Neshoba Central High School has announced its 2026 football schedule, a slate that blends tough non‑region road trips with a compact home stretch. The Rockets, who finished last season 5‑7 and reached the 6A state quarterfinals, are looking to build on a roster that returns many starters under head coach Shannon Ruffin.
Season Overview
The first test will come on August 21, when the team travels to West Point for a preseason scrimmage against a program that boasts 13 state championships. The matchup is seen as a benchmark for the Rockets as they fine‑tune their play before the regular season begins.
The regular season opens on August 28 with a road game at Kosciusko, the defending 4A state runner‑up. The game marks the first of what could be a challenging early schedule, and the Rockets will be eager to make a strong impression on the road.
A home opener follows on September 4 against Meridian, kicking off a three‑game homestand that also includes contests against West Lauderdale on September 11 and Germantown on September 18. The stretch offers the Rockets a chance to establish early momentum in front of their own fans.
Early Road Tests
After the homestand, Neshoba Central will hit the road again, traveling to Columbus on September 25 before a scheduled bye week on October 2. The team will then begin region play on October 9 at Greenville, a venue that promises a hostile environment.
Homecoming is slated for October 16 against Canton, a game that traditionally draws a large crowd and adds extra excitement to the schedule. The Rockets will then face back‑to‑back road games against Warren Central on October 23 and Ridgeland on October 30, testing their depth and resilience.
The regular season will conclude on November 5 with a home matchup against Callaway, serving as senior night for the team’s graduating players. The final game will wrap up a demanding schedule that has taken the Rockets across the state.
Head coach Shannon Ruffin, now in his third year at the helm, emphasized the importance of the schedule in a statement: “We’re facing some of the toughest opponents early, but that’s exactly the kind of competition that prepares us for a deep playoff run.”