by Hunter Dawkins, Publisher/Owner – thegazebogazette@gmail.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
Following a comeback rally in the second half of the Oyster Bowl where the Pass Christian High School football team scored 42 unanswered points, they continued that streak against the Purvis Tornadoes by executing a 35-0 shutout at Francis McDonald Stadium Friday, September 1, 2023.
For the third consecutive year, the Pirates (2-0) have beaten the Tornadoes and earned their first playoff victory against the Tornadoes in 2019 with a 35-20 win.
“Proud of the energy and effort we came out with,” expressed Pass Christian High School first year Head Football Coach Jeff Stockstill. “We’re going to have to continue to maintain that level of effort to reach our potential.”
The opening possession for the Pirates did not result into any score, but the defense held firm throughout the game. Pass Christian All-District Defensive Tackle Jayden Acker blocked a punt and the Pirates recovered the ball on the Purvis 6-yard line with under five minutes left in the first quarter.
Quickly, Quarterback Ladd Scriber tossed a touchdown pass to Cooper Schatzle to give Pass High an early lead. Karsten Mooney converted the extra point to put the Pirates on the scoreboard at 7-0 near the end of the first quarter.
The Tornadoes first attempt of the second quarter was halted by Pass Christian defensive back Micah McKay with 11 minutes before the half. This turnover led to Scriber’s second touchdown pass to Schatzle and 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
Field control determined the rest of the half as the Pirates took advantage. After Pass Christian All-District Jacquez Alexander-Dedeaux scored on a 5-yard rushing touchdown, Purvis fumbled on the next possession which led another 13-yard touchdown from the running back to increase the lead to 28-0.
Before the end of the first half, the Pirates tossed another touchdown from Scriber to Terry Patton. Once Mooney kicked through the extra point successfully, the score was 35-0 at halftime and the defense held firm to keep the shout in tact.
Penalties and times of possession hindered both teams in the second half from developing an sustained drive, fortunately the Pirates were in control.
Offensively, Scriber threw for 110 yards on 8-14 passing with 3 touchdowns and an interception. On the ground, four players led the Pass Christian running game to 211 yards while Alexander-Dedeaux ran across the pylon twice.
Despite not having any double digit tackles, the Pirate defense did every thing else. Mooney led the team in tackles along with a fumble recovery, Braylon Laneaux had one sack, McKay and Perry Williams pulled down interceptions.
Pass Christian will play their first road game in Carriere Friday, September 8, 2023 against Pearl River Central at 7pm.
(Both Photos by Aimee Cronan, The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)
