Choctaws Come Up Just Short in Alabama Slugfest
Choctaws Come Up Just Short in Alabama Slugfest
Mississippi College lost to West Alabama 10-7 to fall to 1-3.
In a game that devolved into a defensive battle, Mississippi College fell to the Tigers of West Alabama 10-7, falling to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in Gulf South Conference play.
The game started out with each team trading punts. During the Choctaws’ second drive of the game, starting quarterback John Henry White went down with an apparent shoulder injury, forcing MC to turn to sophomore quarterback Cameron Davis and the spread offense, which struggled throughout the night.
The teams continued to trade punts throughout the first half, until an early first half touchdown from 17 yards out by Ron Craten, which put the Choctaws up 7-0. The Tigers converted a field goal on the next drive to make it 7-3, a score that would hold until the halftime break.
Once again in the third quarter, both teams traded punts, with neither able to get on the board. The Choctaws attempted a fake field goal on the Tigers’ 32 yard line; however, Houston Smith’s pass was intercepted.
Early in the fourth, West Alabama was able to take the lead, thanks to a Tucker Melton touchdown pass to Dearrius Nelson from 14 yards out. The Choctaws were nearly able to respond later in the quarter, driving from their own 24 to the 26 of West Alabama. However, Ben Pledger’s field goal attempt from 44 yards out missed wide right. On the next drive, David Brown IV forced a fumble, giving MC one more chance with 2:22 to go. The drive stalled out, and West Alabama was able to run out the clock and walk away with the win.
With Cameron Davis in the game as quarterback, the Choctaws shifted away from their traditional triple-option offense. Davis went 13-28 passing for 134 yards. Ron Craten led the way on the ground with 18 carries for 64 yards, as well as the only MC touchdown of the night. The leading Choctaw receivers were Jacob Stephens, who had five receptions for 37 yards, Javier Batiste with four receptions for 58 yards, and Jacob Smith with one reception for 34 yards. On defense, the Choctaws were led by Chase Rush, who had five tackles, including one for loss. David Brown IV made two tackles and an interception, broke up a pass, and forced a fumble.
For West Alabama, Spencer Melton led the way passing, going 9-15 for 104 yards and a touchdown. Bry Webb was the leading rusher with 169 yards on 29 carries, and Tyler Walker was the leading receiver with 46 yards on three carries. Defensively, Davonchae Bryant totaled eight tackles with one sack, and Travon Nunn came up with an interception.
The Choctaws will look to right the ship next week as they go on the road to face Shorter University (2-2, 1-1 GSC) on September 30 at 11 a.m. CT.