By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

GULFPORT — The drought is over.
Gulfport picked up its first state playoff win in six years Friday night, thumping visiting Northwest Rankin 45-7 in the opening round of the Class 7A South State playoffs.
The win, here at historic Milner Stadium, moves the Admirals to 9-2 overall, and into the Class 7A South State semifinals against Petal next week.

Gulfport senior standout running back Cooper Crosby wasted no time in making sure his playing career at GHS would be extended at least another week as he scored three touchdowns in the first 15 minutes to help the home team get out to a quick and commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.His scoring scampers came from 27, 3 and 47 yards out.
Then, Gulfport defensive back Javious Hales stepped in front of a pass from Cougar quarterback Gavin Phillipson and raced 97-yards with a pick six to make it 28-0 and basically seal the deal for Gulfport even before halftime.
However, Hales did pick off another Phillipson pass in the second half and he also returned it for a score.
Crosby ended the night by rushing for 193 yards and the three touchdowns. Gulfport quarterback Parker Nettles also threw for a touchdown.

Northwest Rankin’s season ends at 6-5.
Gulfport will now get a rematch with Petal. The Admirals hosted the Panthers in the third week of the season and dropped an exciting 25-24 decision in the final seconds of the game.
Since then, Gulfport third-year head coach Blake Pennock’s crew has ripped off eight straight wins.
This is the first eight game win streak for the Admirals also since that 2019 season, which was not only the last time they won a playoff game but also the last season GHS won the region title as well.