By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

PICAYUNE — Picayune hosts Poplarville in the “Smith Group Realty Homefield Advantage” Game of the week.

Each week during the school year, SouthMiss6 Sports will feature a “GOTW” sponsored by The Smith Group Realty, your “Homefield Advantage” for buying and selling real estate in South Mississippi.

The battle for supremacy in Pearl River County is set for Friday night as the unbeaten Hornets head south down I-59 to face the home-standing Maroon Tide.

This is the 20th all time meeting between PMHS and PHS on the football field, and perennial state power Picayune holds a commanding 16-3 advantage in the series. Picayune has won five straight in this series, as well as 12 out of the past 13 meetings.But, its the Hornets that come into this one unbeaten at 4-0 while the Tide are an even 2-2.

The last time Poplarville won in Picayune was 51 years, a 6-2 win in 1975. In that game, Dodd Lee was a junior standout for the Maroon Tide. Lee, of course, would go on to become the all-time winningest head coach in Maroon Tide history, piling up 222 wins in 23 seasons including two state championships.

Now, this week, Lee’s grandson, Poplarville starting quarterback Trac Smith, leads his Hornets into the stadium named after his grandfather as the visitors look for their first win in Picayune in 51 years.

Both teams are coming off of big wins, as Picayune went to Ocean Springs and thumped the Greyhounds 38-10 while Poplarville dispatched visiting PRC 28-21.

The game will be the final prep showdown between two of the top tailbacks in the state in Poplarville Dandy Dozen senior standout Ty Keys and Picayune senior stalwart Xavier Dennis.

Led by a team passionate about providing clients with a positive, personalized real estate experience, The Smith Group Realty brings years of knowledge, experience, and dedication to helping families and individuals find their perfect home

“At the Smith Realty group, we believe buying or selling a house should be a positive, personal experience. With knowledge, compassion and dedication, we’re here to guide you ever step of the way, helping you to feel right at home every step of the way.

You always have the Homefield Advantage with The Smith Realty Group!”