Ocean Springs vs. Picayune

[maroontide06]

Up to this point, Picayune has probably had the tougher schedule but that's not to take away from Ocean Springs.  They've had a tough schedule as well and that's a good thing.  I don't expect this game to be a blow out one way or the other, but I do expect Picayune to play a full game and if they meet that expectation then I don't see the Maroon Tide coming away with a loss in this one.

[coastfootballfanman]

As long as there are no injuries on the defensive side of the ball, I do not see anyone beating Picayune moving forward. Heck, if we are being honest, they should not have lost to Catholic after seeing the video and still shots of the final play. I do believe the Ocean Springs defense will be up to the task of defending Picayune as the strength of their defense is their front 7 (probably the best south of Hattiesburg outside of Picayune honestly). Offensively, if Ocean Springs can make some throws and keep the Tide defense off balance they can have some success. Having a dynamic athlete at Quarterback is what would give Ocean Springs a real shot at beating them. Right now, they do not have that. 

[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. 

[maroontide06]

12 minutes ago, David said:

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.

David I completely understand your line of thinking here and on paper it might would seem to make sense, but this line of thinking only works if there is a falloff from the starter to the backup/relievers.  But this is where things kind of get contrary to that line of thinking.  In a way, the stable of backs that Picayune has more than makes up for that one loss and if anything it's only going to help #4, #5, #20, etc. to get better because they will get more repetitions.  The falloff that you would normally expect just isn't there.

[David]

20 minutes ago, maroontide06 said:

David I completely understand your line of thinking here and on paper it might would seem to make sense, but this line of thinking only works if there is a falloff from the starter to the backup/relievers.  But this is where things kind of get contrary to that line of thinking.  In a way, the stable of backs that Picayune has more than makes up for that one loss and if anything it's only going to help #4, #5, #20, etc. to get better because they will get more repetitions.  The falloff that you would normally expect just isn't there.

The Greyhounds have a great RB in junior Will Smith, who has scored seven or eight TDs so far, but we’re anticipating a talented soph athlete type who was injured in the spring, speedy Sheroid Whitehead. I’m not sharing inside info passed to me, but the public expectation is that he returns this week or next for district play. While he would alter things for this game, it’s more important that he is completely healthy and also ready for important games to come. Not the stable of horses that Picayune runs out there, but a highly recruited sophomore who fits into our future. 

[Dubaction]

2 things…

 

Wasn’t Picayune down like 3 scores before making the comeback? I’d say there was at the very least a pretty substantial drop off initially. Sounds like your defense brought you back . I’m going to watch the replay here in a bit 

 

If it turns out there isn’t a drop off though, I think it says more about the system Picayune has in place offensively and the way they can make magic no matter who’s in that backfield. 
 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Dubaction

[maroontide06]

59 minutes ago, Dubaction said:

2 things…

 

Wasn’t Picayune down like 3 scores before making the comeback? I’d say there was at the very least a pretty substantial drop off initially. Sounds like your defense brought you back . I’m going to watch the replay here in a bit 

 

If it turns out there isn’t a drop off though, I think it says more about the system Picayune has in place offensively and the way they can make magic no matter who’s in that backfield. 
 

 

Dub it was honestly a combination of the offense playing better and also the defense playing better.  The first half against Gulfport was honestly the worst football I’ve seen Picayune play in a long, long time.  The score right before halftime seemed to ignite the comeback, but it took a total team effort to overcome that deficit.

 

The Maroon Tide offense is all about execution.  I’ve heard Dodd say before that it doesn’t matter if the opponent knows what you are doing or not.  It’s can they stop it?  If they can’t stop it, you can literally tell them what play you are going to run and it won’t matter.  Not that I would encourage that, but I think you get the idea.

[Dubaction]

Watching the replay from last week… did Davis hurt himself punting the ball? 

[Big Poppa]

10 hours ago, Dubaction said:

Watching the replay from last week… did Davis hurt himself punting the ball? 

No it was on the run before the punt. It was not a big hit he just landed on the shoulder awkwardly. Same one he hurt in Jr. High.

[David]

15 hours ago, maroontide06 said:

“ you can literally tell them what play you are going to run and it won’t matter.”

I’d be happy with that strategy on Friday. Just tell us your signals, we’ll take it from there. 

[coastfootballfanman]

9 minutes ago, David said:

I’d be happy with that strategy on Friday. Just tell us your signals, we’ll take it from there. 

It would not take you long to figure their signals out. They only run about 6 plays. LOL Much like Novocain, they always work though!

[Matt]

1 hour ago, David said:

I’d be happy with that strategy on Friday. Just tell us your signals, we’ll take it from there. 

Everyone knows what's coming. It's a matter of having 11 guys who are going to step in and do their part defensively. 2-3 guys have to sacrifice themselves almost every play to take out lead blockers, then there has to be someone left to bring a good RB down.  It will take an overall defensive effort from OS. This group on defense for OS has had a great high school run against some good teams. Only real losses that mattered in last two years were to balanced teams like OG two years ago and Brandon last year. Neither were built like Picayune. I'm looking forward to seeing if these seniors can step up to this powerful running game. It will test their will to win a non-district game for sure. I'm glad they have a bye week to recover from what will definitely be a physical game. 

