Football Preview: Brandon Bulldogs vs. Gulfport Admirals
Brandon is 3-0 against Gulfport since November of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Brandon Bulldogs will head out to face off against the Gulfport Admirals at 7:00 p.m. Hopefully Brandon focused on turnovers this week as the team gave up four on Friday.
Brandon is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Mississippi's top teams: Warren Central, who was ranked tenth in their home state at the time (Brandon was ranked second). In a tight game that could have gone either way, Brandon made off with a 29-28 win over Warren Central.
It was another big night for Tyson Robinson, who rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 11.9 yards per carry. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 105.2 rushing yards per game. Cj Martin also helped out as he racked up 102 rushing yards.
Brandon's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged three passes before it was all said and done. The picks came courtesy of Jamerion Rollins and Clifton Jobe. Jobe also set a new season high mark in total tackles with nine. Khalil Norwood was another major factor on D, picking up a sack and making 18 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Brandon was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 301 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Gulfport hadn't done well against Picayune recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. Everything went Gulfport's way against Picayune as Gulfport made off with a 41-21 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Admirals have posted against the Maroon Tide since September 11, 2015.
Gulfport relied on the efforts of Cooper Crosby, who rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns on only ten carries, and Dakoreyon Payton, who gained 248 total yards and two touchdowns. Crosby really tore up the turf during one magnificent 92-yard run. Dane Sullivan was another key player, throwing for 178 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon pushed their record up to 3-1 with the victory, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season. As for Gulfport, their win bumped their record up to an identical 3-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Brandon has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 156 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Gulfport struggles in that department as they've been averaging 259.2. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Brandon strolled past Gulfport in their previous matchup back in September of 2023 by a score of 35-20. The rematch might be a little tougher for Brandon since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
