The Great American Rivalry Series featured game of the week will have the Olive Branch Conquistadors battling the South Panola Tigers Friday night in a matchup of the state’s last three 6A state champions. This classic Mississippi rivalry began in 1972 with South Panola leading in wins, 26-10. Olive Branch won last year’s matchup, 24-6, to snap a 10-year losing streak to South Panola.

MVP

Ladarius Strong

South Panola

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Zachary Weir

Olive Branch

Zachary has been a part of the Olive Branch Football Program for 4 years. In addition to football he is currently a member of “Interact”, National Honors Society and Conquistadors for Christ. Zachary has been able to maintain an awesome GPA of 4.07 and hopes to continue his education at Mississippi State University or Arkansas State University

Clayton Sibley

South Panola

Clayton holds a 3.58 GPA and is a 3 year starter for the varsity football team. He was selected the National Player of the week for kicking 4 field goals in South Panola’s 12-10 victory over West Point High School in week 1 of the 2012 football season. Clayton is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plans to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine.

HALL OF FAME

Todd Mays

Olive Branch

Todd played in the Olive Branch/South Panola rivalry his freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year. As a captain of the 2011 team, Todd led his team to a 24-6 victory over South Panola, an undefeated season and the Mississippi 6 A State Championship. In South Panola contest, Todd accounted for nearly 300 yard of offense. Todd rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown and passed for 227 yards and 2 touchdowns. Todd’s long touchdown pass to Jalen miller in the second half proved to be the play that sealed the victory for Olive branch. Todd has gone to play for Arkansas State after his stellar Olive Branch career.

Terrance Pope

South Panola

Terrance played in the South Panola/Olive Branch rivalry from 2007-2009 in which South Panola was 6-0. For 2 games versus Olive Brach in his senior year he was recorded for 3 sacks and a forced fumble. Terrence went on to be a four year starter at South Mississippi. In his senior year he helped lead South Mississippi to its first conference championship since 2003. That year USM finished 12-2 and #19 in the nation. Terrance is now part of the South Panola Coaching Staff.

GAME SUMMARY

Over 10,000 fans came out on a beautiful Northern Mississippi night to watch two of Mississippi's best battle on the gridiron. After holding the Conquistadors to a three and out on their first possession, South Panola took the ball and handed it off seven straight times to Great American Rivalry Series MVP Ladarius Strong. The Tigers would carry a 14-7 halftime lead. The final Olive Branch tally only served to lessen the final margin of victory, as the Pirates celebrated the win on enemy soil at 28-14.