The Poplarville Hornets got off to a fast start Friday night and never looked back as they captured their second Region Championship in three years. The Hornets overcame a couple of penalties on their first offensive possession to eventually punch the ball into the endzone and jump out to a 7-0 lead. The Hornet Offense would struggle on it’s next couple of possessions, but the Poplarville faithful need not worry as the Hornet Defense would deny the Purvis Offense consistently throughout the contest. The Tornadoes could only manage 104 total yards on the evening against the Hornet Defense. After a turnover, a punt and a turnover on downs, the Hornet Offense would explode for 21 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter to take a commanding 28-0 lead into halftime.
Purvis would take the ball down on the opening drive of the 3rd quarter and score. The TD would be the only bright spot for the Purvis Tornadoes for the remainder of the contest. The Hornet Offense managed another TD and Nick Kirschbaum added a FG to end the scoring. The victory not only clinched the Region 7-4A title for the Hornets, but also secured a 1st round home playoff game to be played on November 4, 2016. The Hornets will host Columbia on Friday, October 28 for Senior Night.
Jesse Pernell 18 carries 130 yards 2 TDs
Austin Bolton 18 carries 203 yards 2 TDs
Tyson Holston 1 TD reception
Antonio Barnes 3/6 89 yards 1 TD
Nick Kirschbaum 5/5 PATs 1 FG
Camden Ray 13 Tackles
Turan Smith 9 Tackles
Ross Barnett 8 Tackles
Jamerrick Waller, Chad Hart, Brandon Bullock – Each had a sack.
