Oxford and Southaven will open region play tonight on the campus of Southaven High School. Oxford rides a three game winning streak into this matchup while Southaven comes in having lost three of their first four games. Southaven won last years’ matchup 23-13.

Players to watch:

Oxford RB KJ Wadley- Wadley didn’t play last week in Pontotoc due to a shoulder injury, but he will be back in action for the Oxford Chargers tonight. Wadley enjoyed a breakout game against Lafayette in his most recent action running for over 100 yards. When Wadley gets rolling, this Oxford offense is tough to stop. Look for Oxford to establish him early on in tonights contest.

Southaven QB Jordan Hibbler- Hibbler is an elusive rushing quarterback for Southaven. The Chargers will try to move the ball on predominantly on the ground tonight. Oxford has been susceptible to chunk runs on the ground at times this season.

Oxford ATH JJ Pegues- Pegues is coming fresh off of a four touchdown game against Pontotoc. He has done it both on the ground and through the air. Southaven is replacing a lot of key players on defense this season, so Pegues should have some lanes to run in tonight. Expect another big night for Pegues.

Southaven ATH Delvon Wray- Wray will be all over the field for Southaven tonight. He plays wide receiver, cornerback, and running back. There’s nothing that this kid can’t do on the football field. He will be a tough matchup for the Oxford defense no matter where he is.

Oxford DB Scott Norphlet- Norphlet had a tall task in front of him replacing graduated senior CJ Terrell, but he has stepped up in a big way to this point in the season. Norphlet has 28 tackles so far this season and has also hauled in three interceptions.

Southaven DB Caleb Offord- Offord has been an important piece of the Southaven secondary and will likely draw an important assignment with one of Oxford’s top receivers. The junior cornerback is one of few returning pieces for the Charger defense from last years team.

X Factor:

Oxford QB John Meagher- This is another matchup where the game could be determined through the air. Meagher has been successful throwing the ball averaging over 11 yards per attempt. For Oxford to win, Meagher needs to have another efficient night through the air.

Prediction: 

Ironically, Southaven was 1-3 coming into last seasons contest against Oxford and they left Bobby Holcomb Field with a 23-13 win. This year, I think Oxford takes care of business and leaves Southaven with a victory. Chargers will get the win 28-13.