SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

July 29, 2026

Prep Football: Panther ball-carrier Norvel gains a spot on the “Sweet 16 in the Southern 6” list

Pascagoula running back Sean Norvel has slipped on to the “Sweet 16 in the Southern 6” this year. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

SouthMiss6 Sports is rolling out its annual roster of the top returning standout prep football players in our coverage area. The “Sweet 16 in the Southern Six” list was compiled by coaches and sports writers who have been following the action on the gridiron in South Mississippi for the past three decades.

Next up on the list is a top offensive threat in the Class 6A ranks:

Pascagoula running back Sean Norvel shields off an Ocean Springs defender during early season action last year. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

Sean Norvel

Pascagoula | 6-0, 195 | Senior

The Panther standout running back should have his time to shine in the backfield for new head coach Zach Green this year after he split time with fellow ball-carrier Amarie Jackson the past two years.

Norvel is back for his senior season after registering just over 1,100 all- purpose yards as a junior last season.

His biggest contribution was on the ground, as he notched 856 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also pulled in 183 yards in receptions. Those 131 rushing attempts resulted in four 100 yard games, as well as a average of almost 7 yards per carry. He also caught two touchdown passes as well.

Pascagoula running back Sean Norvel has slipped on to the “Sweet 16 in the Southern 6” this year. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

His biggest outing of last season came in a 47-14 thumping of Long Beach in Region 4-6A play. Norvel found the turf at Lance Lumpkin Stadium to his liking, as he ran for 179 yards and a touchdown in the winning effort.

Norvel has gotten offers from Arkansas State, Akron and Jackson State and has attracted a load of attention from quite a few jucos.

Norvel looks to help PHS clinch its fourth straight state playoff berth this season as the Panthers kick off the new campaign hosting arch-rival Moss Point in the annual “Battle of the Cats” at War Memorial Stadium on Fri., Aug. 28th.