Gulfport Admirals cruise past Ocean Springs in 42-3 Regional showdown

GULFPORT, Miss. — Week Six kicked off with a familiar matchup in Class 7A Region 4 as the Gulfport Admirals welcomed the Ocean Springs Greyhounds for both teams’ first regional test of the 2026 season.

Gulfport wasted little time setting the tone. Quarterback Jackson Wolverton got the Admirals moving early, finding sophomore Syniker Taylor on a run for a first down before connecting with JoJo Thomas to move the chains again. On the very next play, Wolverton handed the ball to JoJo Thomas, who found a crease and took it to the house for a Gulfport touchdown. The extra point was good, giving the Admirals a 7-0 lead with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Ocean Springs struggled to find its footing offensively, and Gulfport’s defense continued to make an impact. Cordarious Payton came up with a big tackle for loss before freshman Greyhounds quarterback Khalif Ragin tried to go deep. Gulfport’s Junior cornerback Jayonne Pollard tracked down the pass for a big interception, then turned up field to fight for additional yards after the turnover.

Payton continued making plays on both sides of the ball, picking up another Gulfport first down on the ground. The Admirals couldn’t capitalize on the ensuing possession, giving Ocean Springs another opportunity to get on the board.

Kalif Ragin found Lanny Waltman in space, and Waltman broke loose down the field, racing toward the end zone. But Cannon Parker and Pollard tracked him down just short of the goal line for a touchdown-saving tackle. The Greyhounds then fumbled, ending another promising drive.

From there, Gulfport took control and never looked back. The Admirals went on to score 42 points while holding Ocean Springs to just three, cruising to a 42-3 victory in their regional opener. With the win, Gulfport moves to 1-0 in Class 7A Region 4 play. Ocean Springs will look to bounce back next week when the Greyhounds take on D’Iberville.