The MGCCC Bulldog defense reacts after forcing one of six turnovers against East Central Oct. 24.
A 42-point first half aided by turnovers and big plays helped Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College roll to a 49-7 victory over East Central in the regular season finale on Oct. 24 in Decatur.
The No. 5 Bulldogs (8-1, 5-1) have won five straight games to end the season. It’s the seventh-straight season Gulf Coast has reached the post season under head football coach Steve Campbell, which is a new MACJC record for consecutive trips to the postseason.
“We came in with a focused approach and handled our business on the road,” said Campbell, who watched the Bulldogs win their 11th in a row over the Warriors (1-8, 0-6).
“Many of our younger guys got a chance to play, and they played well. We still have some things to clean up before the pos season, but I was pleased with the overall effort.”
The Bulldogs got touchdown runs from Antwon Wells, Justin Brister and T.J. McCann; two touchdown passes from Colton Kane; and a 35-yard interception return by Justin Evans to lead 42-0 at halftime. Evans was involved in four of East Central’s six turnovers on the evening. The freshman from Wiggins picked off another pass and also recovered two fumbles in the victory.
“We played like we practice,” said Evans, who now has five interceptions and three fumble recoveries this season. “When you’re always around the ball, good things will happen.”
McCann’s second touchdown with 39 seconds to in the third quarter put the Bulldogs in front 49-0. A 30-yard TD run by East Central’s JaMarcus Franks in the fourth quarter capped off the scoring.
Colton Kane’s touchdown pass was a 33-yarder to a streaking Jeremy Cutrer that made the score 28-0, while Page’s TD strike was a two-yard, one-handed grab by Dhaquille Williams.