MRA opens season against Parklane
Only three teams will open their season this week, but there are three very strong matchups for fans to watch out for, as Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Canton Academy will be in action at home on Thursday night, while Jackson Academy will be on the road on Friday night.
It can be hard to predict how matchups will go this early in this season, but I sat down with this week’s guest picker, MRA graduate John White, in an attempt to do just that.
White is currently entering his freshman season at quarterback for Southern Miss this season, after spending the last three seasons as the starting quarterback at MRA. White is one of the most accomplished players in the history of Mississippi high school football, ending his prep career as the state’s all-time leader in passing yards with 15,259 yards, along with being second in passing touchdowns in state history. He also led MRA to an MAIS 6A state title as a sophomore, was named to three all-state teams, and took home MAIS 6A player of the year honors in his senior season.
Game of the Week
Parklane Academy (0-0) at Madison-Ridgeland Academy (0-0) (Thu.)
In a rematch of last season’s opener for both teams, MRA will be playing in one of the 15 games that will open the high football season in Mississippi this weekend. The Patriots won last season’s matchup between the two teams by a score of 48-25. MRA went on to reach the semifinals in MAIS 6A, while Parklane Academy fell in the MAIS 5A quarterfinals. MRA will have to replace several key pieces this season and Thursday night will be the first opportunity to see those players in action in a real-game setting
My Pick:
MRA
White’s Pick:
MRA
Greenville Christian (0-0) at Canton Academy (0-0) (Thu.)
This will be one of two great matchups that will take place in Madison County on Thursday night. Canton Academy is coming off of a heartbreaking one-point semifinal loss last season, after a state championship in 2022. Greenville Christian was having a very solid regular season, before having to forfeit due to violations, which ended their season. There is a ton of talent on both sides for two 3A teams that should be competing for a state title.
My Pick:
Canton Academy
White’s Pick:
Greenville Christian
Jackson Academy (0-0) at Bayou Academy (0-0)
The only game involving a Madison County team that will be playing on Friday night this week will feature a rematch of last season’s season opener for Jackson Academy, as they will travel to face off against Bayou Academy. Jackson Academy took home a 27-8 win in last year’s matchup between the two teams and the Raiders will look to repeat that effort in Head Coach David Duggan’s first game at the helm of the program.
My Pick:
Jackson Academy
White’s Pick:
Jackson Academy