The 2024 Northwest Mississippi Community College Football Media Guide is a publication of the Northwest Sports Information Office, and is available in print and digital format on nwccrangers.com. This publication was written and edited by Sports Information Director Brian Lentz, with contributions from Assistant Sports Information Director Brian Oakley, student intern Thomas Hunt, graphic designers Jennifer Corbin and Kevin Pitts, along with prior layout work from former Northwest SID Kevin Maloney. Additional editing provided by the Northwest Office of Marketing and Communications. Cover designed by Jennifer Corbin.
Photography provided by: Kevin Pitts, Angel Smith, Gather Lacefield, Rutger Baukman, Nathan Dixon, Barry Perkins, Jared Thomas, Mickey Bailey, NJCAA, JUCO Weekly, Lindsay Crawford, Kevin Maloney, Brett Brown, Brian Lentz, Brian Oakley, Lee Adams, Julie Bauer, Sarah Smith, Carly Fox, Jennifer Corbin, Madison Phillips, Edmonton Elks, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Jim Biever (Green Bay Packers), NFL Creative, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Dan Szpakowski (New York Jets), Philadelphia Eagles, Bill Smith (Chicago Bears), Getty Images, Corky Trewin, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, US Presswire, Clarion-Ledger, Sun Herald, USA Today and The Associated Press.
WE ARE NORTHWEST
NWE ARE NORTHWEST
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
orthwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Northwest offers the pre-requisites you need to prepare for an exciting four-year degree at any of Mississippi’s colleges or universities. We also offer nearly 40 Career and Technical programs designed to teach students the practical skills needed for a wide variety of jobs in the workforce.
AREAS OF STUDY
Department of Business
Department of Education
Department of Fine Arts
Department of Languages and Communications
Department of Social Science
Department of Nursing
Department of Mathematics
Department of Natural Sciences
Career-Technical Education
School of Health Sciences
COST
Northwest is less than half the price of a Mississippi public college or university ($1,695 per semester versus an average $3,700 per semester).
FINANCIAL AID
Over 90 percent of Northwest students receive some sort of financial assistance.
STUDENTS
Over 7,000 students spread across six campuses located in Senatobia, Batesville, Olive Branch, Southaven, Ashland and Oxford. The
student to faculty ratio is 20:1.
Northwest offers 10 competitive athletic programs and is known state‐wide for its tradition of excellence in intercollegiate sports. The Rangers have won six national titles since 1982 in football, women’s basketball and cheer. Since 2000, over 350 Northwest student-athletes have gone on to play at over 150 different four-year schools around the country. Over 50 of those have gone on to play professionally.
STUDENT LIFE
Life at Northwest is so much more than classes and studying. Intramurals, athletics, clubs and organizations and campus activities give Northwest students a chance to unwind from classes and get involved on campus and in the community.
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in career education. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 6794500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3309, e-mail address mkelsay@northwestms.edu; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3409, e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 560-5216, email estanford@northwestms.edu.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JAMIE ANDERSON Tallahatchie
DR. RACHELL ANDERSON Tunica
JERRY BARRETT Vice Chairman • Tate
STEVE BOSTICK Benton
JEAN ANN CASEY Calhoun ANGIE CRAWFORD Quitman
STEVE CUMMINGS Yalobusha
BILL DAWSON Marshall
ALEE’ DIXON Tate
DIANA GRIST Benton
SYLVIA HICKEY Tallahatchie
SAMMY HIGDON Yalobusha
BRENDA HOPSON Quitman
STURGIS MONTEITH DeSoto
JOHN T. LAMAR JR. Board Attorney • Tate DR. LISA LANGFORD Calhoun
MIKE MOORE Lafayette
DR. DELL PHILLIPS Panola
DR. CARRIE SKELTON Marshall
CORY USELTON Chairman • DeSoto
JAY FOSTER Lafayette
DOROTHY WILBOURN Panola
DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL PRESIDENT
Dr. Michael J. Heindl was selected as the ninth president of Northwest Mississippi Community College by the college’s Board of Trustees during a special meeting held April 26, 2018 on the Senatobia campus.
A native of Clinton, Heindl heads the state’s third-largest community college with a current enrollment of over 7,000 students on six campuses and online.
Heindl, a community college graduate, brings with him to Northwest experience in a number of areas, including finance, technology, legal issues, human resources, emergency management, campus leadership, student services, workforce training and admissions.
Heindl holds a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Mississippi State University (2011), a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University (2001), a B.S. in psychology from Mississippi College (1997) and an Associate of Arts in general studies/music from Hinds Community College (1994).
He began his career in education in 2001 as golf tournament coordinator at Hinds Community College and also served as an intern for the Mississippi Supreme Court while working on his law degree during that time. In July, 2001 he became dean of students for Wesley College in Florence before being named district director of Admissions and Records at Hinds in 2003.
In 2006, Heindl was program specialist for Career and Technical Education at the Mississippi Community College Board, where some of his responsibilities included coordination for all career-technical programs and workforce training for the state’s 15 community colleges.
In 2007 he returned to Hinds, where he worked for four years as dean of students for the Rankin County Campus before being named vice president of the Jackson County Campus of MGCCC in 2011. A year later, he moved into the position of executive vice president of Administration and Finance.
In addition to his administrative experience, Heindl has 17 years of teaching experience, having served as an adjunct instructor for legal courses in both the Department of Business and in the Career-Technical paralegal program at Hinds. He has also taught graduate-level courses in higher education law at Mississippi College and was an adjunct professor teaching Community College Legal Issues in the Community College Leadership doctoral program at Mississippi State University
Active in a number of professional groups and community organizations, Heindl served as president-elect of the Community College Business Officers Association (CCBO), a member of the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Class and the Education Strategic Planning Committee for the Mississippi Coast, on the Planning Committee for Leadership Mississippi and an Angel runner for Ainsley’s Angels, a national organization that provides racing/running experiences for special needs individuals.
He has served as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Structured Pathways, Statewide Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement Task Force and was on the MGCCC District Athletic Council. He also assisted other colleges with the accreditation process by serving on the Finance Accreditation Review Team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL pictured with his wife, Jennifer, children Taryn (28), Harrison (20) and Nicholas (18), and grandson, Jayson (9). Heindl was selected as the College’s ninth president on April 26, 2018.
Among his many accomplishments are the MGCCC Master Trainer Award, CCBO Outstanding Chief Business Officer Award, and Mississippi Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40. He has participated in leadership programs including the AACC Future Presidents Institute, Mississippi Economic Council, Leadership Mississippi and Leadership DeSoto County. Dr. Heindl was also named as a 2021 Top CEO by the Mississippi Business Journal, and most recently, he was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Heindl is married to the former Jennifer Ingram, and the couple have three children: Taryn (28), Harrison (20) and Nicholas (18), along with a grandson, Jayson (9).
Under the leadership of DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL, Northwest has experienced growth in numerous areas. One of those areas include overall facilities, a plan that included upgrades at Bobby Franklin Field, a new, state-of-the-art softball/soccer facility and a new baseball facility, slated for completion in Spring 2025.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JAKE GORDON
Jake Gordon enters his third year as the Director of Athletics for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
In his two full years of leadership, Gordon has overseen the growth of the Northwest athletic program, helping bring back men’s golf and be one of two Mississippi JUCOs to start a women’s golf program. The two sports will begin competing this fall.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have thrived across the board during Gordon’s tenure. The Northwest football team continues to reach the postseason, while the men’s and women’s tennis teams both made their respective NJCAA tournament debuts in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, the Northwest women’s soccer program has made back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship tournament, while also capturing their first NJCAA Region 23 title in program history.
One of Gordon’s first hires at Northwest, rodeo coach Will Lummus, has raised the bar of success for the Ranger rodeo program. After sending Colby Burgess to the College National Finals Rodeo in 2023, the Northwest men’s rodeo team had five athletes compete in the CNFR during the summer of 2024.
Additionally, Gordon was also responsible for hiring an entirely new women’s basketball coaching staff, led by head coach and 2023 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame inductee LaTaryl Williams. In his second season, Williams’ squad made it to the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, have also continued to reach the postseason during Gordon’s tenure.
Gordon has made it a point to highlight the Rangers’ success in the classroom as well, establishing the inaugural Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the 2022-23 academic year. He also appointed Charlesy Kennedy to the role of athletic academic advisor, while establishing Tori Fugatt’s role as football academic advisor. Together, the duo helped 175 student-athletes earn recognition to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and 142 to the spring edition. Northwest also had three teams (football, baseball, volleyball) earn MACCC All-Academic Team of the Year recognition, while the Ranger football program garnered NJCAA AllAcademic Team of the Year honors.
Gordon came to Northwest in July 2022 from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he spent three seasons as the assistant athletic director for the Buccaneers. While at Blinn, he was in charge of eligibility of all student-athletes, gameday operations and live streaming all home games on the college’s YouTube channel.
Gordon has nine years of experience at the NJCAA level, previously serving two seasons as the assistant athletic director at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. While at Lakeland, he assisted with the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, eligibility and the Athletic and Fitness Center. Gordon was also in charge of athletic communications, administered the website, promoted the College’s seven NJCAA Division II sports programs, administered an academic tracking system for student-athletes, oversaw the academic retention program for student athletes and held event management duties.
Prior to his tenure at Lakeland, Gordon also had an earlier stint at Blinn College as the communication and sports information specialist for three seasons. Gordon was instrumental in providing coverage to the media on the Buccaneers’ national championship volleyball program in 2014, four national titles in cheer and dance and three national tournament appearances for volleyball, softball and women’s basketball.
Since being hired as the college’s athletic director in June 2022, JAKE GORDON has helped Northwest grow both on and off the field. In addition to reviving men’s golf and adding women’s golf, Gordon has also helped establish student-athletes’ success in the classroom.
worked at various newspapers in Utah prior to his arrival at Blinn, including the Salt Lake Tribune, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, Deseret News and The Vernal Express. While at The Vernal Express, he served as the sports editor, covering high school and local sports for Uintah County, designing sports pages and maintaining the sports section of the website.
Gordon is a native of Tooele, Utah and received his bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Utah and Master of Business Administration in sports administration from Saint Leo University. He and his wife, Tiffany, have two children, Lucy and Andrew.
Alma Mater, Year: University of Notre Dame (2000) University of Virginia (2009)
Oxford, Miss. (Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center) Batesville, Miss. (The Concourse)
Founded: 1928
Nickname: Rangers
Enrollment: 6,131
Official Athletics Website: www.nwccrangers.com
President: Dr. Michael J. Heindl (Hinds Community College, A.A. - 1994) (Mississippi College, B.S. - 1997) (Western Michigan, J.D. - 2001) (Mississippi State, Ph.D - 2011)
Director of Athletics: Jake Gordon (University of Utah) (Saint Leo University)
Conference: Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Colors: Navy Blue (PMS 280), Scarlet Red (PMS 186), White Football Facility (Capacity): Ranger Stadium at Bobby Franklin Field (2,500)
Location: Senatobia, Miss.
Surface: Artificial Turf
FOOTBALL QUICK FACTS
2023 Overall Record: 7-3
Inaugural Season: 1928
National Championships: 4 Conference Championships: 11 MACCC North Division Championships: 19 Playoff Appearances: 34
FOOTBALL STAFF
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
Alma Mater, Year: Itawamba Community College (1993-94) University of Mississippi (B.S. Exercise Science - 1998) William Carey University (M.S. Education - 2000) Career Record: 65-19 (.774); Ninth Season
Twitter: @NWCC_Football
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach: Stan Hill (Ninth Season)
Alma Mater, Year: Marshall University (B.S. Exercise Science - 2005)
Twitter: @stanhill_4
Phone: (662) 560-5273
Email: shill@northwestms.edu
Defensive Coordinator: Paige Anders (Fifth Season)
Alma Mater, Year: Valdosta State University (B.S. General Studies - 2006)
Twitter: @PaigeAnders
Phone: (662) 562-3414
Email: randers@northwestms.edu
Receivers Coach: Scott Oakley (23rd Season)
Alma Mater, Year: Northwest Mississippi Community College (1998-99) University of Mississippi (B.S. Education - 2002)
Twitter: @oakley562000 Phone: (662) 562-3424
Email: scoakley@northwestms.edu
Twitter: @JJones178
Phone: (662) 562-3415
Email: jjones@northwestms.edu
Defensive Line Coach: Rashad Pittman (Ffith Season)
Alma Mater, Year: Pittsburg State University (B.S. Education - 2010)
Twitter: @CoachRPittman
Phone: (662) 562-3910
Email: arpittman@northwestms.edu
Defensive Backs Coach: Charles Jones (Fifth Season)
Alma Mater, Year: University of Alabama (B.S. Marketing - 2009)
Twitter: @CoachCJones20
Phone: (662) 562-7989
Email: cjones@northwestms.edu
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Randal Pharr
Alma Mater, Year: Mississippi College (B.S. Exercise Science - 2014; M.S. Exercise
Physiology - 2016)
Phone: (662) 562-7989
Email: jpharr@northwestms.edu
SUPPORT STAFF
Dr. Matthew Domas Vice President of Academic Instruction
Jake Gordon Athletic Director Ed Carroll Gameday Operations Assistant
Brian Lentz Sports Information Director
Brian Oakley Assistant Sports Information Director
Justin Ware Director of Sports Medicine
Taylor Young Athletic Trainer
Benjy Parker Head Football Coach
Stan Hill Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach
Brian Lentz enters his 10th year at Northwest and the sixth as the sports information director, directly overseeing the publication efforts for all 14 sports.
A lifelong Tate County resident, Lentz was appointed to his current role in November 2018, following a stint as the assistant sports information director that began in July 2015. He has contributed to several college athletic publications since 2015, earning awards from CoSIDA and CPRAM organizations.
Lentz joined Northwest in July 2015 after spending two and a half years as an undergraduate student assistant at Mississippi State University. He served as the women’s tennis contact for two seasons and also assisted at home football and baseball games in various roles.
Prior to MSU, Lentz spent two and a half years in the sports information department at Northwest as a student worker, assisting in various gameday roles. In addition to his work at NWCC, Lentz was the sports editor for The Ranger Rocket student newspaper for one year and a high school sportswriter for the Tate Record.
In addition to his current duties at Northwest, Lentz has also resumed work as the prep sportswriter for the Tate Record, providing coverage of all five local high schools and academies located within Tate County. He also served as the vice president for the 2YSIDA organization (Two-Year Sports Information Directors of America) from 2020-24.
Outside of Northwest, Lentz has volunteered at numerous preseason and postseason Southeastern Conference (SEC) events and also covered high school sports for both the Starkville Daily News and The Commercial Dispatch while at MSU. Within the last four years, he has worked several NCAA events, including the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the South Regional (Sweet 16/Elite Eight) of the 2017 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament and official stats for select ESPN/ SEC Network broadcasts.
Lentz is a native of Arkabutla and holds an Associate of Arts from Northwest (2012) and a B.S. in education from Mississippi State (2015), with a focus on kinesiology and sports studies. He is married to the former Amanda Cooper of Grenada, and the couple share a daughter, Ella Frances (6).
BRIAN OAKLEY
ASSISTANT
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
Brian Oakley enters his sixth year in the Northwest Sports Information department and was elevated to the full-time role of assistant sports information director on July 1, 2022.
Oakley formally joined the Northwest staff as a part-time sports information specialist in August 2019, but has had a hand in various gameday duties well before then. Since 2015, Oakley has assisted in gameday production, primarily operating the videoboard at Bobby Franklin Field and handling public address announcing at Northwest men’s and women’s basketball games.
Oakley received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 1998, with focuses on political science and communication studies. While at Vanderbilt, he served as a cadet in the ROTC program and as a marketing and promotions intern in the Commodores’ athletic department, where he was responsible for gameday promotional operations, scheduling of student-athletes for campus tours, off-campus promotion of athletic contests, design of various promotional materials and retail sales of university-related apparel.
At Vanderbilt, Oakley was selected to revamp a struggling KidsZone program and helped increase kids club membership from 10-15 to over 250 per home football game.
Oakley is a native of Senatobia and is the older brother of Ranger assistant football coach Scott Oakley and head men’s basketball coach Shane Oakley.
ED CARROLL
SUPPORT STAFF
ATHLETIC GAME OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Ed Carroll enters his 18th year at Northwest, and second year as the Athletic Game Operations Coordinator and “Voice of the Rangers”. Carroll previously served Northwest as the Director of Residence Life & Housing, assistant director, assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator.
Carroll came to Northwest and back to coaching in August of 2007 as an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator ,after spending seven years in public relations and marketing with the American Express Company. The Rangers earned a trip to the MACJC Playoffs that year, but fell to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the first round. After one year, and a head coaching change, Carroll moved into administration as the Assistant Director of Campus Life and Housing, responsible for the adjudication of student conduct on all campuses.
In 2020, Carroll added the role of director to his responsibilities and all daily operations of housing and residence life for ten residence halls and 1,237 resident students on the Senatobia campus. During his tenure, Northwest opened up a 10th residence hall in 2021, the ultramodern Calhoun Hall.
In his role as Athletic Game Operations Coordinator, Carroll is also the college’s official public address announcer for Northwest’s intercollegiate athletic programs, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. In addition, Carroll supports the athletic director and daily operations in all aspects of providing a positive atmosphere for student-athlete academic success and eligibility.
Carroll spent over a decade in the 80’s and 90’s coaching high school and college football including a stop at Murray State University from 1991-1993, as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for coach Mike Mahoney and the Racers.
Carroll is a graduate of Simpson College (Iowa Conference), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. While at Simpson, he spent four years at cornerback as well as special teams for the Storm, becoming a starter his senior season.
Carroll is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Simpson College in 1984. He received his bachelor’s in education from Northwestern State in 1996. Carroll also attended the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Iowa) for medical studies from 1984 until 1986.
TORI FUGATT
FOOTBALL ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Tori Fugatt enters her second season as the academic advisor for the Northwest football program in 2024.
In her first year at Northwest, Fugatt helped 40 members of the Rangers’ football program accomplish a 3.0 GPA or higher. The team’s GPA during the Fall 2023 season was a 3.10 and a 3.07 during the Spring 2024 semester. Fugatt also helped 21 members of the team to the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
One of her most notable acheivements came this past summer, when Northwest was named the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year for football, after posting the highest team GPA in the nation.
Fugatt joined Northwest after spending two years as the Director of Athletic Operations for the softball program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. While there, she performed numerous duties, including handling compliance, recruiting, financial and administrative support tasks. Other duties Fugatt performed included maintaining social media accounts for ULM softball, gameday operations, organizing team travel and fundraising.
Fugatt is a graduate of ULM, earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2020 and earlier this spring, she earned her master’s degree in exercise science, with a focus on sports management. The Mayflower, Ark. native also played softball for the Warhawks from 2017-19.
Fugatt is the daughter of Shelley and Mike Fugatt, and enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog.
JUSTIN WARE
SUPPORT STAFF
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE
Justin Ware, LAT, ATC, is entering his third year as the Director of Sports Medicine for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenville, Ware is employed by Athletico Physical Therapy and previously served as the Head Athletic Trainer for Oxford High School and Ole Miss club sports for seven years. At Oxford, Ware provided sports medicine coverage for all athletics in grades 7-12, while handling Ole Miss club soccer, lacrosse, rugby, hockey and basketball.
Ware attended Mississippi Delta Community College and played baseball for the Trojans, before moving on to Delta State University. While at DSU, he served as a student athletic trainer for football, baseball, softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s soccer.
After leaving Delta State with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training in 2014, Ware formally joined the Athletico staff and began his aforementioned stint at Oxford High School.
In his spare time, Ware volunteers his time to provide coverage for the Mississippi Special Olympic games. He is a member of the Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and has held a CPR/AED certification since 2011.
Ware is married to the former Lindsey Dunn of Dyersburg, Tenn. and the couple welcomed their first child in December 2022.
TAYLOR
YOUNG
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER
Taylor Young enters his third year as an athletic trainer for Athletico Physical Therapy and Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenwood, Young arrived at Athletico and Northwest after spending seven years as an athletic trainer at Mississippi Delta Community College. After serving as an assistant trainer during his first two years in Moorhead, Young was promoted to the head athletic trainer role and remained in that role for five years, serving football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball and baseball.
Young graduated from Pillow Academy in 2009 and played baseball at MDCC, where he was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He was also named Mr. MDCC in 2011.
After departing MDCC with his associate’s degree, Young moved on to Delta State, where he finished with his bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2014 and later earned his master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance in 2016, with an emphasis in Sports Management.
While working on his undergrad, Young also interned with the University of Memphis, where he covered football and track and field. He is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association.
NORTHWEST ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Office: (662) 562-3303
Fax: (662) 562-3303
Mailing Address:
MEDIA INFORMATION
COVERAGE
Northwest Mississippi Community College Athletic Communications Department
4975 Hwy. 51 North Senatobia, MS 38668
SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACTS
BRIAN LENTZ
Director of Sports Information Cell: (901) 626-7885 Office: (662) 562-3303
Email: blentz@northwestms.edu X (Twitter): @BrianJLentz
BRIAN OAKLEY
Assistant Director of Sports Information Office: (662) 562-3269
Email: boakley@northwestms.edu
X (Twitter): @briansoakley
Northwest Mississippi Community College maintains a comprehensive official athletic depart ment website. Up-to-date information, including schedules, statistics, rosters, player signings and news releases for all nine sports are provided on the award-winning nwccrangers.com. In-game live stats, live video and live audio is available for each Ranger football contest. Fans can also follow the team on numerous social media outlets, by searching the username @ NWCC_Rangers. The Northwest sports information department, consisting of Brian Lentz and Brian Oakley, maintain the athletic website.
CREDENTIALS
Media or photo credentials are required for admittance to Northwest football games for working media. However, it is requested that media seeking to cover a game contact the sports information director prior to avoid additional problems. Photographers can not stand directly underneath the goalposts and are not permitted to shoot between the 25-yard lines. Ranger Stadium at Bobby Franklin Field does not contain a press box for media use, but instead a limited-capacity game operations booth on the facility’s east side (home). A smaller game operations booth is also located on the west side, used only for visiting team broadcast, coaching and athletic communications staffs. For further inquiries, contact Brian Lentz at (662) 562-3303 or at blentz@northwestms.edu.
PRESS SERVICES
Media guides, game notes, rosters, results and statistics are updated daily on the college’s athletic website, nwccrangers.com. Stat files and other game materials can be printed for me dia upon request. An official NJCAA box score and play-by-play information may be obtained from the sports information director approximately 15 minutes following the conclusion of the game.
INTERVIEWS
All player and coach interviews must be arranged through the sports information director. Coaches and athletes will be available following games after a brief 10-minute cooling off period. The best time to interview coaches is typically in the mornings, Monday through Wednesday. The best time to interview student-athletes is directly after weekday practices around 5:00 p.m.
GAME BROADCASTS
Broadcast media in attendance are requested to contact the sports information director at least one week prior to the game in question. For the third straight year, Northwest will continue its partnership with WMC-TV 5 in Memphis, as all Ranger football contests are slated to air on Action News 5 Plus across north Mississippi, west Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. The channel can be accessed by downloading the Action News 5 app on your Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV device, or on an over-the-air antenna through Channel 5.3 in the MidSouth region.
Additionally, Northwest will continue its partnership with Ellington Broadcasting for the fourth consecutive season. The Cleveland-based group will simulcast all Northwest regular season games over-the-air on WHCQ-LD 8 and through various cable systems, bringing the excitement of Ranger football to the Mississippi Delta, as well as WEBU-LD 22 in the Batesville-Oxford-Water Valley area.
All Northwest games will also continue to air on Ranger TV, which is available worldwide by visiting nwccrangers.com/watch.
Tyler Springs returns for his third season of play-by-play duties, along with second-year color analyst Russell Copeland. Springs holds an array of broadcast experience, working for such entities as WMC-TV 5, NewsTalk 98.9 FM WKIM, the UFL’s Memphis Showboats and the University of Memphis. Copeland, a native of Tupelo, played football at Memphis before being drafted in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. His pro career spanned from 19932001 and included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Memphis Maniax (XFL) and Toronto Argonauts (CFL).
DR. ANDREW DALE Associate Vice President for Community Relations
SARAH SMITH Communications Specialist
MATTHEW MIXSON Video Coordinator & Digital Media Specialist
JENNIFER CORBIN Graphic Designer
CARLY FOX Assistant Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications
KEVIN PITTS Graphic Designer & Communications Specialist
COACHES & STAFF
HEAD COACH BENJY PARKER
Benjy Parker, the 2017 MACJC North Division Coach of the Year and 2020 MACCC Coach of the Year, is entering his 19th season as a junior college football coach and his ninth as the head coach of the Rangers.
In 26 seasons overall as a collegiate coach, Parker has been a part of four national championships with three different programs in Jones County, Butler (Kan.) and Northwest, and coached in 13 bowl games, along with guiding the Rangers to back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs.
Since being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach on Feb. 17, 2016, Parker has guided Northwest to four straight MACJC/MACCC title games (six total), two bowl game appearances, a 65-19 overall record and a 41-7 mark in conference play.
Parker’s .774 winning percentage currently ranks as the best all-time for a Northwest head coach, slightly above the .772 career win percentage from all-time winningest coach Bobby Ray Franklin (1981-2004). Additionally, Parker holds an .854 winning percentage in conference play.
Northwest finished 7-3 overall in 2023 and made the conference playoffs for the 10th straight season, the longest postseason streak in program history. Additionally, the Rangers also finished No. 13 in the final NJCAA rankings. Three Northwest players finished with NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American accolades: Dylan Spencer (offensive lineman). Charles Thomas (defensive back) and D.J. Burgess (defensive lineman).
In 2022, Northwest finished No. 3 in the final NJCAA rankings, capping off an undefeated regular season that ended with a 10-2 overall record. The Rangers fell to East Mississippi in the MACCC Championship game and then fell to Iowa Western in the NJCAA semifinals.
Despite falling short of capturing the program’s fifth national title, six members of Parker’s 2022 squad earned NJCAA All-American recognition, the most in a single season since 1992. Quarterback Ren Hefley earned First Team All-American nods, while offensive lineman Jay Mickle, defensive lineman Jykeveous Hibbler and defensive back Byron “Tank” Pearson earned second team honors. Additionally, receiver D.T. Sheffield and tight end Kevin Diaz were named to Honorable Mention status.
Equally as impressive was the amount of Rangers named to All-MACCC and All-Region 23 accolades. A total of 19 players earned all-conference recognition, with 11 of those also earning All-Region 23 honors.
Parker also helped send 29 members of the 2022 squad to the four-year level, the most in a single season. Since the 2016 season, 148 Rangers have signed or walked on at four-year schools, with 121 of those joining the Division I level at FBS or FCS programs. Some of the most notable members of the 2022 team to sign to the next level included Hibbler (N.C. State), Sheffield (Washington State), defensive back Stephen Hall (Washington State), Hefley (Middle Tennessee State), linebacker Sam Brumfield (Middle Tennessee State), Diaz (Arkansas State), Pearson (Ohio) and defensive lineman Omar Pew (Utah State).
Parker guided the Rangers through highs and lows in 2021, as Northwest went from a No. 2 national ranking to tumbling out of the polls altogether after a 3-2 start to the season. However, the Rangers rebounded nicely and ended the season with four consecutive victories, including two over nationally-ranked opponents. The 4-0 span in October helped push Northwest back into the NJCAA rankings and a second-place regular season finish in the MACCC North Division.
Parker’s squad carried that success over into the MACCC Playoffs, upsetting a top five Jones College squad on the road, successfully avenging one of the Rangers’ earlier two losses. Northwest followed up with a 56-21 rout of Hinds in the MACCC Championship game, earning its second consecutive conference title and a No. 3 national ranking.
With its top three ranking, Northwest was selected as one of four participants in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Playoffs, ending the season with a 9-3 overall record after a tough loss to No. 2-ranked New Mexico Military Institute.
Despite a challenging and shortened 2020 season (which included several schedule alterations, due to COVID-19), Parker guided Northwest to a 6-0 record, the MACCC North Division title and a 40-13 victory at Mississippi Gulf Coast on December 5, 2020, helping the Rangers cement the MACCC and National Community College Football championships.
Earlier in the 2020 season, Parker became the Rangers’ second all-time winningest coach after a 26-9 win at Mississippi Delta on November 7. His record of 39-11 overall stands only behind Hall of Fame coach Bobby Franklin’s 201-win total.
Parker guided Northwest to an 8-3 overall record and the MACJC North Division championship in 2019. The Rangers finished as the MACJC runner-up after falling by three points to topranked Mississippi Gulf Coast in the conference title contest.
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In eight seasons under his leadership, Northwest head coach BENJY PARKER has guided the Rangers to the postseason every year and has consistently kept the program in the national spotlight. This season, Parker’s squad has garnered a handful of preseason rankings after a 7-3 campaign in 2023.
HEAD COACH BENJY PARKER
Northwest boasted the MACJC’s No. 1 scoring defense and second-ranked total defense during the 2017 season under Parker and the Rangers are three years removed from breaking a 24-year-old school record with 117 tackles-for-loss and 46 sacks, 7th most in single season school history.
THE PARKER FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Bruce, Miss.
Education: Itawamba Community College (1993-94)
University of Mississippi (B.S. Exercise Science - 1998)
Northwest tied the 1992 national championship team with four shutouts during the 2017 season, one shy of a school record, and held seven of its 11 opponents to three touchdowns or less.
Parker has coached 60 all-conference players in his first three seasons, 20 NJCAA All-Region 23 players and 10 NJCAA All-Americans. Since taking over as head coach, 92 of his players have signed with four-year programs via Northwest, including an impressive 67 to Division I programs.
Prior to Northwest, the Bruce native spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Troy University, one with the defensive secondary and seven coaching linebackers. Parker is well-known in the Mississippi Junior College ranks and proved to be beneficial in recruiting that area for the Trojans.
Troy won five consecutive Sun Belt Championships and posted five consecutive 8-win seasons from 2006-10. The Trojans also played in four bowl games in his eight seasons, including winning the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl twice, 41-17 over Rice in 2006 and 48-21 over Ohio in 2010.
Prior to his stint at Troy, Parker served as the defensive coordinator at Northeast Mississippi Community College for two seasons (2004-05). At Northeast, Parker helped turn the Tigers into a national powerhouse, and in his final season, the Tigers were ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation and finished with a 7-2 overall record. They played in the Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl against Trinity Valley, the only bowl appearance in program history.
Prior to his two successful seasons at Northeast, Parker spent four seasons as linebackers coach at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan. He coached four NJCAA All-Americans at Butler and helped the Grizzlies to the 2003 NJCAA National Championship.
Parker’s other coaching experience includes spending a summer as a graduate assistant at Louisiana-Monroe in 2000 and two seasons at Jones County Junior College (1998-99) where he helped the Bobcats to a perfect 12-0 record during the 1998 season and NJCAA National Championship.
Parker played at Itawamba Community College (1993-94), later earned his bachelor’s in exercise science from Ole Miss (1998) and finished his master’s degree in education at William Carey University (2000).
Parker is married to the former Emily Moore of Calhoun County and the couple has one daughter, Mary Hastings (15).
William Carey University (M.S. Education - 2000)
Family: Emily (Wife) Mary Hastings (Daughter)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
• Itawamba Community College
COACHING
two national titles. Here, Parker poses
Michael J. Heindl after capturing the 2021 MACCC title.
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
STAN HILL
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/QUARTERBACKS COACH NINTH SEASON
Stan Hill is entering his ninth season as offensive coordinator for Northwest.
Last year, the Rangers finished 7-3 overall with Indiana State signee Keegan Patterson under center. Hill’s quarterback started all 10 games for Northwest, passing for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns, completing roughly 50 percent of his passes.
During a 10-2 season in 2022, Hill’s offense averaged 33.8 points per game with 4,712 yards of total offense. both ranking seventh in the nation and second in the MACCC. Through the air, Northwest ranked eighth in total passing yards (2,617), while quarterback and First Team NJCAA All-American Ren Hefley finished second in the nation with over 2,400 passing yards. The Rangers averaged 218.1 passing yards per game (10th) and compiled 25 passing touchdowns, tying for fifth nationally.
On the ground, the Rangers rushed for 2,095 yards on the season, which ranked fifth among NJCAA Division I programs. Northwest also scored 25 rushing touchdowns, good for seventh nationally, and averaged 174.6 yards per game, ranking 11th in the nation.
Seven of Hill’s offensive skill players signed with four-year programs, highlighted by Hefley (Middle Tennessee State), receiver D.T. Sheffield (Washington State; North Texas), tight end Kevin Diaz (Arkansas State), receivers Jaycob Horn (Eastern Kentucky) and E. Jai Mason (Samford), Dekyren Johnson (Delta State) and running back Cayden Betts (Mississippi Valley State).
Hefley also became the latest quarterback disciple of Hill to move on to the four-year level, joining the likes of Jack Abraham (Southern Miss/Mississippi State/Missouri), Michael Hiers (Samford), Jacob Free (Troy), Jack Walker (Southern Miss), Clay Holgorsen (Northwestern State), Robert Wilcke (Harding University) and Jack Strouse (Missouri Southern State).
In 2021, Hill’s offense ranked first in the MACCC with 5,402 total yards, good for fourth in the nation. The Rangers also ranked fifth nationally in scoring (434 points), fourth in total passing yards (3,109) and second in total rushing yards (2,293). Northwest was also in the top five in several other categories, including first downs (277) and passing completions (224), while also ranking seventh for both third and fourth down conversions.
Despite a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, Hill’s offense helped Northwest to a 6-0 record, the MACCC Championship and the National Community College Football Championship, while posting 394.5 yards per game and 33.5 points per game.
As part of the Rangers’ offense over the 2020-21 seasons, Hill helped develop Murray State transfer Michael Hiers into one of the most coveted JUCO quarterback recruits in the country. The Birmingham native and Samford signee finished his Northwest career with 4,519 passing yards, good for fifth all-time in the program record books. He also concluded the 2021 season with 3,093 passing yards, joining Will Hall (3,982; 2000), Russell Evans (3,293; 1992) and Gardner Minshew II (3,288; 2015) as only one of four Ranger quarterbacks to toss for 3,000 yards in a single season.
Other notable standouts on Hill’s offense included receiver Jacoby Jones (Ohio; UCF), Tyson Keys (Alcorn State; Mississippi College) and standout running back Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21).
Hill helped the Northwest offense to nearly 400 yards per game and 33.1 points per game in 2019, his third season in the top 20 nationally for both total offense and scoring offense. The Rangers captured its third MACJC North Division championship in the last five years and advance to the conference title game for fourth time in five seasons, finishing with an 8-3 overall record.
Hill’s offense also boasted a 2,000-yard passer for the third straight season, as Jack Walker passed for 2,279 yards and 20 touchdowns, joining Jacob Free (2018; 2,036 yds) and Jack Abraham (2017; 2949 yds).
Northwest boasted two 1,000-yard rushers in his first season in Quarderman Sloan and Tywun Walters, a program-first, giving the Rangers an MACJC-best streak of three straight seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. The Rangers rushed a school-record 515 times for 2,081 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2016.
Hill has coached 27 all-conference selections in his four seasons at Northwest, including quarterback Jacob Free (Troy), offensive linemen Lavante Epson, Jr. (FAU), Damien Lewis (LSU), a two-time NJCAA All-American and J.R. Burns (Murray State) and running backs Tywun Walters (South Alabama) and Kevin Perkins (Southern Miss).
Hill arrived at Oxford High School in 2008 and his offense was one of the premier in the state in the last five seasons in numerous categories. The Chargers advanced to the playoffs in six of his eight seasons, including three consecutive 5A state title games, and posted double digit wins in each of the past four seasons.
Hill grew up in a very athletic family, the son of legendary Oxford High School coach Johnny Hill and the youngest of four brothers who were also all-star athletes.
Hill played collegiately at Marshall University from 2001-04, quarterbacking the Thundering Herd to a combined 36-14 record, 2002 MAC Championship and two GMAC bowl victories over East Carolina and Louisville.
Hill threw for 4,711 career yards (10th in school history) and 38 touchdowns (8th, school history) and also rushed for six career touchdowns, including a last-second 1-yard run in place of an injured Byron Leftwich to beat Ben Roethlisberger and Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 13, 2002.
As a junior, Hill’s 165.9 quarterback rating was the second-highest in the nation while his 69.6 completion percentage ranked fourth nationally. Entering his senior season, he was one of 22 candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List.
After graduation from Marshall, Hill tried out for several NFL teams before going on to play in the Arena Football League (AFL) with Memphis, Oklahoma City and New Orleans.
He signed with the Memphis Xplorers AFL2 franchise, then was traded to Bossier City where he suffered a season-ending injury after only three games. Hill was then named the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz’s starting quarterback, beating out three others for the job, and went on to be named conference MVP.
Hill is married to the former Lauren Scott, an all-conference women’s soccer player at Marshall, and the couple have three boys Wade (15), Tate (13) and Reed (10).
THE HILL FILE:
PERSONAL:
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
Hometown: Oxford, Miss.
Education: Marshall University (B.S. Exercise Science - 2005)
Family: Lauren (Wife) Wade, Tate, Reed (Children)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
• Marshall University (2001-04)
• Arena Football League 2 (2005-08) (Memphis Xplorers, Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, Bossier City Battle Wings)
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2013
2014 Oxford High School Offensive Coordinator 13-2 5A Championship Game
2015 Oxford High School Offensive Coordinator 12-3 5A Championship Game
as the offensive coordinator at Oxford High School in 2008, STAN HILL has only missed the postseason twice in his 16-year career, helping Northwest to eight consecutive playoff appearances since 2016.
