Since dropping its season opener, Petal has quietly won four straight games in a dominant fashion.
In the grand scheme, the Panthers would be four points away from an undefeated recorded had they not lost to Hattiesburg. However, it was that season opener loss that Petal coach Marcus Boyles said was the confidence booster that his team needed.
"After that Hattiesburg game, they are a really good team. Even though we lost, we played them close, and it gave us some confidence," Boyles said. "They were good like they were supposed to be and obviously are. "I think the kids are playing with a lot of confidence right now. I think that's the key."
Part of the success stems from Petal (4-1) successfully implementing a two-quarterback system between junior Eli Causey and sophomore Fischer Howell.
"Our quarterback play out of both guys has been really good. Both quarterbacks are playing at a high level right now," Boyles said. "That's been a blessing.
"Eli is getting more reps than Fischer, but when Fischer comes in, he makes plays. Those guys support each other. That's been the biggest thing with those guys supporting each other. Would both of them like to get every rep, certainly. That's what I like about them, but they understand that both deserve to play. There is no division on our team with those guys because those guys get along great.”
In the last four games, Petal has outscored teams 180-35, including last week's 52-14 victory over Long Beach. Boyles credits his defense for the team's string of success, especially Jaylen Doss, who has 23 tackles, three sacks and two tackles for loss.
"Our defense has played great, Boyles said. "Jaylen Doss is playing really well for us. He's playing with great technique. His motor is running extremely high. He is doing everything. He's been a leader on that side."
The Panthers close out non-region play with its most formidable opponent since opening the season against Hattiesburg. Petal will face Picayune (3-2), which has scored wins against 7A powers D'Iberville (28-19) and Ocean Springs (38-35) and taken losses against Brandon (60-34) and Gulfport (41-21).
"I haven't played them in a few years, but I turned the film on, and it's the same Picayune, just different numbers and names on the back of the jerseys," Boyles said. "That's why we scheduled this game with them. Looking at our schedule that we were playing, we knew that we were going to play a couple of games that were not going to be real physical for us. We needed someone that would be a physical matchup because that's what our district is."
The Maroon Tide are led by running back Darrell Smith, who has already rushed for 1,037 yards. The Louisiana commit has averaged 8.2 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns.
"He's a typical Picayune running back, Boyles said. "He has great vision. He runs hard. It's the same plays with another great running back. The first man is not going to tackle him. You've got to gang-tackle this guy."
On defense, the Maroon Tide's leading tackler is Jeremiah Grant, with 28 tackles, but Nolan Wilson has posted a team-leading seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.
"When you look at them on that side, they are playing a lot of people," Boyles said. "They have some offensive linemen who have to play on that side of the ball. They will be just physical. They are going to bring linebackers. They are going to be in man coverage. They are going to challenge your receivers every single snap. It's an aggressive defense."
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