[David]

19 minutes ago, Matt said:

Everyone knows what's coming. It's a matter of having 11 guys who are going to step in and do their part defensively. 2-3 guys have to sacrifice themselves almost every play to take out lead blockers, then there has to be someone left to bring a good RB down.  It will take an overall defensive effort from OS. This group on defense for OS has had a great high school run against some good teams. Only real losses that mattered in last two years were to balanced teams like OG two years ago and Brandon last year. Neither were built like Picayune. I'm looking forward to seeing if these seniors can step up to this powerful running game. It will test their will to win a non-district game for sure. I'm glad they have a bye week to recover from what will definitely be a physical game. 

O.S. defense seems to have highly recruited athletes on all three levels, with experience at all positions. That sounds great until the ball is snapped and that offense is running downhill. Now, I can say, like so many before, that we ignore the passing threat to sell out at the line, but others have tried that. Turnovers have been a big part of winning this year as well. Big hits against Madison Central and NW Rankin caused multiple fumbles and the DBs are ball hounds. Surprisingly little pass rush won’t be a factor against a team that rarely throws. As I predict this one soon, I’ll assume that holding the Tide under four TDs is needed to win. I don’t know if that’s possible. 

[maroontide06]

17 minutes ago, David said:

O.S. defense seems to have highly recruited athletes on all three levels, with experience at all positions. That sounds great until the ball is snapped and that offense is running downhill. Now, I can say, like so many before, that we ignore the passing threat to sell out at the line, but others have tried that. Turnovers have been a big part of winning this year as well. Big hits against Madison Central and NW Rankin caused multiple fumbles and the DBs are ball hounds. Surprisingly little pass rush won’t be a factor against a team that rarely throws. As I predict this one soon, I’ll assume that holding the Tide under four TDs is needed to win. I don’t know if that’s possible. 

The thing is, Picayune is just fine and dandy with gaining 3-4 yards per play.  Picayune doesn't need chunk plays to make the offense work.  Picayune would rather eat clock anyway LOL!  It may limit the amount of times Picayune can score, but as long as you have the ball the other team can't score.  All it takes is 1 point to win a ball game.  Just like the 3-2 Auburn-State game in 2008.

[David]

This is the state’s game of the week in my opinion. The winner moves into district play near the top of the rankings with momentum and a good idea of how to win tough playoff games. The loser does learn something about their weaknesses and how to improve, but also has two losses going forward, and drops down in statewide rankings. 

How does Picayune win? This program has a history of success in big games, and their game plan rarely changes, whether ahead or behind. Pound the rock until the other side blinks, then pound it some more into the end zone. They might talk about the improved passing game, but that’s just to keep the receivers interested in blocking. No shock here, but the O.S. defense must use their size and athleticism to meet the ball at the line and tackle well. It could happen. 

 

How does Ocean Springs win? I said it above: tackle well, then line up and tackle well again. Create the turnovers that have been coming every game. Then, copy the Tide offensive plan, controlling the clock to limit drives, and use their shock plays through the air to get into the end zone. A low scoring game helps the Hounds, because everybody gets tired when trying to stop the power game. Holding the Tide to 21 or 24 is a must. 
 

The polls have Picayune as the big favorite, and they are one of the best in the state. I’d be foolish to pick against them in this game. So, all that said… call me foolish. I’ve got the Greyhounds in a good one, 24-21. Don’t tell Stogner that anybody doubted him. 
 

[maroontide06]

2 minutes ago, David said:

This is the state’s game of the week in my opinion. The winner moves into district play near the top of the rankings with momentum and a good idea of how to win tough playoff games. The loser does learn something about their weaknesses and how to improve, but also has two losses going forward, and drops down in statewide rankings. 

How does Picayune win? This program has a history of success in big games, and their game plan rarely changes, whether ahead or behind. Pound the rock until the other side blinks, then pound it some more into the end zone. They might talk about the improved passing game, but that’s just to keep the receivers interested in blocking. No shock here, but the O.S. defense must use their size and athleticism to meet the ball at the line and tackle well. It could happen. 

 

How does Ocean Springs win? I said it above: tackle well, then line up and tackle well again. Create the turnovers that have been coming every game. Then, copy the Tide offensive plan, controlling the clock to limit drives, and use their shock plays through the air to get into the end zone. A low scoring game helps the Hounds, because everybody gets tired when trying to stop the power game. Holding the Tide to 21 or 24 is a must. 
 

The polls have Picayune as the big favorite, and they are one of the best in the state. I’d be foolish to pick against them in this game. So, all that said… call me foolish. I’ve got the Greyhounds in a good one, 24-21. Don’t tell Stogner that anybody doubted him. 
 

It's all good David.  You just want your team to win and there's no shame in that.  If Picayune doesn't play a complete 4 quarter game, they lose.  It's that simple.

[Tiburon]

On 9/19/2023 at 7:14 PM, Dubaction said:

2 things…

 

Wasn’t Picayune down like 3 scores before making the comeback? I’d say there was at the very least a pretty substantial drop off initially. Sounds like your defense brought you back .

