Picayune 'Sacks' St Stanislaus 37-7
by Carey Meitzler
The Picayune Maroon Tide jumped out to an early lead on the homestanding St Stanislaus Rockachaws and never looked back
as the Tide defense posted an impressive nine quarterback sacks in their 37-7 win in the division 8-4A opener for both teams.
Picayune scored on its first possession when senior quarterback Micah Hickman lofted a perfect pass down the left sideline to
fellow senior wide receiver Justin Griffith for a 51 yard touchdown pass with 7:42 left in the quarter. Irving Gonzalez's point after
touchdown made it 7-0.
The Maroon Tide defense held the Rockachaws and forced a punt. The punt was partially blocked and Picayune took over at
the Stanislaus 37 yard line. On the fifth play of the drive, Hickman found Griffith in the left corner of the end zone for a
24 yard touchdown with 5:13 on the clock. Gonzalez' extra point made it 14-0.
Photos courtesy of John Young
Chance Griffith (22) swats away a Stanislaus' pass . Caleb Hickman (18) hauls in a reception for a Tide first down.
St Stanislaus came back on their next possession and appeared to have a touchdown when senior Eric Lichenstein broke free
down the right sideline, but junior cornerback ran Lichenstein down at the Picayune 9 yard line. The Maroon Tide defense would
turn away the Rockachaws when Courtney McDougle registered a sack on the last play of the quarter to set up a fourth down
play at the Picayune 11 yard line. On fourth down, St Stanislaus quarterback Chad Boos' pass was incomplete and the Tide took
over on downs.
Picayune closed out the scoring in the first half when junior defensive end Nick Porter, who was in on five quarterback sacks
during the game, sacked Stanislaus' quarterback Chad Boos in the end zone for a safety giving the Maroon Tide a 16-0 lead
with 2:07 remaining in the second quarter.
The Rockachaws opening drive of the second half was halted when Porter sacked Boos for a 9 yard loss at the Stanislaus
30 yard line, forcing a punt.
Picayune took over on their 43 yard line and marched the 57 yards in 8 plays with junior Albert Richard scoring his 9th touchdown
of the season from 30 yards out. Gonzalez kicked the extra point for a 23-0 lead with 3:52 left in the third quarter.
Photo courtesy of John Young
Albert Richard (24) scampers in for a 30 yard touchdown in the third quarter.
On the first play after the ensuing kickoff, Chance Griffith forced a fumble and Nick Porter recovered at the Rockachaw 14 yard line.
Drew Cole would score on the third play from 2 yards out. The Gonzalez PAT made it 30-0.
Cole added another touchdown with 3:50 left in the game as he weaved his way from right to left through the secondary for a 20 yard
touchdown run.
St Stanislaus' points came on a 48 yard run by Ryan Ray that was sandwiched between Cole's touchdowns.
Photos courtesy of John Young
Reginald Bailey (21) picks up positive yards for the Maroon Tide with help from Justin Flowers (41).
On the night, Picayune was held to 139 yards rushing on 34 attempts. Richard finish with 73 yards on 19 carries. Cole had 55 yards
on 7 totes. Senior fullback Dale Meitzler ran the ball 5 times for 15 yards. Micah Hickman was 7 of 9 for 109 yards with the two
touchdowns to Griffith.
Picayune's defense recorded nine quarterback sacks for the game.
Picayune (4-0, 1-0) will host Pearl River Central next week while St Stanislaus (2-2, 0-1) will travel across Hwy 90 to take on the
Bay High Tigers.