by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
POPLARVILLE (GG) — During 8 years with the West Harrison football program, Head Coach Quincy Patrick has been through numerous emotions. Playing in one of the toughest districts, Patrick and the Hurricanes staff have only managed seven wins. Although Friday nights game (August 29) was not a district contest, West Harrison found something they had been missing as they upset defending 2024 State Champion Poplarville 34-18.
Scoring Summary
In their first possession, the Hurricanes jumped out on the scoreboard with West Harrison Running Back Jordan Stapleton running down the sideline with under 10 minutes left in the first quarter at Poplarville Stadium. This would be the first of Stapleton’s illustrious night with only 16 touches and the Hurricanes would never lose the lead. Following the extra point, West Harrison had a 7-0 lead which was the score at the end of the quarter.
Poplarville’s Dandy Dozen Running Back Tylan Keys decided to keep the game interesting, marching down the field at the start of the second quarter for a touchdown run. The Hornets missed the extra point, which kept the Hurricanes lead 7-6.
Stapleton immediately countered with 2 consecutive lengthy touchdown runs to break open the scoreboard again to 21-6. One possession, Poplarville turned the ball over on downs after West Harrison Defensive Lineman Jazear Carter picked up his first sack of the season.
Right before the half, Keys scored on a quick dive with under 2 minutes left before the half. Again, the Hornets missed the extra point (PAT) and settled for the 21-12 halftime score.
Coming out of the gates, West Harrison took no prisoner as Stapleton raced in for the fourth and his final touchdown of the game for a 28-12 lead.
Additionally, Keys finished with Poplarville’s last touchdown of the game with under a minute left in the third quarter. The Hornets failed on a 2 point conversion and the score was 28-18. The Hurricanes managed one more scoring drive in the fourth quarter to build the lead to 34-18.
What the Coach Said
Since 2022, West Harrison Head Coach Quincy Patrick is 17-14, but West Harrison has not been to the MHSAA playoffs in their 17 year program.
“We are beyond blessed to go out to Poplarville and get the win,” said Coach Patrick who won his 24th game for the Hurricanes. “Our kids have worked so hard to get to this point but we have to keep our head down and keep moving.”
The Numbers Never Lie
Stapleton was the force that the Hurricanes used for most of the game. The three-year starting Running Back led West Harrison with 260 total yards (179 rushing, 81 receiving), 4 touchdowns, 3 receptions, and 13 carries. Senior Kicker Dezi Curley made 4/5 extra points for the Hurricanes.
The Hornets Running Back Keys had 135 yard on 27 carries with 3 touchdowns and single handedly was the only player to produce any offensive power. Poplarville’s Defensive Lineman Sam Lejeune had three tackles for loss and five solo tackles.
Up Next
West Harrison stays on the road and will play 1-0 Forest High School at 7pm. Poplarville will play on the road in Wiggins against Stone County High School at 7pm.
(Photos by Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)
