In a contest that provided very few offensive sparks, the longest play of the night for the Pearl River Wildcats fell one yard short of the goal line as time expired, giving the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Bulldogs a 17-10 victory, and preventing this rivalry for going into overtime for the second year in a row. With only three seconds left to play, Wildcat quarterback Melvin German (Fort Myers, Fl) completed a 38 yard pass to Jonathan Duncan (Oak Grove) who was ruled down at the one yard line as the clock fell to 0:00, much to the excitement of the Gulf Coast side and frustration from the Pearl River side.
To my great surprise this game was a defensive struggle and completely opposite of what I had predicted. After attending it last year and remebering the highlights provided by returning wide receivers Seth Roberts (Tallahassee) of Pearl River and Javon Bell (Jacksonville, FL) from Gulf Coast, I had anticipated much of the same. My assumption was wrong as the secondaries from both teams dominated with support from a strong pass rush. Cornerback Derrick Bourne and free safety Steve McNair, Jr had interceptions for the Wildcats while free safety Will Burrowes had a pick for the Bulldogs, in additions to the numerous breakups that both defensive backfields made.
The pass friendly offenses of both teams were also under harassment all night. Alabama transfer and former Destrehan, LA blue chip prospect defensive end Darrington Sentimore had a sack on German and was in his face all night. Sentimore definitely displayed alot of potential and it will be interesting to see where he ends up after his time at MGCC. Leading the pressure on Bulldog quarterback Raymond Cotton, a former Auburn signee and Mobile native, was defensive end Ketrick Wolfe (Sumrall) with constant blitz support from inside linebacker Quan Fletcher of Miami. Fellow inside linebacker Chris Bermond (Hancock County) also had his nose around the ball all night for Pearl River and provided strong run support.
In conclusion it was a more balanced offensive attack that was the game's decisive factor. With yards and first downs being at a premium, the modest rushing attack of Gulf Coast versus the non-existent one for Pearl River kept the pressure slightly more on German than on Cotton, and that is what defined the outcome. Providing this edge was a couple of former Moss Point Tigers. 5-10, 240 pound freshman Reginald Matthews gave the Bulldogs their first score when he came in from the sideline on the Jumbo Package and bullied into the end zone from the one yare line. Fellow Tiger alumnus 5'9, 175 pound Byron Nettles never reached the end zone, but he utilized his shiftiness well and picked up key yards keeping the Wildcats defense off balance in numerous carries he received from the slot position.
- Win
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
PEARL RIVER VS GULF COAST
During the 2010 football season I had the opportunity to watch many games in person. Out of all the games I was able to witness live, the best one was neither a Saints game, SEC game or even a high school state championship. It was a junior college game and surprisingly was the first one I had ever attended.
This incredible sports drama unfolded on a clear, early autumn evening in Poplarville, Mississippi. The 3-1 hometeam Pearl River Community College Wildcats were playing host to the heavily favored undefeated Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs, who at the time were the the number #1 ranked junior college team in the country. As expected the Bulldogs controlled the first half jumping out to a 27-7 halftime lead. The second half turned out unlike anyone there watching had expected, as Pearl River ralled from a three touchdown defecit to tie the game and send into overtime, where they kicked the winning field goal to claim the stunning upset victory 30-27. I don't know what Pearl River Coach Tim Hatten said to his players at halftime, but I doubt Knute Rockne could have topped it. Heck, at least Rockne's Notre Dame teams were the favorites.
Tonight is the rematch. Only this time the Wildcats will be playing on the Bulldogs turf in Perkinston making back to back wins even more challening. The teams records are identical at 3-1, and rankings are pretty close to with Gulf Coast being ranked #13 nationally and Pearl River coming in at #15. One of the highlights from the 2010 contest was the excellent play at wide receiver, and both teams return big play receivers in Javon Bell (Jacksonville, Fl) of the Bulldogs and Seth Roberts (Tallahassee) of the Wildcats, so I don't expect tonight's game to defined by a defensive struggle. Other key players I am looking forwarding to see are WR Steve McNair, Jr of Pearl River and DL Darrington Sentimore of Gulf Coast, who was a prized recruit out of Destrehan, LA and transferred from Alabama before the season started.
It was a dark drive home on that Thusday night a year ago from Poplarville, but darn worth it. I needed every drop of caffeine inside the 20 oz cup of coffee that I purchased at the Chevron right before taking the exit ramp to Highway 59 South for my return home. Should the Wildcats and Bulldogs take their battle into overtime tonight, the drive back from Perkinston would't be as long for me. Which is good because this is a big football weekend coming up and I'll need my rest.
- Win
This incredible sports drama unfolded on a clear, early autumn evening in Poplarville, Mississippi. The 3-1 hometeam Pearl River Community College Wildcats were playing host to the heavily favored undefeated Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs, who at the time were the the number #1 ranked junior college team in the country. As expected the Bulldogs controlled the first half jumping out to a 27-7 halftime lead. The second half turned out unlike anyone there watching had expected, as Pearl River ralled from a three touchdown defecit to tie the game and send into overtime, where they kicked the winning field goal to claim the stunning upset victory 30-27. I don't know what Pearl River Coach Tim Hatten said to his players at halftime, but I doubt Knute Rockne could have topped it. Heck, at least Rockne's Notre Dame teams were the favorites.
