Five home games scheduled; season will be broadcast

CLARKSDALE – Leading Mississippi JUCO’s North Division in offense with a 3-0 opening season record, 2008 Tiger football at Coahoma Community College remains a tough act to follow.

However, Freeman Horton, CCC athletic director and head football coach, says he’s not worried about filling top offensive positions.

Multi-talented quarterback Marcus Pittman Jr graduated and is playing at Mississippi Valley State University, and speedster Timothy Graham is not returning.

“Running back Katral James from Atmore, Ala., started last year, and quarterback Keondrick Brown from Rosedale can throw the long ball,” says Horton.

Horton’s equally high on his stable of wide receivers and veterans of state championship high school teams – West Bolivar and Ray Brooks including LaDarius Dawson, Daniel Lee, and others.

“They’ve been playing together for years,” adds Horton.

“Also three of our five starting offensive linemen are returning as well as kicker Reed Gallagher,” he says.

Coahoma’s massive offensive line is credited with providing elbow room for CCC’s successful passing and running games.

Defensive standouts include Chris Tucker from Rosedale, DeAngelo Anderson of Memphis who is being moved from wide receiver to corner; Michael Ruffin of Memphis, and Jarrod Jefferson of Atmore, Ala.

“We’ve signed some big freshmen: offensive lineman Antole Newson from Clarksdale High who is 6ft-5 and 285, and Blake Moore of Memphis at 6ft-3 and 270,” says Horton.

“Outstanding defensive players include Ceasare Johnson of Memphis at 6ft-7, 220; Tony Johnson of Newton, 6ft.3, 270; and Robert McCoy of Leeds, Ala., 6ft-5, 300,” continues the coach.

Horton says his coaching staff has concentrated on improving pass defense and has signed good players in this area.

CCC’s coaching staff also has a new member: Dick Brooks who will be working with the Tigers passing game.

Coahoma’s schedule includes five home games, and the entire season will be broadcast on Clarksdale’s new FM radio station - WNEV (98.7).

“The field is in great shape with good turf; we hope our fans come and support the team,” says Horton.

The Tigers open on the road with East Central on Thursday, Aug. 27. The first home game is Thursday, Sept. 3 with Southwest followed by Sept. 10 with Mississippi Delta.

Horton views East Mississippi as the toughest competitor.

“ They were loaded last year,” he says.

Approximately 70 players began practice August 4, and Horton says he and his staff will be evaluating them quickly to prepare for a pre-season game with Hinds on August 15.

“This game will be closed to the public,” comments Horton.

Kicking off the 2008 season at home with East Central, the Tigers put on an offensive fireworks display, won 47-31 and became the district’s offensive leader.

Their second game with Southwest at Summit was cancelled because of Hurricane Gustav.

However, they next defeated Mississippi Delta 48-34 in Moorhead, and returned to Number One offensive status. Holmes was their third consecutive victory with a 28-14 win before losing 17-7 to Copiah-Lincoln in Wesson.