Here is this week’s MHSAA North and South State preview.
CLASS 7ANorth State
Oxford (11-1) at Tupelo (12-1)For the second time this season the Chargers and Golden Wave will meet except this time at Renasant Field in Tupelo. The Golden Wave won the regular season matchup 20-13 in a game that was filled with penalties, especially in the first half. The Chargers come into the matchup rolling on offense averaging 34.9 points, 207.2 yards passing, and 152.8 yards rushing anchored by quarterback Knox Kiffin, who has thrown for 1,414 yards with 12 touchdowns and has added two rushing touchdowns, running back Demar Jamerson (15 rushing touchdowns) along with receivers Kingston Gregory, Kevin Smith, and Christian Fields. Defensive tackle Zyeer Pegues, defensive back Collin Flanigan, and linebacker Weldon Wilkinson leads an Oxford defense that gives up 19.9 points per game. The Golden Wave, the defending Class 7A state champions, will have quarterback Braylen Williams to the offense that is averaging 34.6 points per game that will lean on a rushing attack that is averaging 312.5 yards anchored by Mississippi State commit J.J. Hill, who has 1,533 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns, along with running back Kylan Bobo, who has 1,570 yards rushing with 25 touchdowns. The Golden Wave defense only gives up 13.6 points per game and is led by JaReylan McCoy, Ole Miss commit Iverson McCoy, and Kaiden Buchanan. Like the regular season game this one will be close, but the Wave ground game is the difference at home and punch their ticket back to the state title game.Pick: Tupelo 27-20South StateBrandon (7-5) at Gulfport (10-2)Despite with all that’s happened this year the Bulldogs are back in the 7A South State championship game as they head down to Milner Stadium to face the Admirals. The matchup to watch will be the Gulfport ground game against a stout Brandon defense. The Admirals will lean on an explosive offense that is averaging 37.8 points, 194.4 yards passing, and 175.3 yards rushing anchored by quarterback Patrick Nettles, running back Cooper Crosby, who has 1,338 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns, along with receivers Javious Hales and Camden Morgan. Linebackers Andre Peters, Cordarious Payton, and Deandre Williams anchor a Gulfport defense that allows 15.8 points per game. The Bulldogs will once again lean on an offense that is only averaging 17.2 points that will be anchored by quarterback Sladen Shack, running backs Tyson Robinson and C.J. Campbell along with receivers Eli Morey and Graydon Walker. Colorado commit Preston Ashley along with Tre McQueen, Ashton Moore, and Travion Washington will lead a Brandon defense that will be fast and does give up 15.8 points per game. It’s no secret that the Bulldogs, for the most part, have had moments when they struggle to put points on the board, but the Gulfport offense is rolling with a lot of momentum and gets it done at home in a close one.Pick: Gulfport 27-24 CLASS 6ANorth StateRidgeland (11-1) at Warren Central (10-2)For the second time this season the Titans head over to Vicksburg in a battle of Region 2-6A foes for the MHSAA Class 6A North State championship. Warren Central won the regular season matchup 21-14. The Vikings offensively is averaging 31.8 points, 243 yards rushing, and 100.5 yards passing led by quarterback Nash Morgan, running backs Javid Scott and Xavier Jackson along with receivers Michael Hall and Blake Caruthers. The Warren Central defense does allow 17.3 points led by Fabian Davenport, Jonas Green, Chaka Walker, and Micah Moore. The Titans come into the matchup offensively averaging 41.3 points, 353.3 yards rushing, and 56.3 yards passing anchored by quarterback D.K. Wallace, who has 1,109 yards rushing with 17 touchdowns, running back Ashten Gorden, who has 1,172 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns, along with fullback Johnthan Henningburg. Linebacker Jordan Wright will have to step with Nigel Lockett out along with free safety Trae Collins to anchor a defense that only allows 22.7 points per game. This will be another close matchup, but the Viking defense comes up with a key late stop and reach the 6A state title game for the first time since 1994.Pick: Warren Central 28-21South StatePicayune (10-2) at Hattiesburg (10-2)The Maroon Tide head up I-59 to D.I. Patrick to face the Tigers. The Picayune potent ground attack against a much improved Hattiesburg defense will be one to watch in this matchup. The Tigers will lean on quarterback Gavin Ducksworth to lead the offense that is averaging 34.8 points per game along with receiver and Tennessee commit Tristan Keys, receiver Davion Young, and running back Haedyn Leverette. The