Wolfpack basking in state title glory

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, November 15, 2012

It’s been nearly five days since Co-Lin’s epic, 41-37 MACJC State Championship victory over the Gulf Coast Bulldogs at Perkinston. Naturally, the Wolfpack are still basking in the glow of their first state title since 1985.

     Ask  Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis about the triumph.     “We are still very excited, that’s for sure. Right now, we are just trying to get caught up, recruiting wise.”

     While most community/junior college football teams are in the hibernation period, Co-Lin (9-2) is anticipating its first-ever appearance in the Mississippi Bowl. It will be played Sunday, Dec. 2, at Biloxi Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. against the Garden City, Kan. Bronc Busters.

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      Davis and his  coaching staff held a workout Tuesday and another one today before dismissing the team for the Thanksgiving holidays. Co-Lin is closed next week and many players have reservations on flights out of Jackson.

     The Pack will resume practice Nov. 26. A Friday night bowl banquet is scheduled Nov. 30, on the Gulf Coast.

     Davis said playing in Biloxi instead of going out of state is a bonus. “The good thing is that it will be close enough for our folks to come watch us play.”

     Co-Lin’s coaching staff got their first look at Garden City (6-4) on video yesterday. Davis said the Busters are multi-dimensional offensively. “Their quarterback (Nick Marshall) is supposed to be a really good player.”

     Marshall was named the KCCJC Player of the Year and Garden City coach Jeff Tatum was Conference Coach of the Year.  Tatum once coached at Mississippi Delta. His Georgia Military College team played Co-Lin in the Golden Isles Bowl in 2006, at Brunswick, Ga., and Co-Lin posted a shutout victory.

      In the meantime, Davis and Co-Lin are savoring the moment. Appropriately, he was named Region 23 Coach of the Year.

     “We can’t say enough about the support we have received,” said Davis. “The band, cheerleaders and fans; our administration and community, have been very supportive. This is a Co-Lin state title.”

    

     Delta State head baseball coach Mike Kinnison provided a positive report on the athletic department during Tuesday night’s DSU South Central Alumni Chapter meeting. Kinnison’s Statesmen (49-15) were runners-up to West Chester (Pa.) in last June’s NCAA D-II World Series.

     Four of Kinnison’s five seniors signed deals with Major League Baseball Teams. Starting pitcher Aaron Newcomb signed with the Angels. Bullpen pitchers Brandon Hardin  and James Hudelson both signed with the White Sox. All-American catcher John Carnahan signed with the Astros.

     Kinnison, in his 17th season at the helm, said the DSU athletic program is in a time of transition but he has confidence in the future. There are new head coaches in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Ronnie Myers is serving as interim athletic director.

     In another item of business, West Lincoln principal Jason Case was named Delta State South Central Chapter Alumnus of the Year. Case was in Washington D.C., accepting the Blue Ribbon Award for West Lincoln’s outstanding academic achievements.

 

     Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., has been unable to find anyone to serve as interim prognosticator. It’s a stress-filled, high-paying job with few benefits.

     Hoopla predicted the winners of 18 games last week and managed to get 12 correct. He was perfect on the high school scene but stubbed his right toe on Saturday’s games.

     Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with some Friday night state playoff games.

     Pelahatchie at Bogue Chitto: In another scoreboard extravaganza, Bobcats outscore the Chiefs. Bogue Chitto 42-34.

     Brookhaven Academy at Simpson Academy: It’s the South State MAIS Class AA state championship game and the BA Cougars are looking for revenge. Brookhaven Academy 24-21.

     Seminary at Hazlehurst: Indians battle the Bulldogs in a rematch of last year’s Class 3A South State title game. Results will be the same. Hazlehurst 34-14.

     After picking out a large turkey for the Thanksgiving Day feast, Hoopla reveals Saturday’s winners.

     Ole Miss at LSU: Vanderbilt gave the Rebels a heart-breaking loss last Saturday. This time the Tigers give them a headache. LSU 42-14.

     Arkansas at Mississippi State: Can the Bulldogs stop the bleeding and halt a 3-game SEC losing streak? Yes. State 28-20.

     UTEP at Southern Miss:      How bad is it? Miners hand the hosts an 11th straight setback. UTEP 29-14.

     Jackson State at Alcorn State: The Soul Bowl, also known as the Magnolia Heritage Classic, returns to Lorman after an 18-year absence. Tigers achieve a SWAC division title by clawing the Braves. JSU 42-21.

     Valley State at Texas Southern: Delta Devils conclude their campaign on a winning note. Valley 27-12.

    

     Contact sports editor Tom Goetz by Email: tgoetz@dailyleader.com