In a game that started out as a rout, it ended all but that as Poplarville beat Pearl River Central 48-33 Friday night in a game that was much closer towards the end than it was early.

Poplarville wasted no time in getting their offense started as they took the opening kickoff 67 yards for a score in 9 plays. With 8:59 to play in the first quarter Justin Raine would stumble in the end zone for the Hornets from 1-yard out. After a Shelby Purvis PAT the Hornets led 7-0.

Pearl River Central’s first drive would not end as good as the Hornets Lavelle Henry would intercept a Blue Devil pass to give the Poplarville offense great field position to score. And score they would as Justin Raine would force his way up the middle for another Hornet touchdown as they would take the lead 13-0.

Raine would add two more touchdowns for the Hornets, and it was all Hornets in the first half as they would go in the locker room at half leading 26-0 over the Blue Devils.

As the third quarter started it would be a different game however.

Pearl River would take the opening kickoff 68-yards to close the gap to 26-6 after a failed two point conversion. Two minutes later the Hornets would stretched their lead back to 33-6 as Chancellor Houston streaked down the right sideline 44-yards for a score.

With 8:22 left in the game Pearl River Central would receive the kickoff trailing the Hornets 40-12 and the time winding down. The Blue Devils were not ready to quit just yet however. After a quick score on a long pass, two recovered on-side kicks, and a well executed hook and ladder they found themselves down only 40-33 with still 5:39 left in the game.

Poplarville would recover the Blue Devils next on-side kick and mount a 54 yard drive to all but seal the win 48-33, as quarterback Matt Williams would connect with Justin Raine for his third touch down of the night.

Ira White for the Hornets led all rushers with 205 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown.

Pearl River Central travels to Long Beach Friday night as the Hornets take off a week from district play. They will celebrate Homecoming as they host the Bulldogs of Vancleave Friday at 7:30.