THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Gulfport Athletics

The Harrison Central-Gulfport football rivalry has increased in intensity with each season and it’s hard to imagine a more important chapter in the series than Friday night’s game at Milner Stadium. Both teams stand at 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Region 4-6A entering the contest. Gulfport holds a 34-6 all-time edge in the series with the Admirals winning seven of the last eight games. The Red Rebels’ last win in the series was a 14-13 contest at Milner Stadium in 2016. Gulfport is in its first year under head coach John Archie, who replaced the retired Eddie Pierce in the offseason. Archie, who served on Pierce’s staff at Gulfport from 2013-15, has seen his Admirals buy in to what he’s preaching. “It was an easy transition coming back as far as knowing everyone,” Archie said. “It was just taking on the role of head coach and obviously it came with a lot of challenges and expectations.” While Gulfport has been known more for its tough defense in recent seasons, the Admirals have pulled out tight games recently thanks to a potent offense led by senior quarterback T.Q. Newsome. The Southern Miss commit has thrown for 1,248 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. On the ground, he has 91 carries for 605 yards and 10 touchdowns. “I think he’s been awesome,” Archie said. “You can’t ask for anything better. He hit the weight room hard, gave up baseball last spring. He worked on some things fundamentally-wise throwing the ball and it’s really showing right now.” At Harrison Central, the Red Rebels have seen a resurgence in Casey Cain’s fourth season on the job. The team has already doubled its win total from a 3-8 campaign in 2017. The Red Rebels have their own weapon at quarterback in senior Dayln Anderson, a West Harrison transfer who has 1,107 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. “We’re getting better every week,” Cain said. “Last year, we struggled passing the ball. This year, it’s our strong suit.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Gulfport Athletics

THE HARRISON CENTRAL-GULFPORT RIVALRY WILL KICK IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH

PATRICK MAGEE

Sun Herald | 10/10/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Sun Herald