MCC golf nearly wins from nine back; Lemaster, Self advance to nationals

(FOREST)- Meridian Community College shot the lowest team score (294) during the final round of the MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 golf championships to nearly clip first round leader and eventual champion, Mississippi Gulf Coast on Tuesday afternoon at the 6,032 yard, par 71- Forest Country Club.

MCC posted rounds of 295-294 (589) to claim second place in the State/Region while Gulf Coast won with scores of 286-301 (587).

MCC entered the final round with a nine-shot deficit to Gulf Coast. The Eagles made up seven of those nine to nearly pull off a final round shocker.

“It was a great effort on the last 18 holes,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“It sure was fun to watch us make up shots on Gulf Coast, we just ran out of holes.”

Two MCC golfers qualified for the NJCAA National Championship. Eagle sophomores, Jarrod Lemaster and Bryant Self will represent Meridian on May 20-23 at Palm Valley GC in Phoenix, AZ at the national championship.

“It ended up being a special day for me because Lemaster and Self were the first ever recruits that I signed and to see them qualify for the national championship was special for me,” said Covich.

Lemaster fired rounds of 73-72 (145) to tie for fourth overall, while Self shot rounds of 73-75 (148) to tie for seventh overall.

Other MCC scores included: Joe Konieczny, 75-73 (148), who was named as an alternate in the national championship after losing in a three-man playoff for the individual spot. Former Lamar standouts Clay Bounds and Jarrod Moulds rounded out the scoring for MCC. Bounds shot 74-76 (150) and Moulds shot 77-74 (151).

After the MACJC season, MCC golfer Joe Konieczny, Jarrod Lemaster and Jarrod Moulds were named to the MACJC First Team All State while Eagle freshman Clay Bounds was named to the MACJC Second Team All State. Lemaster was also named All Region.

Matt Hungerman, of MGCCC, won the individual title with rounds of 68-72 (140).





MCC (2nd/12)
295-294 (589)
T4- Jarrod Lemaster 73-72 145
T7- Bryant Self 73-75 148
T7- Joe Konieczny 75-73 148
12- Clay Bounds 74-76 150
T13- Jarrod Moulds 77-74 151

Rice epitomizes ‘southern hospitality’

By Fredie Carmichael / editor
This past week I had the rare opportunity to meet one of my all-time favorite athletes, one of the greatest players to ever play in the NFL — Jerry Rice.

Rice, a native of Crawford, a small town up the road near Starkville, was in town to speak at a Meridian Community College fundraiser on Saturday. On Friday, instead of just taking it easy, he decided to join MCC alums in the annual MCC Alumni and Friends golf tournament at Naval Air Station Meridian's Ponta Creek Golf Course.

At first, I wasn't sure how I'd approach Rice, but I knew I had to meet him. I grew up a San Francisco 49ers fan and considered Jerry Rice the absolute best, one of my heroes. And the fact that he was from smalltown Mississippi was even more appealing. So I wondered if I'd be a little star-struck once I had my chance to meet this NFL legend.

The first thing I noticed about him Friday: he was constantly smiling and joking with people. I could tell by his interactions with others that he was extremely down to earth. When my buddy, MCC golf coach Sean Covich, welcomed everyone to the tournament, Rice ran from the putting green and immediately began joking with the crowd. He seemed to have this way of putting people at ease, making them feel as if he was just, "one of the guys."

As I hung around the pavilion after the tournament, I patiently waited my turn to speak to him. I watched as people walked up for autographs and pictures; he never looked bothered and kept smiling and joking. He was far different than most celebrities ... he was humble. And I say celebrity because aside from his accomplishments on the football field — and those are far too numerous to list — he made a pop culture splash recently when he finished third on the second season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" reality show.

Now he's a household name for football and dancing ... well, maybe that's a bit of a stretch. That is, however, where I broke the ice with the NFL great. I joked with him about his appearance on the dancing show. He laughed and grabbed my arm like we were two old pals recalling childhood stories. He was incredibly down to earth.

"It's just good to be home man," Rice said as we chatted. "I can't tell you how great it feels to be back in Mississippi, just driving in seeing the trees and everything. I love it; I love the people."

Now compare that with say someone like Oprah. I hesitate to bash Oprah because I want to be fair and I wasn't able to meet her during her appearance to Meridian this year (few were). But I will say this: I doubt many celebrities would spend two days running from event to event without an entourage and continue to smile, sign autographs and interact with people the way Rice did.

While here, he didn't just take it easy; relaxing doesn't seem to be in Rice's vocabulary. That's not surprising considering this is a man who will go down in history as one of the hardest working professional athletes to ever play. Rice spent a lot of time with local kids.

Sean Covich couldn't get over how incredible he was after watching him for two days.

“After being around Jerry these past few days he will go down as my favorite athlete of all-time because of his love and passion in wanting to help out kids,” Covich said.

I'm just proud to say one of the greatest NFL players ever is from "just up the road" in Crawford. And, more importantly, he epitomizes true southern hospitality.


Fredie Carmichael is executive editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at editor@themeridianstar.com.

No stopping him; NFL great Rice stays busy in Meridian, donates $20,000 to MCC

By Ben Lockridge / staff writer
National Football League legend Jerry Rice was all smiles this weekend as he entertained locals with encouraging words at local appearances.

Rice, a native Mississippian, was in town this weekend to speak at Meridian Community College's Saturday Athletic Scholarship Fundraiser. He offered a big surprise to MCC Saturday night: he said he would donate $20,000 to the school's athletic scholarship program.

Rice was a busy man throughout the day —he enjoyed a free throw contest for kids to kick things off; threw the first pitch at an MCC baseball game; attended a coaches clinic; then spoke at the MCC banquet.

Originally from Crawford, Rice is a former NFL wide receiver and is regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. In addition to being the all-time leader in every major statistical category for wide receivers, Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and named All-Pro 10 times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Rice said he was never surprised that a Mississippi kid could make it to where he is today.

"I think it was meant to be, based on my work ethic, the way I was brought up to be," Rice said. "It also shows you that you can come from a small town, go to a small college, and still be successful in life."

