There is a reason they are playing for a state championship. We have our work cut out for us,” Lacey said.
Buzz: This game could go either way, but the Tiger offense comes up big and gets redemption from last year.
Pick: Hattiesburg 31-21
CLASS 5A
BROOKHAVEN (11-2) vs. WEST POINT (13-0)
Kickoff: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
West Point Green Wave at a Glance
Head Coach: Brett Morgan
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 1 in Top 10, No. 1 in Class 5A.
State Championships: 2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1982.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 1988, 1987, 1984, 1982.
Players to Watch: QB Colt Whitacre (1,018 yards passing, 10 touchdowns); ATH Quinton Thompson (1,200 all-purpose yards, 10 touchdowns); TE Aiden Brooks; DL Jorden Rush (Class 5A Mr. Football, 65 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 6 pass break-ups, 2 fumble recoveries); DL Dee Haughton (80 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 5 sacks); LB Shamarrion McKinney (88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries).
How they got here: def. Vicksburg 42-19; def. Pontotoc 37-0; def. Holmes County 20-6.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 37.1.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 8.3.
Coach Speak: “It’s incredible reaching a tenth state title game in a row. It’s hard enough to get to one state championship, but to get to 10 in a row is insane. For us our expectation is to get here and we’re playing a fine football team. We just got to keep our head down and work because Brookhaven is loaded and on defense they get after it. They tackle well and present a huge challenge. We’re going to be who we are, what we know we are, and be simple. We got to block and protect the ball on offense and do what we do,” Morgan said.
Brookhaven Panthers at a Glance
Head Coach: Darien Dorsey
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 2 in Class 5A.
State Championships: 2004.
State Championship Appearances: 2010, 2004.
Players to Watch: QB Jaden Allen (1,824 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, 805 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns); RB Caiden Quarles (1,050 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns, 2 receiving touchdowns); WR Timmothy Smith (434 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns); DE Jeremy Bibbs (64 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 4 pass break-ups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 block punts); DE Derwin Fields (55 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass break-ups, 1 fumble recovery); WR/DB E.J. Ratliff (3 receiving touchdowns, 37 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 pass break-ups).
How they got here: def. Northeast Jones 55-6; def. Wayne County 42-7; def. Laurel 31-6.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 33.4.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 9.8.
Coach Speak: “Coming into this year we had a lot of experience back and we had a chip on our shoulder after the way last year ended, so we got to win and finish the journey. It’s my first year as head coach, but I’ve been here for a while, so the kids are used to me, so I’m blessed. West Point has the winning pedigree, they’re good at what they do so we know the challenge we have in front of us, and our guys are up for it. They want to control the clock and run the ball, so we got to get them off the field and put them in uncomfortable situations. Offensively, we got to take advantage of our opportunities and get points on the board. Defensively we’ve been very consistent, so we need to continue that this week,” Dorsey said.
Buzz: This very well could be a low scoring game, and the Green Wave defense comes up big late.
Pick: West Point 24-14
CLASS 4A
KOSCIUSKO (13-1) vs. COLUMBIA (14-0)
Kickoff: Friday, 4 p.m.
Kosciusko Whippets at a Glance
Head Coach: Casey Orr
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 3 in Class 4A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 1996, 1991, 1984.
Players to Watch: QB Caiden Wade (2,355 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, 396 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns); RB C.J. Sandifer (1,363 yards, 17 touchdowns); OL Jeremiah Wynter; LB Rokari Covington (113 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown); SS Keith Lay (59 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception); DL LaMarcus Riley (57 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 defensive touchdown).
How they got here: def. Rosa Fort 58-10; def. Itawamba AHS 40-14; def. Corinth 14-3; def. Louisville 17-7.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 39.3.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 9.9.
