The rivalry between Poplarville and Pearl River Central high schools did not disappoint as the game came down to a successful field goal by the Hornets’ kicker Nicholas Kirschbaum with 12 seconds remaining in the game.
The action-packed game started with a 69-yard touchdown from Hornets’ captain Jesse Pernell, setting the tone for a close match-up.
“That first touchdown was really important. We knew their defense would stand strong, which they did, but we kept pushing the ball forward all game and got the win,” Beech said.
This win for Poplarville marks their first against PRC since 2009, something Beech is happy to “get off his back.”
Although his team might not have performed exactly like he wanted, PRC Head Football Coach Larry Dolan focused on the positive aspects of their performance Friday night.
“We played great. It was a tight game from the first play to the last. I am proud of my kids coming back and never giving up,” Dolan said.
After Poplarville got their early lead 7-0, they regained possession after PRC was forced to punt. However, later in that drive, Poplarville fumbled the ball, and A.J. Banks recovered it on their own 36-yard line.
This marks the third forced fumble for PRC in the first two games of the season.
Later in that drive, PRC scored off a quarterback sneak, making the score 6-7 after Poplarville blocked the extra-point attempt.
The Hornets did not back down, as they battled their way down the field, taking a chance on 4th and 1 on their next drive and punched in a 15-yard touchdown catch by running back Austin Bolton. The score was now 14-6, Hornets’ lead.
Late in the first half, Poplarville fullback Peytan Grahan rushed for a seven-yard touchdown.
“We made some physical plays down the stretch but in the end, Poplarville is a great team and played a great contest,” Dolan said.
With 39 seconds left in the first half, PRC’s Michael Tatman scored a 12-yard run, making the score 13-21 at the half.
Later in the second half, PRC gained momentum as Tatman completed a 21-yard pass for another touchdown. The score was 19-21 with three minutes to go.
PRC then successfully attempted a two-point conversion to Tatman, tying the score at 21-21.
On the next kickoff, the PRC kicker squibbed his kick to the 47 yard line, setting up the game-winning drive for the Hornets as they marched to the 19 yard line, sealing their win with a 26 yard field goal.
Both teams are now 1-1 after an action-packed game from start to finish.