Picayune outlasted Pearl River Central in a hard-fought victory last Friday night, winning their first round 5A playoff game by a score of 38-26.

Their reward is a rematch of last year’s second round playoff game against Wayne County, the second-ranked 5A team in the state.

Wayne County fields one of the best defenses in the state. Through their 12 games this season, the War Eagles have only given up 119 total points – less than 10 points per game.

Picayune has not been held to any less than 19 points in a game all year. In last week’s victory against PRC, the Tide showed versatility on offense, scoring touchdowns on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Skylar Bowman completed two touchdown passes to running back Vyron Brown, who also added a touchdown on special teams.

These two teams faced off in the second round of the playoffs last year as well. Picayune won that match-up 31-14 in Waynesboro on their way to a State Championship. The Tide will be playing at home this time, where they are sure to work towards the same result. Wayne County’s only other trip to Pearl River County this year ended in a 42-6 rout of PRC on Oct. 17.

This will be a match-up of two powerhouse teams who are no strangers to winning football games; both teams have been ranked near the top of Mississippi 5A schools throughout the season.

The winner of Friday’s game will play in the South State Finals next week against the winner of the Laurel and Pascagoula game. If Picayune wins, they will play at home for a chance to go to the state championship in Starkville. It would also be the fourth straight year that Wayne County’s season has ended against a team from Pearl River County.

The Tide have found a way to win games all year despite their injuries. This Friday night, they will try to keep their dreams of a back-to-back championship alive against one of the best teams in the state.

Wayne County and Picayune will kickoff at 7 p.m. at the Picayune Memorial High School football stadium.