The 2024 high school football season for the Southern Six schools has revealed many things.
One item that really sticks out is the ability for teams to light up the scoreboard. The scores have resembled basketball games. It’s just crazy the way teams “matriculate’’ the football up and down the field (if I may use a word made famous by former Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints coach Hank Stram).
A close look at the scores shows amazing touchdown-producing ability. Picayune and Greene County have each scored more than 60 points. Picayune hit for 69 in defeating West Harrison this past Friday and the Maroon Tide needed most of them as the Hurricanes scored 50 points. Greene County tallied 66 points in outscoring Wayne County, which had 48.
The 50-point mark has been equaled or topped 10 times, not counting the two 60-plus games. I lost track counting how many times teams have scored 40 or more points.
Indeed, it’s not a game renowned college football coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, known for a “three yards and a cloud of dust’’ philosophy, would recognize. The late, great Darrell Royal of Texas once said three things can happen when you pass … and two of them are bad. With possibly the exception of Picayune and East Central, few teams adhere to Royal’s theory.
Greene County is the highest-scoring team in the Southern Six, averaging 43 points per game. The Wildcats are 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 8-4A. In their lone loss, they were outscored 51-36 by George County.
Other teams burning the bulbs on the scoreboard are: West Harrison (38 per game), Pascagoula and Picayune (35), Gautier (34), Pass Christian (33) and George County (32).
Last week was another big night of predictions for The Picker as he correctly chose the winners in 10 of 12 games. The total for the season is 45-22 for 67.1 percent.
Gautier at East Central: The season has gone in opposite directions for these teams. The Gators have an impressive 6-1 record and a 2-0 Region 5-4A mark. The Hornets only have one win in seven games and are winless in region play. They will stay that way. Gautier 45-14.
Sacred Heart at RCS: The Eagles of RCS have controlled Region 8-1A in recent years but find themselves struggling to make the playoffs. At 1-2 in the region, the Eagles can’t afford another loss. Sacred Heart is 6-2 overall and also 1-2 in region play. The Crusaders have averaged more than 40 points in each of their victories and scored more than 50 twice. RCS has home-field advantage, but it won’t be enough. Sacred Heart 40-14.
Ocean Springs at Biloxi: After losing three of their first four games, the Greyhounds (3-4 overall) have won three of their last four, and most importantly, stand at 2-0 in Region 4-7A. They are a threat to be the top seed for the fifth straight season. The Indians, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four and are 3-4 overall, but stand on the brink of playoff elimination at 0-2. The Hounds should wrap up a playoff spot with a win and just about dash any hopes Biloxi has of extending its season. Ocean Springs 35-13.
Pascagoula at Hancock: Both of Pascagoula’s losses have been on the road and Hancock (3-5 overall) presents a formidable foe, having given George County all it wanted last week before losing 51-41. Both teams are 1-1 in Region 4-6A and this is a crucial contest. Time for the Panthers to snap the road loss trend. Pascagoula 48-24.
St. Martin at Gulfport: The Admirals are coming off impressive wins over D’Iberville, Biloxi and Picayune and lead Region 7-4A with Ocean Springs at 2-0. The Yellow Jackets have put their winless 2023 season behind them with a 3-4 overall record, but their 0-2 region mark means this is a must-win contest for them. They won’t get it. Gulfport 28-14.
Harrison Central at D’Iberville: The Warriors opened the season with lots of promise but have stumbled to 3-4 overall and 0-2 in Region 4-7A. Another defeat and the playoff hopes will have vanished. It’s also been a rough season for the Red Rebels (2-5 and 1-1). HC can stay in the playoff hunt by dashing any hopes the Warriors have. Not seeing it as the Warriors know their backs are against the wall. D’Iberville 21-14.
Laurel at Vancleave: Two teams with 1-1 records in Region 5-4A. The Tornadoes lost a close game against Stone and last week blew out East Central. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were smoked by Gautier before upsetting Stone by two touchdowns. The Dogs stay in the playoff hunt. Vancleave 27-13.
George County at West Harrison: These teams are going in the opposite direction. The Rebels are 2-0 in Region 4-6A and the Hurricanes are 0-2. It’s definitely a must win for the Canes. The Rebs could come in overconfident and lose their focus with the playoffs almost assured. Don’t see that happening. George County 49-24.
Long Beach at Picayune: A battle of the Maroon and Whites. A no-contest game for the Bearcats. The Tide will have to call off the dogs to keep from scoring 60 again. Picayune 59-21.
Poplarville at Bay: The Hornets have the best record in the Southern Six with a 7-1 mark and are already in the playoffs with a 3-0 region record. The only knock on the Hornets is they have not been a point producer like many teams, averaging 25 a game. Bay, 2-6 and the loser of five of its last six, will easily be outscored. Poplarville 51-27.
Greene County at Moss Point: It’s been a forgetful season for The Tigers, and it can’t end soon enough. The Tigers stand at 0-8 and they have had only one close game, which was a 16-6 loss to Hancock in their second game of the season. This Friday is the Tigers’ last chance to find that elusive W. It’s not going to happen against the marauding Wildcats. Greene County 49-7.
St. Stanislaus at Perry Central: This is a tough game to pick. The Rock-A-Chaws are 4-4 overall and 1-1 in Region 8-3A while the Bulldogs are 3-5 and 1-1. The Dogs put up 56, 39 and 34 points in victories but allowed 56 and 49 in two of their defeats. Stanislaus has given up 50, 47, 34 and 32 in its losses and averaged 31 in its wins. Who to pick … Perry Central 40-38.