Hattiesburg defense gives up 18.8 points per game. The Maroon Tide is coming into the matchup averaging 37.8 points per game on offense and will once again lean on potent rushing attack that is averaging 366.8 yards per game led by quarterback Colt Robertson along with running backs Xavier Dennis, who has 2,600 yards rushing with 30 touchdowns, Jordan Hathorne, and Jamari Hathorne. Defensive tackle Nolan Wilson and linebacker Kelvin Stallings lead a Picayune defense that does allow 24.1 points per game. The Tide ground game is the difference and keeps the Hattiesburg offense off the field.Pick: Picayune 30-24 CLASS 5ANorth StateHolmes County (10-3) at West Point (12-0)For the second year in a row the Jaguars have to head up to West Point for a playoff matchup. Last season the Green Wave won a second round matchup 31-28. The stout West Point defense against a very explosive Holmes County offense will be a key matchup to see. West Point offensively is averaging 38.5 points per game will once again lean the heavy run game that is averaging 165.3 yards per game will be led by quarterback Colt Whitacre along with running back Quentin Thompson. A veteran defensive line will lead the Green Wave defense anchored by Jorden Rush, Titus Davidson, and Dee Haughton that only allows just 8.5 points per game. Davarious Johnson, who has thrown for 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns, lead a potent Jaguar offensive attack that averages 39.1 points, 215.1 yards passing, and 151 yards rushing along with running back Rashad Campbell (10 rushing touchdowns) and receivers Gavin Howard (11 receiving touchdowns) and Jaiden Tucker and tight end Julius Mathis will be top targets for the Jaguars. Defensive end Jerry Reese along with linebacker Jabari Lawrence and Howard and Terell Johnson in the secondary will lead the Holmes County defense that does give up 21.4 points per game. The Green Wave defense is the difference at home.Pick: West Point 34-20South StateLaurel (6-6) at Brookhaven (10-2)The Golden Tornadoes make the trek along Highway 84 to Brookhaven to face the Panthers in a matchup of Region 3-5A foes. Brookhaven won the regular season matchup 14-6 back in early October. Laurel, ranked No. 10 in 5A, will lean on quarterback Bryson Bivins to lead the offense that averages 17.5 points per game along with receivers Zechariah Jenkins, a Memphis commit, and Martavious Collier. Running back Desmond Hosey will lead the ground game. Linebacker Tommaj Hosey and defensive end R.J. Ward will lead the defense that allows 18.8 points per game along with defensive backs Jamel Abney and Jordan Virgess. The Panthers offensively come into the matchup averaging 33.6 points, 171.5 yards rushing, and 146.4 yards passing anchored by quarterback Jaden Allen, whose thrown for 1,691 yards with 19 touchdowns and has added 802 yards rushing with 16 touchdowns, running back Caiden Quarles (14 rushing touchdowns), along with receivers Timmothy Smith, Dreamus Harron, Jeremiah Bibbs, and E.J. Ratliff. The Panther defense only allows 10.1 points per game that is led by a strong front seven in defensive ends Jeremy Bibbs and Derwin Fields along with linebackers Hampton Smith and Durrell Washington. Panthers are tough at home, and the defense is the difference.Pick: Brookhaven 27-16CLASS 4ANorth StateKosciusko (12-1) at Louisville (10-2)For the second time this season the Whippets head over to R.E. Hinze Stadium to face the Wildcats in a matchup of Region 3-4A rivals. Louisville won the regular season matchup 29-24 in a game where the Wildcats had to rally to win. Kosciusko, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, will have some fire power on offense averaging 43.5 points, 197 yards rushing, and 178.1 yards passing anchored by quarterback Caiden Wade, whose passed for 2,185 yards with 21 touchdowns and has added 11 touchdowns, running back C.J. Sandifer (1,302 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns) along with receivers Jonatvious Roundtree, Jaybre Pierce, and La’Darrion McBrice. Linebacker Rokari Covington leads a stout Whippet defense that only allows 10.4 points per game. Quarterback Tristan Edwards, whose thrown for 2,330 yards with 20 touchdowns, along with promising running back Zaiden Jernigan (1,522 yards rushing, 20 touchdowns) and receivers LaGarrion Wraggs and Trey Tippett will lead the offense that is averaging 34.6 points, 194.2 yards passing, and 206.3 yards rushing. Linebacker Dontavious Lewis, defensive end Ayden Coleman and defensive tackle Mitchell Turner will lead the Wildcat defense that that does give up 18.1 points per game. This will be another nailbiter like the regular season matchup, but the Wildcats get it done at home.
