ROME, Ga. --- Mississippi College fell in its season opener Wednesday night, falling to Shorter 29-5 at Barron Stadium. The Choctaws managed just 238 total yards, as Shorter capitalized on big plays and turnovers to secure the win.
Mississippi College started strong, with
Ben Pledger's 25-yard field goal giving the Choctaws a 3-0 lead at 11:32 in the first quarter. However, Shorter quickly responded with a field goal of its own, tying the game at 3-3 by the end of the quarter.
The second half proved tough for Mississippi College as Shorter scored 26 unanswered points. A blocked punt by Cody Earle resulted in a Shorter touchdown early in the third quarter, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.
The Choctaws followed with a blocked PAT, returned by Dre'Von Hollis for 2-points to make it a 9-5 Shorter lead. Later, Harold Cook connected with Trevon Dirden for a 53-yard touchdown pass, extending Shorter's lead to 16-3. Shorter added two more rushing touchdowns to seal the victory.
Eli Anderson completed 23 of 34 passes for 130 yards but throwing two interceptions.
Marcus Williams led the Choctaws' ground game with 52 yards on 11 carries, while
Sirr Trotter contributed with 21 rushing yards and 8 receptions.
Defensively, the Choctaws had strong performances from
Zach Hammann,
Jason Betz, and
Braxton Hall, who each recorded seven tackles. Hammann and Betz also each added a sack.
With the loss, Mississippi College drops to 0-1 on the season. The Choctaws will look to bounce back next week when they face off against Texas A&M Kingsville at 6 pm in Clinton, Miss. to begin home play.
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**Key Stats:**
- **Rushing:** M. Williams - 11 carries, 52 yards
- **Passing:** E. Anderson - 23 of 34, 130 yards, 2 INT
- **Receiving:** S. Trotter - 8 receptions, 21 yards
- **Defense:** Z. Hammann - 7 tackles, 1 sack; J. Betz - 7 tackles, 1 sack
Mississippi College had 15 first downs and completed 31 of 49 passes for 170 yards, but struggled on third downs, converting just 3 of 18 attempts.
