The Petal Panthers came out of their 2015 season having fought their way into the playoffs. They were coming into tonight’s game vs. Oak Grove with a determination to win, especially given the fact that Oak Grove has beaten them the last three times they’ve played in this great Mississippi Rivalry. Head Coach Marcus Boyles said in a pre-game meeting that ‘his kids were hungry for a win’. And that confidence and hunger paid off as they beat Oak Grove 4938.

MVP

Stephen Roberson

Petal

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Jacob Hall

Petal

Jacob is a three year letterman on the varsity football and baseball teams. He was an All-District selection for the 2015-16 season as well as a member of the Hattiesburg American all-area team. Jacob is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and will be a Mississippi Scholar. He plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

Caleb Gatwood

Oak Grove

Caleb has played for Oak Grove Football since 2014 and has also been on the honor roll since 2014. Outside of his work on the football field, Caleb has qualified and competed in the 2016 Bassmaster National Championships as well as won the Costa Toledo Bend Regional High School Tournament. He is a member of the Beta Club and Key Club and plans to attend Mississippi State to pursue a degree in bio-chem.

GAME SUMMARY

From the start of the first quarter, the Petal Panthers showed domination with some early touchdowns and field goals. With the help of a fumble recovery, Petal held a 21-7 lead throughout the First Quarter. Petal Defense, led by senior linebacker, Charlie Marlow, was instrumental in key plays to help Petal keep the lead throughout the game. His interception in the Fourth Quarter sealed their win. The MVP of the game was #8, Stephen Huderson – who scored five touchdowns and ran for over 100 yards.