STARKVILLE — Mylan Stubbs hauled in a 33-yard Hail Mary as time expired, and Carter Platt’s extra point lifted Gulfport to a stunning 21-20 victory over Tupelo for the MHSAA Class 7A state championship Saturday night at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium.
The miracle touchdown, giving the Admirals’ their first state title in school history, came after Tupelo had taken a 20-14 lead with 27 seconds remaining.
“Heads were on a swivel, got to make a catch on every play that comes to us. So there was a play to be made and I had to make a play,” Stubbs said. “It’s how you finish and we’re now state champions. This is an amazing feeling.”
Tupelo (13-2), the defending 7A champion, appeared poised to repeat when Kaiden Buchanan blocked a punt to set up J.J. Hill’s 3-yard touchdown run with 27 seconds left. The Golden Wave missed the extra point to lead 20-14.
Gulfport (12-2) took over at its 28 with 20 seconds remaining. A defensive holding penalty, a 12-yard completion to Stubbs and a 17-yard pass to Cordarius Payton moved the Admirals to the Tupelo 33 with two seconds on the clock.
Quarterback Parker Nettles then launched the desperation heave that was tipped before Stubbs secured it in the end zone.
“We practiced that exact drive except with 46 seconds to go and knew we had to get the ball to the sideline to stop the clock. I knew when we got down to two seconds left that we were going to our rebound play. I laid it up there for our guys to have a chance and it worked out for us,” Nettles said. “For us to end it like that is better than I could ever imagine. To end my career a state champion means everything and it’s the best moment of my life.”
Nettles completed 12 of 19 passes for 228 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
“We do that drive every Thursday in practice. We do the out routes to the sideline and then the rebound play where we tell the guys to box and get ready for anything. Usually it never works, but it worked in the right time,” Gulfport coach Blake Pennock said. “I’ve never been a part of something like this. Tupelo is every single thing everybody thinks they are. They’re physical, talented, a second half ball team, and do a phenomal job. The heart and resilence of our guys never quitting and to drive down and get it done says a lot about our guys. This is a great feeling especially since I’ve been on the coast. They say the coast isn’t physical, but I can say that Gulfport football is physical. We played well offensively and Cooper ran the ball well. I love these guys, the city, the school, and community and this what I envisioned when I came here. We are here to stay and ready to roll.”
Mississippi State signee Cooper Crosby rushed 26 times for 167 yards and was named game MVP.
“That was insane and a story-book ending. Hail Mary to win it all? Doesn’t get much better than that,” Crosby said. “It was awesome and I am so blessed to be part of this team. JJ is a hard-nosed runner and I’m excited to be paired with him and it was a great game. An evenly matched game and this is just a surreal moment. Since I’ve been here, Gulfport has been just a first round exit, so making it here and winning it like this doesn’t get much better than this.”
Hill, also headed to Mississippi State, ran 26 times for 133 yards and both Tupelo touchdowns.
“We told them to bat it down. We batted it down right to them. Right place, right time. Fell in his lap,” Tupelo coach Ty Hardin said. “That’s a game you’re supposed to win right there. It’s the worst feeling ever. Life sucks. That sucked right there. Youve got to be a big boy and grow up the next day.”
