Picayune Overcomes Dandy Dozen QB Anthony Alford, Defeats Petal

What an impressive start to the season by the Picayune Maroon Tide going 2-0 winning both games on the road against ranked opponents with last minute scores.  Last night they defeated the Petal Panthers who featured one of the top Quarterbacks in the Southeast in Anthony Alford.  The mobile Alford still finished with 148 yards on 14 carries, but two field goals by Dalton O'Meara and 245 yard Maroon Tide rushing attack brought them the victory.

Field goal on final play lifts Picayune over Petal

By Jason Munz, Hattiesburg American
PETAL – For 44 minutes Saturday night at Panther Stadium, Petal High essentially played mistake-free football against Picayune.
The Panthers committed just five penalties through the first three-and-a-half quarters compared to the Maroon Tide’s eight. Petal hadn’t turned the ball over, while Picayune had thrown one interception up to that point.
But Petal committed two crucial turnovers in the last 3 1/2 minutes of the game, with the second one sealing the victory for Picayune.
To continue reading:  http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110828/SPORTS/110827026/Field-goal-final-play-lifts-Picayune-over-Petal?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

Biloxi Unleashes Passing Attack To Spoil Gabe Fertitta's Debut At St. Stanislaus 33-20.

Just two years removed from winning the 4A State Championship under Head Coach Forest Williams and record setting QB Dylan Favre, the Rock-A-Chaws began a new coaching regime under Gabe Fertittta when Williams left to become the new head coach at Madison Ridgeland Academy.  A New Orleans native, Fertitta moves closer to home after coming to St. Stanislaus from Itawamba Community College where he was the Offensive Coordinator.  With an offensive mindset, Fertitta inherited a talented, proven passer in QB Bo Brennan who did an excellent job of following up Favre last season and is also very mobile as demonstrated by his three rushing touchdowns last night.

However, it was the Biloxi Indians passing attack who put on the best show Friday Night with a 4 touchdown performance from QB Jaylen Woullard to spoil Fertitta's debut with a 33-20 victory.  Nice recovery by the Indians who were beaten handidly in their opener last week by Pascagoula 41-24 in the Shrimp Bowl.  One bright spot for the Indians last week was the two touchdown performance by Wide Receiver Tevaris McCormick, including one on a punt return.  The 5-9, 170 pound junior also had a touchdown reception against St. Stanislaus, and if you are a recruitng junkie is definitely on to keep on the radar for the Class of 213, even if his size limits him to being a small school prospect.

Similar coaching circumstances between Biloxi and St. Stanislaus.  Biloxi Coach John Shannon is just in his second year and came to the Indians after being the Offensive Coordinator at Marshall University.  Shannon is also the former Offensive Coordinator at Jackson State, Troy State and Toledo.  Pretty good pedigree I must say.

Okay, enough of the past and more on the present.  Here is the intro and full article link from the game on the Sun Herald.  Copyright issues prevent me from pasting the whole story.  

BILOXI -- Biloxi’s ability to strike quickly proved to be the difference Friday night at Indian Stadium.
Indians quarterback Jaylen Woullard threw four touchdown passes as Biloxi roared to a 33-20 victory over St. Stanislaus.
Biloxi (1-1) jumped to a 33-0 lead before SSC rallied in Coach Gabe Fertitta’s debut with the Rockchaws. Quarterback Bo Brennan ran for three touchdowns to cut the lead to 33-20 with 6:20 remaining in the game.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/26/3379184/a-passing-fancy.html#ixzz1WEoU7aAD

St. Joseph Madison Dominates St. Patrick's Biloxi 38-7

While the purpose of this website is to highlight the rich heritage of football throughout the Gulf Coast Region, ironically in the first week of making this site public, my own alma mater, St. Joseph High School, made the long drive from Madison to face St. Patrick's of Biloxi, located only 5 miles from where I live.  So, instead of going to the high profile Long Beach/Hancock County matchup which featured multiple Division 1 prospects, I went to see my own high school play and it may have been their best performance I have ever seen. 

Then, in total defiance of my promotion on the quality of high school football on the Gulf Coast, the St. Joseph Bruins whipped the St. Patrick's Fighting Irish of Biloxi 38-7 in the inaugural match up between the two schools.  The Bruins thoroughly dominated, going up 28-0 at the end of the First Quarter. 

Most impressive was 6-2, 190 Pound Junior WR Nick Beasley, who led the Bruins with 3 touchdowns.  Beasley was a human highlight reel.  His most exciting touchdown was the first score of the game when he weaved his way through the St. Patrick's defense for 40 yards after quickly snagging an interception that bounced off the chest of a Fighting Irish WR after a bullet throw from QB Rickey Malone.  Beasley's other two touchdowns came off of long passes he hauled in from QB Peyton Willoughby after clearly beating the Fighting Irish defensive backs.  By the time Beasley becomes a Senior, he could be the first Blue Chip Recruit in the history of St. Joe.  It will just be interesting to see which side of the ball he lines up on.          

