Friday Poplarville (5-4) hits the road against Columbia (4-4) for their last regular season game. The Hornets dropped their last game against Purvis 23-14.

“We were very disappointed that we lost we thought we played hard we made a few too many mistakes. We played well on defense 90 percent of the time and 10 percent of the time we didn’t communicate and they made us pay,” Head Coach Jay Beech said. 

“On offense our effort was also great, but we had some fumbled snaps and allowed them to get pressure on our quarterback.”

When freshman quarterback Antonio Barnes had time to throw, he made plays. Barnes had seven completions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Beech has focused practice this week on pass protection due to the offensive line struggles against Purvis. He said practice has been going well and that obviously the week after a loss is never fun, but they are ready to get back and get a win.

Sophomore running back Austin Bolton had 23 carries for 158 yards and a score. Junior running back Jesse Pernell chipped in with 20 carries for 88 yards.

 Senior wide receiver Eric Henry stretched the field with four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown reception.

Although Poplarville will make the playoffs regardless of the outcome on Friday, Beech sees the game as a must-win.

“We have to handle our business in Columbia. They are a really good team, but we do not doubt ourselves. Columbia has a really good running back. He’s probably the best back we’re gonna play all year. They have a really good quarterback who can throw, and good offensive line. Their defense takes a lot of chances. They blitz their linebackers a lot,” Beech said.

If Poplarville wins, they will receive either a fourth or a fifth seed and if they lose, they will be a fourth seed.