No. 11 Gulf Coast ready for Jones

PERKINSTON – Mississippi Gulf Coast coach Chad Huff sees last week's thrilling victory over then No. 11-ranked Hinds as a big stepping stone to launch into this week's rivalry showdown against Jones County.

"I think the team has definitely grown up," he said "I think last week was a game that our kids realized that whatever happens, when things are going against us, we just keep battling. This team can find a way.

"We did that last week, so it's something we can build on to get through the grind of South Division play."

Watch the game online at mgcccbulldogs.com/BulldogLIVE or listen at SuperTalk 103.1 FM. Get more Gameday information, including a parking map, at mgcccbulldogs.com/gameday.

Gulf Coast (3-1, 2-0 MACJC South) climbed three spots to No. 11 in the latest NJCAA poll. Jones enters Thursday's game at A.L. May Memorial Stadium at 2-2, but they have won both their South Division games.

The Bobcats lost their opener at home to Northwest 42-20, and were nipped at Itawamba 21-20. They've rebounded by beating Southwest 27-14 and trouncing Pearl River 34-6.

"They're not turning the ball over and they're creating some turnovers," Huff said. "They're playing with confidence."

Jones has recovered eight opposition fumbles, leading to a 10-5 advantage in turnover ratio. Gulf Coast saw its turnover margin surge to that same mark after a three-interception game against Hinds.

Gulf Coast is led on the ground by Chris Robinson's 275 yards and five touchdowns. Ge'Vonte Jones gained more than 100 yards in the second half last week and joins fellow freshman T'Rod Daniels at 180-plus yards for the season.

Hinds is led on the ground by Jarkice Davis, with 247 yards, and Alabama transfer DeSherrius Flowers, with 233 yards. They look to Tevin Moore near the goal line. The wide receiver has five touchdowns rushing.

"Tevin Moore is a great player," Huff said. "They utilize him in the Wildcat package. He's in their return game, he's a receiver, a running back. He was 1A Player of the Year a couple years ago."

Former Gulf Coast quarterback Thad Miller is the Jones signal-caller. He's completed 71 of 121 passes for 632 yards and three interceptions.

The Bulldogs got a big game against Hinds from freshman defensive end Isaiah Buggs. The freshman from Ruston, La., had seven tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hurries.

Sophomore linebacker James Graves had a team-high 11 tackles.

"We're going to have to continue to play the way we've been playing, which is fast and physical," Huff said.

The rivalry aspect of the game isn't lost on him. Jones holds a 43-42-6 advantage in the series, but Gulf  Coast has won nine of the last 11 meetings.

Winning on Thursday will even things up.

"It's a Jones-Gulf Coast game. Those are always big no matter what the records," Huff said. "They're going to play their best and we're going to have be ready for them."

GAME #5

JONES (2-2, 2-0 MACJC South) vs. #11 MGCCC (3-1, 2-0 MACJC South)

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24, 7p.m.

WHERE: Perkinston

THE SERIES 

·     Jones Leads Series 43-42-6

·     First Meeting: 1929

·     Last Meeting (2014):  MGCCC 42, JCJC 3