ECCC looks to get over the hump

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Oct. 22, 2003
DECATUR The East Central Community College Warriors have given nationally-ranked Jones Junior College and Hinds Community College a run for their money in their last two football games before losing 17-7 and 17-10, respectively.
Another powerhouse is next up for the Warriors when Northwest Mississippi Community College comes to Decatur Thursday night for a 6:30 kickoff.
ECCC is 2-5, while Northwest is 6-1 and clinched the MACJC North Division title with a 31-14 win over East Mississippi Community College last week.
ECCC spotted Hinds a 17-0 lead at Raymond last week before staging a second half comeback.
ECCC also has a loss to nationally-ranked Pearl River Community College.
Northwest has the state's top offense, averaging 414.3 yards. The Rangers give up a state-fewest 186.7 yards. ECCC averages 322.7 yards and allows 330.7.
The Rangers average an MACJC-leading 229.7 yards per game on the ground. ECCC is third in the state in rushing, averaging 202 yards.
Northwest quarterback Rayburn Morris has completed 45-of-107 passes for 909 yards and nine touchdowns. ECCC's Terrell Robinson is 57-of-119 for 725 yards and two touchdowns.
Ranger linebacker Terrence Smith leads the state in solo tackles with 66 and has 30 assists. ECCC freshman Sed Eichelberger of Noxapater has 65 solos and 21 assists. Kelvin Horne of Northeast Lauderdale has 56 solo stops and 15 assists for the Warriors.
ECCC sophomore Titus Ryan leads the state in kickoff returns, averaging 27.3 yards on 13 attempts.
In a stat that sums up each team's season, Northwest has 10 more takeaways than turnovers, while ECCC has turned the ball over six more times than it has taken it away from the opposition.