A few thoughts on the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, in which Alabama won 21-17 Saturday for its sixth consecutive victory in the series:
As I looked over the box score, courtesy of the folks at the Alabama High School Activities Association, and after watching the game on television, the one thing that jumped out at me was to wonder how in the world Mississippi lost this game.
The Mississippi team – let’s call them the Magnolias, just for fun – had more first downs (15-10), had more total yards (333-182), more offensive plays (70-51) and dominated time of possession (29:29 to 18:31).
The Magnolias also had the two most impressive offensive players on the field in wide receivers Sammie Epps of Greenwood and Markell Pack of Purvis, who combined for 10 catches for 220 yards.
The difference, though, was the defense of Alabama, which bent but rarely broke.
In particular, it was the play early in the second half by linebacker Rashaan Evans that proved to be critical. His 5-yard interception return for a touchdown got Alabama back in the game when it looked like Mississippi might finally be on its way to ending its frustration in the series.
The Magnolias took a 14-7 lead late in the first half on a 24-yard pass from Wyatt Roberts to Epps, and had the ball to start the second half.
But a fumble on the kickoff put Mississippi at its own 12-yard line, then on third-and-9, Evans and Taylor Stallworth broke in and harried Roberts into making a bad throw that Evans plucked out of the air and returned for an easy score.
That, to me, was the symbol of Mississippi’s biggest weakness, up front in the trenches. The Magnolias only netted 67 yards rushing, and their quarterbacks were sacked three times and hurried on three other occasions.
One of the sacks and two of the hurries came on Mississippi’s final possession – which started at the Alabama 32 – as they attempted to rally for a winning score.
Evans had one of them, upping his already-high stock in the recruiting battle. He’s from Auburn High, but the hometown Auburn Tigers have yet to secure his commitment. They’re on his short list, but so are Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, UCLA and Tennessee.
The outcome was all very frustrating, and it just makes me wonder if maybe some changes need to be made in this contest.
As I understand it, this was the last year of the agreement to put the game on in Montgomery, Ala. If that is indeed the case, then maybe it’s time for someone in Mississippi to step up to the plate and bid to have it here.
There have been rumors that Southern Miss might be interested in hosting the game, which would be a boon for the local economy, and I could see Gulfport or Biloxi showing some interest as well.
The point is, I’m tired of seeing this game being played in Alabama every year. Maybe a deal can be worked out to play it at alternate sites, in Alabama one year and in Mississippi the next.
I would also like to see someone with some pull in this state, the MHSAA perhaps, look into how the Mississippi roster is selected.
I have no specific quarrel with the team South Panola’s Lance Pogue and his staff put together for this year’s game. However, there is a reason Alabama has won this game six years in a row and 20 of 27 times. What are we not doing that Alabama is doing as far as player personnel?
This is a good event, a great showcase for high school talent in both states, and I’d like to see it continue. I’d just like to see Mississippi put its best foot forward and play on a little more equitable footing with Alabama.