CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College came up short against Delta State in the Heritage Bowl Classic on Saturday, falling 20-14 in a hard-fought rivalry game at Robinson-Hale Stadium. Despite a strong second-half rally, the Choctaws (2-8, 1-6 Gulf South Conference) were unable to overcome a first-half deficit, as the Statesmen (6-4, 3-3 GSC) held on for the victory.
The game began with an explosive opening from the Choctaws. Quarterback Preston Godfrey connected with Jacob Stephens on a 64-yard touchdown pass at 8:37 in the first quarter, giving Mississippi College a quick 7-0 lead. The two-play drive was capped off by a successful extra point from Michael Shine, putting the Choctaws in control early.
But Delta State responded less than three minutes later. Garrett Ames hit Curtis Rearden on a 39-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7 with 5:39 remaining in the first quarter. From that point on, the Statesmen seized control of the game.
Delta State took the lead in the second quarter with a 26-yard field goal from Nick Herber at 12:10. The Statesmen further extended their lead with another touchdown—this one a 21-yard pass from Cole Kirk to Michael Carley at 2:15. With the Choctaws trailing 17-7, Herber added another field goal, this time from 27 yards out, just before halftime to give Delta State a 20-7 advantage heading into the break.
Choctaws' Second-Half Push
After a challenging first half, Mississippi College found new life in the third quarter. The Choctaws' ground game, led by running back Marcus Williams, helped cut into the deficit. Williams broke through for a 14-yard touchdown run at 10:16 in the third quarter, capping off a 9-play, 75-yard drive. The score narrowed the gap to 20-14, with Shine's extra point pulling the Choctaws within six.
Despite strong performances from Williams and Godfrey, who finished with 107 rushing yards and 85 passing yards respectively, Mississippi College struggled to convert on key opportunities. The Choctaws' defense stepped up in the second half, with linebacker Jason Betz leading the charge, but the offense could not find the end zone again.
Mississippi College finishes the season with a final record of 2-8 overall and 1-6 in GSC play.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
08:37 – MSC – Jacob Stephens 64-yard pass from Preston Godfrey (Michael Shine kick) – 2 plays, 64 yards – 7-0 MSC
05:39 – DSU – Curtis Rearden 39-yard pass from Garrett Ames (Nick Herber kick) – 6 plays, 72 yards – 7-7
2nd Quarter
12:10 – DSU – Nick Herber 26-yard field goal – 10 plays, 52 yards – 10-7 DSU
02:15 – DSU – Michael Carley 21-yard pass from Cole Kirk (Nick Herber kick) – 7 plays, 64 yards – 17-7 DSU
00:10 – DSU – Nick Herber 27-yard field goal – 7 plays, 81 yards – 20-7 DSU
3rd Quarter
10:16 – MSC – Marcus Williams 14-yard run (Michael Shine kick) – 9 plays, 75 yards – 20-14 DSU
Box Score
Delta State
- Passing: Garrett Ames, 15-27, 257 yards, 2 TD
- Rushing: Kelvin Smith, 14 carries, 57 yards; Cole Kirk, 11 carries, 47 yards
- Receiving: Curtis Rearden, 4 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD
Mississippi College
