The 2023 season opener for the East Central Community College Warriors was a resounding success as they dominated the Coahoma Tigers with a final score of 62-7. Head coach Jonathan Webster and his staff had a memorable inaugural game, marking a historic moment for the Warriors by achieving their first 60+ point victory since their 1938 67-0 win over Hinds.
The Warriors wasted no time setting the tone in the game, scoring swiftly on their first possession. Quarterback Landon Sims set the tone by completing a 27-yard pass to Ethan Howard on the opening play. Devontae Causey followed up with a pair of impressive runs, bringing the Warriors to Coahoma's 1-yard line. Sims then punched it in for the first touchdown of the 2023 season, and Cade Mangum added the extra point.
The Warriors' defense was equally impressive, as Eric Muse intercepted a pass on the ensuing drive, giving ECCC possession once again. In just five plays, Causey rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, putting the Warriors ahead 14-0 in the first quarter.
Muse continued to shine, recording another interception on the following drive and returning it 38 yards to Coahoma's 3-yard line. Sims capitalized on the opportunity, running in another touchdown to extend the lead to 21-0 midway through the first quarter.
The Tigers' hopes were repeatedly dashed by turnovers, with Cedric Moore Jr. recovering a forced fumble for yet another ECCC touchdown.
The Warriors' relentless defense forced a Coahoma punt on the following drive, and their special teams came through with a blocked punt in the end zone, which was recovered by Jabari Poellnitz. At the end of the first quarter, ECCC was comfortably ahead, leading 34-0.
The second quarter saw a slowdown in scoring until Sims connected with Haden Jackson for an impressive 66-yard touchdown. Just two drives later, Sims struck again with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Lawerence Armstrong. At halftime, ECCC enjoyed a commanding 48-0 lead.
The early part of the third quarter saw more of the same dominance from the Warriors, as Sims found Ethan Howard with a 42-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 55-0. This marked the first time East Central had crossed the 50-point mark since 1999.
Quarterback Chris Tucker contributed to the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter, set up by a great 75-yard pass to TJ Colom II.
Coahoma managed to score one touchdown in the fourth quarter, their sole score of the game.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will hit the road for their next game as they travel to Goodman to take on the Holmes Bulldogs at 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 14. For more information about the upcoming matchup, visit ecccathletics.com.