Thursday Night Lights proved entertaining across Mississippi’s junior college scene.
The latest iteration of JUCO ball featured one of the state’s top teams getting upset, a dominant display in a top-10 showdown, a ranked program making a statement, an unlikely 4th quarter rally, and more.
Starting off in Decatur, East Central (4-4) defended home field in a 31-20 upset of No. 2 Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Warriors trailed 20-17 early in the 4th quarter, but scored 14 unanswered to take down a juggernaut. East Central quarterback King White had a strong night for the home team. The Germantown High School alum passed for 142 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while rushing for 32 yards and a score.
In Senatobia, a battle between No. 6 Northwest (6-2) and No. 8 Itawamba (6-2) yielded bragging rights to the home Rangers. Northwest dominated the Indians 35-9. Ranger quarterback Noah Gillon’s 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in the air catalyzed Northwest’s offensive onslaught. Gillon’s top target was TyAnthony Elmore, who logged 111 yards and a touchdown.
In Raymond, No. 15 Hinds (6-2) made a case to be ranked in the top-10 after dominating No. 7 Co-Lin (5-3) 38-13 in a homecoming matchup. Chris Jones’ squad was led by running back Makari Bodiford’s 160 yards on the ground. He averaged 8.9 yards per carry in the game.
In Summit, Jones (4-4) scored 28 unanswered points to defeat Southwest (1-7) 41-40. With 5:28 remaining in the 3rd quarter, a 78-yard fumble recovery by the Bears found Jones trailing 40-13. The deficit carried into the 4th quarter, but the Bobcats, led by resilient quarterback Jevarion Glover, went on an unlikely run to win the game. Glover threw a 42-yard touchdown pass and found the end zone on a 7-yard run in the final frame of the contest.
In Moorhead, previously winless Coahoma (1-7) got to taste victory for the first time this season. The Tigers traveled to Mississippi Delta (2-6) and defeated the Trojans 35-23 on their home field.