STAN HILL spent four seasons as a quarterback for Marshall University from 2001-04, alongside future NFL veteran Byron Leftwich. Hill led the Thundering Herd to a victory against Miami (Ohio) on November 13, 2002, defeating future Pittsburgh Steelers’ legend Ben Roethlisberger in the process.
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
SCOTT OAKLEY
WIDE RECEIVERS COACH 23RD SEASON
Scott Oakley enters his 23rd season at Northwest and his 21st as a full-time assistant leading the Rangers’ wide receiver unit. A familiar face around the city of Senatobia, Oakley is the longest tenured coach on staff.
Oakley has helped guide Northwest to the postseason in 17 of his 23 seasons, including four bowl games and two appearances in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Additionally, Oakley has been a part of four conference championships and two national title teams (2015, 2020).
Under his tutelage, a total of 24 receivers or tight ends have gone on to collect all-conference honors, including 125 first-team selections. Oakley has also coached six NJCAA All-Americans in D.T. Sheffield (2021-22), Kevin Diaz (2022), Lance Ray (2011), Arena Football League veteran Michael Lindsey (2009) and two-time selection, John Harris (2002-03).
From 2020-22, Oakley helped mold Sheffield into one of the best receivers in Northwest history. After being granted a rare third year of eligibility due to COVID-19, the Corinth native ignored snub after snub from four-year programs and racked up record-breaking numbers from 2020-22. Sheffield, a member of the North Texas football roster, left Northwest as the Rangers’ new record holder in career receptions (135) and career receiving touchdowns (26), while while finishing second in receiving yards behind Eric Smith (2,316; 1991-92).
Sheffield was just as dangerous on special teams, totaling 226 punt return yards on 20 attempts in 2022, earning both MACCC North Division Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year accolades.
Oakley has had a hand in producing numerous Division I players, including the aforementioned Sheffield, Kevin Diaz (Arkansas State), Jacoby Jones (Ohio/UCF), Braden Smith (Louisville/ Cincinnati), Monterio Hunt (Rutgers), JaVonta Payton (Mississippi State/Tennessee), Pro Wells (TCU), Jamarius Mabry (Jackson State), Derrell Lovelady (Southern Mississippi), Marcus Henry (Middle Tennessee State), Lance Ray (East Carolina), Myles White (Louisiana Tech) and Jamal Mosley (Ole Miss).
As a unit, the Rangers’ receiving corps has gone over 2,000 yards in 13 of the last 16 seasons. Last year, Northwest hauled in 162 catches for 2,173 total yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking in the top 20 nationally of all three categories. Leading the charge was Jarnorris Hopson’s 35 receptions for 443 yards and four touchdowns, followed by 26 catches from Kyler Hutton, who finished with 422 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Although the aforementioned 2,000-yard streak was snapped due to a COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Rangers still totaled 99 catches for 1,426 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a freshman, Sheffield led the way with 20 catches for 358 yards and five touchdowns, followed by a pair of 200-yard receivers in E. Jai Mason and Keyon Fordham.
Northwest rebounded during the 2021 season, tallying up 3,109 en route to the 2021 MACCC title and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Led by Sheffield’s 1,000-yard effort, Oakley’s unit also benefited from nearly 600 yards from E. Jai Mason and 366 yards from Jacoby Jones. In all, the Rangers’ receiving corps ranked fourth in the nation and topped the conference in yards, while ranking 13th nationally with 21 touchdowns.
In 2019, Northwest totaled 178 receptions for 2,343 yards and 20 touchdowns. Two seasons ago, Northwest totaled 186 receptions for 2,398 yards, led by Smith’s 45 receptions for 537 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Oakley’s first stint with the Northwest football program came as an assistant from the 2002-05 seasons under Bobby Franklin, serving as the running backs and wide receivers coach. He was also a student assistant for the Rangers during the 1998-99 seasons while earning his degree. Northwest was 20-4 with two north division championships, a conference championship and Mineral Water Bowl appearance.
Oakley then transferred to Ole Miss where he was a manager for three years during the David Cutcliffe era and head equipment manager during the 2001 season. While at Ole Miss, Oakley earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and was part of the Rebel football program that earned bowl berths in 1999 and 2001.
Away from the gridiron, Oakley also spent eight seasons as an assistant coach for the Ranger softball program. During his eight years, the Rangers compiled an overall record of 253-118-1, including a 125-49 mark against division opponents. Northwest also captured two division titles during his stay, while boasting four seasons of 30 or more wins.
A native of Senatobia, Oakley graduated from Senatobia High School in 1997 and lettered two years in football and three seasons in baseball. He was a member of the Warrior football team that claimed back-to-back district championships.
Oakley’s family has been a part of Ranger sports for many years. His grandfather, the late W.C. “Bill” Oakley, is a member of the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame while his cousins, Drew and Brooks, each lettered in baseball. His twin brother, Shane, enters his 12th season as an assistant on the men’s basketball staff at Northwest.
Oakley and his wife, Kalon, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary on May 14, 2024. The couple has two children, Betsy Ann (6) and Jon Kenning (4).
THE OAKLEY FILE: PERSONAL:
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
Hometown: Senatobia, Miss.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (1998-99)
University of Mississippi (B.S. Education - 2002)
Family: Kalon (Wife)
Betsy Ann, Jon Kenning (Children)
2009
2010
2011
the longest
of the
2022
During his first four full-time seasons as a member of the Northwest coaching staff,
coached both running backs and receivers. During the 2003 season, the
an 8-2 record and made the MACJC Playoffs.
As
tenured member
Northwest football staff, receivers coach SCOTT OAKLEY has served under five head football coaches, including all-time winningest coach Bobby Franklin. Oakley has had a hand in 17 playoff appearances for the Rangers, dating back to 1998.
SCOTT OAKLEY
Rangers sported
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
JIM JONES
OFFENSIVE LINE COACH 13TH SEASON
Jim Jones enters his 13th season as the offensive line coach at Northwest as part of a second stint with the Rangers.
A native of Chicago, Jones has helped develop 40 offensive linemen who have moved on to the four-year level after Northwest, including 34 to NCAA Division I programs. Some of his most notable signees have been Cameron Pascal (Memphis), Jay Mickle (ULM), Second Team JCGridiron.com All-American Vance Van Every (Ohio), 2019 MACJC Offensive Line MVP and First Team NJCAA All-American center Ashton Gist (Charlotte), two-time NJCAA All-American and current NFL guard Damien Lewis (LSU), Donald Hawkins (Texas), Terry Johnson (Louisiana), Terrance Malone (Arkansas) and Chase Johnson (Arkansas State).
Northwest has ranked in the Top 25 in the NJCAA in rushing in all but two of Jones’ 13 seasons and has rushed for 2,000 yards in six of the last nine seasons. Quarderman Sloan and Tywun Walters, both Division I signees, became the first running back duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season in 2016.
Last season, the Northwest offensive line paved the way for 1,629 rushing yards, led by 631 yards from D’mariun Perteet, who ranked in the top 20 in the NJCAA for rushing yards. Three linemen received All-MACCC honors following the season: Melvin Collins, Jr., Dylan Spencer and Cameron Pascal.
In 2022, the Rangers rushed for 2,096 total yards, ranking fourth in the nation and first in the MACCC. Jamarien Bracey and Cayden Betts both rushed for 600+ yards apiece, while Xavier Davis and Cam Young chipped in 288 and 260 yards of their own, respectively. However, the robust rushing attack was largely due to a powerful offensive front, led by ULM signee and NJCAA Second Team All-American Jay Mickle.
Including Mickle, four of Jones’ offensive linemen signed with FBS programs: Matt Williams (ULM), Jamarr Davis (Buffalo) and Jalen Nettles (UAB). Additionally, Jakobe McLaurin and David Duvall also signed Division I, joining the rosters of Eastern Kentucky and McNeese State, respectively.
In 2021, the Rangers bounced back for 2,531 rushing yards in 12 games, led by 1,286 yards from Williams. Northwest also passed for over 3,000 yards, thanks to the efforts of Samford signee Michael Hiers. Three of Jones’ linemen were named All-MACCC (Vance Van Every, Austin Wilson and Davion Carter) and several found homes at the Division I level for the upcoming season, including Carter (Memphis), Van Every (Ohio) and Ethan Bumgarner (Southern Miss).
The Rangers’ streak of 2,000 rushing yards was snapped due to a COVID-shortened 2020 season, but Northwest still rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in six games, finishing with 937 net yards. Veteran running back and all-conference selection Jaquerrious Williams led the way with 463 rushing yards and five touchdowns, followed by 266 yards and a pair of scores from Jamie Shaw, Jr.
Jones’ offensive line was outstanding in 2017, allowing just nine sacks in 832 plays from s crimmage and paving the way for the NJCAA’s fifth ranked total offense (485.5 ypg) and 11thbest scoring offense (37.3 ppg). The Rangers rolled up over 500 yards of offense five times and dropped 66 and 61 points on rival East Mississippi.
The Rangers boasted the MACJC’s leading rusher in 2014 and 2015 in NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year Justin Crawford, a free agent signee of the Atlanta Falcons. Kevin Perkins ranked fifth in the conference in rushing two seasons ago with 884 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jones spent the 2013 season as the offensive line coach at Pearl River Community College before returning to Northwest.
In his first stint with the Ranger football program from 2010-12, Jones’ offensive line helped pave the way for the nation’s third-ranked offense in 2012 (434.1 ypg), fifth-ranked offense (485.4 ypg) in 2011 and 10th-ranked offense (413.6 ypg) in 2010.
The Rangers averaged 198.5 yards on the ground in those three years, rushed for 200 or more in 15 games and eclipsed 500 yards of total offense 11 times. Northwest exploded for a seasonhigh 439 yards rushing in a 66-41 win over Holmes in 2011, the third-most rushing yards in single-game school history.
Backed by a pair of First Team All-MACJC selections and NJCAA First Team All-American Donald Hawkins, the offensive line allowed just four sacks in 2011 in 648 plays from the line of scrimmage and 11 in 709 plays during the 2012 season behind Second Team All-American Austin Douglas.
Jones came to Northwest in 2010 from Lake Forest College where he served as offensive line/ tight ends coach, run-game coordinator and athletic recruiter.
Prior to Lake Forest, Jones spent two seasons as a graduate assistant with the offensive line at the University of Virginia where the Cavaliers were 14-11 during his two seasons and appeared in the Gator Bowl following the 2007 season. After giving up 33 sacks in 2007 (2.54 sacks/ game), the Cavaliers improved significantly by giving up just 16 during the 2008 season (1.33 sacks/game).
Jones played his college ball at Notre Dame from 1996-2000, playing in 24 career games (21 starts) and being recruited by legendary head coach Lou Holtz. He started at left guard his final two seasons for head coach Bob Davie after playing just three games combined over his first three seasons. He played a key role in helping the Fighting Irish rank 14th nationally in rushing and 17th in passing efficiency during the 2000 season.
Jones was an All-Independent selection by Collegefootballnews.com at seasons’ end and was selected to play in the Rotary Gridiron Classic All-Star game in Orlando. Jones received his degree in sociology in 2000.
He went on to play in the National Football League for six seasons, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2001-06 seasons. He was twice named the Steelers’ Player of the Game during the 2004 season.
Jones was also a three-year letterman on the offensive and defensive lines at Richards High School. He was a First Team All-State pick on both offense and defense by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Champaign News-Gazette and named to the Super 25 All-Area Team. He was later inducted into the Richards High School Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
Colleges: University of Notre Dame (2000) University of Virginia (2009)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
• University of Notre Dame (1996-2000)
• National Football League (2001-06) (Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers) COACHING
Throughout his time at Northwest, JIM JONES has produced numerous NJCAA All-American offensive linemen, including current Carolina Panthers’ guard Damien Lewis. Additionally, many of Jones’ lineman units have been ranked among the best in the MACCC and NJCAA.
Shown here coaching former Northwest offensive lineman Austin Douglas in 2010, JIM JONES has been a part of three coaching staffs in two different stints with the Rangers. Jones has previously coached on Ricky Woods and Jack Wright’s coaching staffs from 2010-15.
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
PAIGE ANDERS
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR FIFTH SEASON
Paige Anders enters his fifth season as the Rangers’ defensive coordinator in 2024.
Last season, Anders’ defense ranked 19th in the NJCAA for fewest points allowed (22.6 points per game), but was one of only 15 teams to hold opponents to an average of less than 300 yards per game (14th; 290.0).
In 2022, Anders’ defensive unit ranked 15th in the NJCAA for fewest points allowed, holding opponents to 20.4 points per game. The Rangers also racked up 34 sacks last season, ranking 10th in the nation, and 17 interceptions, good for fifth nationally.
Much like his first season on the Northwest coaching staff, Anders commanded another stout defense in 2021, helping Northwest to its second consecutive MACCC championship and to the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. The Rangers’ defense ranked top five in the nation and No. 1 in the MACCC for fewest yards allowed, limiting opponents to an average of 243.7 yards per game. Only 87.2 of those yards came on the ground and the Rangers averaged 59.2 tackles a game.
Additionally, Northwest collected 10 interceptions in 2021, the most in the conference and tied for seventh in the nation. The Rangers’ 24 sacks and six fumble recoveries were also among the top 20 nationally.
In his first season in Senatobia, Anders’ defense ranked in the top five nationally, averaging 13.8 points per game and a conference-low 243.7 yards allowed per game. His defense raised eyebrows during the final three games of the season, as the Rangers outscored their opponents 125-32 and held a nationally ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast offense to just 13 points in the MACCC and National Community College Football championship game.
For the last four seasons, Anders’ defense has been chock full of talent, including NJCAA All-American Jykeveous Hibbler (NC State), Stephen Hall (Washington State), Byron “Tank” Pearson (Ohio), Dimonyai Lacey (Temple) and Rod Daniels (Liberty).
Prior to his time at Northwest, Anders spent two seasons in the same position at Northeast Mississippi Community College. While at Northeast, he coached one of the toughest defensive units in the MACJC, a group that included NJCAA All-American and MACJC Defensive Player of the Year Sam Williams (Ole Miss). In 2019, Anders’ pass defense at Northeast ranked No. 1 in the nation (126 yds. per game).
Before joining Northeast, Anders spent a year at Arkansas Tech University and three at Ouachita Baptist. In his lone season at ATU in 2014, he performed the duties of safeties coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Wonder Boys become the third ranked defense in the GAC.
Shai Kobayashi blossomed during his senior season under Anders’ tutelage. He became a NCAA Division II All-American after compiling 80 tackles, 10 passes defended and one fumble recovery for Arkansas Tech.
During his tenure with Ouachita Baptist, Anders served as defensive coordinator and helped guide the Tigers to their third Great American Conference (GAC) championship. Ouachita Baptist combined a high-powered offense with a stingy defense to outscore its opponents by an average of 44-27 over a five-game winning streak to close the regular season.
The Tigers qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs for just the second time in program history by virtue of its GAC title. Anders’ men did their job in the opening round by holding Ferris State (Mich.) University well below their average of 34.1 points per game, but Ouachita State was eliminated with a tough 24-19 road loss.
Anders had six student-athletes receive All-GAC recognition during his final season with the Tigers. Most notably were linemen Jon Rachal and Ernest Reed plus linebackers Luke Holt and Elijah Jones, who were each second team selections.
Ouachita Baptist finished in the top 20 nationally in turnover margin at plus-one and placed third in the GAC in scoring defense at 26.2 points per game under the watch of Anders in 2017.
The Tigers went a combined 14-8 during Anders’ initial two seasons in Arkadelphia, Ark. Anders instructed nine all-conference standouts during that time, including two-time honoree Kendrick Henderson at linebacker.
Prior to his stint at ATU, Anders worked as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech for the 2011 spring semester.
Anders got his start in the coaching business at Valdosta State (Ga.) University in 2003. His primary responsibilities over a four-year stint included assisting with the secondary and linebackers.
It was during his stay with the Blazers that Anders captured his inaugural national title. Valdosta State secured the NCAA Division II championship in 2004 with a 36-31 triumph over Pittsburg State (Kan.) University.
Anders and the Blazers made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances. Among his pupils at Valdosta State was Maurice Leggett, who played a pair of seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Anders is well versed with football inside the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) after previously working at two separate schools in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC).
His first taste of the two-year level was at Butler (Kan.) Community College from 2007-10. He helped the Grizzlies claim back-to-back NJCAA national championships while teaching their defensive backs.
Butler downed Snow (Utah) College 56-27 to clinch the title during Anders’ opening campaign with the team. One year later, the Grizzlies finished off the repeat with a thrilling 37-30 double overtime victory over Snow in their second straight Top of the Mountain Bowl.
Anders won his third KJCCC crown with Butler in 2010 and had the opportunity to earn a third national title. But the Grizzlies fell to Navarro (Texas) College by a narrow 13-12 margin in the Citizen’s Bank Bowl to come just short of that goal.
Butler led the KJCCC in total defense and scoring defense during each of Anders’ four seasons while racking up an incredible 42-5 record in that span. The Grizzlies also topped the league in interceptions in all but one year with Anders on their staff.
While serving as the defensive coordinator at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, the Red Ravens allowed only 139.1 rushing yards per contest and were a solid 6-3 in home games during his stretch with the program from 2012-13.
Coffeyville lost to Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College in the KJCCC semifinals to the end the 2012 campaign with a 6-4 record. The 2013 edition of the Red Ravens improved upon their numbers defensively, but narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason.
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ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
Overall, Anders has won five league championships and reached the playoffs eight times during his prominent career. Six of his pupils have garnered NJCAA All-American status while 13 have inked with NCAA Division I institutions in conferences such as the SEC and Big 12.
Anders earned his Bachelor’s degree in general studies from Valdosta State in 2006. He and his wife Erin have three sons, Beau (15), Jake (10) and Will (7).
THE ANDERS FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Hampton, Ark.
Education: Valdosta State University (B.S. General Studies - 2006)
Family: Erin (Wife) Beau, Jake, Will (Children)
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
No stranger to the NJCAA ranks, defensive coordinator PAIGE ANDERS has coached for some of the most prominent programs in the nation. He helped Butler Community College to a pair of national titles and coached future Dallas Cowboys’ defensive lineman Sam Williams while at Northeast.
In his four seasons at Northwest, PAIGE ANDERS has further shaped the Rangers’ defense into one of the best overall units in the NJCAA. Last season, Anders’ defense was one of only 15 teams to hold opposing offenses to an average below 300 yards per game.
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
RASHAD PITTMAN
During the 2015 season, Pittman served as a defensive graduate assistant and coached the defensive tackles. The defensive unit finished with 33 sacks that season, 22 of those were attributed to the defensive line.
DEFENSIVE LINE COACH FIFTH SEASON
Rashad Pittman enters his fifth season as the Rangers’ defensive line coach in 2024.
In three seasons, Pittman and the Northwest defensive staff has produced 32 players to the four-year level, including 2022 NJCAA First Team All-American Jykeveous Hibbler (NC State). Other notable four-year signees include Stephen Hall (Washington State), Sam Brumfield (Middle Tennessee/Virginia Tecg), Byron “Tank” Pearson (Ohio), Omar Pew (Louisiana Tech), Rayyan Buell (Ohio) and Nijel McGriff (Louisiana).
In 2022, Pittman’s defensive linemen were part of a defense that held opponents to 20.4 points per game, ranking 15th in the NJCAA. The Rangers also racked up 34 sacks last season, ranking 10th in the nation, and 17 interceptions, good for fifth nationally.
During his first two seasons on the Rangers’ staff, Pittman’s defensive line helped Northwest to a pair of MACCC titles, the 2020 National Community College Football championship and a slot in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs in 2021.
Pittman’s defensive front posted a strong showing in 2021, as Rayyan Buell and Omar Pew garnered All-MACCC accolades. Overall, the Northwest defense ranked top five in the nation and No. 1 in the MACCC for fewest yards allowed, limiting opponents to an average of 243.7 yards per game. Only 87.2 of those yards came on the ground and the Rangers averaged 59.2 tackles a game.
In his first season, Pittman’s robust defensive line posted 16 sacks and helped the Rangers’ defensive unit hold opponents to a conference-low 243.7 yards per game and 13.8 points per game, both ranking top five nationally. One of the most notable players under Pittman’s tutelage was the aforementioned Daniels, who led the MACCC in total sacks as a freshman.
Pittman came to Northwest after a two-year stint at the NCAA Division II level with Southern Arkansas University, where the Muleriders boasted one of the most robust defensive line units in the Great American Conference. Under Pittman’s direction, the Muleriders ranked as one of the top three defensive units for rushing defense, sacks and total defense.
Pittman specifically coordinated the rushing, third down and red zone defensive play-calling, producing five All-Great American Conference performers and two NCAA All-Americans over the previous two seasons. Pittman also helped develop Cliff Harris Award finalists DaVondrick Lison and Antonio Washington, along with the conference’s runner-up in tackles-for-loss, Anthony Washington.
Prior to his time at SAU, Pittman held a stint at Northeastern State (Tahlequah, Okla.) as the RiverHawks’ defensive line coach, helping guide a defensive line unit that totaled 48.5 tackles for lost yardage with 14.0 of those coming as sacks.
Before his stint with the RiverHawks, Pittman spent the 2016 season as the Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Ends Coach at Carthage High School in Carthage, Mo., following a previous stint as the school’s defensive line coach from 2011-13. During the 2016 season, Pittman helped Carthage win its first conference championship since 1987 and appear in the Class 5A Missouri State Quarterfinal game.
Pittman also spent two seasons at traditional Division II powerhouse Pittsburg State University during the 2014 and 2015 season. In his initial season with the Gorillas, Pittman served as a graduate assistant with the interior offensive linemen and helped coach the 2014 offense to lead the conference in total offense and first downs.
As a player, Pittman was an All-MIAA performer at Pittsburg State and a two-time captain and a four-year letterman. Additionally, Pittman received the Ronald Moore team award, which is presented to the most outstanding freshman.
A native of Tulsa, Okla., Pittman graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 2005. In his time as a prep player, Pittman played for two state championships. Additionally, he served as a team captain, was selected as an All-District Performer and was voted Co-District Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Pittman earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University. He was also inducted into the collegiate honor society, Phi Kappa Phi.
Pittman and his wife, Allison, have two children, Rashad, Jr. (6) and Alec (3).
THE PITTMAN FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Education: Pittsburg State University (B.S. Education - 2010)
COACHING EXPERIENCE: Year School Position W-L Postseason
2011 Carthage HS (Mo.) Defensive Line 7-4 First Round Playoff Berth
2012 Carthage HS (Mo.) Defensive Line 7-3 Second Round Playoff Berth
2013 Carthage HS (Mo.) Defensive Line 5-5 Second Round Playoff Berth
2014 Pittsburg State Offensive Line (GA) 11-2 NCAA Division II Playoffs
2015 Pittsburg State Defensive Tackles (GA) 6-5
2016 Carthage HS (Mo.) Defensive Coordinator/DE 10-2 Central Ozarks champion
2017 Northeastern State Defensive Line 1-10
2018 Southern Arkansas Defensive Line 8-4 Live United Bowl Runner-Ups
2019 Southern Arkansas Defensive Line 8-4 Heritage Bowl Runner-Ups
2020 Northwest Mississippi Defensive Line 6-0 MACCC/National Champions
2021 Northwest Mississippi Defensive Line 9-3 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs
2022 Northwest Mississippi Defensive Line 10-2 MACCC Runner-Up/NJCAA Playoffs
2023 Northwest Mississippi Defensive Line 7-3 MACCC Semifinals
ASSISTANT COACHES & STAFF
CHARLES JONES
In his junior season in 2002, Jones finished as one of the top tacklers on the Alabama defense, earning 85 total tackles and three interceptions. As a senior in 2003, he was selected as the team’s co-captain and earned 91 tackles with four interceptions, garnering All-SEC honors as a result.
DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH THIRD SEASON
Former SEC and NFL veteran Charles Jones enters his fifth season as the Rangers’ defensive backs coach in 2024.
Last season, two of Jones’ defensive backs (Keshawn Davila and Charles Thomas) combined for five of the Rangers’ nine interceptions. Thomas and Fredd Adams also combined for 12 pass breakups (six apiece). Thomas signed with ULM following the 2023 season.
Jones’ defensive backs were part of a nationally-ranked defense in 2022, finishing fifth in the nation with 17 interceptions and 10th nationally with 34 total sacks.
Jones first two seasons with the Rangers were highly successful as well, as the Rangers captured two MACCC titles and the 2020 National Community College Football championship. His defensive backs made up a Top 5 nationally-ranked defense and No. 1 in the MACCC for fewest yards allowed, limiting opponents to an average of 243.7 yards per game. Only 87.2 of those yards came on the ground and the Rangers averaged 59.2 tackles a game.
Specifically, his defensive backs were responsible for 39 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in 2021. Byron “Tank” Pearson led the way with nine breakups, while Delta State signee Jarvis Townsend collected five interceptions, including two in a victory against Jones College in the MACCC Semifinals. Pearson’s nine PBU were third in the MACCC and tied for 12th in the nation, while Townsend’s five picks were tied for first in the conference and fourth nationally.
Jones arrived at Northwest following a two-year stint as the cornerbacks coach at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level with Murray State University. Jones coached Nigel Walton, who led the Racers with a team-high 10 pass breakups last season. Walton, along with T.J. Warren, each garnered Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week accolades last season.
Prior to his stint with Murray State, Jones spent four seasons in the MACJC with East Central Community College, serving as the Warriors’ full-time safeties coach. Additionally, he also spent the 2013 season with ECCC as a graduate assistant.
During his full-time stint with the Warriors, Jones was part of a staff under Ken Karcher that turned East Central from a 3-6 record in 2014 to an 8-3 overall mark in 2015, earning an MACJC playoff bid and a victory over Kilgore (Texas) in the Heart of Texas Bowl.
Jones and the Warriors earned a second consecutive trip to the MACJC Playoffs as the South Division champions, but East Central fell 21-14 in the first round to Northwest.
He began his coaching career at the high school level at Bessemer City and Jackson-Olin high schools in the Birmingham metro area. In his final season with the Bessemer City Tigers, Jones helped turn the team around from a 2-8 record in 2011 to a 5-4 winning record in 2012.
Jones’ first coaching gig came as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 2008 under former coach Sylvester Croom.
Jones is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. While at Alabama, he spent four seasons at safety with the Crimson Tide, becoming a starter during his final two seasons in Tuscaloosa.
He spent one season in the NFL with the New York Giants in 2004, which was followed by a two-year stint with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League.
Jones is a native of Waynesboro, Ga. He and his wife, Monica, have been married for four years. The couple also have a stepson, T.J. (31).
THE JONES FILE:
PERSONAL:
Hometown: Waynesboro, Ga.
Education: University of Alabama (B.S. Marketing - 2009)
Family: Monica (Wife)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
• University of Alabama (2000-03)
• National Football League (New York Giants) (2004)
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record, and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in every game for the Rangers, totaling 422 yards receiving on 26 receptions and three touchdowns...racked up a season-high 126 yards receiving including a season-long 81-yard reception for a touchdown in a home win against Northeast on November 2... notched his only rush of the season for 15 yards in the Rangers’ road loss at Mississippi Gulf Coast on September 9....off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Judd Boswell at Clinton...helped the Arrows to a 7-5 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs last season...as a senior, caught 18 passes for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns...was part of Clinton’s 2020 region championship squad...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society...received recruiting interest from Lyon College and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kenya Turner and Kendale Hutton...has eight siblings, ranging in age from 3-24... enjoys fishing and playing video games in his spare time...studying exercise science... nickname is “K2”...born October 17, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 19 tackles (13 solo) six assists, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup and 174 kick return yards on 10 attempts...racked up a season-high 62 yards kick return yards against East Mississippi on October 5...notched nine tackles in the Rangers’ road victory at Holmes on October 26....off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List and the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Spent the spring semester at Senatobia, running track for head coach Shane Baltz... helped the Warriors to their third straight MHSAA Class 4A boys’ track state championship...played high school football for Provine under coach Tim Wilson...played both receiver and defense for the Rams, tallying 26 catches for 460 yards and five touchdowns last season...on defense, he collected 44 total tackles with two blocked field goals... named all-district offense...other accolades include team’s Offensive Player of the Year and BankPlus Player of the Week...received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Campbell, Wayne State and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Carla Echols and Carlos Crump...has four siblings, Tekevanna (28), Dre (26), Cameron (24) and Kaitlyn (8)...older brother, Cameron, ran track at Strayhorn and was the Mississippi Track Gatorade Athlete of the Year, before running track at Mississippi State from 2018-23...hobbies include dancing, gaming and rapping...studying sports medicine...nicknames include “Lando” and “Baby Crump”...born June 23, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 35 tackles (21 solo), 14 assists, six tacklesfor-loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery and a sack...collected a season-high eight tackles against East Mississippi October 5...notched one interception in a road victory at Mississippi Delta on October 12 and another in a home win over Coahoma on October 19.
High School:
Played for head coach Earl Garcia, Jr. at Hillsborough...helped the Terriers to a 10-3 record and the quarterfinals of the FHSAA Class 6A playoffs in his senior season...totaled 40 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal as a senior...collected a season-best nine tackles in a 33-27 victory against Pinellas Park on November 12, 2021...also caught three passes for 37 yards... received team award for Defensive Back of the Year...as a junior, helped HHS to an 8-2 record and the quarterfinal round of the FHSAA Class 6A playoffs...racked up 51 tackles, seven passes defended, three TFLs, three interceptions and a fumble recovery...had a career-high 10 tackles in a 23-16 win against Auburndale on November 20, 2020...also caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown on the offensive side of the ball, with his score coming in a 52-18 victory against King on October 23, 2020...helped the Terriers to an 8-3 record and the Class 6A, District 10 title in his sophomore season...caught five passes for 63 yards...also competed in track at HHS, winning district titles and state runner-up finishes...received recruiting interest from UCLA, UAB, Middle Tennessee and Georgia State.
Personal:
Son of Lashunda Davila...enjoys playing Madden in his spare time...studying business... nickname is “K-DOT”...born October 23, 2003.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in seven games for the Rangers, totaling 188 yards receiving on 10 receptions...hit his season-high of 86 receiving yards in the home finale against Northeast on November 2...notched a receiving touchdown in the Rangers’ home victory against Coahoma on October 19, and one touchdown in a road win at Holmes on October 26....off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Ty Hardin at Tupelo...as a senior, helped the Golden Wave to a 13-1 record, the Region 2-6A championship and the Class 6A semifinals...logged 50 catches for 896 yards and 13 touchdowns last season...had three 100-yard receiving games, including a six-catch, 124-yard performance with two touchdowns in last season’s Class 6A North Half championship loss to Starkville...also tallied 50 yards and two touchdowns on three carries...longest rush was for a 35-yard score in a November 18 playoff win against Madison Central...named first team all-state...as a junior, helped THS to a 7-4 record... caught 26 passes for 529 yards and seven touchdowns...best game of his junior season came against Clinton, when he had three receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns... as a sophomore, helped the Golden Wave to a 6-4 record and the Class 6A playoffs...had 20 receptions for 318 yards and three touchdowns...received recruiting interest from Austin Peay and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Shanita Hunter and Christopher Gibson...has two siblings, Kashanti Macon (18) and Kameron Hunter (14)...hobbies include playing basketball, video games and hanging out with friends...studying engineering...nickname is “Bo”...born April 14, 2004.
2023 [Freshman]:
RETURNING PLAYERS
2
ELIJAH RUFFIN
DB • 6-0 • 190 • Sophomore Philadelphia, Miss. • Neshoba Central HS
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 12 tackles (seven solo), five assists and 1.5 tackles-for-loss....off the field, named to the Spring 2024 President’s List and the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for coach Patrick Schoolar at Neshoba Central...helped the Rockets to an 8-4 record and the MHSAA Class 5A Playoffs as a senior...recorded five interceptions and six pass breakups during his senior season...was voted as a first team all-state defensive back...off the field, received ACT Award and Citizenship Award...was also named a Rotary Student of the Month...graduated with special honors and ranked in the top five of his senior class...also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes...received recruiting interest from numerous MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Felicia and Shannon Ruffin...has four siblings: C.J. (25), Shanna (25), Tasia (22) and Zach (17)...enjoys fishing and playing video games in his spare time...studying kinesiology...nickname is “Ruffdog”...born March 26, 2004.
2023 [Freshman]:
3 SAVEON FREEMAN
DB • 6-1 • 180 • Sophomore Water Valley, Miss. • Water Valley HS
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers, totaling eight tackles...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and the Spring 2024 President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Brad Embry at Water Valley...helped the Blue Devils to a 6-5 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs last season...as a senior, caught 21 passes for 340 yards and six touchdowns...reeled in a season-high five catches for 116 yards in a September 23 contest against Winona...defensively, totaled 17 tackles with two passes defended and an interception...as a junior, helped WVHS to a 6-4 mark and the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs...caught 12 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown...nabbed a 63-yard touchdown reception against Booneville on October 22, 2021...two-time all-region and all-state selection...also earned a selection to the Oxford Eagle’s All-Area team...received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, South Alabama, ULM, Coastal Carolina, TCU and Southeast Missouri State.
Personal:
Son of Eon and Shedlia Freeman...has seven siblings: Samoyah, Shedlia, Samri, Channing, Shaddai, Salayah and Channa...uncle, Deshea Townsend, played college football at Alabama (1995-98) and 13 years in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1998-2009) and the Indianapolis Colts (2010)...hobbies include working out and spending time with family...studying cosmetology...nickname is “Sasa”...born May 4, 2005. ELIJAH RUFFIN STATS (2023)
SAVEON FREEMAN STATS (2023)
2023 [Redshirt Freshman]:
RETURNING PLAYERS
3
RASHARD DANIELS
WR • 5-8 • 165 • Redshirt Sophomore Horn Lake, Miss. • Alabama State
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in every game for the Rangers, catching 16 passes for 177 yards...off the field, named to the Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
2022 [Freshman; Alabama State]:
Spent his true freshman season at Alabama State, where he played in two games on the defensive side of the ball...collected three tackles, two of those coming against Miles College on September 3...also credited with two quarterback hurries.
High School:
Played for head coaches Mitchell Harville and Brad Boyette at Horn Lake...helped the Eagles to a 5-5 overall record during his senior season...as a senior, caught three passes for 22 yards and rushed three times for 44 yards...during his high school career, earned first team all-state and All-Region 1-6A honors...as a freshman, was a part of Horn Lake’s 2018 Class 6A state championship team...also played basketball for HLHS...off the field, graduated with a 3.5 GPA...received recruiting interest from Alabama State, Austin Peay and Campbell.
Personal:
Son of Lakreisha and Roderick Daniels...older brother, Rod (23), played the 2020, 2021 and 2023 seasons with Northwest, before signing with Liberty University...has five other siblings: Raderrion (16), RiLyn (12), Ramir (9) and Kali (6)...relative, Brandon Bryant, played college football at Mississippi State (2014-17) and later with the NFL’s New York Jets (2018-19) and CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2020)...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying physical education...nickname is “Shad”...born November 21, 2003.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, hauling in 12 catches for 205 yards...also returned 15 kicks for 340 yards...picked up a season-high of 93 receiving yards, including a season-long 61-yard reception against East Mississippi on October 5...notched his only touchdown of the season in the Rangers’ road victory at Holmes on October 26....off the field, named to the Spring 2024 President’s List and the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Carter Norris at Senatobia...helped the Warriors to a 9-4 record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs during his senior season...as a junior, played a pivotal role in helping SHS to the Class 4A North Half title and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 4A state championship game.
Personal:
Son of Monica and Jeff Abram...enjoys listening to music in his spare time...studying physical education...nickname is “Bry”...born November 16, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers, totaling 133 rushing yards on 27 attempts... rushed for a season-high 57 yards rushing on eight attempts in a home win against Coahoma on October 19....off the field, named to the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Chris Cutcliffe at Oxford...helped the Chargers to a 5-5 record last season...as a senior, rushed for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns on 191 carries...logged seven 100-yard rushing performances, including a 158-yard effort in a 43-34 victory against South Panola on September 2...rushed for five touchdowns and 100 yards in a September 16 win against Lafayette...also caught 27 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns...nabbed five receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns against South Panola...also passed for one touchdown in a 30-7 victory against Grenada on October 28...received team and offensive MVP honors...also named First Team All-Region 2-6A... as a junior, helped OHS to a 8-5 overall record and the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs...collected 1,042 yards and 14 touchdowns on 178 carries...had six 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 26 carries for 139 yards in a playoff loss to Madison Central...logged three rushing scores in a 42-35 win against Starkville on October 22, 2021...also hauled in 22 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown...caught four passes for 41 yards and a score in a first-round playoff victory against South Panola...as a sophomore, helped the Chargers to a 12-1 record and a runner-up finish in the Class 6A state championship...carried the ball 85 times for 492 yards and two touchdowns...notched 18 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown in an October 30, 2020 win against Hernando...also caught nine passes for 72 yards on the season...off the field, a member of the school’s President’s List...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Lolita and Rome Gregory...has two siblings, Kingston and London...enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Roman G”...born November 19, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, finishing with 631 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 99 carries...also added 43 receiving yards on four receptions...collected a season-high 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns in an October 26 win at Holmes... notched another 100+ yard rushing performance in a home win against Coahoma on October 19, logging 116 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries...earned First Team All-MACCC and JUCOWeekly All-MACCC North Division First Team accolades...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Brooks Oakley at South Panola...helped the Tigers to an 8-3 record last season and the first round of the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs...as a senior, carried the ball 194 times for 1,471 yards and 20 touchdowns...had 10 100-yard rushing games, including a three-touchdown, 200-rushing yard performance against Center Hill on November 3...scored a career-best four rushing touchdowns in a 41-0 win against Hernando on September 23...also caught 12 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns... had a 41-yard touchdown reception in the win against Center Hill...as a junior, helped SPHS to an 8-3 record, a Region 1-6A title and the first round of the Class 6A Playoffs... had 161 carries for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns...rushed for a season-high 175 yards in an October 22 win against DeSoto Central...hauled in 18 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns...as a sophomore, helped the Tigers to a 6-4 record and the first round of the Class 6A Playoffs...carried the ball 141 times for 871 yards and 16 touchdowns...had three 100-yard rushing games, including a three-touchdown, 126-yard effort against Meridian on September 11, 2020...also caught nine passes for 66 yards...received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Memphis and Jacksonville State.
