Decatur, MS-East Central Community College secured a 31-14 victory over Copiah-Lincoln at Bailey Stadium in Decatur, MS. The Warriors improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in MACCC South division play. Second-year head coach Jonathan Webster and staff have the Warriors clicking on all cylinders heading down the stretch of the regular season. With the win and the loss by Pearl River, the Warriors have clinched a spot in the state playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. With a win next, the Warriors can win the south division title and host a first-round playoff game at Bailey Stadium on November 9th.

The game began with Copiah-Lincoln taking an early lead when Deantre Jackson rushed for a 3-yard touchdown, completing a 67-yard drive in just under two minutes. East Central's offense struggled in the first quarter, ending with Copiah-Lincoln up 7-0.

In the second quarter, East Central responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Karl Ligon, tying the score at 7-7. However, Copiah-Lincoln regained momentum immediately when Zyrian Jackson returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, putting them ahead 14-7. Undeterred, East Central mounted an impressive 15-play, 79-yard drive that ended with another 2-yard touchdown run by Ligon, tying the game at 14-14 just before halftime.

The second half saw East Central dominate on both sides of the ball. In the third quarter, quarterback Landon Sims connected with Waymond Jenerette on a 38-yard touchdown pass, completing a quick two-play, 56-yard drive in just 27 seconds to give East Central a 21-14 lead. Moments later, Chris Tucker found " Waymo " Jenerette again, this time on a 45-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 28-14 after another rapid two-play, 80-yard drive.

In the fourth quarter, East Central added to their lead with a 37-yard field goal by Cade Mangum, capping a 10-play, 35-yard drive to make the score 31-14. East Central's defense shut out Copiah-Lincoln in the second half, applying relentless pressure throughout the game. The defense recorded eight sacks, with Donnie Smith and Tony Tate playing key roles by contributing multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Smith also secured two interceptions, which helped disrupt Copiah-Lincoln's passing game.

East Central's offense was balanced and explosive, with quarterbacks Sims and Tucker combining for 301 passing yards. Sims threw for 227 yards, while Tucker added 74, each tossing a touchdown to Jeneret. Jeneret was the standout receiver with 5 catches for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns, including plays of 38 and 45 yards. On the ground, Karl Ligon led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 35-yard run.

Defensively, East Central was dominant, holding Copiah-Lincoln to just 176 total yards of offense and only 68 rushing yards on 36 attempts, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. Their defensive front was relentless, contributing to Copiah-Lincoln's struggles by recording eight sacks and forcing turnovers. With a balanced offense and a commanding defense, East Central controlled the game, improving to 6-2 on the season.

Up Next

The No. 14 East Central Community College Warriors will travel to Summit, MS to face off against Southwest Mississippi on Halloween night.