Coach Speak: “Reaching the State championship game is such a difficult thing to do. 4A is such a deep classification this year. Our guys have worked their tails off to get to this point. It’s exciting to see them get to read the rewards of their hard work. It’s also awesome to get to reward the administration and community with a chance to go to a state championship. They entrusted us as a staff with this football program and that means a lot. Glad we are getting to repay them for their trust in us. Kosciusko hasn’t been to a state championship since 1996, so our community and school district is fired up for this Friday. The support from everyone has been humbling to say the least. Columbia is a great football team with a lot of tradition over the last decade. Coach Bilderback does a great job, and they have some outstanding athletes. It will be a difficult task to beat them. They are undefeated for a reason. They played hard-nosed football on the defensive side and have some explosive players on offense,” Orr said.
Columbia Wildcats at a Glance
Head Coach: Chip Bilderback
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 5 in Top 10, No. 1 in Class 4A.
State Championships: 2021, 1982.
State Championship Appearances: 2023, 2021, 1998, 1982.
Players to Watch: QB Clydarion Peters (1,173 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns, 1,189 yards passing, 15 touchdowns); RB/LB Tra Lewis (1,436 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns, 232 yards receiving, 157 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 2 block field goals, 2 defensive touchdowns); RB/LB Ashton Daniels (1,235 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns, 40 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions returned for touchdowns); WR Christian Expose (770 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns); LB Junior Curney (119 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries).
How they got here: def. Moss Point 49-0; def. Newton County 27-22; def. Pass Christian 41-6; def. Poplarville 20-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 39.7.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 15.5.
Coach Speak: “Our team has seen us win a state championship when our players were in middle school, they were sophomores on the team that went to ole Miss and came up a little short. So, when we said in April our goal was to practice on Thanksgiving, they understood we were working and pushing towards making a run. They haven’t wavered on their commitment, and team first attitude. We have had a lot of fun and big wins this season, but every Monday they have come back with a ready to work attitude and drive to go 1-0 this week. This team understands we aren’t done yet. Offensively we must get first downs, convert on third downs. Protect the football. Defensively we have to slow down the quarterback, and two wide receivers. They are a very explosive offense with big offensive line. We must find way to get stops and get off the field on third downs and be great tacklers on defense. They have playmakers at a lot of spots. It will take a great effort to pull this off. Kosiusko is a great team,” Bilderback said.
Buzz: Two teams that run the ball and play really good defense, but the Wildcats cap the undefeated season with a state title.
Pick: Columbia 21-20
CLASS 3A
NOXUBEE COUNTY (11-3) vs. RALEIGH (13-1)
Kickoff: Saturday, Noon.
Noxubee County Tigers at a Glance
Head Coach: Teddy Young
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 7 in Little 10, No. 3 in Class 3A.
State Championships: 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2008.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2007.
Players to Watch: QB Jykeim Goodwin (1,647 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, 1,073 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns); ATH Jadien Taylor (Mississippi State commit, 574 yards passing, 7 touchdowns, 560 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 766 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns, 81 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 block field goals, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception); WR Christon Glenn (630 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns); LB B.J. Payton (178 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries); Jheremy Payton (61 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks); LB Somijae Brandon (77 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1 sack).
How they got here: def. Yazoo County 41-15; def. Coahoma County 35-8; def. Choctaw County 34-33; def. Winona 54-21.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 33.4.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 19.7.
Coach Speak: “This is what we’ve worked for all offseason was to get back to the state championship game and finish. We’ve got put together our best game of the year in all phases. The keys for us are to win in the trenches, be physical on offense and don’t turn the ball over, and tackle well. Raleigh is a state championship program, they fly around defensively, they run the wing-T, so they have plenty of running backs. We got to be discipline on the defensive line and be physical,” Young said.
Raleigh Lions at a Glance
Head Coach: Ryan Higdon
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 3 in Little 10, No. 1 in Class 3A.
State Championships: 2022.
State Championship Appearances: 2022, 1995.