Personal:
Son of Lydia Perteet...has two siblings, Kadijah Dodd (30) and Ty Sanford (17)...studying general curriculum...nickname is “Dee”...born November 24, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in every game for the Rangers, totaling 46 tackles (20 solo), 26 assists, 9.5 tacklesfor-loss, seven hurries, 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery...totaled a season-high 11 tackles in a home win over Pearl River on September 21...recognized as All-MACCC Defensive Player of the Year, JUCOWeekly All-MACCC North Division First Team, NJCAA Region 23 All-Region and NJCAA Division I All-America Honorable Mention....off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Spring 2024 President’s List.
2022 [Freshman; Southern Miss]:
Redshirted his freshman season at Southern Miss.
High School:
Played for head coach Michael Fair at Lafayette...helped the Commodores to a 10-3 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 5A playoffs as a senior...compiled 82 tackles during his senior campaign, including a team-best 23 tackles-for-loss... also totaled 35 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception...racked up a career-high 16 total tackles in a loss to West Point on September 24, 2021...posted season highs for hurries (6) sacks (4) and TFLs (4) in a Sept. 10, 2021 victory against Southaven...had one interception returned for 19 yards in an early-season loss to Tupelo...received Class 5A Overall Player of the Year honors, Region 1-5A MVP and Mr. Football accolades...as a junior, helped LHS to a 7-4 overall record and the first round of the Class 5A playoffs...during his sophomore season, the Commodores went 9-4 overall and advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs...posted 13 tackles, including four in a win against Horn Lake on Sept. 6, 2019...concluded his varsity career with 120 tackles, 43 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and an interception.
Personal:
Son of former Ole Miss Rebel and 10-year NFL veteran Derrick Burgess...has two siblings, Xalin Redmond (29) and Xhiir Burgess (24)...enjoys drawing in his spare time...studying sports management...born December 29, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 16 tackles, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and an interception...also spent a significant time in the special teams unit, returning 20 punts for 182 yards...racked up a season-high 75 punt return yards on seven attempts in a home win over Coahoma...notched his only interception of the season in the Rangers’ loss against Copiah-Lincoln in the opening round of the MACCC playoffs on November 11...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Ty Hardin at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 13-1 record, the Region 2-6A championship and the Class 6A semifinals...collected 46 tackles, 22 passes defended, six interceptions, a tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble...collected a seasonhigh nine tackles in a playoff win against Madison Central...had three interceptions returned for 20 yards or more...named team captain...earned all-state and all-region accolades...as a junior, helped THS to a 7-4 record...posted 28 tackles with four interceptions and three passes defended...as a sophomore, helped the Golden Wave to a 6-4 record and the Class 6A playoffs...racked up 34 tackles with eight passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble...received recruiting interest from Central Arkansas.
Personal:
Son of Summer and Frederick Adams...has a younger brother, Frederick III (14)...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying sports management...born November 23, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 14 tackles (nine solo), five assists and two pass breakups...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List and the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Kendrick Woodard at Cleveland Central...helped the Wolves to the first round of the MHSAA Class 5A Playoffs last season...as a senior, led the team with 87 tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a sack...three-time All-Region 2-5A selection...off the field, a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society...received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, Delta State and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kimberly and Undra Jones...has two siblings, Miracle Shelton (24) and Kiundre Jones (20)...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying psychology...nickname is “Corey”...born January 12, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 39 tackles (20 solo), 19 assists, three hurries, 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup and an interception...earned a season-high eight tackles against East Mississippi on October 5...notched his only interception of the season in the Rangers’ road victory at Mississippi Delta on October 12....off the field, named to the Spring 2024 President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Philip Wasson at Tri-County Academy...helped the Rebels to a 12-2 overall record and a runner-up finish in the MAIS Class AAAA State Championship as a senior...tallied 82 tackles, nine interceptions, six tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles during his senior campaign...also played offense, accounting for 1,041 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns...voted team captain ahead of his senior season...recipient of several awards and accolades, including District 2-AAAA Defensive Player of Year, All-MAIS defensive back and Second Team All-Capital selection...off the field, a consistent member of the school’s Honor Roll...received recruiting interest from Southwestern Oklahoma State, Faulkner University and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Pam and Spence Shepherd...has two siblings, Cade (22) and Lily Peyton (15)... mother, Pam, played basketball for Holmes Community College...father, Spence, played football at Delta State...older brother, Cade, played football at both Hinds (2020-21) and Southern Miss (2022)...hobbies include hunting, working out and hanging out with friends...studying criminal justice...born June 7, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers, totaling 15 tackles (five solo), 10 assists, seven hurries and 1.5 tackles-for-loss.
High School:
Played for head coach Eddie Woods at Cane Ridge...helped the Ravens to an 11-2 record, the Region 6-6A title and the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Class 6A Playoffs last season... as a senior, led the team with 63 total tackles, including 21 tackles-for-loss...tallied a season-high eight tackles in a 21-12 victory against Overton on October 7...also totaled 11.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries...also had three catches for 20 yards and three touchdowns...named Metro Lineman of the Year and Region 6-6A Defensive Lineman of the Year...as a junior, helped CRHS to a 7-4 record, the Region 6-6A title and the TSSAA Class 6A Playoffs...received recruiting interest from various JUCO programs.
Personal:
Son of Tonealia Johnson and Michael Wright...has three siblings: Quanderius Johnson (26), Essence Johnson (24) and Ace Harris (5)...enjoys playing Madden in his spare time... studying sports medicine...nicknames are “Jay” and “JJ”...born March 26, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling 15 tackles (six solo), nine assists and two hurries...totaled a season-high six tackles against East Mississippi on October 5....off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
2023 [Freshman; Alabama State]:
Played in two games for Alabama State...recorded two tackles in the Hornets’ matchup against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
High School:
Played for head coach Joe Rocconi at Collierville...helped the Dragons to an 11-1 overall record, the Region 8-6A title and the THSAA Class 6A playoffs as a senior...recorded 73 total tackles during his senior campaign, including 12 tackles-for-loss and two sacks... tallied a season-high 14 tackles in the Dragons’ playoff loss to Ravenwood on November 12, 2021...forced a fumble in a 28-10 win against Houston on October 7, 2021...recruited by Alabama State and Tennessee State.
Personal:
Son of Baisha and Cordell Dunn...hobbies include working out and spending time with family...studying physical education, with a goal to enter coaching...born August 5, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in all 10 games for the Rangers, hitting 12 of his 17 field goal attempts and 31 of his 32 extra-point attempts...notched a season-best four made field goals in the Rangers’ victory against Hinds on September 14...also hit his longest field goal of the season (39 yards) in the same game against Hinds, earning MACCC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades...recognized as JUCOWeekly All-MACCC North Division First Team...off the field, a two-time selection to the President’s List for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Steve McCann at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 6-5 record last season...as a senior, was 11-of-13 on field goals...earned first team All-Region 1-6A honors and was selected as the North Team kicker in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game... two-time Honorable Mention selection during his junior and sophomore seasons...was part of two playoff teams at HHS...also played soccer at HHS...off the field, a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including SYLC, Interact Club, National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society...was part of the ACT 30+ Club and made the Principal’s List through all four years...scored a 33 on his ACT...received recruiting interest from Delta State, Belhaven, Rhodes College and a handful of other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Amanda and Cory Uselton...has a younger brother, Will (16)...hobbies include fishing, playing soccer and hanging out with friends...studying business...nickname is “K1”...born August 26, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in six games for the Rangers.
High School:
Played for head coach and NFL veteran Earthwind Moreland at Mundy’s Mill...helped the Tigers to a 7-4 overall record and the GHSAA Class AAAAAA playoffs during his senior season...received first team all-state, all-region and all-county honors...received recruiting interest from Cincinnati, Louisville and a handful of JUCO programs.
Personal:
Son of Tahiki Nunn...enjoys photography...studying sports medicine...nickname is “ LP”... born April 12, 2006.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in every game last season for the Rangers.
High School:
Played for head coach Darryl Carter at Shannon...helped the Red Raiders to a 7-5 overall record as a senior...garnered first team all-region and Super 22 honors...only played varsity football for one season...off the field, a member of the school’s Dean’s List...received recruiting interest from Alcorn State and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Telisha Shumpert...has three siblings: Qua (18), Miakaah (17) and Kam (13)... enjoys working out in his spare time...studying sports education...nicknames are “Big Shump” and “Ogre”...born April 11, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in every game for the Rangers at center, part of an offense that rushed for 1,629 yards, passed for 2,184 yards and averaged 27.9 points per game...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and the Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
2022 [Freshman]:
Missed the entire 2022 season due to injury.
High School:
Played for coach Chris Cutcliffe at Oxford...the team captain helped the Chargers to an 8-5 record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs as a senior...paved the way for two 1000-yard runners as a three-year starter...selected to represent Mississippi in the 35th Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game...selected by the Mississippi Association of Coaches to the 6A All-State and Region 2-6A first teams...named to the Clarion Ledger’s 2021 All-State team...listed on the Daily Journal’s Large School All-Area second team... two-time All-State and three-time All-Region honoree...honored by SBLive as an AllState second team pick...named to SBLive’s Top 15 Offensive Linemen in Mississippi list... started on Oxford’s 2019 6A state championship and 2020 6A runner-up teams...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society and a two-time member of the Football Leadership Council...received recruiting interest from Navy, Army, Memphis, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, South Alabama, UL Monroe and multiple MACCC schools.
Personal:
Son of Angel and Brandon Smith...has two siblings, Sharpe and Slay...father, Brandon, played football at Sewanee...enjoys spending time with friends in his free time...studying kinesiology...born September 18, 2003.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in two games for the Rangers against Mississippi Delta on October 12 and CopiahLincoln on Novemeber 11...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List and the Spring 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Brooks Dampeer at Amory...helped the Panthers to a 12-2 record, the Region 4-3A title and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 3A North Half Championship game...named team’s Player of the Week after the second round playoff win against North Panola...as a junior, helped AHS to the 2021 Class 3A North Half Championship and a state runner-up finish...off the field, a member of the National Technical Honor Society...received recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kerri and Dwaine Foster...has four siblings: Corbin, Chance, Levi and Marek...enjoys fishing and playing video games in his spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Cam”...born September 12, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers on the defensive line and punt team...off the field, named to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Toni Lotti at Apalachee...two-time All-Region 8-AAAAA defensive lineman.
Personal:
Son of Tracy and Joey Ferro...has three siblings: Peyton (23), Abby (21) and Sara (19)... brother, Peyton, played tight end for Berry College from 2019-22...hobbies include playing video games, watching Formula One racing and hanging out with friends and family...studying computer science...nickname is “Ty”...born January 25, 2005.
Played in eight games in 2022, helping Northwest to the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs...tallied seven tackles, five solo, two assists and one reception for 19 yards.
High School:
Played for coaches Toby Greene and Chris Littleton at Florala...247Sports three-star athlete, who contributed in nearly every offensive and defensive statistical category for the Class 1A Wildcats as a senior...gained over 1000 all-purpose yards as a rusher, receiver and kick returner, while averaging over five tackles per game...also kicked and punted for FHS...versatile athlete who won the AHSAA 1A shot put state championship...received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Southern Miss, New Mexico, Tulane, Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee, Troy, Georgia State, North Alabama and Austin Peay.
Personal:
Son of Katina and Jackie Simmons...has one brother, John...enjoys powerlifting in his spare time...plans to study advanced emergency medical technician studies...born October 9, 2002.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers, catching one pass for two yards in a road win at Holmes on October 26.
High School:
Played for head coach Steve McCann at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 6-5 record last season...two-time first team All-Region 1-6A selections...was part of two playoff teams at HHS...off the field, scored a 22 on the ACT...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Shawanda Humes...has three siblings: Jerrolyn Seymore (26), Jireh Humes (17) and Joseph Newberry (14)...both Jireh and Joseph compete in athletics at Hernando... hobbies include fishing and spending time with friends...studying business...born December 23, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in eight games for the Rangers, totaling nine tackles (two solo), seven assists, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a quarterback hurry.
High School:
Played for head coach Hunter Adams at Stanhope Elmore...tallied 30 tackles for the Mustangs last season, including five tackles-for-loss, three quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and a sack...matched his season-high of five tackles in three different games... finished with two TFLs in a September 2 win against Russell County...two-time all-county selection...received recruiting interest from Auburn, Maryland, Troy and Memphis.
Personal:
Son of Jakia Williams...has one brother, Chazon (18)...relative, Dwight Buycks, played college basketball for Marquette (2009-11), and has played professionally in the NBA and overseas since 2011...hobbies include working out, painting and listening to music... studying kinesiology...nicknames include “Q”, “JB” and “Quize”...born October 26, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs... played in nine games for the Rangers, totaling eight tackles (two solo), six assists, three quarterback hurries and a tackle-for-loss...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Kris Thigpen at Terry...as a senior, tallied 56 total tackles for the Bulldogs, including 14 tackles-for-loss...also compiled five sacks and four quarterback hurries last season...collected a season-high nine tackles, five TFLs and two sacks in a 22-10 win against Pearl on October 7...three-time Player of the Week recipient...named to the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game, and was voted as a captain...as a junior, tallied 29 tackles, two TFLs and a fumble recovery...tacked on a season-best five tackles in two games against Brandon and Northwest Rankin...also competed in powerlifting and track at THS...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Demetra Lofton and Arthur Coleman...has six siblings, ranging in age from 2-17... hobbies include crafting, editing and playing video games...intends to study business or graphic design...nicknames include “Havoc” and “Big Country”...born April 6, 2005.
Played for former Northwest quarterback and current USM head coach Will Hall...started eight games as a true freshman, one shy of the record of nine starts by a freshman, held by Brett Favre (1987)...boasted a 5-3 record as a starter...completed 101-of-176 passes, throwing for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns...totaled a career-best 207 passing yards in his first collegiate start against Miami on September 10...also threw for a pair of touchdowns in victories against Tulane (September 24) and Louisiana (October 27)... maintained a 3.0 GPA at USM.
High School:
Played for head coach Will Wolfe at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 7-5 record during his senior season, earning back-to-back Class 6A playoff appearances in 2020 and 2021...lettered in football for three years at HHS...surpassed 8,000 total yards and 60 touchdowns during the span of his varsity career...named Region 1-6A Offensive MVP and garnered first team all-state selections as a senior...chosen to play in the MississippiAlabama All-Star Game as a senior...as a sophomore, passed for 1,801 yards and 17 touchdowns...also competed for the Tigers in baseball (three years) and basketball (two years)...off the field, a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter... received recruiting interest from Southern Miss, South Alabama and UT Martin.
Personal:
Son of Kathy and Clint Wilcke...has four siblings: Kendall (29), Caleb (27), Robert (25) and Ben (23)...older brother, Robert, spent two seasons as a quarterback at Northwest (2017-18), before continuing his career at Harding University (2019-21)...hobbies include playing pickleball, video games and hanging out with family...studying sports management...born July 28, 2003.
4
TREVOR WALTON
DB • 6-2 • 185 • Redshirt Freshman
Horn Lake, Miss. • University of Memphis
2023 [Freshman; Memphis]: Redshirted his freshman season at the University of Memphis.
High School:
Played for head coach Brandon Jackson at Horn Lake...helped the Eagles to a 5-5 overall record and a Class 6A playoff appearance as a senior...was rated as a three-star by 247Sports...off the field, maintained a 3.0 GPA...received recruiting interest from Kentucky, Memphis, Mississippi State, Austin Peay and Alabama State.
Personal:
Son of Erica Jones...has one sibling, TraVaughn (20)...studying criminal justice...nickname is “Trev”...born October 12, 2004.
High School:
5
CHRIS THOMAS
LB • 6-3 • 205 • Freshman
Southaven, Miss. • DeSoto Central HS
Played for head coach Shelby Ford at DeSoto Central...helped the Jaguars to an appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs last season...as a senior, named second team allstate and First Team All-Region 1-7A...also chosen to compete in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game...collected 92 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns, two pass breakups and a blocked field goal during his senior season...received recruiting interest from Ole Miss, Middle Tennessee, Jackson State, Southern Illinois and Mississippi Valley State.
Personal:
Son of Deandrea and Harold Thomas...has seven siblings, ranging in age from 5-27... enjoys working out and painting in his spare time...studying exercise science...nickname is “C5IVE”...born October 17, 2005.
NEWCOMERS
2023 [Freshman; Troy]:
7
M.J. JOHNSON
ATH • 5-10 • 175 • Redshirt Freshman Enterprise, Ala. • Troy University
Played in one game at Troy before sitting out the remainder of the season...in his lone game of the season, totaled 37 kick return yards in the Trojans’ victory against Stephen F. Austin.
High School:
Played for head coach Ben Blackmon at Enterprise...helped the Wildcats to an 8-5 overall record during his senior season...concluded his varsity career with 3,305 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns, finishing second in school history for career rushing yards...as a senior, rushed for 484 yards and seven touchdowns, while also compiling 632 receiving yards and eight touchdowns...two-time all-state selection and chosen to compete in the Alabama North-South All-Star Game...also played basketball at EHS, helping the program to the 2022 AHSAA Class 7A State Championship game.
Personal:
Son of Turkessa Johnson...has three siblings...enjoys fishing and mud riding in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “MJ”...born December 26, 2003.
High School:
9 KEON HUTCHINS
WR • 6-1 • 170 • Freshman
Union, Miss. • Union HS
Played for head coach Jordan Wren at Union...helped the Yellow Jackets to a 12-2 overall record and an MHSAA Class 2A South Half Championship during his senior season... received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Norkesha Triplett and Kianti Huchins...has three siblings: Keshona (21), Koby (16) and Keyon (11)...studying business...nickname is “Yon”...born April 21, 2005.
Played for head coach LaDon Taylor at Charleston...helped the Tigers to a 13-2 overall record and the MHSAA Class 3A State Championship game as a senior...named the Class 2A Most Valuable Player during his senior season...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society, National History Society, Science Club and Beta Club...also selected to the Superintendent’s List...received recruiting interest from Navy, Arkansas State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State, Furman, Mercer, West Georgia, Grambling, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, Arkansas Tech and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Sharneka Taylor and Tyre Riley...has eight siblings, ranging in age from 2-24... enjoys playing basketball in his spare time...studying business agriculture...nickname is “Big Play Dre”...born January 25, 2006.
High School:
13
MARION KEYES
DB • 6-2 • 190 • Freshman Laurel, Miss. • West Jones HS
Played for head coach Cory Reynolds at West Jones...helped the Mustangs to a 14-0 overall record and the MHSAA Class 6A State Championship last season...first team allstate selection...off the field, received Principal’s Award and was a member of the school’s student council...received recruiting interest from numerous MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Ruby and Jeremiah Keyes...has four siblings: Juwon (28), Jay (21), Jalia (15) and Jordan (14)...studying sports management...born July 2, 2006.
NEWCOMERS
High School:
14
JERRY WALL III
LB • 6-2 • 240 • Freshman
Olive Branch, Miss. • Olive Branch HS
Played for head coach Jason Russell at Olive Branch...football stats were not recorded for his senior year...as a junior, finished with 44 tackles, three quarterback hurries, two tackles-for-loss and a sack...offensively, rushed for 176 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries...as a sophomore, totaled 87 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and two sacks...also played basketball for the Conquistadors, where he helped OBHS to the MHSAA Class 6A State Championship as a senior...awarded All-Region 1-6A and all-state accolades for his basketball accomplishments...outside of athletics, a consistent honor roll student... received recruiting interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, TCU, Arkansas State, Southern Miss, South Alabama, Missouri State, Austin Peay and Alcorn State.
Personal:
Son of Kamika and Jerry Wall II...has two siblings, Jace and Kai...hobbies include painting, drawing, hunting, listening to music and playing chess...studying engineering...nickname is “Tre”...born November 4, 2005.
High School:
15
RASE JONES
LB • 6-2 • 220 • Freshman Soso, Miss. • West Jones HS
Played for head coach Cory Reynolds at West Jones...helped the Mustangs to a 14-0 overall record and a MHSAA Class 6A State Championship last season...as a senior, named Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year...tallied 160 tackles during his senior campaign...off the field, the Key Club President, high school vice president, Student Council officer and graduated top ten in his class...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Jenna Headrick and Brett Jones...father, Brett, played baseball at Ole Miss...has two younger sisters, Lillian (9) and Vivienne Yelverton (8)...enjoys hanging out with friends in his spare time...studying biochemistry...born December 30, 2005.
Signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast out of high school, but redshirted his freshman season.
High School:
Played for head coach Josh Morgan at Warren Central...helped the Vikings to a 9-2 record and a region title during his senior season...two-time All-Warren County selection... passed for nearly 3,000 yards during his final two years at WCHS...as a senior in 2022, completed 115 of his 179 pass attempts, throwing for 1,690 yards and 13 touchdowns... averaged 140.8 passing yards per game...had three 200-yard passing performances during his senior season, including a career-best 239 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 35-0 win against Terry...also passed for 236 yards and three touchdowns on 28 completions in a playoff loss to Brandon...as a junior in 2021, completed 89 of his 151 pass attempts, throwing for 1,238 yards and nine touchdowns...best game as a junior came in a loss to Oak Grove, where he threw for 178 yards and a touchdown...also completed 22 passes for 131 yards in a regular season loss to Brandon...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society and voted Mr. Warren Central...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Jessica and Randy Wright...has an older sister, Kaylee (23)...hobbies include fishing, hunting and playing golf...studying kinesiology...born November 22, 2004.
Played for head coach Buck James at Conway...helped the Wampus Cats to a 12-2 overall record and the semifinal round of the Arkansas Class 7A playoffs as a senior...led the team in touchdowns during his senior season...chosen to play in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game over the summer...was part of three CHS teams that advanced to the semifinal round of the state playoffs...received recruiting interest from Central Methodist University.
Personal:
Son of Kimberly O’Neal...has two siblings, Kiya (21) and Jakailon (17)...hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing basketball and spending time with his friends...studying business...born August 31, 2005.
Played for head coach Jason Russell at Olive Branch...earned first team All-Region 1-6A and first team all-state accolades as a senior...off the field, maintained an A average throughout his junior and senior years...received recruiting interest from Stetson, Chattanooga, Northwest Missouri State and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Jennifer Tutor and Keith Traylor...has three siblings: Alex (24), Lexi (21) and Elise (17)...area of study is undecided...nickname is “BT”...born September 10, 2005.
Played for head coach Ty Hardin at Tupelo...helped the Green Wave to a 9-3 overall record and a 4-0 record in Region 2-7A..as a senior, led the region in interceptions...was part of back-to-back region championship teams...received recruiting interest from Southern Miss, Texas State, Alcorn State, Southeast Missouri State and Tennessee State.
Personal:
Son of Sharon Morris and David Gates...studying graphic design...nickname is “Quan”... born October 2, 2004.
Played for head coach Neil Lollar at Hancock...helped the Hawks to an 8-3 overall record and the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs as a senior...was part of the first HHS team in 20 years to win eight straight games...led the region in passing during his senior year, and received Student Athlete of the Week honors from both WLOX and WXXV...selected to compete in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game...off the field, graduated with honors and a member of the 25+ ACT Club...drew recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Tammy and Donny Moran...has two younger siblings, Madison (15) and John Luke (5)...father, Donny, played football at Ole Miss...enjoys hunting in his spare time...studying civil engineering...nickname is “Pawpaw”...born November 27, 2005.
21 JA KEYES
RB • 6-0 • 215 • Redshirt Freshman
Mount Olive, Miss. • Kentucky
2023 [Freshman; Kentucky/Wake Forest]: Was on the roster for coach Mark Stoops’ Kentucky team, but did not play...transferred to the Wildcats after initially signing with Wake Forest out of high school.
High School:
Played for head coach Trevin Pendleton at Ironton for his sophomore, junior and senior seasons...rated a three-star by 247Sports...was a two-way player at IHS, spending time as a running back and a linebacker...led the Fighting Tigers to the Division V state football championship in 2022...during his senior season, rushed for 1,063 yards and 21 touchdowns...charted 152 yards and scored three of the team’s final four touchdowns in the state semifinal game...on defense, totaled 56 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and three sacks...earned OHSAA All-State and OHSAA All-District honors...as a junior, ran for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 94 carries...spent his freshman season at Mize High School in Mize, Mississippi...off the field, an AP Honor Roll student...garnered recruiting interest from numerous NCAA Division I programs, including Wake Forest, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pitt, Indiana, Iowa, UConn, Coastal Carolina, Army, Marshall, Memphis, Akron, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, UMass, Central Michigan and Long Island.
Personal:
Son of Dana Green and Jermaine Keyes...has four siblings: Shania Green (28), Angelo Washington (20), Tamarah Green (17) and Jermaine Keyes, Jr. (16)...cousins, Byron Young and Eugene Sims, played in the NFL...likes playing basketball and fishing in his spare time...area of study is undecided...born April 25, 2004.
Played for head coach Ty Hardin at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 9-3 overall record during his senior campaign...totaled 136 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles over his junior and senior seasons...as a senior, totaled 74 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception...combined for 19 tackles in back-to-back games against Houston and West Point...racked up a season-high 10 tackles against West Point and a season-best five TFLs in a 40-7 victory against Southaven...his lone interception of the season came in a blowout victory against Oxford...chosen for first team all-state accolades...as a junior, racked up 62 total tackles, a sack, an interception and a quarterback hurry...had three games with 10 or more tackles, including a career-high 12 stops against Starkville...notched his only interception of the 2022 season in a 42-0 victory against Lewisburg...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Chelsea Crump...area of study is undecided...nicknames are “D5” and “D9”...born November 14, 2005.
High School:
23 NATE WALKER
LB • 6-0 • 210 • Freshman Amory, Miss. • Amory HS
Played for head coach Brooks Dampeer at Amory...helped the Panthers to a 9-2 overall record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship during his senior season...selected for the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game as a senior...three-time all-state, all-area and all-region selection...also named Defensive MVP three straight years...drew recruiting interest from Akron, Arkansas State, North Alabama and Mississippi Valley State.
Personal:
Son of Trena Williams and Nathan Walker...has two siblings, Kira (24) and Ty (21)... enjoys singing, lifting weights and writing poetry in his spare time...studying nursing... nicknames are “Nate the Snake” and “Crazy Nate”...born September 9, 2005.
Played for head coach Carter Norris at Senatobia...helped the Warriors to a 10-2 overall record and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs during his senior season...as a senior, named to the All-State Defensive Team, the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game and the team’s Defensive MVP...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Shasta and John Faulkner...has three siblings: Jalen King, Kimi Webb and Jondarrius Faulkner...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Jon Jon”...born October 24, 2005.
Played for head coach Mike Bennett at Escambia...was selected as the team’s Defensive Back MVP and an all-area first team selection...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student...received recruiting interest from FAU, Utah State and Bethune-Cookman.
Personal:
Son of Marqueta Taylor...has a brother, Travis...enjoys fishing, gaming, riding ATVs and playing basketball in his spare time...area of study is undecided...born May 10, 2005.
Played for head coach Ty Hardin at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 9-3 overall record as a senior...amassed 2,628 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in three varsity seasons...also logged 616 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 49 receptions...as a senior, rushed for 733 yards and five touchdowns on 97 carries...had two 100-yard rushing games in 2023, including a seven-carry, 129-yard effort with two touchdowns in a 42-3 victory against Germantown...also tallied 127 yards in a 36-6 win against Starkville...also caught three passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in a 49-7 victory against Oxford...had his best varsity season as a junior in 2022, rushing for 1,201 yards and 16 touchdowns on 171 carries...also caught 19 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns...on the ground, had five 100-yard performances, including a career-high 153 yards in a 28-7 playoff win against Madison Central...also rushed for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a regular season victory against Clinton...tallied a season-high five catches for 40 yards and a touchdown against Lewisburg...also caught four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown against Starkville...as a sophomore in 2021, tallied 694 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries...also caught nine passes for 66 yards and a touchdown... posted two 100-yard efforts, including a nine-carry, 121-yard effort with a pair of scores in a 56-0 blowout of Corinth.
Personal:
Son of Charde Streeter and Quaterro Middlebrooks...has five siblings: Damon (19), Raeshun (18), Aquyla (17), Quayshawn (15) and Quinterius (9)...born March 27, 2005.
Played for head coach Jerome Griffin at Southwind...helped the Jaguars to a 13-1 overall record, a 5-0 district mark and the fourth round of the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs as a senior...named First-Team 5A during his senior season...received recruiting interest from Temple, Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, UT Martin, Southeast Missouri State, Mississippi Valley State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Tanika and Antione Keefer...has two siblings, Kendria (23) and Antonio (15)... studying business management...nicknames are “AJ” and “Twon”...born September 12, 2006.
Played for head coach Dustin Hectorne at Lewisburg...helped the Patriots to a 7-4 overall record and the opening round of the MHSAA Class 7A playoffs last season... totaled 197 tackles, 11 interceptions, six tackles-for-loss and three fumble recoveries in three varsity seasons...as a senior, named team captain and finished with 117 total tackles, seven interceptions, five TFLs and a fumble recovery...posted a career-high 24 tackles in the Patriots’ season-opener against Lake Cormorant...had five games with 10 or more tackles as a senior...had two interceptions in two games against Center Hill and Itawamba Agricultural...recovered a fumble against Hernando...also earned Region 1-7A Player of the Year and second team all-state...as a junior in 2022, compiled 49 tackles with four interceptions...posted a season-best 14 tackles in a 26-21 victory against Lake Cormorant...recovered a fumble in back-to-back games against Olive Branch and DeSoto Central...as a sophomore in 2021, tallied 31 tackles and a tackle-for-loss...finished with a season-best seven tackles in a pair of games against Kosciusko and South Panola...also played basketball at LHS...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Amber and Simon Helps...has one sibling, Wesley (21)...enjoys golfing in his spare time...area of study is undecided...born December 2, 2005.
Played for head coach Ladon Taylor at Charleston...helped the Tigers to a 13-2 overall record and the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship as a senior...capped off his varsity career with 137 total tackles during his junior and senior seasons, along with 13 sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble...as a senior, led CHS with 84 total tackles, five sacks and an interception.
Personal:
Son of Tyewonder Kirk...has one sibling, Jakylen Kirk...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying construction...born July 23, 2006.
Played for head coach Chris Jones at Starkville...helped the Yellow Jackets to a 10-4 overall record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...during his senior campaign, totaled 92 tackles, 31 hurries, 28 tackles-for-loss and six sacks...three-time all-district selection at Starkville and Heritage Academy... while playing at Heritage Academy, selected to play in the MAIS Futures Game...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Stephanie and Jason Woodard...has three brothers: Mitchell (20), Oliver (15) and James (9)...enjoys working out and hanging out with friends in his spare time...studying business administration...nicknames are “Vanilla Ice” and “Chuck Nasty”...born November 14, 2005.
Played for head coach Devin Cooper at Northwest Rankin...helped the Cougars to a 5-5 overall record as a senior...earned first team all-state honors...off the field, graduated with honors.
Personal:
Son of Gwen Dearman and William Colella...has a brother, William Jr. (19)...enjoys playing golf and pickleball in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Joey”...born June 12, 2006.
Played for head coach Judd Boswell at Clinton...chosen to compete in the MississippiAlabama All-Star Game as a senior...also named Clinton’s Special Teams MVP and received all-state honors...also played soccer for CHS...off the field, received CHS Interscholastic Senior Athlete of the Year award...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Alyson and Corey Wolfe...has an older brother, Tyler (21)...hobbies include golfing, hunting and hanging out with friends...studying finance...born September 14, 2005.
Played for coach Russell Ellington at Gadsden County...helped the Jaguars to an 8-4 record during his senior season...finished with 60 tackles during his junior and senior seasons, along with 25 tackles-for-loss, seven quarterback hurries, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery...as a senior, posted 25 tackles, 19 TFLs and a forced fumble...compiled a season-high six tackles in a loss to Tift County...also finished with four TFLs against Florida State University High School.
Personal:
Son of Contessa Drayton...has a younger brother, Zechariah Hall (16)...enjoys fishing in his spare time...studying radiology...nickname is “Nemo”...born July 11, 2005.
High School:
50 MICHAEL GIBSON, JR.
OL • 6-3 • 250 • Freshman Union, Miss. • Union HS
Played for head coach Jordan Wren at Union...helped the Yellow Jackets to a 12-2 overall record and a region championship during his senior season...voted Most Valuable Lineman.
Personal:
Son of Mary and Earl Davis...has three siblings: Mikalyn Gibson (17), Malik Gibson (14) and Miguel Gibson (12)...studying business...nickname is “Bobo”...born October 6, 2005.
NEWCOMERS
52 DREW BREWER
OL • 6-3 • 310 • Redshirt Sophomore
Purvis, Miss. • Southern Miss
2023 [Redshirt Freshman; Southern Miss]: Saw action in one game against Tulane last season.
2022 [Freshman; Southern Miss]: Redshirted his true freshman season at Southern Miss.
High School:
Played for head coach Brad Hankins at Purvis...three-year letterwinner on the Tornadoes’ offensive line...was part of an offensive front in 2021 that paved the way for 1,147 rushing yards and 552 passing yards...earned Player of the Pine Belt honors...off the field, a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter...received recruiting interest from Southern Miss.
Personal:
Son of Jennifer and Jeremy Brewer...has three younger siblings: Brianna (18), Hunter (15) and Easton (10)...enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf in his spare time...studying sports management...nickname is “Big Red”...born August 5, 2004.
High School:
55
CHRISTOPHER RODGERS
OL • 6-3 • 295 • Freshman
Tchula, Miss. • Holmes County Central HS
Played for head coach Marcus Rogers at Holmes County Central...helped the Jaguars to a 12-1 overall record, the Region 2-5A title and a second-round appearance in the MHSAA Class 5A Playoffs as a senior...named First Team All-Region 2-5A and was selected to compete in the Bernard Blackwell North-South All-Star Game...was part of multiple playoff teams at HCCHS.
Personal:
Son of Margaret Pate and Arthur Harris...has an older brother, Robert Powell (24)...enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time...studying health and physical education...born March 10, 2006.
59
CONNOR HILLMAN
OL • 6-5 • 285 • Freshman Flora, Miss. • Tri-County Academy High School:
Played for head coach Philip Wasson at Tri-County Academy...helped the Rebels to a 13-1 overall record and an MAIS Class 4A State Championship in 2023...also played a role in TCA’s 2021 state championship run, along with former teammate and current Ranger Kamp Shepherd...three-time first team all-district selection, three-time Most Valuable Lineman award winner and two-time All-MAIS offensive lineman...off the field, a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society...saw recruiting interest from Northwestern State and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Cathy and Jeff Hillman...has two older siblings, Rachel (32) and Cooper (29)...hobbies include fishing and playing golf...studying liberal arts...born July 19, 2005.
61
REGINHARD PIERRE-NAU
OL • 6-3 • 285 • Redshirt Freshman Jonesboro, Ga. • Morehouse College
2023 [Freshman]: Redshirted his true freshman season at Morehouse College...made the Dean’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach and NFL veteran Earthwind Moreland at Mundy’s Mill...helped the Tigers to a 7-4 overall record and the GHSAA Class AAAAAA playoffs during his senior season...earned first team all-region accolades, as well as Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Personal:
Son of Regine and Fouchard Pierre-Nau...area of study is undecided...born October 1, 2004.
NEWCOMERS
High School:
64
COBIE JOHNSON
OL • 6-3 • 305 • Freshman
Straight Bayou, Miss. • South Delta HS
Played for head coach Kepatrick Barnes at South Delta...helped the Bulldogs to a 6-6 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 1A Playoffs last season...rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports...as a senior, earned first team all-state and first team all-region honors...selected to play in Magnolia All-Star Showcase and was named South Delta’s Offensive Lineman of the Year...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student... received recruiting interest from Mississippi Valley State, West Alabama and numerous MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Carolyn Johnson and Lloyd Carter...has two siblings, Poobie Pinkins and Brianna Carter...hobbies include fishing, mud riding, working out and hanging out with friends... studying coding...nickname is “D-Dawg”...born August 15, 2006.
High School:
72
JAYLEN THOMAS
DL • 6-3 • 310 • Freshman
Memphis, Tenn. • White Station HS
Played for head coach Teran Conley at White Station...racked up 47 tackles, nine sacks, four fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal during his senior season...earned numerous accolades, including first team all-district defensive tackle, TVA High School Lineman of the Week and White Station’s Most Valuable Player...also selected as an East-West Tennessee All-Star...also played rugby in his spare time, winning MVP honors for the school’s rugby club...received recruiting interest from UAB, UT-Martin, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Missouri Southern State, Albany State, Iowa Western Community College, Georgia Military College, Hutchinson Community College and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Tamika Abram...has six siblings, ranging in age from 11 to 25 years of age...enjoys hunting and playing rugby in his spare time...studying psychology...born July 15, 2005.