Sean Covich, sports information director and golf coach at MCC, said Rice's visit made a big impression.

“As many records as he has broken and as famous as he is, his true passion is helping kids achieve their dreams," Covich said. "All he talked about was wanting to help kids and he has a deep passion for that mission. I’m glad MCC was not only able to get the greatest NFL player ever to Meridian, but I’m glad MCC was successful in letting Jerry achieve his mission in helping out kids and student-athletes.”

According to Rice, coming to MCC's fundraiser was not a hard decision, because it meant he was able to return to his roots.

"You get to come back home, the hospitality here, and you just know this is where you got your start," he said. "I've been very fortunate, and I have a lot support from Mississippi, and also from people all over the world. That shows me that I did things the right way."

Along with being an NFL legend, Rice gained a whole new fan base when he was a contestant on the reality television show, "Dancing with the Stars."

"What that did is if a person didn't identify with sports, then they identified with that show," Rice said. "There was a whole demographic of people who didn't know anything about me. So, it opened up a lot of doors for me."

Some of those open doors include plenty of television opportunities, and a radio segment on Sirius satellite radio.

Saturday was draft day, and Rice said it brought back memories.

"I remember I was in Jackson," he recalled. "I didn't have any big entourage or anything like that; it was just my brother and I sitting there watching the draft. Then all of sudden the San Francisco 49ers called me. I know exactly what those guys are going through."

Rice said retirement has not slowed him down.

"I haven't taken a break since I retired from football," Rice said. "People ask me how my retirement has been ... I'm working more now than I did when I played football. A lot of that is by choice, because I still enjoy doing different things. It's amazing, because I feel like I was able to touch so many lives on and off the football field."

MCC takes Central Division crown

After absorbing a loss in game one of a doubleheader Saturday, the Meridian Community College Eagles rebounded in a big way in game two erupting for 13 runs offensively to claim the MACJC Central division crown for the Eagles.

MCC, which trailed 5-1 after three innings in game two, exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth and seven more in the fifth before the game was called due to inclement weather.

MCC reliever Jason Coats, who came in for starter Jason Judge, earned the win.

Offensively, MCC scored one in the first when Scott Mosely delivered a sacrifice fly to score leadoff hitter Tyler Koeling, who doubled to open the frame.

After Hinds scored four in the top of the third to take a 5-1 lead, MCC took the lead for good in the fourth with a five-run outburst.

Brent Tanner doubled to start the rally and scored on an RBI double by Josh Demoney. After Shannon Steed walked, Koeling plated Demoney with an RBI single.

Drew Snider singled to load the bases, setting the stage for Jarrod parks, who doubled to clear the bases, driving in three runs to give MCC a 6-5 lead.

In the fifth, Mosely doubled and scored on a two-run blast by Tanner. Wesley Thigpen and Demoney singled, Koeling walked and Snider drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in Thigpen. Parks then came through again, launching a grand slam to bust the game open. Parks finished with seven RBI.

With the win, MCC improved to 27-16 overall and claimed the division crown. The Eagles will travel to Itawamba for the MACJC State tournament which starts Thursday.

MCC's men capture State/Region title in tennis

MCC men’s tennis capture State/Region title

The Meridian Community College men’s tennis traveled to Hattiesburg weekend to compete in the MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.

The Eagles ended the season with a MACJC State/Region 23 Championship and an overall record of 15-6.

With the win, MCC qualified to compete in the 2008 NJCAA Men's National Tournament hosted by Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.

MCC’s men have now made seven consecutive trips to the national tournament.

MCC’s men are currently ranked No. 12 in the latest NJCAA national poll.

Meridian has now won the State/Region title the last two years and has either been champions or co-champions five out of the last seven seasons.

Jerry Rice at MCC

Former MCC star named Pitcher of the Week

Former Meridian Community College and West Lauderdale standout, Todd Doolittle, has been named the Pitcher of the Week in the Southern League.

Doolittle’s work at the end of bullpen has enabled the Carolina Mudcats to jump out to the Southern League's best record (13-4) through 17 games.

The 25-year-old Doolittle had a hand in four of Carolina's six victories during the week, winning one game and saving three others.

Doolittle, who struck out two batters in each of four outings during the week, began the period with saves in back-to-back games at Jacksonville.

On Saturday, Doolittle worked a hitless ninth inning and emerged the winner when Cameron Maybin's pinch-hit, two-run homer in the bottom of the frame yielded a 5-4 victory against Tennessee.

The native of Meridian, MS worked around a single and a walk the next day to preserve a 4-1 victory against the Smokies.

Doolittle, who has not allowed a run in 8 1/3 innings this season, is tied for the Southern League lead with six saves after ranking fourth in the Florida State League with 28 saves last year.

MCC men’s tennis team preps for State/Region

The Meridian Community College men’s tennis team will travel to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this Thursday to compete in the MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 Tournament on Thursday thru Saturday, April 24-26 in Hattiesburg.

The Eagles ended their regular season on April 12 in a match with Ft. Smith, Arkansas bringing their overall record to 14-6.

Five of the losses on the season were to top ten teams ranked by the ITA.

The top three teams from the tournament will qualify to compete in the NJCAA Men's National Tournament hosted by Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.

MCC’s men have made six consecutive trips to the national tournament.

"It will be a dog fight. The men's tournament has several competitive teams. We played close matches with Itawamba, Hinds, and Gulf Coast this season,” said Coach McPhail.

“We have not played Jones or CoLin, so I am not sure what they have."

Sophomore Nic Zabrodiec who has posted a 30-6 career record at MCC will go in as the no. one seed as will sophomore Blake Sherman, of Laurel. Dawson Dyess, of Meridian, will be the one seed at three as will Justin Newman, sophomore from Ethel, MS. The no. four, Elliott Clark, of Meridian, and the no. six, Joe Otto, of Lindsay, TX will be one of the top seeds as well.

"There is a lot of tennis to play. We have to grow up mentally and play our best if we hope to qualify."

MCC’s men are currently ranked No. 12 in the latest NJCAA national poll. The Eagles will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in all positions.

Meridian won the State/Region title last year and has either been champions or co-champions four out of the last six seasons.

