Time after time the Hornets’ defense swarmed Sumrall last week, tormenting the quarterback with seven sacks. Coming into that game, Poplarville had 11 total sacks on the season.

The Hornets will challenge Purvis High School this Friday for the top seed in the 4A Region 7 District, as both teams are the only undefeated squads in the district.

When it comes to motivation, both teams have a level playing field.

Both teams come into Friday 3-0 in the district with six wins total in the season.

Both teams are on six-game winning streaks and are one point away from each other in total points scored this year—270 points for Poplarville and 269 for Purvis.

Statistically, these two teams left a huge gap between them and the rest of the district.

In district play, Poplarville has scored 150 points so far and Purvis scored 122. Combined these teams have outscored the other four teams in the district by 30 points.

Defensively, Poplarville and Purvis have allowed 60 total points, which is at least 29 points less than the third-place Forrest County Agricultural team, who has allowed 89 points so far this season.

The Purvis Tornadoes have developed a chaotic offense for opposing defenses to deal with this season. Running back Dylan Curtis might not have a significant amount of yards this season, but his 11 touchdowns show how important he is to the team. To complement the running game, quarterback Ty Howell has thrown 9 of his 10 touchdown passes to his favorite target, CJ Bolar, who has 23 receptions for 450 yards.

The stellar wide receiver’s hands don’t only impact the Tornadoes’ offense as he has nabbed an interception in each of the past five games.

With the Tornadoes’ Howell throwing for a completion percentage of 60, the two make for a potent 1-2 punch offensively that will test the district’s top defense Friday. The two teams will clash in Purvis at 7 p.m.