Picayune was dominant in its homecoming win on Friday night against Long Beach.
The Maroon Tide (7-2 overall, 3-0 in 4-6A) scored on the first play from scrimmage and last play of the game to blow out the Bearcats 49-7 at Lee-Triplett Stadium.
Coach Cody Stogner said he was proud of the effort of his team, especially on the defensive side after the Maroon Tide allowed 50 points in a win last week.
“I challenged us to start fast and finish fast and they responded well,” said Stogner. “We tackled a lot better. They did everything their coaches asked of them.”
Picayune’s Bam Parker intercepted a deep pass and returned the ball 62 yards for a pick 6 on the first play of the game. Edgar Cruz added the first of seven extra points, and the Maroon Tide were quickly on top 7-0 at the 11:43 mark of the opening quarter.
After the Bearcats (2-7, 0-3) turned the ball over on downs at their own 40, Parker hit Darrell Smith with a 32-yard toss to the Long Beach 8. Two plays later, Smith scored from the 5 and the point after made it 14-0 early in the quarter.
Picayune went just 45 yards on its next drive to score again after the Bearcats turned the ball over on downs. Tristan Cooper broke loose for a 33-yard touchdown run and the extra point made it 21-0 with 3:02 to play in the quarter.
Long Beach turned the ball over on downs again, this time on the first play of the second quarter at the Picayune 44. Seven plays later, Parker tossed a 9-yard TD to Alan Magee. With 8:40 to play in the quarter, the Maroon Tide led 28-0.
Picayune’s BJ Ducre scored from the Long Beach 6-yard line to cap a 60-yard drive. The Tide now led 35-0 with 2:17 to play in the first half.
Xavier Dennis, one of 10 Picayune ballcarriers, opened the second half with a 9-yard touchdown run to cap a 58-yard drive and make it 42-0.
Long Beach managed to get on the board late in the game when Andre Windham caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Keveun Smyers on a heave into the end zone. Alan Long tacked on the extra point with 5:43 left.
Dennis, who led the Picayune rushing attack with 89 yards, busted off a 55-yard touchdown run on the final play of the game and the extra point made it 49-7.
The Bearcats will return home to face region foe Hancock next week.
Picayune will host George County in a battle for the region lead and likely the championship. The Rebels (6-3, 3-0) rolled to a 68-35 win over West Harrison on Friday.
Stogner expects a battle between two good teams.
“I know Coach (James) Ray will have his guys ready to play and so will we,” said Stogner. “I look for it to be a really good high school football game.”