Winner of the tournament will advance to the NJCAA national championship at Plano, TX in May.

MCC’s women have already advanced to the women’s national championship tournament after their sweep of the State/Region tournament last weekend. The Lady Eagles will be in Tucson, AZ on May 3-9.

MCC men’s tennis preps for State/Region

The Meridian Community College men's tennis team will compete in the MACJC State/Region 23 Tennis Tournament on Thursday – Saturday, April 24-26 in Hattiesburg.

MCC’s men are currently ranked No. 12 in the latest NJCAA national poll. The Eagles will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in all positions.

Meridian won the State/Region title last year and has either been champions or co-champions four out of the last six seasons.

Winner of the tournament will advance to the NJCAA national championship at Plano, TX in May.

MCC’s women have already advanced to the women’s national championship tournament after their sweep of the State/Region tournament last weekend. The Lady Eagles will be in Tucson, AZ on May 3-9.

MCC women's tennis State/Region Champs!

Meridian Community College Lady Eagles tennis team captured the 2008 MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 championships on Saturday.

Ten community college teams from across the state will competed at Northeast Tennis Center and MCC won their fifth State/Region title in the last sixth years.

MCC golfers earn All State awards, look for forth straight title

Four Meridian Community College golfers have been named to the Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges All State golf team.

Eagle sophomore Jarrod Lemaster and freshmen Jarrod Moulds and Joe Konieczny were named to the MACJC first team All State.

Rounding out the first team is Matt Hungerman of Mississippi Gulf Coast and T. Oakley of Northwest Mississippi.

MCC freshman, Clay Bounds, was named to the second team All State. Joining Bounds on the second team is Zak Holloway of East Mississippi, Brett Holmes of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Adam Porter of Pearl River, and Cory Ward of Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Stone Thames was named the Hubert Tucker MACJC Player of the Year with a 74.8 scoring average throughout the MACJC season.

Lemaster, a starter during MCC’s run to a third place finish in the national championship last year, led MCC in scoring this spring season with a 75.8 scoring average. He was also named to three All Tournament teams this spring during the MACJC events. For his career, Lemaster was named to six All Tournament teams.

Moulds, a former standout at Lamar, had MCC’s second best spring season scoring average with a 76.2. This spring, Moulds became the first Eagle golfer to win a medalist title since 2006, when he captured the Kirkwood National Invitational with rounds of 74-72.

Konieczny, a transfer from Mississippi State, had MCC’s third best spring season scoring average with a 76.3. This year, Konieczny has been named to four All Tournament teams, which ranks as the most on the team

Bounds, like Moulds, is a former Lamar standout. He posted MCC’s fourth best spring scoring average with a 78. This year, Bounds has posted a team best five rounds of even-par or lower.

“I’m proud for the guys and glad that they are being recognized as some of the best college golfers in the state,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

“Everyone has had their “low” tournament round- Clay shot 67 in Muscle Shoals, Joe shot 70 at Briarwood, Jarrod (Moulds) shot 71 in Destin, and Jarrod (Lemaster) shot 71 at Forest. So now, with the State/Region left- we have to find a way to do it all in the same round.”

MCC is now preparing for the MACJC State/Region 23 championship tournament on April 28-29, to be hosted by East Central at Forest Country Club.

Although MCC has only captured one tournament championship this season, the Eagles have also garnered some close calls with six top three finishes, which includes four runners-up.

“Gulf Coast is the team to beat this year in the MACJC for sure,” said Covich.

“In my tenure here they are 2-0 against us at Forest CC and we haven’t beaten them outright this season yet. Tied them and won on a scorecard playoff at Kirkwood,” added Covich.

“But having said all that, it feels refreshing to enter the State/Region with no pressure on us. Gulf Coast knows they are the favorite, as well they should be with the top two golfers in the state, so my guys feel like we can play without being tense and looking over our shoulder.”

MCC, the owner of 11 of the past 17 regional titles and four of the last five state titles, will be trying for a school-record fourth consecutive State/Region crown.

“Coach Redgate and Coach Hart each won the Region 23 three years in a row, but we haven’t done it four straight before,” said Covich.

MCC will compete with just two sophomores in the five man line-up: Bryant Self will join Lemaster as the two veterans in the Eagles starting five, while Bounds, Konieczny and Moulds will round out the MCC squad playing as freshmen.

MCC will also be hosting their annual Alumni & Friends Scramble on April 25th at NAS-Ponta Creek. For more information on the event, please call Coach Sean Covich at 601-484-8663.

Redgate, Smith: MCC’s honorees into JUCO Sports Hall of Fame

Two honorees representing Meridian Community College will be inducted into the Mississippi Junior College Sports Hall of Fame Tuesday night. The induction ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. in the Billy Thames Center on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Entering the Hall of Fame will be former MCC coach Jim Redgate and former baseball standout Jason Smith. Smith is currently involved in his professional sport season, but Redgate will be on hand to be personally inducted into the Hall.

Known for his teams’ disciplined style of play and tenacious defense, Redgate coached the Eagle men’s basketball team beginning in 1971. Despite being limited in recruiting to a single-county, shared district, Redgate recorded several winning seasons and proved particularly hard to beat for MACJC foes in the “crackerbox” Ivy Sports Center gym. Redgate also coached the MJC golf program, winning the first state championship ever recorded by a MCC athletic team in 1972. He went on to post a three-peat in golf state championships, winning the title in 1972-73-74. Redgate is also noted for being one of the only coaches in MACJC history to feature a female player in a men’s sport one of his team rosters. Lou Weddington Hart played for Redgate on the men’s golf team in 1972-73 and went on to win the State Amateur Championship nine times. MCC’s annual fall fundraiser golf tournament is named in honor of Coach Redgate.

A versatile infielder for the Eagles who could play several positions, Smith led MCC to the Division I Junior College World Series in 1996 and Region 23 championships in 1996-97. He holds MCC records for most assists in a season (177) and in a career (321), and is the only Eagle ever to slam two triples in one inning (against Bossier in 1996). Smith made his major league debut for the Chicago Cubs on 6-17-2001 and went on to play for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Kansas City Royals. At KC, it is noteworthy that two former MCC Eagles played on the same team, Smith and catcher Paul Phillips. As of 2007, Smith’s major league totals were 58 runs scored,116 hits, 13 doubles, 10 triples, 17 home runs, and 58 runs batted in. He was born in Meridian, MS, and graduated from Demopolis, Ala., High School. He met his wife, Charlotte, at MCC when she was a member of the Lady Eagle softball team.

