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Gulf Coast pulls upset of No. 3 Co-Lin 21-7
PERKINSTON – The host Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs came into the game with a 0-2 record, but that didn’t stop them from upsetting the No. 3 ranked Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolfpack 21-7 in the first South Division game of the season. Turnovers and intense pressure from the Bulldog’s defensive front forced two fumbles and two interceptions.
“We’re a young football team,” said Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis. “We have to protect the ball better and just play better offensively.”
The Wolfpack (1-2, 0-1) hosts Jones County Junior College (3-0, 1-0) on University of Southern Mississippi Night Thursday, Sept. 22. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Penalties hindered both teams early in the game. Co-Lin picked up seven in the first half alone while Gulf Coast had nine. Both teams also had a hard time finding offensive rhythm as both defenses played lights out early. Heading into the second quarter neither team had scored. Gulf Coast opened the second quarter with an explosive 75-yard touchdown run from running back T’Rod Daniels.
Co-Lin quarterback Dominic DeLira led an impressive 80-yard drive later in the quarter to tie the game at seven apiece. DeLira capped off the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to sophomore DeAndre Barnes with 6:09 remaining in the half.
Gulf Coast took a 14-7 lead in the fourth quarter off a 56-yard pass from quarterback Kalen Whitlow to Jonathan Nance. Co-Lin marched down the field to respond. The Wolves drove to the red zone, but DeLira was sacked and fumbled for the second time on the night. Gulf Coast linebacker Justin Stewart scooped up the ball and took it 79 yards for the touchdown to extend the Bulldog lead to 21-7 with just 8:18 remaining in the game.
In the final minutes of the game, Co-Lin threw an interception that solidified the Gulf Coast win.
“We are thin in our offensive line right now, and our protection suffered from it throughout the night,” said Davis.
The Wolves relied heavily on sophomore running back Ladarius Galloway who had 28 carries for 108 yards. Brenton Spann had two carries for 12 yards. Redshirt freshman Dominic DeLira finished the game 12-for-28 for 230 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown. Alexander Hollins led the Wolves in receiving yards with 74 on three grabs. DeAnthony Blake added another 63 yards and a touchdown with four receptions. The Wolves finished the contest with 13 penalties that totaled 90 yards.
With the exception of two big scoring plays, the Wolves’ defense had a solid performance. Co-Lin held the Bulldogs to just 272 yards of total offense. Gulf Coast’s freshman quarterback Kalen Whitlow threw just 102 yards while sophomore running back T’Rod Daniels finished the night with 106 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs recorded 16 penalties in the game for 151 yards.
“We have to regroup this week, and get together as a team,” said Davis. “We are going to find out a lot about our character this week.”
Watch the action live at www.colinathletics.com or on the Co-Lin Facebook page. Listen live on WMUJ 104.3 FM in Brookhaven.
