CLARKSDALE - The Gridiron Tigers launched a furious comeback effort vs. Mississippi Delta late in Saturday's homecoming contest at James E. Miller Stadium, cutting the Delta lead to just 5 and getting within 6 yards of a go-ahead TD in the final minutes before ultimately falling 21-16. The loss was the 4th of the year for the Tigers.

Delta got out to an early lead on a touchdown reception by WR Juwan Dickey, but the Tigers quickly struck back. After the Trojans ended a promising CCC drive with a goal-line interception, Quartez Roby, Marquze Little, and Rashaun Weekly broke through the line and brought down the Delta QB for a safety to make it 7-2.

Another touchdown catch by Dickey would make it 14-2 Delta, but CCC once again responded. Marquze Little forced a fumble on a Delta screen pass to get the ball back for CCC, allowing QB Dominic Marino to summon some magic of his own. The QB from Sarasota scampered 25 yards for a TD late in the 2nd quarter to trim the Delta halftime lead to 5.

The Tiger defense really found its groove in the 3rd quarter, holding the Trojan attack scoreless and consistently penetrating the backfield. Antowyne Gibson would finish with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in the contest. Kendrick Gibson also finished with 2 sacks. 

In the final quarter, Delta drew back-to-back penalties inside the Tiger 10 on a crucial 4th down to give them an extended shot at the endzone. Backup QB Devin Adams took it in from short to give the Trojans a 12-point lead with under 10 to go.

The Tigers weren't done though, launching a drive that crested with a spectacular 34-yard TD catch and run from QB Rodney English to WR Keveon Shepherd while Marino was on the sidelines recovering from a brutal hit. The score invigorated the enthusiastic homecoming crowd and once again made it a 5-point game.

CCC got one last shot with under 2 to play. A great catch-and-go from Marino to Darius Coleman went for nearly 40 yards and brought CCC to the Delta 6 with just over a minute remaining. The comeback was not to be completed though, as the Trojan defense stifled CCC rushes and then intercepted Marino for the 2nd time in the game to seal the win.

Marino finished the game with over 100 yards gained rushing and almost 200 yards passing. The receiving corps was paced by Keveon Shepherd and Greg Johnson, who each finished with 5 receptions.

CCC remains at home this week. The squad will take on the Northeast MS CC Tigers on Thursday at James E. Miller Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm.