By By Shawn Wansley / EMG Sports Writer
Oct. 31, 2002
ELLISVILLE Jones Junior College cannot control its own playoff destiny tonight at home against Gulf Coast.
But head coach Parker Dykes says the game is important, regardless of the playoff implications.
In the South Division, Pearl River has clinched the top spot with a 5-0 mark. JCJC, East Central and Gulf Coast are tied for second at 3-2.
If East Central beats Southwest at Summit Thursday, then the Warriors n with a 4-5 overall mark n will be the No. 2 team in the South by virtue of their wins over Jones and Gulf Coast and will go to the playoffs.
If, however, Southwest surprises East Central, then the winner of the JCJC/Gulf Coast game will be the second place team in the division and will head to the playoffs.
In the North Division, Northeast has clinched the top spot. There is a three-way tie for second between Holmes, Itawamba and Northwest, but the Holmes/Itawamba winner on Thursday will claim second place.
As far as the Bobcats are concerned, Dykes said there is one key that's been prevalent all year and will be important vs. Gulf Coast: turnovers.
divisions. We're at plus 2, but look at the two games we lost.
Last week, the Bobcats posted a gutty, 17-14 decision at Hinds.
Nick Terracina's 39-yard field goal with 19 seconds left was the difference. JCJC had gotten touchdowns on a 66-yard pass from Aaron Leak to Tyrone Henry and a 21-yard interception return by Randy Craft.
Dykes said Gulf Coast, under first-year head coach Bill Lee, will bring a talented team into Bush-Young Stadium on Halloween Night.