Barry Harper

Picayune (4-1) overall and (1-0) in division play travels to Hattiesburg to play the Hattiesburg Tigers (2-3) and (0-1) this Friday night in a key Division 3-5A matchup. Picayune is looking like a team that has all the ingredients to play in the South State 5A Championship game in late November. They are hitting on all cylinders, offense, defense, and special teams. However, they are entering the toughest stretch of regular-season games in the school's history, beginning this Friday night against Hattiesburg High.

Hattiesburg lost a lot of seniors off last year's squad, including quarterback Martin Hankins who starts for Hal Mumme's Southeastern Louisiana team as a true freshman in Hammond , LA. However, the division coaches picked Hattiesburg to finish in the middle of the pack of Division 3-5A. If they finish at least 4th that means that the Tigers will be in the State play-offs once again.

The main reason Hattiesburg may get into the State playoffs after losing so many good players last year is because of their defense. This defense is very fast and big. Their 3 down defensive linemen weigh in at 315, 285, and 265. One may argue that this defense did not play very well against Meridian last Friday night by giving up over 30 points. It was Hattiesburg 's offense that turned the ball over 6 times, 3 of which were deep in their own territory. Any time you have an inept offense that cannot move the chains and turns the ball over, it keeps the defense on the field for a very long time. It doesn't matter how good a defensive team you are, if you stay on the field long enough, you are going to give up points.

If Hattiesburg's offense plays halfway decent this Friday, it could be a very close game.

Otherwise I see it...Picayune 24  Hattiesburg 10     Roll Tide !!!!

Carey Meitzler

The Maroon Tide travels to D.I. Patrick Stadium to take on the Hattiesburg Tigers. These Felines are hard to figure out. One week they play like a State Champion and the next week it looks like they suited up the cheerleaders to play in their place. No offense to the cheerleaders, but Division 3-5A is no place for rah-rah; this is hard-nosed football every week.

Hattiesburg has two (2) players who can break it all the way in the blink of an eye: Marquis McFarland (5-10, 175, Senior) and Jonathan Kirksey (5-9, 175, Soph.). The Tide will have their hands full with these two. The trigger man is Jermaine Jackson (5-9,170, Jr.). The junior QB has been erratic, but has played well in both home games ( Moss Point and Harrison Central), which are the two victories in their 2-3 record. Their losses are to McComb (14-12), Laurel (16-7), and last week at Meridian (31-7). They are happy to be back at home this week vs Picayune.  H'burg is big and physical along the defensive front and LB Bryan Barnes (5-11, 185 Sr) is a good one behind them. They have good speed on both sides of the football.

Through the first five games, Coach Dodd Lee once again has the Tide offense clicking on all cylinders. It starts up front with the “Bulls”. Tackles Kevin Parker and Scotty Dunn, guards Tim Hoffman and Donel Smith, and center Steven Whitfield have enabled the Tide to hold the ball and turn the opposing offenses into spectators as the Tide has almost doubled their opponents in time of possession. If the Tide can put together a couple of those patented 10 plus play drives and put points on the board, it could be a long night for the Tigers.  I look for the 'Yune to move the ball and if they stay away from turnovers, wear down the Hub City Felines, especially in the second half.  Senior QB Chris Stewart has been making good decisions for the Tide and throwing the ball near flawlessly thus far for the Maroon Tide. Look for the Tigers to put 8, maybe 9 men up in the box on the Tide and try to force the Tide to throw the ball. If this happens and the Tide can give Stewart time to throw, look for a big night for WR Quincy Coleman,  WB Ryan Detillier, and TE Mit Cole. The fullbacks (Gian Nixon and Tim Gaff) will need to make the most of their totes as Hattiesburg will be most likely be watching every move that Justin Magee makes from the time he exits the bus.

Junior Scott Hillery has been near perfect handling the place kicking duties for the Tide and his toe will be crucial this week for the Tide. Special teams will be very important against the Tigers, especially punt and kickoff coverage as the Felines have a lot of speed and have already returned a kickoff and a punt for TDs.

The defense has not given up a point in 11 consecutive quarters. This is a bunch that swarms to the ball. The key will be not allowing Jackson to throw deep.   I look for big games from Brandon Walls along the line of scrimmage and Eric Griffin pressuring Jackson on passing situations. A couple of three and outs in each half, and the good guys should be okay.

The Tide leaves the Hub City with a hard fought "W"......Picayune 20 Hattiesburg 9