David

Thanks, buddy. There’s a lot of fans sitting at home right now like me, with a lot more heading that way the next two weeks. Most of us will get over it, and realize that our teams had pretty good years. That includes the coaches. They get disappointed too. Maybe skip the last interview out of emotions. I shouldn’t blame em for that. Ocean Springs is looking forward to next year. Should be fun.

Like most local broadcast crews, these two have personal connections with their own teams and coaching staff, and have been involved in promoting their host schools all year. They have emotions just like we all do, and at seasons end, can let those emotions get the best of em. I wouldn’t have it any other way. They were also disappointed like the rest of us that no members of the coaching staff came out for a comment after the game. It would have been a great chance to praise the departing seniors and give everyone else a shot of hope for the upcoming season. I’m not saying that I would have been able to swallow my disappointment either, but it would have been classy to give credit to O.G. as well. We all make our little mistakes. Above, I gave grief to the Warrior players for dancing on the logo, and may have listened to the wrong description. Sorry bout that.

I’ve seen the results and some of the videos of the 8th and 9th grade games, and the talent is becoming a regular thing. The new thing that I have to get used is the 8th grade QB, who has been named in recruiting sites, posting highlights videos of himself. When I played 8th grade, I was lucky to get my girlfriend to watch me play.

Just an Ocean Springs fan coming in to wrap up the discussion. You’re all mostly right that this was a great game in which Oak Grove showed their experience and coaching, but overall, two evenly matched teams. Sure, losing hurts, as it should, but we’ll take the lesson and be back next time. All of the statements that we couldn’t play with the big boys were proven wrong, and I’m proud of the effort. Our coaches learned too. I wasn’t at the game, but on a flight, and haven’t seen the tape, but O.G. was just too physical, in spite of their reputation. The refs might have missed a call or two, or maybe been too aggressive, but that didn’t cost us a thing. Maybe the only thing I’ve got to get us3d to in these “big boy” football is the end of game disrespect with the dancing on the logo and throwing signs. I know they’re kids, so I’ll get over it. I’m kind of disappointed that my own coach didn’t show for the post game interview that he loves so much when he wins. in short, congratulations, and best of luck to the Warriors. See ya next year!

All right now, y’all getting ahead of yourselves. My Greyhounds have scored at will in every game, but if they can’t slow down O.G., it’s going to be hard to beat em by 17. Could depend on who scores first and is able to play with a lead, rushing the passer with less concern for the run. I’d take O.S. winning by a field goal.

Good scouting report! I’m thinking these teams are a lot alike. The O.S. defense is also aggressive at the line with stunts and blitzes to keep pressure off of a small d line vulnerable to power runs. Athletic QBs have burned them with runs, but their speed makes up for lack of size. Both teams should be set up to come from behind if needed. O.S. wide receivers are tall, run great routes, and all four can break up the field. Three interceptions from Hubbard all year might be the biggest stat. This ought to be fun! I’’ll be on an airplane at kickoff. Wouldn’t mind some of you O.G. fans posting updates on here. Y’all drive down safely and enjoy the game.

Good comeback! I’m jealous over your fishing experiences. I do a little down here, and limited on some big snapper yesterday. A fisherman is hard to argue with, so I’ll back down and talk football. It just gets me personally when people talk bad about my Ocean Springs kinfolk and friends. Maybe spend some more time with the right crowd and get to know us better. on the field, you’re right that this offense hits from every angle, with the qb leading the way. His short passes and ball control hitches set up the longer stuff where he’s improved a mile since last year. Then, any pressure on him puts him running, and he’s the fastest guy on the field in every game I’ve seen. Running back goes for 130 a game to go with Hubbard’s 100. As usual, it’s that defense trying to stop O.G. I still haven’t seen enough film or heard whether Barnett runs much in their offense. Small but fast only works when the O.S. defense tackles well, and they have done better against weaker opponents. Good luck, and travel safely.

Hubbard’s a junior. Anybody else?

Damn, how will we ever get over that nasty trash talking there! Classy O.G. fans like OGwarriorbandmom above congratulate the opposition qb and learn how the kids, school, and town rallied around his family after his Mom’s cancer death, and the next post is about how “snobby, rude, and unhelpful” everybody is down here after coming into town a few times. Man, stick to football and let the adults talk about the beautiful beaches, historic downtown, restaurants and music, and especially the hospitality in one of the best places in the state. A lot like Oak Grove, as a matter of fact. The rest of y’all come on down early and let us prove what I’m saying. I’m going out deep in the morning, and I’ll bet this guy couldn’t catch a fish if I hooked it for him.

