ELLISVILLE —
The preparation is over and the hay is in the barn, so to speak.
It’s time for the 2010 MACJC football season to begin.
The 19th-ranked Jones County Junior College Bobcats open the campaign with a lengthy trip to Moorhead to battle the Mississippi Community College Trojans.
Kickoff is at 6 p.m. on Thursday from Jim Randall Field. The game can be heard on www.jcjc.tv (audio only) and WGDQ-FM, 93.1, with Lance Pittman calling play-by-play and Mark Easley providing commentary. Airtime will be 5:30 p.m.
The Bobcats are optimistic about the season.
JCJC returns nine starters from last year’s 6-4 team that finished second in the South Division and advanced to the playoffs. The Bobcats lost 26-16 to eventual state champion East Mississippi Community College.
The Bobcats will go with Itawamba Community College sophomore transfer Tromarcus Toney (6-2, 220) at quarterback. Toney prepped at Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn.
JCJC returns plenty of experience in the offensive line, but will be young in the backfield and at the wideout slots.
The situation is similar on defense where most of the Bobcats’ experience is in the line. JCJC has veterans returning at linebacker, as well, but will be inexperienced in the secondary.
The Trojans return 19 lettermen from last year’s 2-7 team.
Under the direction of veteran head coach Jay Miller, Mississippi Delta has always been noted for its excellent defensive play and this year appears to be no exception.
Key returnees on defense include tackle Tevin Wells (6-2, 285) from Mound Bayou, end Blake Comminie (6-1, 230) of Edgard, La., and backs Jermerilous Moten (5-11, 165) of Leland and Demarcus Quinn (5-9, 165) of Ruleville.
Top returning players on offense will running back Marquise Stephens (6-1, 195) from Flowery Branch, Ga., and three huge linemen – Roderick Barber (6-4, 290) of Leland, Will Kent (6-2, 262) of Pillow Academy in Greenwood and William Stowers (6-3, 340) of Indianola Academy.
Last year, the Trojans came to Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field and led JCJC 14-9 in the third quarter. However, the Bobcats battled back for a 25-14 victory
JCJC will head back to the Delta region next week. On Thursday, Sept. 9, the Bobcats will take on Coahoma Community College. Kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. in Clarksdale.
Mississippi Delta will make a lengthy trip of its own on Sept. 9 when the Trojans visit Gulf Coast.
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Related Photos
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JCJC sophomore offensive tackle Brandon Bender of Laurel addresses the crowd during “Meet the Bobcats” Tuesday at Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The Bobcats open the 2010 season at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Mississippi Delta Community College. Photo/Teresa Martin, JCJC Public Relations
No. 19 Bobcats open season tonight at Mississippi Delta
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