David

It’s great to see some opinions expressed from an Ocean Springs point of view. Picayune has long had a great group of fans who had inside knowledge on their team and what to expect in upcoming games. O.S. is approaching a status of consistent winning, and this game is another test in that journey. Pulling this upset would take us into district play with a positive outlook. Looking forward to a close, well played game no matter who wins. While everyone hates any injuries to young players, and O.S. is missing a great RB too, just talking football, the injury in the Tide backfield might give the O.S. defense a chance to make a difference in the game. I doubt O.S. scores more than a few TDs, so they will have to hold the Tide down also. Can’t see a lot of passing, though the Hound offense has been getting better in that aspect. I’ll make a prediction later in the week.

I agree with your statement. Hoping that this might be the best defense that the Tide has seen, but even with that, O.S. would need to put up 28 or so to have a shot. I haven’t seen that kind of firepower yet. Any chance Picayune spots us 21 or so like they’ve been doing?

You might have to go deeper to get comparisons. O.S. and Gulfport have a common opponent that beat them both by a hair, so they are close. Picayune and Gulfport are obviously pretty even. You might think that means next week’s game will be close, but it’s all about style in these games. O.S. relies more on defense, but can they matchup against the running style of the Tide? Injuries, of course, can Davis start, or will they hold him for district play? And, with that group of RBs, does it matter? O.S. has waited all year for the return of the highly touted soph RB to add speed to their offense. If he shows in this game, could tip the scales. Obviously, coaching matchups matter. Both teams have playoff type experience. Still a tossup in my book, or maybe I’m dreaming with the game up there.

Hancock played decent in last year’s 6A, but faded down the stretch. That QB has started for like five years, and the Oline is huge. Probably the most benefit of dropping a class from anybody. If George Cty. gets their players back for district, there might be a few competitors at the top of district.

I love the poll included like the old days. My initial thought on this game is to wish again that we had seen this on the field last year as two Mr. Footballs traded highlights through the season but the teams never got to duke it out. Of course, a year removed, I think that my Hounds would have won that one, but who knows. We knew that we would be doing a small rebuild this season, and I hoped that we would be improving and that this test would show us where we are at. That’s exactly what I believe this is. Can a good O.S. defense slow down the Tide? Can we score enough to offset the usual second half offensive explosion? This should be a good one. More later.

At least record wise, and by the offensive numbers, Hancock Hawks are much improved. As they head into district play, they will challenge George Cty. and might play a competitive game against Picayune. Their offense could make them a playoff win team.

There’s one thing that won’t happen next week, and that’s me talking smack when we’re heading up to the Yune. Been there, done that. Still, looking forward to a good one, and a chance to see just how improved we might be five games into our rebuild. For now, we’ve got this tough matchup with Natchez to worry bout tonight.

So, you already know the outcome? I guess that bet I was thinking about is not happening!

Hey, thanks for the shout. I have seen both teams live, as well as tape on the Madison-Gulfport game and parts of others. The teams are very similar, but that’s not what you want to hear. The differences are: MC defense is superior, and most of their returners are on that side. Good size. Their offense, maybe because it was the first game, turned the ball over numerous times, and didn’t hit their stride until switching to the passing QB. Obviously, their special teams, especially in the field goal kicker, pretty much won the game with the last second FG and a long one earlier. Madison has the great outside WR, but NW has a whole slew of receivers that can catch. NW Rankin opened our game on fire offensively, mixing in various RBs and passing often. After the first quarter, leading 17-0, they seemed to pull it back some, allowing our defense to catch their breath. We opened the second half passing, and though they rushed the pass, they were vulnerable when the rush didn’t get there. Rankin may be a bit smaller on D. Since we managed the comeback on NW, but lost last second to MC, I’m probably going to say that Madison has the advantage overall. Home field might be worth a point or two, though I’m sure both sides will be packed. Let me call it a low scoring game where Madison Central wins on a late FG, 17-14. I think both are quality teams, but kind of doubt either wins their district unless they continue to gel and catch some breaks. But, I could be wrong.

That’s correct as far as being chalkboard material for the visitors, but most coaches will tell you how much they hate the loss of concentration due to all of the hoopla going on the week of the game, not to mention how their players have homecoming dates and plans to take care of that week. I would assume that coaches would rather schedule one of the weakest teams on the list if possible. I’d be interested in some kind of data on whether homecoming affects won loss records in any way. Just thought this was interesting.

Yep, you’ve got to leave home to come home.

Just realized that y’all have been picked to be Gulfport’s homecoming opponent this week. They must be pretty confident to pick that game out of their seven home games to be homecoming. When was the last time the Tide was anybody’s HC victim? Does Stogner know this?

For whatever reason, Gulfport is at home again for the fourth straight game. That might give them some advantage, but I don’t think their defense is stout enough to hold down the line of scrimmage. Maybe, just maybe, they can score with the Tide and make it closer in a high scoring game, but I’m thinking Picayune winning it about 35-21.

d’Iberville won’t be beating much of anybody this year, sadly. Talk about underperforming, I really expected them to add on to a strong finish from last season and win most games, possibly making the playoffs. At this point, I’m not sure if they will even win a game.

I think if we’re talking about a team over performing expectations, you’ve got to start with Madison Central. Their opening schedule had them beating Ocean Springs and Brandon, last year’s top two in the south, and then beating a good Gulfport team down there. They seem young and defense oriented, but are improving every game, and could actually make some noise with an upset or two when they see Starkville and Tupelo.

The Hawks have a veteran QB and big linemen. Their usual problem is a lack of skill position players. Their players have become used to playing against the big schools, and their facilities have been improved lately. I don’t know what’s happened to the Petal program that used to put up some good teams a decade ago. Just kind of stands out for an undefeated team to be the underdog. Win this one, and they will be coming after the Maroons!

So, with Hancock undefeated, playing well, and scoring big, why would someone pick Petal over them?

Madison is for real. Not sure if it’s “Starkville-Tupelo” real, but they know how to win the close ones.

Thanks, man. We’re learning to win without as much talent as the last few years. Coaches are growing too. We’ll be passing A lot more after this.

Great character win, Ocean Springs after trailing 17-0, wins inside the last two minutes 27-24.

Ocean Springs 20-17 over NW Rankin, early 3rd quarter.

NW Rankin leads 17-10 after jumping to a 17-0 first quarter lead.

It appears that Ocean Springs might not be as good as they were last season.

Just bumping this topic to the top and hoping to get one of those shy NW Rankin fans to give us the scoop on how they’re undefeated so far and how they will beat Ocean Springs up there this week. I think this is one game, along with Gulfport/Madison Central, that will push the winner into the meat of their season with momentum and a good chance for the playoffs. Why is it Rankin and how does it happen. Why is it Gulfport over Madison, and how does that happen? It’s already Thursday, let’s figure this out.

Most of the favorites, including Starkville, Tupelo, and Oak Grove have a little bit of a break this week, giving us a chance to watch and evaluate some of their challengers. Down south, the most interesting and important game involves undefeated Madison Central down on the Coast to face unbeaten Gulfport. My personal favorite matchup is NW Rankin hosting Ocean Springs. Winners of these two games just might be considered as competitors for the Warriors of O.G. Add your own compelling games and how they will play out. 7A is my favorite, but feel free to go elsewhere.