FULTON, Miss. – The Hinds Community College football team defeated Itawamba Community College 34–7 on a crisp Thursday evening in Fulton. The Chris Jones era is clearly off to a great start at Hinds.
From the opening kickoff, the Eagles' strategy was crystal clear. On the very first play, quarterback
Jaylon Ruffin threaded a perfect 68-yard touchdown strike to BJ Blake, grabbing an early 7–0 lead. Just before the end of the first quarter, Ruffin struck again, connecting on a 15-yard pass to DJ Miller to extend the lead to 14–0.
In the second quarter, the Eagles showcased their ground game.
Geron Johnson burst through the line for a 24-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 21–0 and leaving Itawamba scrambling to regroup. Hinds dominated in every facet of the first half, leading 21–0 at the break.
The third quarter brought a flurry of aerial attacks. DJ Miller reeled in a 20-yard pass from Ruffin, followed moments later by
Nehemiah Taylor's 18-yard reception—though the extra point slipped wide. With the score now 34–0, the Eagles seemed unstoppable.
Late in the fourth, Itawamba finally broke through. Mykel Allen powered in from one yard out for their lone score. As the final whistle blew, Hinds stood tall, sealing a 34–7 victory to move to 1–0 on the season.
Jaylon Ruffin led the offense completing 18 of 23 passes for 270 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Jamarcus Pittman added 2 completions on 3 attempts for 13 yards. On the ground, Ruffin rushed seven times for 79 yards (11.3 avg.), with a long of 34 yards.
Geron Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 63 yards (6.3 avg.), including a 24-yard touchdown.
Marvin Moore had 10 attempts for 48 yards;
Amarien Bailey ran once for 12 yards;
Julius Bradley had six carries for 12 yards;
BJ Blake rushed twice for 12 yards.
In receiving,
BJ Blake led the receiving corps with two catches for 83 yards (41.5 avg.), the longest being 68 yards with a TD.
DJ Miller contributed six grabs for 82 yards and two TDs. Other receivers included
Detraun Brown (3 for 37 yards),
Julius Bradley (2 for 30 yards),
Nehemiah Taylor (1 for 18 yards and a TD),
Braishun Forbes (2 for 15 yards),
Kiandre Terry (2 for 14 yards), and
Jaylen King (1 for 4 yards).
Hinds totaled 57 tackles on the night, recorded two sacks for 9 yards lost, and eight tackles for loss accounting for 39 yards lost. The defense forced two fumbles, recovering both and returning them for two yards. Top individual solo tackle contributors:
DJ Hairston,
Jeremiah James, and
Caleb Bryant each had six solos.
Jermar McCarter added 5, while
Clifton Jobe,
Jamaine Logan,
Raymon McKneely, and
Kevin Beckham each posted three or four tackles.
Caleb Bryant and
Jermar McCarter were among those contributing impact plays in TFLs and sacks.
Hinds will return to action on Thursday, September 4th when they travel to Scooba to take on East Mississippi CC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.
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