DECATUR – Hinds Community College football (1-2, 1-0 Conf.) picked up their first overall and conference win of 2022 on the road at East Central Community College (0-3, 0-1 Conf.), winning 28-23.
 
The Eagles managed to control the game on the ground, scoring three rushing touchdowns, all of which came from Zailon Johnson (Brandon).
 
"Our running backs were able to make some big cuts for some big plays for us," said head coach Larry Williams. "Us being able to run out the remaining seven minutes of the clock was huge. We still have some things to clean up, but I am really glad we got a win."
 
Both teams traded punts on their opening possessions. But the Eagles would draw first blood on their second possession on a drive that went six plays for 77 yards and took 1:57 off the clock. This drive ended with a one-yard touchdown by Johnson, his first touchdown of the day. The Eagles would hold a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Warriors, however, would tie the game late in the second quarter, which would lead to a 7-7 halftime score.
 
East Central received the ball after the half and went seven plays for 58 yards and scored on a 19-yard rush. The extra point made it 14-7 Warriors.
 
With 7:48 left in the third quarter, the Eagles tied the game on a 10-yard run by Johnson, which was his second score of the game. Hinds quickly forced a punt, giving the ball back to the Eagle offense. This change of possession led to yet another touchdown for Johnson. Louie Gatlin (Jackson) nailed the extra point, giving the Eagles a 21-14 lead with 3:15 left in the third quarter. The Eagles would hold this lead going into the final quarter of play.
 
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Ruben Lee II (Moss Point) found Deontez White (Camden) for a 43-yard strike to put the Eagles up two scores. 
 
The Warriors followed the Eagle touchdown with a 19-yard field goal to make the score 28-17. They followed this field goal with another touchdown on their next possession. After a failed two-point try, Hinds would now lead 28-23 with 6:51 left in the contest. 
 
The Eagles would manage to run out the remaining time in the game to secure the 28-23 victory and their first conference win of 2022.
 
Top Performers
 
Zailon Johnson – 15 rushes for 70 yards, 3 TD's
Jamarian Samuels (Ocala, Fla.) – 29 rushes for 181 yards
Kyziah Pruitt (Macon) – 6 receptions for 66 yards
Deontez White – 2 catches for 52 yards, 1 TD
Jaylan Ware (Starkville) – 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 3 TFL, 1 Sack
Da'Vonta Jackson (Greensboro, Ala.) – 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 TFL, 1 Sack
Reginald Shepherd (Sebastopol) – 3 solo tackles, 2 TFL, 1 Sack
Taylor Hunt (Flowood) – 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 TFL
 
Up Next
 
The Eagles will be back in action next Thursday, September 22 when they host Pearl River Community College for homecoming. Fans can watch the game here and purchase tickets here.