November 2, 2007
Tide prevails over D'Iberville 30-21
by Carey Meitzler
Reminiscent of their second round playoff game against McComb last season, the Maroon Tide overcome a bleak half time
situation with 27 second half points to defeat the previously undefeated D'Iberville Warriors 30-21. The win earns Picayune
the Region 8-4A championship and the number one seed in next week's playoffs.
D'Iberville converted a first down on their first possession, but Picayune halted the drive on T'Daryl Graves interception in the end
zone that he returned out to the 20 yard line. Picayune's first play was a 63 yard run by Drew Cole that put the ball at the Warrior
17 yard line, but the Maroon Tide was unable to move the ball from theire and settled for a 32 yard field goal by Leo Gonzalez
with 7:51 left in the first quarter.
Photo by John Young
Drew Cole (2) takes off a 63 yard run on the Tide's first play from scrimmage.
Photo by John Young
Leo Gonzalez (8) kicks a 32 yard field goal as Caleb Hickman (18) holds the ball.
D'Iberville got on the scoreboard with 7:56 left in the second quarter on a 83 run by Mark Seymour. Austin Chamberlain's
point after put the Warriors up 7-3.
Just minutes later, the Warriors dodged a bullet when Picayune's Caleb Hickman's pass fell in and out of the hands of his
intended receiver Chris Nixon at the Warriors goal line on fourth down.
D'Iberville responded by going 80 yards in 7 plays with Darius Brown plunging in from 2 yards out. Chamberlain's point
after made it 14-3 with :22 left in the second quarter.
The Maroon Tide started the third quarter with a drive that covered 69 yards in 11 plays with Albert Richard slashing through
the Warriors defense for a 14 touchdown run with 6:01 left in the third quarter. The key play of the drive, and maybe of the
entire game, was a crucial 4th and 10 to go at the D'Iberville 38 yard line. Hickman threw a perfect pass to Nixon who ran an out
route after faking his defender toward the middle of the field. The play put the ball at the 14 yard setting up Richard's score.
Photo by John Young
Albert Richard (24) scores the first of his two 14 yard touchdowns as Caleb Hickman (18) celebrates.
With score now 14-10, D'Iberville responded 6 play 53 yard drive with quarterback Matt Wright on a 1 yard run. Chamberlain
was good on his PAT for a 21-10 lead with 2:50 left in the third quarter.
In the blink of an eye, the Maroon Tide responded with a score of their own. On the second play of the possession, Hickman
found Reggie Bailey on a completion as he was streaking down the middle of the field. The play covered 52 yards and put
Picayune at the D'Iberville14 yard line. Richard responded again with a 14 yard run to make it 21-17 after Gonzalez's PAT
with 1:34 left in the quarter.
On the first play after the kickoff, D'Iberville attempt a pass behind the line of scrimmage that was actually a lateral. The ball
was fumbled and after a mad scramble by both teams trying to recover the fumble, Picayune's Brandon Jurich pounced on
the loose ball at the 42 yard line with 1:16 left in the third quarter.
After a holding penalty on second down, Hickman passed for 15 yards to Justin Flowers to move the ball to the Warrior
20 yard line. Kell Goff busted threw the middle of the line on his way to a 20 yard touchdown run with :12 left in the third
quarter.
Photo by John Young
Justin Flowers (41) turns upfield on a 15 yard pass reception that setup Kell Goff's (32) touchdown run.
Leading 24-21, Picayune's defense held and forced a Warrior punt. Picayune took over at their own 30 yard line. Picayune
moved the ball to the 50 yard line where Hickman connected with Bailey again, this time resulting in a 50 yard touchdown pass.
The PAT was blocked and Picayune led 30-21 with 4:30 left in the game.
Photo by John Young
Reggie Bailey (21) scores on a 50 yard touchdown pass after putting a stiff arm on a Warrior defender.
D'Iberville's next possession ended with the Maroon Tide's Brandon Marble recovering a fumble at Picayune's 49 yard line.
Picayune was able to run the ball and milk the clock down to inside of a minute. D'Iberville's last play was an interception
by T'Daryl's in the end zone.
Photo by John Young
T'Daryl Grays intercepts a D'Iberville pass in the end zone as Michael Johnson (9) looks on.
Richard finished with 122 yards on 28 carries. Kell Goff carried 8 times for 35 yards. Drew Cole had 77 yard on 10 rushes.
Hickman completed 5 of his 8 passes for 179 yards.
Picayune (8-1, 6-0) will host a first round playoff game next week with the opponent either Gautier.
D'Iberville (9-1, 5-1) will be at home hosting Vancleave.