Sleeper Title Contenders of 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By now, most of us know about the talent and title aspirations schools like Picayune, West Point, Gautier, Vicksburg, and East Central have this year. 5A is loaded this season with talented teams, and many have not received their props for being legit title contenders so far. Today, we highlight several programs that could make a real run at a state championship over the next few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laurel</strong> | (5-3) <em>Next game: @ Wayne County</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a 1-3 start, Laurel has quickly turned things around in a big way with two weeks remaining in the regular season. The Tornadoes have two tough games left against Wayne County and Hattiesburg remaining, but with the way they are clicking right now. anything can happen. Laurel boasts an elite offensive line with Mississippi State commit [player_tooltip player_id='106163' first='Malik' last='Ellis'] and Memphis commit [player_tooltip player_id='108898' first='Malachi' last='Breland'] paving the way for a big time rushing attack that has given teams some serious trouble. Slowing down their offense a bit, Laurel has done a great job at running the football and playing good defense, a recipe that typically takes teams far in the playoffs. The Tornadoes have allowed an average of 11.5 points per game over their last 4 games and have generated several turnovers. Currently slated to finish 3rd in the region, Laurel's next two games are huge for their post season standing. Looking at this Laurel team to make a deep run this season with championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lafayette </strong>| (5-3) <em>Next game: @ Greenville</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After some early season losses to 6A powers Oxford and Southaven, Lafayette has been playing at a high level against their 5A opponents. Perineal 5A powerhouse West Point gave the Commodores some trouble, however, Lafayette is still slated to finish second in a tough region. Losing a ton of talent on defense due to graduation, Lafayette has been looking for new leaders to step up and make their impacts known. Senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='340736' first='Kylan' last='Egerson'] and junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='346403' first='Martrell' last='Wilbourn'] have been two of the players that have made a huge difference on this defense this year. While the Commodores are not nearly as dominant as they were last year, Lafayette has allowed an average of 12 points per game in their last 4 region games. Offensively, Lafayette has not struggled a whole lot under the play of sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118985' first='Charlie' last='Fair']</strong> and running back <strong>Jayden Reed</strong>. This balanced offensive attack has been clicking all year and is just now starting to boom when it counts. Lafayette finishes the season with games against Greenville and Lake Cormorant. Riding a 6 game win streak into the post season will be huge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Callaway</strong> | (7-1) <em>Next game: vs Neshoba Central</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only a 3 win team last season, COVID-19 hit Callaway and the Jackson area harder than most of the state when it was the reason Callaway only played a few games in the 2020 season. The Chargers have since rebounded in a huge way, sitting at 7-1 this season with state championship dreams on the line. Callaway's one loss this season so far comes to Vicksburg who has looked as good as advertised in the pre season. Winning their final two games will put the Chargers at 2nd in the region, but this will be a tough task starting this week against Neshoba Central. The offense for this team is loaded with talented playmakers such as [player_tooltip player_id='340745' first='Kedarious' last='Wade'], [player_tooltip player_id='344026' first='Jeremy' last='Scott'], [player_tooltip player_id='340769' first='Demarcus' last='Brown'], and many others. Pound for pound, Callaway may be one of the most athletic teams in all of 5A. The defense features a talented front seven led by senior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='340869' first='Chris' last='Brown'], with junior defensive back Ja'Vontae Mosley being responsible for a lot of interceptions. Keep your eyes peeled for the Chargers to make a serious run at the state title. This is a team with too many good players to not be successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neshoba Central</strong> | (6-3) <em>Next game: @ Callaway</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giving Vicksburg one of their toughest games all season last week, Neshoba Central is firmly in contention for second place in a tough region that features the likes of Callaway, Ridgeland, Holmes County Central, and other talented teams. The Rockets were expected to be down this year after losing so much talent to graduation, including stud quarterback Eli Anderson. Rather than rebuilding, the Rockets have simply adapted and reloaded for the 2022 season. Sophomore running back <strong>Mehki Gaddis</strong> has become the new star on the offensive show, rushing for over 1300 yards and 11 touchdowns so far, and the rushing attack has become Neshoba's latest way of dominating opponents. On the defensive side of the ball, Neshoba lost a lot of linebacker depth but has returned key playmaker <strong>Beau Holley. </strong>The Rockets did a great job at beating their region opponents, but must cap things off this week against a red hot Callaway team. With a win, Neshoba Central will take 2nd place in the region and be geared up for a big time post season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hattiesburg</strong> | (5-3) <em>Next game: @ West Jones</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing their first 3 games to 6A powers, Hattiesburg has gone undefeated in 5A play so far. While their record may make people think opposite, this is a legit title contending team for the 5A championship. Hattiesburg has only allowed 41 total points to 5A teams this season and has been playing defense at an extremely high level. Led by senior defensive lineman and Mississippi State commit [player_tooltip player_id='106310' first='Tabias' last='Hinton'], this is an extremely talented front 7 that can give most of 5A a run for their money. Offensively, the Tigers have scored an average of 29 points per game in their last 5 games. While they are currently slated to finish first in the region, the Tigers have two tough games against West Jones and Laurel to seal the deal. Hattiesburg has enough talent to go a long way in the 5A playoffs and it would not be surprising to see them playing in December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->