WESSON — Co-Lin already has played three nationally rankedteams this season. Next up are the Hinds Community College Eagles(5-1, 2-1) who are ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA poll. Kickoff is 7p.m. Thursday night in Stone Stadium.

“Hinds has by far the best defense we’ve faced,” said Co-Linoffensive backfield coach Shelton Gandy. “Their front four arebeing recruited by everybody.”

Gandy knows Co-Lin’s offense has their work cut out for them.The Wolfpack (1-5, 0-3) enter the South Division contest riding a5-game losing streak.

Co-Lin’s offensive production continues to improve but theWolves have come up short on the scoreboard. They lost a 31-20decision Saturday at East Central in Decatur. Co-Lin tailbackJulius Roberson rushed 23 times for 108 yards and two TDs againstEast Central.

Freshman wide receiver Daryl Johnson gave Co-Lin a boost with 7receptions for 202 yards and 1 touchdown. A 65-yard scoring tossfrom freshman quarterback Victor Williams to Johnson reduced EastCentral’s lead to 24-20 with 2:17 left in the game.

Williams was subbing for Beau Billeck who sustained a concussionon his team’s second offensive drive.

Williams completed 9 of 21 passes for 255 yards but sufferedthree interceptions.

“There aren’t any bad teams in the South Division,” said Co-Linfirst-year head coach Glenn Davis. “Hinds’ front four is asathletic as anyone we’ve played.”

The Eagles run a spread offense and whipped Coahoma 27-8 lastSaturday. “They are more of a throwing team,” said Davis. “Theyhave pretty decent skill guys.

“Their quarterback (Keats Baldwin) distributes the ball well.”Baldwin (6-0, 190) is a sophomore from Brandon (Northwest Rankin)who has completed 90 of 162 passes for 1,264 yards and 8touchdowns.

The Eagles boast several talented receivers. Two out-of-statereceivers are Lowan Bapiste of Miami and Lekeldrick Bridges ofDallas, Texas. Bridges is a transfer from Georgia Tech.

The Eagles’ top running backs are Martise Quiller (5-8, 196.soph.) from North Augusta, S.C., and Greg Clark (5-8, 213, soph.)from Jackson (Provine). Clark has rushed for 319 yards and 8 TDs.Quiller has 268 yards and 2 TDs.

“They have the fourth best offense in the league,” said Davis.”They are probably No. 2 in passing. They are steady onoffense.”

On defense, Hinds is led by three sophomore linemen: GregPeterson (6-5, 250) from Beaulahville, N.C., Ryan McBean (6-6, 270)of Euless, Texas and Chad Green (6-5, 220) of Nashville, N.C.

Hinds linebacker Rory Johnson signed with Mississippi State. Atcornerback, Henry Rogers of Miami leads the secondary. At strongsafety, DeEldrick Taylor of Vicksburg likes to blitz.

Hinds is under the direction of second-year head coach J. MikeSmith, a Co-Lin alumnus. Hinds won the South Division last yearwith a 6-0 mark and finished 9-2 overall, losing to Pearl River inthe state title game.

Three weeks ago, South Division leader Pearl River edged Hinds37-30 at Raymond.

“We must play four quarters,” said Davis. “We need a completegame and we need a good effort from everybody. We have to playclose to perfect as we can.”

Wolf Tails: Last year Hinds spoiled Co-Lin’shomecoming celebration with a 20-0 victory as Quiller rushed for 2touchdowns.