Each of the state’s 15 public community colleges will have honorees inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Lady Eagles drop two

The Meridian Community College softball team hosted Hinds in a Central Division doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at Tommy McDonald Field.

The host Lady Eagles lost both games.

Hinds won game one 14-2 and then completed the sweep with a 7-4 victory.

With the sweep, MCC is now 7-7 in the division.

The Lady Eagles host Central Division opponent, East Central on Saturday at noon at Tommy McDonald Field.

MCC sweeps Lawson State

The Meridian Community College baseball team hosted Lawson State in a doubleheader on Thursday afternoon at Scaggs Field.

The Eagles outscored Lawson State 15-1 on the day.

MCC won game one 5-1 and closed the nightcap with a 10-0 shutout victory.

Josh Demoney got the scoring started in the first game with a RBI single in the second inning. Jarrod Parks hit a solo home run in the third for MCC. Scott Moseley scored two more runs in the fourth with a RBI double and Tyler McMullen closed out the scoring for MCC with a home run in the sixth to give MCC a 5-1 win.

Matt Cox pitched a complete game for the Eagles in game one, striking out nine batters and giving up just two hits.

In game two, MCC started off the first inning with a slew of runs as Brett Tanner, McMullen and Demoney all hit RBI doubles to give MCC an early 5-0 advantage.

Taylor Scarbrough hit a leadoff triple in the fourth inning and eventually scored on a Shannon Steed sacrifice fly to put MCC up 6-0.

In the fifth inning, Scarbrough hit a RBI single and Steed again drove in runs for MCC, this time with a RBI double.

McMullen drove in the final run with a RBI sacrifice fly.

MCC won game two 10-0.

Ian Sharpe was the pitcher of record with a win after going three innings and striking out four batters.

With the sweep, MCC is now 23-16 overall and in a three-way tie for first in the Central Division at 7-5.

The Eagles will travel to East Mississippi on Saturday.

Philadelphia High School standout inks with MCC

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College women’s basketball head coach, Hilary Allen, announced that another local player will join the Lady Eagles for the 2008-09 season.

Tiera Logan from Philadelphia High School signed with the Lady Eagles Thursday afternoon in the Graham Gymnasium.

Logan, a 5’ 5” point guard for Philadelphia, averaged 19 points per game. She led her team to a 28-6 record and runner-up finish in the MHSAA 2A State Championship.

“Tiara is an amazing basketball talent. She was a member of the Mississippi All - Star team and played well in the game against Alabama.” said Allen.

“She has started for her high school team for several years and I feel she will contribute immediately on the collegiate level.”

MCC completed the 2007-08 season with a 23-6 overall record, a Runner-up finish in the MACJC State Championship Tournament, the program’s first ever South Division Championship, and a birth in the NJCAA Region 23 tournament.

MCC Lady Eagles to host State/Region tennis

Meridian Community College will host the Women's MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 Tennis Tournament today through Saturday.

Ten community college teams from across the state will compete at Northeast Tennis Center. The first round of singles and doubles will begin this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The tournament will continue Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

Tournament semifinals will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Besides MCC, the other community college teams competing are Jones County Junior College, Hinds, Southwest Mississippi, East Central, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Copiah-Lincoln, Holmes, Itawamba and Pearl River. The top three teams will advance to the national junior college tennis tournament in Tuscon, Ariz., May 2-7.

"We have a great opportunity to return to the national tournament this year," said Wanda McPhail, MCC tennis coach. The team has made six straight appearances to the tournament."

The Lady Eagles sport a 17-4 record and are expected to be the number one seed in all nine brackets of the state tournament today. The team's number one singles and doubles player, sophmore Alycia Le Merle from Melbourne, Australia, will enter the tournament undefeated for the season.

"We also have former Meridian High School standout Kelly Sterling in number two singles and doubles," McPhail said. "She had a fantastic showing last year at the national 5A mixed doubles."

MCC won the state tournament for four straight years from 2003 to 2006. Itawamba took the top spot last year, but the Lady Eagles hope to reclaim the crown in their final MACJC state tourney.

"We hope to get the title back this weekend," McPhail said. "Nothing would be better than to win it at home."

MCC golf adds MRA standout

(MERIDIAN) - Meridian Community College head golf coach, Sean Covich, announced that the Eagles have added yet another one of the State’s top recruits to his 2008 class.

John Cleveland, Jr of Madison-Ridgeland Academy signed his national letter of intent to play for Covich and the Eagles starting in the fall of 2008.

Cleveland was ranked in the top 15 among Mississippi junior golfers according to the 2007 Mississippi Junior Golf Association’s rankings. He was a member of the prestigious MJGA Cup Team and was selected to play in the Edwin Watts/BankPlus junior pro Am held at the PGA Tour’s Viking Classic in Madison.

During his 2007 MJGA Tour schedule, Cleveland posted five top-10 finishes, including a third place at the Mississippi-Louisiana Junior Championship.

This year, as a senior at MRA, Cleveland has posted three rounds of 75 or below, including his medalist title at Colonial Country Club earlier this season.

At MRA, Cleveland is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Student Council.

“John is a well rounded student athlete,” said Covich.

“I really expect him to be a leader in the classroom for us. His golf game has really blossomed the last few months and I expect great golf out of him also the next few years.”

John is the son of John, Sr. and Mary Cleveland of Ridgeland.

This years Eagles will compete in the MACJC State/Region 23 Championship on April 28th and 29th at Forest Country Club. Meridian, ranked seventh in the nation among junior college golf teams according to GolfStat.com, will enter this year’s event as the three time defending State/Region Champion and looking for school record fourth-straight State/Region title. Winner of the State/Region will advance to the NJCAA National Championship in Phoenix, AZ.

