Tigers advance to 3-0 record

CLARKSDALE - Since high-powered fireworks mark the annual shoot-out between Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Delta, Thursday night’s 20-13 win by the CCC Tigers was a exhausting defensive surprise with victory up for grabs til the last second.

No points were scored at all by either team in the first half despite Coahoma’s 2-0 record amassing more than 30 points per game.

Both teams missed field goals

Returning energized in the second half, Coahoma scored on a end zone run by Kantrel James of Atmore, Ala..

The TD was set up by a flashy kickoff return by Courtney Vaughn of Tunica and a pass from quarterback Garrick Jones to Rishunn McCaleb of Indianola.

Kicker Reed Gallagher of Pensacola added the extra point and spent the night hanging punts halfway to the moon.

Following Coahoma’s recovery of a Trojan fumble, Jones tossed a 32-yard pass to running back Ladarius Dawson for a second touchdown.

The Tigers attempt for two failed, and CCC led 13-0 with 9:37 remaining in a third quarter marred by numerous penalties on both teams. .

Mississippi Delta scored on a pass from quarterback Jacob Land of Greenwood to Gerell James of Ruleville. The PAT was no good, and Coahoma led 13-6 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter a disputed pass interference call against Coahoma aided the Trojan’s march downfield paving the way for Charles Ambrose’s gallop into the end zone.

With 12:45 remaining, the game was tied at 13 when Coahoma began to mix things up offensively with James carrying the ball, Jones connecting with wide receiver Daniel Lee of Rosedale, and hitting James in the end zone for the 20-13 go-ahead touchdown.

The remainder of the fourth quarter was a nail-biting exchange, until Coahoma’s Big D led by defensive end Chris Tucker of Rosedale, Mr. Coahoma Community College, sacking the Trojan quarterback on 4th and goal with 46 seconds remaining.

“I am so proud of our kids; they just don’t quit,” commented CCC defensive coordinator William Kirksey. “They got stops when they were needed.”

Head coach Freeman Horton said his players were not focused at the beginning of the game but made changes. He praised both teams for the hard-fought game.

Assistant CCC coach Billy Fields said, “You can just throw away all records and predictions when these two teams play. This game is important.”

Following the win Coahoma advances to a 3-0 record after defeating East Central and Southwest. Next week the Tigers travel to Goodman to play Holmes on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Homecoming is Saturday, Sept. 26, with Copiah Lincoln.