Purvis will finally get to open its football season on the road against Leake Central. However, COVID-19 problems have caused havoc for the Tornados right before the start of the season.
Purvis was originally supposed to open the year against Lumberton. That game was then downgraded to a scrimmage and then ultimately canceled due to COVID-19 quarantines.
“The numbers change every day,” Purvis coach Brad Hankins said. “Day by day, we get one back and then possibly losing another one. We are not shut down by any of that or anything like that. We are just excited to get the season kicked off.”
Last week, Leake Central suffered a 47-20 loss to 2A power Kemper County. Despite the loss, Hankins believes the Gators are still a talented team and will be a tough season opener.
“They are athletic,” Hankins said. “Coach (Bryant Thomas) does a good job with them. It’s going to be a test right out of the gate for us.”
Leake Central’s offense is centered around junior quarterback Jarkea Reed, who scored all three touchdowns on the ground by running for 181 yards on 20 carries. However, the Gators primarily run a spread offense, and Reed was just 2-of-12 last week as he threw for 19 yards an interception.
“They are going to be spread mostly,” Hankins said. “They have athletes all over the place and are big up front. It’s going to be a test for us. We have a bunch of young guys, and it’s their first time under the lights on Friday night.
“(Reed is) electric. He is special. I’m not sure if we could pull his flag in a phone booth.”
On defense last season, the Gators gave up an average of 25 points per game. However, in Leake Central’s final four games of the year, the Gators won three to get into the playoffs, which was largely due to the defense holding teams to 19 points in that span.
“They are ultra-aggressive,” Hankins said. “They are going to try and lock up with you and play man and bring pressure.
“Their secondary guys can really run. That’s the big thing. Nothing is going to come easy on Friday.”
For Hankins, the biggest worry he has heading into game week is the burden of trying to put together a normal week of practice. Yet with the hurricane canceling Monday and Purvis still trying to juggle its roster numbers.
“(Leake Central) played a scrimmage and a ball game,” Hankins said. “We have been back and forth with being shut down. Now you add in the hurricane when you are thinking it’ll be a normal week of practice. That’s out the window now. It’s going to be an adventure this week.”
