by Joseph W. Gex II, Staff Writer

BAY ST. LOUIS (GG) — The Saint Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws hosted the Moss Point Tigers in the 30th game played between the two teams on the gridiron in a series that dates back to 1935. The Rocks jumped out on the Tigers and kept them at bay for the remainder of the game to record the victory. The win improved the series record for SSC to 17-12-1.

The Rocks (2-1) used a pinpoint passing game highlighted by quarterback Max Bernard who threw for 295 yards on 21-for-38 passing and a touchdown while also rushing seven times for 17 yards and three touchdowns.
The Rocks stopped the Tigers (0-3) on the first possession of the game taking over at their own 32-yard line.
Bernard went to the air for completions to Lex Rhodes for gains of 9 and 29 yards before connecting with Jackson Wood for a 19-yard scoring strike with 6:24 left in the first quarter. Jude Babin’s PAT made the score 7-0.
Two possessions later, Moss Point’s 32-yard field goal was blocked by Brick Compretta leaving the score 7-0.
Bernard connected with Liam Hayes for a gain of 7 yards and Adam Oliver for a 21-yard pickup followed by an 18-yard gain. The Rocks picked up 15 more yards on a roughing-the-passer call.
Three plays later, Babin converted a 41-yard field goal attempt to make the score 10-0.
After a stop by the Rock defense, Bernard called his own number for a one-yard score with 4:02 left in the first half. Babin’s PAT was blocked leaving the score 16-0.
Three plays into the ensuing possession, Hayes picked off an errant pass at the Rock 25-yard line.
Gains of 20 and 19 yards from Bernard to Oliver and later a 19-yard gain to Wood culminated with a one-yard dive by Bernard with seven seconds left in the half. Babin’s PAT made the score 23-0.
On the Rocks’ second possession of the second half, Moss Point had a strip and score from 10 yards out with 6:49 left in the third quarter. Drake Schmitt blocked the PAT leaving the score 23-6.
The Rocks were benefit of a Moss Point celebration penalty on the touchdown giving SSC good field position. After a 20-yard toss from Bernard to Oliver down to the Moss Point one-yard line, Bernard called his own number with 3:24 left in the third quarter to make the score 30-6 with Babin’s PAT.
The Tigers returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion failed leaving the score 30-12.
On the ensuing drive by SSC, Babin converted a 20-yard field goal to make the final score 33-12.
SSC head coach Evan Gay commented, “We got one-dimensional in the second half which allowed Moss Point to make some key plays against us. Credit Moss Point for not quitting in the contest and playing hard throughout. They were an aggressive team on defense and that caused us some problems. Max Bernard took shots on every play and he continued to deliver the ball. He played solid at quarterback for us. We have Pass Christian this week at their place. We have to continue to play tough football to match up with the Pirates. We have to contain their athletes and rake advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. I am very proud of our players who continue to buy into what we are doing and change the culture.”
The Rocks were led in receiving by Adam Oliver with 9 catches for 139 yards.
The Rocks travel to Pass Christian today for a non-region matchup at McDonald Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
(Photos by Allan Ritter Photography)