Former West Lauderdale star lifts MCC to win

Meridian Community College’s Eagles displayed a little bit of everything in a two-game sweep at Holmes Tuesday.

The Eagles staged a dramatic comeback in game one, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh inning to escape a with a 10-7 win before putting on a power display en route to an 8-2 win in game two.

In the nightcap, former West Lauderdale standout Tyler Vick connected for a pair of home runs, his team leading 14th and 15th of the season to fuel the offensive onslaught.

Vick connected for a three-run blast in the op of the third inning and a two-run shot in the fourth for the Eagles. In addition, Jarrod Parks triples and drove in a pair of runs, Shannon Steed had a RBI double and Scott Moseley added a run-scoring double.

On the mound, MCC’s Jason Judge was dominant, striking out 10 batters in a complete game victory.

In game one, MCC rebounded from an early deficit to pull out a win. After Holmes scored seven runs in the first three innings, the Eagles completed their comeback with the 5-run seventh.

In the seventh, Steed opened the scoring with a 3-run double while Tyler Koeling and Drew Snider each had RBI singles. Brent Tanner also had a 2-run home run.

On the mound, Garrett Harris pitched three and a third innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win.

Now at 21-16 (7-5), MCC will host Lawson State Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Ex-MCC star lifts State past Ole Miss

Former Meridian Community College standout Tyler Moore drove in the winning run and Mississippi State beat Ole Miss 6-5 Tuesday night to give the Bulldogs the Governor’s Cup trophy.

Moore’s double to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning scored the winning run at Trustmark Park in Jackson and gave MSU a 15-14 advantage in the nonconfrence Governor’s Cup Series versus the Rebels.

Last season at MCC, Moore was named the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) NJCAA Baseball Player of the Year.

He ranked in the top 10 in the NJCAA in batting average, home runs and RBIs. He ranked fourth in the nation with a .472 regular season batting average and His 19 home runs ranked first, which also set a new Meridian school record.

A 33rd round selection of the Washington Nationals in 2006, Moore led MCC in almost every offensive category his sophomore season: home runs (19) - school record, doubles (22), RBIs (62), Runs (48), on base percentage (.535) - school record, and slugging percentage (.927).

Moore's play helped lead the Eagles to a 41-15 overall record and a MACJC Central Division championship.

Moore became the second MCC baseball player in the past four years to be named the NJCAA Division II Baseball Player of the Year. In 2005, MCC’s Michael Murray was named both the NJCAA Div II Athlete of the Year and Baseball Player of the Year.

Former MCC coach earns 400th career win at USM

Former Meridian Community College head baseball coach, Corky Palmer, won his 400th career game as the University of Southern Mississippi head coach as his Golden Eagles defeated Mississippi Valley State 11-0 Tuesday night.

Palmer, who led MCC’s baseball program from 1987 until1996, guided the MCC Eagles to three JUCO World Series appearances. At Meridian, Palmer also won over 400 career games (403) and ranks as the all-time winningest in MCC baseball history. Palmer was named the NJCAA National Coach of the Year two times and Region XXIII Coach of the Year three times while at MCC.

Palmer reached his 400th career win in 11 seasons at USM.

MCC baseball wins at Shelton St 14-13

The Meridian Community College baseball team played Shelton State Monday afternoon in Tuscaloosa and picked up a 14-13 win.

At one point, the Eagles were cruising with an 11-0 lead only to watch Shelton State take advantage of MCC errors in the field.

Jordan Faulkner earned the win on the mound for MCC after pitching four innings and giving up zero earned runs. Matt Cox closed the game for MCC in the ninth inning to earn the save.

At the plate, Tyler Koeling went 2- for-2 at the plate. Drew Snider went 2-for-% with a double, single and 2 RBI. Jarrod Parks went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and homerun. Parks ended the game with 5 RBI. Scott Moseley went 1-for4 with a single and 1 RBI. Tyler Vick had 2-run homerun and a sacrifice fly for 3 RBI in the win. Brent Tanner had a double also at the plate for MCC.

With the win, the Eagle improve to 19-16 overall and will play at Holmes Tuesday at noon.

Lady Eagle softball wins vs Holmes

The Meridian Community College softball team picked up a big sweep over Central Division opponent, Holmes on Monday at Tommy McDonald Field.

MCC swept the two game set, 10-2 in game one and 13-8 in game two.

With the sweep, MCC now improves their divisional record to 7-5.

MCC will play a makeup game Wednesday when they host Hinds at 2:00 p.m. The Lady Eagles will then close out their regular season when they host East Central at noon on Saturday.

MCC women’s tennis set to host State/Region

The Meridian Community College women’s tennis team has ended the regular season of play as of this past weekend.

The team traveled to Ft. Smith Arkansas to play three matches on Friday and Saturday. The women defeated Johnson County Community College from Overland Park, Kansas on Friday by a score of 7-2. On Saturday, MCC lost to Seminole Community College by a score of 5-4 losing the no. 1 and 3 doubles and the no. 2, 3, and 6 singles. On Saturday afternoon in a back-back match held at Creekmore Tennis Center in Ft. Smith with 30 mile an hour winds blowing the women defeated the home team, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, by a score of 8-1.

The MCC Lady Eagles end their season 17-4.

As they head into the Region XXIII/MACJC Tournament to be held at Northeast Tennis Center beginning Thursday, April 17, they should be seeded no. 1 at all flights.

“We hope to bring the Region XXIII/MACJC State Title back to MCC,” said head coach Wanda McPhail.

“Having lost last year by three points to Itawamba CC, we are eager to get the title back this year.”

The women hope to qualify for the National Junior College Tennis Tournament to be held in Tucson, Arizona May 2-7.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your cooperation, encouragement and support this season,” said McPhail.

“If you get an opportunity to come out Friday to the tennis center, I know the young ladies would appreciate your support.”

Jerry Rice set to highlight MCC’s athletic scholarship banquet

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College athletic department has announced that Mississippi native and National Football League legend, Jerry Rice, will host their First Annual Athletic Scholarship Fundraiser Day on Saturday, April 26.

Rice will serve as the guest speaker for the main event, a Scholarship Banquet Saturday night. The banquet will begin at 7 p.m. and take place at the Graham Gymnasium on MCC’s campus.

