The football team is continuing their push towards the playoffs.

   Their current district record is 4-0, and their overall record 7-3. The Rebels are currently holding the second spot in the district. Tonight, the teams will face off against Picayune who is currently holding the No. 1 spot. Both teams are 4-0 for district, and the game will determine their new standing.  

   All season the team has been working hard to improve their offensive and defensive skills. The team’s workouts start at the end of the previous season and do not stop until next season’s games.

   “As soon as we got done with the season, I think we gave two days off and then we started with weights and conditioning, that goes all the way up until school starts. We do that during the summer and we are up here three days a week during the summer doing that stuff and then when school starts you can start practicing and put pads back on, so it has definitely turned into a year round sport,” Coach James Ray said.

   The Rebels have faced off against different teams this year, due to the new 5A classification. The teams in the division include Gautier, West Harrison, Pearl River, Picayune, Vancleave and East Central. According to Ray, the new division has been “a sigh of relief” in the fact that he and the players do not have to travel as far for away games. The classification has also had an effect on the players mindset by giving them a determined attitude and headstrong thinking. 

  “Just go out there and hurt somebody,” senior Tyler Middleton said.

  “Taking one game at a time, you know, we are not worried about anybody but the teams that we’re playing next. Just keep focusing on them and preparing for them,” senior Trent Howell said. Howell has 50 rushing attempts for 423 rushing yards, with seven rushing touchdowns.  

   Unlike last year, the students and staff have been able to show their support at pep rallies. Last year, GCHS was only able to hold one pep rally due to COVID concerns, but this year we have held a pep rally for every home game. 

   “I think the pep rallies have hyped us up and just showed how many people are supporting us this year,”  Braydon Walker said. As a receiver, Walker has 20 catches for 260 yards with four touchdowns.

   With the senior football season being over half-way done, they want to give our upcoming team some advice.

   “Just never quit, keep the confidence, like I said, being confident and keeping at it no matter what because there is gonna be tough times every week, everyday at practice or a game just keep at it and never give up,” Howell tells. 

   “Honestly, work hard, don’t get discouraged if you don’t get any playing time and get better everyday,” Walker said. 

    Seniors Mojo Dortch and Ashton Hollins have also stood out for their hard work and commitment to the team. Dortch has had 22 catches for 445 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. With Hollins as quarterback, he has had 65 completions on 108 attempts for 1,004 passing yards along with 10 passing touchdowns. Hollins also has 66 rushing attempts for 328 rushing yards and six touchdowns. 

   Tickets for tonight’s Picayune game will be sold for $5 in the lobby for students and will also be sold at the gate for $10.