The Hancock Hawks will challenge the Pascagoula Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Hancock took a 21-point loss the last time they faced off against Gautier, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Hawks pulled ahead with a 28-27 photo finish over the Gators on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since October 11, 2024.
It was another big night for Kaison Koenenn, who rushed for 105 yards and three scores, and also threw for 175 yards and a pair of TDs.
Hancock didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off four passes before the game was over. Jayden Dekle led the group effort, picking up two of those interceptions all by himself.
Meanwhile, Pascagoula never let their opponents score on Friday. They blew past Pearl River Central, posting a 42-0 victory. Considering the Panthers have won three contests by more than 32 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Hancock better keep an eye on Amarie Jackson. He was instrumental in Pascagoula's win, rushing for 193 yards and three touchdowns. Those 193 rushing yards gave Jackson a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Sean Norvel, who rushed for 111 yards and one TD on only 14 carries.
Wins are hard to come by when you can't run the rock, something Pascagoula proved: they limited Pearl River Central to a paltry 1.6 yards per carry. The team can thank Jonathan Shelby Jr for the heroic effort on defense: he. Pascagoula's run defense has been on the up-and-up: they allowed 4.06 yards per carry earlier this season, but they've only allowed 11 on average over their last five games.
Pascagoula's defense also made the game a nightmare for Titus Feaster, racking up seven sacks. Leading the way was Emauri Anderson with two. Pascagoula got some further help from Shelby Jr: he picked up a sack and made seven total tackles (3.0 for loss).
Hancock has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 3-5 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 36.3 points over those games. As for Pascagoula, they picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 3-5.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Hancock has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 195.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pascagoula struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 189.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Hancock lost to Pascagoula at home by a decisive 42-27 margin in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. Can the Hawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
