The Ocean Springs Greyhounds will head out to face off against the Natchez Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ocean Springs, yet to win a game, are hoping to taste some of the success that has characterized Natchez's (thus far) undefeated season.
Ocean Springs is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Mississippi's top teams: Northwest Rankin, who was ranked 17th in their home state at the time (Ocean Springs was ranked 23rd). Ocean Springs was just a hair shy of victory on Friday and fell 29-28 to Northwest Rankin.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Will Smith, who rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Ocean Springs wouldn't let Northwest Rankin keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Ocean Springs can thank Brody Saenz and Bryant Ausmer for forcing both of them. Saenz is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made nine or more in the last three games he's played dating back to last season. Ocean Springs got some further help from Jacolby Bailey: he made 11 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Even though they lost, Ocean Springs was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 264 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 191 rushing yards in five consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Natchez was able to grind out a solid win over Vicksburg on Friday, taking the game 14-6.
Natchez got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Kaden Walton out in front who threw for 173 yards and a touchdown. 82 of those passing yards were hauled in by Ashton Minor.
Ocean Springs' loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Natchez, their win bumped their record up to 3-0.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the trenches. Ocean Springs has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 256.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Natchez struggles in that department as they've been averaging 181. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Ocean Springs took their victory against Natchez in their previous meeting back in September of 2023 by a conclusive 39-14. The rematch might be a little tougher for Ocean Springs since the squad 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
