MaxPreps is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer. In recognition of a decade as America's source for high school sports, we will look back at the top teams, athletes, games and moments of the MaxPreps era over the next month.
Today's list is the Top 10 Most Memorable Football Game. The 10 contests listed feature state championship games, streak-breaking contests and wild statistical shootouts, not to mention the longest game in high school football history.
Top 10 most memorable football games of the MaxPreps era
10. Meridian (Miss.) 26, South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) 20 in 2008
The third-longest high school win streak of all time came to an end on Dec. 7, 2008 in the Mississippi Class 6A state championship game. South Panola, winner of 89 straight games, lost in its bid for a sixth-straight state championship when it fell to Meridian in overtime, 26-20.
After the teams finished deadlocked at 20 in regulation, Meridian (14-1) took the upper hand in the overtime period.
Tyler Russell, who completed 21 of 36 passes for 243 yards, threw a 7-yard pass to
Chris Smith on the first play to set up James Barnett a 3-yard touchdown by
James Barnett.
[MaxPreps Story]Sophomore defensive end
Jacoby Eason proved to be the hero for Meridian during South Panola's possession as he sacked quarterback
David Renfroe on third and fourth downs to end the game.
Both teams had a chance to win the game in regulation, but missed kicks kept the game tied. South Panola tied the game at 20 with 7:29 remaining on Renfroe's 4-yard pass to Taylor Rotenberry, but Renfroe missed the extra point kick for the lead. Meridian had a 30-yard field goal try by
Jet Miller push wide with 10 seconds remaining in the game.
