Through seven games, the Pearl River football team had managed just two victories.

However, the Rebels kept their heads down and went to work to improve, despite mounting injuries.

Pearl River turned to two seniors — running back Gage Durand and quarterback Brayden Hutchison — to carry the load on offense.

That duo rolled up 338 of the Rebels’ 416 yards on the ground as Pearl River earned a 41-20 District 7-4A victory over Loranger on Nov. 6.

“With all our injuries, a lot of kids stepped up tonight,” Pearl River first-year coach Jerry Leonard said. “We played with a lot of heart and toughness against a very good football team.”

Hutchison rushed for 177 yards and a score on 16 carries, while Durand ran 21 times for 161 yards and 3 TDs. Andrew Sikes carried it four times for 40 yards an

See Full Page