Beautiful fall weather provided a great backdrop for the gridiron game between the East Central Warriors and No. 7 ranked Co-Lin Wolves on Thursday night in Wesson. The game turned out to be an overtime nail-biter. When the dust settled the Wolves defeated the Warriors by a score of 40-34.
The scoring started for EC with a 14-yard touchdown run by QB Chris Tucker. The Warriors took the lead 7-0. Co-Lin answered with a 17-yard touchdown run of their own and PAT was good to tie the game. The Warriors regained the lead with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Tucker to Hayden Jackson, making it 14-7. The Wolves responded with a field goal, and at the half the score was Warriors 14-10.
Beginning the second half the scoring continued. The Warriors extended their lead with a 21-yard touchdown from Tucker to Ethan Howard, but the PAT failed. East Central held the lead 20-10. The Wolves answered with a 64-yard touchdown run. Later in the third quarter, the Wolves would tie the game with a 28-yard field goal. Co-Lin would eventually take the lead on a 42-yard touchdown run. Heading into the fourth quarter, Co-Lin led 27-20.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Warriors would tie the game on a Devontae Causey seven-yard touchdown run. Cade Mangum's point after was good and the score was knotted at 27. Causey would strike again on a 67-yard run resulting in a touchdown. The Wolves, not to be outdone, responded with a five-yard run resulting in a touchdown. At the end of regulation, the score was tied at 34-all. For the second time in two weeks, the Warriors would have to play bonus ball.
In the overtime session, EC was unsuccessful in their possession, and the Wolves grabbed the win with a six-yard touchdown run on their possession. The final score was 40-34.
East Central picked up 394 yards of total offense with 239 passing yards and 155 rushing yards. Tucker finished the night 22-of-35 with two scores, while Causey exploded for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively Kris Robinson led the way with seven tackles.
The Warriors will close out their season at home and will face the Pearl River Wildcats. Game time is 6:30 come support your Warriors at Bailey Stadium.
Story by ECCC Student, Ben Land