The Coahoma Community College football team made their way to Fulton, Mississippi, to prove one point, Tiger Nation football is new and improved. Itawamba Community College was defeated 37-23, in front of their sold-out, 50 percent capacity home crowd.
Coach Travis Macon knew his first game as head coach would come with added pressure to show transformative change for the Tigers. Macon expressed complete happiness and satisfaction with his team.
"I'm still on cloud nine, just trying to gather it all together," said Macon.
The Indians' offense came out hot with a ten-play 90-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Qua Davis, ICC lead 6-0. Tigers kept their composure, and the defense stopped Itawamba's offense for four dives, with two interceptions by Marlon Windham and Reginald Johnson and forced two punts.
Coach Macon expressed that his team could have left Fulton with an even bigger upset.
"I think in the first half, we actually could have scored more and defensively sometimes we were not lined up correctly," said Macon.
Reginald Johnson's interception placed CCC offense in prime position for no. 8, Jacobi Jackson, to score a touchdown followed by an extra point by the lone tiger kicker, Noah Sisk.
Sisk had a busy, successful night. He was 1 for 2Â in field goals and went 4 for 5 when kicking extra points. He is also the team's full-time punter. Coach Macon praised Sisk's all-rounded mental ability to get both jobs done effectively.
"He did a really good tonight, and the pressure is on him, he has improved every week since being here at Coahoma," said Macon.
Sisk ended the first half with a field goal giving the Tigers a four-point advantage, 10-6.
The Indians came out the half motivated to send their fans home excited for the rest of the season. Shane Lasher scored a field goal followed by a touch down by Octavious Williams. Tigers responded in the last few seconds of the third quarter with a major 70-yard pass from Bryce Wallace to Von Hill that ended with a touchdown.
The intensity level was high, as the game was tied at 23.
Both teams were determined to extend their lead in the 4th quarter and get their first win for the season. It would be Tigers evening when the offense exploded with a deep pass from Bryce Wallace to wide receiver Kobee Lockett for a touchdown. CCC took the lead 30-23.
CCC would place the final nail in Indians coffin with a rushing touchdown by Pensacola, Florida native, Jacobi Jackson. Macon praised Itawamba for the continuous fight and believes this game opener win will give the team a positive momentum moving forward for the rest of the season.
"We just beat a really good team, and they are sophomore heavy, so I am really proud of my guys that we took the lead, fell back, and was able to overtake them again," said Macon.
Macon believes his players are executing the great work his offensive and defensive staff has invested in 'The New Coahoma' brand of football.
"I preach let's finish. There is no room for mistakes, yes! We made mistakes tonight, but I told them we are going to finish this with the win. Coach Wallace had an excellent plan, and he's known for running the football." said Macon.
The Tigers are on a bye this week and will resume their 2020 campaign in Booneville, Mississippi, on Oct. 15 against Northeast Mississippi Community College.
