ELLISVILLE – It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win in the MACCC. 

Jones (1-0) committed three turnovers and forced three of its own to grind out a season-opening, 27-13 win over the Itawamba Indians (0-1) Thursday night at Eaton Field.

The Bobcats' first five drives resulted in two interceptions, two Bart Edmiston Jr. field goals and a turnover on downs before a late first half touchdown gave them a 13-0 lead at the half. 

Starting from the Indians' 48-yard line, a 13-yard DJ Smith run and 18-yard completion to Latrell Neville set up Smith's 17-yard touchdown run.

Looking to build off the momentum of a late score, Smith was picked off on the first pass of the second half by Alex Dawkins. 

Itawamba proceeded to drive 30 yards to the end zone on a short field, capped by Charleston French's 6-yard touchdown run to pull ICC within 13-7. 

Jones scored back-to-back in the fourth quarter to stretch the lead out to 27-7, with Smith scoring on a 7-yard QB keeper after long completions to Harrison Knight and Isaiah Atkins. 

Trent Davis picked up his first career rushing touchdown with 6:05 to play in the game from 9-yards out. 

ICC tacked on a late score on an 8-yard touchdown pass.

Jones outgained ICC 354-243, won the time of possession battle and held the Indians to 4 of 13 on third down. 

JD Stewart and Raymond Collins combined for five tackles-for-loss and three sacks and Quintin Sterling and Cedrick Beavers added interceptions for the Bobcat defense. 

Smith finished 14 of 22 for 193 yards and three interceptions and added 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Justin Campbell had four grabs for 65 yards and Davis four receptions for 44 yards.

ICC finished with 62 yards rushing on 26 carries. 

Jones travels to East Mississippi next Thursday. The Lions, ranked No. 8, were upset Thursday night at Co-Lin 23-20.