Pearl River excited to host Mississippi Delta in season opener

Dylan Dunaway - PRCC

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River head coach Seth Smith didn't receive an easy introduction into the MACCC last fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after a complete spring, summer and fall in 2021 the Wildcats are ready for kickoff against Mississippi Delta on Thursday at 7 p.m.

"We're extremely excited for Thursday," Smith said. "People used to ask me what it was like to get the opportunity to come back here and coach, but it never really felt normal last year. This feels like what it should feel like. There's a lot of excitement and we feel like we are prepared. Last year going into the season there were a lot of unknowns, but this year we've known since January what to expect.

"We've put in our offense and defense, so we're excited to come out on Thursday night and unveil it to the community."

Smith's team has worked hard to improve for the 2021 season.

"Hopefully the product on the field will look significantly better," he said. "We want to do what we were hired to do which is win. This is a proud program with a rich tradition. The goal was to elevate it back to where it used to be. Now that we've been given a fair shake at everything we hope that on Thursday night the product will be reflective of the work we put in."

Jaylen Glaude (25) returns for the 2021 season for Pearl River

SCOUTING MISSISSIPPI DELTA The Trojans are coming off an 0-4 season in 2020 and are now under the guidance of first-year head coach Cedric Thomas.

Thomas most recently served as a defensive backs coach at Southern Miss after a two-year stint as head coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

"We know that Mississippi Delta will be good," Smith said. "There are no bad teams in this league. I know they have a new coaching staff that will come in hungry just like we are. The first quarter is going to be important in getting a good feel for the way that they do things."

2020 SEASON Pearl River saw significant improvement in Smith's first year at the helm of the program in 2020. The Wildcats average 380.7 yards per game which increased from 247.1 the year before. They also scored 23.5 points per game which was 10.4 more than the 2019 season.

Last season Pearl River led the MACCC in rushing with 1,233 yards and finishing third in total offense with 2,283 yards.

COVID-19 Fans are asked to be prepared to wear a mask and social distance when possible. For up to date policies, visit PRCC.edu/coronavirus.

TICKETS Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at PRCCAthletics.com/tickets.

TUNE IN The Wildcats will once again livestream all games for free at PRCCMedia.com/gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app. stores.

Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320 AM and 106.9 FM., in Columbia on WCJU 102.7 FM and 1450 AM, and in Hattiesburg on WHSY 105.9 FM and 950 AM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.