Mississippi high school football predictions for 5 top playoff games in MAIS and MHSAA
This week, Mississippi high school football playoffs top games features five teams in the Mississippi Super 25, including a clash between two top-20 teams. Highlighted is No. 13 Madison-Ridgeland Academy vs. No. 17 Jackson Prep in the MAIS 6A semifinals and an MHSAA game between No. 10 West Jones and Hancock.
Here's a look at the top five games across the state with score predictions.
No. 13 Madison-Ridgeland Academy (8-3) vs. No. 17 Jackson Prep (9-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
This is an MAIS Class 6A semifinal. MRA won 50-44 in overtime in the regular season. Expect MRA’s Charles Simpson to score TDs on the ground and Prep quarterback Billy Puckett to take control of the game. Expect a close finish like the first meeting.
Prediction: Madison-Ridgeland Academy 35, Jackson Prep 31.
No. 10 West Jones (10-0) vs. Hancock (8-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
West Jones and Hancock’s MHSAA Class 6A first-round matchup will provide fierce competition. West Jones hasn’t lost a game all year behind running back Elijah Jones and wideout Marquis Nobles. If Hancock wants an upset, it must contain Jones and Nobles.
Prediction: West Jones 32, Hancock 20.
No. 2 Hartfield Academy (12-0) vs. Jackson Academy (8-4)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
After winning the MAIS 6A District 1 title and claiming the highest seed in 6A, Hartfield will aim to knock off Jackson Academy again after being them in its final game of the regular season 40-13. Hartfield’s Reed Jesiolowski leads MAIS in rushing yards with 1,574 and dual-threat option Bralan Womack will be vital. JA’s running back, Omarean Ellis and quarterback, Carter Mathison, need big games for JA.
Prediction: Hartfield Academy 40, Jackson Academy 17.
No. 15 Bay Springs (10-1) vs. Heidelberg (8-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Bay Springs won its first-round 2A playoff game against Wilkinson County 70-6, but it won't be that easy against Heidelberg. Bay Springs is aiming to win its third consecutive state title, with two of them coming in Class 1A. Bay Springs’ Espen Campbell and Heidelberg’s Julius Bradley are top options in the backfield.
Prediction: Bay Springs 28, Heidelberg 21.
MHSSA, MAIS PLAYOFF BRACKETS: MAIS, MHSAA football playoff brackets 2023: Mississippi high school first-round, second-round pairings
No. 23 Houston (9-1) vs. Senatobia (9-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Both schools cruised in their opening 2A playoff rounds. Senatobia’s dual-threat player, John Bobo, is one player Houston needs to look out for. Senatobia needs to stop Houston’s fast-paced offense led by receiver Jay Hamilton and quarterback Takoda Harrell. Look for this game to be decided on the last possessions.
Prediction: Senatobia 24, Houston 21.
Last week's picks: 2-3 (66%)
Season picks: 16-4 (80%)
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion-Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MHSAA football playoffs predictions for 5 top Mississippi games
