By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Oct. 18, 2002
DECATUR After last week's 6-3 triple-overtime victory over then-No. 2 Jones, the East Central Community College Warriors have a shot at an encore performance Saturday afternoon when they host Hinds at 2:30 p.m. for homecoming.
Both teams need a win to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth as both are 2-2 in the MACJC South Division. Hinds is 4-2 overall following last week's 36-7 rout of Copiah-Lincoln. ECCC, 2-4 overall, lost 34-31 at Co-Lin just two weeks ago after a 31-21 lead disappeared over the final five minutes.
ECCC had lost 19 straight games with Hinds before winning 25-16 last year at Raymond.
Jones dropped from No. 2 to No. 8 in the NJCAA poll following the loss to the Warriors.
Hinds is ranked No. 5 in the MACJC in total offense, while the Warriors are No. 6. Hinds is ninth in total defense, while ECCC is 11th.
ECCC tailback Titus Ryan is second in the league in rushing as he averages 95 yards per game. Sophomore halfback Mason Denham of Hinds averages 86.3 yards for third place.
Sophomore wide receiver Seneca Chambers of Hinds is second in receptions with 31 catches for 13.7 yards per catch.
ECCC sophomore outside linebacker Travares Osley leads the state in tackles with 71 solos and 17 assists following last week's 23-solo, three-assist effort against Jones.
ECCC sophomore linebacker Stacey Lewis is fourth with 48 solos and 21 assists.
Hinds freshman defensive end Bennie Dixon is tied for the league lead in sacks with seven, while ECCC sophomore cornerback Pete McBride is tied for third in interceptions with four.