Picayune Overcomes Miscues to Shut Out Hancock 23-0

 The 6th ranked Picayune Maroon Tide's "Goose Egg Gang" (GEG) defense delivered once again.  

While the offense was unable to get untracked early in the game, the defense never missed

a beat recording their fifth shutout of the season. The GEG defense has allowed only 56 points

through nine games, the fewest of any school in Class 5A football in Mississippi.

The first quarter was one that the Tide offense would like to quickly forget. They fumbled

three times deep in their own territory in the first quarter, but Hancock was unable to get any

points as the Hawks missed two long field goals and then barely missed a fourth down

touchdown reception as tight end Steven Dauenhauer was ruled out of bounds just beyond

the back line of the end zone. The first stanza ended with no score from either team.

Early in the second quarter, the Tide got a great play from strong safety Stephen Hall as he intercepted

an errant Hawk pass at the Hancock 45 and returned it to the Hawk 19 yard line.  Two plays later,

junior wing-back Ryan Detillier got a great block from guard Donel Smith and raced around right end

from 15 yards out to put the Tide on the scoreboard. Scott Hillery added the PAT and the Tide led

7-0 with 10:16 left in the second quarter.

The Tide defense held the Hawks on their next possession forcing a three and out scenario.  After the Hawk

punt put the Tide at the Hancock 42 yard line, Justin Magee capped off the seven play drive with a 7 yard

touchdown run.  Hillery again added the extra point and it was 14-0 with 6:20 left in the half.

 # 7 Justin Magee                  #27 Stephen Hall              #28 Ryan Detillier          #45 Tim Gaff

Hancock put together a drive on their next possession only to be turned away on the last play of the half by a

Jimmy Jones interception.

On their first possession of the second half, Hancock converted a first down before being forced into a punting

situation on consecutive quarterback sacks by Mit Cole and Matt Roberts.  After the Hancock punt, the Tide

got the ball at the Hawk 47 yard line. Picayune drove to the Hancock 5 yard line and on fourth down,

Scott Hillery delivered 3 points with a 23 yard field goal.  The Tide led 17-0 with 1:15 left in the third quarter.

The GEG defense stiffened on the Hawks' next possession forcing another punt.  Picayune took over at their

own 19 yard line and behind the blocking of the offensive line of Steven Whitfield, Donel Smith, Tim Hoffman,

Scotty Dunn, Steven Parker, and Mit Cole, put together an impressive 13 play 81 yard drive capped off on

a 4 yard run by Justin Magee.  The PAT was no good and the Tide led 23-0 with 3:22 to play.

Hancock moved the ball deep in Tide territory, but Desmond McDougal intercepted a pass at the Tide 5 yard

line and return to the Hawk 10 yard line as time expired.  The Tide clinched a playoff berth with the victory. 

Justin Magee finished the night with 29 carries totaling 146 yards. Tim Gaff delivered 35 tough yards on 8 carries.

Picayune will celebrate Homecoming on Friday as they will host the Northwest Rankin Cougars at Picayune Memorial

Stadium.  Homecoming festivities get underway at 7:00pm followed by the kickoff at 7:30pm.