Pick: Louisville 22-21South StatePoplarville (8-4) at Columbia (13-0)For the second time this season the Hornets head over to Walter Payton Stadium to face the Wildcats in a battle of Region 7-4A foes. Columbia won the regular season matchup in dominating fashion 49-28. The Wildcats will have running backs Ashton Daniels and Tra Lewis along with receiver Clydarrion Peters to help lead the offense that averages 41.2 points per game. Linebackers Roderick Curney, B.J. Lee and Lewis along with Peters in the secondary will lead a stout defense that only allows 15.6 points per game. The Hornets, the defending the Class 4A state champions, offensively are averaging 40.8 points per game and will as usual will lean on a run-heavy ground game attack that is averaging 365.1 yards per game anchored by quarterback Ian Magee and promising junior running back Ty Keys, Class 4A Mr. Football winner who has rushed 2,969 yards rushing and 43 touchdowns this season. Defensive back Payton Hart and linebacker Ayden Harmon will lead the Poplarville defense that does allow 28.3 points per game. It’s hard to beat the same team twice, but the Wildcats tough at home.Pick: Columbia 41-28CLASS 3ANorth StateNoxubee County (10-3) at Winona (9-4)It’s a battle of the Tigers as Noxubee heads over to Winona for the 3A North State Championship battle of Region 4-3A foes. Winona is coming into this one on a seven game winning streak and won the regular season matchup 31-26, so there could be a lot of points scored in this one. Noxubee will be leaning on quarterback in Jykiem Goodwin, whose thrown for 1,647 yards with 19 touchdowns and has rushed for 913 yards and 9 touchdowns, to lead the offense that are averaging 31.8 points, 174.3 yards passing, 201.5 yards rushing and will look to spread the ball around to running back Laderroun Mosley along with receiver and Mississippi State commit Jadein Taylor, who will also see time at quarterback and has thrown for 562 yards with seven touchdowns, 400 yards rushing with seven touchdowns, and 766 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.. Defensively, Noxubee will look to be fast and physical especially in the front seven anchored by linebackers B.J. Payton and Donovan Conner that allows 19.6 points per game. Winona, offensively is coming into the matchup averaging 30.3 points per game that will lean more on a rushing attack that is averaging 242.4 yards per game and a passing game that is averaging 105.8 yards passing led by quarterback Landon Crawford, whose thrown for 1,273 yards with 11 touchdowns and rushed for 965 yards and 10 touchdowns,, along with running back Yoshawn Hudson (1,469 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns). Receivers Ayden Johnson and Dee Hudson will be the top targets on the outside. Linebackers Dejuan McChristian and Alejandro White lead a Winona defense that does allow 22.6 points per game. Noxubee is coming into this one with a lot of momentum and head back to the 3A state title game in a close one.Pick: Noxubee County 36-30South StateSeminary (8-5) at Raleigh (12-1)It’s another all-region semifinal matchup as the Bulldogs head up to Raleigh to face the Lions for 3A South State Championship and matchup of Region 6-3A foes. Raleigh won the regular season matchup 27-21 in a game where Seminary turned the ball over at the 1-yard line in the final minute of the game. The Lions offensively is averaging 36.6 points per game that will once again lean on a potent wing-T rushing attack anchored by quarterback J.J. McCullum, running back Deuce Carter, and fullback Mason Smith. Defensive tackle Jamarion Owens, the Class 3A Mr. Football winner, along with McCullum and Damonta Keyes at linebacker lead the Lion defense that only gives up 12.7 points per game. Seminary will come into this one more balanced on offense that is averaging 25.8 points per game led by quarterback Brady Chancelor, running back Johnny Byrd along with receivers Jeremy Wright and Matthew Barnes. Linebackers Noah Napier and Eric McCullum along with defensive end Jerricos Barnes and defensive back Stanley Peters lead a Seminary defense that only allows 17.2 points per game. The Lions ground game at home is key and move on to the 3A title game for the second time in four seasons.Pick: Raleigh 28-20CLASS 2ANorth StateKemper County (7-6) at East Webster (12-1)For the second time this season the Wildcats head over to Mathiston to face the Wolverines in yet another North State championship matchup of teams from the same region, this one from Region 4-2A. East Webster won the regular season matchup pretty handily 49-20 in a game where the Wolverines outscored the Wildcats 20-6 in the second half. The Wolverines offensively