By Staff
BUSTING LOOSE Meridian's Corodera Eason looks for a hard fought game versus Hattiesburg tonight at Ray Stadium. Photo by Kyle Carter /The Meridian Star
By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Sept. 26, 2003
It's a good thing Meridian and Hattiesburg will be wearing distinctive uniforms when they clash on the football field tonight.
The Wildcats and Tigers contest at Ray Stadium pits two teams that have traveled almost mirrored paths over the first four games of the 2003 season.
Both squads enter the contest sporting 2-2 records, and both Meridian and Hattiesburg are riding two-game winning streaks, after dropping the first two games of the season.
The Wildcats and Tigers will also both be riding the power of a strong running game and powerful defense.
Just to add fuel to the fire of the evenly-matched teams, the Wildcats and the Tigers just don't get along.
The Region 3-5A foes have built a strong animosity for each other over the years, and Stanley said coupling the rivalry with the fact that the game will be the two team's first division game will make for exciting football.
The Wildcats' defense will be looking to contain a different looking Tigers' offense than in years past.
Hattiesburg has switched from being a throw-heavy team in its first two games to a ground-based attack.
The Tigers are led by sophomore running back Jonathan Kirksey, who rumbled for 224 yards on 25 carries against Moss Point, and wide receiver/running back Zac Greenwood.
Of course, Meridian has a stable of running backs of its own to throw at Hattiesburg.
Headlined by senior running back Cordea Campbell and sophomore Cordera Eason, the Wildcats pounded out 310 yards in their win over St. Martins last week.
Hattiesburg, which plays in a 4-3 scheme, has an impressive front line and linebacker corps to try to contain the Meridian backs.
The two grind-it-out styles will make time of possession and special teams all the more important tonight.
The Wildcats are set to kick off against the Tigers at 7:30 tonight at Ray Stadium.