CLARKSDALE – Unleashing a dangerous aerial attack with multiple receivers and a rugged “in your face” ground game, Coahoma defeated Southwest here 34-21 Thursday night before a cheering stadium-packed hometown crowd.

Running back Kantrel James of Atmore, Ala., scored the first of his two touchdowns in the first quarter and another in the third.

Quarterback Garrick Jones of Whitehaven passed for three TDs, connecting with Courtney Vaughn of Tunica in the second quarter and Hollis Moore II of Whitehaven for two more in the fourth quarter.

Kicker Reed Gallagher of Pensacola split the uprights for three PATs.

Although Coahoma’s offense continually promised power and might, Southwest adroitly alternated two quarterbacks who moved the ball and an alert defense pouncing on interceptions.

Following the game Tiger head coach Freeman Horton said, “we have a long way to go; there were too many turnovers,”

CCC’s Tigers led the first quarter 7-0; 14-7 in the second; 21-14 in the third; and won 34-21.

It was the second win for Coahoma after defeating East Central 32-31 in Decatur last week while Southwest won over Mississippi Delta 13-12.

In the opening quarter, both teams exchanged punts despite successful tosses between Jones and wide receiver Daniel Lee of Rosedale.

Coahoma’s Big D led by Chris Tucker of Rosedale sacked the Bear’s quarterback; J. D. Ratliff retaliated by shutting down CCC’s drive with an interception.


The Tiger defense drew a line in the sand, and when the Bears punted, Ladarius Dawson of Rosedale took flight, followed by gains by James, fullback Brodis Toles of Fayette, and a touchdown carry by James.

With Coahoma’s defense holding the Bears to fourth down and seven, Dawson’s runback combined with a face mask penalty and gave the Tigers good field position plus elbow room for running back Devacus Ireland of Benoit to log first downs.

Another first down pass from Jones to Dawson put Coahoma on the glory road when Southwest intercepted a pass in the end zone.

Defensive coordinator William Kirksey’s athletes forced another punt on fourth and two, and Coahoma’s offense alternated runs by James and Ireland with passes to Lee and Vaughn for CCC’s second TD and a 14-0 lead with 6:53 remaining in the half.

Following a stiff late-hit penalty against the Tigers, the Bears scored on a pass play, and cut their deficit 14-7 at halftime.

James scored his second touchdown quickly (21-7) in the third quarter, and defensive back Michael Ruffin almost picked off a Bear interception.

When the Tigers took over, Jones moved the ball to the 40 on a quarterback keeper with passes to Moore and Dawson before an interception.

Southwest was unable to capitalize on this advantage, but their punt inside the 12 led to an interception by Mychal Bailey of LaGrange, Ga., and a Bear TD (21-14) at the close of the third quarter.

A long pass from Jones to Daniel Lee and carries by James and Ireland, prefaced a TD pass to Hollis Moore (27-14) with 11:55 remaining, and a second touchdown pass to Moore (34-14) with 9:09 remaining.

Following a barrage of passes, the Bears scored their final TD with 5:29 remaining.

Coahoma hosts Mississippi Delta on campus next Thursday, Sept. 10.