CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College celebrated a triumphant Homecoming on Saturday, overpowering Erskine College with a decisive 42-7 victory at Robinson-Hale Stadium. This win marks the Choctaws' first victory of the season, as well as the inaugural win for head coach Mike Kershaw in his new role.

The Choctaws set the tone early in the first quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run by Lamonte James, capping an 8-play, 59-yard drive. The extra point by Ben Pledger put MC ahead 7-0 with 7:38 remaining in the quarter.

In the second quarter, Mississippi College's offense continued to roll. Marcus Williams scored on a 5-yard run, extending the lead to 14-0 after a 7-play, 83-yard drive. James then added three more rushing touchdowns, bringing his total to four for the game. His 3-yard and 9-yard runs, both punctuated by successful Pledger kicks, helped the Choctaws to a commanding 28-0 halftime lead.

Erskine managed to get on the scoreboard in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run from Craig Pender, but the momentum quickly swung back to MC. James answered with a 19-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 35-7. Williams capped the scoring for the Choctaws with another 3-yard run in the final quarter.

Mississippi College dominated in rushing, amassing 403 yards on 62 attempts, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. James led the way with 185 rushing yards on 20 carries, while Williams added 119 yards on 19 attempts.

The Choctaws' defense was equally effective, holding Erskine to just 42 rushing yards and forcing the visiting team to a mere 130 total yards of offense.

Next up, Mississippi College (1-7, 1-5) will host Northeastern State on November 9, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. The Choctaws will be looking to build on this momentum after taking a break next week.

Scoring Summary:

• 1st Quarter:
  • MSC: James, Lamonte 11 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 7, ERS 0
• 2nd Quarter:
  • MSC: Williams, Marcus 5 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 14, ERS 0
  • MSC: James, Lamonte 3 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 21, ERS 0
  • MSC: James, Lamonte 9 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 28, ERS 0
• 3rd Quarter:
  • ERS: Pender, Craig 2 yd run (Beauford, Dylan kick) - MSC 28, ERS 7
  • MSC: James, Lamonte 19 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 35, ERS 7
• 4th Quarter:
  • MSC: Williams, Marcus 3 yd run (Pledger, Ben kick) - MSC 42, ERS 7