GOODMAN – Coahoma’s perfect record and a shot for national ranking went down the drain on a rainy, wet Thursday night here with a surprising but convincing 30-14 win for the Holmes Bulldogs.

With CCC’s high-powered passing game shut down in wet weather, the Bulldog offense dominated playing time on the field, and topped their 17-14 fourth quarter lead with two spoiler touchdowns in the final minutes.

Riding high with three victories over East Central, Southeast, and Mississippi Delta, the Tigers were seeking their first 4-0 season record while Holmes entered the game with three losses and six years of consecutive whippings by Coahoma.

Despite CCC’s reputation as an exciting “second half” team, the opening 65-yard runback by Bulldog Harry Peoples and field goal by Jonathan Smith were omens of their determination.

Although Coahoma put together three consecutive first downs on gains by Hollis Moore II, Ladarius Dawson, and Courtney Vaughn, a holding penalty stalled the Tiger drive.

Going for it on 4th and 5 netted an incomplete pass with the Bulldogs taking over and eventually scoring their field goal.

Both teams scored touchdowns in the second quarter via a Bulldog pass from Dex Hopkins to David Hampton and Coahoma’s Garrick Jones with a nine-yard TD throw to Hollis Moore II for a halftime score of 10-7.

In the third quarter Hopkins found Hampton again for seven points after grinding out yardage on the ground.

With back-to-back first downs and gains by Kantrel James, Courtney Vaughn, and Devon Perry, the Tigers missed a field goal in the fourth quarter

However, they immediately added a TD when Nico Jones stripped the ball away Holmes ball carrier T. J. Williams, and the score became a close 17-14.

Holmes compiled a trio of first downs with the quarterback sneaking for the third on 4th fourth down and 2 at the 18-yard line.

Hopkins’ end zone pass was tipped in for a touchdown. Although the PAT was blocked, the Bulldogs led 23-14 with 3:11 minutes remaining.

The final Holmes score followed a Tiger fumble.



Coahoma plays Co-Lin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, for Homecoming.