At first glance, undefeated St. Martin would appear to be the favorite here, with Gulfport sporting a pedestrian 2-2 mark through the first month of the season, as the two prepare for their Region 4-6A opener. But a closer look suggests something different. Yes, the Yellow Jackets are unbeaten, but they also have yet to face off against another 6A school, with their four wins all coming against teams from lower classifications. Gulfport, meanwhile, defeated a 6A school in Northwest Rankin and suffered losses to perennial 6A power Oak Grove and a powerful 5A Picayune squad. Patrick Greer continues to be a pleasant surprise for St. Martin. The St. Stanislaus transfer is already closing in on 1,000 passing yards for the season with 954. He’s completing 54.7 percent of his passes and has thrown for 11 touchdowns against only three interceptions. He has a pair of reliable targets in Makia Hebert (293 yards, 3 TD) and Easton Wynn (217, 3 TD). Jay McGee continues to be the featured back with 474 rushing yards, a 7.4 per carry average, and five touchdowns. Defensively, the ‘Jackets are holding opponents to 20.5 points per game while utilizing the big play, with the defense accounting for 12 turnovers and 12 sacks. St. Martin has a turnover differential of +8. Gulfport, too, can throw the ball. Senior quarterbacks Cade Crosby and Dawson Malley have combined to complete a Drew Brees-like 69.2 percent of their passes for 907 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Admirals running game, however, has been something of a struggle, averaging only 113.8 yards per game. Gulfport has also not been as successful on defense as St. Martin, allowing nearly 30 points per game and sporting a turnover differential of -3. Sack totals for Gulfport were not available, which makes me nervous in making this pick, as the difference may come down to the Admirals’ ability to put pressure on Greer. I’m also hesitant to pick against Gulfport at home, but I think the ball-hawking ‘Jacket defense might be the deciding factor. The pick: St. Martin 28, Gulfport 20