Thank you, Oak Grove! Classy move. I’ve got to admit that I hesitated to post this myself, cause players like to play against the best, and your players might be a little more motivated. You really should learn his back story, with losing his Mother, a teacher and how his family, including athletic director Mark, was embraced by the school system and town. Winners no matter what happens Friday night.

In last week’s playoff game against Pearl, the Greyhounds were indeed punched pretty hard in the mouth. On the second play of the game, Pearl’s talented QB ran sixty yards for a touchdown, taking the momentum and quieting the home crowd. Welcome to the playoffs, boys! So what happened next? Two plays later, the fastest player on the field, O.S. quarterback Bray Hubbard goes around the end, scoring to tie the game. The next time the score was tied, O.S. scored just before halftime, just after halftime, and the game was a rout. I think that shows they won’t hit the panic button. So… what happens when Oak Grove gets down by 14?

Yeah, it’s hard to teach a teenager how to handle the pressure of the playoffs. O. S. is hoping that good coaching, like they’ve had all year with Pennock, will have them prepared, along with last week’s experience. On the other hand, the Hounds have been able to get their offense running out of the blocks every game, and getting the early lead has allowed the defense to play a little more bend, not break type of ball. Obviously, turnovers and penalties will figure in as well, and the home crowd might help a little.

To get the Greyhound point of view, go to: osgreyhound.live

If it does come down to QB play, it’s the newcomer against the returning champ. We’ve seen the leadership at O.G. for a couple of years now, and while Barnett has not been quite as good this year, you know that the bright lights won’t bother him. Talk to me about how much he runs the ball and how effective that’s been. On the other hand, Hubbard has put up possibly the most consistent performance in the state all year long. His offense is scoring over six TDs a game as his completion rate is up around 70%, and he averages almost a hundred per game rushing. I could see the QBs being equal, and the O.S. receivers are tall and catch well.Running back Humphries comes in at about 130 a game. As usual, it will come down to turnovers and defensive tackling.

Okay, I was told that the schedules don’t matter, so I compared their common opponents. Now, common opponents and how each team did against them doesn’t matter because one team didn’t try as hard. Guys, let’s just admit that we don’t know how these kids will show up on Friday night. But, don’t tell me that one doesn’t have a chance because of history, or last year, or cause living on the Coast means you can’t play football. If our QB and receivers and line play better, we’ll win. That’s the deep analysis right there.

Can’t agree more. While O.S. did play six eventual playoff teams, winning by about four touchdowns each time except for Clinton, I thought that Pearl would be that step up in competition that showed how they would play against a recent state champ. Then Pearl scored two plays into the game, and the stadium got quiet. But two plays after that, the Hounds scored, never trailed again, and blew them out by a bigger margin than anybody else beat em all year. So, I’m thinking at least O.S. can score with any defense they see. 45 points a game, no matter who you’re playing, is pretty good. Now, can they defend against Oak Grove’s high powered offense. We’re both waiting to see the answers to that question.

Sure thing, who are their common opponents? O.S. had 43 vs. Hattiesburg at halftime. O.G. won by 27. Oak Grove beat Pearl by 11, Greyhounds by 26. O.S. won at Gulfport by 32, O.G. at home by 26. Sounds pretty even, I guess. These are two evenly matched teams, at this time , this year..

While O.G. obviously has the history, one of the best games was in ‘06 in the south state championship when O.G. completed 41 passes but only scored 13 points. The Greyhounds might have to bend but not break again. 63 just might be enough to win. Comparing averages, O.S. might be a little better on D.

Tons of respect for defending state champs from OG. Ocean Springs coming in hot all year, especially on offense. How do the Greyhounds find a way to outscore the Warriors, and is there any way for either defense to shut down their opponents?

Ocean Springs pulls away in the second half to beat Pearl 54-28.

I’m seeing all this activity about the lower level teams, but not much about 6A. I’d like to learn more about the south teams Pearl and Warren Central so I can watch those games with a better understanding, and of course, Brandon, OG, Ocean Springs, and d’Iberville. Obviously, the higher seeds at home should be favored, but we all know the history. Give me your thoughts and insight, including the north half.

6A South Playoffs for 11/12...Quick Look Pearl at Ocean Springs Warren Central at D’Iberville Gulfport at Oak Grove Harrison Central at Brandon

Ocean Springs outscores Harrison Central 38-13 to finish the season unbeaten and set up a first round playoff game against Pearl.

I wasn’t aware of that. Then that’s fair. Again, I understand that O.S. would have to play their best game to beat WC or Pearl, and especially OG or Brandon, but I’ve seen them play elite ball at times this year. I’m just happy that I get to talk smack with the big dogs at this time of year. That’s not usually the case.

Ocean Springs plays at H’central, and it’s on Thursday night.