Hattiesburg reclaims Lil' Brown Jug with home win over Laurel | Sports

The 99th edition of the “Battle for the Lil’ Brown Jug” between Laurel and Hattiesburg was, to say the least,  a unique chapter in the history of Mississippi’s oldest high school football rivalry. The impact of the circumstances surrounding the game could be felt in almost every aspect, even in the aftermath, when Hattiesburg head coach Tony Vance hoisted the Jug in celebration of a 26-12 victory while wearing a school-themed purple and gold face mask. Though it could not be seen, Vance’s ear-to-ear grin was felt throughout all of T.I. Patrick Stadium. 

As would be expected during Week 1 of any season — and even more so in 2020 — both teams struggled to find a rhythm early in the ballgame. No points were put on the scoreboard until the second quarter when Hattiesburg’s quarterback Jermaine Powell connected with Josh Jones for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Another Tiger delivered a touchdown pass later in the same period, as this time two-way athlete Quinten Smith found Jack Jackson on a quick sideline pass that ultimately went for a 43-yard gain and six more points to put Hattiesburg ahead 14-0 at the half.

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