The return of South Lamar County Classic between Purvis and Lumberton last year was as exciting as fans could ask between the two schools that are roughly eight minutes apart.
After a 12-year hiatus, the matchup did not disappoint, with Purvis holding on for a 33-28 victory after the Tornadoes held off a 20-point second-half comeback by the Panthers.
“This is a family ordeal,” Lumberton coach Jonathan Ladner said. “These two communities are so close. The kids are related and work together. It’s bragging rights. They have been able to brag for a year that they beat us. We get an opportunity to maybe flip the script.”
Last week, Purvis tied Pearl River Central 6-6 in its jamboree, while Lumberton fell to Seminary 14-6.
Both sides return a large portion of their starters, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and both coaches are anticipating another high-scoring game.
“I expect this is going to be the same (as last year),” Purvis coach Brad Hankins said. “Their kids are going to be excited, and our kids are going to be excited. It’s a rivalry game. We are eight minutes apart. My guys know their guys. It’ll come down to the fourth quarter again. I fully believe that.”
Lumberton is led by quarterback Chase Toney, who threw for over 1,300 yards and accounted for 17 touchdowns, along with a veteran offensive line and wide receiver corps.
“We have to prepare for everything,” Hankins said. “I think they’ll be throwing it with their quarterback. He’s a phenomenal athlete back there. What’s scary is that if it breaks down, then (he can show) how fast and how good he is with the ball in his hands. You have to emphasize keeping him in the pocket and not letting him get loose. He’s a game changer.”
Purvis also brings back experienced quarterback Jojo Parker, who also accounted for over 1,300 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. But unlike the Panthers, Purvis returns running back Moses Cummings, who ran for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns last season. In last year’s game, Cummings ran for 161 yards on 23 carries.
“I hope we can score many points,” Ladner said. “If we execute the plays, then I think the guys that we have got can put up some points. Purvis is dangerous on offense. Moses is unreal. He’s a big, strong and scrappy kid that runs hard. When you throw in the Parker brothers and a couple of other skill guys that are stepping up, it gives you problems when a team that can run it. Then add in a good quarterback with receivers that he can throw it to. It’s going to take a good defensive effort this week to keep them at bay and out of the endzone.”
“I don’t think it’s much of a secret that the guys we are counting on are the guys we are counting on from last year as well. We are healthy and excited about the rivalry with Purvis and having it being played again for a second straight year. The kids are excited and have been talking about it for several days.”
Unlike last year, the game will not be held at the neutral site Oak Grove High School. Purvis will host the game, but kickoff has been pushed back to 8 p.m. due to heat concerns.
“We didn’t want people to sit in the stands for an hour if we had back (the game) up,” Hankins said. “We tried to be proactive on that deal and kick it off at eight. There’s nobody going to be on Friday night early anyway.”