Players to Watch: QB/LB J.J. McCullum (918 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, 496 yards rushing, 7 touchdowns, 89 tackles, 2 interceptions (1 returned for touchdown), 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries); DL JaMarion Owens (Class 3A Mr. Football, 47 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked field goal); LB Damonta Keyes (91 tackles, 6 tackles, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), 2 fumble recoveries); FB Tyler Jones (1,017 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns); RB/LB Jaylin Owens (935 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns, 137 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns, 31 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 fumble recovery returned for touchdown); WR/FS Brendan Harper (459 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns, 1 kickoff return for touchdown, 30 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).
How they got here: def. Pisgah 42-0; def. PCS 34-28; def. Union 35-21; def. Seminary 27-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 35.9.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 12.8.
Coach Speak: “This is a goal that we have every year. When we won it in 2022 it set the standard for our program and it’s what we talk about starting in January when our offseason program begins. It’s special to be playing in this game because of the degree of difficulty it takes to get there. Defensivelyitwillbeimportantforustotacklewellandnotgiveupthebigplay. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be important as well. We feel like our strength is our defensive front so they will have to play well Saturday. On the backend our defensive backs will have to get lined up correctly and be disciplined when the ball is snapped. Offensively we must protect the ball and avoid turnovers as well as maintain our blocks at all our positions. The offense we run requires our linemen and backs to block so we must do that well and avoid negative plays along with three and outs. Noxubee County is one of the best and most consistent programs in our state. They are battle tested for sure, so they know how to prepare for and play in big games,” Higdon said.
Buzz: Tigers get the monkey off their back and snap a five-game state championship game losing streak.
Pick: Noxubee County 30-22
CLASS 2A
EAST WEBSTER (13-1) vs. HEIDELBERG (12-2)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
East Webster Wolverines at a Glance
Head Coach: Ron Price
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 8 in Little 10, No. 2 in Class 2A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 2015, 2006.
Players to Watch: QB Kross Avent (1,639 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns); QB Cooper Stidham (1,445 yards passing, 19 touchdowns); WR/DB Lakendrick Potts (1,072 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns, 3 rushing touchdowns, 40 tackles, 4 interceptions); DB Mahd Jones (102 tackles, 6 interceptions, 5 pass break-ups, 3 fumble recoveries); DL Prentiss Cork (110 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 receiving touchdowns); OL/DL Hayden Graham (90 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks).
How they got here: def. Leland 53-0; def. Myrtle 57-0; def. Charleston 61-40; def. Kemper County 21-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 39.7.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 10.3.
Coach Speak: “This is a dream come true for me. This is my 24th year in coaching and this is my first state championship game. We’ve got 18 seniors and they’re the leaders and it says a lot about this group that is grateful for the opportunity and hopefully will take advantage. Just continue to do what we do, and kids make plays. We play two quarterbacks, and both have been key to our success. Defensively, we have been consistent, and we got to make plays when it presents itself. The unique thing is we work so hard to get to this point and Heidelberg is on the other side. They’re really good and we got to play the best 48 minutes we’ve played all year, and give ourselves the best chance in the fourth quarter,” Price said.
Heidelberg Oilers at a Glance
Head Coach: Darryl Carter
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 5 in Little 10, No. 1 in Class 2A.
State Championships: 2024.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023.
Players to Watch: QB/DB Chase Craft (Class 2A Mr. Football, 2,684 yards passing, 35 touchdowns, 972 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns, 12 tackles, 2 interceptions); WR/DB Ja’Kayden Moore (1,031 yards receiving, 19 touchdowns, 33 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 pass break-ups, 6 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble); WR/FS Lathaan Gavin (270 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns, 27 tackles, 5 interceptions, 5 pass break-ups); LB Keyon Gilmore (59 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 8 sacks); RB/DB Kaden Porter (812 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns, 113 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 7 tackles, 1 interception).
How they got here: def. Newton 78-6; def. North Forrest 56-0; def. Clarkdale 64-14; def. Mize 46-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 48.6.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 8.9.