High School:
79
NATE KELLEY
OL • 6-6 • 310 • Freshman
Mantachie, Miss. • Mantachie HS
Played for head coach Ken Adams at Mantachie...helped the Mustangs reach the MHSAA Class 3A Playoffs as a senior...earned first team all-region accolades as a senior, as well as MHS’ Offensive Player of the Year...three-time all-state selection...chosen to compete in the Bernard Blackwell North-South All-Star Game...received recruiting interest from Central Arkansas, Mississippi College and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Jackie and Garrett Kelley...has four siblings: Isaiah (19), Jaida (17), Eli Brown (11) and Lyla Brown (8)...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Big Nate”...born August 6, 2006.
High School:
84
JAMAEL JOHNSON
TE • 6-3 • 235 • Redshirt Freshman
Oxford, Miss. • Oxford HS
Played for head coach Chris Cutcliffe at Oxford...helped the Chargers to a 5-5 record in 2022...was an offensive lineman at OHS, where he was chosen as a NEMFCA All-Star during his senior season...also selected to play in Magnolia Bowl All-Star showcase...as a junior, was part of an Oxford team that finished as the MHSAA Class 6A runners-up...off the field, a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter.
Personal:
Son of Michelle and A.J. Johnson...has two siblings, Jai (17) and Akelyia (11)...hobbies include hunting and fishing...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Mel”...born November 30, 2004.
Played for head coach Pete Wiggins at Callaway...helped the Cavaliers to a 9-3 overall record during his senior season...all-state and first team all-region selection...received recruiting interest from Savannah State, Kentucky State and Miles College.
Personal:
Son of Alicia Thornton...has two siblings, Arthur Smith (22) and William Hoard (20)... hobbies include watching movies and playing games...studying business...nickname is “K7”...born October 14, 2005.
High School:
98
FREDERICK TIGNER, JR.
DT • 6-1 • 305 • Freshman
Hogansville, Ga. • Langston Hughes HS
Played for head coach Daniel Boone at Langston Hughes...helped the Panthers to a 9-3 overall record last season...as a senior, totaled 66 tackles, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry...tallied a season-high nine tackles in a 41-7 victory against North Forsyth... forced a fumble in the 2023 season-opener against Carrollton...also helped LHHS to the 2022 GHSAA Class 6A State Championship...off the field, an Honor Roll student...garnered recruiting interest from Liberty, Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina, UAB, Appalachian State, Western Kentucky, James Madison, Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Tennessee Tech, South Alabama, Jacksonville State, Wofford, Austin Peay, Tuskegee and Thomas More University.
Personal:
Son of Frederick Tigner, Sr...has nine siblings...enjoys fishing in his spare time...studying computer science coding...born January 24, 2005.
Played for head coach Judd Boswell at Clinton...earned first team all-defense and all-region nods as a senior...also selected to compete in the Bernard Blackwell NorthSouth All-Star Game...as a junior, named second team all-defense...garnered all-region accolades as a sophomore...received recruiting interest from Ole Miss, Alabama, Baylor and Marshall.
Personal:
Son of Makisha Stanton and Timothy Spann...enjoys fishing in his spare time...studying criminal justice...born November 17, 2005.
2024 OPPONENTS
Pearl River
August 29 • 7 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Bobby Franklin Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Poplarville, Miss.
Founded: 1921
Enrollment: 4,359
President: Dr. Adam Breerwood
Athletic Director: Patrick Ochs Conference: MACCC (South Division)
First Meeting: 1937 (no date recorded) (Pearl River 54, Northwest 0)
Last Meeting: September 21, 2023 in Senatobia, Miss. (#13 Northwest 27, Pearl River 3)
East Mississippi
September 12 • 7 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Bobby Franklin Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Scooba, Miss.
Founded: 1927
Enrollment: 3,232
President: Scott Alsobrooks
Athletic Director: Sharon Thompson Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Lions
Colors: Red, Black & White
Stadium: Sullivan-Windham Field
Head Coach: Buddy Stephens 2023 Record: 10-3
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: David Rosinski
Phone: (662) 476-5042
Email: drosinski@eastms.edu
Web Address: emccathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series 43-28-1
First Meeting: 1947 (score unknown)
Last Meeting: October 5, 2023 in Senatobia, Miss. (#13 East Mississippi 35, #10 Northwest 17)
Location: Decatur, Miss.
Founded: 1928
Enrollment: 2,419
President: Dr. Brent Gregory
Athletic Director: Paul Nixon Conference: MACCC (South Division)
Nickname: Warriors
Colors: Black & Gold
Stadium: Bailey Stadium
Head Coach: Johathan Webster 2023 Record: 4-5
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Larry Reed, Jr. Phone: (601) 403-1365
Email: lreed@eccc.edu
Web Address: ecccathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series 33-17
First Meeting: 1947 (no date recorded) (East Central 20, Northwest 19)
Last Meeting: August 29, 2019 in Decatur, Miss. (#9 Northwest 26, East Central 13)
Coahoma
September 19 • 6:30 P.M. • Clarksdale, Miss. • James E. Miller Stadium
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Clarksdale, Miss.
Founded: 1949
Enrollment: 1,860
President: Dr. Valmadge Towner
Athletic Director: Selina Reid Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Maroon & Silver
Stadium: James E. Miller Stadium
Head Coach: Terrence Metcalf 2023 Record: 1-8
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jerome Coley
Phone: (662) 621-4157
Email: jcoley@coahomacc.edu
Web Address: coahomasports.com
Series History: Northwest leads 46-2
First Meeting: 1975 (Northwest 18, Coahoma 0)
Last Meeting: October 19, 2023 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 55, Coahoma 7)
Northeast
2024 OPPONENTS
September 26 • 7 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Bobby Franklin Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Booneville, Miss.
Founded: 1948
Enrollment: 3,500
President: Ricky G. Ford
Athletic Director: Kent Farris
Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Black & Gold
Stadium: Tiger Stadium
Head Coach: Greg Davis 2023 Record: 6-3
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Blake Long
Phone: (662) 720-7448
Email: bdlong@nemcc.edu
Web Address: nemccathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series 44-18-2
First Meeting: 1949 (Northeast 34, Northwest 0)
Last Meeting: November 2, 2023 in Senatobia, Miss. (#15 Northwest 28, #13 Northeast 27; 2OT)
Mississippi Delta
October 17 • 7 P.M. • Moorhead, Miss. • Jim Randall Stadium
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Moorhead, Miss.
Founded: 1926
Enrollment: 3,609
President: Dr. Tyrone Jackson
Athletic Director: Jason Conner
Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Trojans
Colors: Red & Black
Stadium: Jim Randall Stadium
Head Coach: Tavares Johnson 2023 Record: 2-7
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jason Conner
Phone: (662) 246-6479
Email: jconner@msdelta.edu
Web Address: mdcctrojans.com
Series History: Northwest leads 49-23-2
First Meeting: 1928 (Mississippi Delta 7, Northwest 0)
Last Meeting: October 12, 2023 in Moorhead, Miss. (#15 Northwest 31, Mississippi Delta 13)
Southwest Mississippi
October 10 • 6:30 P.M. • Summit, Miss. • John I. Hurst Stadium
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Summit, Miss.
Founded: 1916
Enrollment: 2,128
President: J. Steven Bishop, Ph.D.
Athletic Director: Ken Jackson
Conference: MACCC (South Division)
Nickname: Bears
Colors: Red & Navy
Stadium: John I. Hurst Stadium
Head Coach: Cliff Collins 2023 Record: 1-8
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Travis Connelly Phone: (601) 276-3741
Email: tconnelly@smcc.edu
Web Address: southwestbearathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series 23-13-1
First Meeting: 1941 (no date or score recorded)
Last Meeting: September 5, 2019 in Senatobia, Miss. (#4 Northwest 29, Southwest Mississippi 10
Holmes (HC)
October 24 • 7 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Bobby Franklin Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Goodman, Miss.
Founded: 1925
Enrollment: 5,678
President: Dr. Jim Haffey
Athletic Director: Andy Wood
Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Bulldogs
Colors: Cardinal, Black & White
Stadium: Ras Branch Stadium
Head Coach: Marcus Wood 2023 Record: 6-3
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Steve Diffey
Phone: (662) 472-9068
Email: sdiffey@holmescc.edu
Web Address: holmesathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads 48-20-2
First Meeting: 1941 (no date or score recorded)
Last Meeting: October 26, 2023 in Goodman, Miss. (Northwest 36, Holmes 28)
Itawamba
October 31 • 7 P.M. • Fulton, Miss. • Eaton Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Fulton, Miss.
Founded: 1948
Enrollment: 4,238
President: Dr. Jay Allen
Athletic Director: Dr. Chad Case Conference: MACCC (North Division)
Nickname: Indians
Colors: Red & Navy
Stadium: Eaton Field
Head Coach: Travis Macon 2023 Record: 3-6
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
2024 OPPONENTS
Sports Information Director: Adam Gore
Phone: (601) 862-8059
Email: acgore@iccms.edu
Web Address: letsgoicc.com
Series History: Northwest leads 44-26-1
First Meeting: 1949 (Northwest 12, Itawamba 7)
Last Meeting: September 28, 2023 in Fulton, Miss. (#12 Northwest 38, Itawamba 13)
2024 Opponent Se ries Records
Coahoma: 46-2
1975 Northwest 18, Coahoma 0 W
Northwest 63, Coahoma 7 (HC) W
Northwest 58, Coahoma 0 (HC) W
Northwest 17, Coahoma 9 W
Northwest 42, Coahoma 10 W
Northwest 22, Coahoma 0 W
Northwest 49, Coahoma 0 W
Northwest 27, Coahoma 7 W 1983 Northwest 60, Coahoma 0 W
1984 Northwest 41, Coahoma 7 W
1985 Northwest 73, Coahoma 0 W
1986 #2 Northwest 24, Coahoma 3 (HC) W
1987 Northwest 62, Coahoma 6 W
1988 Northwest 14, Coahoma 0 W
1989 Northwest 64, Coahoma 14 W
1990 Northwest 42, Coahoma 7 W
1991 Northwest 47, Coahoma 6 W
1992 Northwest 73, Coahoma 0 W
1993 Northwest 57, Coahoma 22 W
1994 Northwest 58, Coahoma 12 W
1995 Northwest 31, Coahoma 0 W
1996 Northwest 41, Coahoma 26 W
1997 Northwest 30, Coahoma 20 W
1998 Northwest 80, Coahoma 7 W 1999 Northwest 66, Coahoma 0 W 2000 Northwest 60, Coahoma 0 W
Northwest 61, Coahoma 0 W 2002 Northwest 30, Coahoma 6 W 2003 Northwest 55, Coahoma 12 W
Northwest 49, Coahoma 13 W
Coahoma 12, Northwest 7 L
Northwest 41, Coahoma 30 W
Coahoma 41, Northwest 36 (HC) L
#10 Northwest 37, Coahoma 7 W 2011 #9 Northwest 44, Coahoma 21 W 2012 #10 Northwest 44, Coahoma 6 W
Northwest 38, Coahoma 23 W 2014 Northwest 34, Coahoma 29 W 2015 #6 Northwest 51, Coahoma 14 W
2016 #1 Northwest 34, Coahoma 0 W
2017 #11 Northwest 35, Coahoma 0 W
2018 #5 Northwest 35, Coahoma 24 W
2019 #2 Northwest 54, Coahoma 18 W
2021 Northwest 42, #14 Coahoma 12 W
2022 #3 Northwest 44, Coahoma 21 W 2023 Northwest 55, Coahoma 7 W
East Central: 33-17
1947 East Central 20, Northwest 19 L
Northwest 14, East Central 13 W
East Central 40, Northwest 7 L
East Central 19, Northwest 13 L
Northwest (by forfeit) W
East Central 6, Northwest 0 L
East Central 22, Northwest 16 L
Northwest 18, East Central 14 W 1961 East Central 6, Northwest 2 L 1962 Northwest 37, East Central 6 W
1963 East Central 14, Northwest 7 L
1964 Northwest 17, East Central 6 W
1965 East Central 14, Northwest 13 L
OPPONENT HISTORY
1966 Northwest 17, East Central 14 W 1967 East Central 41, Northwest 15 L
1968 East Central 35, Northwest 14 (HC) L
1969 Northwest 12, East Central 6 (HC) W
1970 East Central 14, Northwest 13 L
1971 East Central 7, Northwest 0 L
1972 East Central 29, Northwest 8 L
1973 Northwest 20, East Central 7 W
1974 Northwest 18, East Central 8 W
1975 East Central 13, Northwest 9 L 1978 Northwest 14, East Central 6 W
Northwest 27, East Central 6 W
East Central 23, Northwest 14 L
Northwest 26, East Central 7 W
Northwest 23, East Central 10 W
Northwest 44, East Central 7 W 1986 Northwest 29, East Central 14 W 1987 East Central 17, Northwest 16 L
1992 Northwest 48, East Central 7 W
1993 Northwest 28, East Central 0 W
1994 Northwest 26, East Central 16 W 1995 Northwest 48, East Central 7 W 1996 East Central 20, Northwest 15 L 1997 East Central 28, Northwest 27 L 1998 Northwest 31, East Central 6 W 1999 Northwest 53, East Central 8 W
34, East Central 33 W
40, East Central 31 W
14, East Central 12 W
#15 Northwest 41, East Central 26 W
#6 Northwest 42, East Central 19 W
#2 Northwest 27, #17 East Central 20 W 2016 #5 Northwest 20, East Central 14 W #4 Northwest 21, East Central 14 (MACJC Semifinals) W
2017 #6 Northwest 38, East Central 0 W
2018 #6 Northwest 28, East Central 24 W
2019 #9 Northwest 26, East Central 13 W
East Mississippi: 43-28-1
East Mississippi vs. Northwest (no score)
East Mississippi 13, Northwest 7 L 1950 East Mississippi 39, Northwest 7 L
East Mississippi 13, Northwest 6 L
East Mississippi 16, Northwest 14 L 1958 Northwest 6, #6 East Mississippi 0 W
East Mississippi 25, Northwest 18 L
Northwest 26, East Mississippi 15 W
Mississippi 34, Northwest 14 L
Mississippi 34, Northwest 14 L
Mississippi 29, Northwest 0 (HC) L
7, East Mississippi 6 W
6, East Mississippi 0 W
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
Northwest 30, East Mississippi 18 W
Northwest 21, East Mississippi 7 W
Northwest 13, East Mississippi 9 W
East Mississippi 14, Northwest 0 L
East Mississippi 7, Northwest 0 L
Northwest 53, East Mississippi 8 W
Northwest 19, East Mississippi 7 W
East Mississippi 27, Northwest 21 L
East Mississippi 7, Northwest 6 L
Northwest 21, East Mississippi 13 W 1976
Northwest 37, East Mississippi 0 W 1977
Northwest 35, East Mississippi 6 W 1978
Northwest 14, East Mississippi 14 T 1979 Northwest 17, East Mississippi 7 W 1980 Northwest 27, East Mississippi 21 W 1981 Northwest 13, East Mississippi 12 W
1982
1983
Northwest 12, East Mississippi 10 W
Northwest 24, East Mississippi 0 W 1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
Northwest 20, East Mississippi 17 W
Northwest 38, East Mississippi 13 W
Northwest 30, East Mississippi 20 W
East Mississippi 23, Northwest 20 L
Northwest 29, East Mississippi 22 W
Northwest 28, East Mississippi 19 W
Northwest 31, East Mississippi 28 W
Northwest 49, East Mississippi 7 W
Northwest 31, East Mississippi 7 W
Northwest 41, East Mississippi 21 W
OPPONENT HISTORY
1994 Northwest 46, #13 East Mississippi 27 W
Northwest 14, East Mississippi 13 W 1996 Northwest 51, East Mississippi 36 W 1997 Northwest 34, East Mississippi 23 W
1998 #8 Northwest 28, East Mississippi 18 W
1999 Northwest 49, East Mississippi 27 W
2000 Northwest 69, East Mississippi 37 W
2001 Northwest 42, East Mississippi 0 W
2002 Northwest 53, East Mississippi 17 W
2003 Northwest 31, East Mississippi 14 W 2004 #3 Northwest 44, East Mississippi 7 W
East Mississippi 12, Northwest 10 L
Northwest 55, East Mississippi 22 W
Northwest 14, East Mississippi 0 W
East Mississippi 27, Northwest 19 L
#13 East Mississippi 49, Northwest 42 L
#11 Northwest 25, East Mississippi 19 W
#8 East Mississippi 45, #4 Northwest 42 L 2012 #3 East Mississippi 56, #5 Northwest 49 L 2013 #2 East Mississippi 79, Northwest 7 L
2014 #1 East Mississippi 49, Northwest 0 L
2015 #8 East Mississippi 49, #4 Northwest 16 L 2016 #4 East Mississippi 51, #1 Northwest 32 L #3 East Mississippi 38, #4 Northwest 30 (MACJC Championship) L 2017 #10 Northwest 61, #1 East Mississippi 38 W #1 East Mississippi 67, #4 Northwest 66 (2OT) (MACJC Championship) L 2018 #1 East Mississippi 34, #2
#13 East Mississippi 35, #10 Northwest 17 L
Northwest 7, Holmes 6
OPPONENT HISTORY
Northwest 19, Holmes 13
Northwest 49, Holmes 12
23, Itawamba 14
Itawamba: 44-26-1
OPPONENT HISTORY
2013 #7 Itawamba 27, Northwest 21 L 2014 Northwest 45, Itawamba 31 (HC) W
2015 #8 Northwest 31, Itawamba 24 W
2016 #5 Northwest 27, #10 Itawamba 13 W
2017 Itawamba 27, #5 Northwest 24 L
2018 #5 Northwest 34, Itawamba 7 W
2019 Itawamba 22, #2 Northwest 21 L
2020 Northwest 16, Itawamba 14 W
2021 #9 Northwest 41, Itawamba 13 (HC) W
2022 #4 Northwest 49, Itawamba 10 W
2023 #12 Northwest 38, Itawamba 13 W
Mississippi Delta: 49-23-2
Northeast: 44-18-2
OPPONENT HISTORY
Pearl River: 15-26
OPPONENT HISTORY
1966 Northwest 21, Pearl River 7 (HC) W
Northwest 21, Pearl River 20 (HC) W
Pearl River 20, Northwest 0
Pearl River 27, Northwest 20
1970 Pearl River 28, Northwest 7
1971 Pearl River 23, Northwest 7
1972 Pearl River 28, Northwest 7
1973 Pearl River 7, Northwest 6
1976 Northwest 24, Pearl River 20
Northwest 16, Pearl River 13
Northwest 24, Pearl River 18
Pearl River 20, Northwest 18
Pearl River 17, Northwest 7
#13 Pearl River 31, Northwest 7
#5 Northwest 34, Pearl River 21
#4 Northwest 21, #14
Mississippi: 23-13-1
OPPONENT HISTORY
All-Time Season Openers
1928 Northwest 13, Memphis Univ. School 0 W
1929 Gulf Coast 27, Northwest 0 L
1939 Northwest vs. Arkansas A&M NS
1947 Northwest 6, Bethel College 0 W
1949 Northeast 34, Northwest 0 L
1950 Hinds 12, Northwest 10 L
1954 Northwest 2, Mississippi Delta 0 W
1955 Mississippi Delta 34, Northwest 6 L
1957 Mississippi Delta 19, Northwest 0 L
1958 Mississippi Delta 22, Northwest 0 L
1959 Mississippi Delta 12, Northwest 6 L
1960 Northwest 26, Jones County 21 W
1961 Northwest 8, Jones County 6 W
1962 Northwest 6, Hinds 6 T
1963 Northwest 13, Hinds 3 W
1964 Hinds 25, Northwest 14 L
1965 #5 Hinds 12, Northwest 12 T
1966 Northwest 27, Jones County 0 W
1967 Jones County 13, Northwest 8 L
1968 Northwest 20, Hinds 0 W
1969 Northwest 44, Hinds 34 W
1970 Southwest 14, Northwest 13 L
1971 Northwest 52, Southwest 35 W
1972 Jones County 32, Northwest 17 L
1973 Northwest 14, Jones County 0 W
1974 Copiah-Lincoln 13, Northwest 12 L
1975 Northwest 18, Coahoma 0 W
1976 Northwest 24, Pearl River 20 W
1977 Pearl River 15, Northwest 14 L
1978 Copiah-Lincoln 21, Northwest 0 L
1979 Northwest 12, Copiah-Lincoln 6 W
1980 Gulf Coast 33, Northwest 17 L
1981 Gulf Coast 7, Northwest 6 L
1982 Northwest 16, Hinds 13 W
1983 Northwest 35, Hinds 14 W
1984 Jones County 33, Northwest 7 L
1985 Jones County 32, Northwest 17 L
1986 Northwest 29, East Central 14 W
1987 East Central 17, Northwest 16 L
1988 Northwest 51, Southwest 24 W
1989 Northwest 37, Southwest 0 W
1990 Pearl River 16, Northwest 14 L
1991 Northwest 17, Pearl River 10 W
1992 Northwest 54, Copiah-Lincoln 6 W
1993 Northwest 34, Copiah-Lincoln 26 W
1994 Northwest 38, Gulf Coast 21 W
1995 Northwest 44, Gulf Coast 16 W
1996** #5 Hinds 34, #9 Northwest 20 W
1997 #3 Hinds 31, #5 Northwest 13 L
1998 Northwest 31, East Central 6 W
1999 Northwest 53, East Central 8 W
2000 Northwest 37, Copiah-Lincoln 3 W
2001 Northwest 30, Jones County 20 W
2002 Hinds 28, Northwest 24 L
2003 Northwest 23, Hinds 8 W
2004 Northwest 14, East Central 12 W
2005 Copiah-Lincoln 16, Northwest 6 L
2006 Copiah-Lincoln 33, Northwest 7 L
2007 Northwest 31, Copiah-Lincoln 0 W
2008 #3 Gulf Coast 39, Northwest 14 L
2009 Northwest 30, #2 Gulf Coast 25 W
2010 #22 Northwest 27, #13 Pearl River 17 W
2011 #9 Northwest 56, #9 Pearl River 55 (ot) W
2012 #12 Northwest 42, Copiah-Lincoln 21 W
2013 Southwest 19, #21 Northwest 15 L
2014 #10 Jones County 28, Northwest 20 L
2015 #16 Northwest 42, #19 Jones County 20 W
2016 #10 Northwest 40, #19 Hinds 17 W
2017 #5 Northwest 34, Pearl River 21 W
2018 #6 Northwest 28, East Central 24 W
2019 #9 Northwest 26, East Central 13 W
2020 Northwest 16, Itawamba 14 W
2021 #3 Northwest 31, Copiah-Lincoln 12 W
2022 #4 Northwest 28, Mississippi Gulf Coast 24 W
2023 Mississippi Gulf Coast 49, #3 Northwest 14 L
**In 1996, Hinds had to forfeit for using an ineligible player
All-Time Series Results
2023 REWIND
2023 RECAPS
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st MGCCC K. Lincke 12 yd run (G. Showalter kick)
2nd NWCC X. Davis 45 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick)
2nd MGCCC J. Dupree 8 yd pass from K. Lincke (G. Showalter kick)
3rd MGCCC J.P. Coulter 20 yd pass from E. Anderson (G. Showalter kick)
3rd MGCCC
4th MGCCC
4th MGCCC
4th NWCC
J. Dupree 36 yd pass from E. Anderson (G. Showalter kick)
J. Dupree 16 yd pass from E. Anderson (G. Showalter kick)
A. Morgan 39 yd pass from E. Anderson (G. Showalter kick)
D. Perteet 7 yd run (J. Uselton kick)
4th NWCC J. Dupree 79 yd pass from E. Anderson (G. Showalter kick)
Mississippi Gulf Coast/Northwest Game Statistics
Game Notes: First season-opening loss for Northwest since 2014.
Most points allowed by an opposing team in a season-opener since 2011 (55 points vs. Pearl River).
First of three games during 2023 season with 300+ passing yards allowed.
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC J. Uselton 39 yd field goal, 11-53, 5:37
2nd NWCC J. Uselton 23 yd field goal, 12-55, 4:47
Possession Time N/A N/A Third-Down Conversions N/A N/A
Fourth-Down Conversions N/A N/A
Red Zone Scores-Chances N/A N/A
Sacks: Total-Yards N/A N/A
With his second quarter score, tailback Xavier Davis logged his only receiving touchdown of the season.
Most second half points allowed by Northwest since September 26, 2019 (L, 47-42 @ Hoimes)
2nd NWCC W. Dabney 2 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 5-20, 2:17
3rd HINDS T. Hollingsworth 21 yd field goal, 10-41, 3:45
3rd NWCC J. Uselton 34 yd field goal, 5-67, 2:22
4th NWCC J. Uselton 27 yd field goal, 7-31, 4:12
Northwest/Hinds Game Statistics
Passes Comp-Att-Int 18-28-1 6-18-0 TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 65-387 60-149
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 0-0 1-36
Kickoff Returns-Yards 2-26 6-143
Interception Returns-Yards 0-0 1-16
Punts (Number-Avg) 3-32.3 4-31.2
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-1
Penalties-Yards 9-94 0-0
Attendance: 1,675 September 14, 2023 • Bobby
Possession Time 34:23 25:37
Third-Down Conversions 5 of 15 4 of 14
Fourth-Down Conversions 2 of 2 1 of 5
Red Zone Scores-Chances 4-5 1-3
Sacks: Total-Yards 2-17 1-7
Game Notes: Freshman kicker Jackson Uselton made four field goals, tying the Northwest record for most field goals made in a game.
Lowest amount of points scored by Northwest in a win since October 15, 2020 (W, 16-14 vs. Itawamba).
Defensive lineman D.J. Burgess had four of his seven quarterback hurries for the season in this game.
Tailback XAVIER DAVIS provided one of the lone highlights for Northwest in the 2023 season-opening loss at Mississippi Gulf Coast, reeling in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Keegan Patterson in the second quarter.
Freshman kicker JACKSON USELTON hit four field goals in a Week 2 victory against Hinds, tying Tucker Barefoot for the most field goals made in a single game. Uselton was later awarded MACCC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades for his performance.
2023 RECAPS
September 21, 2023 • Bobby Franklin Field • Senatobia, Miss. #13 NORTHWEST
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC J. Uselton 26 yd field goal, 8-39, 3:28
2nd NWCC K. Hutton 9 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 5-67, 2:42
2nd PRCC C. McGinn 47 yd field goal, 10-24, 5:19
2nd NWCC K. Patterson 22 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 4-76, 2:07
4th NWCC C. Young 2 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 9-41, 3:55
4th NWCC J. Uselton 20 yd field goal, 16-64, 10:14
Northwest/Pearl River Game Statistics
Game Notes: Northwest held Pearl River to just three points, the lowest amount of points allowed by the Rangers in the all-time series.
D.J. Burgess compiled a seasonhigh 11 tackles, which is tied for the most tackles recorded by a player in the 2023 season.
Quarterback Keegan Patterson’s 16 pass attempts were the lowest in a game all season. His nine completions were also the second-lowest, only to the eight completions made in a road win at Mississippi Delta on October 12.
Attendance: 1,155
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC J. Hopson 36 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 3-50, 0:45
1st ICC T.J. Atkins 13 yd pass from K. Stover (L. Jackson kick), 2-24, 0:46
1st NWCC J. Hopson 30 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 1-30, 0:07
2nd NWCC D. Perteet 2 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 18-93, 4:44
3rd NWCC X. Davis 1 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 3-33, 0:55
Game Notes: Northwest logged 467 yards of total offense, marking the first 400-yard game of the season.
Northwest allowed 160 kickoff return yards, the most of any opponent all season.
Keegan Patterson threw for 306 yards, his first 300-yard passing performance of the season.
JaBrysten Abram’s 44-yard kickoff return was the longest special teams return of the season.
Attendance: 2,231
KEEGAN PATTERSON recorded one of his two rushing touchdowns of the season in a Week 3 victory against Pearl River.
JARNORRIS HOPSON caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 4 victory at Itawamba, logging his only 100-yard receiving performance of the season. His two touchdowns were also his first two scores of the season, and his
multi-touchdown game of 2023.
2023 RECAPS
October 5, 2023 • Bobby Franklin Field • Senatobia, Miss.
12, 2023 • Jim Randall Stadium • Moorhead, Miss.
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC
1st EMCC
2nd EMCC
2nd NWCC
3rd EMCC
3rd NWCC
3rd NWCC
4th EMCC
J. Uselton 29 yd field goal, 6-75, 2:34
L. Wade 44 yd run (C. Arthur kick), 5-62, 1:55
R. Blackmon 69 yd pass from T. Keyes (C. Arthur kick), 2-71, 0:48
C. Wright 24 yd pass from T. Keyes (C. Arthur kick), 4-79, 1:35
D. Perteet 3 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 7-87, 3:00
M. Harris 3 yd pass from T. Keyes (C. Arthur kick), 9-65, 4:16
K. Benjamin 27 yd pass from T. Keyes (C. Arthur kick), 3-27, 1:46
East Mississippi/Northwest Game Statistics
Game Notes: Northwest surrendered 482 total yards to East Mississippi, the most yards allowed all season.
Northwest put up 410 total yards, one of five 400-plus yard efforts for the Rangers.
Keegan Patterson completed 27 of his 54 passes, setting season highs in both categories.
Shade Foster’s 58-yard punt was his longest recorded attempt of the season.
Attendance: 1,493
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC X. Davis 26 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 5-71, 2:00
1st MDCC E. James 5 yd pass from T. Griffin (D. Klein kick), 11-78, 6:17
1st NWCC J. Fugerson 48 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 3-62, 1:47
2nd MDCC D. Alston 7 yd pass from T. Griffin (D. Klein kick failed), 9-50, 4:16
2nd NWCC X. Davis 1 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 9-78, 4:06
3rd NWCC J. Uselton 22 yd field goal, 7-49, 2:07
3rd NWCC K. Davila 25 yd interception (J. Uselton kick)
Mississippi Delta/Northwest Game Statistics
FIRST DOWNS 12 17
RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 34-73 43-179
PASSING YDS (NET) 143 121
Passes Comp-Att-Int 11-28-2 8-23-0
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 62-216 66-300
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 1-1 3-27
Kickoff Returns-Yards 4-65 3-66
Interception Returns-Yards 0-0 2-25
Punts (Number-Avg) 5-29.6 3-35.3
Fumbles-Lost 2-0 1-0
Penalties-Yards 10-105 7-65
Possession Time 30:48 29:12
Third-Down Conversions 4 of 13 5 of 15
Fourth-Down Conversions 0 of 2 1 of 3
Red Zone Scores-Chances 2-3 2-4
Sacks: Total-Yards 1-10 0-0
Game Notes: With the win, Northwest captured its 11th straight victory against Mississippi Delta and moved to 21-2 in the last 23 meetings against the Trojans.
Northwest finished with two interceptions for just the second time all season, with Keshawn Davila recording the only interception return touchdown of the season.
Tailback Xavier Davis recorded his only multi-touchdown game of the season, finishing with two scores.
Attendance: 1,021
Linebacker DYLLON BULLARD finished with 10 total tackles in a rivalry loss to East Mississippi. The Horn Lake native recorded double digit tackles one other time last season, an 11-tackle performance in the next week’s road win at Mississippi Delta.
Linebacker JYKEON CUNNINGHAM was one of two players to finish with double-digit tackles in a Week 6 road win against Mississippi Delta. The West Point native collected 10 stops, helping Northwest rebound from its second loss of the season.
2023 RECAPS
Coahoma 7 0 0 0 14
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st CCC N. Townsend 41 yd interception (J. Eaves kick)
1st NWCC
1st NWCC
2nd NWCC
2nd NWCC
2nd NWCC
2nd NWCC
3rd NWCC
4th NWCC
Fumble
Red
Sacks:
J. Fugerson 19 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 5-69, 1:55
X. Davis 22 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 3-40, 0:49
J. Fugerson 7 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 11-74, 5:08
D. Perteet 14 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 6-43, 1:22
K.D. Gibson 9 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 1-9, 0:17
K. Patterson 25 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 1-25, 0:11
K. Hutton 15 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick failed), 8-50, 4:40
S. Foster 1 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 9-55, 6:32
Northwest/Coahoma Game Statistics
Game Notes: For the first time all season, the Northwest defense held a team to negative total rushing yards.
Northwest also finished 6-for-6 in red zone scoring opportunities, the only game all season where the Rangers scored on every trip to the red zone.
Receiver Jevell Fugerson reeled in a pair of touchdown receptions, marking a single-game high for the freshman.
Keegan Patterson’s four touchdown passes marked the most in a single game for the transfer quarterback.
Attendance: 1,899
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC J. Uselton 19 yd field goal, 10-78, 4:38
1st NWCC J. Abram 20 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 6-45, 3:19
1st HCC D. Smith 30 yd pass from J. Ford (J. Ballard kick), 6-65, 2:30
2nd NWCC J. Uselton 23 yd field goal, 16-67, 5:32
2nd HCC V. Rush 2 yd pass from N. Johson (J. Ballard kick), 10-80, 1:42
3rd HCC J. Moss 4 yd run (J. Ballard kick), 2-45, 0:38
3rd NWCC J. Uselton 29 yd field goal, 8-18, 4:07
3rd NWCC D. Perteet 57 yd run (J. Fugerson pass failed), 1-57, 0:09
4th NWCC K.D. Gibson 46 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 6-74, 3:00
4th NWCC D. Perteet 41 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 3-50, 1:34
4th HCC D. Smith 13 yd pass from J. Ford (J. Ballard kick), 10-59, 3:43
FIRST DOWNS 20 22
RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 23-19 38-198
PASSING YDS (NET) 340 291
Passes Comp-Att-Int 28-50-0 21-38-1
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 73-359 76-489
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 1-9 4-45
Kickoff Returns-Yards 7-144 1-18
Interception Returns-Yards 1-28 0-0
Punts (Number-Avg) 8-40.9 3-45.3
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-1
Penalties-Yards 14-114 4-43
Possession Time 33:39 26:21
Third-Down Conversions 2 of 15 8 of 18
Fourth-Down Conversions 2 of 4 3 of 3
Red Zone Scores-Chances 3-4 4-5
Sacks: Total-Yards 0-0 4-27
Game Notes: Northwest tallied a season-best 489 yards of total offense.
D’mariun Perteet’s 145 rushing yards marked his highest total of the season, which also accounted for his second consecutive 100-yard performance.
JyKeon Cunningham finished with his second 10-tackle effort of the season, while also recording four quarterback hurries, a new career record.
2,768
FREDD ADAMS’ 34-yard punt return against Coahoma marked the longest punt return of the season for Northwest.
Freshman tailback D’MARIUN PERTEET scored two touchdowns and finished with 145 rushing yards in a Week 8 road win against Holmes. The Courtland native also finished with his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
2023 RECAPS
November 2, 2023 • Bobby Franklin Field • Senatobia, Miss. #15 NORTHWEST #13 NORTHEAST 28 27 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH OT FINAL Northwest 0 0 7 14 7 28
0 7 7 7 6 27
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
2nd NEMCC T. Fields 28 yd pass from J. Kowalak (G. Gillespie kick), 7-64, 3:30
3rd NEMCC C. McMillian 12 yd run (G. Gillespie kick), 10-61, 4:34
3rd NWCC K. Hutton 81 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 1-81, 0:10
4th NEMCC J. Robinson 21 yd run (G. Gillespie kick), 7-66, 3:07
4th NWCC C. Young 5 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 9-77, 1:46
4th NWCC J. Hopson 34 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 6-57, 2:09
OT NWCC D. Perteet 7 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 5-0, 15:00
OT NEMCC J. Robinson 16 yd run (C. McMillian rush failed), 5-0, 15:00
Northwest/Northeast Game Statistics
Game Notes: First overtime game played for Northwest since October 22, 2020 (Northwest @ Northeast - W, 34-28)
With the win, Northwest clinched its 10th straight MACCC playoff berth, the longest postseason streak in program history.
Kyler Hutton finished with a season-high 126 receiving yards.
D’mariun Perteet finished with 15 rushing attempts for the second consecutive game, matching his season-high.
Attendance: 2,009
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st CLCC B. Gilliam31 yd field goal, 3-2, 1:13
1st CLCC J. Daniels 9 yd run (B. Gilliam kick), 4-29, 0:48
2nd CLCC J. Daniels 88 yd run (B. Gilliam kick), 1-88, 0:15
2nd CLCC J. Daniels 6 yd run (B. Gilliam kick), 4-16, 1:51
2nd NWCC X. Davis 2 yd run (J. Uselton kick), 8-75, 3:04
3rd NWCC J. Hopson 10 yd pass from K. Patterson (J. Uselton kick), 11-70, 5:30
4th CLCC J. Daniels 15 yd run (B. Gilliam kick), 7-95, 5:10
4th
CLCC D. Tott 35 yd run (B. Gilliam kick), 2-35, 0:18
4th CLCC M. Williams 49 yd interception (B. Gilliam kick)
Copiah-Lincoln/Northwest Game Statistics
FIRST DOWNS 16 14
RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 34-267 28-62
PASSING YDS (NET) 158 178
Passes Comp-Att-Int 13-24-1 16-31-4
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 58-425 59-240
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 0-0 4-57
Kickoff Returns-Yards 2-46 8-59
Interception Returns-Yards 4-49 1-12
Punts (Number-Avg) 4-32.5 6-41.5
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 2-2
Penalties-Yards 7-41 2-10
Possession Time 42:03 29:21
Third-Down Conversions 5 of 13 6 of 13
Fourth-Down Conversions 0 of 0 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores-Chances 5-6 2-2
Sacks: Total-Yards 4-27 0-0
Game Notes: First time since 2018 season that Northwest failed to make the MACCC Championship Game.
