10/19/07 - Hinds Community College won its final home football game of 2007 in thrilling fashion here Thursday night, defeating East Central Community College, 20-17. Kicker Parker Ware of Hinds booted a 31-yard field goal in the first overtime period to end the game, which lasted well into the night because of homecoming festivities.
The win puts Hinds at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the South division. The Warriors dropped to 2-6 overall and are still winless in the South division at 0-6.
Safety Marcell Young of Hinds made a big defensive play on the first Warrior possession, recovering a fumble on the Hinds 17-yard line. The Eagle offense would soon capitalize on this, as quarterback Jarrod Fleming connected with wide receiver Anthony Mayes on a 40-yard completion to move to the East Central four-yard line. Fleming then took it into the end zone on a one-yard sneak two plays later to put Hinds on the board. Ware knocked the PAT through for the 7-0 Eagle lead.
A long run by Warrior running back Lamario Hopson on the ensuing possession set up a 25-yard field goal by Beau Hannah, which he converted to cut the score to 7-3 with just over a minute left in the first quarter.
East Central would keep chipping away at the Eagle lead early in the second quarter, led by defensive lineman Ken Whitfield's interception on the Hinds 21-yard line. Wide receiver Freddie Parham would then score on a 20-yard reverse play to put the Warriors ahead. Hannah's PAT was good, and East Central now led 10-7.
Hinds would come right back at them and tie the score at 10, as Ware drilled a 25-yard field goal with 1:34 left in the half. Instead of being conservative, East Central would attack the Eagle defense, capped off by an 18-yard Maurice Langston touchdown run. The Hannah PAT gave the Warriors a 17-10 going into the extended halftime session.
"We had some opportunities in the first half that we didn't convert," said Hinds coach J. Mike Smith. "I thought our defense did an excellent job in the second half to help us come out on top."
The long halftime break for homecoming festivities apparently benefited the Eagles, as their coaches were able to make the appropriate adjustments and hold the Warriors scoreless in the final half and overtime period.
Running back Anton Taylor found pay dirt late in the third quarter, taking a 14-yard run into the end zone to even the score and liven up what proved to be a stagnant final period. Ware's point after tied the game at 17 apiece.
Both teams had impressive defensive stands throughout the fourth quarter, and the score remained tied at 17 going into the final Warrior possession. Quarterback Deon Williams was able to find wide receiver Michael Townsend at the Hinds 35-yard line, and Townsend got out of bounds to stop the clock with one second left in the game. Hannah's 52-yard attempt fell short, however, and the game headed to overtime.
In the overtime period, Hinds safety Antwon Dixon picked off a Warrior pass in the end zone on the first play from scrimmage, setting up the game-winning drive for the Eagle offense. After a couple of running plays, the Eagle coaching staff could wait no longer, sending in Ware to kick the winner on third down. His 31-yard field goal moved the Eagles to a winning season. The Hinds running game accounted for 174 of their 249 yards of total offense on the night, led by Taylor's 126 yards and one touchdown. The Warriors actually accounted for more total offense, finishing with 291 total yards, but struggled to make the big play when it counted.
"This was a big win for us, as it guarantees us a winning season," said Smith. "We are excited about finishing up with Pearl River and ending our season with a strong finish."
The Eagles will conclude their 2007 campaign when travel to Poplarville next Thursday to take on the Pearl River Community College Wildcats, who have been knocked out of playoff contention after winning the past four state championships. Game time is 7 p.m. News & Announcements