Mississippi high school football: Predicted order of finish for every MHSAA Class 3A Region in 2024

Can Noxubee County beat Kemper County? Will Kossuth repeat in Region 1? Here's a look at how each MHSAA Class 3A Region could play out in 2024

Tyler Cleveland | Aug 7, 2024

The Jefferson Davis County Jaguars and head coach Lance Mancuso celebrate with the Class 3A trophy at the MHSAA State Football Championship at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. / Chris Todd / For the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, Mississippi Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content

The fall football season in Mississippi begins August 29 for MHSAA member schools, and after consulting coaches all around the state, here is SBLive Mississippi's predicted order of finishes for all Class 3A regions.

Region 1-3A

Kossuth Aggies
Booneville Blue Devils
Belmont Cardinals
Mantachie Mustangs
Alcorn Central Bears

Why Kossuth: This should have been the year Booneville challenged Kossuth for the region crown, but a half a dozen key transfers ravaged the Blue Devils, most notably the departure of star quarterback Noah Gillon (now at Tupelo). So Kossuth is back in the cat-bird seat, with our trust that coach Brian Kelly will find someone to replace star tailback Brady Kelly.

Region 2-3A

North Panola Cougars
Independence Wildcats
Rosa Fort Lions
Coahoma County Red Panthers
Holly Springs Hawks

Why North Panola: With defending champ Independence tasked with replacing key players on a defense that carried the Wildcats in 2023, North Panola had a good chance to take home the region crown before it hired a proven coach in Derrick Bobo, who was voted region coach of the year in both of his seasons at his last stop at Melrose (Tennessee).

Region 3-3A

Winona Tigers
Humphreys County Cowboys
Amanda Elzy Panthers
Yazoo County Panthers
Edwards Tigers

Why Winona: There’s a lot to replace, including star quarterback Chase Richardson, who graduated and took his talents to Holmes Community College. But the reigning state champs will still be a tough out for the other programs in Region 3

Region 4-3A

Choctaw County Warriors
Mooreville Troopers
East Webster Wolverines
Aberdeen Bulldogs
Nettleton Tigers

Why Choctaw County: The Warriors return key pieces of an offense that scored, on average, 41.5 points against Region 4 opponents a year ago. Yes, that includes the state’s top-rated offensive prospect in receiver Caleb Cunningham. He ate region foes alive in 2023, and if he stays healthy, he will again in 2024.

Region 5-3A

Noxubee County Tigers
Kemper County Wildcats
Enterprise Bulldogs
Southeast Lauderdale
McLaurin Tigers

Why Noxubee County: To be fair, we’re putting this region in the “toss-up” category. Noxubee has a better defense and returns a proven stud at quarterback, Kamario Taylor. Problem is, Kemper County is the defending champ and returns key offensive players, like quarterback Kendetryon Backstrom, starting tailback Damarius Yates and top receiver Keyon Marshall.

Region 6-3A

Jefferson Davis County Jaguars
Magee Trojans
Seminary Bulldogs
Crystal Springs Tigers
Hazlehurst Indians

Why Jeff Davis County: Few schools in the state weather the storm of roster turnover with the ease of the program Lance Mancuso built from the ground up. It feels like the Jaguars find their way to the top of the region standings every year, and 2024 shouldn’t be any different.

Region 7-3A

Wesson Cobras
Jefferson County Tigers
South Pike Eagles
Franklin County Bulldogs
Port Gibson Blue Wave

Why Wesson: Defending champ Jefferson county is breaking in new starters at key offensive positions, while Wesson returns a proven quarterback in senior Cole Gipson. But the Cobras must find a way to replace their best skill position player O’mari Johnson, who transferred to Jackson Academy after a breakout sophomore season in Wesson.

Region 8-3A

St. Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws
West Marion Trojans
Perry Central Bulldogs
Tylertown Chiefs
St. Patrick Fighting Irish

Why Stanislaus: The Rocks were the class of the new Region 8-3A a year ago, and they are our defacto pick going into 2024. There’s a lot of uncertainty in this district, though — Stanislaus’ lead returning ball-handler averaged just 25 total yards a game last season, and West Marion has room to improve with Braxton Albritton back under center for his junior year.

MORE: Check out more 2024 Mississippi preseason football coverage from SB Live below

Published Aug 7, 2024

TYLER CLEVELAND