High School
Oak Grove (4-3, 0-1 Region 3-7A)
Oak Grove couldn’t find balance in a 28-21 home loss to Petal. Quarterback Kellen Hall threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, all to Kendrell Roberts Jr., who caught eight passes for 113 yards. But the Warriors were under 100 yards rushing as Petal’s defense controlled the trenches. Oak Grove erased a 14-0 deficit but couldn’t answer the Panthers’ final drive. The Warriors head to Meridian (2-4) next week.
Hattiesburg (4-2, 1-0 Region 3-6A)
Hattiesburg opened Region 3-6A play with a dominant 43-0 shutout at Jim Hill on Thursday. Quarterback Gavin Ducksworth threw for 201 yards and five touchdowns, including three to Davion Young, who finished with 146 yards on three catches. The Tigers erupted for 29 second-quarter points to take full control, also recording two safeties in the win. Coach Kendall Lacey praised his team’s energy and execution in earning its first shutout of the season. Hattiesburg’s explosive offense rolled behind Ducksworth, Young and Tristan Keys, while the defense held strong from start to finish. The Tigers travel to play Forrest Hill (1-6) this week.
Petal (5-2, 1-0 Region 3-7A)
Petal imposed its will at the line of scrimmage Friday, grinding out a 28-21 win at Oak Grove. It was the Panthers first win against Oak Grove since 2019. With receiver Trey Barnes sidelined late in the first half, the Panthers leaned on the ground game, rushing for more than 200 yards. Acley Brown ran for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while Caiden Belton added two scores and 145 passing yards. Petal’s defense held Oak Grove to 48 rushing yards and came up with stops late to seal it. The Panthers travel to Brandon (3-3) this week.
Lumberton (3-2, 1-0 Region 8-1A)
The Panthers have won two straight after a region opening win against Richton 19-6. Lumberton is back at home this week against Resurrection (1-6).
Sumrall (5-2, 0-1 Region 3-5A)
Sumrall came up just short in its Class 5A debut, falling 6-0 at South Jones on Friday. The Bobcats moved the ball well but couldn’t finish drives, missing two field goals and committing key penalties in scoring range. Gavin Glass led Sumrall with 69 rushing yards, while the defense shined, holding a South Jones offense averaging 35 points to just 233 total yards. Talik Parkman and the defensive front recorded three sacks and forced two field-goal attempts, but the Braves’ defense held firm. Sumrall opens its home region slate next week against Brookhaven (4-2, 1-0).
Forrest County AHS (4-2, 1-1 Region 8-4A)
The Aggies lost to Pass Christian 36-8, dropping their third out of their last four games. FCAHS offense has really struggled to consistently put-up points, and Friday night was no different. The Aggies have a much-needed bye week this week before hosting Bay on October 24.
North Forrest (2-5, 1-1 Region 8-2A)
The Falcons couldn’t muster enough offense or defense to slow down East Marion in a 36-8 loss. North Forrest drops to 1-1 in region play and host Sacred Heart (4-3, 0-1) this Friday.
PCS (5-2, 1-0 Region 8-3A)
PCS survived a thriller against Greene County 44-41 with a walk off 41-yard field goal by Ben Goodwin. The Bobcats improve to 5-2 (1-0) in a remarkable turnaround for first year head coach Richard Chambliss. PCS hosts West Marion (5-2, 2-0) this Friday in the Pine Belt Sports Game of the Week.
Purvis (4-2, 1-0 Regions 4-5A)
Brad Hankins team is playing their best football all season. The Tornadoes, fresh off a bye, handled East Central 26-16 on the road to open region play. Purvis goes on the road at Stone (3-3, 1-0) this week in a pivotal matchup.
Sacred Heart (4-3, 0-1 Region 8-2A)
Sacred Heart dropped its second straight contest vs Columbia Academy 38-10 in non-region play. The Crusaders will battle North Forrest on the road this week in just the third ever meeting between the two programs.
College
Jones (4-2, 1-2 MACCC South)
Jones College picked up a much-needed division win Thursday, defeating No. 9 Hinds 31-21. Bobcats had two 100-yard rushers for the second time this season as Jevarion Glover ran for 121 yards and a touchdown and Ky’Yon Harris added 114 yards and two scores. Glover also threw for 117 yards, accounting for 238 total. The defense came up big with a Kelton McLaurin interception that led to an early score, while Christian Baglione added a field goal and four PATs. Jones hosts East Central next Thursday in Decatur.
Pearl River (1-5, 0-4 MACCC South)
Pearl River but couldn’t keep pace with No. 12 Copiah-Lincoln in a 39-7 road loss. Austin Jones connected with Bishop McGruder for a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter to briefly give the Wildcats a 7-6 lead, but Co-Lin responded with 16 unanswered points before halftime and pulled away in the second half. Jones finished 9-of-16 passing for 94 yards and a score, while Howard Kinchen caught four passes for 50 yards. Daniel Pickens led PRCC defensively with 13 tackles. The Wildcats travel to East Mississippi next week.
Southern Miss (4-2, 2-0 Sun Belt)
Southern Miss picked up its first road win since 2023 on Thursday, holding off Georgia Southern 38-35 in Statesboro. Braylon Braxton threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while Jeffery Pittman powered the ground game with 140 yards and two scores on 31 carries. The Golden Eagles built a 28-7 halftime lead behind Braxton’s 50-yard strike to Tychaun Chapman and a 30-yarder to Carl Chester. The defense came up with three interceptions — from Jonathan Pennix, Michael Montgomery and Josh Moten — to hold off a late Georgia Southern rally. Southern Miss travels to Louisiana next Saturday
