This year the Poplarville Hornets football team battled for a state championship, Maroon Tide claimed district championships in football and basketball, Pearl River Central softball team became district champions off of a grand slam, Picayune girls basketball placed second in the district and the Tide baseball team making the playoffs in the arguably most difficult district in Mississippi 5A baseball, as two teams from the district are squaring off in the South State Championship.

In light of all of these accomplishments, I believe it is safe to say that Pearl River County has truly been the pearl of athletes in Mississippi this year.

And to add to those accomplishments, Picayune softball just stamped their ticket to the state championship game against Neshoba Central, on a mission to become the 5A softball state champion. Meanwhile, PRC baseball once again is battling against district foe Hattiesburg in the South State Championship this week for a spot in the state championship game.

To put the cherry on top of this colossal stack of triumphs, many individuals within these three county school districts have become state champions, including a pair of two-time state champions, Poplarville’s powerlifting state champion Turan Smith and star track runner Janelle Johnson, Picayune’s long jumper state champion Ronald Polk and many other individual accomplishments like the numerous Pearl River County representatives in the All-State and All-District teams within every sport.

From coach swaps to state champions, if this year’s sporting events didn’t excite you, you need to check your pulse.

This year’s high school athletic programs have been nothing short of impressive, and to this day, Pearl River Central baseball and Picayune softball are performing miracle comeback wins late in the playoffs.

A majority of the athletics within the county have undergone a massive makeover, including coaches who have led the way to a flip in overall records, giving the area a new identity, the Comeback County.

I have witnessed a remarkable comeback win this year in the county. But hold on to your seat because the excitement isn’t over yet.

Later this week, I will be attending the 5A softball State Championship game, where Picayune will take the role of David attempting to take down the Goliath of Neshoba Central, who has won the past four state championships.

Also, I will also be attending the 5A baseball South State Championship rematch of last year, where the Blue Devils will have another chance to defeat the Tigers. 

For anyone to say that Pearl River County has great coaches and players is the understatement of the year.

We have some of the best athletics in the state and should cherish a year like this one, because chances are, you won’t see another one like it.