Bobcats use last drive to take 10-8 win over Bulldogs in season opener

ELLISVILLE – After the Holmes Community College Bulldogs led the entire game, the Jones County Junior College Bobcats mounted a scoring drive in the last three minutes of the game and with 10.8 seconds left, Bobcat kicker Grant McLaurin booted a 32-yard field goal to give Jones the 10-8 victory.

With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 0-1 on the season and play host to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on Thursday night in Goodman. Gametime is 7 p.m. The game can be heard on the Bulldog Football Network which includes 101.1 FM, 103.9 FM and 100.1 FM or at breezynews.com or wyab.com. The game will also be streamed live at holmesathletics.ihigh.com.

Holmes got on the scoreboard first in the second quarter. Dennis Robertson found Jonathan Rumph from eight yards out. Holder Alex Hawkins couldn't get the handle on the PAT try and threw a two-point pass to Jeffrey Nason to give Holmes the 8-0 lead with 3:39 left in the first half.

Jones answered this touchdown early in the third quarter. A huge kickoff return from Jarret Smith set the Bobcats up first and ten from the Holmes 39. Seven plays later, Reuben Ducksworth powered in from a yard out. McLaurin's extra point made it 8-7 with 12:00 left in the third quarter.

With 3:40 left, the Bobcats took over at their own 12-yard line after a Holmes' punt. Jones moved down the field on several running plays from Ducksworth. Aided on the drive by a sideline interference penalty of 15 yards on the Bulldogs, Jones kept their march alive until they got all the way inside the Bulldog 20 before attempting the game winning field goal.

Holmes' quarterback Dennis Robertson completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards and receiver Jonathan Rumph finished with seven receptions for 73 yards. John Kern led the Bulldogs in rushing with nine carries for 42 yards. Holmes finished with 288 total yards, 219 in the air and 69 on the ground.

Eric Worthen had 12 tackles and two assists in the game defensively. Dalvin Taylor and Eric Hilton each had seven total tackles and a sack. Kris Givens had two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Thanks to JCJC Yearbook Photographer Nikki Ainsworth for the picture.