How They Stand:

CLARKDALE:

Week 7: Lost to Bay Springs 43-20

Week 8: vs Scott Central

Record: 3-4 (1-1 Region 5-2A)

LAMAR:

Week 9: Lost to Simpson Academy 28-27

Week 10: @ Leake Academy

Record: 6-2 (1-1 District 2-5A)

MERIDIAN:

Week 7: Lost to Oak Grove 45-35

Week 8: vs Petal

Record: 3-4 (0-1 Region 3-7A)

NORTHEAST LAUDERDALE:

Week 7: Defeated Leake Central 43-14

Week 8: @ West Lauderdale

Record: 4-3 (1-1 Region 4-4A)

RUSSELL CHRISTIAN:

Week 8: Lost to North River Christian 36-30

Week 9: vs Victory Christian

Record: 3-4 (3-2 CFA 8-Man)

SOUTHEAST LAUDERDALE:

Week 7: Lost to Stringer 26-20

Week 8: @ McLaurin

Record: 1-6 (0-1 Region 5-3A)

WEST LAUDERDALE:

Week 7: Defeated Taylorsville 35-24

Week 8: vs Northeast Lauderdale

Record: 6-1 (1-0 Region 4-4A)

Top 10 Performers:

Aiden Burns, Russell Christian: 153 yards and a touchdown on nine carries

Ty Jones, Russell Christian: 107 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries; 13 total tackles

Carter Simmons, Russell Christian: One rushing touchdown; 10 total tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks

Aaronyoun Johnson, Northeast Lauderdale: 184 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries

Jase Jimison, Northeast Lauderdale: 147 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries

Daniel Hill, Meridian: 17 yards on one completion out of three attempts; 204 yards and three touchdowns on 34 attempts; 15 yards and a touchdown on one reception

Jaylen Rush, Meridian: 95 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries

Christian Bolden, Meridian: 11 total tackles, including 10 solo tackles

Caleb Collins, West Lauderdale: 194 and two touchdowns on 27 carries

Kayden Peoples, West Lauderdale: 65 yards on five completions out of 11 attempts; 191 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries

Postgame Q&A:

Marcus Boyles – Meridian coach

Q: Why did you opt for such a run-heavy script against Oak Grove?

A: “That’s just who we are. That’s our identity right now, run-heavy, so we lean on those good running backs and Daniel (Hill) also, and our offensive line is playing really good for us.”

Q: How has Daniel Hill adapted to the quarterback position?

A: “I think he’s done really well. His passing has improved some. It’s not where we want it, but he’s a load back there that nobody likes tackling.”

Q: How well did your offensive line block against a strong Oak Grove defensive front?

A: “I thought our o-line did a really good job. You’re talking about some really good football players up front, and we had a great night rushing the football.”

Q: Is there anything that stands out that your defense could have done better?

A: “We were trying to play some zone coverage early on, and then we had to go man and get guys in the box. They’re a good football team, they’re the No. 1 team in the state, so we just had to help our guys up front with going man coverage. When you do that, you put your guys on an island, but I thought our guys held up well for the most part.”

Jaylen Rush – Meridian running back

Q: How was Meridian’s run game tonight?

A: “It was pretty unstoppable. We were able to play successfully off of all our blocks. It was just great for us.”

Q: What makes Daniel Hill a successful running back?

A: “He’s a pretty big guy for us. We always depend on him, and he’s going to get those plays we need in big time moments. Unfortunately we came up short, but we will work and return next week.”