is averaging 41.2 points, 229.3 yards passing and 132.9 yards rushing that will lean on two quarterbacks in Cooper Stidham and Kross Avent, who have both passed for 1,000 yards, running back R.T. Moye (13 rushing touchdowns) and receiver Lakendrick Potts (14 receiving touchdowns). Linebacker Campbell Flora and defensive end Prentiss Cork will lead a stout front seven for an East Webster defense that only allows 10 points per game. Kemper County will come into the matchup averaging 33.9 points per game on offense that is anchored by a lethal rushing attack that is averaging 291.1 yards per game led by quarterback Gabriel Murray, 1,048 yards passing with nine touchdowns and 1,116 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns, and running back and Ole Miss commit Damarius Yates, 1,926 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns. Defensive back Jacquvious Brandon (4 interceptions this season) will help lead a defense that does give up 30.6 points per game. Wolverines too much in this one and are back in state title game since 2015.Pick: East Webster 30-16 South StateMize (7-6) at Heidelberg (11-2)Another South State Championship matchup of two teams from the same region as for the second time the Bulldogs head over to Heidelberg to face the Oilers in a matchup of Region 6-2A foes. Heidelberg won the first game 50-0 in a game where the Oilers rushed for 313 yards. Heidelberg, the defending Class 2A state champions, will once again lean on a very explosive offense that is averaging 48.8 points, 185 yards rushing, and 208.4 yards passing anchored by quarterback Chase Craft, whose thrown for 2,530 yards with 33 touchdowns, rushed for 877 yards with 15 touchdowns and the Class 2A Mr. Football winner, along with running back Kaden Porter (11 rushing touchdowns), receivers Ja’Kayden Moore (1,018 yards receiving, 18 touchdowns) and Lathaan Gavin. Defensively, Heidelberg only gives up 8.5 points per game led by defensive end Madaylan McKenzie, linebacker Antonio Gavin, along with Gavin, Moore, and Craft in the secondary. Mize will be heading into the game averaging 27.2 points per game on offense that is anchored by quarterback Antrell Agee, running back Jamiyon Gray, and Wesley Little. Linebacker Jack Garner along with Agee, Gray, and Little lead a Bulldog defense that gives up 23.6 points per game. The Oiler offense too much at home.Pick: Heidelberg 40-20 CLASS 1ANorth StateCalhoun City (11-1) at Biggersville (12-1)This is a matchup a lot of people have been looking for as the Wildcats head up to Biggersville to face the Lions for the 1A North State Championship. The Biggersville offense against a stout Calhoun City defense. The Wildcats are coming into this game averaging 43.9 points, 213.6 yards rushing, and 132.3 yards passing led by quarterback Harland Pittman (1,207 yards passing, 14 touchdowns; 583 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns), running back Demarious Pittman (680 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns), and receiver Shane Farmer. Defensively, Calhoun City only allows just 9.3 points per game and is led by linebacker Kemauri Salley and defensive end Javontae Harvey. Biggersville offensively is coming in averaging 39.5 points, 201.7 yards passing, and 151.6 yards rushing anchored by quarterback Xae Mayes, the Class 1A Mr. Football winner, along with receivers Zialis Blackmon and Brooks Seago. Defensive tackle Logan Doss along with Blackmon and Seago in the secondary will lead the Lion defense that allows 13.9 points. The Wildcat ground game is the difference.Pick: Calhoun City 22-16South StateTaylorsville (9-4) at Simmons (11-0)The Tartars make the long trip up to Hollandale to face the Blue Devils for the 1A South State Championship. This will be a matchup of two run heavy teams. Taylorsville will head into this one averaging 29.6 points per game anchored by a rushing attack that is averaging 208.5 yards per game led by quarterback Zarian Pittman along with running backs Tayshawn Scott (1,306 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns) and Karryon Phillips. Linebackers Damarion Booth, Ladainian King, Tyler McCray along with defensive backs Jkheim Hilton and Trent Clark and defensive tackle Chase McCoy gives up just 15.9 points per game. Simmons, offensively is averaging 36 points per game led by quarterback Tyrone Buchanan along with running backs D.J. Gatson and Quentoris Wallace. Defensively, the Blue Devils give up just 7.3 points per game that leans on overall team speed led by linebacker Clay Stamps, defensive lineman Daylan Richardson, defensive end Jaylen Vallery, and Gatson at linebacker. The Blue Devil defense comes up big at home.Pick: Simmons 22-20
