WESSON – The Copiah-Lincoln Wolfpack (2-0) face their second straight road game as they travel to Decatur to take on the East Central Warriors (0-2) in the MACJC south division opener for both teams Thursday night. Co-Lin is coming off of a 48-24 victory at Northwest Community College last week. The Wolfpack maintained their spot at No. 6 in this week’s NJCAA Top 20 poll.

East Central is coming off of a 59-0 loss to No. 5 East Mississippi. In their season opener, the Warriors fell 40-7 to Itawamba. East Central is under the direction of first year coach Ken Karcher. Karcher comes to Decatur after previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Eastern Michigan University. Karcher replaces Brian Anderson who was let go as head coach after posting a 3-6 record last season.

The Wolfpack had little trouble handling the Warriors in 2012 when Co-Lin posted a 47-10 victory over East Central in Wesson. The Co-Lin defense led the way by picking off five passes, including two interceptions by Brookhaven product Greg Sims.

The Wolfpack go into this contest a little banged up as a team. Sophomore offensive tackle Jocquell Johnson, a Mississippi State commit, left the Northwest game after getting nicked up. Sophomore running back Van Lee, the MACJC’s leading rusher and 6th in the nation in rushing yards per game, also was held out of second half action against Northwest after taking a hard hit.

Freshman quarterback Daniel Fitzwater was 13 of 22 for 194 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Northwest. Sophomore running back Kelton Smith led the Co-Lin rushing attack with two touchdowns and 42 yards on nine carries.

The Co-Lin defense was outstanding against Northwest as they caused seven turnovers and held the Rangers to a net total of zero rushing yards. Sophomore middle linebacker Jordan Harris, a Southern Miss commit, led the way with 13 tackles. Harris, averaging 15 tackles a game, is currently the top tackler in the nation.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Decatur, today. Listen live at www.colinathletics.com.