For weeks there had been a lot of anticipation about Hattiesburg High School playing for a Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A state championship in its home city.
However, something strange happened on the Tigers’ trek to M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Hattiesburg lost to upstart West Jones 37-14 in a second-round playoff game at home.
Thus, if West Point beats Olive Branch Friday night at Hamblin Stadium, the Green Wave will face a much different challenge in the state championship game.
A year ago, West Point throttled Hattiesburg 41-15 in the Class 5A final in Oxford.
Hattiesburg returned many more starters from last season and have been ranked No. 1 in the state in some polls throughout the season.
However, there will be no revenge in this year’s state championship matchup.
West Jones and Picayune play Friday night for the South State title.
Revenge will be the topic of conversation this week though as West Point goes for its third straight North State title.
In the regular season, West Point scored twice in the final three minutes to win 34-33 at Olive Branch.
That game eventually meant the region title for West Point.
A rematch has already taken place for West Point in last week’s hard-fought 27-20 home win over Lafayette in the second round.
“Always a challenge to beat a team for the second time in a season,” Chambless said. “Our region was so competitive in the top half. You know you have to come to play.”
A year ago, West Point beat Olive Branch twice by one-sided scores
Much like Hattiesburg, one would think Olive Branch has been looking forward to Friday night’s rematch.
However, West Point playing at home is a different beast.
The Green Wave would have the good fortune of three straight home games before heading to Hattiesburg for the title match.
West Point rarely loses at home when it matters.
The Hattiesburg loss puts West Point on notice.
This late in the year, anything can happen.
Scott Walters is a sports writer for The Dispatch. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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