POPLARVILLE – East Central Community College stormed back from a three-touchdown deficit to defeat Pearl River 37-27 on Thursday night at Dobie Holden Stadium, securing the Warriors' first victory of the 2025 season.
The win moved ECCC to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in MACCC play while handing the Wildcats their third loss of the year.
Slow start, strong finish
The Warriors endured a nightmare first quarter as Pearl River jumped ahead 20-0. The Wildcats struck quickly on a nine-yard touchdown pass following a fumble, extended the lead with a 66-yard interception return, and capped the opening frame with a one-yard plunge from Keenan Franks.
Despite the early hole, East Central's response over the next three quarters defined the night. Quarterback Brady Hammonds got the Warriors on the board midway through the second with a one-yard keeper. Moments later, Rabe Crosby blocked a punt and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to swing momentum. Kicker Connor Mullins drilled a 32-yard field goal at the halftime horn to cut the deficit to 20-17.
Taking control
East Central seized its first lead in the third quarter when Malachi Mickel capped an 81-yard drive with a two-yard run. Pearl River briefly regained the lead, 27-24, but Hammonds answered with a 25-yard touchdown scamper to put the Warriors in front for good late in the third.
In the fourth quarter, Hammonds connected with Tyler Arrington on a 35-yard touchdown strike, extending the margin to 10. From there, the Warrior defense slammed the door, holding the Wildcats scoreless the rest of the way.
Offensive leaders
Hammonds delivered a complete performance, passing for 127 yards on 11-of-20 attempts with a touchdown and one interception while rushing for 26 yards and two scores. Mickel led the ground game with 83 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Arrington added 61 rushing yards and caught five passes for 87 yards, including the decisive touchdown.
As a unit, East Central finished with 322 yards of total offense, balancing 195 rushing yards with 127 through the air.
Defensive standouts
Linebacker Keoni Denny spearheaded the defensive effort with 16 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a recovery. Elgin McDuffey added six stops, two tackles for loss, and a critical interception that set up a score.
The Warriors forced three turnovers overall and recorded two interceptions, including a late pick by Jai'teriyas Robinson to seal the game inside the final minutes. The defense also scored on special teams with Thompkins' blocked punt return, providing the spark needed to overcome the early deficit.
Special teams impact
Mullins was steady in the kicking game, hitting four extra points and a field goal. His 45-yard punting average and consistent kickoffs helped tilt field position in ECCC's favor as the Warriors mounted their comeback.
Coach's perspective
Head coach Jonathan Webster praised his team's grit after the rough start. "We didn't make any changes to the game plan. The guys just decided they weren't going to give up after being down 20-0," Webster said.
Statement win
Pearl River managed 360 total yards and was led by quarterback Ian González, who threw for 92 yards and ran for 102 more. Franks carried 27 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Despite those numbers, the Warriors' defense stiffened in the second half, shutting out the Wildcats over the final 20 minutes.
The victory gave East Central its first tally in the win column while also setting the tone for conference play.
What's next
ECCC (1-3, 1-0 MACCC) returns to Decatur on Thursday, Sept. 25, for its annual Homecoming game against Hinds Community College at Bailey Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.