The Mississippi High School Activities Association will crown six football champions Friday and Saturday in games at the University of South Mississippi's M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg.
Here is a class by class breakdown of the contests:
CLASS 6A
Oak Grove was defeated by Petal 21-7 during the regular season, but the Warriors scored three fourth quarter touchdowns for a 35-28 victory over the Panthers in the South State final. Damon Stewart threw four TD passes for Oak Grove, including the game winner, 15 yards to Tavion Smith, with four minutes left.
Oxford also reversed an earlier decision in defeating Starkville 25-16 in the South State final. The Chargers' only loss was to Starkville 45-17 the second game of the season.
CLASS 5A
Picayune is the state's highest scoring team averaging 52 points a game, including a 49-14 victory over West Jones in the South State final. The Maroon Tide is led by senior Cameron Thomas, the state's leading runner with more than 3,000 yards. He ran for two touchdowns against West Jones, giving him 45 for the season,
West Point is seeking a fourth straight championship following a 20-7 victory over Neshoba Central in the North State final. Seniors Brandon Harris and Dantariyus Cannon have both run for more than 1,000 yards for the Green Wave.
CLASS 4A
Corinth has won 12 on a row since a 38-35 loss to Tupelo the second game of the season, including a 31-14 victory over unbeaten Greenwood in the North State final. Greenwood cut a 14-0 first quarter deficit to 17-14 through three quarters, but Corinth pulled away with two final period touchdowns.
Poplarville finished second behind Greene County in Region 7-4A, but reached the championship game with victories over St. Stanislaus, North Pike, South Pike and Lawrence County 38-14 in the South State final. Zac Owens and Casin Sones each ran for two touchdowns and Zach Carpenter booted five PATs and a 35-yard field goal for Poplarville against Lawrence County.
CLASS 3A
In its first year since dropped down from 4A, Noxubee County was defeated by Choctaw County 28-18 during the regular season. But the Tigers won the rematch in the North State final 33-7. Travorus Hatcher ran for two touchdowns and Marlon Windham ran for one and threw for one.
Jefferson Davis County was 2-5 following three straight midseason losses, but has won seven in a row, including a 27-7 victory over previously unbeaten Columbia in the South State final. The Jaguars trailed 7-6 at the half, but scored three second half touchdowns, while blanking Columbia after intermission. Jefferson Davis County is seeking its second championship in three years.
CLASS 2A
Taylorsville is in the championship game for the third year in a row. The Tartars defeated Winona in the 2017 title game but lost to Scott Central last year. Taylorsville got another shot at Scott Central in the South State final this year and came away with a 14-6 victory. The Tartars are led by junior quarterback Ty Keyes, who has thrown for 11,877 yards in three years.
Northside is the lone undefeated team still standing following a 14-6 North State victory over Charleston. Gator touchdowns came on a 42-yard pass from Ja'Terrance Moore to Karltaus Burrage and a 35-yard interception return by Tyrese Grayer. North Side is in its second year of existence, the result of the merger of John F. Kennedy and Broad Street.
CLASS 1A
Nanih Waiya stopped a two-point conversion attempt by Noxapater in the fourth quarter for a 21-20 victory in the North State final. The Warriors are seeking a second straight state title.
Lumberton squeaked by Leflore County 29-28 in the third round of the playoffs, but had no trouble against Richton in the South State final, winning 55-7. Lumberton is led 1A Mr. Football Robert Henry, who totaled 355 yards and five TDs running and passing against Richton,
Game Times
Friday
3A – 11 a.m. – Noxubee County (10-5) vs Jefferson Davis County (9-5)
1A – 3 p.m. – Lumberton (12-3) vs Nanih Waiya (13-2)
6A – 7 p.m. — Oak Grove (11-3) vs. Oxford (13-1)
Saturday
4A – 11 a.m. – Poplarville (9-5) vs. Corinth (13-1)
2A – 3 p.m. – Taylorsville (14-1) vs. Northside (14-0)
5A – 7 p.m. – Picayune (14-1) vs. West Point (14-1)
