In a hard-fought defensive showdown, the Hattiesburg Tigers edged the Biloxi Indians 12-7 on Friday night in Biloxi, improving their all-time series record to 46-36-2.
Coming into the game undefeated and ranked among the top teams in the state, the Tigers overcame a halftime deficit to secure the victory and improve their record to 4-0.
Hattiesburg entered the game with momentum, having defeated Biloxi 53-28 last season and starting the 2024 season strong at 3-0.
Meanwhile, Biloxi was riding high after a convincing 30-13 win over George County, hoping to continue its solid 2-1 start to the season.
The first quarter saw both teams struggle to find rhythm on offense.
Hattiesburg’s first two possessions ended in a three-and-out and a punt while Biloxi failed to convert a fourth-and-3 on its first drive, turning the ball over on downs.
The Indians broke the scoreless deadlock late in the first quarter as running back Juice Haskin powered into the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, giving Biloxi a 7-0 lead with two minutes remaining in the first.
Hattiesburg responded early in the second quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run by Jabrois Jones. However, a missed PAT left the Tigers trailing 7-6.
Both teams had opportunities to add to their scores, but Biloxi once again failed to convert on fourth down and Hattiesburg missed a field goal after a trick play set the Tigers up in the red zone.
After Biloxi led 7-6 at halftime, Hattiesburg took control in the third quarter.
Tyree Barnett, listed as a wide receiver but playing a key role all over the field, broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run. The missed extra point left the score at 12-7, but it was enough to give the Tigers the lead for good.
Hattiesburg had a chance to extend its lead but turned the ball over on downs after a failed fourth-and-3 attempt in Biloxi territory.
Despite this, the Tigers defense continued to clamp down, forcing Biloxi to punt on its next two possessions.
With the game still within reach, Biloxi had one final chance to mount a comeback. Starting from their own 45-yard line with 2:29 left in the game, the Indians were unable to convert on fourth-and-10, coming up just 3 yards short of the first down.
Hattiesburg took over and knelt out the clock to end the game.
Barnett was the star of the night for the Tigers, rushing for 88 yards, including the go-ahead 48-yard touchdown. He also completed a 40-yard pass to four-star receiver Tristan Keys, who finished with three catches for 88 yards.
Biloxi’s offense was led by Haskin, who scored the team’s only touchdown and rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries.
Quarterback Wyatt Pryon went 16-of-28 for 138 yards and wide receiver William Lai was his most reliable target, catching eight passes for 62 yards.
With the win, Hattiesburg remains undefeated at 4-0 and will travel to face Sumrall next week. Biloxi, now 2-2, will look to bounce back on the road against Pascagoula.
