Box Score Thursday night was an exciting time for Coahoma Community College football fans. The Tigers defeated a very talented Hinds Community College football team 21-14 at James E. Miller Stadium. The victory showcases how much the program has improved in such a short amount of time.

"I thought we beat a really good football team tonight," CCC head coach Travis Macon said. "This is the new Coahoma and if you come to our backyard, you better be ready to fight (for) four quarters."

Early in the opening quarter, freshman receiver Daylyn Croom scored the game's first touchdown on a 69-yard punt return to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. "He set the tone for the game," Macon said. "He got north-and-south real quick."

With the score tied 7-7 in the second quarter, freshman quarterback Kennique Bonner-Steward connected with 6-foot-4 wide receiver Leroy Hollingshed for a 62-yard TD. Coahoma held a 13-7 lead.

In the second half, the Hinds Eagles responded with a touchdown of their own. The Tigers answered with a one-yard touchdown run for Bonner-Steward, which proved to be the game-winning score. The final score was 21-14 in favor of CCC.

Coahoma's defense played really well throughout the game. On several occasions when it appeared as though HCC was about to enter scoring territory, the Tigers' defense was able to stop them.

The D-line had moments of dominance; especially at the beginning of the game. "Whenever you don't have to blitz to get to the quarterback that's always good," Macon said. "A lot of times the [defensive] front controlled the game."

CCC fans had a lot of things to cheer about throughout the night, and Coach Macon loved their enthusiasm. "This crowd - I enjoyed every minute of them; I heard them in the background," Macon said. "We love the crowd. We want the crowd to always be our 12th man. … We got another home game next week. I want all the fans; I want to pack this house out. Let's rock this house."

The Tigers' next game is on Thursday, Sept. 9 against the Pearl River Community College Wildcats. Kickoff at James E. Miller Stadium is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.