The Poplarville Hornets have been preparing all summer for their opener against the St. Martin Yellow Jackets with plans to “steal a win” from the top 10 opponent in the state, Hornets Head Football Coach Jay Beech said. Some might see the Hornets as the underdog, but Jay Beech disagrees.

“We are ready for this game. It’s been our motivation ever since the offseason started and we are ready to show everyone what we have been working so hard for,” Beech said.

Beech’s priority against St. Martin is to come out with a win, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.

He said that a win tonight would be a confidence boost for not only him and the coaching staff, but especially the players.

“This would be the ideal way to start the season. Most teams would be afraid to start off the season against a top ranked team, but we are excited for it. It’ll be a positive experience for us either way the game ends,” Beech said.

Last season, the Hornets lost to the Yellow Jackets 20-47. In that game, Yellow Jackets’ Tyler Polk ran for 127 of the 258 total rushing yards on eight carries, reaching the end zone twice. Meanwhile, the Hornets’ Jesse Pernell ran for 142 of the 295 total rushing yards and tacked on a touchdown as well.

“It’s not only their offense that we need to watch out for; their defense is also really good this year,” Beech said.  “We are ready to take them on again and hopefully get a win at the end.”

The matchup that Beech is looking forward to the most is his cornerbacks against one of the best wide receivers in Mississippi, Kalem Reddix. The star wide out gathered four passes for 110 yards and a touchdown last time Poplarville High School played the Yellow Jackets, which is something Beech said will change.

“I am confident in our cornerbacks and their ability to stop Kalem. He’s someone you have to pay attention to at all times, but I like our chances against him this year,” Beech said.

Poplarville will travel to Ocean Springs today to play St. Martin at 7 p.m.