Northwest was held to a seasonlow 62 rushing yards, while its defense surrendered a season-high 267 yards on the ground.
Copiah-Lincoln’s five rushing touchdowns were also the most scored by any opponent against the Northwest defense.
Northwest turned the ball over six times, including four interceptions.
Shade Foster punted six times, the most punt attempts for Northwest in any game this season.
SHADE FOSTER punted six times for an average of 41.5 yards per punt, as Northwest dropped its MACCC Semifinal matchup to Copiah-Lincoln. The loss marked the earliest postseason exit for the Rangers since the 2018 season.
An 81-yard touchdown pass from Keegan Patterson to KYLER HUTTON sparked a rally for Northwest, which recovered from a 14-0 deficit to win in overtime, 28-27, against Northeast.
Scoring by Quarters
2023 STATS
In his lone season at Northwest, quarterback KEEGAN PATTERSON passed for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping the Rangers to their 10th straight postseason berth. Following the 2023 season, Patterson signed to continue his career at Indiana State.
2023 STATS
2023 STATS
JARNORRIS HOPSON led all Northwest receivers with 37 catches for 463 yards and four touchdowns. Hopson would later sign with Ole Miss for the 2024 season.
TRISTAN SHORTER posted a team-best 12 tackles-for-loss for 59 negative yards. Shorter also finished with 3.5 sacks, tying Avontae Wilson for the team lead.
CHARLOTTE – For the eighth time in the last nine seasons, the Northwest football team will open the year ranked in the NJCAA preseason poll.
Northwest is slotted at No. 3 in the NJCAA preseason rankings, the organization announced on Monday afternoon. The Rangers have started every season ranked in the NJCAA polls since 2015, except for the 2020 season affected by COVID-19.
Northwest started the 2022 season ranked No. 4 in the polls, remaining in the same slot until the last few weeks of the regular season, when the Rangers slowly inched up to the No. 3 spot. Eventually, Northwest made it to No. 2 in the nation, before seeing its season come to an end in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs to eventual champion Iowa Western.
Northwest is the only MACCC program ranked in the top five, followed by Jones College at No. 6 and reigning MACCC champion East Mississippi at No. 8. Though unranked, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Hinds are receiving votes entering the season.
Last year’s national champion, Iowa Western, will start the season ranked at the top, followed by Hutchinson (Kan.) at No. 2, Snow College (Utah) at No. 4 and Kilgore College (Texas) rounding out the top five.
This is the second preseason poll to feature the Rangers, following a No. 18 slot in the JCGridiron.com poll, released in early July.
JACKSON USELTON CHOSEN FOR MACCC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JACKSON – After lifting Northwest to a Week 2 victory against Hinds last Thursday, freshman kicker Jackson Uselton was voted as the MACCC Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday morning.
Uselton converted four of his five field goal attempts in a 19-3 triumph against the Eagles, including a season-long of 39 yards. The Hernando native also converted his lone PAT attempt, which came off a short touchdown pass from Keegan Patterson to Will Dabney just before halftime.
Uselton also became the first Northwest kicker to make four field goals in a single game since Tucker Barefoot in the 2020 MACCC and National Community College Football Championship victory at Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The MACCC Player of the Week accolades are nominated and voted upon by the sports information directors across the conference. Uselton is the first Northwest player chosen for weekly conference honors this season.
NORTHWEST JUMPS BACK INTO NJCAA TOP 10
CHARLOTTE – Following three straight victories, Northwest has risen to No. 10 in the latest NJCAA Division I Football Rankings, announced on Monday afternoon.
Now 3-1 on the season, the Rangers are up two spots from their previous slot of 12th. Hutchinson, Iowa Western, Iowa Central, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Snow (Utah) round out the top five for this week.
Other MACCC programs represented in the rankings include Jones College (No. 9), Northeast (No. 12) and East Mississippi (No. 13). Copiah-Lincoln was not ranked, but was receiving votes.
Speaking of EMCC, Northwest will host the Lions in its next game at Bobby Franklin Field for yet another nationally-ranked showdown between the two teams. Each of the last 10 meetings have featured both teams with a national ranking and at least one team has been nationally ranked leading into the contest in 14 of the last 16 contests, dating back to 2009.
Northwest leads the all-time series against East Mississippi by a 43-26-1 margin, as the two teams split results last season. In the regular season, the Rangers earned a 38-21 road win at EMCC, before falling to the Lions in the 2022 MACCC Championship on November 12, 2022.
Northwest tailback CAM YOUNG was one of a handful of returning Rangers ahead of the 2023 season.
JACKSON USELTON made four field goals in five attempts in the Rangers’ Week 2 victory against Hinds, earning MACCC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades.
Quarterback KEEGAN PATTERSON and the Northwest Rangers moved back into the Top 10 of the NJCAA Division I Football Rankings ahead of their showdown with EMCC.
2023 REVIEW
RANGERS ROLL TO NINTH STRAIGHT HOMECOMING WIN
SENATOBIA - An early pick-six was seemingly the lone blemish for Northwest on Thursday evening, as the Rangers demolished Coahoma for a 55-7 Homecoming victory, in front of a packed crowd at Bobby Franklin Field.
Northwest turned the tide of the contest in the second quarter, netting three touchdowns over the final 1:02 of the first half. Midway through the third quarter, Northwest scored again to begin the running clock rule, earning its ninth straight Homecoming win in a streak that began in 2014.
With the win, the Rangers improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the MACCC North Division. Northwest also garnered its 13th straight victory against Coahoma (1-6, 0-4 MACCC North), improving to 46-2 in the all-time series against the Tigers.
For a brief few minutes, Coahoma seemed to have the momentum, as Nicolas Townsend picked off Keegan Patterson for a 41-yard touchdown return on the first play from scrimmage. The miscue gave the Tigers a 7-0 advantage, and Northwest was stopped on fourth and short on its next possession, giving Coahoma the ball once again.
Coahoma’s early success didn’t carry over for long though, as Northwest scored on just five plays of its next possession. After three straight runs from D’mariun Perteet, including a 31-yard dash, Patterson connected with Jevell Fugerson on a 19-yard reception on the edge of the end zone, tying the game at 7-7.
With the Tigers settling for a punt on the ensuing possession, Northwest took full advantage, scoring the go-ahead touchdown just three plays later. After an eight-yard rush by Xavier Davis, the sophomore from Flowood took it again for 22 yards, pushing the Rangers to a 14-7 advantage.
Coahoma’s final drive of the first quarter resulted in another punt for Raymond Morales and Northwest began the second quarter marching downfield on an 11play, 74-yard drive. Five minutes into the possession, Patterson connected with Fugerson for his second touchdown reception, stretching the Rangers’ lead to 21-7.
Two empty-handed possessions by both teams set Coahoma up with the ball on its own 22-yard line, only for the Tigers to punt once again. With 2:24 left in the second quarter, Northwest finally reached the end zone again, as Perteet scored from 14 yards out to extend the lead to 28-7 with 1:02 left.
That’s where things escalated quickly in favor of the Rangers. On Coahoma’s first play of the ensuing drive, Marquis Willis was picked off by Keshawn Davila, who returned the pick 21 yards to the nine-yard line. One play later, Patterson hit K.D. Gibson on a nine-yard score, extending the Northwest advantage to 35-7.
Coahoma’s Terrick Latham returned the kickoff from Jackson Uselton, only for Fredd Adams to force a fumble that was recovered by Carlando Crump, once again setting Northwest up on the Tigers’ 25-yard line. With 28 seconds left in the half, Patterson scored on a quarterback keeper from 25 yards out, pushing the score to 42-7 at the halftime break.
Though Coahoma opened the second half with the ball, the Tigers were once again left with nothing to show for it, punting the ball away to the Rangers. Eight plays and 50 yards later, Patterson hooked up with Kyler Hutton on a 15-yard reception, instituting the running clock with a 48-7 advantage.
Northwest would get one last score early in the fourth quarter, as Foster reached the end zone on a quarterback keeper, putting the exclamation point on a solid Homecoming win.
Northwest finished with 469 yards of total offense, highlighted by 358 rushing yards. Coahoma was limited to just 72 yards of offense, including -33 rushing yards.
Perteet logged his first 100-yard rushing performance for the Rangers, ending the night with 116 yards on 14 carries. Davis wasn’t far behind, rushing for 86 yards on nine attempts.
Through the air, Patterson was 10-for-21 with 111 yards and four touchdowns. His top target, Jarnorris Hopson, hauled in four passes for 35 yards, while both of Fugerson’s two receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Willis and Andrew Moore split time under center for Coahoma, combining to go 5-for-18 with 105 passing yards. Latham’s lone 49-yard catch led all Tigers’ receivers, while Moore’s nine rushing yards were the only positive yards on the ground for CCC.
Six different Rangers finished with three tackles to lead the defensive efforts, including Dyllon Bullard, who earned one sack for an 11-yard loss. Seven other Northwest defenders logged two tackles apiece.
Defensively, Coahoma was led by eight tackles from Mark Dorsey and seven each from Jerell Erving and Rahmaan Rinkin.
Foster punted just once, a 40-yard boot in the second quarter. Uselton was 7-for-8 in point-after kicks and logged 486 yards on nine kickoffs, while Fredd Adams returned seven punts for 75 yards, including a 34-yard return.
For Coahoma, Morales punted eight times for 304 yards. Joshua Eaves kicked off twice for a combined 106 yards.
SENATOBIA - Thursday night provided a game that will forever be remembered as an instant classic.
Faced with a 14-0 deficit late in the third quarter and on the verge of missing out on the MACCC Playoffs, Northwest stormed back to tie the game and force overtime, eventually earning the 28-27 victory against Northeast.
In true must-win fashion, Northwest provided the biggest play of the night on the Tigers’ two-point conversion attempt. After the Rangers scored first in overtime, Northeast responded back with a score and chose to go for the win after first mulling it over in a timeout. Chris McMillian took the handoff and had what seemed like open space on the left side to score the winning points, until Charles Thomas wrapped up the legs of the Northeast tailback, stopping McMillian just a couple yards shy of the pylon, sealing the victory for the Rangers.
For Northwest, it was a banner ending to what started as a rough night. Through nearly three quarters, the Rangers were shutout on the scoreboard and went into halftime down 7-0, marking the first time since a 31-9 loss at Jones College on September 9, 2021 that Northwest failed to score any points in the first half.
Turnovers were aplenty for both teams in the first half, with three combined fumbles. Two of those came from Northwest, while the Tigers fumbled away a would-be touchdown on their first drive of the game, which was recovered in the end zone by the Rangers for a touchback.
On its third possession of the game, Northeast marched into the Rangers’ red zone, but were forced to settle for a 33-yard field goal attempt from Guy Gillespie. His kick sailed wide right, denying points for the Tigers with 1:47 left in the first quarter.
Northwest threatened to get on the scoreboard late in the quarter as well, as Keegan Patterson hooked up with K.D. Gibson on a 52-yard pass, that put the Rangers on the edge of the red zone. However, Patterson was picked off by the Tigers just two plays later, ending the Rangers’ threat.
Midway through the second quarter, Northeast began a seven-play, 64-yard drive that finally resulted in points. Highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown pass from Justin Kowalak to T.J. Fields, the Tigers took a 7-0 lead with 2:36 left in the second quarter.
Northwest tried to answer before the halftime break, only to come up short on its own 37-yard line, forcing a 47-yard punt from Shade Foster to essentially end the first half.
Though the Rangers received the ball to open the second half, Patterson was picked off on fourth and short near midfield by Jermaine Ray, giving the Tigers great field position early in the third quarter. The Northwest defense managed to stop any momentum from the Tigers, and Gillespie punted the ball 52 yards to pin the Rangers at their own two-yard line.
With Northwest once again unable to get anything going on its next possession, the Tigers took full advantage late in the third quarter. A 10-play, 61-yard drive ended with a 12-yard score by McMillian, allowing Northeast to stretch its lead to 14-0 with 59 seconds left.
That’s when the sleeping giant of the Northwest offense came to life. On the Rangers’ first play of the following possession, Patterson aired out an 81-yard touchdown pass to Kyler Hutton, slicing the deficit in half at 14-7 entering the fourth quarter.
Five plays into the fourth quarter, Northeast responded with a 21-yard touchdown run from Jayden Robinson, seemingly wiping away what momentum the Rangers had just gained. Gillespie converted his third point-after kick of the evening, stretching the Tigers’ lead back to two touchdowns, 21-7.
However, Northwest did everything except back down. A nine-play, 77-yard drive was highlighted by a 37-yard catch by Hutton and three plays later, Cam Young scored from five yards out to pull the Rangers back within 21-14.
Northeast went nowhere but backwards on its next drive, bookmarked by a seven-yard sack from Dimonyai Lacey. The failed possession resulted in a punt from Gillespie, giving Northwest a chance to tie. With 8:53 left in regulation, the Rangers began a six-play, 57-yard possession. Facing second down on the Tigers’ 34-yard line, Patterson connected with Jarnorris Hopson for the touchdown, as the home crowed erupted. Jackson Uselton followed through with the point-after kick, tying the contest at 21 apiece with 6:44 remaining.
Northeast went three and out on the next possession and the Rangers took over from their own 34-yard line. However, the Tigers caught a break on third and long, as Patterson was intercepted by Ray for the second time in the second half, setting Northeast up at midfield with 4:42 left.
Despite an initial five-yard rush by Northeast, the Rangers’ defense sent the Tigers backwards once more, forcing yet another punt by Gillespie. The 50-yard boot put Northwest on its own 15-yard line with 3:35 left to go.
Unable to cross midfield, Shade Foster was eventually forced to punt the ball away, giving the Tigers the ball at their own 19-yard line with 1:59 remaining. Though Northeast managed to get the ball to the Rangers’ 41-yard line, the Tigers were out of field goal range and went for the deep ball on the final play of regulation. The pass was picked off by Ja’Marlin Green, denying the Hail Mary for Northeast and setting up overtime.
It took just three plays for the Rangers to strike first in overtime, as D’mariun Perteet carried the ball for gains of seven and 11 yards, before scoring from seven yards out. Uselton followed through on the pointafter kick, giving Northwest the 28-21 advantage.
For Northeast, the Tigers got a nine-yard gain from C. Dill and then a 16-yard touchdown from Robinson. After the timeout, the Tigers chose to go for the win, where McMillian’s attempt was denied, securing the comeback for Northwest.
Northwest totaled 480 yards of offense in the win, with 353 of those coming through the air. Northeast racked up 373 total yards, with 253 coming in the passing game.
Despite his three interceptions, Patterson completed 22 of his 42 pass attempts with a season-high 346 yards and two touchdowns. It marked the third 300-yard passing performance for the Longmont, Colo. native and USC transfer, putting him on the cusp of a 2,000-yard passing season.
Patterson’s top target was Jarnorris Hopson, who caught eight passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Hutton, who logged his first 100-yard receiving game, also caught three passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, followed by four receptions and 86 yards for K.D. Gibson.
On the ground, Northwest totaled 127 yards, led by Perteet’s late surge. The Courtland native rushed 15 times for 67 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown in overtime.
Kowalak went 12-of-27 for Northeast, passing for 212 yards and a touchdown. Fields caught eight passes for 131 yards and a touchdown to lead the Tigers’ receiving corps, while Tyrell Randall hauled in seven passes for 85 yards.
Northeast was led by Robinson on the ground, who carried the ball nine times for 66 yards and a pair of scores.
Defensively, Tristan Shorter led Northwest with 10 tackles, including three tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks and a quarterback hurry. Dyllon Bullard logged eight tackles, followed by seven from D.J. Burgess.
Jalik Yancey and Keaton Thomas combined for 11 tackles apiece to lead the Tigers, with Yancey also forcing two fumbles and a pass breakup. Thomas and Ray combined for three interceptions with 20 return yards. Despite not attempting a field goal, Uselton was perfect in point-after kicks, going 4-for-4. Shade Foster also punted the ball three times for 120 yards, with two landing inside the 20-yard line. Carlando Crump had three kick returns for 55 yards, including a 26-yard return.
Gillespie did it all on special teams for Northeast, punting the ball five times for 192 yards, with two landing inside the 20-yard line and one going over 50 yards. He also made all three of his point-after attempts, while Wesley Corbitt had four kick returns for 52 yards.
With the win, Northwest improved to 7-2 overall and finished 5-1 in the MACCC North Division. The win allowed the Rangers to clinch a playoff berth for the 10th straight season, marking the program’s longest postseason streak.
Northeast fell to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the MACCC North, dropping out of playoff contention, despite a No. 13 national ranking entering the contest. Northwest also stretched the all-time series lead to 44-18-2 against the Tigers, recording its ninth straight victory against the Tigers.
Of note, this was also the first overtime game for Northwest since October 22, 2020, when the Rangers knocked off Northeast in Booneville by a 34-28 final. Three of the last five overtime games since 2014 have featured Northwest and Northeast.
2023 REVIEW
NORTHWEST LANDS 11 ALL-MACCC NORTH DIVISION SELCTIONS
JACKSON – After posting a 7-3 overall record and earning the program’s 10th straight playoff berth, a total of 11 Northwest football student-athletes have been chosen for All-North Division accolades, the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference announced on Monday morning.
Seven players were selected for First Team All-MACCC North Division honors, led by defensive lineman D.J. Burgess, who was also named as the division’s Defensive Player of the Year. A native of Oxford, Burgess finished third on the team in total tackles (46), but led the team with seven quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Burgess, the son of NFL veteran Derrick Burgess, also tallied the Rangers’ second-most tackles-for-loss, earning 9.5 TFLs for 34 negative yards. He also totaled 2.5 sacks for 19 yards and added one pass breakup.
Joining Burgess for first team honors was fellow defensive lineman Rod Daniels, tailback D’mariun Perteet, offensive linemen Melvin Collins, Jr. and Dylan Spencer, defensive back Charles Thomas and linebacker JyKeon Cunningham. Quarterback Keegan Patterson, offensive lineman Cameron Pascal and linebacker Dyllon Bullard earned Second Team All-MACCC North Division recognition, while defensive back Ja’Marlin Green received Honorable Mention accolades.
FOUR RANGERS CHOSEN FOR ALL-REGION 23 HONORS
JACKSON – A week after 11 Northwest football standouts were chosen for All-MACCC North Division accolades, four of those players have also been selected for NJCAA All-Region 23 honors, announced Tuesday morning.
Offensive lineman duo Dylan Spencer and Melvin Collins, Jr. joined defensive back Charles Thomas and defensive lineman D.J. Burgess in earning all-Region 23 recognition. Burgess and Thomas were also chosen for JUCOWeekly’s All-MACCC North Division honors last week, a separate list from the conference’s own all-division honorees.
Collins and Spencer helped anchor a young, but talented offensive front this season, helping pave the way for the Rangers to net over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The unit also allowed Northwest to thrive in the passing game, as quarterback Keegan Patterson tossed for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Burgess finished with the Rangers’ third-most tackles (46) and led the team with seven quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also collected 9.5 tackles-for-loss for 34 negative yards, while also adding 2.5 sacks for 19 yards and a pass breakup.
Thomas once again proved to a pivotal piece of the Northwest secondary, leading the team in both interceptions and pass breakups. The Horn Lake native tied freshman Fredd Adams with six breakups and stood alone with three interceptions, adding to his season total of 36 tackles and a fumble recovery.
NORTHWEST FINISHES 13TH IN FINAL NJCAA RANKINGS
CHARLOTTE – After earning its 10th straight postseason appearance, Northwest has officially finished the 2023 season 13th in the national rankings, the NJCAA announced on Monday afternoon.
Northwest has now finished in the final rankings in eight of the last nine seasons, dating back to 2015. The Rangers were No. 1 in the nation to conclude 2015, sixth in both the 2016 and 2019 seasons, seventh in 2017 and 2018, fourth in 2021 and third last season. Additionally, Northwest also finished the 2020 campaign at a perfect 6-0 and won the National Community College Football Championship, unaffiliated with the NJCAA.
Since Benjy Parker took over the head coaching reins in 2016, the Rangers have compiled a 65-19 overall record and a .774 winning percentage.
In that timeframe, Northwest has made the MACCC Playoffs every year and has played in the conference title game in six of the last eight seasons. The Rangers have also competed in the NJCAA Division I Playoffs, the National Community College Football Championship or an NJCAA bowl game in five of Parker’s eight seasons.
D.J. BURGESS ROD DANIELS
D’MARIUN PERTEET MELVIN COLLINS, JR.
DYLAN SPENCER CHARLES THOMAS
JYKEON CUNNINGHAM KEEGAN PATTERSON
CAMERON PASCAL DYLLON BULLARD
JA’MARLIN GREEN
2023 REVIEW
NORTHWEST SENDS 20 STUDENT-ATHLETES TO FOUR-YEAR LEVEL
SENATOBIA - Between December’s early signing period and the 2024 summer semester, a total of 20 members of the 2023 Northwest football team are taking their talents to the four-year level.
This year’s class was highlighted by NJCAA All-Americans Dylan Spencer and Charles Thomas, who signed with Central Arkansas and ULM, respectively. The duo was joined by eight more signees - defensive lineman Tristan Shorter (ULM), defensive lineman Dimonyai Lacey (Temple), defensive lineman Rod Daniels (Liberty), offensive lineman Cameron Pascal (Memphis), offensive lineman Melvin Collins, Jr. (Western Kentucky), tight end Derrick Harden (Alabama State), running back Xavier Davis (Northwestern State) and defensive back Ja’Marlin Green (Arkansas-Pine Bluff).
Additionally, 10 more Rangers signed or walked on to four-year programs during the traditional February signing day or later in the spring. Those players were receiver Jarnorris Hopson (Ole Miss), offensive lineman Hayden Dozier (South Alabama), defensive back Lamarion “L.J.” Shumpert (Ohio), tight end Derrick Harden (Alabama State), defensive lineman Jalyn Nickelberry (Mississippi Valley State), tailback Cam Young (Murray State), specialist Shade Foster (Southern Miss), linebacker Zion Edwards (Southern Miss), linebackers Dyllon Bullard (Mississippi College) and JyKeon Cunningham (Mississippi College), and long snapper Patrick Helms (Mississippi College).
Spencer was one of the most pivotal pieces of the Northwest offensive line this season. The Madison native helped pave the way for the Rangers to net over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The unit also allowed Northwest to thrive in the passing game, as quarterback Keegan Patterson tossed for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Thomas and Shorter served vital roles in helping the Northwest defense this season. Thomas, a third-year defensive back from Horn Lake, led the team in both interceptions and pass breakups. The Horn Lake native tied freshman Fredd Adams with six breakups and stood alone with three interceptions, adding to his season total of 36 tackles and a fumble recovery. Two of Thomas’ interceptions came in the season-opener at Mississippi Gulf Coast and he also earned a season-high two pass breakups in the MACCC semifinal loss at Copiah-Lincoln.
Meanwhile, Shorter tied freshman NJCAA All-American D.J. Burgess for the Rangers’ third-most tackles, while also leading the team in tackles-for-loss (12) and sacks (3.5). The Oxford native and JUCOWeekly All-MACCC North Division selection provided a season-high 10 tackles against Northeast, helping the Rangers seal a much-needed victory and the program’s 10th straight playoff berth. He also added two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
Lacey, a native of Eufaula, Ala., joins Temple after one season in Senatobia, where he produced 15 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. Lacey had a season-best five tackles in the Rangers’ regular-season finale against Northeast and is the first Ranger to sign with the Owls since Deon Porter in 1996.
In his second stint with Northwest, Daniels compiled 26 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a pair of sacks. The Horn Lake native and previous Alabama State signee racked up a season-high six tackles in the Rangers’ regular-season finale against Northeast, while also earning All-MACCC accolades this season.
As one of the leaders on the Northwest offensive line, Pascal earned several Division I offers over the course of the season. The Union native played in all 10 games this season and garnered All-MACCC recognition. Pascal is the fifth Ranger to make the Tigers’ roster since 2020, joining the likes of Carter, Hunter Hulsey, Tanner Gillis and William Stewart.
Another solid force on the front line, Collins played and started in all 10 contests, earning All-MACCC and NJCAA All-Region 23 honors. The Terry native is only the second Ranger to suit up for WKU in the past 13 years, joining Desmyn Baker, who spent the last two seasons with the Hilltoppers before recently entering the transfer portal.
In his two seasons in the Northwest backfield, Davis tallied 618 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 128 carries. As a sophomore, the Flowood native rushed for 330 yards and five touchdowns on 70 carries. He collected a season-best 105 rushing yards in the Rangers’ road win at Mississippi Delta on October 12, and notched his lone rushing touchdown in the season-opener at Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A native of Union Church, Green was voted Honorable Mention All-MACCC for his efforts as a sophomore. He totaled 43 tackles, two pass breakups, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception, including a career-high eight tackles in the MACCC semifinal loss at Copiah-Lincoln. Green is the first Northwest alumnus to sign with Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Though he only suited up for one season with Northwest, Hopson caught 35 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns this season. The Horn Lake native and Mississippi State transfer recorded his best game in the Rangers’ September 28 win at Itawamba, hauling in seven passes for 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Shumpert will take his talents to Ohio University, continuing a successful pipeline to the Bobcats in recent years. In two seasons with the Rangers, the Booneville native totaled 20 tackles with a forced fumble. He captured four tackles in a career-high performance came against East Mississippi on October 5.
Harden, a native of Olive Branch, is bound for Alabama State. He hauled in seven passes for 76 yards during his two seasons at Northwest, including a career-best two catches for 22 yards in a road win at Coahoma as a freshman.
Nickelberry will join the roster at Mississippi Valley State. The Pearl native captured four tackles this season, with two of those coming in the Rangers’ Week 3 win against Pearl River. He was also credited with a quarterback hurry in an October 12 road win at Mississippi Delta.
As a new member of the Murray State football program, Young concludes his Northwest career with 518 yards on 149 carries, with two touchdowns. The West Point native rushed for 258 yards this season, including a career-high 70 yards in the Rangers’ October 19 win against Coahoma.
Additionally, Young caught 18 catches for 73 yards over his two-year career, including 10 catches for 56 yards as a sophomore.
Foster and Edwards are both expected to join Southern Miss for the 2024 season, adding to a long list of Rangers-turned-Golden Eagles. In two seasons as the primary punter for Northwest, Foster booted 72 punts for 2,760 yards, with 31 landing inside the 20-yard line and 10 punts going for 50 yards or more.
Edwards, a native of Petal, combined for five tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries. Both of his hurries came in the Rangers’ October 19 victory against Coahoma. Cunningham, a linebacker from West Point, collected 96 total tackles over a two-year span with Northwest. He also finished his career with five quarterback hurries, four tackles-for-loss an interception and a pass breakup.
Bullard became an everyday starter for Northwest in his sophomore season, racking up 60 of his 69 career tackles in 2023. The Horn Lake native also totaled 7.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks for a loss of 21 yards over the past two seasons, along with a fumble recovery in the season-opener at Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Helms played in every game as the Rangers’ long snapper during the previous two years. The Tupelo native also recorded a tackle in an October 12 road game at Mississippi Delta this season.
RECORD BOOK
RECORDS
RUSHING
Rushing Yards
Most Rushing Yards, Career
3,161 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
2,501 Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21)
2,283 Lavelle Danzy (1991-92)
2,236 John Avery (1994-95)
2,111 Kevin Jones (1997-98)
Most Rushing Yards, Season
2,031 Vince Powell (1989)
1,610 Justin Crawford (2015)
1,551 Justin Crawford (2014)
1,500+Ricky Blake (1987)
Most Rushing Yards, Game
338 Justin Crawford at Coahoma (10/23/14)
278 Eldra Buckley vs. East Mississippi (10/7/04)
269 Eldra Buckley vs. Copiah-Lincoln (9/23/04)
269 Justin Crawford at Itawamba (9/17/15)
259 Justin Crawford at Holmes (10/2/14)
Rushing Yards/Game (min. 9 gms)
172.3 Justin Crawford (2014)
166.7 Ricky Blake (1987)
156.2 Vince Powell (1989)
141.8 Eldra Buckley (2004)
134.2 Justin Crawford (2015)
Rushing Attempts
Most Rushing Attempts, Career
469 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
404 John Avery (1994-95)
402 Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21)
370 Kevin Jones (1997-98)
355 Damian Baker (2012-13)
Most Rushing Attempts, Season
248 Justin Crawford (2015)
238 Vince Powell (1989)
226 John Avery (1994)
221 Justin Crawford (2014)
219 Tywun Walters (2016)
Most Rushing Attempts, Game
44 Sherron Moore vs. Holmes (10/11/01)
42 Justin Crawford at Holmes (10/2/14)
38 Kevin Jones vs. Holmes (10/30/97)
35 Justin Crawford at Coahoma (10/23/14)
33 Justin Crawford at Itawamba (9/17/15)
Long Rush
97 Rontae Bass vs. Copiah-Lincoln (11/7/91)
96 Jerry Barrett vs. Holmes (9/17/70)
90 Willie Gardner vs. Southwest (10/17/96)
85 Cornelius Byrd vs. Jones County (11/5/83)
85 Vince Powell vs. Coahoma (10/12/89)
85 Roell Preston at East Mississippi (9/21/91)
85 John Avery at Mississippi Delta (10/15/94)
83 Damian Baker at Coahoma (9/12/13)
83 Chris Calvert vs. Northeast (10/18/18)
80 Boyd Cole at Hinds (9/23/72)
Rushing Touchdowns
Most Rushing Touchdowns, Career
37 Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21)
30 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
25 John Avery (1994-95)
22 Ricky Blake (1987)
22 Rontae Bass (1991-92)
22 Jamarien Bracey (2021-present)
Most Rushing Touchdowns, Season
22 Ricky Blake (1987)
18 Houston Agnew (1983)
18 Vince Powell (1989)
17 Jaquerrious Williams (2021)
16 Justin Crawford (2015)
Most Rushing Touchdowns, Game
4 Boyd Cole vs. Itawamba (9/16/72)
4 Houston Agnew at Northeast (10/22/83)
4 Vince Powell vs. Coahoma (10/12/89)
4 Eldra Buckley vs. Copiah-Lincoln (9/23/04)
4 Justin Crawford at Holmes (10/2/14)
4 Justin Crawford at Coahoma (10/23/14)
4 Chris Calvert at Mississippi Delta (9/13/18)
4 Jaquerrious Williams vs. Coahoma (10/10/19)
Rushing Yards/Carry (min. 125 att)
Rushing Yards Per Carry, Career (min. 200 att)
8.53 Vince Powell (1989)
8.04 Eldra Buckley (2003-04)
6.74 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
6.60 Lavelle Danzy (1991-92)
6.33 Sherron Moore (2000-01)
Rushing Yards Per Carry, Season (min. 125 att)
8.53 Vince Powell (1989)
7.97 Eldra Buckley (2004)
7.76 Kelcey Williams (1999)
7.71 Ray Barksdale (1990)
7.01 Justin Crawford (2014)
PASSING
Passing Yards
Most Passing Yards, Career
5,897 Russell Evans (1991-92)
5,045 Will Hall (1999-2000)
4,943 Casey Weston (2008-09)
4,911 Bryan Sparacino (1994-95)
4,519 Michael Hiers (2020-21)
Most Passing Yards, Season
3,982 Will Hall (2000)
3,293 Russell Evans (1992)
3,288 Gardner Minshew (2015)
3,093 Michael Hiers (2021)
2,949 Jack Abraham (2017)
Most Passing Yards, Game
602 Will Hall vs. East Mississippi (10/27/00)
514 Will Hall vs. Holmes (10/14/00)
487 Jack Abraham vs East Mississippi (11/11/17)
443 Ryan Mossakowski vs. Pearl River (9/1/11)
434 Will Hall vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast (9/16/00)
Pass Completions
Most Pass Completions, Career
394 Casey Weston (2008-09)
323 Russell Evans (1991-92)
315 Bryan Sparacino (1994-95)
311 Will Hall (1999-2000)
306 Michael Hiers (2020-21)
Most Pass Completions, Season
248 Will Hall (2000)
223 Gardner Minshew (2015)
214 Jack Abraham (2017)
212 Michael Hiers (2021)
204 Casey Weston (2008)
Most Pass Completions, Game
34 Jack Abraham vs East Mississippi (11/11/17)
33 Ryan Mossakowski vs. East Mississippi (9/15/11)
33 Jack Abraham at Itawamba (9/14/17)
32 Casey Weston vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast (8/28/08)
32 Michael Hiers vs. New Mexico Military (12/5/21)
Pass Attempts
Most Pass Attempts, Career
695 Casey Weston (2008-09)
663 Russell Evans (1991-92)
583 Bryan Sparacino (1994-95)
579 Bobby Robison (2001-02)
Most Pass Attempts, Season
367 Gardner Minshew (2015)
366 Will Hall (2000)
363 John Holmes (1998)
354 Casey Weston (2008)
348 Russell Evans (1992)
Most Pass Attempts, Game
57 Ryan Mossakowski vs. Northeast (9/29/11)
56 Jack Abraham at Itawamba (9/14/17)
55 Bobby Robison vs. Jones County (9/6/01)
54 Keegan Patterson vs. East Mississippi (10/5/23)
53 Michael Hiers at New Mexico Military (12/5/21)
LAVELLE DANZY
Passing Touchdowns
Most Passing Touchdowns, Career
57 Will Hall (1999-2000)
56 Russell Evans (1991-92)
43 Bryan Sparacino (1994-95)
43 Bobby Robison (2001-02)
42 Casey Weston (2008-09)
Most Passing Touchdowns, Season
48 Will Hall (2000)
28 Russell Evans (1991)
28 Russell Evans (1992)
28 Gardner Minshew (2015)
27 Casey Weston (2009)
Most Passing Touchdowns, Game
9 Will Hall vs. East Mississippi (10/27/00)
RECORDS
Total Offense
Total Offense, Career
6,102 Russell Evans (1991-92)
5,159 Will Hall (1999-2000)
4,779 Casey Weston (2008-09)
4,541 Bryan Sparacino (1994-95)
4,496 Michael Hiers (2020-21)
Total Offense, Season
4,075 Will Hall (2000)
3,359 Russell Evans (1992)
3,321 Gardner Minshew (2015)
3,107 Michael Hiers (2021)
3,048 Jack Abraham (2017)
Total Offense, Game
407.5 Will Hall (2000)
6 Bobby Robison vs. East Mississippi (10/19/02)
6 Jack Walker at Holmes (9/26/19)
6 Ren Hefley at Coahoma (10/13/22)
5 Russell Evans vs. Mississippi Delta (10/3/91)
5 Jason Johnson vs. East Mississippi (10/28/99)
5 Will Hall vs. Copiah-Lincoln (8/31/00)
5 Will Hall vs. Jones County (9/9/00)
5 Will Hall vs. MS Gulf Coast (9/16/00)
5 Will Hall vs. Hinds (10/5/00)
5 Will Hall vs Coahoma (11/2/00)
5 Casey Weston vs. East Mississippi (9/24/09)
5 Ryan Mossakowski vs. Pearl River (9/1/11)
5 Gardner Minshew vs. Rochester (12/6/15)
5 Jack Abraham vs East Mississippi (11/11/17)
Completion Percentage
Completion Percentage, Career (min. 325 att)
65.2 Michael Hiers (2020-21)
64.7 Will Hall (1999-2000)
63.5 Jack Abraham (2017)
60.8 Gardner Minshew (2015)
57.4 Kelvin Simmons (1989-90)
Completion Percentage, Season (min. 175 att)
67.8 Will Hall (2000)
64.4 Michael Hiers (2021)
63.5 Jack Abraham (2017)
61.4 Brent Osborn (2010)
60.8 Gardner Minshew (2015)
Long Pass & Completion
95 Russell Evans to Eric Smith at Co-Lin (9/5/92)
95 Bryan Sparacino to Andre Rone vs. Co-Lin (9/29/94)
95 Michael Hiers to D.T. Sheffield at Coahoma (10/7/21)
90 Bobby Byrd to Wesley Carroll vs. Hinds (11/21/87)
87 Rayburn Morris to Joemal Campbell at Holmes (10/4/03)
86 Casey Weston to Darryl Kinkle vs. Gulf Coast (8/27/09)
86 Robert Wilcke to Demarcus Jones at Southwest MS (9/6/18)
85 John Holmes to Andre Heard at Delta (10/17/98)
83 Clay Holgorsen to Jerrick Orr at East Miss. (10/15/16)
82 Kyle Morgan to Justin Crawford vs. Delta (10/9/14)
82 Michael Hiers to D.T. Sheffield at Coahoma (10/7/21)
394.5 Michael Hiers (2020)
303.1 Casey Weston (2009)
278.7 Ryan Mossakowski (2011)
277.1 Jack Abraham (2017)
RECEIVING
Receiving Yards
Most Receiving Yards, Career
2,316 Eric Smith (1991-92)
2,124 D.T. Sheffield (2020-present)
1,927 Andre Rone (1994-95)
1,688 Roell Preston (1991-92)
1,584 Omar Rayford (1998-99)
Most Receiving Yards, Season
1,561 Eric Smith (1992)
1,360 Omar Rayford (1999)
1,237 Anton Paige (2000)
1,089 D.T. Sheffield (2021)
1,060 Michael Lindsey (2009)
Most Receiving Yards, Game
269 Eric Smith at Copiah-Lincoln (9/5/92)
234 Michael Lindsey vs. Mississippi Delta (10/1/09)
213 Andre Rone vs. MS Gulf Coast (8/31/95)
211 Eric Smith vs. Mississippi Delta (10/1/92)
210 Tony Harris at Coahoma (10/12/89)
Receiving Yards/Game Avg (min. 40 rec.)
