Bolen’s pick-six secures Northeast’s first win of the season
By NEMCC Office of Public Information and Kedrick Storey
BOONEVILLE, MS— Jeb Bolen’s new favorite moment of his football career helped Northeast Mississippi Community College secure its first victory of the season.
Bolen returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving the Tigers the decisive score in an 18-15 victory over Southwest Mississippi Community College on Thursday night.
It was Bolen’s second career collegiate touchdown but his first as a member of the defensive unit. As a freshman, he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against Northwest Mississippi Community College.
“That’s my favorite football moment of all,” Bolen said. “I got to the end zone and blacked out. I don’t even remember what I did. This team loves each other so much, and you can tell that by the way we support each other.”
Bolen’s pick-six extended Northeast’s lead to 18-7 with 6:34 remaining. The Tigers, however, had to survive a frantic finish after the Bears scored on their ensuing possession and regained the ball with only seconds remaining.
Southwest’s Hail Mary pass on the final play nearly produced a touchdown, but Northeast’s Raiyen Oatis made a diving, shoestring tackle at the 11-yard line. Miles Foster then broke up the Bears’ final pass as time expired, sealing the dramatic victory.
“I’m really proud of all of them. Anytime you get a win in this league, it’s exciting,” Northeast coach Greg Davis said. “Defensively, we’re ahead of the game because we’ve got some guys that are experienced.”
The Tigers (1-1) never trailed after quarterback Xae Mayes scored on a 12-yard run during their opening possession. Mayes added a 22-yard touchdown pass to Micah Pledger in the second quarter.
Mayes completed 17 of 29 passes for 215 yards in his second start of the season. Kelvin Walker led the Tigers with five receptions, while Charles Stevenson finished with a team-high 65 receiving yards.
Daniel Sherman helped Northeast control field position throughout the game, averaging 47 yards on six punts with five landing inside the 20-yard line.
Torell Henderson recorded a game-high 12 tackles, while Jerone Baskin added 11. Northeast forced three turnovers, with Henderson and Oatis each recovering a fumble.
Shane Farmer finished with five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. Christian Mays, a top-rated defensive lineman, forced Northeast’s other fumble.
The Tigers will travel to Jones College on Thursday, Sept. 10, for their final pre-division tuneup of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Sim Cooley Field in Ellisville.
