What is the most important game of the season for high school football teams? Is it the first region game or the second game? The Picker believes it’s game two for several reasons.
For teams that lost their openers in region play, game two is a must-win. With schools playing only four or five region games, losing a second game makes reaching the playoffs almost an impossible task. Teams would probably need to win out to secure a playoff berth.
Teams that won their opener have some breathing room and losing game two would not make or break their playoff hopes. But winning game two would make the playoffs almost assured.
Poplarville is in the catbird’s seat in Region 8-4A with a 2-0 record. Teams standing at 1-0 in their respective regions are Ocean Springs, Gautier, Gulfport, Harrison Central, Bay High, Picayune, George County, Greene County and Stone.
Teams with 0-1 records in their regions are Pascagoula, St. Martin, East Central, D’Iberville, Biloxi, Long Beach, St. Stanislaus, Vancleave and West Harrison.
Resurrection Catholic is the only team at 1-1. Teams at 0-2 and needing to win or their hopes of a playoff berth are most likely ended are St. Patrick, Pass Christian and Moss Point.
Wick’s Picks had his third losing week out of seven last week, going 4-5. The record for the season stands at 35-20 for 63.6 percent. This week’s schedule features 12 games, and The Picker will have to be in top form to post a winning record. So here goes for Week 8.
D’Iberville at Gulfport: This may be the toughest game to pick. The Admirals have been up and down but got an important win over Biloxi last week. The Warriors have lost three of their last four games and need this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Going with the home team. Gulfport 21-17.
Biloxi at St. Martin: The Indians are on a three-game losing streak in which they have scored only 13 points. The Yellow Jackets have been on a roller-coaster ride, following each win with a loss. Picking the Jackets to ride high again. St. Martin 28-14.
Picayune at West Harrison: The Hurricanes were on a four-game winning streak until they dropped a nail-biter 21-20 to Hancock. The Maroon Tide, after splitting their first four games, are on a roll with three straight wins and running back Darrell Smith is looking like Tony Dorsett. Smith rushed for more than 200 yards last week against Pascagoula and had two long-distance TD runs. The nod goes to the Tide. Picayune 42-35.
Long Beach at Pascagoula: Historically, the Bearcats have been pushovers for the Panthers. This year should be no different, though the Bearcats are much improved. Pascagoula 42-24.
Hancock at George County: The Hawks and Rebels both come in at 1-0 and the winner will be in the driver’s seat with two region games to play. Look for the Deuce to drive the Rebels to victory. George County 42-35.
St. Patrick at St. Stanislaus: The Irish haven’t reached the win column and are 0-7 overall and 0-2 in region action. Meaning their playoff hopes are pretty much over. A victory here would ease the pain, but the Rock-A-Chaws have other ideas. St. Stanislaus 27-7.
Pass Christian at Moss Point: Two teams in desperate positions with 0-2 region records. The Pirates are 3-4 overall and should be able to handle the Tigers, who are searching for their first win of the season and are 0-7. The Picker selected the Tigers as the upset special last week, which didn’t happen. Not picking them this week. Pass 27-14.
Laurel at East Central: It’s been a rough season for the Laurel Tornadoes, who have struggled. They are 1-6 and opened the season with five straight losses. The Hornets have also found the going tough and come in at 1-5. Taking the home team. East Central 21-14.
Wayne County at Gautier: The War Eagles got their second win of the season last week by defeating East Central 19-7 and are 1-0 in the region. The Gators also come in at 1-0 in the region but are 5-1 overall. Call it a win for the home team. Gautier 23-14.
Bay High at Greene County: The Tigers got their second win of the season after losing five straight, but that victory was against winless Moss Point. The Wildcats are on a roll with four straight wins and a 1-0 region record. Don’t see an upset in the making. Greene County 42-13.
Harrison Central at Ocean Springs: This has been a trying season for the Greyhounds, who won the region the past four years but opened 2024 by losing four of their first five games. The Hounds put that behind them last week by defeating D’Iberville handily to start region play on the right foot. Harrison Central, likewise, won only one of its first five games, then opened region play by defeating St. Martin in a close game. Feels like OS is back to its old self. Ocean Springs 24-20.
Vancleave at Stone: This is a toss-up. Both teams are 3-3 overall, but the Tomcats have the advantage of being 1-0 in the region to the Bulldogs’ 0-1 record. A Tomcats win puts them in great position for the remainder of region play. Another Bulldogs loss would mean an uphill climb to advance to the playoffs. Look for the Dogs to take a bite out of the Cats. Vancleave 20-14.
