By By Marty Stamper/The Meridian Star
October 5, 2001
It's a case of the irresistable force meeting the immovable object when East Central Community College travels to Wesson Saturday afternoon to take on undefeated Copiah-Lincoln.
Kickoff at Stone Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m.
The Warriors of ECCC improved to 3-1 with last week's19-10 win over Holmes. Co-Lin upped its record to 4-0 with a 22-9 win over Southwest Mississippi. The Wolves also have wins over Itawamba (13-8), East Mississippi (22-0), and Mississippi Delta (48-34).
Co-Lin leads the state in total defense, allowing 227.8 yards per game. The Wolves are third in rushing defense, allowing 104.5 yards per game.
On the other hand, East Central is second in the state in rushing offense, averaging 222.3 yards per game on the ground. The Warriors average 304.8 yards per game in total offense.
Leading the Co-Lin offense in scoring is sophomore wide receiver Josh Chatman (5-8, 165) with five touchdowns. He has 11 receptions for 172 yards.
EC's Patrick Prince (5-9, 197) is second in the state in rushing with an average of 120.5 yards per game.
Co-Lin freshman Willie Johnson (6-0, 185) of Jacksonville, Fla., is the state leader in passing efficiency at 168.6. He's completed 33-of-53 passes for 506 yards and six touchdowns.
The Wolves also have a threat in punt returner Tracy Barlow (5-7, 160), who has returned eight punts for a 22.5 yard average.
Defensively, Co-Lin's Aaron Pitts (6-0, 185) and Odell Bradley (6-0, 180) rank first and second in the state in interceptions with five and four, respectively. Ken Bournes (6-2, 255) and Antwan Marsh (6-3, 225) are tied for second statewide in sacks with four. Bournes is also second in the state in tackles with 30 solo and 14 assists.
John Bibb (5-11, 225) leads EC in tackles with 24 solo and 12 assists. Melvin Cotton (6-0, 225) has 22 solo and 13 assists.
The South Division seems to be as balanced as it has ever been with at least six teams having a shot at the playoffs.
The game may be heard on 98.3 WSSI-FM in Carthage.
Marty Stamper is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at mstamper@themeridianstar.com or call him at 693-1551, ext. 3234.