RAYMOND – Hinds Community College football (1-2, 1-0 Conf.) is back on Gene Murphy Field Thursday evening as they welcome fourteenth ranked Pearl River Community College (2-1) to Raymond for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Joe Renfroe Stadium.
 
For the second time this season, the Eagles will host a ranked opponent at home. The Eagles lost a close one 31-28 to fourth-ranked Northwest Mississippi Community College in week two after mounting a second half comeback.
 
Last Week
 
The Eagles picked up their first win of 2022 with a road victory over East Central 28-23 in week three. The Wildcats are coming off their first loss of the season after scaring Northwest last week in Poplarville and losing by one touchdown 21-14.
 
Recent History
 
Out of the last 12 meetings, Hinds holds a 10-2 advantage. The Eagles also hold a five-game win streak dating back to 2017. The Eagles defeated Pearl River last season in Poplarville 21-10 to seal their spot in the conference playoffs. The last meeting in Raymond resulted in an Eagle win 34-14 during the COVID-19 shortened season.
 
New Season
 
Although the Eagles have lost the first two games of the season, they get a fresh start in conference play to make a run for the playoffs. Thursday, Hinds plays their second conference opponent in Pearl River after opening conference play at East Central last week. The Eagles will be Pearl River's first conference opponent of the season.
 
Defensive Battle
 
This matchup features two very similar, but stout defenses. The Wildcats enter this game only allowing 96 yards per game on the ground and 176 yards per game through the air. They are led on defense by star linebacker Justin Jefferson (Memphis, TN), who has 25 total tackles (10 solo, 15 assists), one sack, 3.5 tackles for loss and one interception.
 
Similarly, the Eagles have allowed 86 yards per game on the ground and 170 yards per game through the air. Hinds is led on defense by nose guard Jaylan Ware (Starkville), who has 15 total tackles (8 solo, 7 assists), seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Sophomore defensive back Ty'Verius Nichols (Starkville) also has two interceptions on the season.
 
Running Wild
 
The Eagles got back to their rushing game ways in week three when they ran for 267 yards on 55 attempts. The rushing attack was led by Jamarian Samuels (Ocala, Fla.), who rushed 29 times for 192 yards and Zailon Johnson (Brandon), who led the scoring with three rushing touchdowns. Johnson finished his night with 70 yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Ruben Lee II (Moss Point) also rushed for 50 yards on six attempts.
 
Sports Hall of Fame
 
At 4:30 p.m. in Cain-Cochran Hall on the Raymond Campus, a new class will be inducted into the Hinds Community College Sports Hall of Fame. This class includes Kori Babb (Softball, Women's Soccer), Grady Jackson (Football) Trell Kimmons (Track and Field), James Knight (Football, Track and Field) and Antonio Wright (Football).
 
Home Sweet Homecoming
 
The Homecoming football game against Pearl River Community College is at 7 p.m. at Gene Murphy Field at Joe Renfroe Stadiu. The Homecoming Court, award recipients and Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be presented at halftime, along with performances by the Eagle Marching Band and Hi-Steppers with a special performance by Hi-Stepper Alumni.
 
Watch/Listen
 
Fans can watch the game here or listen to it on 94.3 FM/1240 AM. Russ Robinson, Joel Waters and Chris Saxton will be on the call. Don Barnes will be reporting from the sidelines.
 
Tickets
 
Fans can purchase tickets for Thursday's game here. Only cards are accepted at the gate, so advanced purchasing is advised.