The Poplarville Hornets made history Friday night, winning their first South State Championship by defeating the Florence Eagles 41-14.

In a winning season full of emotion, Poplarville Head Coach Jay Beech said the win “hasn’t sunk in yet…[but] It’s a dream come true; it’s an honor, I give credit to the good Lord for all of his blessings and getting us here.”

After a knock out win against Mendenhall to get to South State, the Hornet’s star running backs Jesse Pernell and Austin Bolton maintained the drive on the field.

“[Pernell’s] just a big, tough, strong runner. Determination is the main thing for both of them,” Beech said about the pair.

“If you’re determined, you can do a lot of things, and those two guys are determined to win football games.”

The team’s momentum started barely 40 seconds into the game when Bolton ran in a touchdown from the 22-yard line.

Poplarville’s Tyson Holston made his mark on the historic game, running in another score with 8:18 left in the first quarter.

Jesse Pernell, who’s been running hard to the endszone all season, brought the score to 21-0 just before the end of the first quarter.

“Man, I just kept pushing, ‘cause I knew if we kept pushing the outcome was going to be great,” Pernell said after the game.

As the second quarter kicked off, the Eagles made their move, with Brad Dennis driving in the team’s first touchdown with 9:10left in the half.

As Poplarville gained possession of the ball, Florence’s Devin Mclaurin snagged an interception meant for Bolton.

But Poplarville’s determination to win didn’t end. After regaining possession, Bolton carried in another Hornets’ touchdown with 1:15 left in the half.

After halftime, Bolton ran in his third score of the game, bringing the score to 35-7.

Florence wasn’t ready to give up. Quarterback Dennis completed a pass to Dalton Walters, who ran the ball in with 6:14 left in the third quarter.

Bolton got hit hard, and was forced to leave the game in the third quarter.

At this point, Beech said he’s not sure what Bolton’s condition will be by next week’s state game.

In the final quarter of the game, Holston scored for the last time, ending the game 42-14.

“It feels great man, we’re going to state for the first time in history,” Pernell said.

Poplarville fans stormed the field after the win, barely believing how far the team has gone.

“This community has shown how special it is…I’m so proud they get to experience this,” Beech said.