Pearl River rumbles its way to victory over Southwest

Dylan Dunaway - PRCC Sports Information Director

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — After throwing the ball 25 and 33 times in each of its first two games, the Pearl River football team had a different game plan in mind Thursday night in its home and south division opener against Southwest.

The Wildcats took to the field and pounded the rock for four quarters, registering 60 carries, 318 yards and four scores to take down the Bears 27-17. PRCC's 430 yards of total offense were the most since Sept. 1, 2022, when it collected 533 yards against Holmes.

"In this league, the team that executes and plays the hardest will win the game," head coach Seth Smith said. "We fought hard tonight, and I am proud of them. We still left four touchdowns on the field. We have to take care of those opportunities.

"We are a young team, and these guys are still learning how to finish games. You can't take any plays off."

Pearl River (2-1 overall; 1-0 MACCC South) made its opening drive count. After starting the contest with five consecutive rush attempts, Wildcat quarterback, Kabe Barnett (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) connected with Henry Lee Jr. (Kenner, La.; East Jefferson) on back-to-back plays. The first time, Lee Jr. only tallied five yards, but the ensuing play saw him gain an incredible 32 yards. With the Southwest (0-3; 0-1) defense on its heels, PRCC returned to the ground game, and Keenan Franks (State Line, La.; Greene County) went nearly untouched up the middle for 15 yards and his first collegiate touchdown, 7-0.

The Bears also did their damage on the ground on their opening drive, using a good return, two pass completions and 33 rushing yards to cash in a touchdown, 7-7.