Published: October 17, 2007 11:51 am            

Co-Lin spoils EC homecoming

DECATUR — It was déjà vu “all over again” for the East Central Community College football team which again saw victory snatched away in the final moments of an MACJC South Division contest.

The “spoiler” this time was the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves who scored on a 15-yard pass from quarterback Micah Davis of Wesson to wide receiver Toddrick Bajoie of New Roads, La., with 38 seconds remaining, which gave the visitors a 21-17 shocker on homecoming day at Bailey Stadium Saturday afternoon in Decatur.

East Central, which lost in similar fashion to division rivals Jones (32-29) and Southwest (25-21) earlier in the season, had taken a 17-14 advantage with 1:45 remaining when quarterback Deon Williams found a wide open Courtney Shelton for a 14-yard touchdown pass, capping a seven-play, 39-yard drive. Williams is a former standout at Tuscaloosa (Ala.) County and fullback Shelton hails from Tuscaloosa Academy.

The excellent field position was set up by Freddie Parham on his 39-yard kickoff return after Co-Lin had taken a 14-10 lead. The Wolves scored on a four-yard touchdown pass from Davis to Haki Reed of Fayette with 4:56 left in the contest. Parham is a product of St. Clair County High School in Margaret, Ala.

For Warrior head coach Terry Underwood, Saturday’s loss was obviously tough to take, as ECCC fell to 2-5 overall and 0-5 in league play. Co-Lin improved to 2-5 and 2-3.

“There’s not much to say,” Underwood told reporters during a post-game interview. “They had a minute and something to go and they went down the field and made the plays. It gets down to making plays in this game.”

The key play during Co-Lin’s 65-yard, five-play drive was Davis’ 39-yard completion to Jason Bruce of Natchez to the EC 15.

East Central responded to the score by reaching the 12-yard line following a 15-yard pass from Williams to Katlan French of Starkville Academy as time expired.

Underwood praised his team for “fighting back” and taking the lead late in the ball game, but was also frustrated the Warriors were unable to close the deal.

“You hate for a game to end that way...there were so many opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of and capitalize with points...we haven’t been able to finish, that’s the bottom line. It’s frustrating. I hate for the kids. I hate for everybody involved,” said the 10-year head coach.

East Central took a 3-0 first-quarter lead when Neshoba Central product Derek Crenshaw kicked a 30-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining, capping a 12-play, 66-yard drive. Crenshaw, who normally just handles punting duties, subbed for Beau Hannah of Morton who was injured earlier in the contest. Crenshaw also connected on two PATs.

Key plays during the march included a 22-yard run by Roosevelt Ross, the state’s top rusher and a former standout at Ocala-Forest (Fla.) High School, and an 18-yard scamper by Williams.

The Warrior lead held up until early third period action, when Co-Lin running back Kentrell Cleveland of Mendenhall found pay dirt on a one-yard plunge. Will Thibodeaux of Brookhaven added the first of his three PATs to give the Wolves a 7-3 lead. The scoring march coverage 82 yards and took nine plays.

EC took the ensuing kickoff and drove from its 34 to the Co-Lin five-yard line but the Warriors were unable to take advantage of the scoring opportunity as Crenshaw’s 25-yard field goal attempt was blocked with 9:41 left in the third stanza.

East Central did take advantage of a scoring opportunity on its next possession as Williams and wide receiver Michael Townsend combined talents on a 65-yard pass play which gave the Warriors a 10-7 advantage with just over six minutes left in the third. East Central took possession following an interception by defensive back Jarvis Wilson, a product of Central Lafourache HS in Houma, La.

Williams finished the afternoon by completing seven of 15 passes for 160 yards and two scores. EC had 168 yards rushing, with Ross leading the way with 61 yards on eight carries. The Warriors had 12 first downs.

Co-Lin’s Davis completed 17 of 41 passes for 217 yards. The Wolves had 110 yards rushing and were led by Cleveland’s 74 yards on 23 carries. He also had one score.

The Warriors travel to Raymond this Thursday where they will be homecoming guests of the Hinds Community College Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Hinds is 4-3 overall and 1-3 in league play following a 21-14 setback to Southwest Mississippi Community College Saturday in Summit.

        

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