Oxford is coming into this one off of a bounce back 22-21 win over Hernando. Tupelo fell to region champion Horn Lake 35-10 last week. Tupelo won last year’s meeting by a score of 34-8. An Oxford win tonight would clinch the two seed in Region 1-6A and guarantee a home playoff game. Oxford can also clinch the two seed with a South Panola win over Desoto Central.

Players to watch:

Tupelo RB Jaquerrious “J-Rock” Williams: Williams has been one of the best players in the state, and is Tupelo’s best weapon offensively. He has rushed for 1,586 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging almost 6.5 yards per carry. Expect Williams to have a heavy workload in this one.

Oxford RB KJ Wadley: Wadley has had an up and down season, but with JJ Pegues sidelined for tonights contest, Wadley will have a great opportunity to go out on a positive note to finish the regular season. Wadley has rushed for 282 yards on the season.

Tupelo QB Stephon McGlaun: McGlaun has only played in three games this season and has struggled since coming back from injury. McGlaun has completed 60% of his passes on the season, but has only completed 51% since his return from injury. McGlaun is going to need to get back on track to give Tupelo a chance to win in this one.

Oxford QB John Meagher: Meagher has struggled protecting the football in recent games, and that is going to have to change for Oxford to win tonight. Seven of Meagher’s ten interceptions have come in the last four games. If Meagher protects the football tonight, Oxford should have a good chance to win.

Tupelo WR Jordan Jernigan: Jernigan is another great weapon for the Golden Wave. The Ole Miss commit has 373 yards receiving on the season and will be Stephon McGlaun’s top target throwing the football.

Oxford WR Dede Pegues: Dede Pegues has had a breakout season at wide receiver for Oxford. He has 358 yards and five touchdowns on the season, and with JJ Pegues out somebody is going to have to step up in the receiving game. Pegues should have a big night tonight.

X Factor: 

Oxford Front Seven: The Oxford front seven will face the biggest test of their season to date with the Tupelo running game, but if they can limit Tupelo in the running game they have a great chance at winning tonight.

Prediction:

Oxford’s defense has been stout all season, but they’re going to need support from their offense tonight. Tupelo will give a heavy dose of the run game tonight, so Oxford needs to help their defense out by staying on the field. Oxford’s offense is going to sustain a couple of long drives as well as capitalize off of a turnover to win tonight. Chargers take down the wave 24-14.