The Magee Trojans opened their 2025 football season in commanding fashion Friday night, blanking the Mount Olive Pirates 16-0 in a hard-hitting contest that showcased the Trojans’ defensive strength and growing offensive chemistry.
The first half was a defensive slugfest. Both teams came out swinging on that side of the ball, forcing turnovers and stalling drives before they could gain momentum. The Trojans’ defensive front made life miserable for Mount Olive’s quarterback, collapsing the pocket and clogging running lanes. At the same time, the Pirates’ defense forced Magee into early mistakes, keeping the game in a 0-0 deadlock at halftime.
That rhythm arrived midway through the third quarter. Magee finally struck midway through the third quarter. Senior receiver Braeden Gregory finished off a determined drive by punching into the end zone for the Trojans’ first score of the season. Kicker Brady Fairchild added the extra point, giving Magee a 7-0 lead with 7:40 left in the period.
The score energized Magee’s sideline. On the very next series, the Trojan defense forced another quick stop, and the offense went back to work with favorable field position. This time, Quarterback Travon Magee kept it himself, slicing through the defense on a quarterback keeper for a rushing touchdown that stretched the lead to 13-0.
The Trojans continued to apply pressure. Fairchild, who was steady all night, nailed a field goal on the following drive to extend the lead to 16-0. The junior kicker finished the evening perfect—1-for-1 on extra points and 1-for-1 on field goals—proving himself to be a reliable weapon.
With the Pirates trailing late, desperation set in. Forced to throw the ball, Mount Olive tested Magee’s secondary. Cornerback Connor Pittman made them pay, intercepting a pass midway through the fourth quarter and returning it into Pirate territory, killing any hopes of a comeback. The Trojan defense never let up, forcing turnovers, swarming the football, and closing the game with a statement shutout.
The win puts Magee at 1-0 on the season and sets the stage for one of the county’s most anticipated matchups of the year—the Simpson County Super Bowl. The Trojans will host their bitter rival, the Mendenhall Tigers, on Friday, September 5, under the lights at Trojan Field. Mendenhall (0-1) will enter the rivalry clash eager to rebound after falling 21-13 to Ridgeland in their opener. The Trojans won last year’s Super Bowl 8-0, breaking a string of Mendenhall wins in the rivalry. Now, the Trojans have a chance to set the tone in front of their home crowd.
“This game means everything to our community,” Coach Chase Courtney said. “It’s about pride, tradition, and representing your town. Our guys are ready for the challenge.”As both teams prepare to collide, fans can expect the usual fireworks that come with the century-old rivalry. With Magee’s defense looking sharp and their offense beginning to click behind Magee and Gregory, Trojan Field should be rocking when the county crown is up for grabs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday night.