Tonight is the rematch. Only this time the Wildcats will be playing on the Bulldogs turf in Perkinston making back to back wins even more challening. The teams records are identical at 3-1, and rankings are pretty close to with Gulf Coast being ranked #13 nationally and Pearl River coming in at #15. One of the highlights from the 2010 contest was the excellent play at wide receiver, and both teams return big play receivers in Javon Bell (Jacksonville, Fl) of the Bulldogs and Seth Roberts (Tallahassee) of the Wildcats, so I don't expect tonight's game to defined by a defensive struggle. Other key players I am looking forwarding to see are WR Steve McNair, Jr of Pearl River and DL Darrington Sentimore of Gulf Coast, who was a prized recruit out of Destrehan, LA and transferred from Alabama before the season started.
It was a dark drive home on that Thusday night a year ago from Poplarville, but darn worth it. I needed every drop of caffeine inside the 20 oz cup of coffee that I purchased at the Chevron right before taking the exit ramp to Highway 59 South for my return home. Should the Wildcats and Bulldogs take their battle into overtime tonight, the drive back from Perkinston would't be as long for me. Which is good because this is a big football weekend coming up and I'll need my rest.
- Win
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tyrann Mathieu: LSU's Version Of Troy Polamalu?
Strong Safety Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Tyrann Mathieu of LSU may play different positions in the secondary and have very distinctive, contrasting hairstyles; but in my opinion its hard to find two players whose physical, ball-hawking playing styles resembles each other more closely at their respective levels.
Excellent feature below from ESPN SEC blogger Edward Aschoff on Mathieu's standout performance this year for the #1 ranked Tigers. After showing great promise as a true freshman learning under All American cornerback Patrick Peterson, the undersized Mathieu (5'9, 170 lbs) has been a fearless turnover creating machine his sophomore season. Surprisingly, Mathieu was only lightly recruited, earning only a 3 star ranking coming out of Saint Augustine High School in New Orleans.
Excellent feature below from ESPN SEC blogger Edward Aschoff on Mathieu's standout performance this year for the #1 ranked Tigers. After showing great promise as a true freshman learning under All American cornerback Patrick Peterson, the undersized Mathieu (5'9, 170 lbs) has been a fearless turnover creating machine his sophomore season. Surprisingly, Mathieu was only lightly recruited, earning only a 3 star ranking coming out of Saint Augustine High School in New Orleans.
Aggression, elegance fuel Mathieu's game
Tyrann Mathieu has a graceful recklessness about him.
LSU’s sophomore cornerback plays like a daredevil, yet is extremely nimble when tracking down both players and the pigskin.
The fleet-footed ball hawk has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season because of his insatiable ability to float around the ball. He leads the Tigers in tackles with 30, has three tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
His strip and recovery against West Virginia last week moved him into first all-time at LSU with seven forced fumbles -- and he’s only 17 games into his career. Six of those forces and four of his five recoveries have come against top-20 opponents.
For full article: http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/29105/aggression-elegance-fuel-mathieus-game
LSU’s sophomore cornerback plays like a daredevil, yet is extremely nimble when tracking down both players and the pigskin.
The fleet-footed ball hawk has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season because of his insatiable ability to float around the ball. He leads the Tigers in tackles with 30, has three tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
His strip and recovery against West Virginia last week moved him into first all-time at LSU with seven forced fumbles -- and he’s only 17 games into his career. Six of those forces and four of his five recoveries have come against top-20 opponents.
For full article: http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/29105/aggression-elegance-fuel-mathieus-game
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Emmitt Smith Impressed By New Vibe At Florida
Emmitt Smith returned to Gainesville Saturday for the Gators SEC opener against Tennessee and was very enthused by the excitement taking place around the Florida football program under new Coach Will Muschamp and around the city itself.
Here is a great article from Bill Vilona of the Pensacola News Journal describing Smith's reaction to the positive vibe surrounding the Florida football program under Muschamp, along with the renaissance of big time college football taking place throughout the Sunshine State.
Emmitt Smith took a look around and couldn't believe the place.
A new vibe in Gainesville.
"It is absolutely awesome," said Smith, the Escambia High graduate and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, speaking to media members who attended Smith's book signing event Saturday, not far from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, where Smith once shined.
To continue reading: http://www.pnj.com/article/20110918/SPORTS/109180332/Bill-Vilona-good-ol-days-return-Florida?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
Here is a great article from Bill Vilona of the Pensacola News Journal describing Smith's reaction to the positive vibe surrounding the Florida football program under Muschamp, along with the renaissance of big time college football taking place throughout the Sunshine State.
Bill Vilona: The good ol' days return to Florida
A new vibe in Gainesville.
"It is absolutely awesome," said Smith, the Escambia High graduate and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, speaking to media members who attended Smith's book signing event Saturday, not far from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, where Smith once shined.
