Head Coach: Richard Chambliss
2025 Record: 8-4
Region Record: 3-1, second in MHSAA Region 8-3A
Classification: MHSAA Class 3A
Home Field: Bobcat Field
2026 Season Opener: Aug. 21 vs. Purvis
Sometimes the biggest victory isn’t measured by a championship trophy. For Presbyterian Christian School, it was proving the Bobcats belonged.
After spending more than two decades competing in the MAIS, PCS entered the Mississippi High School Activities Association in 2025 facing a completely new challenge. New opponents. New regions. New expectations. Add in first-year head coach Richard Chambliss, and the Bobcats entered the season with more questions than answers.
By November, most of those questions had been answered.
Presbyterian Christian finished 8-4, earned a second-place finish in Region 8-3A and won its first-ever MHSAA playoff game before falling in the second round. For a program beginning a new chapter, it was about as successful a debut as anyone could have imagined.
Now the Bobcats enter 2026 with something they didn’t have a year ago—experience. Quarterback Smith Stringer returns after one of the best passing seasons in school history, several of his top playmakers are back, and Chambliss begins his second season with a roster that already understands his system.
The expectations have changed. Simply competing is no longer the goal. The Bobcats expect to contend for a region championship.
Looking Back at 2025
The transition into MHSAA football wasn’t easy. Every week presented a new opponent and a different style of play, but PCS adapted quickly.
Behind one of South Mississippi’s most explosive passing attacks, the Bobcats won eight games and steadily improved as the season progressed. They closed the regular season by winning five of their final six contests before defeating Jefferson County in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Their season eventually ended with a competitive loss to Raleigh, but the foundation had been established. PCS proved it could compete with anyone in Class 3A. That success has created even greater excitement entering 2026.
Smith Stringer Headlines One of South Mississippi’s Top Offenses
Everything begins with senior quarterback Smith Stringer.
The 6-foot-6 signal caller threw 37 touchdown passes during his junior season and developed into one of Mississippi’s premier quarterback prospects. His combination of size, arm strength and decision-making helped Presbyterian Christian become one of the state’s most dangerous passing teams.
During the offseason, Stringer announced his commitment to Wake Forest, giving the Bobcats a Power Four quarterback leading the offense. Having a Division I commitment under center changes expectations. Stringer has already experienced playoff football, understands Chambliss’ offense and enters his senior season with plenty of confidence. If PCS hopes to make a deeper postseason run, the football will be in his hands.
New Playmakers Must Replace Jet Henderson
The biggest graduation loss is impossible to ignore.Wide receiver Jet Henderson was one of the most productive receivers in Mississippi last season, averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game while hauling in 17 touchdown receptions. His ability to stretch the field made life easier for everyone around him.
Fortunately for the Bobcats, they won’t be starting from scratch. Senior Reed Bridges returns after catching 12 touchdown passes last year and is expected to become Stringer’s primary target. Bridges has already proven he can make big plays and now steps into an even larger role.
Senior Reece Tomlinson also returns to give PCS another experienced receiving option, while running back Colt Robertson provides balance with a physical rushing attack. Robertson averaged nearly 100 rushing yards per game last season and gives the Bobcats the ability to control the clock when necessary.
If those pieces continue to develop, Presbyterian Christian should once again field one of the better offenses in Class 3A.
Defense Looking for New Leaders
While the offense returns plenty of experience, the defense must replace several key seniors. Defensive end Gaines Russum, linebacker Whit Alderson and several veteran defenders graduated after helping guide the Bobcats through their first MHSAA season.
That places additional responsibility on returning leaders like Kade Welford and Will Winchester. Welford developed into one of the top defensive backs in the region, leading the team in tackles while recording five interceptions. Winchester returns to anchor the linebacking corps and should become one of the leaders of the defense.
If the Bobcats can quickly replace the production they lost up front, they’ll once again have the talent to compete for a playoff run.
Bobcats at the Next Level
Presbyterian Christian continues sending football players to the college ranks. Star receiver Jet Henderson signed with Jones College following his outstanding senior season, while linebacker Rhett Robertson continued his career at Pearl River Community College.
Mississippi’s junior-college system has long been one of the nation’s premier developmental leagues, giving both players an opportunity to eventually earn Division I scholarships. The future is already bright for the Bobcats as well.
Quarterback Smith Stringer enters the season committed to Wake Forest, making him the school’s only current Division I commitment and one of the top senior prospects in South Mississippi.
Five Games to Watch
Aug. 21 – Purvis
The season opener immediately tests the Bobcats against one of the Pine Belt’s established public-school programs.
Aug. 28 – Mobile Christian (Ala.)
A talented Alabama opponent provides another early measuring stick before region play begins.
Sept. 11 – at Pass Christian
One of the toughest road trips on the schedule against a perennial South Mississippi contender.
Oct. 16 – at West Marion*
The rematch of last year’s region showdown could once again determine the Region 8-3A championship.
Oct. 23 – St. Stanislaus*
One of the premier home games of the season at Bobcat Field with possible playoff implications.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 – Purvis
Aug. 28 – Mobile Christian (Ala.)
Sept. 4 – at Mize
Sept. 11 – at Pass Christian
Sept. 18 – Seminary
Sept. 25 – at Bay High
Oct. 2 – St. Patrick*
Oct. 8 – Greene County*
Oct. 16 – at West Marion*
Oct. 23 – St. Stanislaus*
Oct. 29 – at Tylertown*
*Region 8-3A game
Magnolia Coast Sports Outlook
Presbyterian Christian enters the 2026 season in a much different position than it did one year ago.
The Bobcats are no longer adjusting to a new classification or learning how to compete in the MHSAA.
They’ve already proven they belong.
With Smith Stringer returning at quarterback, Reed Bridges emerging as the top receiving target and several experienced playmakers back on offense, PCS should once again be among the highest-scoring teams in Class 3A. The biggest question will be replacing several key defensive leaders, but if the Bobcats continue developing under Richard Chambliss, another playoff appearance appears well within reach.
An 8-4 debut season created excitement. A second straight playoff run, and perhaps even a region championship, would confirm Presbyterian Christian has officially established itself as one of South Mississippi’s rising football programs.
Magnolia Coast Sports Prediction: 9-2 regular season, a top-two finish in Region 8-3A and a trip to at least the second round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs.
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