Indians outlasted by No. 7 Co-Lin in season opener

Indians outlasted by No. 7 Co-Lin in season opener
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com

FULTON, MS - The Itawamba Community College football program kicked off the 2015 season with a tall task, hosting No. 7 Copiah-Lincoln Community College Thursday night. The Indians held their own against the nationally ranked Wolves, but came up just short falling, 26-14.

After falling behind 10-0, the Indians (0-1) answered with two quick touchdowns before the break. Sophomore quarterback Kwadra Griggs (Greenwood), who finished 18-41 for 128 yards, connected with Dominic Walker (Orlando, FL) on a fade route in the back corner of the endzone from 11 yards out. Zach Ellis (Tupelo) nailed the point after, pulling the Indians within three with a little more than three minutes left in the half.

The Indian defense forced the Wolves off the field quick after a big sack by sophomore Quindarius Thagard (Luverne, AL) and a big third down stop lead by a hard hit from Eric Hunt (Macon). The Wolves were unable to get any help from their special teams as the punt traveled a short distance to give the Indians the ball at the Wolves' 29 yard line.

The Indians wasted little time in taking advantage of the great field position as Griggs hit Dorian Gaston (Ripley) from 23 yard out. Ellis added the extra point to give the Indians a 14-10 lead with a little over a minute left in the half.

Co-Lin pulled a play out the old school trick bag at the end of the half by running the "hook and lateral." The Wolves executed the play to perfection, but sophomore defensive back Kendarius Hibbler (Tunica) made a touchdown saving tackle deep in the red zone as time expired to preserve the Indians 14-10 lead.

On the first drive of the second half, the Indian defense made another big play, forcing a turnover as Hunt, who finished with a team high 9 tackles, knocked the ball lose and scooped up the recovery.

The offense struggled in the third quarter, but the defense, who only allowed 358 total yards, gave Co-Lin fits holding them to a field goal to retain a slim 14-13.

In the final quarter, the defense held Co-Lin to another field goal to keep the Indians within one score, but a late interception deep in Indians territory led to a touchdown to allow the Wolves to escape with a 26-14 win.

Next week's task will not be any easier for the Indians as they host other nationally ranked opponent in No. 19 Jones County Junior College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Fulton next Thursday night. 

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