Rice, originally from Crawford, MS, is a former NFL wide receiver and is regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. In addition to being the all-time leader in every major statistical category for wide receivers, Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and named All-Pro 10 times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

“The athletic department is extremely excited to have the legendary Jerry Rice to honor us with his support in our fundraising efforts,” said MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen.

“His accomplishments are known worldwide, but yet his roots are here in Mississippi.”

Rice will join the coaching staff of North Gwinnett High School of Atlanta, Georgia, for the first ever MCC Coaching Clinic at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Rice, arguably the greatest receiver in NFL history, will focus on discussing the offensive side of football, while North Gwinnett head coach, Bob Sphire, will moderate the clinic along with his coaching staff. The clinic will take place 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Dulaney Room at MCC and is open to anyone with an interest in football.

“This will be a roundtable discussion format and will allow area coaches to ask questions to one of the greatest football players of all time,” added Allen.

“This will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for coaches to talk football with a Hall of Fame player.”

Young kids, aged high school and younger, will have an exclusive opportunity to meet the NFL legendary receiver at MCC’s Kids Shoot Around. MCC’s gym will open its doors at noon on Saturday and kids will have the opportunity to shoot basketballs and hang out with Rice.

“Kids will have the chance to challenge Jerry Rice and MCC basketball players to a free-throw shooting contest,” said Allen.

Immediately following the shoot around, Rice will throw out the first pitch of the baseball game between MCC and Hinds at 2 p.m. Kids that participate in the shoot around will receive free admission into the baseball game.

For more information about the events or to save your spot at the shoot around, clinic or banquet, please contact the MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen at 601-484-8699.

Schedule

April 26, 2008



12:00 pm Kids Shoot around with Jerry Rice

(middle/high school students, MCC Gym,$20, includes lunch)

2:00 pm Jerry Rice throws out first pitch for MCC baseball game

3:00 pm Coaching clinic (Dulaney Room, MCC campus, $25, includes food)

7:00 pm Fundraiser Banquet (MCC Gym, $50, includes buffet)



For more information about the events or to save your seat at the shoot around, clinic or banquet, please contact the MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen at 601-484-8699.

Gulf Coast wins again, MCC’s Lemaster named All Tournament team

(WESSON) – The Meridian Community College golf team picked up their ninth top-three finish of the 2007-08 season on Monday with a second place finish in the MACJC Event #4 hosted by Copiah-Lincoln CC at Wolf Hollow Golf Club.

MCC posted team scores of 305-308 (613) to finish seven shots back of winner- Mississippi Gulf Coast (606). Hinds came in a distant third with 635.

MCC was led by sophomore- Jarrod Lemaster, who earned his third All Tournament team honor this spring with rounds of 74-77 (151). He finished tied for third out of 64 junior college golfers.

“Jarrod has been our leader this spring season with three All Tournament team finishes,” said Covich.

“He had a rough fall season but is finally regaining his form from last year.”

Other MCC scores included: Bryant Self 153 (78-75), Joe Konieczny 155 (76-79), Clay Bounds 155 (77-78), Jarrod Moulds 156 (78-78), and Curt Sparks, who competed as an individual, 156 (79-77).

“Gulf Coast has won three of the last four MACJC events, so they are definitely the favorite heading into the State/Region championship,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“I wish Tommy Snell (MGCCC golf coach) and his team the best of luck in Phoenix. Gulf Coast had a solid year last season, but this year they are simply unbeatable.”

The Eagles will compete in the MACJC State/Region 23 Championship on April 28th and 29th at Forest Country Club. Winner of the State/Region will advance to the NJCAA National Championship in Phoenix, AZ. MCC will enter the event ranked well behind Gulf Coast in the NJCAA poll.

“Gulf Coast has three off the best players in the State, all whom have extensive experience at Forest CC,” said Covich.

“There’s still a chance for our guys to earn individual spots to the National Championship by playing well at State/Region.”

MCC will host their annual Alumni & Friends Scramble on Friday, April 25th at the NAS-Ponta Creek Golf Course. Spots are still available by contacting head coach, Sean Covich (601-484-8663 / scovich@meridiancc.edu).

Lady Eagle softball splits with EMCC

Meridian 9-2
East Mississippi 2-5

The Lady Eagles split a pair of division contests at Scooba on Tuesday. The split leaves MCC in a tie with EMCC for third place in the division at 5-5.

In game one MCC took advantage of four EMCC errors and collected 11 hits to take the contest, 9-2.

Gabrielle Morgan got the victory on the mound. She held the Lady Lions to five hits allowing single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, one of those being a leadoff home run off the bat of Josie Matthews in the sixth.

After scoring one run in the second, MCC used a four-run third inning to take control of the game. MCC added two runs in each the fifth and seventh, with the highlight being Shanese Hunter's fifth homer of the season — a two-run shot to left.

De’Miracle Biggs was 3--for-5 with a double, Hunter was 2-for-4 with a homer, Whitney Drachenberg was 2-for-5 with a double and Natalie Parker was also 2-for-5 for MCC.

In game two East Mississippi took advantage of four MCC errors to grab the 5-2 victory and gain a split.

The fourth inning proved to be costly for MCC. Holding a 1-0 lead, MCC committed three costly errors to help enable EMCC to score five runs. EMCC also picked up two of its four hits on the game in the inning.

Hunter, who held EMCC to four hits, took the loss on the mound. Stephanie Pounders got the win.

For MCC, Biggs, Stephanie Stevens, Drachenberg, Constance Jones and C.C. Roberts all had singles in the contest.

MCC baseball splits with Hinds

Meridian 10-3
Hinds 0-4

Meridian Community College split a pair of Central Division games with Hinds Community College in Raymond on Wednesday.

MCC won game one 10-0 in six innings behind a complete game shutout, three hit effort from former Southeast Lauderdale standout Tyler McMullen on the mound.

Hinds won game two 4-3.

With the split MCC is now 17-16 overall and 4-4 in divisional action.

