Bulldogs fall to Indians in key North Division matchup

GOODMAN --- The Holmes Community College Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-9 lead at halftime, but the Itawamba Indians outscored the Bulldogs in the second half to pull out a 44-28 win in MACCC's North Division.

With the loss, the Bulldogs fell to 3-4 overall and 3-1 in the North Division. Holmes hosts Northwest for homecoming on Thursday at 3 p.m.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first when Chase Richardson found D.J. Welch on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Dan Lindsay's extra point was good with 10:05 left in the first.

Holmes increased the lead to 14-0 with three minutes left in the first when Richardson found Jer'Kel Ivy from 25 yards out. Lindsay's PAT was good.

The Indians pulled the score to 14-7 when the Indians connected on a passing touchdown and extra point with 14:54 left in the second.

Richardson connected on his third passing touchdown of the game when he found B.J. Johnson from 16 yards out. Lindsay's kick was good, and Holmes led 21-7.

The Indians added a safety with 8:37 left in the first half. Holmes led 21-9 at halftime.

Itawamba took the second half kickoff back for a score to cut the lead to 21-16 with 14:48 left in the third.

The Bulldogs answered back quickly as Richardson found Tristin Purnell on a 77-yard touchdown pass. Lindsay's extra point was good, and the Bulldogs led 28-16 with 14:33 left in the third.

Itawamba scored in the third on a passing touchdown and extra point. Holmes led 28-23 after three quarters.

The Indians added a rushing touchdown to take the lead in the fourth. They connected on a passing touchdown and had a scoop and score to end their scoring in the final quarter.

Richardson finished the game 23-of-53 for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Purnell led in receiving with six catches for 124 yards.

Kebian Gilmore led with 16 tackles (10 solo and six assists) while E.J. Segrest had 15 (seven solo and eight assists).