Game of the Week (Laurel vs. Petal)

PETAL, Miss. - Laurel and Petal are coming off a win last week and are sitting at 2-1.

Both teams also have a bye next week and want to go into it victorious.

Laurel head coach, Todd Breland said, "Best team we've played so far. No offense to any before or after, but they're really, really good. They're well-coached. I know Coach Boyles, he'll have that bunch ready to play."

Petal head coach, Marcus Boyles said, "Really good on defense, fast, physical. Offensively starts with the quarterback. Does a great job getting the ball to a lot of playmakers."

Many people see Laurel as the underdog in this match-up.

The Golden Tornadoes will have to try and stop Petal running back, Stephon Huderson, who is considered to be one of the best running backs in the state.

"Of course Huderson is who he is. You know he's a very good running back, probably best in the South. And he's going to get his own, but we got to contain that and minimize the big plays," said Breland.

But, Laurel has a good offensive weapon too.

His name is Dontario Drummond.

"Well I don't know if you can limit his touches you know? You just try and do the best job you can against a great player. It's going to take a team effort on defense to try and limit him," said Boyles.

Drummond doesn't think he can be stopped.

"I run my routes good, catching the ball in space, and making the plays for my team," said Laurel wide receiver, Dontario Drummond.

The Panthers defense is ready for the challenge.

"We got a pretty good defensive coordinator. He's got us coached up pretty good. Everybody has a responsibility and a place to be," said Petal defensive end, Kane Roberts.

In this match-up, Huderson is just trying to do what he does best.

"I just try and make them miss. I take what they give me. That's all I can say," said Huderson.

Laurel's defense is practicing hard to try and limit Huderson's game as much as possible.

Laurel defensive end, Darius Townsend said, "It's intense. We want to win every game. We want to make sure that every play is done right and we don't want to give up no little mistake. Every little thing makes a big difference so..."

The game will be played Friday at Petal High School and kickoff is at 7 p.m.