The largest schools in the Southern Six didn’t fare well in the postseason of the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s highest classification last year.
It was the debut year of Class 7A, and Region 4-7A was dominated in the playoffs. All four of the region’s playoff teams were swept in the first round.
In 2024, the Coast schools are looking to not repeat that dismal performance.
Ocean Springs, which saw its championship dreams dashed on a last-second field goal in the 2022 South State finals, is the favorite to repeat as the 4-7A champion this year. And rightfully so.
The Greyhounds went 5-0 in the region and 9-1 in the regular season in coach Jake Bramlett’s first year.
Although the Greyhounds lost several key players defensively, they very well could win a fourth straight region title.
Bramlett said the expectations are always high.
“The outside expectations never affect our expectations of ourselves,” said Bramlett. “We have an end goal and until we achieve it, that will stay the same. After, the goal will be elevated.”
Bramlett said the obvious weakness of the Greyhounds this season is the loss of 10 starters defensively.
“The loss of experience and talent is definitely an obstacle to overcome, but I feel like we are getting the right people in the right places,” said Bramlett.
Bryant Ausmer and Ricky Orso are expected to lead the defense up front along with Asher Faeser, who has started the last two years on offense.
“There are a lot of good players on that (defensive) side of the ball, and with some game experience, will become a really strong unit,” said Bramlett.
Offensively, Bramlett said the Greyhounds have a good mixture of size, speed and experience.
The line has a lot of experience led by Zaylin Dedeaux.
“We expect big things out of that unit,” said Bramlett.
Three-year starters Will Smith and Bryhsen Smith “are leading our team on the back end,” said Bramlett. “I fully expect both of them to finish their high school careers with great seasons.”
Sharroid Whitehead, Nolan Wells, Jax Coleman and Connor White “are guys that you will see with a lot of the offensive production as well. They are all really good players and will have a huge impact on Friday nights.”
The region is getting stronger, said Bramlett.
“Good programs will continue to strive to be at the top and there are definitely some programs that have bought into being successful on the football field,” said Bramlett. “You see hires getting made, facilities being upgraded, great assistants brought in, community involvement and district support happening all around the Coast the last few years.
“It’s great for our region and Coast football as a whole. We are working to
stay on top, but as our region continues to get better, it’s definitely a tough task at hand.”
Ocean Springs opens its season on Aug. 30 at home against Madison Central, the team that gave the Greyhounds their only regular-season loss in 2023.
Gulfport and Harrison Central are expected to make a run at Ocean Springs for the 4-7A championship.
Blake Pennock, who coached Ocean Springs to a South State championship berth in 2022, guided Gulfport to a playoff spot in his first year with the Admirals in 2023. They’re looking to build on a 6-5 campaign.
“Expectations are to always make the playoffs,” said Pennock. “The drive is to make some noise in the playoffs and play good football when we get there.”
The Admirals lost several players to graduation but have a ton of young talent this season.
“Experience in key spots is an issue right now, so we will see how that plays out once the season gets going,” said Pennock. “We have good size and athleticism on our team. I think our players’ versatility will be a big strength for us.”
Pennock is hopeful the region will be more competitive this year, especially in the postseason.
“We have good coaches and players in this league,” said Pennock. “A lot of turnover at the QB position can lead to various results, but I’m looking forward to a tough region schedule.”
Gulfport opens its season on Aug. 30 at Milner Stadium against Greenville Christian in the Port City Bowl.
Harrison Central is being led by its third head coach in five years, but there’s a familiar face at the helm.
Nekemia Rich, who has been on the Red Rebels staff as an assistant since 2004, was promoted to after Tony Myers left for Hattiesburg High.
Harrison Central is coming off a 6-5 regular season and seeking its fourth playoff berth in five seasons.
The Red Rebels will begin their season on Aug. 30 against Gautier in the Port City Bowl in Gulfport.
Biloxi begins a new era under Jamey DuBose, a three-time state champion in Alabama.
The Indians, 6-5 in 2023, have reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons and have posted a playoff berth in five of the last six seasons, but haven’t
won a postseason game since 2011.
Biloxi comes into the season with more than 24 dozen seniors led by wideout and defensive back Jalen Anderson and running back Jamir Haskin.
Biloxi opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Stone High.
Josh Ladner enters his third year as head coach at D’Iberville and has a group of seniors to work with. The goal this season is to have a winning campaign to send those 21 seniors off.
D’Iberville opens its season on Aug. 30 at Columbia.
St. Martin hasn’t posted a victory on the gridiron since beating Hancock in the fourth week of the 2021 season. The Yellow Jackets have lost 17 straight games heading into this season.
Senior lineman Romane Grant, who has committed to the Naval Academy, leads the St. Martin defense and sophomore Kevin Marshall will be the quarterback.
St. Martin its season on Aug. 30 at home against Vancleave.
Here are the results of a coaches poll predicting the order of finish in Region 4-7A:
Ocean Springs
Gulfport
Harrison Central
Biloxi
D’Iberville
St. Martin
