Two of the past three games for Poplarville High School have been nail-biting comebacks against top Mississippi teams, No. 6 Stone, 38-35; and No. 8 Pearl River Central, 24-21, which gives Jay Beech, head football coach, confidence going into this week’s game against Hancock High School.

Hornets running back Jesse Pernell and Austin Bolton have both reached the end zone in all four games this season, tallying 81.25 percent of the team’s points.

“All of our running backs are performing great this year,” Beech said. “But a big reason for their success is the offensive line. They are playing incredibly well so far and are exceeding everyone’s expectations.”

In Poplarville’s last game, both Pernell and Bolton scored a combined total of five touchdowns as the Hornets clawed from behind to win against Stone High School.

The Hornets’ opponent this week, the Hancock Hawks, has a dynamic quarterback who seems to impact games more with his legs than his arm in their spread offense.

“Their offense is tricky to play against. They have so much talent spread throughout the offense and can attack you in a lot of ways,” Beech said.

Steven Good averages 95 rushing yards and 126 passing yards per game for the Hawks while being responsible for 10 touchdowns this season.

Poplarville is currently on a three-game winning streak, which Beech hopes to continue on Friday.

“We are playing some great football right now. The games are exciting and the team is really stepping up this year,” Beech said. “We have to continue to get better each game, and as long as we do that, we will be successful.”

Hancock High School’s defense conceded an impressive 6.5 points per game in its first three games before losing the first game of the season to De La Salle High School, 13-38.

“I am looking forward to this game against Hancock. It will be another great test for us, which we are ready to take on,” Beech said.

The Poplarville Hornets host the Hancock Hawks Friday at 7 p.m.