SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

`Prep Football: Admirals blow away Greyhounds in Region 4-7A play Thursday night

A football player in a blue jersey with orange accents runs with the ball while being tackled by an opponent in a grey jersey. The background shows a blurred football field under stadium lights.
Gulfport’s Syniker Taylor, Jr., looks for some running room vs. Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

GULFPORT — The first trip for Ocean Springs to Gulfport’s new on-campus stadium was one to forget for the Greyhounds.

The defending Class 7A state champion Admirals roughed up Ocean Springs all night long in taking a — decision in Region 4-7A play Thursday night. The win moves GHS to 4-1 overall in its league-opener, while the Greyhounds fall to 2-4 overall and are 1-1 in the region race.

Two football players on an artificial grass field, one in blue and orange uniform running with the ball, the other in a blue uniform blocking.
Gulfport running back Jo Jo Thomas breaks past a few defenders vs. Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player from Ocean Springs, wearing a white and blue uniform, evades a tackle from an opposing player in a blue and orange uniform during a nighttime game.
Gulfport defender Deandre Williams reaches out to stop Kahlif Ragins of Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player in a blue and orange uniform running on a green field while carrying a football.
Gulfport’s Camden Morgan looks for some running room vs. Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

Gulfport took advantage of several OSHS turnovers in a commanding first half performance to jump out to a 21-0 lead an never look back. Admirals running back Jo Jo Thomas, a Biloxi transfer, ran for three touchdowns through the first three frames and the home team never trailed.

It marked the eighth straight region win dating back to the 2024 season for Gulfport, which has also won 15-out-of its last 16 games overall. Ocean Springs has lost two region games in its past 32 contests, both coming to Gulfport.

The Admirals wasted no time in taking a quick lead as Jo Jo Thomas capped off the first possession of the night with a 36-yard scoring scamper and it was 7-0 just over three minutes into the game.

A football player wearing a blue jersey with orange accents runs with the ball on a field, while another player in a gray jersey approaches from the left.
Gulfport running back Jo Jo Thomas surveys the scene vs. Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A young football player in a white and blue uniform prepares to throw a football during a game, with teammates and opponents visible in the background.
Ocean Springs running back Daniel Johnson pulls down the ball vs. Gulfport Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player in a white jersey is tackled by a player in a blue jersey, while another player in a blue jersey watches the play.
Gulfport defender Cordarious Payton up ends Daniel Johnson of Ocean Springs Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player wearing a blue jersey and red helmet, number 12, carries the ball while running past defenders on a field during a night game.
Gulfport running back Jo Jo Thomas turns toward the edge as Ocean Springs defender Ethan Haston pursues Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

Then, after the teams swapped costly turnovers, Thomas put a wrap on a 92-yard scoring march for GHS with an 11-yard touchdown dash to make it 14-0 at the 3:57 mark of the second stanza.

But Ocean Springs, which was hampered by three first half turnovers, gave Gulfport yet another chance on the second play of its ensuing possession, as the Admiral fell on a fumble at the OSHS 18-yard line.

On the first play, Gulfport quarterback Jackson Wolverton found 6-foot-8 tight end Travor Frost with an 18-yard scoring strike. Admiral place-kicker Shaw Killibrew’s third point after extended the homefield advantage out to 21-0 at halftime.

A football player in a white uniform is tackled by an opponent in an orange and blue uniform during a game.
Gulfport defender Cortell Crandle wraps up Ocean Springs running back Daniel Johnson Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A high school football scene showing a player in an orange helmet being tackled by two defenders in white uniforms on a green field.
Gulfport quarterback Jackson Wolverton gets tangled up with Ocean Springs defenders Zack Dukes (13), John Lee (30) and Ethan Haston (27) Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player in a blue and orange uniform dodges a tackle from a defender in a white and blue uniform during a game.
Gulfport wide out Javious Hales tries to maintain his balance as Ocean Springs defender Landon Donald has a different idea Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

It was more of the same as the second half unfolded. Gulfport wide out Syniker Taylor capped off the opening possession of the third frame with a 14-yard touchdown reverse to make it 28-0.

Then, with 1:30 to play in the period Thomas scooted 5-yards for another score and it was 35-3headed into the final quarter.

Sandwiched in between was a45-yard field goal by Evan Ta of OSHS.

Very early in the fourth period, Gulfport’s Cordarious Payton raced 57-yards with a punt return to pay dirt to seal the deal at 42-3.

A football player in a blue jersey is being tackled by another player in a white jersey with blue stripes during a game.
Gulfport running back Jo Jo Thomas puts his hed down on his way to a touchdown as Ocean Springs defender Santiago Gaetan hangs on Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A high school football player in an orange helmet and blue jersey carrying the ball while being tackled by two opposing players in white uniforms.
Gulfport tight end Travor Frost bulls his way between a pair of Ocean Springs defenders Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A football player in a blue and orange jersey is leaping over a defender in white and blue uniform during a game, with several other players in the background.
Gulfport’s Cordarious Payton leaps by Ocean Springs defender Jayden Blair Thursday night. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
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