Ocean Springs 21  Picayune 7

by Carey Meitzler

The Picayune Maroon Tide took on their third top ten Class 5A opponent of the young season and for a while it looked as if they

would pull off the upset, but Ocean Springs scored 21 unanswered points to take a 21-7 victory and drop to the Tide to 0-3 on

the season.

During a scoreless first half, Picayune's defense repeatedly kept the 'Hounds at bay.  Justin Griffith, a junior cornerback, had two

interceptions and the Tide defense forced Ocean Springs to put on their other four possessions.  Offensively, the Tide was able to

put together a couple of drives, but failed to convert fourth down plays at the 'Hound 38, 19, and 33 yard lines.

Late in the third quarter, Picayune forced Ocean Springs to punt from their own 14 yard line, the Tide started at the 'Hound 44

yard line. Corderis Brown carried the ball on five consecutive plays with runs of 37, 2, 4, 0, and finally a 1 yard on fourth and goal

to get the Tide on the scoreboard.  Irving Gonzalez, a transfer from Petal and playing in his first varsity game, kicked the extra

point to give the Tide a 7-0 lead.

After an exchange of punts, Ocean Springs scored the second play of their drive on a 78 yard run by Chanse Cooper.  Mike

Princhiotta added the PAT to tie the score at 7-7 with 9:35 left in the game.

The Tide's next possession ended on a failed fourth down attempt at the Ocean Springs 26 yard line.  The 'Hounds then went

74 yards in 7 plays with the last 32 yards coming on another touchdown run by Chanse Cooper.  Princhotta's extra point made

it 14-7 with 3:27 to play.

On Picayune's next possession, Andre Crumbley intercepted a fourth down pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown

to secure the win for Ocean Springs (2-1).

The Tide defense got a great effort from senior linebacker Brent Acker who was in on 15 tackles for Picayune.

Offensively, senior tailback Corderis Brown rushed for 101 yards on 21 carries while senior fullback Tyler Lee added 68 yards

on 9 carries.  The Tide completed one pass in 12 attempts for 6 yards.

Picayune will travel to Pearl River Central in Carriere in the Division 8-4A opener for both teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm

at Kenneth L. Hendrix Stadium.