SCOOBA – Coahoma Community College came to Scooba on a mission to upset the No.7 team in the NJCAA.  However, East Mississippi proved to be worthy of their top ten ranking as they dominated the Tigers 72-7 on Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Windham Field.

Coahoma showed hope on the first play of the game when Davion Taylor picks off East Mississippi's Lindsey Scott. On the return, Taylor fumbled and the Lions recovered it. Coahoma's defense held the Lions to a three and out.

East Mississippi (7-1, 5-1 MACJC North) punted and Chris Claybrooks called for the fair catch. An East Mississippi defender tackled Claybrooks before the fair catch was made leading to a muffed punt, which East Mississippi recovered. The officials threw a flag for kick catch interference, but the officials picked up the flag stating that the defender was blocked into the returner.

That questionable call gave the Lions new life as they retained possession on the recovery. Tyrell Price scored a one-yard touchdown giving East Mississippi the lead 7-0.

The Lions increased their lead to 14-0 when Lindsey Scott connected to Dontario Drummond for a 76-yard touchdown.

Coahoma tried hard to come back, but things didn't get any better. The Lions blocked Reginald Landing's punt and Untareo Johnson returned it for an 18-yard touchdown increasing the lead to 21-0.

The Lions' defense started to pour it on when Duke Upshaw picked off Trey Mitchell and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown. Then Taylor Crabtree added on a 30-yard field goal giving the Lions a commanding 31-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. They continued to outplay the Tigers and built a 59-0 lead at the half.

Late in the game, Coahoma finally gets on the scoreboard when Trey Mitchell connected to Chris Claybrooks for a 35-yard touchdown.

Coahoma had 166 yards of total offense, including 76 rushing yards and 90 passing yards. Trey Mitchell was 6 of 20 for 90 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Josh Johnson had 22 carries for 69 yards. Claybrooks had three catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

East Mississippi had 372 yards of total offense, including 149 rushing yards and 223 passing yards. Scott led the Lions with 16 of 23 passes for 227 yards, 11 carries for 50 yards and three touchdowns all in the 1st half.

Coahoma is 1-7 on the season and 0-5 in the MACJC. Up next, the Tigers will celebrate Homecoming as they take on Mississippi Delta Community College. The game is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at James E. Miller Stadium.