by Jeff Clark, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass High Coach Jeff Stockstill could have taken the easy way out and had a bye week on Friday, Oct. 24, as it was originally scheduled for the Pirates. But Stockstill had other plans.
“We weren’t happy with the way we were playing at the end of last season,” he said. “So, instead of taking a bye week, we scheduled a home game with West Marion.” We debated whether to schedule a game or leave that night open. But ultimately, we decided it would benefit us to keep up with our regular weekly routine.”
Stockstill’s game plan eventually paid off as the Pirates moved to 8-1 on the season with a 28-7 hard-fought victory over West Marion, a tenacious team that kept Pass High in the game until it was over.
Although Pass High is known for its explosive offense, led by quarterback Paris Trivillion, it was the defense that propelled the Pirates to victory. It was the sixth game where the Pirates scored at least 20 more points than their opponents. The defense intercepted West Marion five times.
“I’m very proud of the defense,” Stockstil said. “They carried us to the win on Friday night.”
The Pirates didn’t reach the end zone until late in the first quarter, when Trivillion scored on a 25-yard run. He finished the night with 77 yards rushing on 10 carries.
The 7-0 lead would be very short-lived for the Pirates as Trojans receiver Brandon Bullock answered back with a 98-yard kick return on the next play to tie the game 7-7 heading into the second quarter. It would be the only time the Trojans would reach the endzone.
The Pirates scored twice before the half, once on an 11-yard run by Cecil Lizana and a late-quarter 29-yard pass hauled in by Larkin Lewis.
Trivillion would find Amarie “Moe” James for a 31-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The Trojans kept the Pirates scoreless throughout the fourth quarter.
Trivillion passed for 170 yards and completed 9-21 passes and had one interception in the Pirates’ victory. Lizana was the leading rusher with 30 yards on seven carries. James led the Pirates in receiving with five catches for 170 yards.
For the 73rd overall matchup, the Pirates head to Bay St. Louis for the “Battle of the Bridge” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30. Stockstill said his team has to remain focused so that the rivalry game doesn’t become a “trap” game for Pass High.
“The team knows who they are playing,” he said. “I’m confident they will prepare themselves accordingly. We will keep our normal practice routine and have one less practice day due to the Thursday night game. After 10 weeks of football, we should be able to handle the challenge.”
Although the Pirates have won the last three matchups against Bay High, the Tigers lead the overall series 41-29-2 against Pass High and will play on the road at J.D. McCulloch Stadium/Tank Williams Field Thursday night. The Tigers enter the game with a 0-8 record after their 34-0 league loss to FCAHS (Brooklyn, MS).
(Photos by Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)
