coastfootballfanman

I would love to see them play Theodore or someone over in Alabama. Mobile and Baldwin Counties typically play a really good brand of football overall. The spring game battle between Ocean Springs and Theodore was a good one so I would love to see them two play.

Not everyone's team is the region champ with a lot left to play for. Some folks season ended last week or will end this week so they are looking forward to something LOL

According to MHSAA, yes. I imagine will be this Thursday/Friday if I were a betting man.

The better question is: Under what scenarios should we give a rip? LOL

I was told all 1A, 5A, and 6A games are on Thursday next week due to 2-4A playoffs taking place next week. Official shortage has apparently called for this to happen to ensure every game has an officiating crew.

According to MHSAA podcast from October 10th, we will know by this time next week. Classes, Regions, etc.

Appreciate the sentiment! Growing up in Gulfport during the late 70's through the 80's and attending Gulfport High in the early 90's, I have a deep appreciation for coast football and have tremendous respect for programs like Moss Point, Pascagoula Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, etc .

I would assume to go ahead and get the blood sacrifice that will take place on the field over with.

I think Ocean Springs long term success will be determined by two things: 1. Who they hire to be AD when Hubbard steps down at Christmas (which is what I hear is coming). Will that new guy let things be business as usual? 2. How long is Pennock going to stay? Ocean Springs has done a fine job developing and getting kids to move into the area. 8th grade team was pretty bad this year, but I know the 9th grade team is really good so they should be good for a few years. As an Ocean Springs resident (not a fan lol), there is a lot of good things that draw families here. Now that athletics has taken off some, I am sure the population will only continue to grow. I get your point. It is valid. I just did not understand why you kept saying 2016. I think Sims has 1 year left to get the ship right or he is gone, whether it be retirement or "retirement".

I understand what you are saying.

The key for Ocean Springs is not who their RB is. That position is a plug and play in my opinion for them with their offensive line. As long as Bray Hubbard is on the field, Ocean Springs should win comfortably (by 2+ touchdowns). He is an outstanding player and is probably the best Quarterback from the Coast since Demarious Bilbo in the early 2000's. The Greyhound defense has been really solid this year. If there is an area of concern for the defense, it is their secondary for sure. However, their defensive line and linebackers are one of the better units I have ever seen. Picayune showed how to stymie the Gulfport offense so I think the Ocean Springs defense will have a solid plan in place.

Also would like to add Biloxi to this list as well. I know they are having a decent year this season, but for a school their size, they should be winning on a more frequent basis.

Great job as always, Slick! Hoping Wayne County can get it turned around for you this week!

I have been able to watch Pascagoula games quite a bit this year (thanks to the WGUD stream they post on youtube) and in my opinion outside of the Ocean Springs game, their scheme appears pretty good. Pascagoula has been very inconsistent with their effort and execution which signals to me, a culture issue. It comes off as if players are not buying what Sims is selling. Four of the last six seasons, Pascagoula has been 6A and struggled. The other two, they were competitive and competed in what was a fairly tough region and was even a possession away from playing for a state championship in 2020. It seems like there is a disconnect playing 6A competition compared to 5A? Is it that big of a difference for them? Pascagoula is 8 for 8 in making the playoffs in 5A under Sims and 0 for 4 in 6A. Sims from all accounts is a great man and a good leader, but something seems off in Pascagoula. Sims probably has one more season to right the ship or he may be retiring sooner than later.

Give me Ocean Springs fairly comfortably.

They laid their egg week 1 on a muddy field at Provine but have not been slowed since. Their passing attack is better to me this year than last. They have 3 receivers that all are threats to take it the distance when they catch it. They are quick concepts designed to get the ball out relatively quick. They are also running the ball more effectively this year as well. They have a nice RB #21 who is quick and does well when given the chance to run. I do not think they will beat Picayune personally, but I think if there is a team that can (especially in South 5A) it is them.

It was probably a fluke but looked like in the Pascagoula game on one of the kick-offs, the kicker tried to place it the back corner and missed it and sent it out of bounds. Every time before and after that, he just kicked it straight and deep. The kid is good enough to sky it high and pin you inside the -10 as well. He is one of the better kickers I have seen.

Gulfport is solid. I do not see them beating Ocean Springs. Will be surprised if it is closer than 14 at minimum. Gulfport's offense is not as explosive as Ocean Springs and their defense is pretty good. They probably have a better secondary than Ocean Springs but that is it.

I think they are much better defensively. Defensive line is athletic and they have some size. Linebackers are their strength. Very good athletes that can play in space. Physical as well. The secondary is probably their "weak point" if you had to give them one. They have not been challenged by a team that is really solid at throwing the ball so Friday in Gulfport will test that. Offensively, they are just as good in my opinion. Bray Hubbard obviously is the big key. He is just a special player that you have to account for on every play. Special Teams wise they are good. You will have to drive the field 80 yards on a kick off every time if they want you to.

Well I have seen Ocean Springs quite a lot this season and they seem to be that good in my opinion. Now, they very well could be put out in the second round facing a Brandon or Oak Grove. However, I think their defense is legit and their offense can put up points on anyone with #5 leading the way. Picayune and Poplarville are there every year anyway (if you want to count them as coast teams). Gautier is there because I do not know if anyone can slow down their offense if it is not a muddy field or raining. We will see what they are really capable of next week, but I have to admit I have been impressed with how they have taken care of everyone in their region. All about match ups once you get to the playoffs.

I think Gautier provides the best chance of beating them (at least in the South) because of how their offense attacks. Irving has a great release and does not get hit or sacked very often. He has 268 pass attempts and has only been sacked 4 times. Their offense is designed to get rid of the ball quickly and they have 3 receivers that are a threat to score anytime they touch the ball. The question is can Gautier stop Picayune's offense? I think Hattiesburg has the defense to play with Picayune, but I am unsure if their offense can put up enough points. I will admit West Jones is an unknown for me right now as I have not seen much on them.

My picks for the 4-6A North/South State Championship games. 6A North - Madison Central vs. Tupelo 6A South - Ocean Springs vs. Oak Grove 5A North - Vicksburg vs. West Point 5A South - Picayune vs. Gautier 4A North - Itawamba AHS vs. Louisville 4A South - Mendenhall vs. Poplarville

Numbers I saw had them both staying 5A.

I could see where that would be an issue in some counties for sure.

I agree. In my opinion, there is no reason schools like Bogue Chitto, West Lincoln, Lloyd Star and Enterprise-Lincoln could not be merged into Brookhaven High School (or even merging them into one big county school). Same with Tylertown and Salem. There are tons of examples of this all over the state and I wish more would come together and utilize their available resources better.