Every week we’re spotlighting a program from around Pike County for our Team of the Week, presented by Casey Carter, Farm Bureau Insurance.

Last season, Coach Ron Rushing and his Parklane Pioneers had their fans partying like it was 1994 when the program won an MAIS state championship for the first time in 30 years.

(Action shots by Kathryn Smith)

On Friday, PA will try to run it back seeking a second straight title, which is also an accomplishment that would mirror the 1994 squad, as the Pioneers won the 1993 state championship as well under legendary coach Charlie Newlon.

A back-to-back in 2024-2025 would actually be the third time for the program to achieve that feat after also doing it in 1986-1987.

Kickoff between Parklane and Heritage Academy is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, as the schools will meet for the second time ever at Jackson Academy for the 2025 MAIS 4A-Divisino II state championship.

PA is 1-0 all-time against Heritage, winning 35-0 in 1994.

The Pioneers are 10-1 this season, with their lone loss coming 49-24 at Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

Last week, PA won 26-0 over Starkville Academy at home in the 4A-DII semifinals.

Senior quarterback Braxton Hughes has passed for 1,965 yards and 21 touchdowns as a first year starter.

On the ground, PA is led by senior tailback Tanner Kyzar, who’s missed time with an injury, but appears to be healthy and ready to rock on Friday. Kyzar has gained 890 yards and scored 14 touchdowns in just seven games.

Junior wideout Davis Carruth has 50 catches for 965 yards and eight touchdowns and his classmate Dooley Copeland has also snagged 23 passes for 508 yards and eight scores too.

Pressure on the defense is applied by Nick Young, Jace Jones, Paw Forrest, and Telvin Jefferson and a variety of other Pioneers.

PA starts only one sophomore.

Heritage Academy is coached by former Mississippi State lineman Tobias Smith. Smith is in his second year leading the Patriots and HA, which is located in Columbus, is 10-2 on the season.

Losses this season for Heritage came to Magnolia Heights (31-28) and Hartfield Academy (49-21). The Patriots got some revenge with a 22-18 win over Mag Heights last week in the semifinals.

Both teams have guys committed to play college ball on the next level.

Heritage defensive end Dallas Davis is committed to next play at Central Arkansas while HA senior wideout Xzavier Webber will play next at Austin Peay University.

The Parklane Academy offensive line is anchored by Arrocus “Roc” Baskins, who’s given his verbal pledge to next suit up for the Army Black Knights. PA senior tight end Kyle Rushing is one of the top long snappers in the nation and he’s committed to play at the University of South Florida next.

Seniors for the Pioneers include Rushing, Baskins, Jefferson, Jones, Kyzar, Forrest, Hughes, Ethen Jackson, Cayden Sandifer, Brennan Ellison, Crews Marchbanks, Tripp Stults, TJ Jackson, Hayden McCurley, Nathan Tinnon, Christopher Brown, and Alston Davison.

Juniors suiting up for Parklane this season include Carruth, Copeland, James Smith, Jamie Parker, Aaron Holmes, Rantley Rimes, Myles Carter, Watts Newman, Drake Hughes, Wick Lindsey, Eli Chandler, Slade Steel, Kaydon Jackson, and Jay Alldredge.

Sophomore for PA in 2025 are Young, Parker Robinson, Jermaine Gatlin, Sawyer Steele, Tylar Smith, Dawson Hughes, DJ Brown, Henry Williams, Parker Winge, Hayden Williams, and Andrew Lott along with eighth grader Reece Robinson.

Follow Y’all Sports on Facebook for updates from throughout the game on Friday.