The Hattiesburg Tigers go on the road for the first time this season to face the Moss Point Tigers on Friday night at 7 pm.
Head Coach Tony Vance is excited to have Moss Point back on the schedule to renew a rivalry that used to be heated.
“They’re not the Moss Point of old, but I think they are improving each and every year,” Vance said.
The Moss Point Tigers (1-1), who are a 4A team, is coming off a 28-7 loss to Gautier last week. Running back Tytus Miles had the lone score for Moss Point on a touchdown run. The Tigers only managed 198 total yards of offense, 175 of which came through the air. The Moss Point defense struggled mightily and allowed over 321 yards of offense, 238 of those yards on the ground.
Coach Vance praised their athleticism and their ability to make plays Tuesday night during Tiger Talk.
“They are a spread [team] and they are going to throw it around a good bit. We’ve got to do a good job covering their passing game. Our secondary is going to have to step up,” Vance said.
Hattiesburg (2-0) is on the heels of a dominating 41-20 win over I-59 rival Laurel. Quarterback Jarod Snoop Conner lead the charge with 218 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. Drexlan Allen rushed for 69 yards and another touchdown of his own. Jairus McFarland scored a touchdown on a 76 yard kickoff return.
Hattiesburg will need to get the ground game going early. Moss Point does not bring a lot of pressure and counts on their secondary to make plays and force mistakes.
“Their athletes are pretty darn good, and they feel comfortable that their men are going to get the job done in coverage,” Vance said.
The Hattiesburg Tigers play four straight away games and do not play in D.I. Patrick Stadium again until October 5.
