High School Football: Picayune secures playoff berth with 28-21 win
Xavier Dennis' second-half surge overcame an early deficit against Pearl River Central in Thursday's Class 6A matchup.
By Talia Bennett ·
The Picayune Maroon Tide clinched a spot in the Class 6A playoffs after defeating the Pearl River Central Blue Devils 28-21 on Thursday night in Carriere, Mississippi.
Pearl River Central struck first, with quarterback Titus Feaster driving the Blue Devils downfield. Feaster rushed for a touchdown up the middle to give PRC a 7-0 lead following the extra point. The play followed a drive that included a recovered high snap and a pass to Caden Hinton.
Picayune tied the game quickly. Running back Xavier Dennis reversed field after picking up a first down along the sideline, breaking free for a touchdown to make the score 7-7. Pearl River Central retook the lead when Feaster found Terrel Wilkes on a shovel pass for a score.
Kylen Egana stripped the ball from Dennis on a subsequent play, giving PRC possession. Feaster connected with Ayden Radosta for a large gain, but Picayune defensive back Jamari Hathorne brought Radosta down on fourth down to end the drive.
The Blue Devils failed to add further points despite the offensive pressure. Picayune outscored Pearl River Central in the final stretch of the game to claim the cross-town rivalry and the region win.
