Bulldogs suffer first division loss to Indians, 27-21
FULTON --- The Holmes Community College Bulldogs poured 336 yards on the ground here Thursday night but it wasn't enough as Itawamba Community College won the North Division contest, 27-21.
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the North Division. Holmes hosts East Mississippi Thursday in Goodman at 6:30 p.m. You can listen on the Bulldog Radio Network or watch live at holmesccmedia.com/white-channel.
Itawamba scored first in the contest with 11:47 left in the quarter on a rushing touchdown. The extra point was good, and Itawamba led 7-0.
Holmes wasted little time answering the Indians' score with one of their own as sophomore receiver Caleb Ducking took the ball on a reverse and raced 71 yards down the Holmes sidelines for the score. Easton Curry's extra point tied the game at seven with 10:45 left in the first.
Itawamba scored twice more before halftime, once on a rushing touchdown with an extra point and the other on a field goal to lead 17-7 at the half.
The Indians scored in the third quarter to go up 24-7 on another rushing touchdown with 8:52 left in the third.
Holmes answered the score with 3:08 left in the third when freshman quarterback Kyren Batey scored from a yard out. Curry's extra point was good, and Itawamba led 24-14.
The Indians added another field goal early in the fourth to round out their scoring at 27.
Holmes scored its final touchdown with 3:15 left in the game when freshman running back Devontaye Bankston scored from 19 yards out. Curry's extra point was good.
The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick but couldn't recover. The Bulldog defense held and forced a punt that was downed at the Holmes one. The Holmes offense could not score ending the contest.
Batey had 84 yards on 11 carries while Ducking had 71 yards on one carry, Bankston 40 yards on six carries and Woodard 38 yards on three carries.
Tyler Taylor had 10 tackles for the Bulldogs including three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Niageria Young finished with nine tackles, two tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Holmes had nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in the game.
Photo by Lee Adams, ICC