228 Sports: Picayune, Ocean Springs remain unbeaten [GALLERY]

The Maroon Tide got three scoring scampers from standout tailback Dante Dowdell, the Oregon commit, including one from 97 yards out. Picayune led just 7-0 after the first quarter but rolled on to a 28-0 halftime advantage.

Then, early in the third frame, any thoughts of a Bulldog comeback were quickly dashed when Picayune’s Robert Williams forced a Vancleave fumble and Maroon Tide defensive end Jamonta Waller scooped it up and sprinted 18 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-0.

The win moved the defending Class 5A state champion Maroon Tide to 6-0 on the season and 2-0 in Region 4-5A play, while Vancleave suffered its first loss of the season and dropped to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the loop.

Elsewhere, East Central remained unbeaten with a 47-12 win over Pearl River Central, while Pascagoula fell to Gulfport 48-24 and West Harrison beat George County 50-49 in overtime.

Also, Ocean Springs moved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 4-6A action with a 40-0 smacking of visiting D’Iberville as senior quarterback Bray Hubbard threw for four touchdowns and ran for two more.

In Long Beach, Gautier standout quarterback Kaden Irving accounted for four touchdowns in the first half as the Gators raced out to a 35-0 lead after the first quarter and led 49-0 at halftime in a 55-6 win over the Bearcats.

And, Stone beat Moss Point 45-18 in the Region 8-4A opener for both teams, dropping Moss Point to 0-6 on the season. It marks just the third time in 70 years that the Tigers have started a season 0-6.