Bulldogs bounce archrival Wildcats on Homecoming

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast ran its winning streak to four games by downing archrival Pearl River 30-17 in front of a boisterous Homecoming crowd.

The Bulldogs churned out 435 yards of total offense, forced two interceptions and dominated time of possession and third down.

"The defense came out and made some plays early," Gulf Coast coach Chad Huff said. "Over the last 10-12 years, in this football game, the team that makes the fewest mistakes and creates those big plays wins."

Gulf Coast (5-3, 4-1 MACJC South) can clinch a playoff spot next week with a win at Jones County. Pearl River (2-6, 2-3) was eliminated from postseason contention.

Tyler Glass (6-2, 197, Fr., Greenwood/Greenwood) and Dedric Smith (6-1, 218, Fr., Brookhaven/Brookhaven) had first-quarter interceptions, and T'Rod Daniels (5-9, 190, So., Bassfield/Bassfield) broke loose for a 71-yard fourth-quarter touchdown on the way to 174 yards rushing. He added 26 receiving yards for an even 200 in total offense.

"It was a great atmosphere, from the time we walked over for Bulldog Walk, people were everywhere," Gulf Coast defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs said. "They're just right down the street, and we just put on a show tonight."

Larry Sisson (6-0, 210, So., Resurrection/Pascagoula) completed 14 of 21 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown, helping the Bulldogs play turnover-free. Lester Wells (6-0, 180, So., Adams County Christian/Natchez) had seven catches for 92 yards and a score.

Gulf Coast converted 7 of 13 third downs and held the Wildcats to only 4 of 12, while keeping the ball about 15 minutes longer.

The Bulldogs only got field goals from Joshua Rowland (5-10, 190, So., Madison Central/Madison) after the interceptions and trailed 7-6 after their first quarter.

They took the lead on another Rowland field goal early in the second quarter before PRCC's Timothy Arnold completed his second touchdown pass to Matthew Eaton.

Gulf Coast would take control of the game on its next two possessions. The Bulldogs had back-to-back touchdowns drives of 92 and 87 yards sandwiched around halftime.

Quentin Frazier (6-0, 210, Fr., Hernando/Hernando) had a 3-yard touchdown run 96 seconds before halftime to cap a 14-play drive. Sisson found Wells for a 30-yard touchdown throw on the 12^th play after halftime for a 23-14 lead.

Pearl River kicked a field goal later in the quarter, but Gulf Coast's defense would hold the rest of the night.

Daniels ripped off his long gallop with 2:07 left to end the contest.

"It's was an inside zone play," Bulldogs offensive lineman Randan Knight said. "The ball was supposed to hit the A-gap. He hit it and took it to the house, just like we draw it up."

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