By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

PEARL — In the end, when the dust finally settled after five days of play in the 15th straight year that the overall state baseball championships have been contested here at Tustmark Park, the South survived.
Just barely. And with no help from the “Southern Six”.
South State representatives ended up winning four of the seven state titles handed out this week, after action ended Saturday afternoon in the Class 1A match-up as West Union nipped Taylorsville in three games.

In Class 7A, Petal captured its first state championship in 15 years, sweeping past Oxford in two straight games.
The Panthers completed an almost inexplicable turnaround and ended the campaign capturing their seventh overall state championship. It was one that was filled with games against “Southern Six” opponents, especially in a perfect 8-0 playoff run.
Also, PHS first-year head coach Conner Douglas has ties to the Gulf Coast as well. He served for a brief time as the head coach at Long Beach.
In Class 6A, Saltillo captured its second straight crown slipping past Pearl River Central in three games.

The Tigers beat George County in the final round last season.
In Class 5A, Sumrall also grabbed its seventh overall state title with a sweep of Pontotoc.
The Bobcats, who moved up to Class 5A from Class 4A this season, settled into Region 4-5A with “Southern Six” foes Vancleave, East Central and Stone and captured their third state title in five seasons.
In Class 4A, Mooreville swept Poplarville in two games.

It marked the 10th overall state title for the Troopers’ program.
In Class 3A, Presbyterian Christian made history when that band of Bobcats became the first prep baseball team ever to win a crown as a member of the public school association after capturing one in the private school ranks last year.
PCS took down Booneville in two games this week. The Bobcats competed in Region 8-3A this year, along with St. Stanislaus and St. Patrick.
In Class 2A, Mize swept East Webster.