Fans around the Pine Belt know high school football is back when Hattiesburg and Petal line up to open the season in the Leaf River Rivalry. With the schools separated by just a few miles and the Leaf River running between them, the matchup has always been about more than football. It’s about bragging rights, community pride and setting the tone for the season ahead.
But this year it’s a bit different for one side.
For the first time since 2012, there will be no Tony Vance on the Hattiesburg sideline. First-year head coach Kendall Lacey takes over the Tigers, tasked with establishing his own identity while continuing the program’s recent success. Last season, Hattiesburg went 13-1 and reached the state championship game.
“Coach Vance did a great job,” Lacey said. “It’s always tough coming after someone who has been somewhere for so long and had the type of success that he has had, and trying to leave my own mark on it. For both communities this game means a lot, so I just hope we can put a good product on the field.”
Across the river, it’s business as usual for Petal. Head coach Marcus Boyles enters his 10th Leaf River Rivalry with a 5-4 record against Hattiesburg.
“I’ve been here and been through a lot of these games,” Boyles said. “It’s always a big game, great atmosphere. Both teams get up to play each other, and it’s a fun game for our kids and a fun game to coach in.”
The rivalry itself has been about as balanced as possible. The series sits dead even, with 12 wins apiece. But for Lacey, the recent trend matters most: Petal has won four of the last five.
“We’ve got to play with an edge,” Lacey said. “They are very well-coached. We have to make sure we are motivated and clicking on all cylinders and we start fast. In games like this, one mistake can change the outcome.”
Tigers lean on playmakers
One way for Hattiesburg to start fast is by getting Tristen Keys involved early. The five-star LSU commit hauled in 58 catches for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
“Tristen brings a dynamic perspective to our passing game and our run game because of how he blocks,” Lacey said. “Hopefully, we can do a great job of getting him the ball in space and giving him opportunities to be successful as a receiver.”
Petal’s game plan for Keys will be straightforward.
“You can’t give up the big play, plain and simple,” Boyles said. “We have to play great technique. Obviously, Keys is a great player, but they have other guys around him who are really, really good too. So, he’s not the only one they’ve got.”
Hattiesburg also features a deep backfield led by Haedyn Leverette (939 yards, eight TDs). Senior Tony Scott III adds versatility, while Bryson Barnes and Davion Young, a transfer from North Forrest with back-to-back 1,000-yard all-purpose seasons, round out the group.
Defensively, the Tigers return linebacker Emarion Price (102 tackles, 11 TFLs). The secondary is led by Anthony Ponce (50 tackles, two INTs) and John Tarvin (31 tackles, two INTs). The defensive line will feature new faces, but rising talents such as Bryson Keys, Antavion Allen, Devonta Barnes, Tyronne Dewberry and Keshaun Lenore — who has SEC and Power Four offers — are expected to fill the void.
Panthers confident after 2024 run
Petal comes into the season confident after finishing 8-5 and reaching the second round of the playoffs in Boyles’ first year back.
“Our kids have a little more confidence than they had a year ago,” Boyles said. “We have a senior-led ball club. We had a little success last season, and they are hungry to build off that success starting Friday night.”
The Panthers welcome transfer quarterback Caiden Belton from East Marion, where he threw for 1,590 yards and 16 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability should complement an already proven ground game.
That rushing attack is led by Chavez Walker (705 yards, six TDs) and Acely Brown (944 yards, 11 TDs), who combined for more than 1,600 yards last year.
Defensively, Petal is anchored by Texas commit Corey Wells and fellow lineman Trey Bridges. Inside linebackers Kullan Hitson and Boris Baker bring stability, while Chris Wells, Amari Bowman and Dawshawn Jones hold down the outside. The secondary features Carmello Ross, Jy Moore and McKenzie Washington.
More than just a game
As is tradition, both teams enter the rivalry with expectations and talent, but it is the intangibles that often decide the outcome.
“Throughout the years it’s usually a one-score game,” Boyles said. “This game goes to four quarters and our kids understand that.”
For Lacey, Friday is his introduction to the Leaf River Rivalry, but he already knows the stakes.
“I just want to see us rally to the football and be where we are supposed to be,” Lacey said. “You have to have success in all three phases of the game in games like this, not just offense and defense. You can’t get caught up in the theatrics of these games. Because at 7 p.m. on Friday, it doesn’t matter if you’re Hattiesburg or you’re Petal, you’re going to play a football game. So you need to make sure you’re ready to go.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at D.I. Patrick Stadium in Hattiesburg.
