Hinds set for MACCC title game against Northwest

Hinds is scheduled to play Northwest Mississippi in the MACCC Championship Game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Bobby Franklin Field at Ranger Stadium in Senatobia. A win would give the Eagles their first state football championship since 2000 and their 14th overall, according to the college.

Hinds finished the regular season 7-3 overall and 5-1 in South Division play, claiming the division title. The Eagles began the season with two losses before winning seven straight, the college said. They are coached by Chris Jones, who is in his second season.

Quarterback Jaylon Ruffin led an offense averaging 37 points per game. The sophomore threw for 2,567 yards and 27 touchdowns during the regular season, according to Hinds. In a 49-42 win over nationally ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast, he passed for 456 yards, ran for 136 and accounted for six touchdowns. The college said Ruffin set a Hinds single-game passing record and broke the program’s career total offense record.

Running back Makari Bodiford had 554 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, Floyd Harris led the team with 69 tackles, while Jermiah Campbell had four interceptions, the college reported.

Northwest enters the scheduled championship game 8-2 overall after going 6-0 in the MACCC North. The Rangers are pursuing a third consecutive conference championship. They have allowed an average of 16.8 points per game, according to Hinds.

The teams also met in the 2021 state title game in Senatobia. Northwest won 56-21 on Nov. 13, 2021, denying Hinds a chance to end its championship drought. Hinds has won 13 conference championships, including its most recent title in 2000.

The college listed HindsTV as the broadcast outlet and 106.3 The Fan as the radio broadcast for the Nov. 7 game.

Source: Original Article