News 25’s 25 Teams in 25 Days: Picayune Maroon Tide
There’s always more history to be made at stop number nine on News 25’s 25 Teams in 25 Days where the Picayune Maroon Tide just went back-to-back for the first time in program history. They’re now looking to go back-to-back-to-back for the first time in program history.
“I say that’s how Picayune was raised. As soon as the game is over, the State Championship, we have our night and we reset that next day. We lay our head down. We reset, and we’re thinking grind season is back on.”
“We’re always hungry, man. Even though we’ve got two of them, that doesn’t mean nothing. We’ve got to come to work every day. Everybody wants to beat Picayune.”
“It’s amazing to be a part of this family, being coached by the best coach in the state. Like, you would love to be at Picayune.”
Life is good at Picayune Memorial High School, just about eight months removed from winning its second straight gold ball, now on the hunt for three in a row. Defensive end Jamonta Waller said, “I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just the hunger that we still have. It’s like when you get a piece of something and you want some more, so it’s something like that.”
The Maroon Tide made it look easy in 2022, going undefeated for the first time in school history with an average margin of victory of 26 points per game.
But Gautier took its best shot in the regular season finale, almost stealing away the Region 4 Class 5A title in a 48-42 overtime thriller. Running back Chris Davis said, “They were coming, but we were coming too. For our brothers we fight. Like I said, we just got in those trenches and we fought. We battled.”
Middle linebacker Amarion Tyson said, “Yeah, we learned from that mistake, then the second time we played them, it came out to a different story.”
In the second season, Picayune went onto take down Laurel, followed by a comeback victory over West Jones and then a South State rematch against the Gators in which the Tide broke character from its traditional 4-2-5 base defense, a risk that paid off in a big way.
The last dance being another rematch against West Point in the 5A state championship game and Picayune left the Green Wave on the dance floor yet again by way of a 31-21 triumph, good for its fifth title all-time. “That emotion was crazy, like seeing the whole town of Picayune there.”
“That night was a surreal night. We live to be in that moment.”
Quarterback Brady Robertson said, “When that clock was ticking down, I just remember I had chills, and it was just like, wow, because it’s what you look for your whole life.”
“You just get that feeling like, yeah, it’s time to ring me.”
Head Coach Cody Stogner said, “It’s not really for me. It’s these kids that put forth the effort. They’re the ones who are on the field for those 48 minutes and playing a game. Those seniors last year left their legacy here. Now it’s these seniors’ jobs to build on that legacy.”
‘They can, they will, they must’ is what they say in Picayune, a challenge that falls at the feet of the Maroon Tide’s 15-member senior class of 2024. The Tide also returning 15 starters, seven on offense, eight on defense, including several household names, starting with senior defensive end and Florida commit Jamonta Waller, the first five-star recruit from the six coastal counties in 15 years. “First step is crazy. As soon as the ball is snapped, in the backfield.”
“Stay humble and keep working. I’m truly blessed.”
“All of these guys that are really talented, they’ll be the first to tell you, they’re no better than the last person that gets off the bus. I think that’s what makes this team so special is one of them is not on a high horse walking around here like he’s the best thing since sliced bread.”
Last season, Waller led the way with 11-and-a-half sacks, but the team’s leading tackler, senior linebacker Amarion Tyson, fifth in the state with a 162.
Fourth year Head Coach Cody Stogner says he’s the spark plug to the whole operation. “The guy really, really appreciates life, and it makes you appreciate it even more too just being around him. His smile is infectious, and you can’t tell him that he’s only 5’6”. He plays like he’s about 6’5″ like he’s the best player on the field, and I’m glad he’s on our side.”
On the other side of the ball, senior quarterback and former News 25 Student Athlete of the Week Brady Robertson is the unsung hero.
Picayune obviously going to miss All-American running back, now Oregon freshman, Dante Dowdell, but the tide has a stable of backs waiting in the wings, including four-star Stanford commit Chris Davis and three-star recruit Darrel Smith who combined for 28 touchdowns last year. “It’s crazy to have an environment like this because not that many people have that environment to be around such good players that even though you’re a leader, they can lead you in ways that you haven’t been led yet.”
“Obviously, it’s a little different running style than what we’re used to with Dante, but it’s Picayune football. It’s next man up. We’ve moved on from last year, so we’re really excited about this group we’ve got there in the backfield.”
“(So, you guys aren’t going to the spread this year?) No, we’re not going to the spread this year, no.”
The power run has gotten Picayune this far, now riding a 26-game winning streak, with a new motto, heading into 2023. “Job’s not finished. We’re coming. I mean it ain’t over until it’s over.”
“Kind of stole that saying from the old Kobe Bryant thing in the finals that time when they asked him when they had that lead, and he said, well, the job’s not finished, and that’s kind of where we stole it from and kind of what we’re running with because last year is over with. We’ve got to move on.”
Next on Picayune’s to do list, winning its first-ever 6A state crown en route to its first-ever three-peat. At least, that’s the plan anyway. “One last ride, just go out with a big bang.”
“We will not be hunted. We’re the hunters.”
“Ride the wave or get out of the water.”
“We’re coming. We’re coming.”
Great test right out of the gate for Picayune in a road game versus Brandon on August 25th.
