Multiple turnovers cost Coahoma 64-14 loss to MGCCC

5/16/13

CLARKSDALE - Multiple costly turnovers marred Coahoma Community College’s season opener before hometown fans here Saturday and sealed the Tigers 64-14 loss against nationally-ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Despite the final score, CCC Head Coach Freeman Horton is upbeat about his team and the qualities they exhibited on the field.

“There is a big difference between practice and the real game,” he said. “Tonight they were introduced to JUCO football - ‘The toughest league in America.’”

Following a lightning fast touchdown pass from Bulldog quarterback Clint Hatten to wide receiver Chaquille Williams, Gulf Coast scored six points but missed the PAT .

However, the Bulldogs took advantage of two pass interceptions and a fumble to score a field goal, three touchdowns and to lead 29-0 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Seconds later with energized Cedric Blue returning the kickoff to the 30 yard line, Tiger wide receiver Randy Wallace caught a Quantavious Peterson pass, and CCC running back Daveonn Porter rocketed 67 yards to the end zone.

Jonathan O’Hara from South Walton Beach, Fla., nailed the PAT, and Coahoma joined MGCCC on the scoreboard 29-7.

Alternating the passing of Bulldog quarterback Hatten with running backs Elijah Hughes and JoJo Snell, Gulf Coast converted a fourth and one into a TD by Bryan James and a 36-7 lead.

Peterson’s completed pass to Tiger Jordan Taylor on the 34-yard-line was ruled a fumble recovered by MGCCC, and Hatten connected with wide receiver Tyrone Williams in the end zone for another Bulldog touchdown and 42-7 lead with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter.

Despite the agility of Porter, CCC was forced to punt. However, Coahoma’s defense held, and Blue logged a first down before Bulldog Fensest Armstrong intercepted Peterson’s pass.

With 40 seconds remaining in the half, Hatten hit Cade Amacker for a touchdown, and the score changed to 50-7.

In the second half, Roderick McKee took over quarterback duties for CCC, and Quentin Wheeler for MGCCC. With 49 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Gulf Coast scored a touchdown for a 57-7 lead, and a run by JoJo Snell added another seven points.

McKee’s pass to Jordan Taylor earned a first down followed by runs by Hanson Smith for more. Wide receiver Delvin Divinty collected a final touchdown pass for Coahoma and the scoreboard finale: 64-14.

Coahoma goes on the road Thursday, Sept. 6, to play Hinds Community College.
Gulf Coast travels to play Holmes in Goodman.