On Location: Tupelo knocks off Meridian in high-profile week one showdown

TUPELO | Tupelo led throughout the night and beat Meridian, 34-25, in an opening week showdown between two of the top teams in Mississippi. In this new feature to RebelGrove.com, we take a look at three things that helped define the game and five players who stood out with their performances on the field

Tupelo’s front seven dominated the night

Whether it was Jett Johnson (MSU commit) or Peter Gray (UTSA commit), Tupelo’s linebackers were all over the field on Friday night. The defensive linemen were just as good and put consistent pressure on Meridian the entire game. It was an impressive group that will keep the Wave in games all season.

The absence of Deuntra Hyman

Deuntra Hyman has quickly become a name to know in the state of Mississippi with his play on the field, however he wasn't in attendance on Friday. According to sources close to Meridian, he could miss some significant time this season with a blood clot. Hyman has remained committed to Ole Miss and gaining some clarity with the status of his commitment could go a long way to how Ole Miss chooses to go down the road at his position.

Flags, flag and more flags.

It was my first game to watch in Mississippi, and the main observation was flags. Penalties called back multiple touchdowns and really slowed down the pace of the game. While it can likely be heavily attributed to being the first game of the season, both teams discussed the need to clean it up.

Jaquerrious Williams (2019 Tupelo ATH)

Williams was all over the field and at one point it felt like I was tweeting solely about him. He currently holds just an offer from Arkansas State, but said that he plans on visiting several schools this season. He included Ole Miss in that list. He scored two touchdowns for Tupelo.

Peter Gray (2018 LB committed to UTSA)

Gray made several plays throughout the game, and by first glance, you would have thought he was the one committed to an SEC West school. Gray speaks very highly of UTSA coach Frank Wilson, who may emerge as a candidate at Ole Miss.

Jamond Gordon (2019 DE Meridian)

Gordon played the role of Hyman tonight, and he did very well. If Meridian can get Hyman back healthy, Meridian could have one of the more impressive defensive duos in the state. Gordon said that he plans on visiting Ole Miss this season -- as well as Florida State.

Jordan Jernigan (2019 Tupelo WR)

Jernigan had a quiet night for the most part, and that is to be expected in the offense they run. Jernigan capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity late in the third quarter that shifted momentum back towards Tupelo. Jernigan will visit Ole Miss this season and plans to get to several other campuses as well. He holds an offer from the Rebels.

Tevarrius Adams (2019 ATH)

Adams is not likely going to play quarterback at the next level, but as an athlete, Adams made the most of his chances on Friday night. The highlight of the game (negated by penalty) was a play in the third quarter where he sent Johnson the complete opposite direction. When Adams was given adequate time to throw, more often than not he was making the right decisions. When Adams was pressured, he made mistakes.