 

Yes, Gulfport was up 21-0.

 

Certainly our rb cupboard is not bare, and this team will have a plan and carry it out Friday night.

 

That said, I am going to politely disagree with maroontide06 on this. I see drop off, so far at least, particularly on inside runs. And lets not forget, #6 is a very good starting cb as well. the guys replacing him at rb have put the ball on the ground on occasion as well. I am not saying they are not good rbs - they certainly are. both are all around athletes.  but with #6 in there it really opens up opportunities for #4 as both a runner and receiver from wb. he is scary good there. (actually i think he would be darned near unstoppable if he were used (as qb) in wildcat in goal line/conversion situations. i would like to see that.)  #5 is more of an upright runner and most impactful imho from db (see his pick 6 last week for reference.) The Greyhound  interior is a defensive strength so we will see what happens there. As always, a lot depends on the push we get up front.

[maroontide06]

36 minutes ago, Tiburon said:

Yes, Gulfport was up 21-0.

 

Certainly our rb cupboard is not bare, and this team will have a plan and carry it out Friday night.

 

That said, I am going to politely disagree with maroontide06 on this. I see drop off, so far at least, particularly on inside runs. And lets not forget, #6 is a very good starting cb as well. the guys replacing him at rb have put the ball on the ground on occasion as well. I am not saying they are not good rbs - they certainly are. both are all around athletes.  but with #6 in there it really opens up opportunities for #4 as both a runner and receiver from wb. he is scary good there. (actually i think he would be darned near unstoppable if he were used (as qb) in wildcat in goal line/conversion situations. i would like to see that.)  #5 is more of an upright runner and most impactful imho from db (see his pick 6 last week for reference.) The Greyhound  interior is a defensive strength so we will see what happens there. As always, a lot depends on the push we get up front.

Maybe I'm just too optimistic LOL!

[Tiburon]

ha...or i'm too pessimistic.

 

[maroontide06]

6 minutes ago, Tiburon said:

ha...or i'm too pessimistic.

 

I guess my line of thinking was the "by committee" approach.   But you're absolutely correct if it's a person to person comparison.  #6 is a D1 athlete for a reason.  As long as we play to the strengths of whichever tailback we have in the game, we should be ok.  I think if there's a good thing to all of this, you'll probably have more even slices of pie as far as running back contribution is concerned.  You're not going to see this "one man show" thing like we had when Magee was running the football back in the day.

[maroontide06]

Well it's gameday folks.  Hopefully everyone from Ocean Springs has safe travels as they traverse the pandemonium filled I-10. LOL!  It should be a great game and a great night of football.  Roll Tide Roll!!!

[David]

38 minutes ago, maroontide06 said:

Well it's gameday folks.  Hopefully everyone from Ocean Springs has safe travels as they traverse the pandemonium filled I-10. LOL!  It should be a great game and a great night of football.  Roll Tide Roll!!!

Thanks for the positive thoughts. You might not remember back in 2003 or so when O.S. traveled up to Picayune for a playoff game. The team and cheerleaders left early and arrived with no problems. Shortly after they passed, a bad wreck on I10 blocked traffic for hours, stranding the Greyhound fans, and leaving the visitors side pretty much empty for the first half. We had an ice chest of refreshments, and arrived at halftime with the score around 44-0 against us. We drove through the parking lot, turned around and drove home. It’s the last time I’ve been at that stadium. I’m hoping that things go differently tonight, both on the drive over and on the field. See y’all soon. 

[Tiburon]

3 hours ago, David said:

Thanks for the positive thoughts. You might not remember back in 2003 or so when O.S. traveled up to Picayune for a playoff game. The team and cheerleaders left early and arrived with no problems. Shortly after they passed, a bad wreck on I10 blocked traffic for hours, stranding the Greyhound fans, and leaving the visitors side pretty much empty for the first half. We had an ice chest of refreshments, and arrived at halftime with the score around 44-0 against us. We drove through the parking lot, turned around and drove home. It’s the last time I’ve been at that stadium. I’m hoping that things go differently tonight, both on the drive over and on the field. See y’all soon. 

I remember that game when we had Justin Magee, and Chris Stewart passed for a couple of tds.  it was 28-0 as your band pulled up. My brother and sister in law came over from O.S. and arrived with the buses. I felt pretty bad for them. 44-13 game.

[maroontide06]

6 minutes ago, Tiburon said:

I remember that game when we had Justin Magee, and Chris Stewart passed for a couple of tds.  it was 28-0 as your band pulled up. My brother and sister in law came over from O.S. and arrived with the buses. I felt pretty bad for them. 44-13 game.

I think that was round 1 and then we went to Northwest Rankin for round 2 and Magee tore it up.  I think those records are still in the books somewhere.

[Tiburon]

18 minutes ago, maroontide06 said:

I think that was round 1 and then we went to Northwest Rankin for round 2 and Magee tore it up.  I think those records are still in the books somewhere.

yes. we should have given magee the ball on 4th down at the end at OG (classic game) , we would have gone to state.