Pascagoula vs Ocean Springs Highlights MS Coast Week 2 Preview

Prep Week 2: Past meets present

By JAMES JONES, The Sun Herald

For the first time in three decades, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula (1-0) won’t be region rivals. The Panthers, which hammered Biloxi 41-10 in the Shrimp Bowl last week, dropped down to 5A this season.
“They have a good football team,” Panthers coach Lewis Sims said. “Ocean Springs is big and physical up front on offense and defense. Their running backs run hard and low, receivers catch well and run great routes.
“Linebackers play downhill with great aggression. Defensive backs are physical and tackle well. They are a well-coached team that plays hard from whistle to whistle. Special teams are phenomenal as always. We know we will need to compete on every play in order to have a chance to be successful. Coach (Ryan) Ross has done a great job preparing his team. We are in for a monumental challenge.”
Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/25/3376748/past-meets-present.html#ixzz1W9t0i4de

Domino Delivers In Fairhope Win Over Reigning 5A State Champ Spanish Fort

Chase Domino passes, runs Fairhope past rival Spanish Fort in season opener

By Robert Ladnier, Mobile Press-Register

FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Fairhope used a long fourth-quarter drive and a late goal line stand to hold off Class 5A No. 3 Spanish Fort 35-21 in the season opener for both teams at W.C. Majors Field on Thursday night.
The Pirates drove 80 yards in 12 plays for a late touchdown, chewing up 5:41 off the clock. Quarterback Chase Domino capped the drive on a 2-yard run with 6:12 left in the game, giving his team a two-touchdown lead.
Domino finished 11-for-16 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns and added 55 yards on seven carries and two more scores.
To continue reading:  http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/-4054283813710093380/chase-domino-passes-runs-fairhope-past-rival-spanish-fort-in-season-opener/

Davidson Gets Ugly Opening Win Over LeFlore In School-Night Struggle

Davidson clamps down on LeFlore despite struggling offense

By Josh Bean, Mobile Press-Register

MOBILE, Alabama -- If defense wins championships, Davidson might be on to something this season.
The Class 6A No. 5 Warriors (1-0) limited LeFlore to only 192 yards — and just 44 yards in the second half — and recorded six sacks in Thursday’s season-opening 13-7 victory over the Rattlers (0-1) at Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium.
“Pretty much, the defense won that game for us,” Davidson quarterback Cam Jackson said
For full article:  http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/-4054283813710093379/davidson-clamps-down-on-leflore-despite-struggling-offense/

Reigning 6A Champion Daphne Opens Against Tradition Rich Alma Bryant

Daphne football kicks off title defense tonight

By David Lee

Daphne’s football team has a target on its back this season.
The Trojans, who open the 2011 season today at 7 p.m. at Jubilee Stadium against visiting Alma Bryant enter this year’s campaign with a 6A No. 1-ranking after capturing the 6A state championship a year ago.
That means no teams are going to overlook them this time around and Daphne can’t afford to make any mistakes.
For full article:  http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/-8129503520260173809/daphne-football-kicks-off-title-defense-tonight/

Numerous Mobile Area Prospects Getting Early Scholarship Offers

High school stars must impress early to stand out in the high-stake world of recruiting

By Josh Bean, The Mobile Press Register

St. Paul’s linebacker Tre Williams first heard from Florida State assistant coach Dameyune Craig last winter.
    Fresh off a freshman season in which Williams led the Saints in tackles, Craig sat next to Williams’ mom during a basketball game and casually discussed Tre’s football future.
    A few months later, Williams received a scholarship offer from Florida State. Offers from Auburn and Alabama followed this summer.
For full article:  http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/1406053726744582430/high-school-stars-must-impress-early-to-stand-out-in-the-high-stake-world-of-recruiting/

QB Darian Monroe of East St. John Is Time Picayune's Preason Offensive Player Of The Year

Here is the link to The Times Picayune's all metro football team selection:  http://highschoolsports.nola.com/news/article/-6159015582488096149/preseason-prep-football-all-metro-teams/

Karr and Curtis Grab Tops Spots In New Orleans Preseason Football Rankings

Edna Karr and John Curtis are ranked #1 in the Times Picayune's preseason polls for big schools and small schools in the metro New Orleans area.  Here is the link for top 10 in each category:
http://highschoolsports.nola.com/news/article/-4954021397401553317/new-orleans-prep-football-preseason-rankings/

Maroon Tide Outlasts Admirals

Although heavily undersized and unable to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities, the Picayune Maroon Tide hung tight against the favored Gulfport Admirals and emerged victorious 17-14 with a one yard touchdown run by fullback Desmond Taylor with 25 seconds left to play.  Key players included senior running back Dereonte Magee who seems to be a suitable replacement for 2000 yard rusher Jamal Hall, and junior defensive end JaCorea Poole, who despite being just 5-10 and 183 pounds was in the Admirals backfield all night long.  A player recruiters may want to keep an eye on is 6-5, 270 pound Sophomore Offensive Tackle Demarcus Haralson.

