Two of the more powerful high school football teams in the Southern Six will square off Friday for the 66th time when Picayune hosts Gulfport.
Many of the previous games have been slugfests and the 2024 contest at Lee-Triplett Stadium is expected to be no different.
“I think it’s just two good programs that contrast a bit in styles,” said Gulfport coach Blake Pennock about why this series seems to be such a good one. “When that comes together, it makes for a good matchup. One thing you know with them is it will always be a four-quarter fight.”
Picayune coach Cody Stogner expects Friday’s game to be no different.
“Gulfport is always going to be tough,” said Stogner. “Coach Pennock is a great coach and I know he is going to have his team ready to play.”
A year ago, the Maroon Tide had to rally from a 21-7 halftime deficit, a first-quarter injury that took out their star running back and a hostile environment at Gulfport’s Milner Stadium to come back and take a 28-21 win.
With the game tied at 21-all and the Admirals driving, Picayune’s Niquis Ratcliff stepped in front of a pass and raced 45 yards for the go-ahead score in the final two minutes.
Gulfport didn’t give up and drove to the Tide’s 8-yard line, but a sack on fourth down sealed the win for Picayune.
Last year’s contest was also a breakout game for Picayune running back Darrell Smith, who came on in the first quarter for an injured Chris Davis and finished the night with 187 rushing yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns.
Smith is now the lead back for the Tide. The Louisiana-Lafayette commit has rushed for nearly 500 yards in the last two weeks for Picayune (2-1).
“Picayune plays as hard as anyone,” said Pennock. “They have a ton of tradition and always seem to have a talented back and kids that can run on defense. This year is no different.”
Gulfport (2-1) won its first two games this season but is coming off a tough 31-21 loss at Madison Central.
Pennock, however, likes the improvement he has seen from his team to this point in the season.
“I think our team is a talented group,” said Pennock. “We’re still growing as a team and trying to figure out some roles, which is what non-region is for.”
Stogner also likes the direction his team is headed after dropping its season opener and winning its last two games, including coming back from a 19-7 halftime deficit last week against D’Iberville to pull out a 28-19 win.
“I think we are getting better every week,” said Stogner. “We still have to figure out how to put a full 48 minutes together. With a lot of new faces and young players, I feel like we are trending in the right direction.”
Besides putting together a full 48 minutes, Stogner said his team must be sound in all areas to get a win over Gulfport.
“Assignment football, blocking, tackling, condition and fundamentals will be the keys,” said Stogner.
“We need to win the line of scrimmage first and foremost,” said Pennock about what his Admirals must do to come out on top of the Tide. “Then try to limit Smith at tailback. He’s an explosive player. And lastly, we have to sustain drives on offense and make the most out of our limited possessions.”
Kickoff for Friday’s game in Picayune is set for 7 p.m.
