The cool temperatures of fall, the playing of the band, and the gathering of Warrior fans contributed to the recipe for a memorable Homecoming 2023 in Decatur.

The Warriors took on the undefeated Tigers of Northeast Community College. The visitors came into Warrior country ranked 9th in the latest NJCAA poll. The defenses of both teams dominated the first quarter of the game. The score stood at 0-0. The Warriors would break the scoreless tie at the 12:11 mark of the second quarter. Chris Tucker found Hayden Jackson in the endzone for a 5-yard touchdown pass. Cade Mangum booted through the extra point. The score was East Central 7 Northeast 0. The score would remain the same as the half-time buzzer sounded.

At the 12:39 mark of the 3rd quarter, the Warriors would extend their lead to 14-0. Tucker threw a 42-yard touchdown bullet to Lawerence Armstrong. With 30 seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Tigers would crack the scoreboard. The score stood at Warriors 14 Tigers 7, going into the 4th quarter. At the 11:55 mark of the final quarter, the Tigers knotted the score at 14-14.

The Tigers would take their first lead of the night on a 4-yard touchdown run later in the fourth. The score stood at Northeast 21 East Central 14. Head ECCC coach Jonathan Webster gathered his team and calmly gave them the plan. The Warriors executed the coach's plan perfectly. Devontae Causey caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tucker. Mangum put the extra point through the uprights. The teams are tied at 21 with 4:21 left in the fourth quarter. There would be no more scoring in regulation.

The ballgame went into overtime. Northeast won the coin flip and chose to defend their endzone.

The Warriors found paydirt on the arm of Tucker. He threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Howard. Mangum kicked the extra point, and the score was Warriors 28 Tigers 21.

The crowd cheered, the band played, and the Warrior defensive unit protected their house. The Tigers turned the ball over on downs and Homecoming 2023 was complete. The final score was Warriors 28, Tigers 21. Northeast suffered their first loss of the season, at the hands of the Warriors. East Central had 485 yards of offense, Tucker was 30-44 for 319 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Warriors improved to 3-3 on the season and 2-2 in division play. The next opponent for the Warriors will be Mississippi Gulf Coast at Bailey Stadium at 6:30. Come and support your Warriors.

Story by ECCC Student, Ben Land