Top 10 NJCAA Teams Clash in MACJC Playoffs
We’ve been down this road before.
For the fourth time since 2007, Northwest and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College collide in the semi-finals of the MACJC Playoffs. The Bulldogs beat the Rangers in all those battles, including a 52-24 victory at Senatobia in the 2010 playoffs.
In this go around the Rangers come to Perkinston hoping to do what no other team has done since the 2009 season opener…beat Gulf Coast at home. Since that loss, the Bulldogs have won 19 straight at A.L. May Memorial Stadium including last week’s 41-0 shutout of East Central that clinched the team’s 6th straight trip to the post-season and 6th South Division title since 2005.
The Bulldog offense is No. 1 in the NJCAA in rushing, averaging 288 yards per game, No. 6 in total offense and No. 6 in total defense. Quarterback Clint Hatten (1,929 yards, 24 TDS, 4 INT) is fifth in the NJCAA in touchdown passes while wide receiver D’haquille Williams ranks No. 3 in receiving yards and No. 2 in receiving TD’S with 14. Anton Thornton leads the Bulldog rushing attack with 687 yards and 5 TD’S. The Gulf Coast defense has created 21 turnovers and had two shutouts in 2012.
Northwest is ranked No. 10 in the NJCAA in both offense and defense. Quarterback Dominique Harris has thrown for 2,031 yards, 15 TDS, and 8 INT while running back Damien Baker is fourth in the MACJC in rushing with 778 yards and 9 TDS.
The Ranger defense, ranked No. 1 in the MACJC, has recorded 24 sacks this season.
The other MACJC playoff game features Co-Lin at East Mississippi.
The Series
NORTHWEST VS MGCCC
MGCCC RB Anton Tornton (right) leads the NJCAA’S #1 rushing attack.
· MGCCC Leads All-Time series 20-18-1
· First Meeting: 1929 (NW was known as Tate Junior College)
· Last Meeting: 2010 MACJC Playoffs @ NW (MGCCC 52, Northwest 24)
