The Maroon Tide dominated its opponents heading into district play undefeated after four convincing wins, including a victory against the Poplarville Hornets who played for a 4-A state championship last year.

Picayune’s team was riding high heading into the first district game against the East Central Hornets Friday night.

Picayune’s football team was heading into hostile territory to kick off district play, and Head Coach Dodd Lee knew it would be a physical battle.

Both teams failed to put points on the board during the first quarter as the offenses worked to find some rhythm.

The second quarter was a different story as the two teams combined for score 21 points with Picayune leading the Hornets 14-7 heading into the half.

It was in the second half, the Maroon Tide began to pull away.

Running back Cameron Thomas once again had a massive game on the ground with 245 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

His second rushing touchdown of the game, along with an Austin Samples’ PAT, put the Maroon Tide up 21-7.

The Maroon Tide would keep its foot on the gas pedal as

Austin Samples finished off another offensive possession with a rushing touchdown to push the lead to 28-7.

Quarterback Jakail Meyers had an efficient night through the air completing passes to his tight ends for multiple big plays, including a touchdown pass to tight end Nick Doane, which left the score at 35-7 after another PAT from Samples.

Defensively, the Maroon Tide were stout all game, and linebacker Kade Turnage led the team with 15 tackles.

The defensive line once again controlled the line of scrimmage as defensive tackles Elijah Jenkins and Deonta Reed dominated up front with defensive end Carson Conner setting the edge.

The Hornets scored a late touchdown to bring the final score to 35-14, but the Maroon Tide were in control for the majority of the team’s first district game.

Lee said at the beginning of the season that his team was competing for a state championship.

Until then, Picayune will have to navigate a tough district schedule.

The team’s next opponent is the Gautier Gators, who last Friday lost to the Pearl River Central Blue Devils 20-13.

The game will be hosted at the Maroon Tide’s stadium, and will be the team’s homecoming game.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.