Starting this week, we will discuss 15 potential must-see games in this upcoming high school football season. In no particular order, the first installment of the three-part series:
Meridian vs. Petal
The Panthers’ schedule is loaded this season. The first five of seven games are against playoffs teams from last season, a much-improved Oak Grove team and a New Orleans-based power. After playing a lesser team in Jim Hill, Petal’s final home game will come against these Wildcats in a most likely must-win game.
It’s going to be tough to find wins in this regions this season, but the Panthers will have to protect home field when it comes to takes like Pearl, Brandon and Meridian. If Petal can escape with a win here, it’ll have two road games to George County and Terry with a chance to finish the regular season off strong.
Jackson Prep vs. PCS
After the two games last year, how could this not be included in the list of my top 15 most anticipated games this season? I had the pleasure of watching both games in 2016, and neither disappointed. Everybody knows the Jackson MAIS schools are already rivals. I’d love to take on a Jackson Prep-Jackson Academy game, but it seems PCS and Prep have formed a little rivalry of its own.
The Bobcats will have to answer a lot of questions before this game is played, but this game could be in a good spot on the schedule. It’ll have played five games before these two kickoff in Hattiesburg on Sept. 22, and that might be just enough time for the PCS offense to get rolling.
Head coach Joey Hawkins said as much in our Football Preview Magazine that comes out in a few weeks.
Oak Grove vs. Pearl
Pearl won the region last year with a junior-heavy team, and I’ve made the comparison that this season’s Oak Grove team is a lot like last season’s Pearl team. Unfortunately, Pearl and Oak Grove are in the same region, so this game could determine a lot for playoff positioning.
The Warriors have some tough games leading up to this Oct. 27 matchup at Pearl, but if they can get a leg-up on the Pirates, the Warriors host Jim Hill to finish off the regular season.
Hattiesburg vs. Picayune
Boy did this game have some fireworks last season. The Maroon Tide was rushing machine last season, having a 2,000-yard rusher, a 1,000-yard rusher and two backs with more than 500 yards. The Tigers defense should be pretty solid this year, and since Picayune lost two of those guys, who knows how potent it’ll be this season.
The game comes on the heels of a three-game road trip on the schedule, too, and both team’s should have an identity by that point in the season.
Purvis vs. Poplarville
Last season this game decided the region champion, and it could very well be the same scenario this year. Purvis is loaded and Poplarville brings back talent, so why not? I think some other teams in region will be improved, but not enough to compete with either of these teams.
I easily see a 3-0 Purvis team traveling down to Poplarville for the second-to-last game of the season, similar to last season.
