Following Poplarville’s first State Championship victory, Head Coach Jay Beech and MVP Ty Keys recap the historic night!

In case you missed it, the Poplarville Hornets just won their first ever State Championship title, and boy did it have everything! From interceptions, two point conversions, onside kicks, and so much more, there was never an ounce of boredom or quietness in this game.

This was Poplarville’s fifth trip to the state championship, and Head Coach Jay Beech said he believes this team finally brought it home because they had the most heart.

“Well honestly I thought we’ve brought better teams to this game, nothing against our guys now, but that just shows the heart and determination they had,” said Head Coach Jay Beech. “We’ve gotten beat on a two-point conversion and we’ve had some heartbreakers, but tonight went our way”

“We’ve got a lot more heart, we’re all together, and we all feed off each other and play better,” said Ty Keys.

Sophomore running back Ty Keys has been on the majority of the season due to injury, but had a lights out championship game resulting in 130 yards rushing, 23 carries and two touchdowns. His first touchdown was a 83-yard kickoff return to the house, which he believes changed the energy for the Hornets.

“Oh that changed all the momentum right there,” said Keys. “Everybody fed off of that and we just got it. Let’s go!”

“He’s a burst. He’s that tailback that we need that can break one,” said Beech. “Our other guys have done an outstanding job all year. We won 10 to 11 games without him, but we need players like that to win the State Championship title.”

During the championship celebration, Keys rightfully was named the Most Valuable Player. As just a sophomore, we’re in for a treat when it comes to Ty and the rest of the Poplarville Hornets. Congratulations again to the green and gold!