Jones College Bobcats Set to Clash with Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs

Thursday Night Football hype isn’t just for the NFL. This Thursday, the undefeated Jones College Bobcats will take on the undefeated Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs. Both teams have had sweeping wins in their early games, meaning that this Thursday’s match should showcase the MACCC’s fiercest talent. 

Mississippi Gulf Coast, averaging a whopping 49.5 points per game, has steamrolled its first two opponents and comes in with six straight wins over Jones. But this year’s Bobcats are eager to finally trounce their rivals. 

Reflecting on his season so far, Bobcats head coach Lytrel Pollard praised the team’s deep camaraderie. Pollard spoke highly of his team’s technical skill as well, noting that “[we are] able to go out and play at a high level in the first quarter [so] you know that speaks of maturity and guys that prepare and are ready to go play.”

Pollard has prioritized finding balance in his team, cultivating strength across offensive and defensive lines. Quarterback Cannon Crowder has excelled this season, and running back Ky’Yon Harris has 21 carries for 133 yards and five scores, the best in the conference. Wide receiver TK Keyes is third in the MACCC in receiving yards. And the Bobcats defense —anchored by linebacker Delarrius Hayes—has proved almost impenetrable.

Still, the Bobcats will need their best to outmaneuver MGCCC quarterback Landon Varnes. Varnes leads the NJCAA and MACCC in passing with 356.5 yards per game, a formidable opponent.

After weeks on the road, Pollard is looking forward to playing on the Bobcats’ home turf. “Everybody seems to be excited about it in the city and the county,” Pollard said. “I look forward to them coming out and cheering my guys on. Hopefully, we can give them a good showing.”

Jones College hosts No. 6 Mississippi Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the MACCC South Division opener for both teams. The game will air on jcbobcats.com/watch.

Author contributor Faith Ellington