5A South State Championship Preview: Picayune vs Laurel

Picayune is another perennial powerhouse that is no stranger to holding Thanksgiving week practices, having been to the South State Championship now four times in the last six years.

Back in the semi-finals after a one year hiatus, falling to West Jones and eventual 5A State champs last season, the Maroon Tide Boasts the top rushing offense in Mississippi in both yards (4,422) and touchdowns (64).

The work horse behind over half of those yards on the ground is senior Dante Dowdell, one of just four 2,000-yard running backs in the state this season.

This Friday, Picayune hosts Laurel with the Golden Tornadoes leading the all-time series record between the two programs, 16-9.

Senior defensive tackle Dakeyvon Jones said, “We’re working really hard to stop the run. They say that real powerhouse teams will be working hard to stop the run and make sure the quarterback doesn’t get outside the lines.”

Senior tight end Justin Martz said, “It’s going to be a fight. It always is against them with us. It’s always going to be a fight. We’re just going to do the same thing we always do. Take it slow and come out hard and fast and wear them down.”

Picayune head football coach Cody Stogner said, “We’re going to attack each day like we’ve done since Week 1. You know, we’re going to work on getting better at Picayune football and doing the things that we can control.”

Senior tight end Justin Martz said, “Just being out here– it’s just a blessing just to be saying that we’re practicing on Thanksgiving.”

Kickoff for the 5A South State Championship game is 7pm Friday at Picayune.