The Poplarville Hornets have blazed a trail through the last four games, winning by a margin of 21.25 points per game.

On Friday, the Hornets take on the Forrest County Agricultural Aggies, who have won two out of their past three games.

Over the past two games, freshman quarterback Evan Clark led the Aggies. Prior to his appearance, senior quarterback Roy’Quez McNair was at the helm. However, it’s unknown why the change occurred.

“We want to keep it a mystery,” FCAHS Athletic Director Austin Alexander said.

Clark is 9 for 26 with 155 total passing yards so far this season and has yet to reach the end zone. However, McNair has thrown five touchdowns throughout the season with 514 passing yards to his name. The last time McNair stepped on the field was on Sept. 9 against North Forrest High School.

The Aggies’ running game is just as confusing as the passing game, as they have five players who have rushed for over 94 yards this season. Only two—Cornelius Smith and Toriano Moye—have reached the end zone. No one in the backfield has exceeded 200 total yards this season for the Aggies.

Poplarville has a more pronounced style of play, and after scoring nine rushing touchdowns in last week’s game, it is no mystery as to what that is.

The Hornets have something that only eight other schools can say they possess, and that is a candidate for the Mississippi Player of the Year—running back Austin Bolton.

He has seven touchdowns so far this season while swarming 673 total yards on the ground. Along with Bolton is the Hornets’ captain Jesse Pernell, who has found the end zone nine times throughout his 571 rushing yards on the season. This duo could very well be one of the most potent backfields in Mississippi, due to their impressive production of a combined 248.8 yards per game.

Poplarville’s offensive line not only opens gaps for its two stars in the backfield, but it can also protect the quarterback Antonio Barnes when he necessary. The sophomore signal caller produces when his team needs it with four touchdowns, 313 total passing yards and a quarterback rating of 106.4 this season.

The 4-1 (1-0) Poplarville Hornets host the 2-4 (1-0) FCAHS Aggies Friday at 7 p.m. in a district matchup.