Coahoma Community College had a really good start against Northeast Mississippi Community College. With one turnover and no penalties, the Tigers controlled the ball for over 20 minutes and had the lead in the first half.

The second half was a different story with nine penalties for 53 yards, four turnovers and the loss of 20 unanswered points. Northeast Mississippi (2-3) took advantage with a big second half leading to a 27-10 victory Thursday night at the James E. Miller Stadium.

Desmond Hunter connected to Harland Howell for a 29-yard touchdown giving Northeast an early 7-0 lead. Coahoma's defense answered the call 7-2 when Braxton Brown (Hattiesburg, MS) tackled Northeast's Kenzie Phillips in the end zone for a safety.

Josh Johnson (Opelika, AL) scored a seven-yard touchdown giving Coahoma the lead 10-7 at the half.

Coahoma's defense came up in the start of the second half. Phillips was stuffed by Randall Johnson (West Point, MS) on fourth and goal at the one yard line.

Coahoma's miscues started with being penalized five times. Then, Reginald Landing (Clinton, MS) was tackled at Coahoma's one-yard line on a punt attempt.

Northeast took the lead 14-10 thanks to Quentin Frazier's one-yard touchdown. Coahoma committed another turnover when Trey Mitchell (Knoxville, TN) threw an interception to Northeast's Juwan Taylor. Northeast extended the lead 21-10 when Hunter connected to Beau Lee for a seven-yard touchdown.

Northeast put the game out of reach 27-10 when Hunter connected to Isaiah Carter for a 42-yard touchdown.

"We played well in the first half, then we had a blunder or two. Those mistakes are killing us right now," said Coahoma Head Coach Steven Miller.

Northeast had 233 yards of total offense including 168 yards in the second half. Hunter led the Northeast Tigers with 10 of 19 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Phillips had 23 carries for 73 yards.

Coahoma had 231 yards of total offense. Johnson led the Tigers with his fourth 100-yard game of the season. He had 25 carries for a season high, 149 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell was nine of 16 for 54 yards and two interceptions.

"We have to reevaluate the talent we have on the field," said Miller. "We needed people to step up and they didn't. We have to go back to the drawing board and get the right people on the field."    

Coahoma is now 1-4 on the season and 0-2 in the MACJC South division. The Tigers will have to improve quickly with a stiff road test against No. 17 Northwest Mississippi Community College.

The game is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in Senatobia, MS.