Coach Speak: “This year has been more than a challenge because of the adversity that we have had to endure on and off the field and how other people want to label us as one way or another all because they may want to be in our shoes or just because of jealousy or whatever it may be. We go to work every day doing what is needed to prepare/prep our players to be the best players as well as young men they can possibly be, and it has been frowned upon or criticized as cocky or arrogant but as our motto this season “A Challenge But Not Impossible” we have stayed the course to this point. The keys for us is as they are with each opponent no matter what game it is which is to pay attention to details to all phases of the game and know what to do, how to do it, and why we are doing it as we put our players in position to use their abilities to play smart, fast, physical, and have fun but discipline. I think East Webster has a great team and staff which is why they are our opponent in this year’s 2A Championship game. They do a nice job in all phases of the game and have some outstanding players,” Carter said.
Buzz: Oilers have too many weapons and defensively get it done once again.
Pick: Heidelberg 37-20
CLASS 1A
CALHOUN CITY (12-1) vs. SIMMONS (12-0)
Kickoff: Thursday, 4 p.m..
Calhoun City Wildcats at a Glance
Head Coach: M.D. Jennings
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 1 in Class 1A.
State Championships: 2016, 1989.
State Championship Appearances: 2020, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2008, 2006, 1995, 1994, 1989, 1988, 1983.
Players to Watch: QB Harland Pittman (1,390 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, 600 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns); RB Demarious Pittman (760 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns); TE Shane Farmer (483 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns); WR Jaylon Jackson (467 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns); LB Kemauri Salley (85 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 interception); DE Javontae Harvey (58 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 fumble returns for touchdowns).
How they got here: def. French Camp 50-7; def. TCPS 53-14; def. Leflore County 30-6; Biggersville 36-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 43.3.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 9.7.
Coach Speak: “It’s a great feeling to be back in the championship game. Our kids have bought into the process every single day. They’ve handled adversity, they’ve grown together, and they’ve stayed focused on the standard we expect at Calhoun City. Offensively, we have to start fast, execute the game plan, protect the football, and win at the line of scrimmage. Defensively, we have to win at the line of scrimmage, pursue, gang tackle, and eliminate big plays. Simmons is a good football team. They are well coached, fast and physical. They have a lot of players that can make plays. Simmons is a good football team. They are well coached, fast and physical. They have a lot of players that can make plays,” Jennings said.
Simmons Blue Devils at a Glance
Head Coach: Jarvis Williams
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 2 in Class 1A.
State Championships: 2017, 2016, 2015.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2005.
Players to Watch: RB De’Andre Gatson (1,428 yards rushing, 25 touchdowns); RB Quentoris Wallace (1,209 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns); DL Daylan Richardson (48 tackles, 7 sacks); LB Clay Stamps (87 tackles, 16 tackles for loss); QB/DB Tyrone Buchanan (28 tackles, 4 interceptions).
How they got here: def. Noxapater 28-8; def. Stringer 30-14; def. Nanih Waiya 20-8; def. Taylorsville 12-8.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 34.2.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 7.3.
Coach Speak: “Reaching the state championship in my first year as a head coach is something special, it shows what happens when belief, hard work, and unity come together. But getting back to this point for the second year in a row means even more. It proves that last year wasn’t luck, it wasn’t a fluke, it’s the foundation. We aren’t finished, but we’re grateful. We’re hungry, but we’re humble. And we’re ready to compete for what we’ve earned. The defense must continue playing how they’ve all year and the offense must minimize mistakes and make more plays. Calhoun City will be the best team we’ve played all year in my opinion. They’re very athletic and balanced on both sides of the ball. We must play a sound, mistake free game to win,” Williams said.
Buzz: This will be a physical game with two teams having two good defenses and two run heavy offenses. The Wildcat defense is the difference in a close one.
Pick: Calhoun City 24-22
TV Coverage:
Jackson – ME TV – WAPT Channel 16.2
Gulf Coast – WLOX – Bounce 13.2
Northeast MS – WCBI-MY MS – Channel 4.2
Meridian – WTOK – myTok 11.2
Hattiesburg – WDAM – BOUNCE 7.3
Cleveland – WHCQ – Channel 8.1
Clarksdale – WPRZ – Channel 12
Oxford – WEBU – Channel 22.1
