CLARKSDALE, Miss. — Despite a thrilling third-quarter rally that ignited a "White Out" crowd inside James E. Miller Stadium, the Coahoma Tiger football team fell to Jones College 27-14 in Thursday evening's home opener.
The visiting Bobcats built a 21-0 advantage in the first half behind two rushing touchdowns and a passing score. However, the Tigers refused to back down, utilizing a relentless rushing attack and opportunistic defense to spark a massive momentum shift in the third quarter.
Coahoma got on the scoreboard with 3:13 remaining in the third quarter when quarterback Jacob Clopton capped a physical 10-play, 54-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Andrew Harrison converted the extra point to cut the deficit to 21-7.
Less than a minute later, the Coahoma defense delivered an electric moment when Deshun Brooks intercepted a Jones College pass and returned it 36 yards for a defensive touchdown. Another Harrison extra point brought the Tigers within striking distance at 21-14 with 2:29 left in the third quarter.
Jones College responded early in the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by CJ Rush to push their lead to 27-14. Coahoma continued to fight on special teams, as Jar'Ketitus Davis blocked the ensuing extra point attempt, but the Tigers were unable to close the gap before time expired.
Game Highlights and Statistics
-
The Tigers generated 228 yards of total offense, heavily anchored by a 154-yard performance on the ground.
-
Quarterback Jacob Clopton led the Coahoma rushing attack with 59 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.
-
Clopton also completed nine passes for 74 yards through the air.
-
Running backs Issac Day and Prentavis Madison contributed heavily to the ground game, recording 50 rushing yards and 45 rushing yards, respectively.
-
Davis Harrelson led the receiving corps with two catches for 28 yards.
-
Defensively, Gregory Green anchored the unit with a team-high 10 total tackles, including three tackles for a loss.
-
Jason Spencer recorded seven total tackles, including four solo stops and one tackle for a loss.
-
Deshun Brooks provided the defensive highlight of the night with his 36-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Tigers (0-2) will look to bounce back and secure their first win of the season when they hit the road to face East Central Community College on Thursday, Sept. 10.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.
