For the past two seasons, Wayne County has seen its football season come to an end at home against a team from Pearl River County.

And despite not having a hand in those contests, Picayune hopes to keep that streak alive Friday night.

The Maroon Tide travels to Waynesboro to face off with the War Eagles in Class 5A South State semifinal action. Kick off time is set for 7 p.m.

Wayne County, a perennial state power, lost to visiting Pearl River Central the past two seasons in the playoffs. Those are the only two losses at home in the postseason for the War Eagles in the past 12 years.

Included in that stretch for Wayne County is a trio of wins in the playoffs over Picayune, in 2005, 2006 and 2009.

“It’s a tough place to play, we of all people know that,” Picayune head coach Dodd Lee said.

Most of that postseason success for the War Eagles came under longtime head coach Marcus Boyles.

But after fourth seeded PRC upset top-seed Wayne County in the opening round of the playoffs two years ago, Boyles left for Petal High to replace Steve Buckley, who took a job on the staff at Southern Miss.

Former Ocean Springs coach Todd Mangum is in his second year with the War Eagles, having led them to their third straight Region 3-5A crown.

Wayne County averages 41.6 points and nearly 250 yards rushing per game, with running backs Dallas Sims and Elijah Pugh having combined to rush for over 1,600 yards and 28 touchdowns this season.

On defense, the War Eagles have  totaled 21 interceptions, led by six from junior cornerback Cadarius Pannel.

Picayune quarterback Boderick Scott is looking for another solid performance this week. Scott has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season in the Maroon Tide’s power run oriented offense. He has also tossed 13 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He threw a pair of key scoring strikes in Picayune’s big 48-14 playoff opening win over West Jones Friday night.

Scott, a senior, is in his first year with the Maroon Tide, and took over for three year starter Ben Hickman who was the all time leader in wins in school history.

“Boderick Scott has been a godsend for us,” Lee added. “He has gotten better each week and is always working to improve. He has become a leader through his actions and because of his dedication to the team.”