As the high school football playoffs approach my initial thought is to keep my fingers crossed.
Right now every team that has made the playoffs has a legitimate chance to make a run for a championship. With that said, I’ll be holding my breath that COVID-19 doesn’t mess with any of the area teams in our coverage area.
Almost like last basketball season, the area has several football coaching jobs as well as player season performances that would lead to season accolades for any other news outlet. I have to say it keeps my job interesting. If you didn’t guess that already.
Coaches
Honestly, any coach who successfully coached through COVID-19 should get a reward, but I digress.
Drew Causey
Oak Grove’s Drew Causey looks to be gearing up for a third consecutive run for an appearance in the 6A state championship game. It’s hard to believe that the Warriors can easily reload with so much talent. Maybe the third time is the charm for the Warriors?
Zach Jones
Like Causey, Lumberton is also looking to be back in the state title game for Class 1A. Lumberton has come close several times, but maybe 2020 will be the year. Jones is the area’s reigning COY. He has churned out some amazing teams, but his defense will be one for the books. The dominance the Panthers have had this year is unlike any other so far.
Shannon White
Sumrall’s Shannon White has dealt with probably the most chaotic year a coach could deal with. Sumrall got off to an 0-4 start. They could have been 2-0 after losing two close games. However, after the first two games, Sumrall was shut out in back-to-back weeks. As the season looked lost, Sumrall won the first two games of its region to be tied for first place. Again, another curveball was thrown as COVID-19 forced the Bobcats to forfeit three straight weeks. You would think they would miss the playoffs, but again his bunch preserved and upset Richland in the first round with a backup quarterback. You have to tip your hat.
Tony Vance
Since Hattiesburg’s 49-38 loss to Picayune the Tigers faced four straight weeks of being possibly eliminated from the playoffs. Hattiesburg had to win out with its season on the line each week. Hattiesburg rattled off four straight wins with its defense going from good to great. Hattiesburg closed the season with an upset win over East Central to finish the regular season. The Tigers face a favorable matchup to start the 5A playoffs and could get a revenge against Pascagoula, who almost derailed Hattiesburg’s season. The Tigers could make a run, especially since Hattiesburg missed the playoffs last year.
Derek White
Lastly, PCS’ 1-11 season is long forgotten, as Derek White has put together the program’s most successful year since its undefeated season. White struggled early on, but PCS is a team to worry about in the MAIS world.
Players
Is it really shocking that the Pine Belt has what seems a never ending list of talented football players? No, but it’s always fun to argue who is best every year.
Marquis Crosby
As you may have read throughout this last edition, you may have noticed PCS running back Marquis Crosby’s name mentioned.
Crosby not only returned from an ankle injury but has made his season one for the books — literally.
Kabe Barnett
Oak Grove’s Kabe Barnett has been phenomenal. As if the quarterback bar wasn’t high enough after John Rhys Plumlee and Damion Stewart left their marks, Barnett has proven that he can raise it.
I would venture to say when his career is said and done Barnett will go down as being better than his two former teammates.
Robert Henry
Lumberton’s Robert Henry has been the backbone of the Panthers’ success for several years now. I think that he is easily the best player in 1A.
Henry can do it all on offense and he is as big of a contributor on defense. His explosiveness as a player is simply hard to ignore.
Andrew Abadie of Pine Belt Sports can be reached via email at andrew@pinebeltsports.com. Follow him on Twitter: @PineBeltSPORTS or @AndrewAbadie.
