Decatur, MS-The Warriors pulled off an upset win over #3 MGCCC Thursday night in Decatur in front of the 2024 Homecoming crowd by a score of 24-20.

Cade Mangum was pivotal, contributing three field goals, including a 37-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave ECCC a ten-point cushion. His consistency kept the Warriors competitive throughout the game. Head coach Jonathan Webster praised Mangum and the rest of the specialists, saying, "The specialist came in clutch for us all night long. Extremely proud of Cade because he works on his craft every single day that we're here. So, to see him hit those two early ones to keep us in the ball game and then late to push us up by ten points was crucial."

Defensively, the Warriors came alive with three crucial interceptions, two from Amarien "Jet" Jefferson and one from CJ Moore. Webster lauded Jefferson, calling him "one of the best corners in the country." Jefferson's interceptions and Moore's timely pick helped disrupt Gulf Coast's offense and secure the victory.

Coach Webster also highlighted a critical goal-line stop by Carson Graham, whose helmet-popping tackle prevented Gulf Coast from scoring. "These guys play resilient and violent, and that's what we ask of them every day. And they always rise to the occasion," Webster remarked.

Mississippi Gulf Coast took an early lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Landon Varnes, but ECCC responded with two early field goals from Mangum and a three-yard touchdown run by Chris Tucker. Tucker later connected with Terry Patton Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, solidifying ECCC's lead.

Coach Webster emphasized the program's importance of the win: "Hats off to Gulf Coast. They have a great team. When you play East Central, you better buckle up and come to play. There are no more rollover victories in this league."

With this remarkable homecoming win, the Warriors continue to cement their status as a rising force in the league.

Up Next
The Warriors will head to Ellisville, MS, to face off against the Jones College Bobcats for their homecoming.

Tickets for next Week's Game
https://jcbobcats.com/sports/2021/6/25/ticket-site.aspx