ECCC Set For Division Opener

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A “new” season gets under way Thursday, Sept. 22, for the East Central Community College football team, which begins MACJC South Division action by hosting Pearl River Community College at 6:30 p.m. at Bailey Stadium.

The Warriors, fresh off a stunning 24-17 come-from-behind victory of Itawamba Community College the previous week, is looking to improve to 2-2 on the young campaign.

However, EC faces a formidable foe in the Wildcats (2-1), ranked 15th in the latest NJCAA poll. Pearl River posted victories over Itawamba (34-8) and Southwest (27-20) after losing to Northwest (56-55) in overtime in the season opener.

“Pearl River has the best team since my arrival here,” said Brian Anderson, now in his third year leading the Warrior program. “They are extremely fast on defense and at every position. their offensive line is much improved and their skill positions are as good as you will see.”

Anderson specially pointed out the success of Wildcat quarterback Melvin German, a 6-3, 195-pound sophomore from Fort Myers, Fla.

“One word to describe him (German)….special!” said Anderson. “His ability to dissect coverages, avoid pass rushes and make plays is uncanny. You will no doubt be watching him on television next year.”

The Wildcats have the top passing offense in the state, averaging 395 yards per contest. German has completed 101 of 141 passes for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns. he has thrown only three interceptions. The Pearl River rushing attacked is ranked ninth, averaging 128.7 yards per game.

Despite the Wildcat’s potent offense â€" which is also ranked tops in the state â€" Anderson said his Warriors are looking forward to the challenge of stopping the nationally ranked squad.

“We’ve had great practices this week…it’s always a better week of preparation after a win,” said Anderson. “We have a few players that are a bit banged up. hopefully they will see action but if not we have players that must step up in their absence.”

The Warrior defense will especially have to “step up” to contain the high flying Wildcats.

East Central is ranked sixth in passing defense (153.3 yards), seventh in rushing defense (100.7 yards) and fourth overall (254 yards). The Warriors have allowed 99 points through three contests.

Sophomore linebacker Chris Ficklin continues to rank among the state’s top tacklers. The Scott Central High School product is credited with 20 solo stops and 11 assists. he also has three quarterback sacks.

Offensively, the Warriors are averaging almost 24 points per game. EC is ranked sixth in passing offense (163.7 yards), 12th in rushing offense (115 yards) and 10th overall (275.3 yards).

Freshman Mitch Manley of Pittsburg, Texas, is the Warriors’ top passer, completing 31 of 73 attempts for 477 yards and three touchdowns. His top receiver is Reggie Hall who has nine receptions for 130 yards and one score. Hall leads the state in kickoff returns, with three attempts for 100 yards, a 33.3-yard average. His longest return is 44 yards. Hall is a product of Neville High School in Monroe, La.

The Pearl River defense has allowed 84 points in three games. The Wildcats are rated 10th in rushing defense (122.67 yards), ninth in passing defense (203.33 yards) and eighth overall (331 yards).

East Central will be looking to snap a two-game skid to the Wildcats, who claimed a 44-13 victory in 2010 and rallied to beat the Warriors 30-27 in overtime in 2009.

The Warriors rallied for a 44-38 double-overtime thriller over the playoff-bound Wildcats in 2008.

All Warrior football games can be heard on the ECCC Web site (eccc.edu) and on 98.3 “The Groove” (WKOZ-FM in Carthage/Philadelphia) featuring veteran broadcasters Melvin Wooten and Gilbert Barham.

Warrior home contest are also streamed on the College’s Web site. Click on “Warrior Cast” to watch all the action, including the halftime performance of the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band.

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