Presbyterian Christian School stands in the way of Parklane Academy’s making the MAIS AAA football playoffs.
With that fact in mind, Parklane coach Bo Milton said he expects nothing less than a full effort from his club when the Bobcats invade Cowart-Smith Stadium/Charlie Newlon Field on Friday for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Parklane (5-3, 1-2) enters the game off a disappointing 7-5 district loss at Starkville Academy last week. PCS (5-3, 3-1) annihilated Hillcrest 43-0 last week.
“We’re not out of this thing yet,” Milton said. “We control our own destiny. We’ve got to win the next two (against PCS and Copiah). Starkville would have to beat Presbyterian. If we win out, we’re in at No. 2. It all boils down to we have to beat Presbyterian Christian to get in.”
Milton said the Bobcats are known for their various offensive looks.
“PCS tries to formation you to death. They try and keep moving you around on defense until they got you where they want you. We haven’t seen anybody similar to them this year. They’re a culmination of everybody we’ve seen. Their speed sweeps, bootlegs and fullback traps are the main plays out of all their formations.”
While PCS likes to mix it up, it will first try to establish the run.
“Our backs have improved over the last month. We’ve gotten a lot more physical,” said PCS coach Joey Hawkins.
The Bobcats are led offensively by quarterback Brandon Sullivan, who has passed for approximately 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. He has thrown five interceptions. Running backs are senior Blake Graves (5-foot-10, 215 pounds), who has rushed for 800 yards, and sophomore Lee Sigrest (5-10, 180). Sigrest rushed for 170 yards against East Rankin and 100 yards against Germantown. At tight end is 6-foot-4, 230-pound Hunter Hawkins, the coach’s son.
Milton said the Pioneers competed against Starkville, but failed to cash in on scoring opportunities. Parklane had a 22-yard field goal by Zach McDaniel in the second quarter. Starkville led 7-3 at halftime. Parklane had 160 yards of total offense in the game, while Starkville had 146.
Defensively, Graves leads the Bobcats in tackles with 86 from his linebacker slot. Junior Micah Griffin (6-3, 190) is at another linebacker spot.
Milton said Senior Night activities begin at 6:35 p.m., with introductions of the nine senior players and senior cheerleaders. Senior band members will be recognized at halftime.
Parklane’s senior class is 17-12 heading into Friday’s game.
