A South State Championship Preview? Poplarville and Pass Christian Could Be on a Collision Course
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When the 2026 high school football season kicks off, one spring game matchup will have the attention of fans across South Mississippi. While it’s only an exhibition, many are already wondering if the showdown between Poplarville and Pass Christian could be a preview of something much bigger: the 4A South State Championship.
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Both programs enter the season with legitimate championship aspirations and enough talent to make a deep postseason run.
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Last season, Pass Christian put together one of the most impressive campaigns in school history. The Pirates finished with an outstanding 11-2 record and looked poised to make a run toward Jackson before running into a talented Columbia team in the playoffs. Columbia would go on to defeat Poplarville in a thrilling South State battle before eventually capturing the Class 4A State Championship.
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While Columbia reached the mountaintop, the Eagles were hit hard by graduation and the loss of several key contributors from last year’s title team. That has opened the door for programs like Pass Christian and Poplarville to emerge as the favorites in the South.
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Leading the charge for Pass Christian is one of the state’s most exciting offensive duos.
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Wide receiver Mario Burks continues to see his recruiting stock soar heading into his junior season. With Power Four offers already arriving from programs such as Florida State and California, Burks has become one of Mississippi’s most sought-after prospects. At 6-foot-3 with elite ball skills, Burks has built a reputation for making contested catches look routine. His combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability has college coaches lining up to watch him every Friday night.
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Getting him the football is senior quarterback Paris Trivilion, who many consider one of the most accurate quarterbacks in Mississippi. Trivilion has consistently demonstrated the ability to make every throw on the field and keep defenses guessing. Coming off an 11-win season, the veteran signal-caller appears locked in on leading Pass Christian to the next level. With his leadership and experience, the Pirates believe they have all the pieces necessary to make a championship run.
Paris Trivilion to Mario Burks for TD
Mario Bukes
Standing in their way, however, is a loaded Poplarville squad that many believe enters the season as the team to beat in South Mississippi.
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The Hornets are led by one of the top players in the state, Ty Keys. The highly touted prospect recently shut down his recruitment after committing to the University of Miami, giving Poplarville one of the most dynamic stars in Mississippi football. Keys’ commitment has generated plenty of headlines, but those around the program know the Hornets are much more than a one-player team.
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Poplarville returns talent across the roster and features one of the deepest groups in Class 4A. Among those returning is standout lineman Sam Lejeune, who continues to gain national recognition and is currently ranked among ESPN’s Top 100 prospects. His presence in the trenches gives Poplarville a major advantage against any opponent they face.
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From top to bottom, the Hornets possess the experience, talent, and depth needed to compete for a state championship. That’s why many observers have already labeled Poplarville as the favorite to emerge from the South.
Poplarville Remy scores a TD
Pass Christian
Of course, championships aren’t won in the preseason, and neither team will be crowned because of a spring game. But when two programs with this much talent take the field, it’s impossible not to look ahead.
Could this spring matchup be a sneak peek of the 4A South State Championship?
Only time will tell. One thing is certain: if Pass Christian and Poplarville continue on their current trajectory, their next meeting could come with much higher stakes, a packed stadium, and a trip to the state championship game on the line.
