Another busy weekend for MGCCC athletics

MGCCC’S Josh Richardson (34) tackles Hinds quarterback Deon Anthony in the Bulldogs’ 35-26 win Oct. 29.

The push for championships continues this weekend at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as the Bulldog football team prepares for the MACJC playoffs Saturday while both Gulf Coast soccer teams get ready to host the NJCAA Southern District Tournament Friday Night.

FOOTBALL

The MACJC South Division Champion Bulldogs (9-1) found out Monday Night they’ll be taking on 6-3 Northeast in the playoffs Saturday at 2 p.m. at A.L. May Memorial Stadium in Perkinston. Northeast got into the post-season after waiting for the MACJC Athletic Council to resolve a dispute between Northeast and Northwest over which team was the North Division’s #2 seed. Both Northeast and Northwest had the same division records, but according to an unwritten but agreed upon rule by MACJC coaches, a different tie-breaking formula would be used in the event of a stalemate…a decision, that in this case, went in favor of the Tigers. Meanwhile, Northwest appealed that decision, arguing that the official tie-breaking formula in the MACJC Handbook put them in the playoffs. The MACJC Athletic Council decided to go with the coaches agreed upon tie-breaker, and Northeast got in.

On the field, the Tigers are hoping to slow down a Bulldog team that’s won eight in a row after an opening season loss to East Miss. Back on Sept. 1. Gulf Coast captured its fifth MACJC South Division crown in the last seven seasons last week with a 35-26 win over Hinds. The victory was the team’s eighth straight after a season-opening loss at East Mississippi. It’s also the college’s seventh straight win over the Eagles dating back to 2005.

Gulf Coast is paced by freshman quarterback Clint Hatten, who’s started the last four games for the Bulldogs and thrown for 512 yards and five touchdowns and 3 interceptions. While sophomore running back James Gillum (776 yards, 7 TD’S) continues to pace the Bulldog ground game, freshman Jacob Carmouche sealed last week’s victory over Hinds with a 43-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. Carmouche finished the game with 14 yards for 110 yards. NJCAA All-American wide receiver Javon Bell now has 723 yards receiving and 7 TD’S.

On defense, Gulf Coast has forced three turnovers in each of its last three games and continues to lead the MACJC in rush defense.

Northeast is led on offense by quarterback Parks Frazier (73/152 yds.,, 11 TD’S, 7 INT), running back Jamarcus Goodloe (188 yds., 5 TD’S), and wide receiver Tres Houston (517yds., 7 TD’S). The Tiger defense is anchored by linebacker Denis Draper (10 sacks) and defensive back Deion Belue (10 sacks).

SOCCER

The Bulldog men’s and women’s soccer teams are hoping for another historic night of action Friday as they host Tyler Community College in the NJCAA Southern District Soccer Championships. The Lady Bulldogs (16-4) host #1 ranked Tyler (20-0) at 5 p.m. Gulf Coast is coming off winning MACJC and Region 23 titles in consecutive weekends and riding a six game winning streak. Earlier this season, the Lady Bulldogs played Tyler and dropped a 6-1 decision in Perkinston.

The Bulldogs (15-4-1) are also riding the wave of back-to-back MACJC and Region 23 titles into their 7:30 p.m. match with #3 Tyler (16-5-1). The Gulf Coast men have also notched six wins in a row in their second trip to the Southern District finals in the last two seasons.