CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi College Choctaws will kick off the 2024 season on Wednesday, taking the field against the Shorter Hawks at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia. The game marks the beginning of a new era for the Choctaws under first-year head coach Mike Kershaw, who brings a fast-tempo offense that has generated significant buzz during the preseason.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action live on multiple platforms. The game will be streamed live on Shorter University's YouTube channel here, and live radio coverage will be available through the Choctaw Sports Network here. Live stats will also be provided via the Shorter athletics website here.

2023 Matchup Recap

In last season's meeting, the Choctaws defeated the Hawks, 30-14, in Clinton. This year, the team looks to replicate that success on the road as they aim to start the season on a high note.

Players to Watch

• David Brown: A defensive back, Brown was instrumental in the Choctaws' defensive efforts, recording 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one interception last season. His performance against Midwestern State, where he recorded 8 solo tackles and 2 tackles for loss, stood out. Brown also showcased his playmaking ability against West Alabama with an interception and a forced fumble, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Choctaws' defense.

• Marcus Williams: Williams earned Preseason All-GSC honors as both a running back and return specialist. He demonstrated his versatility by rushing for 851 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, and contributing 530 yards in the kickoff return game, including a 95-yard touchdown. His standout performances included a 141-yard rushing game against Shorter University and a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown against Chowan.

• Braxton Hall: Appearing in all 10 games last season, Hall made a significant impact on the Choctaws' defense. He recorded 28 total tackles, including 19 solo tackles and 9 assists, along with 2.0 tackles for loss. Hall had a standout performance against Keiser with 6 tackles and a tackle for loss, and he continued to be a reliable force throughout the season, including a 6-tackle game against Valdosta State and 5 solo tackles against North Greenville.

• Jason Betz: A 2nd Team All-GSC linebacker, Betz was a key player for the Choctaws last season, leading the team with 84 total tackles, including 53 solo tackles. He also registered 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and forced a fumble. Betz's consistency was evident in games like Midwestern State, where he tallied 10 tackles and forced a fumble, and North Greenville, where he posted 13 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 1.0 tackle for loss.

What to Expect

The Choctaws' new fast-tempo offense, introduced by Coach Kershaw, is designed to keep defenses on their heels. This strategic shift has been a focal point of the team's offseason preparations, and fans can anticipate an exciting, high-energy style of play that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Season Outlook

As Mississippi College embarks on the 2024 campaign, expectations are high. The blend of returning talent and the infusion of new coaching philosophies position the Choctaws as a team to watch in the Gulf South Conference. Wednesday's game at Shorter will be the first test for this new-look squad, offering fans a glimpse of what's to come in this promising season.

2024 Schedule

• Sept. 4 – at Shorter, 6:00 p.m. CT
• Sept. 14 – vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville, 6:00 p.m. CT
• Sept. 21 – vs. North Greenville, 6:00 p.m. CT
• Sept. 28 – at Chowan, 12:00 p.m. CT
• Oct. 5 – at West Florida, 4:00 p.m. CT
• Oct. 12 – vs. West Alabama, 2:00 p.m. CT
• Oct. 19 – at Valdosta State, 2:00 p.m. CT
• Oct. 26 – vs. Erskine College, 4:00 p.m. CT
• Nov. 9 – vs. Northeastern State, 12:00 p.m. CT
• Nov. 16 – vs. Delta State, 12:00 p.m. CT