Forrest County AHS defeated Purvis 35-30 Friday. Andrew Abadie/For Hattiesburg American


PURVIS — Forrest County AHS left Purvis with a 35-30 win.

But it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth. The Aggies (6-5, 2-3) needed to win by 8 points or more in order to advance to the postseason. Instead, the Tornadoes (5-6, 2-3) finish the regular season in third place in Region 7-4A.

Nathan Whitley’s 4-yard touchdown run with 2:32 left in the game put FCAHS up 35-23, which would’ve been enough cushion to take the fourth seed and earn a playoff spot. But a long kickoff return by C.J. Bolar helped set up a short touchdown run by John Bolton with 44 seconds left in the game.

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“I told (my players) if we miss out because of points, I wanted them to get this win and beat their rival,” FCAHS coach Jeff Stockstill said after the game. “Versus taking a shot deep. Big plays aren’t exactly our specialty. So I wanted us to get the win. If we missed out on points, that’s my fault. My responsibility.”

Purvis will travel next week for its first-round playoff game against Mendenhall. 

The Aggies forced three turnovers and Whitley added two more touchdowns to help the visitors pull out the victory.

“I’m really glad they got this win,” said head coach Jeff Stockstill.  “It’s been an up and down season.  Everything that could have gone wrong did.  If this is the last time these seniors play football, I’m glad this is the way they went out.”

Unsung hero

Bolar had a 73-yard touchdown catch Friday. But possibly as important was the senior playmaker’s 55-yard kickoff return that set up Purvis’ final touchdown. That score clinched its playoff berth.   

Player of the game

The Purvis defense had few answers for Whitley.  On top of his three touchdowns and 107-yard performance, he also recovered a fumble that set up one of his own touchdowns. 

“(Whitley) did an outstanding job of running and we sure didn’t tackle him,” Tornadoes coach Perry Wheat said.


“I’m not sure. I don’t know. I hate to say. I was just trying to win this ball game, so very disappointed,” Wheat said, unsure immediately after the game whether his team was moving on to the playoffs. 

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