MCC softball vs Jones

Jones 9-6
Meridian 1-4

Meridian hosted a doubleheader against rival JCJC Thursday, falling short 9-1 in the opener and 6-4 in the second game.

In the first game, Jones' batters dominated early earning four runs in the first inning and one in the second. The Bobcats then capped their win with four additional runs in the seventh. MCC's only run for the game came in the second inning.

Hitting for JCJC, Lauren Lewis and Kasey McCann contributed two hits. Natalie Packer hit a triple, double and single for the Lady Eagles. Shanese Hunter added a double.

In game two, MCC showed promise as they led by three runs until the fifth inning. The Lady Bobcats' bats came alive and answered with six runs to secure the game.

Sam Comer, Monica Shoemake and Lauren Lewis had multiple hits for JCJC with two hits each. C.C. Roberts contributed a triple, double and single. Packer added three hits.

Jones improved to 19-13 for the season.

MCC’s Brooks announces basketball recruits

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College men’s basketball head coach, George Brooks, announced that four players will join the Eagles for the 2008-09 season. The signing took place Wednesday afternoon in the Graham Gymnasium.

Jared Hudnal and Marino Thompson, both from Meridian, joined Joemarcus Fitts of Birmingham, AL and Josh Moore of Jackson, MS in signing their national letters of intent to play at MCC.

“I like all of them as players but I love them as people, they all come to us from great families and really good high school programs that win.” said Brooks.

“Clay Norton (Forest Hill), Johnny Patrick (SE Lauderdale), Randy Bolden (MHS), and Maurice Ford (Parker) are some of the most respected high school coaches in the south. They understand how to play the game and I am pleased to get players from those kinds of programs.”

Hudnal comes to MCC by way of Meridian High School. The 6’1 guard averaged 17 points per game and led the Wildcats to a 25-8 record his senior season.

“Jared is a really good offensive player that brings a special three point shooting ability to our team,” said Brooks.

“Anytime you average that many points in 5A you’re a special player, he’s going to give us an impact from a shooting standpoint.”

Thompson comes to the Eagles by way of Southeast Lauderdale High School. The 6’7 forward averaged a double-double for the Tigers with 17 points and 12 rebounds per game.

“Marino will bring much needed athleticism and length to our team,” said Brooks.

“He is an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker. He’s a solid offensive player but his length and athletic ability alone will aide us greatly.”

Fitts comes to MCC by way of Parker High School in Birmingham. The 6’6 forward led his team to the Alabama State Championship’s Final Four while averaging a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“Joemarcus can play either small or power forward,” said Brooks.

“He can bring us an ability to score and handle to the ball. He is a skilled forward player with the ability to pass and make plays off the dribble.”

Moore comes to the Eagles by way of Forrest Hill High School. The 6’1 guard was named All-State after averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals per game.

“Josh is a really explosive athlete with a really good three point shooting ability, he’s a rare combination of a great athlete with great shooting ability,” added Brooks.

MCC completed the 2007-08 season with a 16-10 overall record, a Runner-up finish in the MACJC’s South Division and a birth in the NJCAA Region 23 tournament.

MCC soccer standout inks with Troy University

Meridian Community College Lady Eagle soccer standout Mckenzie Butler will continue her collegiate career at Troy University in the fall of 2008.

Butler has been nationally ranked in the Junior College scoring polls throughout here career at MCC. This season she was named to the All Region 23 team and had the honor of being selected as the NJCAA’s National Player of the Week.

Butler led the Lady Eagles on their journey to the program’s first ever MACJC State Championship.

“None of this would have been possible without the help I’ve had from my coaches here at M.C.C. I came here as a good soccer player but I’m leaving as a great athlete and with a greater love and respect for the game thanks to the coaches who have inspired me,” said Butler.

Mckenzie will graduate from M.C.C. in May and continue her studies as a Secondary Education Major.

“I wouldn’t know where to begin with Mckenzie,” said MCC head coach Alex George.

“She and I are so much alike in that we both hate to lose and are highly competitive. She is one of the best Offensive players to come through this league and should be very productive in her future endeavors at Troy,” added George.

MCC's Nadosha Strickland named MVP of MACJC All Star game

NaDosha Strickland (right) of Bay Springs received most valuable player honors following the annual Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-Star Basketball Games held Tuesday, April 1 at Choctaw Central High School in Choctaw. Strickland, a 5-8 guard from Meridian Community College, scored 17 points in helping lead the South All-Stars to an 82-70 win over the North squad. She is shown receiving the award from Bill Smith, women’s head basketball coach at East Central Community College in Decatur, which sponsors the All-Star competition along with the Pearl River Resort, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Pepsi and Mississippi Sports Medicine.

MCC softball swept at ECCC

By Marty Stamper
The Meridian Star

DECATUR — Both East Central Community College and Meridian Community College entered Wednesday afternoon’s doubleheader chasing Hinds Community College in the MACJC Central Division fastpitch standings.

It would be the host Lady Warriors that pulled evened with Hinds with an 11-10, 11-3 sweep of MCC.

Both three-time defending Central Division champion ECCC and Hinds are 6-2 in the league. MCC fell to 4-4. East Mississippi Community College entered the day at 2-4, while Holmes Community College was 0-6.

Meridian appeared to be in control of the opener as the Lady Eagles hammered 14 hits and took a 10-5 lead over the first four innings.

MCC managed just one more hit over the final three frames, but still carried a 10-6 lead into the bottom of the seventh after ECCC left the bases loaded in the sixth.

The seventh inning would be a nightmare for MCC. Sondreia Hillie led off with a triple to right field and scored when Shenique Brass homered to center field to trim MCC’s lead to 10-8.

The comeback continued when MCC starting pitcher Gabby Morgan was relieved following a walk to Whitnee White. Reliever Shanese Hunter walked the first two batters she faced to load the bases with no outs.

Lindsey Stevens made it 10-9 with a sacrifice fly and Kristen Pillsbury reloaded the bases when she beat out an infield hit when no one covered first base.

A walk to Amy Sharp tied the game and Hailey Chipley scored the winning run on a fly ball to shallow center field by Emily Thrash.

