Rock’s Locks: Prognosticating prime prep pigskin proceedings

Seven squads in the “Southern Six” remain unbeaten heading into the third week of the young prep football season.

Rock’s Locks ain’t having that type of success, unfortunately.

We did go 9-4 last week after an 8-5 opening week, so there was a slight bit of improvement.

It can only get better right….? Well, anyone who has ever sat at a blackjack table for any length of time certainly knows that just isn’t true on so many levels.

In the words of the late, great Jimmy Buffett…

“Kids you’re gonna see the morning sun…on the Pascagoula Run”

1. Gautier at Pascagoula — The renewal of the annual “Singing River Classic” takes place this week at War Memorial Stadium as the Panthers host the rival Gators and the contest is the “Kneed to See” Game of the Week for 228Sports sponsored by Bienville Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Center. The Gators, guided by Prep All-American Kaden Irving, handed the Panthers their worst loss in the history of this series which dates back 21 years last season as GHS won 47-6. In fact, PHS hasn’t won a game in this annual series since the world stopped due to the pandemic as GHS has won three straight games. The Panthers are off to their first 2-0 start in four years, and with two straight road wins it marks the first time they’ve opened a campaign taking that route in a decade. I believe that Pascagoula celebrates its home opener with a win in memory of its native son Buffett….Pascagoula 27, Gautier 21.

   

2. Picayune at D’Iberville — By the time that the Maroon Tide and Warriors kick off at Warrior Stadium on Buddy Singleton Field Friday night it will have been 720 days since head coach Cody Stogner’s squad lost to a team from the state of Mississippi. Although Catholic High snapped the ‘Yune’s state-wide best 28-game win streak last week, I think the two-time defending state champion Maroon Tide will snap back this week. Picayune 30, D’Ibervill 13.
3. George County at Biloxi — The Rebels invade the Biloxi Sports Complex for the first time in eight seasons Friday night and bring along a 2-0 start to a season for the first time in seven years. The Indians scurry back to their friendly confines after taking a gut-punch on the road from Meridian in a 42-14 loss last week. I see George County moving to 3-0 on the season for the first time in 2015, which was also the last year they faced the Indians on the road. George County 26, Biloxi 17.
4. Bay High at Long Beach — The home-standing Bearcats look to snap out of a state-wide long 28 game on field losing streak, and three forfeit losses in 2020 are a part of that span as well. Long Beach’s last win on the gridiron came to kick off that same 2020 season, a 21-12 decision over West Harrison. Bay High, along with LBHS, is also off to a disappointing 0-2 start. So, something obviously has to give here…Bay High 7, Long Beach 6. Bay High quarterback Xander Ladner and his Tigers travel to Long Beach this week. (Photo by Misty Ellington/228Sports)
5. St. Martin at Hancock — Two teams headed in completely opposite directions early in the current campaign collide this week at Brett Fave Field in the Kiln, as the home-standing Hawks sit at 2-0 and the Yellow Jackets are 0-2. St. Martin, which has started a season at 0-2 for the first time in three years, is riding a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season. I think high-flying Hancock will extend the SMHS streak…Hancock 28, St. Martin 23.
6. St. Stanislaus at Moss Point —  The Rocks roll onto Dantzler Street with a perfect 2-0 mark while the Tigers are still searching for their first win under new head coach John Feaster and stand 0-2. It’s Homecoming week for Moss Point, and in all likelihood, SSC has taken notice. The Rocks look to move to 3-0 for the first time in three seasons, while MPHS looks to avoid an 0-2 start to the season for the fourth time in the past five campaigns. St. Stanislaus 34, Moss Point 20.
7. Madison Central at Gulfport — Yet another “Southern Six” squad that is 2-0 looks for win number three this week when the Admirals host a game for the third straight week under new head coach Blake Pennock and welcome in the Jaguars from the Jackson area. This marks just the third overall meeting between the Admirals and the Jaguars, and MCHS won both previous meetings with the last game coming eight years ago. Can the Admirals stop the streak? yes…Gulfport 27, Madison Central 24.

A six pack to go:

Pass Christian 40, Pearl River Central 14

Northwest Rankin 20, Ocean Springs 17

Vancleave 27, Forrest County AHS 23

Quitman 20, Harrison Central 18

Lawrence County 8, East Central 7

Resurrection 21, Richton 16