By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Sept. 5, 2001
The week-long rain has been an unwelcomed nuisance for coach Tom Goode and his East Mississippi Community College Lions.
East Mississippi is set to open its season on Thursday night against Southwest Community College in Summit. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
The veteran coach said he expects the Lions' passing game to take the biggest hit from the wet conditions.
Southwest should provide another stern test to open the season. They return nine starters off last year's team on defense.
Former West Lauderdale quarterback Scotty Elliot will line up behind center on Thursday for the Lions. Meridian freshman guard Braz Coleman ((5-11, 288) is expected to start at guard.
Meridian's Gerrad Williams was penciled in as the Lions starter at fullback but may not see much action this week after twisting an ankle.
On defense, the Lions will have three former Meridian players see plenty of time. They include: Otis Bumpers and Fines Tate in the secondary and Eddie Moss at linebacker/end.
As for Southwest, Goode said the Bears are a bit of mystery with the exception being their defense.
Following the opener, East will open its home slate on Sept. 13 against Copiah Lincoln in Scooba.