USM set to host MHSAA football championships this weekend
Championships games in the six MHSAA classifications will be played Friday and Saturday at the University of Southern Mississippi's M. Roberts Stadium, and the best matchup could be in the smallest class.
Games were moved from Mississippi Memorial Stadium because Jackson State will be hosting Prairie View in the SWAC championship game Saturday.
3A – 11 a.m. Friday – Jefferson Davis County (8-5) vs. Amory (10-3)
Jefferson Davis has rebounded from losses in the first four games of the season and reached the championship game with a 26-20 victory over Raleigh in the South State final. Amory upset North Panola 29-16 in the North State final.
1A – 3 p.m. Friday – Simmons (14-0) vs. Bay Springs (13-1).
Both teams have been dominant in the playoffs. Simmons last year's runnerup, defeated Okolona 66-0, Biggersville 66-30 and Tupelo Christian 48-0. Bay Springs defeated Ethel 48-0, defending champion Lumberton 44-0 and West Lowndes 44-6. Bay Springs only loss came against Scott Central, which is in the 2A championship game.
6A – 7 p.m. Friday – Madison Central (12-1) vs. Brandon 11-2.
Brandon edged defending champion Oak Grove 21-20 in the South State final when the Warriors failed on a two-point conversion attempt in the final minute. Madison Central defeated Starkville 34-13 in the North State final.
4A – 11 a.m. Saturday – Columbia (12-1) vs. Senatobia (12-1)
Columbia edged Poplarville 12-7 in South State final. Senatobia outscored Caledonia 34-27 in North State final.
2A – 3 p.m. Saturday – Scott Central (14-0) vs. Leflore County (10-3)
Scott Central has averaged 57 points in four playoffs games, including a 60-14 victory over Pelahatcie in the South State final. Leflore County edged Charleston 24-22 in North State final.
5A – 7 p.m. Saturday – West Point (12-0) vs Picayune (13-1)
West Point defeated Neshoba Central 20-14 in North State final and is seeking its 11th state championship, which would tie South Panola for the most. Picayune edged Laurel 32-28 in South State final.