Here is the article from the Clarion Ledger
Coahoma Community College coach Freeman Horton likes what he sees in this year's team.
He likes the massive offensive line that features five players listed at 320 pounds or more.
He likes the versatility and savvy of sophomore quarterback Marvin Pittman and the all-around speed of his defense.
He likes the 2-0 record, the best start for a Tigers team in memory.
Beyond all that, Horton likes what he has seen after those two wins.
"These guys go about their business of preparing for each game," said the former Southern Miss linebacker, now in his eighth year at CCC. "They're excited when they win, don't get me wrong. But then they're ready to focus on the next one. It's not a big deal for them just to win a game, not like it used to be."
Coahoma's struggles have been well-chronicled. The Tigers haven't won more than two games in any of Horton's seasons, or any many more before that.
This team could change that.
Horton said the personality of the team has been altered by the addition of several recruits from 2007 high school state champions Ray Brooks and West Bolivar.
"They're guys who are used to winning, guys who know how to win," Horton said. "That's a big thing."
Pittman, a local pickup from Clarksdale, leads the state in rushing yards per game (143.5) and in pass efficiency. He has five TD passes and no picks.
Running back Tim Graham - out of Ray Brooks - averages 11.2 yards per carry. Tackle Demardre Dean, a 6-foot-4, 360-pound All-America candidate, anchors the O-line. End Jarrod Jefferson and corner Glenn Washington have been play-makers on defense.
"We've got some weapons. Finally," Horton said.
All in the family
Conference play starts Saturday for Delta State, Mississippi College and Millsaps, all of whom have aspirations of contending for a title.
DSU (1-1) opens defense of its Gulf South championship at Harding, and the Statesmen have some polishing up to do after an uneven performance in a last-gasp win over Arkansas-Monticello. The most troubling aspect had to be the 19 penalties for 220 yards.
MC (0-2), which hosts American Southwest rival McMurry, is reeling. All-America candidate QB Adam Shaffer was picked off seven times in last week's road loss to Cumberlands, with three of the INTs going for TDs.
Meanwhile, Millsaps is 2-0 and nationally ranked in Division III. And yet ... "for us, the real ball begins this week," said Majors coach Mike DuBose. "We want to get in the playoffs, and we need to win our conference to do that."
First up on the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference slate is Austin College.
"On offense, they're a Wishbone, zone-read, option-style football team that can really create problems for a defense," DuBose said. "We've struggled against them the past couple years. We've gotta do a lot of preparation this week."
The end zone
Gulf Coast CC has won 15 straight games over two years, but coach Steve Campbell says the current team, at 3-0, is still feeling its way. "Each year in juco ball it's a different dynamic," he said. "We're still trying to establish a personality, still trying to develop an identity." ... If there were questions about the QB situation at No. 7 Pearl River, Emil Jones appears to have answered them. The freshman out of North Forrest leads the state in passing with 674 yards and made several key plays in last week's gritty win over Northwest. The unbeaten Wildcats go for a seventh straight win over Hinds on Thursday night in Raymond.
