Northwest clinches MACCC North title with 38-28 win over East Mississippi

Northwest Mississippi Community College clinched the MACCC North Division title with a 38-28 victory over East Mississippi Community College, using a strong rushing attack and key defensive stops to hold off a second-half rally.

The fifth-ranked Rangers improved to 8-2 overall and 6-0 in the division. Sixth-ranked East Mississippi also finished 8-2, with a 4-2 division record. Northwest led 28-7 at halftime, but the Lions scored twice early in the third quarter, including a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown, to cut the lead to 28-21.

East Mississippi had a chance to tie the game after a three-and-out, but Northwest’s defense stopped the Lions near the goal line. A 37-yard field goal attempt went wide right. Later, a fumble recovery by Linkin Sanders halted another East Mississippi drive and set up a 19-yard field goal by Will Uselton, restoring a 10-point lead.

Northwest forced another turnover on downs, then drove 44 yards for a fourth-down touchdown run by quarterback Gillon early in the fourth quarter. The score made it 38-21. East Mississippi answered with a touchdown run by Trey Irving, but Northwest recovered the Lions’ onside kick attempt. The Rangers were stopped on their next possession, giving East Mississippi the ball with 4:42 remaining and 85 yards to cover.

DJ Woods led Northwest with a career-high 157 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. Gillon ran for 19 yards and two scores and completed 10 of 18 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown and one interception. TyAnthony Elmore caught four passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Northwest said Elmore became the first Ranger to record more than 60 catches in a season since Anton Paige had 64 in 2000.

Defensively, the Rangers forced three turnovers on fourth-down attempts and recovered two fumbles. Gilleylen led the team with 10 tackles and forced a fumble. Sanders and freshman Clytravus Lewis each had eight tackles; Sanders recovered a fumble, and Lewis recorded a sack.

Uselton made all five extra points and a 19-yard field goal. Northwest also said he averaged 36.5 yards on four punts, with one inside the 20-yard line.

Northwest was set to host Hinds Community College in the MACCC and Region 23 championship game, with the date listed as either Thursday, Nov. 5, or Saturday, Nov. 7. The school said further details were forthcoming. Coach Benjy Parker said Hinds would present a difficult challenge.

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