With district play starting this week for most teams, I thought it would be a good idea to break down what these teams will be up against in each district. Purvis and Sumrall are the lone teams that aren’t starting district play this week, and the two will get started next week with a matchup against each other.
Region 3-6A
This has been the best 6A region in the south since there have been six classifications, and that’s the case this season as well. Jim Hill, George County, Meridian and Brandon have losing overall records, but let’s be real about Meridian and Brandon; the two have played tough non-region schedules. Both teams will be a tough win for either Petal or Oak Grove.
Pearl is ranked the No. 1 team in the state by some polls, and Terry is off to a 4-1 start, too. In my opinion, every team other than Jim Hill and George County has an argument to make the playoffs. I’m very big on Oak Grove competing for district title, assuming the Warriors are healthy, and I’ll never count out Petal.
Pearl is the clear favorite, but the final three playoff spots are certainly open.
Region 4-5A
Surprisingly, Hattiesburg is the only team that has finished non-region play with an undefeated record, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers will run away with the division. Teams like Picayune, Stone, Long Beach and Wayne County are legitimate threats.
I expect Picayune to be the favorite once again, but I’ve been a little surprised by how Long Beach has started the season. The Bearcats dropped their first game last Friday against undefeated Greene County, but they’ve had big wins over lesser opponents.
I think Hattiesburg and Picayune will be 1-2 in the region come the end of the season, and the Tigers will have to travel down Interstate-59 for the second straight season to try and knock the Maroon Tide off.
Region 7-4A
Last season this region was a joke with two teams making the playoffs with losing records. What a difference one year makes, right?
Both Poplarville – the reigning region championships – and Greene County are 5-0, and Forrest County AHS and Sumrall have 4-1 records. New to the district, Lawrence County, is 3-2, and Purvis is sitting at the bottom with a 1-3 record. However, with one more non-region week for some of these teams, those games don’t matter.
Can Greene County keep it up for the rest of the season? Sure, but I still believe this is Poplarville’s region to lose. In fact, I think the Hornets have the best shot at making another trip to the 4A State Championship game.
Region 8-1A
Lumberton won this region last season, and I believe it is the team to beat this season, too. Stringer, Sacred Heart and East Marion have had decent showings in the non-region schedule, while Resurrection has started the season 1-4. I have to believe Resurrection will compete for the title despite the early season losing record because its first five opponents have a combined 19-3 record.
East Marion moved into the region after playing in 2A, and running back Jarveon Howard is the real deal. He can cause havoc for any team the Eagles play.
There is one interesting note about the seven teams in the region, though. Only Lumberton has combined to hold its opponents to less than 100 points. While every team has 100-plus points against them, the Panthers’ defense has only allowed 58 total points.
Follow Camal on Twitter via @PineBeltSPORTS or email him: camal@PineBeltSPORTS.com
