Parklane Academy’s march toward a possible football playoff berth goes through Hattiesburg and Presbyterian Christian on Friday.
The Pioneers enter the 7 p.m. clash 7-1 overall, 3-0 in AAA action after their 35-12 destruction of Starkville Academy last week. Presbyterian Christian defeated Hillcrest Christian 49-0 to improve to 6-2 and 3-2.
Parklane coach Mike Powell said the rushing attack is the Bobcats’ strength. Fate Eiland, Lee Sigrest and Stephen Jones have combined for 2,400 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns. Eiland leads the trio with 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. Sigrest has 16 touchdowns and 823 yards. Daniel Patterson is the quarterback.
“They’ve got three guys who can tote it,” Powell said. “They’re probably one of the fastest teams we’ve faced this year. It’s tough on a defense to have that many backs capable of carrying the load.”
A victory puts the winner in the driver’s seat for the playoffs.
“This game would put ourselves in good position to make the playoffs if we could win,” Powell said. “Friday night is what we’ve been waiting on to see how we measure up against other AAA schools.”
Parklane’s defense is paced by linebackers Walt Aldridge and James Michael Schmidt, end Tyler Stutzman and defensive back Justin Brent, who had an interception last week.
“We’re just going to have to play solid football,” Powell said. “I believe if we play well in all three phases we’ll have a chance to win the game.”
PA quarterback Brady Lea accounted for 245 yards rushing and passing and three scores last week. Lea was 7 of 10 passing for 157 and two scores. His scoring tosses covered 30 yards to Brent and 59 yards to Joseph Clark. Lea’s TD run was from 7 yards out.
For the season, Lea leads the club in rushing with 905 yards. Through the air, Lea is 48 of 82 passing for 980 yards and seven TDs.
Lea was 7 of 10 passing for 157 and two scores. His scoring tosses covered 30 yards to Justin Brent and 59 yards to Joseph Clark.
The Bobcats’ losses were to AAA powers Jackson Academy (21-12) in the season opener, and to Jackson Prep (24-7).
Against Hillcrest, the Bobcats built a 29-0 lead after one quarter. Senior running back Hunter Norton scored twice in the game on runs of 29 and 6 yards. Sigrest, Stephen Jones, Tyler Young and Eiland all rushed for touchdowns.
“Parklane has an outstanding football team,” PCS coach Joey Hawkins said. “They had some long drives without any turnovers last week, which is most impressive.”
Powell said the Bobcats’ “50” defensive look is keyed by four linebackers who can move to the ball quickly.
“All four of their linebackers are pretty good football players,” Powell said. “They will load the the box up on you and see if you can throw it. We’ve thrown and caught the ball well this year. And we’ve been able to block up front.”
