Game of the Week: Hattiesburg vs. Oak Grove

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg and Oak Grove high school football rivalry is one of the biggest in the state.

This game won't be an easy one to win for either team.

Hattiesburg head coach, Tony Vance said, "Just a scrappy group of guys that plays hard and a never say die attitude."

"Hattiesburg is extremely explosive. Very, very talented offensively, got a lot of playmakers on that side of the ball that can change a ball game real fast," said Oak Grove head coach, Drew Causey.

Since the season-opener loss to Petal, the Tigers have been on a three-game winning streak.

"I think that's been the biggest thing for us, that guys actually stepped up and said 'hey you know what? This is not the way I want our season to go, so let's get this thing turned around quickly," said Vance.

But, the Warriors have not had the best start, as they are currently sitting at 1-3.

"You know we stress that this is the first of three parts of our season. We'll close the book on this chapter and we'll start a new season when region play starts next week. We just want to end this part of the season on a good note, so our guys are ready to go," said Causey.

Good momentum is building for Oak Grove, as they made a quarterback change and have a couple players back from injury.

Oak Grove quarterback, John Rhyes Plumlee said, "Just got to stay within ourselves. Don't let other people get us outside of our game. Just stay within our team. Nothing is going to break the family we've built over the summer and the bond we have towards each other."

Oak Grove defeated Hattiesburg over the last few years. However, the Tigers really want revenge.

Hattiesburg quarterback, Julian Conner said, "I mean it's going to be amazing if we get the win, because the four years I've been in high school, I haven't got the win against Oak Grove yet. So I think it'll be a great experience."

But, the Warriors will do their best to make sure that doesn't happen.

"The game coming up is our last game before districts start. So we really just want to get something going, get something rolling, because that determines if we'll make the playoffs or not. So we just need that confidence going into district to be able to play well," said Oak Grove slot back, Dwayne Lee.

Lee will also be out on defense, helping cover the Tigers passing attack.

But, Hattiesburg is not concerned.

Hattiesburg wide receiver, Jordan Murphy said, "I'm still going to play Jordan Murphy football. Either way, I'll still help my team out. It's just everybody do their assignment and we'll come out with the W."

This game will be played at Oak Grove High School and kickoff will be Friday night at 7.