By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

For the second consecutive season, George County has earned the Region 4-6A title.

Now, as the last week of both the region race and the regular season begins, there are still four teams in the loop in contention for the final three playoff berths.

Picayune, Long Beach, Hancock and Pascagoula are all still alive in the chase for the postseason behind the Rebels. West Harrison has already been eliminated from contention.

While GCHS sits atop the league standings at 10-2, Picayune and Long Beach are knotted up in second each at 7-5. Hancock is 6-6, and Pascagoula is still hanging on at 5-7.

The Maroon Tide and Bearcats tangle in a three-game series this week in what will essentially be a battle for the second seed and home-field advantage in the opening round of the upcoming Class 6A South State playoffs next week.

Also this week, the Hawks and George County meet as do the Panthers and Hurricanes.

The picture will start to become a bit more clear after play on Tuesday night. And we here at SouthMiss6 Sports will be back every day to keep everyone updated.

All three series will begin on Tuesday night. The Picayune-LBHS series will then continue on Thursday night and concluded Friday afternoon, as will the Pascagoula-WHHS match-up. Meanwhile, George County and Hancock will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights and wrap things up Saturday afternoon in the Kiln.