Maroon Tide look to continue success against 6A schools Friday
Published 7:00 am Thursday, September 8, 2016
V.J. Holt, 17, hurdles over a St. Martin player as Picayune Memorial High School win their second game in a row.
Coming off of a massive 56-21 victory against the top-ranked St. Martin Yellow Jackets, the Picayune Maroon Tide have their eyes focused on the next game against another 6A opponent, Gulfport.
The Maroon Tide average an astounding 45.5 points in their first couple of games of the season. However, Picayune Head Football Coach Dodd Lee sees more potential in his team.
“We can’t get overly confident because every game we play is going to be tough,” Lee said. “Gulfport is a fine football team. We have to work hard every play against them to get the results we want.”
In their game against St. Martin, Maroon Tide quarterback Skylar Bowman only completed two out of five pass attempts. However, both of those completed passes turned into touchdowns by junior wide receiver Tyler Penton. The Maroon Tide’s rushing made up for this lack of passing, galloping for 440 yards and six touchdowns. Josh Littles, starting running back, ran for 174 yards along with three touchdowns in that game. In the Tide’s season opener against D’Iberville High School, he led the team again with almost 200 rushing yards and a touchdown.
“I’m seeing a lot of effort and leadership with this team and a willingness to prepare,” Lee said. “They have continued to do everything that is asked of them without complaining, and that really shows the dedication this team has to get better every day.”
Last year, Gulfport won its 6A division with an impressive defense that is returning all of its 11 starters for this year. The Gulfport Admirals allowed only 12 points between their first two opponents this year, following their only loss of the season to De La Salle, 35-13.
In their first game against the Long Beach Bearcats, the Admirals had a total of 68 tackles, six for a loss of yardage. They also have a tendency of getting to the quarterback, forcing 15 hurried passes in their first three games along with five sacks.
“This team is well coached. They run a defense we have not faced so far this season, so it is going to be a new challenge for us,” Lee said. “With how hard these kids work during practice, I believe we will be ready for a good game Friday.”
The undefeated Maroon Tide face the 2-1 Bearcats Friday night at Picayune’s stadium around 7 p.m.
The Maroon Tide’s Josh Littles looks to lead the team once again in rushing as they face a difficult Gulfport defense Friday night.