The Lady Warriors played long ball in the win as White had a three-run homer in the third inning and Stevens hit a solo shot in the fourth. Hillie went 3-for-4 with a triple and scored three runs. Brass also had a double and had three RBI.

Erin Breland (3-3) got the win with four innings of relief of ECCC starter Codee Russell.

“We were kind of shellshocked because Meridian came out hitting gappers,” ECCC coach Scott Hill said. “They were hitting the ball hard. It didn’t matter what we threw up there, they tattooed it to right-center or left-center.

“We probably could have made a couple plays to snuff it out every now and then, but hats off to them for hitting it.

“We showed a little patience in that last inning and I’m proud we hung in there and showed a little character.

“It’s nice to be tied with Hinds one time through the division.”

MCC indeed came out hot at the plate with Morgan getting three hits and three RBI in her first three at-bats. Natalie Parker also had three hits in the first four innings to drive in a pair of runs. Whitney Drachenberg had a pair of doubles in her first two at-bats as MCC led by as much as 10-4.

Brooklyn Williams finished with two hits, including a double, while Constance Jones had a two-run double and De’Miracle Biggs had two singles for the Lady Eagles.

“As a coaching staff, it’s a tough loss, but as a team, when you don’t stay focused — and that’s what we’ve been on this group about all year — we’re not paying attention,” MCC coach Robert Eakins said. “It was a tough loss because we had one that we could have sneaked out on the road, but we’ve been on them all year about being disciplined and staying focused and that’s something they don’t do.

“I’ll take the blame for that, that’s just today’s society, they just don’t focus enough.

“I have to give credit to East Central too. They will not give up. That’s been a trademark of his teams.”

In the second game, the Lady Warriors jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning with Brass getting an RBI double and Chipley adding an RBI single.

MCC also committed three errors in the frame.

A pair of baserunning blunders cost the Lady Eagles their first two outs on one play in the top of the first inning.

MCC closed to within 5-3 with three runs in the top of the third. Chassidy Roberts ripped an RBI triple to left field and Drachenberg plated a pair of runs with a bases-loaded single. ECCC extended its lead to 7-3 with single runs in the third and fourth frames, then completed the run-rule win with four runs in the bottom of the fifth. A two-run double by Laura Smith ended the game as ECCC improved to 16-12 overall.

ECCC had only eight hits with White, Smith, and Chipley each getting two.

White drove in three runs.

“We looked like we were being patient and waiting for our pitch,” Hill said of the second game win. “We weren’t overly aggressive, but we were aggressive. We ran the bases real well and made some big defense plays. Our center fielder (Hillie) made some good plays in the first game that I think may have kept them from running in the second game.

“We played pretty well all the way around in the second game.”

Amber Smith (6-3) got the win.

MCC, 10-22, had eight hits with Biggs going 3-for-3. Roberts and Drachenberg were both 2-for-3.

Hunter took the loss.

MCC, Moulds make a clean sweep at Kirkwood National

(HOLLY SPRINGS) - The Meridian Community College golf team captured their first tournament victory of the season by posting consecutive team scores of 313 at Kirkwood National Golf Club to beat rival Mississippi Gulf Coast in a playoff on Tuesday. The win is the tenth for MCC under second year head coach Sean Covich.

"This was probably the worst weather conditions we've seen all year," said Covich about the rainy weather that plagued most of Mississippi on Tuesday.

"Both Jarrod's (Lemaster and Moulds) played really well today, it just feels good to finally win again- it’s been 12 months since our last victory (2007 State/Region)."

MCC's Jarrod Moulds won the medalist title with a 2-over par 146. Moulds shot a final round low even par, 72 to beat NW Mississippi's T. Robert Oakley by one stroke.

MCC's Joe Konieczny and Jarrod Lemaster made the All Tournament Team. Konieczny fired rounds of 77-73 to earn his fourth All Tournament Team of the year. Lemaster shot 79-74 to make it.

Other MCC scores included: Michael Burton 165 (80-85), Bryant Self 166 (82-83) and Curt Sparks 167 (82-85).

Meridian tees it up again in the MACJC Event #4 at Wolf Hollow GC on April 13-14.

MCC softball splits with Hinds

The Meridian Community College softball team split a pair of division contests at Hinds on Tuesday. The split leaves MCC in a tie with East Central for second place in the division at 4-2. Hinds leads the division with a 6-2 record.

Hinds won game one 8-5, then the Lady Eagles picked up the split by beating Hinds 3-0 in game two.

In game one Hinds used a five run, six hit fifth inning to go ahead for good and an 8-5 win. Hinds added 1 run in the second, third and sixth innings to round out their scoring.

For the game Hinds had 13 hits, three errors, and left nine runners on. MCC had nine hits, two errors, and left eight stranded. MCC scored two runs in each the third and sixth innings and one run in the fifth.

Leading hitters for MCC were: De’Miracle Biggs (2-4), Shanese Hunter (2-3), and Constance Jones (2-4, double). Gabrielle Morgan took the loss on the mound for MCC.

MCC came back to win game two behind the strong performance of Shanese Hunter on the mound as she held Hinds to five hits. MCC, who collected 11 hits in the game, scored three runs in the fifth inning to get the victory. Natalie Parker led the inning off with a single to right field. After a strikeout and a walk issued to De’Miracle Biggs, MCC had three consecutive hits. Stephanie Stevens doubled home both Biggs and La’Toya Braxton (running for Parker). Hunter followed that with a single but was later called out for a baserunning infraction. Gabrielle Morgan then doubled to score Stevens. MCC made those three runs stand up as they limited Hinds to only two base runners the rest of the game.

“I thought the difference in the ballgames was that we came out a little tight in game one and allowed them to use their speed game to put the ball in play and we did do a go job of keeping the leadoff batter in each inning off base,” said MCC coach Robert Eakins

“I am proud of my team because in game two we came out and kept hitting the ball and we maintained our focus. We left runners stranded but we kept hitting the ball. Also we did not allow their speed game to come into play. When they got runners on or we made a mistake, we got out of it by turning some great plays on defense. We need to take this momentum into Wednesday game at East Central. Second place in the division is on the line and perhaps a tie for 1st if a sweep occurs by either team,” added Eakins.