SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Prep Football: Hawks host Maroon Tide in the “Smith Group Realty Homefield Advantage” Game of the week

A high school football player kicks a ball during a game, with teammates and spectators in the background.
Picayune place-kicker Edgar Cruz has been an effective weapon for the Maroon Tide for several seasons. (Photo by Destiny DeBuysere)

By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

PICAYUNE — Picayune heads to Hancock Friday night 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 home-standing Hawks and Maroon Tide face off in a battle for the top spot in the Region 4-6A race this week.

A football player from Picayune High School runs with the ball during a game, with teammates and opponents in the background.
Picayune standout senior running back Xavier Dennis leads an explosive Maroon Tide ground game. (Photo by Destiny DeBuysere)
A high school football player wearing a red uniform with the number 2 is evading defenders while holding a football. Players in blue and white uniforms are in the background.
Hancock stawart senior signal-caller Justin Wedgeworth is at the helm of the explosive Hawks offensive attack. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

After having their program record 28-game region win streak snapped late last year, the Maroon Tide got back in the win column last week, and now they head down Texas Flat Rd to face the home-standing Hawks. Both teams are coming off of wins in their respective Region4-6A openers, as Picayune continued its dominance over Pascagoula while Hancock slipped past PRC.

This marks the 19th all-time meeting between the two teams in a series that the Maroon Tide has dominated over the years with a 15-3 record. The series resumed three years ago after a 19-year break, and Hancock’s last win over Picayune came 22 years ago in 2002 in a close 13-12 decision.

This is the third meeting in a year, after Picayune beat HHS twice last season, 59-28 in the regular season and 59-20 in the playoffs, both times in Picayune.

Football player lying on the field, holding a football in a red jersey with white gloves and a helmet.
Hancock wide out Aidan Harvanek is looking for some big catches this week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A group of football players in maroon and gray uniforms celebrating together on the field.
Picayune is looking for some gang-tackling from its defense this week, including Xaiden Foxworth (6) and JuJu Johnson. (Photo by Destiny DeBuysere)

Both teams produced serious offensive attacks last week.

Picayune started off defense of its Region 4-6A title by dumping visiting Pascagoula 38-23 at Lee-Triplett Stadium Thursday night in the league opener for both teams. The Maroon Tide is in search of a program record sixth straight region crown, dating back to the 2021 season. Picayune sits 3-3 overall, and the Maroon Tide got a combined 316 yards rushing and four touchdowns out of the one-two tailback combination of Xavier Dennis and Xaiden Foxworth on the night.

Meanwhile, for the second straight season, Hancock put over 40 points on Pearl River Central to open Region 4-6A play. The visiting Hawks out-scored the Blue Devils 42-41 Thursday night in a shootout.

A football coach wearing a black hoodie and a cap with 'PICAYUNE' printed on it, looking focused and engaged, with a headset on during a game.
Picayune head coach Cody Stogner has his Maroon Tide in search of its sixth straight region title this season. (Photo by Destiny DeBuysere)
A football coach with a headset and whistle looks toward the field, while two players in red and blue uniforms walk nearby. The player on the left has the number 3, and the player on the right has the number 19.
Hancock head coach Michael King has his Hawks off to a 1-0 start in region play for the second straight season. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

Hancock quarterback Justin Wedgeworth ran 22-yards for a touchdown with 1:40 to play to pull the Hawks within one, at 41-40. Wedgeworth then hit wide out Aspen Favre on a short screen pass, but he dropped the ball at the one-yard line and teammate Aiden Harvanek scooped the loose ball up and got into the end zone for the game-winning points. Wedgeworth finished the night 28-of-39 through the air for 340 yards and four touchdowns and he also ran for that one score as well. Both Favre and Harvanek each hauled in a pair of scoring catches each, with Favre pulling in nine passes for 145 yards.

Group photo of The Smith Group Realty team, featuring several individuals dressed in professional attire, standing and sitting together against a neutral background.

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!”

Logo of The Smith Group Realty featuring a stylized house with a peaked roof and arched window, set against a solid beige background.
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