GULFPORT — West Harrison (4-1) dominated Moss Point (1-4) on Friday in a 49-0 victory for the Hurricanes’ first win against the Tigers in program history.
West Harrison set the tone early, scoring on its first two possessions and converting short drives, first on a long run and then on a 31-yard pass play.
The Hurricanes’ defense denied the Tigers a first down on the game’s opening possession, and the offense capitalized on a short field, starting at the Moss Point 40-yard line.
On the third snap of the game for the Hurricanes, Jeremy Jones broke through the middle of the line for a 27-yard touchdown.
Once again, the Hurricanes’ defense denied the Tigers a first down on their ensuing possession.
And again, the Hurricanes made quick work, this time overcoming two offensive penalties. They converted a first-and-20 and a first-and-26 as quarterback Brady Martin connected with Jahmad McGowan for a 31-yard touchdown.
On their third possession of the game, the Hurricanes lost a fumble to Moss Point, but the Hurricanes were not fazed. Once again, the defense stifled the Tigers, forcing a fourth-and-12 after giving up just a single first down, the first Moss Point earned in the game.
The Hurricanes then drove 87 yards on five plays as Jordan Stapleton was featured with a carry of 17 yards and a 41-yard touchdown run. At that point, it was clear that Moss Point did not have an answer for the Hurricanes’ rushing game.
“I’m going to be honest with you,” said Hurricanes coach Quincy Patrick. “We have great kids; they do whatever you ask them to do. And we have great coaches who put them in position to make plays. “Coach Austin Holley does a great job with our O-line. He’s the next guy.”
The Hurricanes would add two more touchdowns in the second quarter. Tyson Johnson scored on a 16-yard carry with just under three minutes remaining and Stapleton scored the Hurricanes’ fifth touchdown of the first half on a 1-yard carry for a 35-0 halftime lead.
The Hurricanes scored on the second snap of the second half. On the first snap, Javon McCalebb broke free for a 59-yard run to the 1-yard line. On the next play, he carried 1 yard for the touchdown.
The Hurricanes’ final score came after a Tigers turnover. After slowing down the Hurricanes and forcing them to punt on fourth-and-long, the Tigers mishandled the punt and the Hurricanes recovered at the Tigers’ 3-yard line. From there, Johnson would score.
Landon Cox was successful on all seven extra points.
Moss Point opens district play at Poplarville next week, while WHHS is off.