123.7 Anton Paige (2000)
120.1 Eric Smith (1992)
117.8 Michael Lindsey (2009)
113.3 Omar Rayford (1999)
100.2 Andre Rone (1994)
Pass Receptions
Most Pass Receptions, Career
130 D.T. Sheffield (2020-present)
117 Andre Rone (1994-95)
109 Marquisian Chapman (2015-16)
104 Eric Smith (1991-92)
92 Connie Moore (1996-97)/ Braden Smith (2018-19)
Most Pass Receptions, Season
68 Eric Smith (1992)
66 Omar Rayford (1999)
64 Anton Paige (2000)
60 Andre Rone (1994)
59 Marquisian Chapman (2016)
Most Pass Receptions, Game
13
Marcus Henry vs. East Mississippi (9/15/11)
12 Eric Smith vs. Mississippi Delta (10/1/92)
12 Kevin Cooper vs. Itawamba (10/19/95)
11 Andre Rone vs. MS Gulf Coast (8/31/95)
11 John Harris vs. Mississippi Delta (9/28/02)
11 Marquisian Chapman vs. Trinity Valley (12/3/16)
11 D.T. Sheffield vs. East Mississippi (9/30/21)
Touchdown Receptions
Most Receiving Touchdowns, Career
26 D.T. Sheffield (2020-present)
19 John Harris (2002-03)
18 Roell Preston (1991-92)
18 Anton Paige (2000)
17 Eric Smith (1991-92)
17 Braden Smith (2018-19)
Most Receiving Touchdowns, Season
18 Anton Paige (2000)
15 John Harris (2002)
14 Omar Rayford (1999)
13 Michael Lindsey (2009)
12 Lance Ray (2011)
Most Receiving Touchdowns, Game
5 Rory Redmond vs. Northeast (10/9/97)
4 John Harris vs. Mississippi Delta (9/28/02)
4 Anton Paige vs. East Mississippi (10/27/00)
3 Rick Owens at Itawamba (1967)
3 Roell Preston at Holmes (9/24/92)
3 Eric Smith vs. Copiah-Lincoln (9/5/92)
3 Michael Lindsey vs. Mississippi Delta (10/1/09)
3 Andre Heard vs. Mississippi Delta (10/17/98)
3 Andre Rone vs. Copiah-Lincoln (9/29/94)
3 Terence Samuel vs. East Central (9/14/95)
3 Lance Ray vs. Pearl River (9/1/11)
3 Lance Ray at Mississippi Delta (10/3/11)
3 Cameron Wynn at East Mississippi (10/3/19)
3 D.T. Sheffield at Coahoma (10/13/22)
WILL HALL
RECORDS
100-Yard Receving Games, Season
8 Omar Rayford (1999)
7 Michael Lindsey (2009)
6 Roell Preston (1992)
6 Eric Smith (1992)
6 Anton Paige (2000)
5 Andre Rone (1995)
5 Durell Robinson (2001)
5 Marcus Henry (2011)
ALL-PURPOSE YARDAGE
All-Purpose Yards
All-Purpose Yards, Career
3,993 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
3,067 John Avery (1994-95)
2,903 D.T. Sheffield (2020-22)
2,695 Eric Smith (1991-92)
2,317 Lavelle Danzy (1991-92)
2,317 Kevin Jones (1997-98)
All-Purpose Yards, Season
2,031 Vince Powell (1989)
2,022 Justin Crawford (2015)
1,971 Justin Crawford (2014)
1,860 John Avery (1994)
1,561 Eric Smith (1992)
1,500+ Ricky Blake (1987)
All-Purpose Yards, Game
197.1 Justin Crawford (2014)
186.0 John Avery (1994)
168.5 Justin Crawford (2015)
156.2 Vince Powell (1989)
Points Scored
Most Points Scored, Career
234 Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21)
220 Justin Crawford (2014-15)
191 Shae Orrell (1999-00)
174 D.T. Sheffield (2020-22)
168 John Avery (1994-95)
Most Points Scored, Season
136 Justin Crawford (2015)
132 Ricky Blake (1987)
112 Houston Agnew (1987)
108 Vince Powell (1989)
108 Anton Paige (2000)
108 Jaquerrious Williams (2021)
KICKING
Field Goals Made
Field Goals Made, Career
22 Jim Speights (2014-15)
22 Drake McCarter (2016-17)
20 Shae Orrell (1999-00)
19 Kevin Buford (2009-10)
Field Goals Made, Season
17 Jim Speights (2015)
16 Drake McCarter (2016)
13 Kevin Buford (2010)
13 Shae Orrell (1999)
13 Les Binkley (1998)
Field Goals Made, Game
4 Kevin Buford at Northeast (9/30/10)
4 Chase Carpenter at Northeast (9/20/12)
4 Tucker Barefoot at Mississippi Gulf Coast (12/5/20)
4 Jackson Uselton vs. Hinds (9/14/23)
3 Lonny Calicchio at Holmes (9/24/92)
3 Les Binkley vs. Northeast (10/1/98)
3 Les Binkley vs. Jones County (11/5/98)
3 JimSpeights vs. Northeast (9/10/15)
3 Jim Speights vs. Hinds (9/24/15)
3 Drake McCarter at East Central (11/5/16)
Field Goals Attempted
Field Goals Attempted, Career
44 Drake McCarter (2016-17)
34 Jim Speights (2014-15)
30 Nason Williams (1994, 96)
30 Shae Orrell (1999-00)
Field Goals Attempted, Season
27 Drake McCarter (2016)
24 Jim Speights (2015)
21 Les Binkley (1998)
20 Shae Orrell (1999)
18 Lonny Calicchio (1992)
18 Kevin Buford (2010)
Field Goals Attempted, Game
5 Kevin Buford at Northeast (9/30/10)
5 Jackson Uselton vs. Hinds (9/14/23)
4 Keith Stribling vs. Ferrum (12/5/82)
4 Shae Orrell vs. East Central (11/13/99)
4 Les Binkley vs. Southwest (9/10/98)
4 Chase Carpenter at Northeast (9/20/12)
4 Jim Speights vs. Holmes (10/3/15)
4 Drake McCarter vs. Northeast (10/27/16)
4 Drake McCarter at Itawamba (9/14/17)
4 Tucker Barefoot at Mississippi Gulf Coast (12/5/20)
Field Goals Made 1. 17 (17-24) 2015 2. 16 (16-27) ............................. 2016 3. 13 (13-18)
(48-1906)
(20-279)
(20-226)
(26-216)
RECORDS
Before gaining fame with Washington State and in the NFL, GARDNER MINSHEW led Northwest to the 2015 MACJC and NJCAA championships and still remains the last Ranger quarterback to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season.
WHEN IT HAPPENED LAST
Returned a kickoff for TD ...................... Aug. 29, 2019 (Keyon Fordham at East Central - 95 yards)
Returned a punt for a TD Oct. 20, 2022 (D.T. Sheffield vs. Holmes - 65 yards)
Returned an INT for TD Oct. 12, 2023 (Keshawn Davila at Mississippi Delta - 25 yards)
Returned a fumble for a TD Oct. 5, 2023 (D.J. Hibbler vs. East Mississippi- 0 yards)
Blocked a punt for a TD Sept. 7, 2017 (Chris Stamps at Pearl River - 58 yards)
Recorded a safety Sept. 1, 2022 (Rontavious “Dude” Person vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast)
Kicked a 4th quarter FG to win Nov. 5, 2016 (Drake McCarter at East Central - 35 yards)
Scored on the last play to win Oct. 3, 2015 (Jim Speights 35-yard FG vs Holmes)
Scored a two-point conversion Sept. 29, 2022 (Ren Hefley pass at East Mississippi)
Rushed for 100 yards in a game Oct. 26, 2023 (D’mariun Perteet at Holmes - 145 yards)
Rushed for 200 yards in a game Nov. 13, 2021 (Jaquerrious Williams - 201 yards)
Rushed for 300 yards in a game Oct. 23, 2014 (Justin Crawford at Coahoma - 338 yards)
Passed for 400 yards in a game Nov. 11, 2017 (Jack Abraham vs East Mississippi - 487 yards)
Passed for 500 yards in a game Oct. 14, 2000 (Will Hall vs Holmes - 514 yards)
Passed for 600 yards in a game Oct. 27, 2000 (Will Hall vs East Mississippi - 602 yards)
Had 200 yards receiving in a game Oct. 15, 2016 (Marquisian Chapman at East Mississippi - 204 yards)
Had 10 or more receptions in a game Sept. 30, 2021 (D.T. Sheffield vs. East Mississippi - 11 rec)
Made 15 tackles in a game Nov. 9, 2019 (Dee Rule vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast - 15 tkl)
Made 20 tackles in a game .................... Oct. 12, 1995 (Melton Glover vs Mississippi Delta - 24 tkl)
Picked off three passes in a game Oct. 7, 2004 (Marcus Connor vs East Mississippi)
Picked off four passes in a game Oct. 28, 1999 (Johnathan Shaw vs East Mississippi)
Completed 10 or more consecutive passes Oct. 22, 2020 (Michael Hiers at Northeast - 13)
Rushed for 1,000 yards in a season 2021 (Jaquerrious Williams - 1,286 yards)
Rushed for 2,000 yards in a season 1989 (Vince Powell - 2,031 yards)
Passed for 2,000 yards in a season
Passed for 3,000 yards in a season
2021 (Michael Hiers - 3,093 yards)
2021 (Michael Hiers - 3,093 yards)
Had 1,000 yards receiving in a season 2021 (D.T. Sheffield - 1,089 yards)
TEAM
Played an overtime game
Nov. 2, 2023 (W, 28-27 vs. Northeast)
Shutout an opponent Oct. 26, 2017 (W, 32-0 at Northeast)
Were shutout by an opponent Oct. 16, 2014 (L, 49-0 vs East Mississippi)
Scored 50+ points in a game Oct. 19, 2023 (W, 55-7 vs. Coahoma)
Scored 60+ points in a game Nov. 11, 2017 (L, 67-66 vs. East Mississippi - 2OT)
Scored 70+ points in a game Sept. 16, 2000 (W, 79-34 vs Gulf Coast)
Scored 80+ points in a game Sept. 24, 1998 (W, 80-7 vs Coahoma)
*franchise became Tennessee Oilers in 1997 and later, Tennessee Titans in 1999.
ALL-TIME NFL PLAYERS
Keshunn Abram, WR
John Armstrong, CB
John Avery, RB
Tarow Barney, DT
Jeff Blackshear, OT
Willie Blade, DT
Eddie Blake, DT
Ricky Blake, RB
Eldra Buckley, RB
Len Burton, OG
Wesley Bush, DB
Lonny Calicchio, K
Wesley Carroll, WR
Kory Chapman, RB
Marlon Character, Jr., DB
Justin Crawford, RB
Treston DeCoud, DB
Brandin Echols, DB
Dan Footman, DT
Roy Hart, DT
Donald Hawkins, LT
Chris Herring, DT
DeVon Hicks, DE
Bill Houston, WR
Cletidus Hunt, DT
Cortez Kennedy, DT
Emarlos Leroy, DT
Damien Lewis, OL
Gardner Minshew, QB
Jeff Miller, OT
Bryant Mix, DT
Ronnie Monaco, LB
Alton Montgomery, SS
Marcel Newson, DB/WR
Josh Norwood, DB
JaVonta Payton, WR
Gerald Perry, OT
Vince Powell, RB
Roell Preston, RS
Lance Ray, WR/KR
Jerrick Reed II, DB
Devin Rockette, DB
Andre Rone, WR
Ron Shegog, S
Eric Smith, WR
Curtis Steele, RB
Daniel Thomas, RB
Fred Thomas, DB
Tom Thompson, RB
Tariqious Tisdale, DL
Patrick Trahan, LB
Colston Weatherington, DE
Pro Wells, TE
Henry Williams, RS
Myles White, WR
Mitch Young, DT
RANGERS IN THE NFL
John AVERY
Jeff BLACKSHEAR
Avery’s Career Highlights
• First round draft choice (29th overall) by the Miami Dolphins in 1998
• Played with the Dolphins, Broncos, Cowboys and Vikings of the NFL
• Led the short-lived XFL in rushing with 800 yards on 150 carries during the 2001 season
• Played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the 2002 Grey Cup game (L, 25-16)
• Winner of the Eddie James Memorial Trophy and named a CFL All-Star in 2002
• Led Toronto to a 27-19 victory over the BC Lions in the 92nd Grey Cup Championship in 2004, rushing for the game-winning score from 25-yards out
• He’s an amateur stand-up comic in his spare time
• Now hosts a weekly podcast show on ThatRadio entitled Avery Day Gossip
**Read more at www.pro-football-reference.com 5-10
YEAR TEAM GP-GS
1993 SEA 15-2
1994 SEA 16-16
1995 SEA 16-3
1996 BAL 16-12
1997 BAL 16-16
1998 BAL 16-16
1999 BAL 16-16
2000 KC 16-15
2002 GB 1-0 Career 128-96
Blackshear’s Career Highlights
• 197th overall selection in the 1993 draft by the Seattle Seahawks
• Played in 128 career games, earning the start in 96 of those
• Also played for the Ravens (1996-99), Chiefs (2000) and Packers (2002)
• Was on the Baltimore Ravens’ 1996 Inaugural Season Roster
6-6 • 316 • Offensive Guard • Years Pro: 9 • Drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 1993 • 8th Round, 1st Pick • Hometown: Fort Pierce, Fla.
Pro: 9
Drafted by Miami Dolphins in 1998 • 1st Round, 29th Pick
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
•
Blade’s Career Highlights
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Willie BLADE
Eddie BLAKE
Cowboys in
3rd Round, 31st Pick
Hometown: Landstuel, Ger.
6-3
321
Defensive Tackle • Years Pro: 4 • Drafted by Miami Dolphins in 1992 • 2nd Round, 15th Pick • Hometown: Fayetteville, Tenn.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Ricky BLAKE
Eldra BUCKLEY
Blake’s Career Highlights
• Undrafted free agent signee of the Dallas Cowboys in 1991
• Also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and San Antonio Riders and Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe
and/or practice squad member only
Buckley’s Career Highlights
• Undrafted free agent signee by the San Diego Chargers in 2007
• Claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles on March 9, 2009
• First and only career TD run came against Washington on Nov. 29, 2009 (W, 27-24)
• Signed by the Detroit Lions October 21, 2011 and released on November 7, 2011
• Also has 20 career tackles on special teams (19 solo) with three forced fumbles
• Two-time First Team All-Southern Conference selection at UT-Chattanooga (2005-06)
Signee by San Diego Chargers
Hometown: Charleston, Miss.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Len BURTON
YEAR TEAM GP-GS
1986 BUF 14-0
1987 BUF 12-3
1988 BUF 16-4
1989 BUF 16-0
1991 CLE 0-0
1992 DET 2-2
1994 DET 0-0
Career 60-9
Burton’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 3rd round (77th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft
• Blocked for NFL Hall of Famer and 5-time Pro Bowler Thurman Thomas in 1988-89
• Also spent time with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns (1991) and Detroit Lions (1992, 1994)
Wesley CARROLL
Carroll’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft
• Had a career-high 72-yard touchdown reception vs. the Chicago Bears (Sept. 13, 1992)
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Kory CHAPMAN
Treston DECOUD
*Offseason and/or practice squad member
Chapman’s Career Highlights
• Signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2004
• He was allocated to NFL Europe and played in 10 games for the Cologne Centurions in 2005
• Made his NFL debut for Indianapolis vs. the Cleveland Browns on September 25, 2005
• Has played in three career NFL games...all for the Colts in 2005
• Also played for the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns
• Earned two Super Bowl rings - one with the Patriots (XXXIX) and one with the Colts (XLI)
• Spent most of his short career as a reserve and/or a member of the practice squad
• Served as the head football coach at Coldwater High School from 2017-22.
DeCoud’s Career Highlights
• Joined the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Elks after being released by Toronto in July 2022.
• Signed with the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts for the 2021 season.
• Drafted by the Dallas Renegades for the 2020 XFL season, but did not play in any games.
• Signed to Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad prior to 2018 season
• Signed a four-year, $2.64 million contract with the Texans on May 12, 2017
• Started 21 career games at Oregon State and earned Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors
• Had 108 career tackles and 15 pass breakups during his two-year OSU career
• All-MACJC, All-Region 23 & NJCAA First Team All-American selection at Northwest in 2014
• The 20th all-time draft pick from Northwest and first since Daniel Thomas in 2011
Pro: 5
Drafted by Houston Texans in 2017
5th Round, 25th Pick
Hometown: Covington, La.
Running Back
5
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Brandin ECHOLS
Dan FOOTMAN
Echols’ Career Highlights
• Drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft
• Finished the season with two interceptions, including one off a pass from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in a Week 17 loss to Tampa Bay
• Was voted as the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 15, after totaling two tackles and a 20-yard interception return touchdown.
Footman’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft
• Was a member of the Baltimore Ravens 1996 Inaugural Season Roster and also played two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts (1997-98)
• Had a career-best 10.5 sacks and 44 tackles for the Colts in 1997
• Played tailback (1988) and defensive end (1989) at Northwest in his two seasons
• Rushed for 1,052 yards and eight TDs in ‘88 and had 100 tackles and six sacks in ‘89
• Nickname is “Big Foot” and he was clocked at a 4.7 40-yard dash time
2nd Round, 13th Pick • Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Roy HART
Donald HAWKINS
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Hart’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 6th round (158th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft
• Also spent time with the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders and New York Jets
• Has also played for the London Monarchs, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Las Vegas Posse.
• A World Bowl Champion with the London Monarchs (NFL-Europe) in 1991
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Hawkins’ Career Highlights
• Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft
• Claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on August 25, 2014
• Signed with the Dallas Cowboys on August 31, 2014
• Signed by the Miami Dolphins on May 11, 2015, then released November 12, 2015
• Spent most of the 2015 season on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad
• Signed a futures contract with the Carolina Panthers on January 26, 2016
• Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on June 16, 2017
• Signed to numerous teams in the Alliance of American Football before league folded in 2019.
• Started 24 of 25 career games during his time with the Texas Longhorns (2012-13)
• A 2011 NJCAA First Team All-American as a sophomore at Northwest
Drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 1988
6th Round, 20th Pick
Hometown: Tifton, Ga.
Offensive Tackle • Years Pro: 5
FA Signee by Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 • Undrafted • Hometown: Tunica, Miss.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Cletidus HUNT
Cortez KENNEDY
Hunt’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 3rd round (94th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft
• Former Packer draft selections along with Donald Driver, Josh Bidwell and Mike McKenzie
• Played for the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League in 2007
• Had 3.5 tackles in his AFL debut vs. New Orleans on May 23, 2007
Kennedy’s Career Highlights
• Third overall selection in the 1990 draft by the Seattle Seahawks
• Named to his first of eight NFL Pro Bowls in 1991
• Named the 1992 NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press
• Associated Press First Team All-Pro selection in 1992, 1993 and 1994+
• Associated Press Second Team All-Pro selection in 1996
• He is generally considered one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the position
• Named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• Presently ranks 89th all-time in NFL history with 58 career sacks
• Inducted into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2006
• Named the best athlete ever to wear the number 96 by SI.com in 2007
• Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 4, 2012 in Canton, Ohio
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Emarlos LEROY
Damien LEWIS
Leroy’s Career Highlights
• Jaguars traded two 6th round picks and a 7th rounder to draft Leroy in 1999
• NFL career was cut short due to a back injury after 22 career games
• Named to the SUPERPREP Juco Top 100 while at Northwest
• A two-time All-MACJC selection the 1995-96 seasons at Northwest
• Played the 1997-98 seasons at UGA, finishing with 64 tackles in 22 games
Lewis’ Career Highlights
• 69th overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft
• Made immediate impression in the preseason, earning a starting role on the Seahawks’ offensive front
• Played and started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2020, including a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams
• Named to the 2020 All-Rookie Team by Pro Football Writers of America
• Received an 81.5 overall run blocking score from Pro Football Focus, second only to Colts’ All-Pro and Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson.
• Has started every game of his four-year NFL career.
• Signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on March 13, 2024.
6-1
Pro: 2
Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars in 1999
6th Round, 13th Pick
Hometown: Albany, Ga.
6-2 • 327 • Offensive Guard • Years Pro: 2 • Drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 2020 • 3rd Round, 4th Pick • Hometown: Canton, Miss.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Gardner MINSHEW
Mix’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft
Minshew’s Career Highlights
• Sixth round selection by Jacksonville in 2019 NFL Draft
• Made his NFL debut in the season-opener due to an injury to Nick Foles and [assed fpr 275 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-26 loss to Kansas City
• Won Pepsi’s NFL Rookie of the Week award an unprecedented seven times during the 2019 season
• Labeled as the team’s starter for the 2020 season
• Became the first QB in Jaguars’ franchise history to throw three or more TD passes in three consecutive games. (Week 17, 2019-Week 2, 2020)
• Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on August 28, 2021
• Started against the New York Jets in 2021 and went 20-for-25 while throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
• Signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts on March 17, 2023, later earning the role of starter in place of injured rookie Anthony Richardson.
• Passed for 3,000-plus yards for just the second time in his career, leading the Colts to a 9-8 record and one game shy of an AFC Wild Card berth.
• Was named to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career.
• Signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 14, 2024.
Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019
6th Round, 5th Pick
Hometown: Brandon, Miss.
Pro: 3
Drafted by Houston Oilers in 1996 • 2nd Round, 8th Pick • Hometown: Water Valley, Miss.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Alton MONTGOMERY
Montgomery’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round (52nd overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft
• Lone career touchdown came on a 71-yard interception return vs. Detroit on Nov. 5, 1995
Gerald PERRY
YEAR TEAM GP-GS
1988 DEN 16-6
1989 DEN 16-15
1990 DEN 8-8
1991 LAR 11-9
1992 LAR 16-16 1993 LA 15-15
1994 LA 12-12
1995 OAK 3-3 Career 97-84
Perry’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round (45th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft
• Started in Super Bowl XXIV for the Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Played his 8-year career for the Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
• Inducted into the Northwest Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2002
Drafted by Denver Broncos in
Round, 27th Pick
Hometown: Griffin, Ga.
Years Pro: 8
Drafted by Denver Broncos in 1988 • 2nd Round, 18th Pick • Hometown: Columbia, S.C.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Roell PRESTON
Preston’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round (145 overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft
• Also played for the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans during his five-year career
• Had a 100-yd kick return vs. Detroit (9/6/98) and 101-yd kick return vs. Minnesota (10/5/98)
• A 1998 NFL Pro Bowl selection with the Green Bay Packers as a kick/punt return specialist
• A 1998 First Team All-Conference selection by Pro Football Weekly
• A 1998 Second Team All-NFL selection by the Associated Press
• A 1998 First Team All-NFL selection by the Pro Football Writers
• Ranks 84th in NFL History with 3,427 career kick return yards
• Played in the CFL for Saskatchewan & Chicago during the 2001 season
**Read more at www.pro-football-reference.com
Jerrick REED
Reed’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
• Played in 10 games as a backup safety and on special teams, before being placed on injured reserve on November 23, 2023.
• Named to NFL All-Rookie Team by Pro Football Writers of America in January 2024.
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Daniel THOMAS
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Thomas’ Career Highlights
• Selected in the 2nd Round (62nd overall) of the 2011 draft by the Miami Dolphins
• Signed a 4-year contract worth $3.23 million on July 29, 2011 with Miami
• Backup to Super Bowl XLIV Champion and All-Pro running back Reggie Bush in 2011-12
• Released by Miami on Aug. 30, 2014 and re-signed on Sept. 15, 2014
• Signed with the Chicago Bears on June 18, 2015 and was released on August 30, 2015
• Re-signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 31, 2016, released September 3, 2016
• Signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in January 2017
more at www.pro-football-reference.com
Fred THOMAS
Thomas’ Career Highlights
• Selected in the 2nd Round (47th overall) of the 1996 draft by Seattle
• Played four seasons with Seattle and eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints
• Made a career-high 16 starts for New Orleans during the 2001 season
• Had back-to-back 80+ tackle seasons in 2002-03 and picked off nine passes
• Lone touchdown of his career came on a 64-yard blocked field goal return in 2003
• Inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame on April 26, 2016
**Read more at www.pro-football-reference.com
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Patrick TRAHAN
Colston WEATHERINGTON
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Trahan’s Career Highlights
• Signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2010
• Picked up by the Bears on Jan. 20, 2011 and spent the first 12 weeks on the practice squad
• Promoted to the Bears’ 53-man roster on Nov. 29, 2011
• Trahan was brought back on January 8, 2013 by the Bears and released August 25
• Signed to the Edmonton Eskimos’ practice squad on Aug. 5, 2014 (released Aug. 18)
Weatherington’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft
• Appeared in three games for the Cowboys during the 2002 season
• Played five seasons with the Dallas Deperados of the Arena Football League (AFL)
• An AFL All-Rookie Team selection and a three-time All-Arena First Team selection
• Two-time AFL Lineman of the Year (2006, ‘08) and a three-time All-Arena Team nod (‘06-’08)
• Played the 2010 season on the offensive/defensive line for the Orlando Predators of the AFL
• Inducted into the Central Missouri Hall of Fame in 2012
RANGERS IN THE NFL
Leonard WHEELER
Wheeler’s Career Highlights
• Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 1992 NFL Draft.
• Lone career interception was in his rookie season with the Bengals in 1992.
• Also played for the Minnesota Vikings in 1997 and the Carolina Panthers from 1998-99.
• Former President of the Charlotte Retired Players Chapter of the NFLPA.
• Accepted an elected position as a member of the Former Players Board of Directors for the NFLPA in 2008 and is the only retired player on the financial committee.
Myles WHITE
White’s Career Highlights
• Signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2013
• Promoted to the Packers’ 53-man active roster on October 15, 2013 and made his debut for the Packers in Week 7 in a 31-13 win over Cleveland (1 catch/9 yards)
• Played in seven games as a rookie in 2013 and caught nine passes for 66 yards
• Was on Green Bay’s practice squad for the entire 2014 season
• Signed by the New York Giants on September 9, 2015
• Signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Jets on January 11, 2017
• Signed to the practice roster of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers on October 10, 2017.
• Signed to Toronto Argonauts practice roster in June 2018 before being promoted to the active roster.
• Played collegiate ball at Michigan State, Northwest and Louisiana Tech
6-0 • 190 • Wide Receiver • Years Pro: 6 • UDFA Signee by Green Bay Packers in 2013 • Undrafted • Hometown: Livonia, Mich.
Chris Turner, DE .....................................
2003 Season
John Harris, WR .................................... 1st Terrell Howard, C 1st Kevin Dowell, P 1st Chris Herring, DL.................................... 1st
Terrance Smith, LB 1st
Andrew Jackson, DB 1st
2004 Season
Jess McDonald, OT 1st Rick Watson, OT .................................... 1st
1995 Andre Rone, WR (NJCAA, J.C. Gridwire); Bryan Sparacino, QB (J.C. Gridwire); John Avery, RB (J.C. Gridwire)
1996 Deon Porter, DB (J.C. Gridwire)
1997 Kevin Jones, RB (J.C. Gridwire)
1998 Dee Miller, DB (NJCAA, J.C. Gridwire); Kevin Jones, RB (J.C. Gridwire); Andre Heard, WR (J.C. Gridwire); Colston Weatherington, DE (J.C. Gridwire)
2011 Lance Ray, KR (NJCAA); David Conner, LB (NJCAA)
2015 Gardner Minshew, QB (NJCAA); Malik Hawkins, LB (NJCAA)
2022 D.T. Sheffield, WR (NJCAA); Kevin Diaz, TE (NJCAA)
2023 Dylan Spencer, OL (NJCAA); Charles Thomas, DB (NJCAA); D.J. Burgess, DL (NJCAA)
DAMIEN LEWIS
BRANDIN ECHOLS
MIKE MCCLENTON
RANGERS! LET’S GO
1928 • (2-6)
Head Coach: Coach Gully
1929 • (1-5)
Head Coach: Coach Funchess at Gulf Coast
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
Memphis University School W 13-0 Caruthersville (Mo.) W 24-0 Southwestern (Tenn.) L 0-6
1948
Head Coach: Bernard Blackwell
S11 at Hinds*
S17 at Northeast Center JC
S23 East Mississippi*
O2 at Athens College
O8 at Bethel College
O15 Lambuth College
O22 at Gulf Coast*
O29 Mississippi Delta* (HC)
N5 at East Central*
N11 Jones County*
**No Yearbooks Published from 1931-39 due to the depression
1939 • (No
N18 at Holmes*
*denotes Mississippi Junior College Conference Game
1949 • (2-7-1)
Head Coach: Bernard Blackwell
Central
1950 • (0-8-1)
Head Coach: Howard Stubbs
Assistant Coach: Jimmy Glisson at Hinds
10-12 at Northeast L 0-31 at East Mississippi
7-39 Itawamba (HC)
1954
Head Coach: Billy Jefferson S9 Mississippi Delta
S20 at East Mississippi
1960 • (9-1)
Head Coach: James Jobe
MACJC State Co-Champions
1961 • (4-6)
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
Jones County W 21-16
East Mississippi W 26-15
Pearl River L 22-24
East Central W 18-14
Southwest W 22-0
Gulf Coast W 22-12
Mississippi Delta W 21-6
Copiah-Lincoln W 51-12
Itawamba W 27-12
Holmes W 22-12
Head Coach: James Jobe
Jones County W 8-6
East Mississippi L 14-34 Pearl River L 0-70 East Central L 2-6
W 14-13 Gulf Coast W 19-6 Mississippi Delta W 19-6
Copiah-Lincoln L 8-20 Itawamba L 18-24 Holmes L 8-13
1962 • (4-5-1)
Head Coach: Jimmy Vincent
Jimmy Vincent Head Coach 1962
4-5-1 (.450)
S8 at Hinds T 6-6
S15 Holmes L 6-7
S22 at Gulf Coast** L 14-29
S29 at Itawamba W 21-14
O4 Pearl River L 14-16
O13 at East Mississippi L 14-34
O20 Jones County (HC) W 7-0
N1 Southwest W 20-6
N10 at Mississippi Delta L N14 East Central W 37-6 **Game played in Pascagoula in front of 8,500 fans
1963 • (3-7)
Head Coach: Charles Peets
Charles Peets Head Coach 1963
3-7 (.300)
S7 Hinds W 13-3
S12 at Holmes W 12-7
S19 Gulf Coast W 21-6
S28 Itawamba
Bob Peterson Head Coach 1964-65 13-7-1 (.643)
1964 • (6-4) 3-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bob Peterson at Hinds
14-25 East Central
17-6 at Mississippi Delta*
20-29 Southwest
14-29 at Jones County
6-37 at Copiah-Lincoln W 6-0 Itawamba* W 22-8 at Gulf Coast W 27-0 Holmes* W 7-6 East Mississippi* W 7-6
1965 • (7-3-1) 4-0-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bob Peterson
MACJC Champions/Shrine Bowl #5 Hinds T 12-12 East Central L 13-14 Southwest L 21-27 at Mississippi Delta* W 13-8 Jones County W 14-7 Copiah-Lincoln (HC) W 21-6 at Itawamba* W 13-6 Gulf Coast W 27-14 at Holmes* W 14-6 at East Mississippi* W 6-0 Kilgore+ L 20-21
+Shrine Bowl
1966 • (7-2-1) 3-0-1 MACJC North
1967 • (6-4) 1-2 MACJC North
1969 • (2-7-1) 0-4-1 MACJC North
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
Ken Bramlett Head Coach 1970-74
20-29 (.408)
1974 • (5-4) 3-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ken Bramlett Copiah-Lincoln
1970 • (2-8) 2-3 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ken Bramlett
S10 at Southwest L 13-14
S17 Holmes* L 25-28
S26 at Pearl River L 7-28
O1 East Central L 13-14
O10 Itawamba* (HC) W 48-14
O17 Mississippi Delta* L 6-20
O24 at Jones County L 7-47
O31 Northeast* W 54-18
N12 at Copiah-Lincoln L 14-28
N21 at East Mississippi* L 0-7
1971 • (5-5) 4-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ken Bramlett
S4 Southwest W 52-35
S11 at Holmes* W 21-6
S16 Pearl River L 7-23
S23 at East Central L 0-7
O2 at Itawamba* W 74-18
O7 at Mississippi Delta* L 14-16
O16 Jones County L 15-31
O21 Northeast* (HC) W 75-21
N6 Copiah-Lincoln L 0-3
N13 East Mississippi* W 53-38
1972 • (3-7) 2-3 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ken Bramlett
S2 #17 Jones County L 20-37
S9 at East Central L 8-29
S16 Itawamba* W 34-12
S23 at Hinds L 19-23
S30 at Northeast* L 7-16
O7 East Mississippi* W 19-7
O21 at Copiah-Lincoln L 14-32
O28 Mississippi Delta* L 0-13
N4 at Holmes* W 14-6
N11 Pearl River L 7-28
1973 • (6-4) 3-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ken Bramlett at Jones County W 14-0 at East Central W 20-7 Itawamba* W 48-21 at Hinds L 7-19 Northeast* W 12-0 East Mississippi* L 21-27 Copiah-Lincoln (HC) W 14-7 at Mississippi Delta* L 13-14
N1 Holmes* W 14-0
N10 at #4 Pearl River L 6-7
1975 • (5-5-1) 4-1-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: A.J. Kilpatrick
% MACJC Playoffs
1976 • (9-2) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: A.J. Kilpatrick
MACJC North Division Champions
! Ranked No. 1 in nation in Week 7
1980 •
% MACJC Playoffs
Kilpatrick
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
1984 • (5-4-1) 4-1-1 MACJC North
BOBBY FRANKLIN Head Coach 1981-2004
201-57-6 (.767)
1981 • (6-3-1) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
A30 Jones County
S6 at Holmes*
S13 East Mississippi*
S22 at Pearl River
0-38 S29 at Coahoma*
O4 Southwest (HC)
at Mississippi Delta*
Itawamba*
S5 at Gulf Coast L 6-7
S10 Holmes* L 7-10
S17 East Central W 26-7
S26 at East Mississippi* W 13-12
O1 Copiah-Lincoln T 10-10
O10 at Coahoma* W 49-0
O17 Mississippi Delta* (HC) W 13-9
O22 Itawamba* L 22-25
O29 at Northeast* W 21-9
N5 at Hinds W 27-15
1982 • (12-0-1) 6-0 MACJC North NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S2 at Hinds W 16-13
S9 East Mississippi* W 12-10
S18 at Southwest W 44-7
S23 at Holmes* W 62-14
O2 Copiah-Lincoln (HC) W 31-22
O7 Coahoma* W 27-7
O14 at Mississippi Delta* W 19-13
O21 Northeast* W 14-0
O30 at Itawamba* W 14-3
N6 #4 Gulf Coast W 3-2
N13 Jones County % W 39-28
N20 Gulf Coast % T 7-7
D5 Ferrum (Va.) ^ W 16-9
% MACJC Playoffs; ^ Eastern Bowl (Roanoke, Va.)
1983 • (8-3) 6-0 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby Franklin North Division Champions
S1 Hinds W 35-14
S10 at East Mississippi* W 24-0
S15 Southwest W 38-0
S22 Holmes* W 40-0
O1 at Copiah-Lincoln L 14-17
O8 at Coahoma* W 60-0
O15 Mississippi Delta* (HC) W 48-3
O22 at Northeast* W 47-0
O29 Itawamba* W 50-16
N5 at #11 Gulf Coast L 20-28
N12 vs. Jones County % L 14-21
%MACJC Playoffs; Ranked No. 2 in Week 10 poll
1987 • (10-3) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
MACJC Champions/Jayhawk Bowl
S3 at East Central L 16-17
S10 Copiah-Lincoln W 15-14
S17 Holmes* W 21-9
S26 at East Mississippi* L 20-23
O1 Pearl River W 31-27
O8 Mississippi Delta* W 47-20
O17 at Coahoma* W 62-6
O24 Itawamba (HC)* W 20-3
O31 at Northeast* W 38-23
N7 at
1985 • (9-2) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
North Division Champions
A31 at Jones County
S5 Holmes*
S14 at East Mississippi*
S21 Pearl River
41-24 S26 Coahoma*
O5 at Southwest
O12 Mississippi Delta (HC)*
O26 at Itawamba*
% MACJC Playoffs; ! Ranked 10th in final NJCAA poll
1986 • (10-2-1) 5-1 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
% MACJC Playoffs; ^ Jayhawk Bowl ! Ranked No. 10 in the final NJCAA Poll; No.