To continue reading: http://www.pnj.com/article/20110918/SPORTS/109180332/Bill-Vilona-good-ol-days-return-Florida?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Mobile's Mark Barron Named SEC Defensive Player Of The Week In Crimson Tide Victory.
The Gulf Coast continues to rack up SEC Player of the Week honors. In week one, Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard of Pascagoula was named the Offensive Player of the Week and LSU Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu of New Orleans was the Defensive Player of the Week.
In Week Two, Alabama's Mark Barron of Mobile has been named the Defensive Player of the Week. Barron, a St. Paul's Alum, had a monster game in the Crimson Tide's 27-11 victory over Penn State.
The 6-2, 218 pound Free Safety had an interception, fumble recovery and lead the team with seven tackles.
Here is a full summary of Barron's performance from Al.com: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/tide_safety_mark_barron_named_1.html
In Week Two, Alabama's Mark Barron of Mobile has been named the Defensive Player of the Week. Barron, a St. Paul's Alum, had a monster game in the Crimson Tide's 27-11 victory over Penn State.
The 6-2, 218 pound Free Safety had an interception, fumble recovery and lead the team with seven tackles.
Here is a full summary of Barron's performance from Al.com: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/tide_safety_mark_barron_named_1.html
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Gulf Coast Natives Claim SEC Player Of The Week Honors
The Gulf Coast region represented strong in the opening weekend of College Football. Both the SEC Offensive and Defensive players of the week are Gulf Coast natives. Mississippi State Running Back Vick Ballard of Pascagoula was named the Offensive Player of the Week rushing for 166 yards on 10 carries and 3 touchdowns. The Pascagoula High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College product has been an absolute steal for the Bulldogs, picking up from his 19 touchdown performance in 2010 after only being lightly recruited out of both high school and community college.
New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu of LSU was named the Defensive Player of the Week in the Tigers
40-27 victory over the Oregon Ducks in Dallas. The 5-9, 175 pound Sophomore Cornerback had a monster game recording 10 tackles, 2 pass break-ups, causing a fumble then returning it for a touchdown. Coming out of St. Augustine High School, Mathieu was more heavily recruited than Ballard. Rivals.com ranked him as the 13th best cornerback in the nation and the ninth best player in the State of Louisiana. However, after also showing great promise as a true Freshman in 2009, I think it would be sufficient to say that, like Ballard, Mathieu has also surpassed his recruiting projections.
Look for our SEC Offensive and Defensive players of the week to become more familiar with each other very soon. In only 9 days, LSU comes to Starkville to take on the Bulldogs in a big Thursday night SEC matchup, and with the physical style of play that both Ballard and Mathieu possess, I'm sure a few
one-on-one full contact introductions will take place.
- Win
New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu of LSU was named the Defensive Player of the Week in the Tigers
40-27 victory over the Oregon Ducks in Dallas. The 5-9, 175 pound Sophomore Cornerback had a monster game recording 10 tackles, 2 pass break-ups, causing a fumble then returning it for a touchdown. Coming out of St. Augustine High School, Mathieu was more heavily recruited than Ballard. Rivals.com ranked him as the 13th best cornerback in the nation and the ninth best player in the State of Louisiana. However, after also showing great promise as a true Freshman in 2009, I think it would be sufficient to say that, like Ballard, Mathieu has also surpassed his recruiting projections.
Look for our SEC Offensive and Defensive players of the week to become more familiar with each other very soon. In only 9 days, LSU comes to Starkville to take on the Bulldogs in a big Thursday night SEC matchup, and with the physical style of play that both Ballard and Mathieu possess, I'm sure a few
one-on-one full contact introductions will take place.
- Win
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Dutchtown's Eddie Lacy Receives High Praise From Nick Saban
Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana has become a hotbed for producing Division I College Football prospects, including the state's top prospect this season in defensive back Landon Collins. One of those blue chips who LSU let escape out of their own backyard is Sophomore Running Back Eddie Lacy who will be up Heisman candidate Trent Richardson at Alabama this season. Lacy recently earned high praise from Nick Saban for an excellent camp and improvement in holding onto the ball:
Saban was asked about second-team running back Eddie Lacy, who lost two fumbles early last season. How has the redshirt sophomore been doing in regards to ball security in preseason practices.
"Well, he's doing fine," Saban said. "He hasn't had any issues or problems. He's had a really good fall camp, and I think his energy and enthusiasm goes up with his confidence and his knowledge of the offense, and I think he feels a lot more comfortable and confident now, and he's had a really good fall camp.
For full article and Saban's definition of mental toughness: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/tide_notes_what_is_nick_sabans.htm
Saban was asked about second-team running back Eddie Lacy, who lost two fumbles early last season. How has the redshirt sophomore been doing in regards to ball security in preseason practices.
"Well, he's doing fine," Saban said. "He hasn't had any issues or problems. He's had a really good fall camp, and I think his energy and enthusiasm goes up with his confidence and his knowledge of the offense, and I think he feels a lot more comfortable and confident now, and he's had a really good fall camp.
For full article and Saban's definition of mental toughness: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/tide_notes_what_is_nick_sabans.htm
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