SOSO — West Jones has always been known for their running attack. But it was a 10-yard pass from quarterback Ben Stevens to Devontay Barnett in overtime to lead the Mustangs to a 21-20 overtime win over Picayune here Friday night.
“I am extremely proud of this team,” said West coach Scott Pierson. “We’ve been working on our passing game and we were able to put it into our game plan tonight and we were successful.”
The win gives the Mustangs the Division 3-5A title and kept West undefeated at 9-0 overall and 6-0 in division play. The Mustangs are ranked number 1 in the state’s class 5A and were ranked as the 94th best team in the country according to Rivals.com.
“This is a testament to the determination of our team,” Pierson said. “We’ve been behind in three different games this year and found a way to come back in the fourth quarter and get a victory.”
Trailing 20-14 after Picayune’s overtime score, the Mustangs crashed a trio of receivers across the middle allowing Barnett to drift out of the backfield and catch Steven’s pass as he rambled into the end zone.
“We’ve been working on our passing game during practice a lot, but we’re just now getting our timing down in game situations,” said Stevens. “The offensive line gave me time to pass and we were able to pass the ball down field.”
Hunter Estess then added the conversion to keep West perfect.
It was also the Mustangs offense who came to life in the final 4:06 of regulation play to force the overtime.
After Picayune missed a 31-yard field goal attempt, West marched 80 yards on 16 plays to tie the game forcing the overtime. Stevens connected with seven passes for 63 yards. But it was Stevens who scooted around on end on a 2-yard bootleg for the touchdown. Estess added the conversion for a 14-14 score at the end of regulation.
After a scoreless first quarter, Picayune put the first points on the board on a 7-yard run by Maurice Jones with 1:48 left in the first half. The conversion failed, but the Maroon Tied led 6-0 at the intermission.
The Mustangs responded on their opening possession of the second half, marching 62-yards on just six plays, including a 45-yard pass from Stevens to LaKendrick McKeller. Estess added the conversion with 9:17 to left in the third quarter as West took a 7-6 lead.
But Picayune came back to regain the lead on their next possession. Jamaal Hall rushed for all 53 of in the drive, including the 44-yard rumble to the end zone. Jones added the two-point conversion for a 14-7 score with 7:18 still left on the clock, setting up the final series for West Jones.
The Mustangs will face Pearl River Central in their final home game of the regular season.
Picayune fell to 6-3 on the season and 5-1 overall. The Maroon Tide will host Wayne County, a winner over Pearl River, for second place in the division.
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Mustangs wash away Maroon Tide
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Tide teams advance
Both Picayune basketball teams will be playing for Region 8-5A championships Friday night. The Lady Tide returned to the Class 5A South State playoffs for the first time in two years, thanks to a 47-40 win over West Harrison.
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Season ends for PRC teams
The season came to an end for both Pearl River Central teams in the opening round of the Region 8-4A Tournament Tuesday night. The Blue Devils fought hard against top-seeded West Harrison, before coming up short in a 47-43 loss to the Hurricanes.
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League tourneys set
With regular season play wrapping up over the weekend, local prep basketball teams now look forward to their respective district tournaments which begin this week.
All area teams will begin postseason play on Tuesday night, with two local teams hosting tournaments. -
Super Bowl today
MVP quarterbacks on marquee franchises. A rematch of a nail-biter from four years ago, featuring many of the same key characters. Madonna and plenty of Manning — Eli, and Peyton, too.
This Super Bowl certainly has all the makings of another thriller, the perfect finish to a season that began in turmoil and wound up the most successful in league history. -
Picayune sweeps Pearl River Central
Shemar Williams hit four of six free throws in the final minute and his Picayune teammates completed the task at hand as the Maroon Tide turned back Pearl River Central 70-62 on Friday night.
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Green County beats Lady Hornets
A small sign in green and gold hung on the fence at the Poplarville High Stadium, reading, “We believe! Go Hornets!.”
And certainly, while a little belief can go a long way, it simply wasn’t enough for the Lady Hornets in Saturday afternoon’s semifinals of the Class 4A South State girls soccer playoffs. -
Blue Devils face forfeitures
Pearl River Central’s Boys basketball team is in the midst of one of its best seasons on the hardwood in a decade. The Blue Devils, however, face the possibility of having to forfeit many, if not all of their 15 wins.
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Local teams split hoops games
The struggles continued for both Poplarville High teams Friday night.
Homestanding Ocean Springs swept a pair of games from Poplarville, as the Hornets fell 83-35 and the Lady Hornets dropped a 48-36 decision. -
River splits
Pearl River Community College splits with Hinds in women’s and men’s MACJC South Division basketball action here Thursday with the Lady Wildcats pulling off a 66-53 victory, while the Wildcats fell 62-59.
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Moultrie’s big numbers lead MSU
When Arnett Moultrie and his Mississippi State teammates watch basketball highlights on television, the conversation often evolves into a discussion about the lack of respect the 18th-ranked Bulldogs feel they get on the national level.
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