%MACJC Playoffs; ! Ranked No. 2 entering Week 5
1989 • (12-1) 5-1 MACJC North
Head
%MACJC Playoffs; ^Shrine Bowl; No. 5 NJCAA final ranking
1990 • (8-3) 6-0 MACJC North
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin • North Champions
A30 Pearl River L 14-16
S6 at Holmes* W 21-10
S13 Hinds L 7-16
S20 East Mississippi* W 31-28
S29 at Gulf Coast W 38-13
O6 at Mississippi Delta* W 38-10
O11 Coahoma* W 42-7
O18 Northeast (HC)* W 54-13
O27 at Itawamba* W 20-19
N1 at Southwest W 48-12
N10 Hinds % L 11-16
%MACJC Playoffs
1991 • (11-1-1) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
MACJC Champions/Mid-America Bowl
A31 at Pearl River W 17-10
S5 Holmes* W 34-6
S12 at Hinds T 7-7
S21 at East Mississippi* W 49-7
S26 Gulf Coast W 56-14
O3 Mississippi Delta (HC)* W 55-13
O12 at Coahoma* W 47-6
O17 at Northeast* W 31-3
O24 Itawamba* W 30-15
O31 Southwest W 39-13
N7 Copiah-Lincoln % W 36-10
N16 Mississippi Delta % W 20-17
D7 vs NE Oklahoma ^ L 21-49
%MACJC Playoffs; ^Mid-America Bowl; No. 3 final ranking
1992 • (13-0) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS/Mid-America Bowl
MACJC Champions/North Champions
S5 at Copiah-Lincoln W 54-6
S10 East Mississippi* W 31-7
S17 Jones County W 24-0
S24 at Holmes* W 50-14
O1 Mississippi Delta* (HC) W 35-28
O8 Coahoma* W 73-0
O15 at Hinds W 40-7
O24 at Itawamba* W 31-3
O29 East Central W 48-7
N5 at Northeast* W 22-8
N14 Hinds % W 40-0
N21 Itawamba % W 16-15
D5 #2 Northeastern Oklahoma ^ W 34-0
% MACJC Playoffs
^Mid-America Bowl (Tulsa, Okla.)
1993 • (6-3-1) 3-2-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S2 Copiah-Lincoln W 34-26
S9 at East Mississippi* W 41-21
S16 at Jones County L 7-17
S23 Holmes* W 28-13
O2 at Mississippi Delta* L 0-18
O7 at Coahoma* W 57-22
O14 Hinds (HC) W 7-6
O21 Itawamba* L 20-31
O28 at East Central W 28-0
N4 Northeast* T 27-27
1994 • (7-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
North Division Runner-Up
S1 Gulf Coast W 38-21
S8 at Holmes* L 19-24
S15 at East Central W 26-16
S22 #13 East Mississippi* W 46-27
S29 at Copiah-Lincoln W 37-14
O6 Coahoma* W 58-12
O15 at Mississippi Delta* L 20-25
O20 #11 at Itawamba* W 24-21
O27 Northeast* (HC) W 21-14
N3 Hinds L 10-24
1995 • (7-3) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
North Division Runner-Up
A31 at Gulf Coast W 44-16
S7 Holmes* W 42-31
S14 East Central W 48-7
S21 at East Mississippi* W 14-13
S28 Copiah-Lincoln L 7-12
O7 at Coahoma* W 31-0
O12 Mississippi Delta* W 28-21
O19 Itawamba* L 28-31
O26 at Northeast* W 35-13
N2 at Hinds L 19-52
! Preseason ranked No. 3 by NJCAA
1996 • (7-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S5 at #5 Hinds** L 20-34
S12 at Pearl River W 16-13
S19 East Central L 15-20
S26 at East Mississippi* W 51-36
O3 Coahoma* W 41-26
O10 Northeast* W 20-7 O17 Southwest W 31-17
O24 Mississippi Delta* W 17-14
O31 at Holmes* L 17-38
N7 Itawamba* L 0-6
! Preseason No. 9 by NJCAA **Hinds had to forfeit for using an ineligible player
1997 • (6-4) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S4 #3 Hinds L 13-31
S11 Pearl River W 24-18
! Preseason ranked No. 5 by NJCAA
1998 • (9-3) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin MACJC North Champions/Mineral Water Bowl S3 East Central W 31-6 S10 at
1999 • (11-1) 6-0 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby
2000 • (10-0) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
Undefeated Season
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
2004 • (7-2) 4-2 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
A31 at Copiah-Lincoln W 37-3
S9 at Jones County W 72-7
S16 Gulf Coast W 79-34
S21 Northeast* W 63-0
S28 at Itawamba* W 31-19
O5 #3 Hinds W 42-10
O14 Holmes* W 42-2
O21 at Mississippi Delta* W 54-17
O27 at East Mississippi* W 69-37
N2 Coahoma* W 70-0
~Preseason ranked No. 1 by NJCAA
~On NJCAA Probation, not eligible for postseason play
~Set NJCAA record with 559 points (55.9 ppg)
2001 • (7-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S6 Jones County W 30-20
S13 at Gulf Coast W 21-13
S20 at Northeast* L 27-28
S27 Itawamba* W 30-24
O4 at Hinds W 41-29
O11 at Holmes* W 17-0
O18 #12 Mississippi Delta* L 10-34
O27 East Mississippi* W 42-0
N1 at Coahoma* W 61-0
N10 at #9 Jones County % L 10-24
% MACJC Playoffs
2002 • (5-4) 4-2 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby Franklin
S5 at Hinds L 24-28
S12 Pearl River L 18-20
S19 Itawamba* L 5-6
S28 at Mississippi Delta* W 35-24
O3 at Holmes* L 19-24
O10 at Coahoma* W 30-6
O19 at East Mississippi* W 53-17
O26 East Central W 34-33
O31 Northeast* W 27-3
! Preseason ranked No. 2 by NJCAA;
2003 • (8-2) 6-0 MACJC North Head Coach: Bobby Franklin North Champions/MACJC Playoffs
S4 Hinds W 23-8
S11 at Pearl River L 7-17
S20 at Itawamba* W 38-6
S27 Mississippi Delta* W 36-0
O4 at Holmes* W 30-7
O9 Coahoma* W 55-12
O18 East Mississippi* W 31-14
O23 at East Central W 40-31
O30 at Northeast* W 34-26
N8 #13 Pearl River% L 7-31
% MACJC Playoffs; Preseason No. 3 by NJCAA, RV in final poll
S2 East Central W 14-12
S9 at Southwest W 27-20
S16 at Mississippi Delta* W 24-12
S23 at Copiah-Lincoln W 54-27
S30 Holmes* W 35-6
O7 East Mississippi* W 44-7
O14 at Coahoma* W 49-13
O23 #20 Northeast* (HC) L 16-19
O28 at Itawamba* L 19-20
! Preseason ranked No. 2 by NJCAA; RV in final poll
2005 • (1-6) 1-5 MACJC North
Head Coach: Randy Pippin
S22 Copiah-Lincoln L 6-16
S29 at Holmes* W 10-7
O6 at East Mississippi* L 10-12
O13 Coahoma*
O20 at Northeast*
2007 • (6-4) 5-1 MACJC North Head Coach: Randy Pippin North Runner-Up/MACJC Playoffs
7-12
14-38 O29 Itawamba*
N5 Mississippi Delta*
! Preseason ranked No. 14 by NJCAA
2006 • (6-4) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Randy Pippin
North Champions/MACJC Playoffs
21-29
11-14
A31 at Copiah-Lincoln L 7-33
S7 Jones County
17-24
S14 Holmes W 45-0
S21 at Northeast* W 31-14
S28 at East Mississippi* W 55-22
O5 Coahoma*
! RV in NJCAA preseason poll; % MACJC Playoffs
2010 • (9-1) 6-0 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ricky Woods
Undefeated Regular Season
North Champions/MACJC State Playoffs
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
S2 at #13 Pearl River W 27-17
S9 East Central W 41-26
S16 at East Mississippi * W 25-19
S23 Coahoma * W 37-7
S30 at Northeast * W 26-6
O7 Southwest W 24-7
O16 Mississippi Delta * (HC) W 33-3
O21 at Holmes * W 38-13
O28 Itawamba* W 31-14
N6 #12 Gulf Coast% L 24-52
% MACJC Playoffs;
! Preseason ranked No. 22; ranked No. 6 in final NJCAA Poll (Peaked at No. 4)
2011 • (6-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ricky Woods
S1 #8 Pearl River Wot 56-55
S8 at East Central W 42-19
S15 #8 East Mississippi* L 42-45
S22 at Coahoma* W ^44-21
S29 #15 Northeast* L 28-34
O6 at Southwest L 14-28
O13 at Mississippi Delta* W 37-0
O22 Holmes (HC)* W 66-41
O27 at Itawamba* W 45-7
! Preseason ranked No. 9 by NJCAA; Peaked at No. 4 in Week 3
^ Game called due to lightning with 5:39 left in 4th quarter
2012 • (8-2) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Ricky Woods
North Co-Champions/Brazos Valley Bowl Champs
S6 at Copiah-Lincoln W 42-21
S13 Coahoma* W 44-6
S20 at Northeast* W 19-13
S27 #20 Itawamba* W 49-7
O4 at Mississippi Delta* W 41-13
O11 Holmes (HC)* W 32-20
O18 at #3 East Mississippi* L 49-56
O27 #18 Jones County W 40-31
N3 at #7 Gulf Coast% L 17-43
D1 vs. #11 Kilgore College# W 47-36
! Preseason ranked No. 11 by NJCAA; No. 9 NJCAA Final Ranking % MACJC Playoffs; #Brazos Valley Bowl
2013 • (1-8) 1-5 MACJC North Head Coach: Brad LaPlante
A29 Southwest L 15-19
S5 #6 Copiah-Lincoln L 24-48
S12 at Coahoma* W 38-23
S19 Northeast* L 21-34
S28 at #7 Itawamba* L 21-27
O5 Mississippi Delta (HC)* L 27-34
O12 at Holmes* L 14-17
O17 #2 East Mississippi* L 7-79
026 at #4 Jones County L 3-52
! Preseason ranked No. 21 by JCGridiron.com
2014 • (4-6) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Jack Wright
A28 #10 Jones County L 20-28
S4 at #7 Gulf Coast L 7-63
S11 at Northeast* L (ot) 19-25
S20 Itawamba* W 45-31
S25 at Hinds L 17-31
O2 at Holmes* W 28-14
O9 Mississippi Delta* W 23-14
O16 #1 East Mississippi* L 0-49
O23 at Coahoma* W 34-29
N1 at #11 Copiah-Lincoln% L 30-44
% MACJC Playoffs
2015 • (11-1) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Jack Wright - NJCAA Coach of the Year NATIONAL CHAMPIONS/MACJC Champions
A29 at #19 Jones County W 42-20
S3 #9 Gulf Coast W 26-10
S10 Northeast* W 51-14
S17 at Itawamba* W 31-24
S24 #14 Hinds W (ot) 38-37
O3 Holmes* (HC) W 42-40
O10 at Mississippi Delta* W 40-0
O15 at #8 East Mississippi* L 16-49
O22 Coahoma* W 51-14
O31 #17 East Central% W 27-20
N7 #6 Gulf Coast% W 34-24
D6 #2 Rochester (Minn.)# W 66-13
! Preseason No. 16 by NJCAA; No. 1 final ranking; % MACJC Playoffs; NJCAA National Championship (Biloxi)
2016 • (9-3) 5-1 MACJC North
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
MACJC Runner-Up
S1 at #19 Hinds W 40-17
S8 Pearl River W 31-14 S15 #10 Itawamba* W 27-13 S22 at Mississippi Delta* W 38-7
S29 #15 Holmes (HC)* W 27-12
O8 at Coahoma* W 34-0 O15 at #4 East Mississippi* L 31-52 O20 East Central W 20-14 O27 #10 Northeast* W 48-6 N5 at East Central% W 21-14 N12 at #3 East Mississippi% L 30-38
! Preseason No. 10 by NJCAA; No. 6 final ranking; % MACJC Playoffs; # Heart of Texas Bowl (Copperas Cove, Texas)
2017 • (8-3) 5-1 MACJC North Head Coach: Benjy Parker
N11 #1
! Preseason No. 6 by NJCAA, No. 7 final ranking; NC = No-Contest ! No. 8 College Football America, 13th Street & Smith’s, 18th by JCGridiron % MACJC Playoffs; # Graphic Edge Bowl (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
2018 • (8-2) 5-1 MACJC North Head Coach: Benjy Parker MACJC North Division Runner-Up
S20 at Copiah-Lincoln W
S27 #14 Holmes (HC)* W
O4 #1 East Mississippi* L
! Preseason No. 6 by NJCAA, No. 7 final ranking; ! No. 12 Street & Smith’s, 7th by JCGridiron % MACJC Playoffs
2019 • (8-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
2023 • (7-3) 4-2 MACJC North
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
MACJC Runner-Up/North Division champions
A29 at East Central W 26-13
S5 Southwest Mississippi W 29-10
S12 Mississippi Delta* W 33-3
S19 #8 Copiah-Lincoln W 19-15
S26 at Holmes* L 42-47
O3 at #3 East Mississippi* W 56-36
O10 Coahoma (HC)* W 54-18
O17 at Northeast* W 41-17
O24 Itawamba* L 21-22
N2 #7 Jones College % W 24-17
N9 #1 Mississippi Gulf Coast % L 19-22
! Preseason No. 9 by NJCAA, No. 6 final ranking; % MACJC Playoffs
2020 • (6-0)
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS/MACCC Champions
O16 Itawamba W 16-14
O23 at Northeast W 34-28 (OT)
N7 at Mississippi Delta W 26-9
N12 at Holmes W 41-13
N19 Mississippi Delta W 44-6
D5 at Mississippi Gulf Coast % W 40-13
% MACCC/National Community College Football Championship game
2021 • (9-3) 4-2 MACCC North
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
MACCC Champions/NJCAA Division I Football Playoff berth
S2 Copiah-Lincoln W 31-12
S9 @ #15 Jones College L 9-31
S16 @ Holmes* W 51-20
S23 Northeast* W 45-13
S30 #6 East Mississippi* L 21-30
O7 @ #14 Coahoma* W 42-12
O14 @ #9 Mississippi Gulf Coast W 38-14
O21 Itawamba* W 41-13
O28 @ Mississippi Delta* W 44-25
N6 @ #3 Jones College % W 26-20
N13 #7 Hinds % W 56-21
D5 @ #2 New Mexico Military Institute ^ L 30-49
! Preseason No. 3 by NJCAA, No. 4 final ranking;
% MACCC Playoffs; ^ NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs
2022 • (10-2) 6-0 MACCC North
Head Coach: Benjy Parker
MACCC Champions/NJCAA Division I Football Playoff berth
S1 Mississippi Gulf Coast W 28-24
S8 @ #14 Hinds W 31-28
S15 @ #14 Pearl River W 21-14
S22 Itawamba* W 49-10
S29 @ #8 East Mississippi* W 38-21
O6 Mississippi Delta* W 47-7
O13 @ Coahoma* W 44-21
O20 Holmes (HC)* W 41-14
O27 @ Northeast* W 28-2
N5 #7 Jones College % W 38-35
N12 #12 East Mississippi % L 28-36
D4 #3 Iowa Western ^ L 12-33
! Preseason No. 3 by NJCAA, No. 4 final ranking; % MACCC Playoffs; ^ NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs
S9 @ Mississippi Gulf Coast L 14-49
S14 Hinds W 19-3
S21 Pearl River W 27-3
S28 @ Itawamba* W 38-13
O5 #13 East Mississippi* L 17-35
O12 @ Mississippi Delta* W 31-13
O19 Coahoma* W 55-7
O26 @ Holmes* W 36-28
N2 #13 Northeast* W 28-27 (OT)
N11 @ #4 Copiah-Lincoln % L 14-48
! No. 13 final ranking by NJCAA % MACJC Playoffs
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
All-Time Coaching Records
KEN BRAMLETT
A.J. KILPATRICK
RICKY WOODS
BOWL HISTORY
The 1965 Shrine Bowl will always be a historic moment woven into the fabric of Northwest football.
The game marked the Rangers’ first-ever bowl appearance and despite the close loss to Texasbased Kilgore College, the postseason contest marked the beginning of what has become a lenghty postseason history for Northwest.
Played on a Saturday night in early December, the first half was a sloppy one for both teams, with fumbles credited to both teams and “a battle of punts”, as described by the 1966 edition of the Rocketeer.
Only two points were scored in the first half, thanks to a safety from Kilgore. However, Northwest came out with a vengeance in the second half, as Bob Whitwell scored the Rangers’ first touchdown in the third quarter. Later in the same quarter, Marvin Earnheart’s four-yard touchdown run helped make it a 13-2 lead.
Kilgore scored yet again to close the gap, before Northwest responded with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Whitwell to Rickey Patrick. The celebration was short-lived however, as Kilgore’s Johnny Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff for 88 yards, trimming the Rangers’ lead to 20-15 with 2:41 left in the fourth quarter.
With very little time remaining in the contest, Kilgore quarterback Terry Reisig hit Richard Mooney on the game-winning touchdown pass.
Despite the loss, Northwest did not leave empty-handed. Patrick was chosen as the game’s Most Valuable Lineman, recovering two fumbles on the defensive side of the ball. He also played offense, catching three passes for 38 yards.
Other outstanding players in the game for Northwest included Earnheart, who finished with 11 carries for 69 yards. Whitwell completed four of his seven pass attempts for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Northwest also celebrated numerous festivities as part of the bowl weekend. The Rangers were housed at the local Holiday Inn and were treated to a steak dinner by the Scottish Temple. Additionally, the players attended a basketball game and made a visit to the Shrine Hospital.
December 4, 1965 • State Fair Stadium • Shreveport, La. KILGORE COLLEGE NORTHWEST 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Kilgore College 2 0 6 13 21 Northwest 0 0 13 7 20
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st KC Safety
3rd NWCC B. Whitwell touchdown
3rd NWCC M. Earnheart 4 yd rush
3rd KC Kilgore College touchdown (play not specified)
4th NWCC R. Patrick 39 yd pass from B. Whitwell (C. Reid kick)
4th KC J. Johnson 88 yd kick return
4th KC R. Mooney pass from T. Reisig
Team captains for Northwest and Kilgore College meet at midfield for the coin toss of the 1965 Shrine Bowl. The Rangers were held scoreless in the first half, but roared back to make the game close in the second half.
Northwest was greeted with its own welcome sign at the local Holiday Inn, ahead of the 1965 Shrine Bowl.
BOWL HISTORY
December 5, 1982 • Victory Stadium • Roanoke, Va. NORTHWEST
FERRUM COLLEGE
Not only was the 1982 Eastern Bowl just the second bowl game ever for Northwest - it also marked the program’s first-ever national championship.
Although both offenses struggled throughout the contest, the Rangers picked up the pace in the second quarter, as kicker Keith Stribling shook off an earlier miss in the first quarter to hit a 22-yard field goal attempt early in the second, giving the Rangers a quick lead.
After Ferrum College failed to get any momentum on its next drive, Stribling hit yet another field goal, this time from 23 yards out. Later in the first half, Northwest quarterback Mark Robbins scored the game’s first touchdown on a five-yard keeper, followed by a successful two-point conversion run.
On the last play of the second quarter, Ferrum completed a 17-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 14-7 at halftime. Although Stribling would miss another field goal attempt in the third quarter, Northwest maintained its lead and used a safety from Bobby Gaston early in the fourth to take a 16-7 advantage.
Late in the contest, the Rangers voluntarily sacrificed a safety on a long fourth down, giving Ferrum its final two points of the game. By doing that, Northwest was able to keep the Panthers from having a legitimate chance for a final downfield drive, preserving the school’s first-ever undefeated season.
“It’s a dream come true,” Northwest coach Bobby Franklin said after the game. “We hoped at the beginning of the season to win the (MACJC) championship, but we never dreamed of coming this far.”
This marked the first of two national championships for Franklin, but more importantly, helped mark a major milestone in the future NJCAA Hall of Fame coach. For his efforts in leading Northwest to a 12-0-1 record, Franklin received Coach of the Year honors from both the MACJC and NJCAA.
Additionally, several members of the 1982 squad went on to have successful college careers at four-year programs. One of those was Henry “Gizmo” Williams, who posted a Hall of Fame career with the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos, later earning inductions to the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
Northwest 0 14 0 2 16
Ferrum College 0 7 0 2 9
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
2nd NWCC K. Stribling 22 yd kick, 12:48
2nd NWCC K. Stribling 23 yd kick, 8:24
2nd NWCC M. Robbins 5 yd rush (M. Robbins rush), time unknown
2nd FC 17 yd pass (extra point kick), 0:01
4th NWCC Safety (Bobby Gaston tackle), time unknown
4th FC Safety, time unknown
Northwest celebrates with the NJCAA Championship trophy following a 16-9 win against Ferrum College. The 1982 Eastern Bowl victory served as the Rangers’ first national title and one of two national championships for all-time winningest coach BOBBY FRANKLIN.
Linebacker CRAVEN BULLARD hoists his Defensive MVP trophy into the air following the national championship victory for Northwest. Bullard and the Ranger defense held Ferrum College to no offensive points in the second half.
BOWL HISTORY
December 6, 1986 • Ranger, Texas NORTHWEST RANGER
COLLEGE
Not much is known about the 1986 Roaring Ranger Bowl.
A quick Google search does not reveal any stats, pictures or much evidence that the game even existed. A passing mention in the 1987 edition of the Rocketeer is the only known evidence of the contest.
However, the game was unique in several different ways. Not only did Northwest take on another team bearing the name of its own mascot, but the game was the first and only bowl game to end in a tie for Northwest.
For Northwest, it was the program’s first appearance in a bowl game since winning the 1982 NJCAA Championship and just the third bowl bid all-time for the Rangers. Northwest also finished the season with a final ranking of 11th by the NJCAA.
ROBERT BROWN looks to evade a pair of defenders in a 1986 contest against Jones College. Northwest finished with a No. 11 overall record and ended the season with a 13-13 tie against Ranger College.
Northwest defenders CORTEZ KENNEDY (79) and TROY THOMPSON (54) corner a Jones College player during a 1986 showdown. Kennedy would later attend the University of Miami, prior to his 10-year Hall of Fame career with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks,
BOWL HISTORY
December 5, 1987 • ISE Field • Coffeyville, Kan. COFFEYVILLE NORTHWEST
21
For the second time in as many seasons, Northwest once again played a bowl game on another team’s home field, traveling to Coffeyville, Kan. for the 1987 Jayhawk Bowl.
Despite the obvious disadvantage, the Rangers went toe-to-toe with the Red Ravens, leading for most of the first half. Late in the first quarter, Northwest struck first on the scoreboard, thanks to a 31-yard touchdown pass from Bobby Byrd to Charles Biggens. Kevin Bolen followed with a successful PAT kick, giving the Rangers the 7-0 lead.
Defense played a pivotal role for Northwest in the first half, as the Rangers managed to recover three Coffeyville fumbles. The third fumble recovery also helped set up the next scoring drive for Northwest, as back-to-back receptions from Wesley Carroll paved the way for a short rushing score from Mike Crenshaw. Once again. Bolen knocked through the PAT, stretching the Rangers’ lead to 14-0.
However, Coffeyville quickly switched gears on its next possession, marching downfield for its first touchdown of the contest. The Red Ravens would add another touchdown and a field goal before the end of the first half, sending Northwest into the locker rooms down 15-14.
Though Ricky Blake’s touchdown run helped the Rangers retake the lead in the third quarter, Coffeyville added two more scores in the fourth quarter, making the ultimate difference in the 29-21 loss for Northwest.
The loss marked the end of the season for one of the most star-studded Northwest teams of all-time. Blake eventually turned pro and spent the 1991 season with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, while also spending time in the Canadian Football League and the World League of American Football (later NFL Europe). Defensive lineman Cortez Kennedy continued his college career at the University of Miami, before becoming an NFL Hall of Famer with the Seattle Seahawks.
Another notable member of the Rangers’ 1987 squad was defensive back Alton Montgomery, who spent six years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons.
Coffeyville 0 15 0 14 29
Northwest 7 7 7 0 21
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC C. Biggens 31 yd pass from B. Byrd (K. Bolen kick), time unknown
2nd NWCC M. Crenshaw 2 yd rush (K. Bolen kick), time unknown
2nd CCC Coffeyville touchdown, time unknown
2nd CCC Coffeyville touchdown, time unknown
2nd CCC Coffeyville field goal, time unknown
3rd NWCC R. Blake 29 yd rush (K. Bolen kick), time unknown
4th CCC Coffeyville touchdown, time unknown
4th CCC Coffeyville touchdown, time unknown
A pair of Northwest players provide the blocks on the Rangers’ punt attempt in the 1987 Jayhawk Bowl. It was a close contest between Northwest and host Coffeyville, but the Red Ravens got the best of the Rangers with a 14-point fourth quarter.
TOMMY LIPSCOMB assists KEVIN BOLEN’s point-after kick following one of three touchdowns for Northwest. Although the Rangers took a 14-0 lead to open the game, Coffeyville would earn the 29-21 victory.
BOWL HISTORY
December 2, 1989 • Rose Stadium • Tyler, Texas
NORTHWEST
KILGORE COLLEGE
The 1989 Shrine Bowl featured a familiar opponent for Northwest.
In its first-ever bowl appearance in 1965, Northwest faced off against Kilgore College in a battle of Rangers, with the opponents coming away victorious. This time, the script was flipped, as Northwest emerged with the narrow win in the Lone Star State.
A short touchdown run from Tony Harris and a 27-yard field goal from Claude Locke helped push Northwest to a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter. The momentum seemingly continued into the second quarter, as a blocked punt was returned for a 15-yard touchdown from Joel Gallagher, extending the Rangers’ advantage to 17-0.
However, things quickly began to bounce in Kilgore’s favor, as a 33-yard touchdown sprint from Darrell Ridge sparked a 21-point swing for the other Rangers. On its next possession, Kilgore cut the deficit to 17-14 with Joe Volentine’s 13-yard pass to Ed Lewis with 57 seconds remaining in the first half.
Just as it seemed that Northwest would at least take a three-point lead into halftime, Kilgore’s defense gained a huge opportunity, as the Rangers’ kick return was bobbled and recovered at the 16-yard line. The short field helped Kilgore score quickly, as Volentine and Lewis connected again on a 16-yard pass, sending Northwest to the locker rooms down 21-17.
Kilgore opened the second half by steamrolling its way deep into Ranger territory, only for the Northwest defense to hold the opposition to a pair of field goals. Trailing 27-17, the Rangers fumbled away the football, seemingly giving Kilgore another chance to bury Northwest.
However, the tide began to turn back in favor of Northwest after that, as Kilgore missed a 49yard field goal attempt. As the fourth quarter began, a 16-yard touchdown run from Raymond Barksdale helped the Rangers pull back to a 27-24 deficit. After the Northwest defense stifled Kilgore on the next possession, Barksdale put the Rangers ahead for good with a 38-yard scoring run with 4:33 remaining.
Both teams finished near even in total rushing yards, with Kilgore finishing with a 207-202 edge. Kilgore also passed for 117 yards, compared to just 33 from Northwest, and the Rangers fumbled the ball five times.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Northwest 10 7 0 14 31
Kilgore College 0 21 6 0 27
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC T. Harris 3 yd run (C. Locke kick), 14:30
1st NWCC C. Locke 27 yd kick, time unknown
2nd NWCC J. Gallagher 15 yd blocked punt return (C. Locke kick), time unknown
2nd KC D. Ridge 33 yd run (D. Read kick), time unknown
2nd KC E. Lewis 13 yd pass from J. Volentine (D. Read kick), 0:57
2nd KC E. Lewis 16 yd pass from J. Volentine (D. Read kick), 0:40
3rd KC D. Read 42 yd kick, time unknown
3rd KC D. Read 38 yd kick, time unknown
4th NWCC R. Barksdale 16 yd run (C. Locke kick), time unknown
4th NWCC R. Barksdale 38 yd run (C. Locke kick), 4:33
Northwest was all smiles following a 31-27 victory against Kilgore College in the 1989 Shrine Bowl. The game marked the first rematch for the two teams since the 1965 Shrine Bowl, where Kilgore defeated the Rangers.
Members of the local Shriners’ organization greet a Northwest player following the Rangers’ victory against Kilgore College. NWCC used a 14-point fourth quarter to defeat Kilgore, sparked by two touchdown runs from Raymond Barksdale.
Competing for its second national championship in nine years, Northwest faced a tough Northeastern Oklahoma A&M squad in the 1991 Coca-Cola Mid-America Bowl in Tulsa. A 21-point third quarter didn’t do the Rangers any favors, as NEO pulled away for a 49-14 lead in the second half.
Northwest committed five turnovers in the loss, while the Golden Norseman only coughed up the football once. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M also racked up 360 yards of total offense, including 141 rushing yards. In comparison, Northwest totaled 294 yards, with 223 of those coming through the air.
The Golden Norsemen wasted little time in getting on the board, when they put the ball in the end zone after an 80-yard, nine-play drive. Running back Gary Young’s seven-yard run came with 8:27 to play in the first period. Brian Whitlow added the PAT for the 70 NEO lead.
Northwest returned the favor on their opening series, with a 60-yard, eight-play drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Russell Evans to Trafton Trotter with 5:23 left in the first quarter.
Though Northwest denied NEO from scoring on its next offensive series, an interception by Carl Kidd was returned 94 yards the other way, helping put the Golden Norsemen ahead, 14-7.
In the second quarter, Northwest fought back and tied the score when Evans hit receiver Eric Smith on a 43-yard scoring pass. Lonny Calicchio’s PAT evened the score at 14-14, only for NEO to add two quick touchdowns before the end of the first half. One of those was a 41-yard pass.
The Golden Norsemen added three quick touchdowns in the third quarter that all but ended the Rangers’ dreams of a national title, as NEO stretched its lead to 49-14. Northwest inched slightly closer in the fourth quarter with a three-yard touchdown pass to Roell Preston, but that was all the Rangers could muster down the stretch.
Freshman Lavelle Danzy led the Rangers’ rushing attack with 16 carries for 55 yards, while Smith was the Rangers’ top receiver with six catches for 90 yards.
Defensively, tackle Damon Primus racked up 11 tackles and two quarterback sacks, while tackle Bryant Mix picked up 13 tackles and two sacks.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
NEO A&M 14 14 21 0 49
Northwest 7 7 0 7 21
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NEO G. Young 7 yd run (B. Whitlow kick), 8:27
1st NWCC T. Trotter 14 yd pass from R. Evans (L. Calicchio kick), 5:23
1st NEO Carl Kidd 94 yd interception return (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
2nd NWCC E. Smith 43 yd pass from R. Evans (L. Calicchio kick), time unknown
2nd NEO E. Young 4 yd run (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
2nd NEO B. Williams 41 yd pass from S. Crabtree (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
3rd NEO E. Young 6 yd pass from S. Crabtree (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
3rd NEO T. Grant 46 yd pass from S. Crabtree (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
3rd NEO S. Crabtree 1 yd run (B. Whitlow kick), time unknown
4th NWCC R. Preston 3 yd pass from R. Evans (L. Calicchio kick), time unknown
VANDELL GRIGSBY zeroes in on a Northeastern Oklahoma A&M receiver during the 1991 Coca-Cola Mid-America Bowl. Northwest trailed 28-7 at halftime and allowed 21 third quarter points, falling to NEO.
Northwest receiver ROELL PRESTON races downfield after hauling in a pass from quarterback Russell Evans. Preston caught the Rangers’ only second half touchdown in a 49-21 loss to NEO, but Northwest got revenge the next season against the Golden Norsemen.
BOWL HISTORY
December 5, 1992 • Union-Tuttle Stadium • Tulsa, Okla.
NORTHWEST NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA A&M
Revenge was on the minds of Northwest in the 1992 Coca-Cola Mid-America Bowl.
One season removed from falling to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in their quest for a second national title, the Rangers were right back in Tulsa a year later, facing the Golden Norsemen with a national championship on the line once again.
Despite the sub-freezing temperatures and a constant barrage of sleet and snow, Northwest played one of its best games of the season. The Rangers got hot early, as the defense stuffed NEO on its first possession of the day.
After the Golden Norsemen attempted to punt on fourth down, Lonnie Ollie broke through the line and blocked the punt, which was recovered and returned by Darryl Rudd for the Rangers’ first touchdown. Lonny Calicchio would miss the ensuing PAT, but the sophomore kicker made the rest of his four attempts later in the game.
Later in the first quarter, Lavelle Danzy upped the score to 13-0 on a two-yard plunge into the end zone. Calicchio followed with the PAT, stretching the Rangers’ lead to 14-0.
In the second quarter, the Northwest receivers got in on the scoring action, as Russell Evans hit future NFL veteran Roell Preston on a screen pass that resulted in a 56-yard score. The Rangers went into halftime with a 20-0 lead.
NEO had only allowed one second half touchdown during the regular season, but the Golden Norsemen gave up two Northwest scores in the second half, helping the Rangers seal the victory. The first came off an eight-play, 69-yard drive that ended with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Evans to James Tyson.
Northwest scored one final time in the fourth quarter, as Danzy hit the end zone for the second time on a 24-yard carry, sealing the Rangers’ second national title.
Northwest collected 336 yards of total offense, compared to 310 yards from NEO. Evans was voted as the Offensive Player of the Game, completing 13 of his 40 pass attempts for 236 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Vandell Grigsby took home Defensive Player of the Game honors for his four interceptions.
“Not many teams get a second chance to win it all like we did,” coach Bobby Franklin said. “This is a very special team and they deserve all the attention they receive.”
2nd NWCC R. Preston 56 yd pass from R. Evans (L. Calicchio kick)
3rd NWCC J. Tyson 8 yd pass from R. Evans (L. Calicchio kick)
4th NWCC L. Danzy 24 yd run (L. Calicchio kick)
PHILLIP BENTON (left) and BILL MCCOLLINS (99) wrap up a Northeastern Oklahoma A&M ballcarrier during the Rangers’ 1992 Coca-Cola Mid-America Bowl win. Northwest blanked NEO, scoring at least once in every quarter.
Northwest tailback RONTAE BASS evades a pair of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M defenders during a 34-0 shutout. The snow didn’t seem to bother the Rangers, as NWCC tallied 336 yards of total offense.
BOWL HISTORY
A first quarter field goal from Les Binkley was one of the few highlights for Northwest in the 1998 Mineral Water Bowl, as Middle Georgia College scored 41 unanswered points to defeat the Rangers.
The loss was the worst in three seasons for Northwest and remains the worst bowl game loss in history for the Rangers. Northwest fell victim to seven turnovers in the loss, four of which occurred in the first half. The Rangers were also whistled for 12 penalties for a loss of 115 yards.
Northwest started the scoring when Shaddrick Carter intercepted his eighth pass of the season, returning the ball to the Middle Georgia 48-yard line. A few plays later, the Rangers were forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal from Binkley with 9:56 left in the first quarter.
Middle Georgia then erupted for 27 unanswered points over the next 24 minutes, claiming a 27-3 lead at halftime. The Warriors got started with an interception from Dushon Martin, which set up a Rico Martin touchdown four plays later.
After a blocked punt gave Middle Georgia favorable field position, Martin once again lept across the goal line, fumbling the ball into the end zone. However, Iniko Simpson was right there to recover the ball for the Warriors, preserving the touchdown.
Kicker Casey Sirmons then made things go from bad to worse for Northwest, hitting a pair of bowl-record 48-yard field goals, pushing the deficit to 20-3. Middle Georgia’s final three scores of the game came in the form of a 19-yard pass, 27-yard punt return and a 41-yard dash.
Northwest amassed 237 yards of total offense, while Middle Georgia accounted for 410 yards. The Warriors’ defense set an NJCAA record that season, allowing an average of only 72 yards per contest.
Northwest defensive end Colston Weatherington was named the Defensive Player of the Game, recording three sacks, four tackles-for-loss and six quarterback hurries. Receiver Orlando Dunn also set a bowl record with 10 catches.
“We lacked focus today,” said Northwest coach Bobby Franklin. “You can’t make as many mistakes as we did against a good team like Middle Georgia and expect to win.”
This was also the final bowl appearance for Franklin, who remains the Rangers’ all-time winningest coach with over 200 career victories.
3
December 5, 1998 • Roosevelt Field • Excelsior Springs, Mo. MIDDLE GEORGIA COLLEGE NORTHWEST 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Middle Georgia 14 13 7 7 41
Northwest 3 0 0 0 3
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC L. Binkley 36 yd kick, 9:56
1st MGC R. Martin 13 yd run (C. Sirmons kick), time unknown
1st MGC I. Simpson fumble recovery (C. Sirmons kick), time unknown
2nd MGC C. Sirmons 48 yd kick, time unknown
2nd MGC C. Sirmons 48 yd kick, time unknown
2nd MGC J. French 19 yd pass from J. Vaughn (C. Sirmons kick), time unknown
3rd MGC T. Stokes 27 yd punt return (C. Sirmons kick), time unknown
4th MGC D. Berry 41 yd run (C. Sirmons kick), time unknown
DEE MILLER returns a kickoff for Northwest in the 1998 Mineral Water Bowl. Miller finished his Ranger career as a Second Team NJCAA All-American selection.
COLSTON WEATHERINGTON earned Defensive Player of the Game honors for Northwest, despite the Rangers’ loss in the 1998 Mineral Water Bowl.
BOWL HISTORY
December 1, 2012 • Kyle Field • College Station, Texas NORTHWEST
KILGORE COLLEGE
Only five players on the 2012 Northwest football roster had been born the last time the Rangers won a bowl game.
That all changed on December 1, 2012, when Northwest piled up 508 yards of total offense, winning the inaugural Brazos Valley Bowl by a 47-36 final at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.
