Throughout the playoffs, Poplarville has been dominant against its opponents in what is a historic run for the Hornets’ pursuit of a state title. But before they can hoist the trophy over their heads, they must face a Florence team in the semifinals that has made impressions of their own.

With over 2,000 rushing yards and 22 of the Eagles’ 49 rushing touchdowns, sophomore Degerrick Lee is looking to push his team to their first state title.

The Florence Eagles, Region 6-4A District Champions, have the best overall record in the program’s history (12-2) and have already broken a couple of single-season school records. So far, Florence has 4,329 rushing yards this season, which broke the previous record of 4,088 yards set in 2014. Also, they have accumulated the most total offensive yards in school history, as they are just 21 yards short of the 6,000-yard mark. Florence’s running game isn’t the only thing pushing the team through the post-season, as their passing game has also set a couple of school records. Eagles’ quarterback Brad Dennis has the most efficient completion percentage in Florence history, 57 percent. He also broke records for most completions per game (7.9) and most passing touchdowns per game (0.9). The previous record for both those categories was set in the Eagles’ 2014 season when they went 10-3, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Vancleave 53-50.

The Poplarville Hornets have also been on a historic run through the regular season and playoffs, making it to the first South State Championship game in Hornets’ recent history.

It is no mystery that Poplarville enjoys running the ball, but their overall record of 11-1 shows Florence will have a tough time predicting the Hornets’ next play.

The Hornets have scored more rushing touchdowns this year (60) than ever before, due to an impenetrable offensive line and a pair of running backs that make an argument for the Player of the Year Award.

Hornets’ running back Jesse Pernell was sidelined in last week’s tilt against Mendenhall when the Hornets were up by multiple touchdowns, but he still finished the game with three touchdowns and 111 yards while Austin Bolton finished with 146 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just eight totes.

Whoever wins on Friday, it will be that school’s first State Championship game appearance in the program’s recent history. This matchup will require a lot of passion and a ton of will to win on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

The Florence Eagles travel to Poplarville on Friday to play a history-breaking tilt at 7 p.m.