With both teams’ strengths relying on an old school ground-and-pound running attack and a hard nosed defense, the Class 4A MHSAA State Championship game between Poplarville and Lafayette will be an old-fashioned standoff at Davis Wade Stadium.

“Lafayette has an outstanding defense. They force a lot of three-and-outs and always win field position every game because of it,” Poplarville Head Football Coach Jay Beech said.

After stamping a ticket to the big dance for the first time in school history, the Hornets (21-1) have a lot to prove and a trophy case they want to fill.

“It’s a dream come true to be able to make it to the state championship game. A lot of coaches work their whole careers and never get this opportunity so we are blessed to be here,” Beech said.

Heading into the title game, Poplarville averages 379.5 rushing yards per game. The dynamic duo of senior Jesse Pernell and junior Austin Bolton are responsible for over two-thirds of the rushing yards per game and 47 of the 66 total rushing touchdowns this season. Sophomore running back Tyson Holston has six touchdowns with 452 yards as a quick change of pace for the Hornets’ heavy running approach.

“We give all the glory to God for everything he has done for us throughout our lives,” Pernell said. “As a senior, it’s bitter sweet going into my last game as a Hornet. It’s a big one, but at least we have the chance to go out on top.”

Senior captain Camden Ray said the reason for this team’s success this year is “practice, teamwork and the glory of God.”

The Lafayette Commodores also have a heavy running attack led by the one man wrecking crew Jamarcus Quarles who has run for 2,062 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Although Poplarville averages a little over 100 rushing yards more than Lafayette per game, the Commodores make up that yardage with a well-balanced passing game.

“They have four or five outstanding athletes they give the ball to—mainly through the running game—but they also have a MSU commit receiver, who also plays defensive back, and a good quarterback that can get it to him,” Beech said.

Lafayette quarterback Will Ard has thrown 18 touchdowns this season, eight of which have gone to his favorite target, Tyler Carmichael-Williams, along with 718 of Ard’s 1,811 total passing yards.

Despite these vicious offenses, the deciding factor of this game will be the result of merely the best Class 4A defensive efforts.

After losing the first two games of the season, Lafayette’s defense has allowed opponents an average of 10.3 points per game; 11.3 points in the playoffs.

Like the Commodores, the Hornets lost the first game of the season following an endless winning streak where opponents have scored an average of 12.6 points per game; 14.75 points in the playoffs.

Also, both teams like to pressure the opposing quarterback and have nearly identical defensive statistics. Lafayette has a total of 37 sacks this season and 26 hurries while Poplarville has a total of 36 sacks and 19 hurries.

There is little to separate these two talented teams, but Poplarville senior captain Austin Arceneaux knows what will differentiate them on the field.

“Come Saturday, it’s all going to be about who wants it the most. Throw everything else out the window. We have been preparing for this moment since the seventh grade so we are going to throw all of our hearts into this fight put everything on the line.” Arceneaux said.

The battle for the Class 4A 2016 MHSAA State Championship will take place in Davis Wade Stadium at 3 p.m. on Saturday.