Playing in front of 4,138 fans at the largest NJCAA bowl venue in the nation, Northwest put its foot on the pedal and never looked back. Quarterback Domonique Harris weaved his way in and out of pressure all afternoon, completing 19 of 23 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns.
Kilgore’s lone score of the first half came on a 76-yard punt return from James Jones, but the Rangers outgained their opponents 299-53 in total yards by halftime. Northwest was aided by a 21-point second quarter, which gave the Rangers a 30-7 halftime advantage.
Though Kilgore made adjustments for the second half and outscored Northwest 20-10 in the third quarter, the Rangers never squandered the lead. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first five minutes of the third quarter, as Kilgore’s Ed’Marques Batties caught a 38-yard pass from Emory Miller on a flea flicker, while Harris hit Cedrick Jackson from 34 yards out.
Kilgore’s freshman quarterback Tanner Tausch took over the rest of the way, completing 28 of 53 passes for 357 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a five-yard pass to Steven Borden that cut the Rangers’ lead to 37-20 midway through the third quarter.
Chase Carpenter gave Northwest some breathing room with a 21-yard field goal, before Kilgore’s Courtland Smith scored a short touchdown, trimming the gap to 40-27 entering the fourth quarter.
After a 33-yard field goal from Yovany Arvizu cut the lead to 10 points, Percy O’Bannon picked up his second touchdown with 3:09 left to put the icing on the cake for Northwest.
Damian Baker led Northwest with 178 rushing yards on 22 carries, while Harris was chosen as the game’s MVP. Jerome McClain garnered Defensive MVP honors, totaling five tackles and a sack, while Aaron Thompson finished with a team-leading 10 tackles.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Northwest 9 21 10 7 47
Kilgore College 7 0 20 9 36
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC P. O’Bannon 3 yd run (C. Carpenter kick); 8-65; 3:39
1st KC J. Jones 76 yd punt return (Y. Arvizu kick); 0-0, 0:00
1st NWCC TEAM safety
2nd NWCC D. Baker 2 yd run (C. Carpenter kick); 8-70; 3:22
2nd NWCC D. Lovelady 47 yd pass from D. Harris (C. Carpenter kick); 5-68; 2:29
2nd NWCC D. Joyner 21 yd pass from D. Harris (C. Carpenter kick); 9-99; 3:49
3rd KC E. Batties 38 yd pass from E. Miller (Y. Arvizu kick); 4-80; 1:08
3rd NWCC C. Jackson 34 yd pass from D. Harris (C. Carpenter kick); 5-65; 2:04
3rd KC S. Borden 6 yd pass from T. Tausch (S. Borden rush failed); 9-75; 3:34
3rd NWCC C. Carpenter 21 yd kick; 5-83; 1:44
3rd KC C. Smith 3 yd run (Y. Arvizu kick); 8-75; 2:58
4th KC Y. Arvizu kick; 4-(-2); 0:41
4th NWCC P. O’Bannon 9 yd run (C. Carpenter kick); 2-31; 0:25
4th KCC J. Herrick 7 yd pass from T. Tausch (Y. Arvizu kick blocked); 6-67; 0:57
Northwest tailback PERCY O’BANNON scored a pair of touchdowns to help the Rangers to a 47-36 victory against Kilgore College in the 2012 Brazos Valley Bowl. Fellow tailback Damian Baker led the team with 178 yards on 22 carries.
With its win in the inaugural Brazos Valley Bowl, Northwest collected its first bowl game victory since the 1992 Coca-Cola Mid-America Bowl. This also marked the first and only bowl appearance for former Northwest head coach Ricky Woods.
BOWL HISTORY
December 6, 2015 • Biloxi Indian Stadium • Biloxi, Miss. NORTHWEST ROCHESTER CTC
The 2015 edition of the Mississippi Bowl went to Northwest in dominant fashion, as the top-ranked Rangers routed Rochester Career & Technical College by a 66-13 final, clinching the program’s third national championship.
Completing 23 of 30 passes on the day, quarterback Gardner Minshew led the offensive onslaught from Northwest. The Brandon, Mississippi product threw for 421 yards and five touchdowns in the victory, compiling 302 yards and three scores in the first half alone. Minshew’s performance was recognized with the Mississippi Bowl Player of the Year award.
Complimenting Minshew’s aerial assault was Rangers sophomore running back Justin Crawford who enjoyed a prolific day on the ground. Scoring a 58-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage, Crawford led all ball carriers with 144 yards rushing on 15 carries – averaging 9.6 yards per attempt. The Columbus, Ga. native scored two rushing touchdowns and added two receptions for 46 yards in the victory.
The Rangers’ receiving corps were led by sophomore Jacob McCrary, who hauled in seven catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Northwest freshman wide receiver Alex Norwood caught two touchdown passes as well, totaling three receptions for 49 yards. Norwood’s fellow freshman wideouts, KyKy Austin and Titus Ivory, each added a touchdown reception to the performance.
Northwest accumulated 680 yards offensively – 486 passing and 194 rushing – and were forced into just one punt in the game. Their offensive efficiency was on display all afternoon as they racked up 27 first downs.
Defensively, the Rangers were led by a game-high seven tackles from sophomore linebacker Malik Hawkins. Freshman defensive lineman Quondarius Qualls tallied two tackles-for-loss, while freshman defensive back Wesley Bush forced Rochester’s lone turnover with an interception in the fourth quarter.
As a team, Northwest conceded just 250 yards to the Yellowjackets – 100 of which came in the fourth quarter. The Rangers pass rush was in constant pursuit of Rochester sophomore quarterback Nick Rooney who was sacked four times and hit an additional six.
With the win, Northwest finished 11-1 and ran its NJCAA bowl record to 5-4-1.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Northwest 14 21 10 21 66
Rochester CTC 0 0 0 13 13
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC J. Crawford 58 yd run (J. Speights kick); 1-58; 0:16
1st NWCC J. McCrary 21 yd pass from G. Minshew (J. Speights kick); 4-69; 1:52
2nd NWCC J. Crawford 10 yd run (J. Speights kick); 5-30; 1:52
2nd NWCC A. Norwood 39 yd pass from G. Minshew (J. Speights kick); 4-80; 2:00
2nd NWCC K. Austin 18 yd pass from G. Minshew (J. Speights kick); 7-84; 3:37
3rd NWCC J. Speights 23 yd kick; 11-53; 6:03
3rd NWCC J. McCrary 36 yd pass from G. Minshew (J. Speights kick); 3-75; 1:17
4th NWCC T. Ivory 4 yd pass from G. Minshew (J. Speights kick); 6-68; 2:18
4th RCTC J. Esters 15 yd pass from N. Rooney (M. Gulland kick); 1-15; 0:07
4th NWCC M. Joseph 5 yd run (J. Speights kick); 5-58; 3:07
4th NWCC
A. Norwood 1 yd pass from S. Chism (J. Speights kick); 11-55; 7:07
4th RCTC J. Esters 10 yd pass from N. Rooney; 8-74; 1:22
Northwest quarterback GARDNER MINSHEW celebrates following the Rangers’ 66-13 rout of Rochester Career & Technical College. The future Washington State and NFL signal-caller passed for 421 yards and five touchdowns, earning Mississippi Bowl Player of the Year accolades.
Northwest celebrates with the NJCAA national championship trophy, following the Rangers’ 2015 Mississippi Bowl victory. It was the program’s third national title and the fourth national championship game appearance.
BOWL HISTORY
December 3, 2016 • Bulldawg Stadium • Copperas Cove, Texas TRINITY VALLEY NORTHWEST
24
Northwest held one of the nation’s top offenses to 367 total yards and its second-lowest point total of the season, but it wasn’t enough as Trinity Valley outlasted the Rangers in the 2016 C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl.
Northwest, playing in its third bowl game in five seasons, ended the 2016 season with a 9-3 overall record, while the Cardinals won their ninth straight game and closed the year with an 11-1 mark.
Trinity Valley took an early lead, thanks to a couple early blunders on special teams. Drake McCarter’s punt was blocked by Jaylen Brown at the four-yard line, and was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. His next punt traveled only seven yards before hitting a Northwest teammate, which led to Caden Novikoff’s 44-yard field goal and a 10-0 advantage.
After three straight empty-handed possessions to start the game, the Rangers finally got going with a long 14-play, 93-yard drive that spanned nearly seven minutes. Tywun Walters punched in a short touchdown run from a yard out, putting Northwest on the board with 2:03 left in the first quarter.
Northwest rallied to tie the game at 10-10 with 2:14 left in the seond quarter, as McCarter hit a 39-yard field goal. However, the turning point of the game would come soon thereafter, as the Cardinals drove 65 yards downfield just before the half, scoring a touchdown for a 17-10 lead.
In the second half, Trinity Valley scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions, stretching its lead to 31-10 with 3:39 left in the third quarter.
Needing a spark, Northwest swapped quarterbacks, but 75-yard drive was halted in the red zone, as the Cardinals picked off Cam Bowman’s pass. The Rangers’ defense made several key stops to try and give the offense a chance, and another score from Walters early in the fourth quarter closed the gap to 31-17.
One play later, a bad snap on Trinity Valley’s next possession was recovered by Mike McGhee and returned to the red zone. Bowman then hit Jerrick Orr on a touchdown pass, pulling the Rangers back within 31-24.
With four minutes left, Northwest moved the ball near midfield before three straight incompletions forced a turnover on downs. Trinity Valley then burned the clock, kicking a field goal with 13 seconds left to ice the game.
Trinity Valley 10 7 14 3 34
Northwest 7 3 0 14 24
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st TVCC J. Brown 0 yd blocked punt return (C. Novikoff kick)
1st TVCC C. Novikoff 44 yd kick; 4-4; 0:37
1st NWCC T. Walters 1 yd run (D. McCarter kick); 14-93; 6:16
2nd NWCC D. McCarter 39 yd kick; 8-36; 2:09
2nd TVCC M. Curtis 6 yd run (C. Novikoff kick); 11-65; 1:59
3rd TVCC M. Curtis 20 yd run (C. Novikoff kick); 6-45; 0:48
3rd TVCC D. Thomas 6 yd pass from M. Curtis (C. Novikoff kick); 14-73; 3:53
4th NWCC T. Walters 1 yd run (D. McCarter kick); 9-55; 2:52
4th NWCC J. Orr 11 yd pass from C. Bowman (D. McCarter kick); 1-11; 0:05
4th TVCC C. Novikoff 24 yd kick; 7-33; 2:29
FRED GARTH, JR. wraps up a Trinity Valley tailback in the 2016 C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl. The second consecutive bowl appearance for Northwest did not end in a victory, as the Rangers were blanked 14-0 in the third quarter.
QUARDERMAN SLOAN was one of two tailbacks for Northwest during the 2016 season. Together, with Tywun Walters, the duo combined for 2,053 of the Rangers’ 2,081 team rushing yards. Both players are still the last Northwest rushing duo to surpass 1,000 yards in the same season.
BOWL HISTORY
December 3, 2017 • UNI Dome • Cedar Falls, Iowa IOWA WESTERN NORTHWEST
19
After earning a bid to its third straight bowl game, Northwest allowed 17 unanswered points in the first half and never fully recovered, falling 36-19 to Iowa Western in the 2017 Graphic Edge Bowl.
Northwest scored on its first two possessions to take a 10-0 lead with 3:22 remaining in the first quarter, a stretch that included a nine-play, 99-yard scoring drive that culminated with Jack Abraham’s 11-yard touchdown pass to JaVonta Payton.
Iowa Western responded with an 11-play, 62-yard scoring drive that cut the deficit to 10-7 at the end of the opening quarter. A lucky break turned the tide for the Reivers, as Iowa Western fumbled the ball on a third and long situation, but the officials ruled Kai Locksley down instead. That call allowed the Reivers to score just five plays later, setting in motion the stretch of 17 unanswered points.
With 1:12 remaining in the second quarter, Iowa Western took the lead for good, thanks to a five-yard touchdown pass from Locksley to Vincent Perry. The score made it a 17-10 lead in favor of the Reivers.
Northwest had one final chance to score before halftime and Drake McCarter seemingly hit a 38-yard field goal, but Iowa Western called timeout to wipe the score off the board. McCarter’s second attempt was no good, keeping the Rangers behind on the scoreboard.
Northwest took its opening possession of the second half 73 yards on nine plays, partially due to the rushing attack of Kevin Perkins and Quarderman Sloan. Abraham capped off the drive with a 14-yard strike to Pro Wells, bringing the Rangers back within a point.
However, Iowa Western immediately responded, scoring and building a 23-16 margin. After two Northwest drives resulted in only a field goal, Iowa Western all but put the game away early in the fourth quarter, using back-to-back touchdown drives over a four-minute span.
The loss meant Northwest was held under 20 points for the first time since October 15, 2015. The Rangers were also outgained 457-422 in total yardage.
Abraham finished 21-of-40 for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while Perkins finished with 107 yards to lead the Rangers’ rushing attack. Defensively, Turner Rotenberry finished with 15 tackles, along with 14 from Joshua Norwood and 13 from Keith Brown, Jr.
Iowa Western 7 10 6 13 36
Northwest 10 0 6 3 19
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC D. McCarter 36 yd kick; 10-29; 4:01
1st NWCC J. Payton 11 yd pass from J. Abraham (D. McCarter kick); 9-99; 3:27
1st IWCC A. Turner 8 yd pass from K. Locksley (E. Ogamba kick); 11-62; 3:06
2nd IWCC E. Ogamba 28 yd kick; 6-16; 2:07
2nd IWCC V. Perry 5 yd pass from K. Locksley (E. Ogamba kick); 10-71; 2:19
3rd NWCC P. Wells 14 yd pass from J. Abraham (D. McCarter kick failed); 9-73; 3:35
3rd IWCC K. Locksley 10 yd run (E. Ogamba kick failed); 7-84; 1:42
4th NWCC D. McCarter 28 yd kick; 18-81; 7:08
4th IWCC M. Hill 3 yd pass from K. Locksley (E. Ogamba kick blocked); 9-63; 3:12
4th IWCC N. Singleton 13 yd pass from K. Locksley (E. Ogamba kick); 4-43; 2:05
JOSHUA NORWOOD finished with 14 tackles in the 2017 Graphic Edge Bowl, one shy of Turner Rotenberry’s team-high of 15 stops. The Northwest defense held Iowa Western to just seven first quarter points, only for the Reivers to still come away with 457 total yards.
JAVONTA PAYTON hauls in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jack Abraham in the first quarter of the 2017 Graphic Edge Bowl. At the time, the score gave Northwest a 10-0 lead, but the Rangers would not find the end zone again until the third quarter.
BOWL HISTORY
December 5, 2020 • A.L. May Memorial Stadium • Perkinston, Miss.
NORTHWEST
MISSISSIPPI GULF
COAST
Nothing was normal about the 2020 football season in the MACCC, or the NJCAA for that matter.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most schools across the nation elected to postpone football season until the spring, the MACCC pressed on and each team overcame its own set of challenges to play a limited schedule throughout the fall months.
Being the only conference participating in the fall of 2020, the NJCAA did not recognize any of the MACCC teams as its national champions that season. However, a national champion was still crowned on December 5, 2020, and that was Northwest.
Competing in the MACCC Championship and the National Community College Football Championship, the Rangers traveled to Mississippi Gulf Coast, a team aiming to stake its claim as back-to-back national champions. However, Northwest had other plans, shutting out the Bulldogs in the first half in front of their home crowd, en route to a 40-13 blowout victory.
From the opening snap, Northwest set the tone on defense, swarming the Bulldogs early and often. Although the Bulldogs’ staunch defense also gave the Rangers fits early on, Northwest finally got on the board with 4:48 left in the first quarter, as Tucker Barefoot nailed the first of his four field goals.
Barefoot would hit two more in the first half and the Rangers finally found the end zone late in the second quarter, when Michael Hiers connected with E. Jai Mason on a 12-yard pass, giving Northwest a 16-0 halftime lead.
Mississippi Gulf Coast stormed into the second half with some momentum, embarking on a sixplay, 65-yard drive that finally helped the Bulldogs reach the end zone. However, the Rangers later responded with Barefoot’s fourth field goal, stretching the lead to 19-6.
Mississippi Gulf Coast closed out the third quarter by crossing midfield and advancing to the Rangers’ 29-yard line. However, a holding penalty pushed the Bulldogs back 10 yards and the next play proved disastrous, as Micheal Campbell forced a fumble that was recovered for a scoop and score by Jykeveous Hibbler.
Although the stunned Bulldogs reached the end zone and closed the gap to 26-13, a touchdown from Jaquerrious Williams and a 70-yard interception return from Byron “Tank” Pearson proved to be the dagger for Northwest, as the Rangers captured its fourth national title.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
Northwest 3 13 3 21 40
Mississippi Gulf Coast 0 0 6 7 13
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NWCC T. Barefoot 34 yd kick; 5-37; 2:13
2nd NWCC T. Barefoot 22 yd kick; 7-36; 3:23
2nd NWCC T. Barefoot 43 yd kick; 7-25; 3:14
2nd NWCC E. Mason 12 yd pass from M. Hiers (T. Barefoot kick); 5-55; 1:54
3rd MGCCC D. House 2 yd run (P. Short pass failed); 6-65; 2:25
3rd NWCC T. Barefoot 35 yd kick; 7-23; 3:39
4th NWCC J. Hibbler 50 yd fumble recovery (T. Barefoot kick)
4th MGCCC D. House 41 yd run (C. Davis kick); 4-79; 1:22
4th NWCC J. Williams 21 yd run (T. Barefoot kick); 5-60; 3:14
4th NWCC B. Pearson 70 yd interception (T. Barefoot kick)
Tailback JAQUERRIOUS WILLIAMS was one of several major factors in helping Northwest to a blowout victory at Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Tupelo native picked up his second 100-yard rushing game, totaling 109 yards on the ground, as the Rangers earned the MACCC Championship crown.
A victorious Northwest team celebrates with the Ranger cheer squad after capturing the MACCC and National Community College Football championships. Northwest blanked Mississippi Gulf Coast on the scoreboard and used a 21-point fourth quarter to run away with the win.
BOWL HISTORY
December 5, 2021 • Wool Bowl • Roswell, N.M. NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE NORTHWEST
In an offense-driven contest where both teams exceeded 600 total yards, Northwest was unable to contain Anthony Grant’s unprecedented rushing outburst, as New Mexico Military Institute took a 49-30 victory in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal.
NMMI piled up 655 yards of total offense, led by 472 rushing yards. The Rangers compiled 625 total yards, with nearly 400 of those coming in the passing game.
Northwest locked down the Broncos’ offense on the opening possession and forced a quick three-and-out, only for the Rangers to also come up empty-handed after two incompletions.
NMMI would turn Anthony Grant loose on the second possession, as the Broncos’ star tailback got his team on the board with a 32-yard score for the first of five touchdowns on the day. William Testa followed with the ensuing PAT to give the home team a 7-0 lead.
Northwest answered with a 10-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a short two-yard score from Jaquerrious Williams. However, the Rangers’ point-after attempt was unsuccessful, keeping the Broncos ahead 7-6.
Two plays into the next NMMI possession, Northwest seemingly caught a break as Grant’s fumble was recovered by Jykeveous Hibbler, giving the Rangers a short field at the five-yard line. However, Northwest was unable to reach the end zone, settling instead for a short Eli Hamlin field goal.
NMMI respoonded with a 75-yard drive that carried into the second quarter, capped off by another Grant score that put the Broncos ahead, 14-9. After Northwest came up empty-handed on its next possession, NMMI responded with a 12-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a touchdown and a 21-9 advantage.
After trailing 28-16 at halftime, Northwest broke the ice in a quiet third quarter, as Michael Hiers connected with E. Jai Mason on a touchdown pass. However, Grant broke free on an 88yard carry to open a 21-point fourth quarter for NMMI, helping the Broncos gallop away from the Rangers down the stretch.
Grant was undoubtedly the difference-maker for NMMI, totaling 398 yards on 26 carries. On the other side, Hiers completed 32 of his 53 pass attempts with two touchdowns, setting a new career-high in completions in his final game as a Ranger.
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL
NMMI 7 21 0 21 49 Northwest 9 7 7 7 30
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st NMMI A. Grant 32 yd run (W. Testa kick); 6-80; 2:46
1st NWCC J. Williams 2 yd run (E. Hamlin kick failed); 10-73; 5:21
1st NWCC E. Hamlin 29 yd kick
2nd NMMI A. Grant 38 yd run (W. Testa kick); 8-75; 2:24
2nd NMMI M. Myers 2 yd run (W. Testa kick); 10-70; 6:23
2nd NWCC J. Williams 20 yd run (E. Hamlin kick); 8-77; 1:55
2nd NMMI A. Grant 69 yd run (W. Testa kick); 1-69; 0:10
3rd NWCC E. Mason 12 yd pass from M. Hiers (E. Hamlin kick); 7-67; 2:47
4th NMMI A. Grant 88 yd run (W. Testa kick); 3-97; 1:31
4th NWCC E. Mason 10 yd pass from M. Hiers (E. Hamlin kick); 7-79; 2:47
4th NMMI T. Moore 63 yd pass from D. Pavia (W. Testa kick); 2-67; 0:44
4th NMMI A. Grant 5 yd run (W. Testa kick); 7-80; 5:12
JACOBY JONES caught six passes for 40 yards against New Mexico Military Institute in the 2021 NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal game. Northwest fell to the host Broncos, 49-30, as NMMI went on to win the national championship two weeks later.
BYRON “TANK” PEARSON (right) focuses in on New Mexico Military Institute tailback Anthony Grant during the 2021 NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal game. Northwest had a difficult time containing Grant, who rushed for nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns in the win for NMMI.
BOWL HISTORY
December 4, 2022 • Bobby Franklin Field • Senatobia, Miss.
IOWA WESTERN NORTHWEST
For the first time in the program’s history, Northwest played host to a national postseason contest, featuring the hometown Rangers and visiting Iowa Western, one of two NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal games.
Unfortunately, the notoriously stout defense of the Reivers spoiled the historic home game for Northwest, as the Rangers were held to a season-low three first half points in a 33-12 loss.
Northwest was held to a season-low 26 rushing yards, as Iowa Western took the Rangers’ ground attack out of the game entirely. On the flip side, the Reivers moved the ball well on the first two possessions of the game, both resulting in points and clock-burning drives.
Iowa Western’s first possession of the game lasted nearly six minutes and was capped off by a 19-yard field goal from Sam Wilber. Forced to punt on its first drive, Northwest surrendered a 12-play drive over a five-minute span that ended with a 35-yard touchdown pass from James Graham to L.J. Fitzpatrick.
Trailing 9-0, the Rangers moved the ball to midfield entering the second quarter and worked their way to the Reivers’ 35-yard line. However, the drive ended in no points for Northwest, later setting up another score from Iowa Western, as the lead extended to a 16-0 margin with 9:10 remaining in the first half.
Northwest finally began to find some momentum on the ensuing possession, with Ren Hefley completing a 10-yard pass to Jaycob Horn and a deep 59-yard target to D.T. Sheffield. However, the Rangers were unable to reach the end zone, settling instead for a 25-yard Eli Hamlin field goal with 6:24 to go.
Iowa Western scored once more before the halftime break, as the Reivers converted a 22-yard field goal to go into the locker room with a 19-3 advantage.
Though Northwest struck first in the second half with Hefley’s quarterback keeper, Will Lee’s pick-six late in the third quarter effectively ended any chance of a comeback. The Rangers got another Hamlin field goal in the fourth quarter to pull within 26-12, but a six-minute drive produced another Iowa Western touchdown and ultimately, the final dagger.
Northwest was outgained 335-262 in total offense, with 236 of the Rangers’ yards coming through the air. Iowa Western accrued 182 of its total yardage on the ground.
Iowa Western 9 10 7 7 33
Northwest 0 3 6 3 12
QTR TEAM SCORING PLAY
1st IWCC S. Wilber 19 yd kick; 12-60; 5:35
1st IWCC L. Fitzpatrick 35 yd pass from J. Graham (S. Wilber kick failed); 12-59; 4:54
2nd IWCC C. Horton 3 yd pass from J. Graham (S. Wilber kick); 7-45; 3:27
2nd NWCC E. Hamlin 25 yd kick; 8-81; 2:46
2nd IWCC S. Wilber 22 yd kick; 5-31; 2:14
3rd NWCC R. Hefley 2 yd run (J. Bracey rush failed); 5-88; 1:58
3rd IWCC W. Lee 40 yd interception (S. Wilber kick)
4th NWCC E. Hamlin 34 yd kick; 13-57; 5:05
4th IWCC J. Graham 1 yd run (S. Wilber kick); 9-24; 5:38
Northwest defenders JEVON MCDONALD (28), JA’MARLIN GREEN (25) and KHAMRON FORD (right) attempt to drag down an Iowa Western receiver in the 2022 NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal game. The Rangers had a hard time slowing down the Reivers and their 335 yards of total offense.
Northwest offensive lineman JALEN NETTLES battles with an Iowa Western defender during the Rangers’ 33-12 loss in the 2022 NJCAA Division I Football Playoff semifinal game. Northwest reached the end zone just once in the game and the Reivers held the Rangers to a season-low 26 rushing yards.
BOBBY FRANKLIN: A COACHING LEGACY
FRANKLIN’S COACHING CAREER
Through the years, all great football programs have had at least one legendary coach. Notre Dame had hall of famer Knute Rockne, the University of Alabama had Paul “Bear” Bryant, and the Green Bay Packers had Vince Lombardi. Northwest Mississippi Community College’s answer to that elite trio of coaches was Bobby Ray Franklin.
Franklin put Northwest on the map on a national level, leading the Ranger football program to NJCAA National Championships in 1982 and 1992.
A six-time Region 23 Coach of the Year and five-time MACJC Coach of the Year selection, Franklin was head football coach at Northwest from the 1981 through the 2004 seasons. In those 24 years, he accounted for six state and region championships, 11 division titles and eight bowl game appearances. Franklin’s coaching record of 201-57-6 (.767) speaks for itself, and most impressive is the fact that he never had a losing season. Against north division opponents, he was 123-21-2 (.846).
Franklin came to Northwest in 1979 and joined the football program as offensive coordinator under head coach Ray Poole. The Rangers posted a record of 9-1 in 1979 and 4-6 the ensuing season.
Franklin took the reins as head coach in 1981 and was 6-3-1 in his initial campaign, then led Northwest to its first-ever NJCAA National Title with a 16-9 victory against Ferrum College in the 1982 East Bowl. That same season, the Rangers also claimed the state and region championships by posting a record of 12-0-1.
Ten years later in 1992, Northwest again vied for the NJCAA National Championship by earning a berth in the Mid-America Bowl in Tulsa, Okla. The Rangers, who were beaten 49-21 in the national game in 1991 by Northeastern Oklahoma, began the 1992 campaign ranked No. 1 in the nation. Northwest then proceeded to tear through its regular season schedule and finished with a record of 12-0, including two wins in the state playoffs and the state championship game against Itawamba. The Rangers got their revenge and Franklin’s second national championship by shutting out Northeastern Oklahoma 34-0 in a winter storm which included heavy sleet and snow.
Franklin’s coaching career began in 1967 as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech University. After one season with the YellowJackets, Franklin took a job as secondary coach with the Dallas Cowboys. While Franklin was in Dallas, the Cowboys were in the playoffs every year and in the Super Bowl in 1970 and 1971. He also coached the defensive backfield in the 1969 and 1970 Pro Bowl games. After leaving the Cowboys in 1972, he joined the Baltimore Colts’ staff under Howard Schnellingberger.
FRANKLIN’S PLAYING CAREER
A former All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, Franklin received Most Valuable Player honors in the 1958 Gator Bowl and 1960 Sugar Bowl and was also runner-up for MVP in the 1957 Sugar Bowl. He called the signals for the Ole Miss Team of the Decade in 1959.
In addition to his college football fame, Franklin was a four-year varsity track man for Ole Miss.
Franklin also played in the College All-Star Game at Soldier Field against the World Champion Baltimore Colts before he joined the pro ranks with the Cleveland Browns. For seven years, Franklin was a standout defensive back for the Browns and ranked second in the NFL in interceptions (nine) his rookie year -- three returned for touchdowns. He also ran three fake field goals for touchdowns as holder for legendary kicker Lou Groza.
Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: (601) 432-6340
Fax: (601) 432-6363
MACCC Staff
Director of Athletics Activities
Steven B. Martin
Email: smartin@mccb.edu
Yolanda Brown
Athletics Activities Specialist
Email: ybrown@mccb.edu
Website: macccathletics.com
MACCC Football Membership
North Division
Coahoma Community College
East Mississippi Community College
Holmes Community College
Itawamba Community College
Mississippi Delta Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College
South Division
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
East Central Community College
Hinds Community College
Jones College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Pearl River Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College
What is the MACCC?
The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) represents the collective interests of Mississippi’s fifteen public two-year colleges. This Association was chartered, in part, to provide a framework for the development and administration of policies and procedures related to the governance of student activities at the various institutions.
It is the belief of the MACCC membership that a well-rounded program of student activities greatly enhances the total development of the individual student and promotes the fulfillment of the purpose of the various institutions. The benefits of such activities prepare students through the development of discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play and other virtues essential to success in life.
The Association supports the wholesome benefits of inter-school competition in athletics and other student activities. Through this shared vision of the institutional and collective benefits of a progressive program of student activities, the MACCC seeks to offer competitive programs that are established and maintained based on a high standard of ethics and fair play.
To this end the Association has developed and approved the following policies and guidelines to insure fairness and equity to all students and institutions participating in activities sanctioned by the MACCC. The rules and regulations contained herein have been established as a guide for the administration of student activities sanctioned by the Association. Participating institutions shall be entitled to all privileges of membership granted through the constitution and by-laws of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC).
MACCC Mission Statement
It is the mission of the MACCC to foster a state program of intercollegiate activities in an environment that supports equitable opportunities consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges.
Policies, Rules and Regulations
MACCC institutions are bound by NJCAA policies, rules and regulations. In the event there is a difference in policy of MACCC and the NJCAA, the more restrictive policy shall be followed.
In all cases, the MACCC Commissioner shall have the authority to monitor, investigate, report and impose penalties for violations of either MACCC or NJCAA policies, rules, or regulations. In addition to any NJCAA sanctions issued, MACCC will issue penalties in accordance with this Handbook. (See NJCAA handbook for corroborating statement of policy by the NJCAA). Article V, Sec. 1, e.
Participating colleges have agreed to respect institutional boundaries in the recruitment of students. These boundaries, originally established to provide local and regional financial support for the various colleges, serve as restrictive borders for institutional recruitment in athletics and other student activities as well as in the recruitment of general students.
a.) The activities of the MACCC shall be administered by the Commissioner, the MACCC Athletic Directors’ Association, the Athletic Council, the Executive Committee of MACCC and the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference.
b.) Requirements for participation in MACCC athletic activities are (1) to endorse the code of sportsmanship, (2) active membership in the NJCAA and (3) to abide by all rules of the Association.
c.) Acceptable conduct by participants in competitive sports is rightfully the concern of all who share in promoting athletics. However, the final responsibility for the conduct of coaches, players, and spectators is that of the president of each institution.
d.) Breaches of conduct by coaches, players, and spectators should be reported to the Commissioner, and action will be taken as deemed necessary under the established policies of the Association.
This 2024 MACCC football master schedule page is dedicated to the loving memory of former Pearl River Community College sports informa�on director Mitch Deaver, who passed away on June 1, 2015. Mitch dis�nguished himself as a photographer, writer and graphic designer in his 19 years as Pearl River’s outstanding SID. For his dedica�on to PRCC and the MACCC, Deaver was named to Pearl River’s Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
(*Listed alphabetically): Shannon Agnew, Lily Andersen, Jaci Arrington, Mattie Atkinson, Anna Marie Axton, Ellie Barnes, Karlee Baxter, Loren Beck, Gracie Bishop, Zoe Boos, Lorie Buckley, Lexie Collins, Kaylee Crain, Anna Marie Davis, Josie Dawson, Brynli Doty, Payton Feagin, Jenna Flint, Bethany Folks, Abby Frazier, Mabry Gaines, Aleria Griffin, Alaina Harrist, Davis Hayes III, Kaitlyn Hicks, Mary Landon Hodge, Jane Adair Houston, Jeffery Jones, Trevor Kelly, Madison Langston, Maggie Langston, Sania Liner, Bylar Malloy, Sara Maloney, Emily Mann, Maggie Marble-Barrett, Truitt Mayhue, Sydney McAlpin, Saleeria McBride-Horne, Hollyn McDaniel, Allee Belle McMinn, Reine McRight, Sydney Mize, Allyson Morrison, Madison Nelson, Sara-Addison Oxner, Paris Parks, Mikaela Perry, Mabree Phillips, Cooper Poe, Hannah Potter, Caroline Powell, James Powell, Huntley Pressnell, Dasia Smith, Natalie Styron, Katie Tadlock, Rachel Tadlock, Hollyn Tanner, Alex Turner, Katy Ware, Marquayvis Williams, Katie Wood, Syncere Yates
Danger, Northwest mascot
Brandon Casey Head Cheer Coach
Rainy Bordelon Assistant Coach
2024-25 CHEER SQUAD
Last January, the Northwest all-girl cheer squad came away with a national title at the UCA/UDA College Nationals in Orlando. This marked the fourth national title for coach Brandon Casey and the Northwest cheer program since 2021. Additionally, Northwest also took home silver and bronze in two other competitions.
Championship Cheer Tradition
Since returning to competitive status in the spring of 2021, the Northwest cheer squad has captured four national titles, and a host of silver and bronze medals at the annual UCA/UDA College Nationals. Over the past several years, several Ranger cheerleaders have gone on to cheer at Division I programs, such as Ole Miss, Memphis and Mississippi State.
For more information contact: Brandon Casey, Cheer Coach & Sponsor
Since her arrival in the fall of 2021, Patrice Christian has taken the Northwest dance team to new heights. Specializing in hip-hop based routines, the Northwest dance team began competing at the UCA/UDA College Nationals during the 202223 season. One year later, Christian and the Rangers captured the program’s first UDA national title in January 2024.
For more information contact: Patrice Christian Work: (901) 573-0550 Email: 901patricechristian@gmail.com
2024-25 Northwest Dance Team
Patrice Christian Dance Team Coach
Makenzi Duffie
2024-25 NORTHWEST BAND
DRUM MAJOR
CLARINET
Madison Campbell, Chloe Casey, Sydney Cowley, India Draper, Victoria Fresonke, Grace Gonzales, Zykeria Higginbottom, Daniel May, Liah Mengarelli, Brooklynn Moore, Trinity Moore, Elijah Moye, Julisa Olvera, Jaliyah Pryor, Nicole Stocking, David Ulloa, LaShonia Vaughn, Jaida Waller, Chelsey Wooten
EUPHONIUM
Kaleb Johnson, Jack Keady, Peter Landsgaard, Clayton Rainwater, Derek Smith, Sarah Smith, Heriberto Vazquez, Cimone Virges, Skarlett Wahlquist
Isis Hewitt, Chloe Joffrion,
Miranda,
Mullen, Justice Pope, Logan Powell, Jakerria Smith, Brenda Tirado
FRENCH HORN
Amanda Antione, Dalton Buford, Miles Dye, Alyssa Hill, Keaton Lofton, Kaitlyn Swindle, Damien Morris, Ethan Potts, Theotis Simmons, Madalyn Weisenberger
SAXOPHONE
Paul Anthony, Christopher Brewer, Olivia Callahan, Aubrie Carter, Wes Darby, Antonio Grant, Latrell Holmes, Parker Lemoine, Toby Miller, Aidan Paradis, Christopher Rogers, John Womack
TROMBONE
Grace Bryant, Thomas Butler, Traevion Calvin, Jadon Deamer, Zoe Gore, Skyler Guidry, La’Monek Harden, William Hardwick, Lexi Harris, Jeffie Jones, Damien Kendrick, Sawyer Lawhorn, Taylor Lindsey, Barron Matthews, Preston Rice, Peri Robinson, Jerliyah Skillom, Gabe Smith, Jaylan Starks, Aniya Ward
Darla Bonner, Landon Bowdry, Lexi Buckley, Andrew Burrell, Ethan Capilla, Samiya Chambers, Dylan Chunn, Colton Coffman, Eric Cooper, Litzy Cruz, Natalie Duellman, Dylan Finch, Summer Fos, Izabella Glover, Andrea Harlow, Logan Heffner, Ira Huggins, Robert Johnson, Aaron Kinney, Sarah Koonce, Gabrielle Lee, Gabriella McQueen, Maverick Neth, Cortnee Pinion, Alex Sanders, Eycis Short, Malachi Speck, Layla Stevenson, Mae-Elizabeth Tutor, Kayla Vega
TUBA
Crockett Burnside, Jacob Cosper, Gabriel England, Aidan Esquivel, Philip Hectorne, Harrison Heindl, Zayden Houston, Kenzel Martin, Jonathan Pittman, Rustin Reeves, Drake Russell, William Russell, Derius Taylor, Untravius Towns, Dale Ward
PERCUSSION (BATTERY)
Snare: Carson Doss, Noah
Anna
Tenors: Camran Mahan, Dean Simpson, Chris Sims
Duos: Keifer Baker, Fletcher Daniel, Kenya Scott
Basses: Leo Astudillo, Carson Bloodworth, Monica Hernandez, Daniel Jones, JaTerrius Willey
Cymbals: Collin Brooks, Briceson Gray, Ty Harper, Kylie Perkins
Toles, Lillian Whatley, Michaela Wilcox, Morgyn Williams
