RAYMOND – Hinds Community College football (0-1) is set for a rematch of the 2021 Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) championship game against the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers (1-0) this evening in Raymond.
 
After overcoming a slow start in 2021, the Eagles won eight of their last nine games to claim a share of the MACCC South Division title and a spot in the conference playoffs. After dethroning top-ranked East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, the Eagles fell in heartbreaking fashion to Northwest 56-21 in Senatobia in the conference championship game.
 
The Eagles are looking to overcome a shaky start in game one where they fell 20-3 to Northeast Mississippi Community College last week in Raymond. The Rangers come into this game fresh-off a 28-24 win at home over Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College last week.
 
Busy in the Backfield
 
Tonight's contest features two very potent defenses who made noise in the backfield in week one. The Rangers, against Gulf Coast, had 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. Jykeveous Hibbler (Louisville), on the Ranger defensive line, achieved MACCC Defensive Player of the Week with his 3.5 tackle for loss performance.
 
The Eagles set up camp in the Tiger backfield in week one, recording 13 tackles for loss and four sacks. Jaylan Ware (Starkville) led the way with four tackles for loss and one sack. Trevell Vivians (Philadelphia) also made his presence known when he recorded two sacks.
 
Ground Attack
 
One key to the game is establishing a presence on the ground. This game features the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 MVP Jeffrey Pittman (Taylorsville) for the Eagles and Jamarien Bracey (Bryant, AR) for the Rangers, who ran for 135 yards and one score in week one. Ranger quarterback Ren Hefley (Little Rock, AR) also contributed on the ground in week one where is rushed for two scores.
 
Take-Aways
 
The Eagles forced an impressive three turnovers in the first half alone last week. Two of the turnovers were forced by Ty'Verius Nichols (Starkville), who recorded two interceptions in the first quarter alone. Freshman defensive back Isaiah Bolton (Columbia) also recovered a fumble.
 
Northwest forced one turnover in week one behind an interception by Jaylen Powell (Horn Lake), who returned the pick 37 yards. The Rangers also forced two fumbles in the win.
 
Extra Special Teams
 
Hinds had a much-needed solid performance from their special teams unit in week one. Freshman kick Louie Gatlin (Jackson) scored the only points for the Eagles with his 32-yard field goal in the second quarter. The Eagles also were able to flip the field after stalled offensive drives behind the leg of Ben Duncan (Florence). Duncan punted seven times for 267 yards, averaging 38.1 yard per kick and a long of 47 yards. The Florence native also placed two of his punts inside the 20-yard line.
 
The Rangers scored six points on two field goals by Eli Hamlin (Terry). Both of Hamlin's makes came from 29 and 22-yards out. Shade Foster (Pearl) only punted three times, where he punted for 104 yards, averaging 34.7 yards per kick and a long of 37. Foster also placed one punt inside the 20-yard line.
 
How to Watch
 
Fans can watch this marquee matchup here. Russ Robinson, Joel Waters and Don Barnes will be on the call.
 
Tickets
 
To purchase tickets, fans can visit our ticket site here. Only credit cards are accepted at the gate, so we recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time.