Mississippi high school football predictions for Week 3, including Jackson Prep vs. Jackson Academy
Some Mississippi high school football teams are off to fast starts and others are still trying to get their first win of the season. These five games have all of the intrigue of a whodunit, only to be decided by the last possession of the ball. There are four teams that are undefeated and face each other this week, and only two will come out of the showdowns unbeaten.
Here’s a look at the top five games to take place across the state.
Game of the Week
Jackson Prep (3-0) at Jackson Academy (4-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Jackson Prep has not been tested yet this season. The closest game was a 12-point win over Adams County Christian 24-12 in Week 2. Look for tight end Peyton Puckett to be on the receiving end of throws from his brother, Billy Puckett, who is the quarterback.
Prep defeated Academy last season 35-7 and won the state championship going 12-1.
Jackson Academy looks to take a measure of revenge on Jackson Prep. For Jackson Academy it starts with running of Omarean Ellis, who is averaging 130 yards per game. When teams stack the box, look for Jackson Academy to throw the ball to Kiandre Terry.
Prediction: Jackson Prep 42, Jackson Academy 38
Ocean Springs (1-1) at Northwest Rankin (2-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Defensively, Ocean Springs is a load upfront and as tough of a matchup for opposing offenses. But Northwest Rankin is coming off two big wins. This game will come down to whether Ocean Springs defense can keep shutout Northwest Rankin until its offense finds a way to score.
Prediction: Ocean Springs 21, Northwest Rankin 17
Madison Central (2-0) at Gulfport (2-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Madison Central offense will have its work cut out for itself this week. Gulfport will play multiple defenses and give Central different looks on the back end. Central will have to keep the game close and will look to win it with its field goal kicker at the end.
Prediction: Ocean Springs 21, Northwest Rankin 17
Clinton (0-2) at Brandon (0-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Brandon looks for its first win of the season. In order to do that, it must control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Brandon cannot fall behind by double digits. On defense, Brandon has to stop the run and get off the field on third downs.
Clinton is better than what it has showed, and it is a rival game. Clinton has to stop Brandon running back Nate Blount.
Prediction: Brandon 28, Clinton 24
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McComb (2-0) at Mendenhall (2-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
If fans are looking for a good rivalry game, this is it. Both teams are undefeated going into Week three. Mendenhall played for the state championship last year, just falling short to Louisville, 17-14.
McComb has steamrolled both its opponents so far this season. McComb has put up 40 points plus on offense and played shutout defense. McComb's defense has not given up a point this season.
Prediction: Mendenhall 42, McComb 38
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi high school football predictions: Jackson Prep vs. Jackson Academy
