The Picayune varsity football team from Picayune, MS, will compete against George County from Lucedale, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: George County vs Picayune
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 6A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: George County vs. Picayune
The George County Rebels (7-5) are set to face the Picayune Maroon Tide (10-2) in a neutral-site playoff game on November 22, marking their second meeting of the season. Picayune won the previous matchup 27-20, and George County will be looking to avenge that loss and advance in the playoffs.
Season Recap: George County Rebels
- Record: 7-5
- District Record: 3-2
- Points For/Against: 388 PF, 362 PA
- Scoring Average: 32.3 points per game
George County has had an up-and-down season, with a strong performance in district play but struggles in non-district matchups. Their offense has been effective, scoring over 32 points per game, but their defense has allowed a high number of points, particularly against strong opponents. Their victory over teams like West Harrison (68-49) and Hancock (51-41) showcased their explosive offensive capabilities.
Key Performances:
- Rushing Game: Branden Gautier has been the workhorse for the Rebels, rushing for 81.2 yards per game.
- Passing Game: George County’s passing game, led by Deuce Knight, who throws for 232.3 yards per game, has been a strong complement to their rushing attack.
- Defense: Kohl Bradley has been a standout with 11.6 tackles per game, helping to anchor their defense.
Season Recap: Picayune Maroon Tide
- Record: 10-2
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 446 PF, 305 PA
- Scoring Average: 37.2 points per game
Picayune has had a dominant season, finishing unbeaten in district play and looking strong in both offense and defense. Their high-scoring offense, averaging 37.2 points per game, has been one of their strongest assets. Deuce Knight, a dual-threat quarterback, has been instrumental in both the passing and rushing game, leading his team to several blowout victories.
Key Performances:
- Passing Game: Deuce Knight is a key player for Picayune, throwing for 232.3 yards per game and accumulating 283.0 total yards per game.
- Total Yards: Knight is also a significant contributor in the rushing game, making him a dual-threat quarterback.
- Scoring Ability: Picayune has shown their ability to score consistently, making them dangerous in any playoff scenario.
Head-to-Head:
The two teams met earlier this season on November 1, 2024, where Picayune came out on top with a 27-20 victory. Despite George County’s strong performance in the second half, Picayune’s defense was able to hold off their comeback attempt.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | George County Result | Picayune Result |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | W, 48-13 | W, 49-7 |
| Hancock | W, 51-41 | W, 35-17 |
| West Harrison | W, 68-49 | W, 69-50 |
| Pascagoula | L, 49-13 | W, 38-28 |
Both teams were dominant in their victories against Long Beach, Hancock, and West Harrison. However, Picayune had a closer game with Pascagoula, winning 38-28, while George County suffered a lopsided loss, 49-13.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | George County | Picayune |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 123.1 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 192.5 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 315.6 | – |
| Points Per Game | 27.8 | 37.2 |
| Tackles Per Game | 66.1 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.9 | – |
Picayune has a more balanced offense, with Deuce Knight contributing both in the air and on the ground. George County relies heavily on their passing and rushing game, which makes them dangerous, but they’ll need to limit mistakes to compete against a high-scoring Picayune team.
Keys to Victory
For George County:
- Control the Ball: With a solid rushing attack and a capable passing game, George County needs to maintain possession and control the tempo to limit Picayune’s offensive opportunities.
- Stop Deuce Knight: Picayune’s offense revolves around Knight, and George County must find a way to contain him to avoid big plays.
- Limit Turnovers: George County cannot afford mistakes against a high-scoring team like Picayune.
For Picayune:
- Exploit George County’s Defense: Picayune has the offensive firepower to take advantage of any defensive weaknesses, and they should look to make big plays early.
- Balance the Offense: With Knight’s ability to both pass and run, Picayune should continue to mix up their offense and keep George County’s defense guessing.
- Defense Against the Pass: George County’s passing game, led by Knight, is effective, so Picayune’s defense will need to disrupt the passing game to prevent any explosive plays.
Prediction:
Picayune has been dominant all season, particularly in district play, and despite George County’s strong offensive capabilities, Picayune’s overall talent and high-scoring offense should give them the edge in this matchup.
