228 Sports: (Rock’s Locks) Picking prime prep football games

September 15, 2022

Rock’s Locks bounced back a bit last week, registering an 11-2 mark after going 8-5 the week before. That puts us at 29-10 overall after three weeks of prep football action.

Once again this week, just like last, we do have a few local teams in the “Southern Six” that are off this week. But the rest across South Mississippi are ready to go. This is the final week of action before region play begins for many teams.

“Take these chances, place them in a box until a quieter time…”

Gautier at Moss Point — After an off week, the Gators head to Dantzler Street to face off with win-less Moss Point in the renewal of this county rivalry. Tiger quarterback Ryan Smith completed 12 of 19 passes for just over 100 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Vancleave last week. This game marks the end of four straight games against Jackson County competition to begin the season. Moss Point has gone 0-3 so far, we think Gautier quarterback Kaden Irving and his troops will keep the streak intact. Gautier 27, Moss Point 13.
Wayne County at Pascagoula — The Panthers host the War Eagles in War Memorial Stadium for Homecoming 2022. Pascagoula was also off last week after a loss to Gautier, while WCHS beat Tylertown 42-13. This series has not been kind of late to the Panthers, as exclusive of a Covid-caused forefit in 2020 WCHS has won seven straight in games actually played against the Panthers. In fact, Pascagoula hasn’t beaten WCHS on the field since 1997. We think this will be a close contest…Wayne County 21, Pascagoula 20.
D’Iberville at Picayune — The unbeaten and defending Class 5A state champion Maroon Tide host the visiting Warriors Friday, with DHS coming off two straight one-point losses. That streak of narrow losses will end this week, as Picayune gains a measure of revenge for it’s only loss last season. Picayune 35, D’Iberville 20.
St. Martin at Greene County — An interesting match-up takes place at Jonny Ainsworth Stadium in Leakesville between the Yelllow Jackets and the Wildcats. St. Martin bounced back from a road loss last week with a big home win over West Marion, while GCHS fell to 1-2 with a big home loss to Hancock. The Yellow Jackets may have too much offensive horsepower in this one. St. Martin 34, Greene County 23.
St. Stanislaus at Pass Christian — The Pirates’only loss in three outings so far was a three-point decision in overtime to Forrest County AHS two weeks ago. The Rock-A-Chaws are struggling a bit so far this season, with their only win coming in week two over still win-less Long Beach. The Pass has shown us a little more on the field so far this year than has SSC...Pass Christian 28, St. Stanislaus 17.
Jackson Lanier at Hancock — The Hawks host the hapless Bulldogs in just the second-ever meeting between the teams. The visitors from the Capital City, who have lost 10 of their last 11 games, should be just what Hancock needs to stay on track after last week’s big win in Leakesville. Hancock’s backfield combo of tailback Zachary Gallung and fullback Jeffrey Hopgood accounted for over 320 yards rushing and five scores last week. Expect more of the same this Friday. Hancock 40, Lanier 14.
Tylertown at Harrison Central — The Red Rebels host the Chiefs for Homecoming at Earl Phillips Stadium in Lyman this week. HCHS is coming off an open week, and stands 1-1 on the young campaign. Tylertown took that aforementioned thumping from Wayne County last week, which should signal good things to come for the home team this week. Harrison Central 23, Tylertown 16.