Here is the article from the Sun Herald:

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Sports

Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011

0 comments

Maroon Tide rises over Admirals

1-yard scoring run with 25 seconds left is the difference

By JAMES JONES

I’ve been fortunate to have won a lot of big games over the years, but this win over Gulfport was fun,” Picayune coach Dodd Lee said. “Both teams showed a lot of heart.”

The game went back and forth in the fourth quarter, which the lead changed hands three times.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/19/3362842/maroon-tide-rises-over-admirals.html#ixzz1VbiIEZJx

Roman Rolls Over Biloxi

While he was not included on any preseason watch lists, Pascagoula Senior Running Back Roman Patton certainly made his case that he should have been, shredding the Biloxi defense for 204 yards rushing as the Panthers dominated the Indians 41-24 in the opening game of the Shrimp Bowl doubleheader.  It didn't matter whether Patton lined up at fullback or tailback, Biloxi couldn't stop him as he continually broke into the open field and right through the Indians defense.

Here is the article on the game from the Sun Herald:

Pascagoula’s Roman candle

Panther RB lights up Biloxi’s defense for 204 yards in opening win

By AL JONES -

GULFPORT -- The Lewis Sims era at Pascagoula got off to a dazzling start Friday in the opening game of the Shrimp Bowl at Milner Stadium.
Sims, who coached at Moss Point last year, guided the Panthers to a 41-24 whipping of the Indians behind a 204-yard rushing performance and three-touchdown performance from senior running back Roman Patton.
“It’s always about the players, not me,” Sims said. “Every game is important and our satisfaction will come in December.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/19/3362540/pascagoulas-roman-candle.html#ixzz1VbZt7RJk

Shrimp Bowl Makes Its Return This Friday

Coast fans excited over renewal of Shrimp Bowl

By DOUG BARBER

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/16/3354859/coast-fans-excited-over-renewal.html#ixzz1VHuK1gsp

A Coast tradition returns Friday night as the 2011 high school football season kicks off.
The Shrimp Bowl Classic returns as a kickoff classic Friday night at Milner Stadium in Gulfport as Biloxi takes on Pascagoula while Gulfport duels Picayune.
The Indians face the Panthers at 5 p.m. The Admirals battle the Maroon Tide at 7:45 p.m.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/16/3354859/coast-fans-excited-over-renewal.html#ixzz1VHu03q8M

DB Landon Collins Of Dutchtown Is Louisiana's Only 5 Star Recruit

Louisiana is not flush with Blue Chip recruits this year

Nakia Hogan, The Times-Picayune, August 07, 2011 5:14 a.m.

While helping rank the top players in the country for Rivals.com, Mike Farrell oddly enough, didn't look too often at the list of prospects from Louisiana.
Farrell, the national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said the state isn't as flush with blue-chip prospects as it has been in recent years.
In fact, Rivals and Scout.com rated just one Louisiana player -- Dutchtown safety Landon Collins -- as a five-star recruit.
Four full article go to:  http://highschoolsports.nola.com/news/article/-4451967729919916095/louisiana-is-not-flush-with-blue-chip-recruits-this-year/

Florida State Gets Commitment From Nation's Top QB Right Out Of Alabama's Own Backyard

Signs of a resurgence Florida State program keep popping up on the recruiting scene as Jameis Winston, the nation's top Quarterback from Hueytown, Alabama announced on ESPN yesterday that he will be play for the Seminoles.  Now the big challenge for Head Coach Jimbo Fisher is to convince Winston, who is also a top baseball prospect, to stick with football and not accept any offers professional baseball offers as he is expected to be a high pick in the Major League Baseball Draft.

Here is the link to the video clip of Winston announcing his selection:
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/44460/fsu-lands-nations-top-quarterback

Long Beach DT Nick James "Commits" To MSU

Here is the beginning of the Clarion Ledger's report on Dandy Dozen DL Nick James of Long Beach committing to Mississippi State, yet will still visit other schools.

Dandy Dozen star commits to MSU, still plans to visit schools

By Brandon Marcello

So much for waiting.

Defensive tackle Nick James pulled the trigger this afternoon, phoning in his commitment to Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen less than a week after he was selected to The Clarion-Ledger‘s Dandy Dozen.

Long Beach defensive tackle Nick James, right, answers a question during a Q&A with other members of The Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen. (Vickie D. King/The Clarion-Ledger)

James was expected to wait to commit to a school later this year, but decided against that stance Tuesday so “I can focus on football more.”
For full article go to:  http://blogs.clarionledger.com/msu/2011/08/02/dandy-dozen-star-commits-to-msu-still-plans-to-visit-schools/

Louisiana Football Recruits Commitment List

From NOLA.Com: 
http://highschoolsports.nola.com/recruiting/#incart_hbx

Former St. Stanislaus and MSU Bulldog Center J.C. Brignone Signs With Da' Bears

From the Sea Coast Echo: