coastfootballfanman

When Biloxi beat them, I knew it was not a good sign.

I agree with you 100%. To me, culture and coach make a big difference. Especially in regards to utilizing those numbers for success.

To me, it is more about athletes NOT playing. I have a hard time believing a school with 700+ more students does not have another 20 or so young men that would be a great addition to the program and help turn the corner but do not play for a variety of reasons. A coach with a great culture is a driving force in numbers and athletes coming out. Look at what Pennock is doing at OS. Those kids are believing in him and that is why parents are moving their kids there and their numbers are through the roof with athletes coming out to play and that has helped lead them to the dominance they have seen over the past two seasons. OS was a middle of the road program before he got there. I just think it is silly to pretend having an extra 6-700 kids is not an advantage in terms of having athletes at your disposal. The top 5 teams in terms of enrollment from last count were: Tupelo (currently 8-0) Desoto Central (currently 5-3) Ocean Springs (currently 7-0) Gulfport (currently 7-1. only loss was to undefeated Picayune) Southaven (currently 7-0) So in my opinion, there is some correlation there. Numbers are not the be all, end all. I agree with that because you have the Biloxi's of the world that have a great population but traditionally just do not perform in football, but there is definitely something to be said about having more athletes at your disposal.

I absolutely understand the point a lot of coaches have with it. You are playing vitally important games with teams that in some cases have almost 700 more kids than you do. That is a hard thing to accept when you think "What if I had 700 extra kids? How many players could I get out?" In region 4-6A, the gap between Pascagoula (lowest enrollment) and Ocean Springs (highest enrollment) is about 750 kids almost I believe. That would basically be the difference of combining Gautier and Pascagoula together again. I do agree with your points though. There are other alternatives to solve this problem than just going to 7 classifications.

Well to be transparent, Lance Mancuso has had a very deep talent pool the past 10+ years and has not had to play teams with 400 more kids than his team in region or playoff play either. Little easier to have that opinion from his view point. Although I do agree with you it is a lot more about money than competition.

You think Petal would give Glenn the boot after just 2 seasons?

I think it is more about the region and overall how tough winning 6A (soon to be 7A) is. They think if they played down a class, they would be able to roll through it not realizing you still are going to have West Jones, Hattiesburg, Picayune and possibly Wayne County as well.

I was told it will be roughly two weeks before anything official is released from MHSAA.

A good friend from college has a son there on the team and he said they are hearing they will stay 7A. Which he did not sound excited about LOL.

George County is a young team, but they do not look the part to me at all either. Both sides of the lines are not very good from what I have seen. Skill positions do not appear to be a problem, it is keeping the QB upright and being able to stop people, which they have shown they cannot do very well.

Sims hanging it up after this season? I know there have been rumblings.

I remember hearing a few years back that MDE was potentially going to take over the district or have them be merged with another district near by. What every happened with that?

That would be quite a shake up!!!

Gautier and East Central both will be losing quite a bit of talent from this year while Pascagoula I believe will be returning a lot. Not saying they will be better next year, just pointing out that it is hard to gauge how good a team will be year to year. It will be interesting to see how Picayune's numbers shake out. I have heard they are borderline 5A/6A but trending more toward 6A. Gautier I hear is pretty much a lock for 5A along with East Central and Vancleave.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but I am hearing Gautier is going to be 5A based on numbers I was told. Region 4-6A next year from what I have gathered is shaping up to be: George County Pearl River Central Pascagoula West Harrison Picayune Long Beach

Mack Howard is a 3 star Quarterback committed to play football at Utah. His high school HFC is the HFC of Team Mississippi. ZERO chance they were going to leave him out of this game. Bray Hubbard has numerous Group of 5 offers to play Quarterback and is committed to the University of Alabama as a Safety. He is also the reigning Mr. Football for the Highest Class in Mississippi (he probably is the favorite to win it this year as well) as a Quarterback. No chance you leave him off either. Irving is insanely talented and I am truly perplexed by the fact he only has 1 offer to play college football (FCS Central Arkansas). Irving is deserving of being an All-Star Quarterback but there is far more to this than just "stats" in my opinion.

It began when the paper mill shut down in 2001. Katrina hurt as well and since probably 2005-2006, city population has continued to plummet. Many residents over the years choose to live elsewhere along the coast and in Mississippi. The city itself has also gone completely downhill with crime, drugs, and gang violence. My college roommate and one of my best friends is from Moss Point and I would go there quite often in the mid-late 90's to visit. It is a shame to have been back over the past 20+ years and see what the town has turned into. I was told a few weeks ago that they are most likely going to be 3A when the numbers come out in a few weeks.

Based on what I am hearing. Coast 7A will absolutely be: Ocean Springs Gulfport Biloxi St. Martin d'Iberville The question is what happens with the 6th spot? Hancock or Harrison Central will have to be placed in Region 3.

Enterprise is the only 3A team worth discussing. Do you not follow this board? The mighty Bulldogs of Enterprise are the cream of the crop.

West Harrison is FAR cry from a very good football team. The only team they've played with a winning record thumped them 47-21. George County has 2 terrible losses. At this point, it is hard to not just say George County is not a good football team. They gave up 50 points to West Harrison. Ocean Springs had over 400 yards rushing. The defense (as well as the defensive line obviously) is not very good based on the product that has been put on the field.

Who is currently injured for the Hounds?

I do not think Vancleave has the athletes to match up with George County. However, I do not think George County has the physicality up front to stop Vancleave either. This could turn into a shoot out quickly. If Vancleave can control the ball and keep Deuce Knight and Co. off the field, I think Vancleave can take this one. If they cannot, then I could see this being a score fest with George County winning. Truly is a toss up game in my opinion.

I imagine it'll be a few weeks before we hear anything.

From what I gather, it is a combination of things. Youth and inexperience on both sides. I am told the lines on both sides of the ball are not very good. Kids and community are not sold on Coach Ray either from what I have been told. Skill wise, they appear to be immensely talented. Hopefully they can get some things figured out.

Biloxi appears different record wise, but not sure how truly good they are. This will be a big week for them to prove themselves. Pearl appears down, d'Iberville is down and I was told Harrison Central was missing several key players due to suspension this past Friday. Either way, Biloxi has won those games. I am expecting a 45-14 type of game with the Hounds winning.