Pass Christian (3-2) was hoping for its fourth consecutive win after dropping the season-opening Oyster Bowl, but the team committed six turnovers on Friday night in Laurel as the Northeast Jones Tigers (4-1) beat the Pirates 35-28.
“We have had to battle through some adversity along with a couple of injuries,” said Pass Christian coach Jeff Stockstill, in his second year with the Pirates. “We’ve had a few guys step up and continue to play hard for the team.”
The score was all tied 21-21 at the halftime, but the Tigers were the better team in the second half.
Pass Christian quarterback Paris Trivillion finished 20-of-34 for 324 yards and three touchdowns, but the sophomore had four turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble).
His main target was Pirates receiver Amarie James, who caught 10 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. Teammate Matthew Daniely finished with had receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
The other score for the Pirates came from running back Jacquez Alexander-Dedeaux, who dove in for an 8-yard touchdown. Perry Williams III contributed 46 yards rushing and receiving for Pass Christian.
The Pirates will begin region play next week, facing the Greene County Wildcats at Francis McDonald Stadium in Pass Christian.
The Wildcats are 4-1 and have a 9-2 all-time record against the Pirates, who won last year’s meeting 28-6. The Region 8-4A game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.