CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi College Choctaws showcased a dominant performance on both sides of the ball Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 35-7 victory over Northeastern State at Robinson-Hale Stadium. The Choctaws' ground game was nothing short of spectacular, as they rushed for 404 yards and three touchdowns to improve to 2-7 on the season.
Running backs Marcus Williams and Preston Godfrey led the way for the Choctaws, combining for 320 of those rushing yards. Williams found the end zone twice, while Godfrey added a score of his own. The Choctaws also capitalized on a defensive takeaway, with linebacker Marquez Grace returning a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
"We just kept grinding," said head coach Mike Kershaw. "I'm extremely proud of the way this team is playing right now. We've worked hard, and it's paying off. We'll enjoy this win for 24 hours and then get ready for a big one next week against Delta State."
Northeastern State (2-8, 0-6 GAC) struck first on the game's opening possession, with quarterback Dereun Dortch connecting with Deuce Roberson for a 17-yard touchdown pass to give the RiverHawks a 7-0 lead. However, that would be the last time Northeastern State would reach the end zone.
The Choctaws responded in the second quarter, tying the game at 7-7 when Godfrey capped a 7-play, 42-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 6:57 mark.
In the third quarter, Mississippi College took control. Williams ripped off a 50-yard touchdown run with 6:52 remaining in the period to give the Choctaws a 14-7 lead. Just under five minutes later, Williams punched it in again from 1 yard out to extend the lead to 21-7.
The Choctaws added two more scores in the fourth quarter. Lamonte James scored on an 8-yard run with 9:44 remaining, and Grace sealed the win with his fumble recovery touchdown at the 8:06 mark.
Michael Shine was perfect on the day, converting all five extra-point attempts to complete the scoring.
Mississippi College will return home next Saturday for the 44th edition of the Heritage Bell Classic against rival Delta State. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
2:15 – Northeastern State: Deuce Roberson 17-yard pass from Dereun Dortch (Troy Nguyen kick)
Second Quarter
6:57 – Mississippi College: Preston Godfrey 1-yard run (Michael Shine kick)
Third Quarter
6:52 – Mississippi College: Marcus Williams 50-yard run (Shine kick)
1:09 – Mississippi College: Marcus Williams 1-yard run (Shine kick)
Fourth Quarter
9:44 – Mississippi College: Lamonte James 8-yard run (Shine kick)
8:06 – Mississippi College: Marquez Grace 34-yard fumble recovery (Shine kick)
Team Stats
Northeastern State:
Total Yards: 214
Rushing Yards: 56
Passing Yards: 158
Turnovers: 3
Time of Possession: 27:51
Mississippi College:
Total Yards: 434
Rushing Yards: 404
Passing Yards: 30
Turnovers: 1
Time of Possession: 32:09
Individual Statistics
Mississippi College:
Rushing:
Northeastern State:
Passing:
- Dereun Dortch: 15-29, 158 yards, 1 TD
Rushing:
- Nicholas Qualls: 11 carries, 39 yards
Defensive Highlights:
- Marquez Grace (MSC): 1 fumble recovery, 34-yard return for TD
- Mississippi College defense: 3 total sacks, 3 forced turnovers
Mississippi College will look to build on this impressive win as they prepare for their final game of the season next Saturday against Delta State in the annual Heritage Bell Classic.
