CLINTON — If there was a David vs. Goliath matchup in the six Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) football state championship games this season, it would be this one.
West Jones will be in the state title game for the first time in school history, while West Point is seeking its third-straight Class 5A state title and is in the state championship for the 12th time in school history. The teams will meet for the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship at 7 p.m. Saturday at Southern Mississippi’s M.M. Roberts Stadium.
The Green Wave (13-1) are 9-2 in state championship games. West Point is the first team in Mississippi history to play state championship games in Jackson, Oxford, Starkville, and Hattiesburg, which is playing host to the event this year for the first time.
“The routine is different every time when it comes to this game, and every group is different,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “We’re going to go as our seniors go. They want to set their own legacy, and the way with us is games are won and loss in the offseason, and we had a great offseason this year.”
West Jones (12-2) was 0-6 in South State Championship games overall, but coach Scott Pierson embraced that accomplishment the day after his team defeated Picayune 21-13 on Friday.
“I sat back and enjoyed it and took it all in and on Saturday I didn’t do anything as far as game planning for West Point,” Pierson said. “I put the film in on Sunday and realized we got our work cut out for us. The proof is in the pudding because when West Point gets here they win, and have been doing that for a long time. They will by far be the best team we’ve faced. ”
The game will feature two stout defenses, so don’t be surprised if it is low scoring.
Led by defensive end and Alabama commit Byron Young, defensive tackle Damion Cunningham, and linebackers Sley Lyon and Londarrius McRunnels, West Jones allows 8.8 points per game.
West Point allows 12.5 ppg. and is led by defensive lineman Jaylon Cungious, linebackers Brentt Cunningham and Brandin Lairy, defensive back Ryan Melton, and safety Tyler Rupert.
“Every ballgame our goal is to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and we can’t turn the ball over because they will make you pay for it,” Chambless said. “That is going to be a key in this game, and it is going to be a battle, and we know what we are up against.”
West Jones averages 29.1 ppg. The Mustangs stress balance, as evidenced by their ability to throw for 147.4 yards per game passing and to run for 132.7 yards per game. Quarterback Alan Follis, running back Jasper Jones, and receiver Jalen Graham lead the way.
“We got to control the line of scrimmage or else it will be a long night,” Pierson said. “Offensively, we got to stay ahead of the chains and control the ball some, but against them is a tall order.”
The Green Wave average 34.9 ppg. Their running game averages 275.3 yards per game and is led by Brandon Harris, Kameron Martin, and Jimothy Mays. Quarterback Jake Chambless controls the offense.
“The kids are really passionate about giving back to the community and playing with a lot of pride,” coach Chambless said. “In West Point, there is always community pressure, and our kids realize that and feed off that. We’re going to do what we do run the ball, move the chains, and play good defense, and everything else will play itself out.”
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