Barry Harper

It has been a long time since I could not find a place to sit at a high school football game. Well I guess that's what you get when you follow
one of the top programs in the state. However, the standing will be just fine when our kids are playing for division and state championships.

Oak Grove has a great ball club. Garry Pack may be the best high school player I have ever watched. Their quarterback is very talented and

seemed to possess great speed. However, I don't think he will play that position on the next level. But what really impressed me a lot was

their defense. They were big and fast. I don't know why I was surprised with their defense. Any team that goes undefeated through the whole

regular season especially in our division has to be good.

Now, having said all of that let me say this. They are beatable. We had a few long drives that kept their offense off the field. We missed a

couple of field goals and dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone. We had no turnovers and only a couple of penalties. Their players were quoted

as saying Picayune was the most physical team they had played. Yes they are beatable, but first we have got to turn our attention to Ocean Springs.

Last Friday night when my family and I were leaving Oak Grove, we were tuned in to the Oak Grove broadcast. Their announcer stated that several
months ago the United States showed Iraq the meaning of SHOCK and AWE. He went on to say that now the Picayune players and fans know the

meaning of the Oak Grove's SHOCK and AWE. I thought under the circumstances this comment was distasteful. Oak Grove may have won the battle

last Friday night, but the war is far from over.  ROLLLLLL TIDE !!!!
This Friday....    Picayune 31 Ocean Springs 0

Carey Meitzler

First things first. The Tide played their hearts out at Oak Grove.  We had our chances, but it didn't work out for a victory. I found some positives of the outcome.  I was once told that I would have found something possible even if I was riding General George Custer.  Well, come to think of it, Custer could have had to listen to Oak Grove's remarks about Shock and Awe after the game.  I rest my case on that one.  Oak Grove has a very good team and so does Picayune.

Oh, yea, the positives. #1) Picayune got a good look at Oak Grove and found some areas where they may be vulnerable; #2) if we win this week, we do not have to go to Meridian and play just yet and Oak Grove does if Meridian beats St Martin (there's that beat ‘em twice thing again); and finally, #3) we get to play somebody different and Ocean Springs' band is outstanding. Okay, I enjoy a good half time show. Still wish we could be on the home side.

The Tide had better not overlook the Greyhounds from Ocean Springs. They have good speed, good size, and are licking their chops for this opportunity to play spoiler. Running backs Andre Watson (5-11, 180, Jr) with 13 rushing TDs and Travis Williams (5-10, 170) with 6 TDs are a solid one-two punch. They are going to run misdirection after misdirection the GEG gang, look for the “swinging gate” on PATs if they score, more tricks than one of those ESPN Dog Shows. It is going to be a challenge to find the ball all night with the 'Hounds.  Their coach, Steve Jones, likes to take chances, so be prepared for just about anything.

Defensively, they are good against the run.  I base this on their two games against Pascagoula and Gulfport . ‘Goula didn't score a touchdown and Gulfport threw it to get their points. The 'Hound defense is led by linebackers Josh Purvines (6-3, 240, Sr), Jonathan Anderson (6-2, 240, Jr), and Brian Cryer (6-1, 230,Sr).  Purvines will also play tight end.  Defensive lineman Jordan Champagne (6-3, 265, Sr) anchors the defensive front. Good size players to say the least. We have to get a good push from the Bulls (Cole, Dunn, Hoffman, Whitfield, Southern, Parker).  I am not sure if Donel Smith is ready, but I have heard he is improving daily. That's good news. He's something else when he pulls on that toss sweep.  I still have visions of that block he made against Hancock. Incredible.

I look for the Tide to be ready.  After last week's tough loss, I spent some time around ‘em during their post game meal speaking with Coach Lee.  The attitude was one of “let's get ready for next week” instead of that ol' Linda Ronstadt song “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”. This bunch has the mentality to put things behind them and get ready for the games one at a time.  I feel confident that Coach Lee and the staff (what a staff I might add) will have the guys in the right frame of mind and if they can stay healthy, they should make a strong run over the next few weeks.

Wait til you see what the Touchdown Club put together for the program. “Tradition in Progress” is the theme reminding us of the past and the present.

Enjoy the game and watch the half time if you can because the bands will be worth the price of admission. So will the Maroon Tide in this one.

Picayune 24 Ocean Springs 6