Meridian is heading into district play with a lot of momentum.

Now comes their next big test, the defending MHSAA Class 7A state champions on the road.

That is what the Wildcats have next as they are riding a three-game winning streak and open Region 3-7A play on Friday night at Oak Grove.

“It’s a huge challenge going down and playing them in Oak Grove,” said Meridian coach Shelton Gandy. “They are very talented and well coached, so this will be a good measuring stick for our football team to see where we are at this phase of the season.”

The Warriors (3-2) are coming off a bye week last week and will be led by a very potent offense.

The Oak Grove offensive attack averages 30.4 points, 214.6 yards passing and 144.6 yards rushing led by quarterback Kellen Hall, running back Kylin Champagne along with a plethora of receivers in A.J. Lewis, Kaiden Smith and Charles Stevenson. The Warrior defense does allow 26 points per game but is anchored by defensive tackle and Ole Miss commit Andrew Maddux along with linebackers Malachi Henderson and Jaylan Moore.

Meridian is coming into the game averaging 22.3 points per game led by quarterback Corey McCann and running backs Anthony Brown, Grant Hill and Kelvin Jones. This very well could be a ball control type game with the Wildcats (4-2) leaning on the ground game.

The Wildcat defense only allows 12.2 points per game and has been very active and stout the last three games led by Martravious Greer, Dane Hill, Theolonious McPhee, Christian Bolden, Deonte Hopper and Malachi Atterberry.

“We have to be very efficient on offense and make plays in the kicking game,” Gandy said. “Defensively we have to have the explosive plays and create turnovers.”

Week 8 Schedule

Bay Springs (4-2) at Clarkdale (2-4)

Northeast Lauderdale (2-4) at Leake Central (1-5)

Stringer (2-4) at Southeast Lauderdale (1-5)

Taylorsville (1-4) at West Lauderdale (3-3)

Simpson Academy (4-3) at Lamar School (4-3)