In a matchup that marked the 100th meeting between these rivals, the Pascagoula Panthers showcased their dominance over the Biloxi Indians in a 44-3 victory on Friday at War Memorial Stadium.
From the opening whistle, the Panthers controlled the game with aggressive defense and a potent offense. Key plays included standout performances from their star players, who consistently found gaps in the Indians defense.
The Panthers capitalized on early mistakes by the Indians, converting turnovers into points and building a commanding lead.
The game ended with a score that reflected their superiority and solidified their place in the rivalry’s history. Pascagoula improved to a 52-44-4 all-time against Biloxi.
On the first offensive play, the Panthers delivered a first-round jab when Silas
Corder connected with D’Lass Nunnery for a 62-yard touchdown pass, putting the Panthers ahead 7-0.
The Indians struggled to respond, and on their first play after the kickoff, they attempted to challenge Pascagoula’s standout junior defensive back, Tylan Wilson, with a quick slant route.
However, Wilson defended it perfectly by cutting off the receiver’s route to intercept the pass. He returned it 23 yards to the Indians 31-yard line, setting the stage for another quick score.
Six plays later, Corder found wide receiver Christian Campbell for an 11-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 within the first three minutes of the game.
Biloxi kicker Brodie Vinson finally got the Indians on the scoreboard late in the first period with a 22-yard field goal, making it 14-3. That would be their
only points of the contest.
The Pascagoula defense continued to give coach Jamey DuBose and his Indians more than they could handle, forcing a pair of early fourth-down stops to turn the ball over on downs.
Pascagoula quickly responded with 17 more points in the second quarter.
Mason Kramer, who made significant contributions beyond just kicking, added to the lead with a 27-yard field goal, pushing the score to 17-3.
Minutes later, Corder connected with Wilson on a 51-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 24-3 with 2:43 left in the first half.
With just under a minute left in the half and facing a fourth-and-long in his own territory, Kramer, who is also the Panthers punter, showed his versatility.
Instead of punting, he faked the kick and pulled up the ball to launch it to Amarie Jackson, who was wide open. Jackson took it the distance for a 69-yard touchdown reception.
Kramer then added his fourth extra point, bringing the score to 31-3 as the teams headed into halftime.
The Panthers’ trick play not only showcased their offensive creativity but also solidified their lead.
The Indians received the second-half kickoff and attempted to shift the momentum in their favor, but the offense stalled and was forced to punt.
Midway through the third quarter, Corder connected with Nunnery on a 35-yard touchdown pass.
Just two plays after the ensuing kickoff, Panthers defensive back Tomareo Johnson delivered the knockout blow, intercepting an Indians pass and returning it 55 yards untouched for a touchdown.
Johnson’s score pushed the lead to a commanding 44-3 and would be
the final points of the game.
The Panthers improved their record to 4-1 while Biloxi fell to 2-3.
Both teams will have a week off before diving into region play, setting the stage for a crucial stretch of the season.
The Panthers will look to build on their momentum and the Indians will
aim to bounce back as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
