Bulldogs knock off No. 8 Jones in the final seconds

ELLISVILLE --- The Holmes Community College Bulldogs used more last second magic on a 34-yard touchdown reception by Demarcus Johnson from Jesse Wilson with seven seconds to go here Thursday night as the Bulldogs knocked off No. 8 Jones, 25-23.

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 2-0 on the season. Holmes travels to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College next Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Perkinston. The game will be streamed on the Gulf Coast website at mgcccbulldogs.com.

The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard first in the first quarter when Connor McKay nailed a 43-yard field goal with 10:24 left in the quarter.

Jones answered with 9:42 left in the quarter on a touchdown run. The extra point put the Bobcats up 7-3.

Holmes went back on top with 2:39 left in the first quarter when Gabe Short scored from eight yards out. McKay's extra point put Holmes up 10-7.

Jones then answered the score just as the first quarter ended on a touchdown run. The extra point was good, and Jones led 14-10.

Holmes picked up the only points in the second quarter when Ervin Mincey tackled the Bobcat quarterback in the endzone for a safety. Jones led 14-12 at halftime.

The Bobcats had the only points in the third on a field goal and led 17-12 after three complete.

Holmes retook the lead early in the fourth when Reggie Hayes connected with Shaun Walton on a 90-yard pass and catch. The try for two by Vonte Brackett came up short, and Holmes led 18-17 with 10:16 left in the fourth quarter.

Jones then scored with 1:26 to play on a touchdown pass. The try for two was no good, and Jones led 23-18.

The Bulldogs started their game-winning drive from their own 20 yard line. Dylan Kelly had a run to the Holmes 46 before Jones was called for pass interference on second down which moved the ball to the Jones 41 yard line. Wilson threw a two-yard pass to Kelly to the 34 before Wilson threw a ball into the hands of Johnson in the endzone with :07.2 left in the game. McKay's kick was good, and Holmes led 25-23.

Jones moved quickly to the Holmes 40, but on the next play as time was running out Orinthia May sacked the Jones quarterback to run out the clock and preserve the victory for the Bulldogs.