Goodman, Miss. - An anniversary of sorts is on tap for the Northeast Mississippi Community College football program during its final contest of the 2015 campaign.
The Tigers face Holmes Community College on the gridiron for the 50th time on Saturday, October 24. Kickoff between the two Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division members is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Ras Branch Stadium.
Those that cannot attend the matchup can watch it live on NEMCCTV, which is the broadcast home of all nine Northeast intercollegiate athletic programs. Join Jeremy Kennedy, the Voice of the Tigers, at 3:30 p.m. for the pregame show by visiting www.nemcctv.com on any computer, smartphone or tablet.
Fans can also keep up with all the action by listening to a simulcast on WBIP-AM 1400. Search and follow @NEMCCTigers for live in-game updates on Twitter and interact during the contest by using the hashtag #TigerPower across all social media platforms.
Both squads look to conclude their respective seasons on a two-game winning streak. Northeast was triumphant at Pearl River Community College last week while the Bulldogs defeated Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale.
It is the second consecutive weekend contest as well for the Tigers. Northeast has captured victories in four of its previous five Saturday outings over the last four years.
The Tigers held the Wildcats to only 32 rushing yards for the entire matchup, which was the lowest total of any opponent this season. Northeast's defense will try to equal those numbers against a Holmes offense that focuses on the triple option.
"They do a good job of running the option," said Tigers headman Greg Davis. "It's a tough offense to face because you don't see it anymore. If you're not disciplined or physical then it's going to be a long night. That's something we're continuing to preach over and over."
The Bulldogs have four players that have compiled over 50 carries and 300 yards apiece. Aquindus Henson guides that group with team-highs of 530 yards and six touchdowns.
Dejerric Bryant is a dual-threat quarterback for Holmes. He has accumulated 1,069 yards through the air with eight scores and 447 yards on the ground with an additional six touchdowns.
Dre Massey is the top target for Bryant and accounts for 857 all-purpose yards. He has crossed the goal line eight times between receiving and toting the pigskin for the Bulldogs (3-5, 2-3).
Jamar Smith and Josiah Coatney have both been excellent for Holmes on the opposite side of the ball. The duo has combined for over 100 takedowns and 14.5 tackles for loss.
Kendrick Doss is only 21 yards shy of becoming the fourth Northeast signal caller since 2005 to throw for over 1,000 yards in a single campaign. He would join a list that includes former National Football League (NFL) standout Bruce Hall and current University of Tennessee at Martin athlete Brett Thompson.
Donta Armstrong remains a threat whenever he steps onto the field. The Bruce High School alumnus continues to lead the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in individual return yards with 725 between kickoffs and punts.
Tiberias Lampkin gets a majority of the touches for the Tigers (2-6, 1-4). The West Oktibbeha High School graduate has run the ball 116 times for 544 yards and three scores.
Amory's Jaylon Fair and Armstrong both have at least 25 catches and 200 yards. L.J. Hawkins of Water Valley paces Northeast's wideouts with four touchdown grabs, including three versus Pearl River.
Demarcus Rogers has 50 stops from the linebacker position for the Tigers. Anthony Rush has a team-best eight tackles for loss while Justin Williams directs Northeast with 3.5 sacks.
Brandon Tillman has compiled outstanding numbers during his inaugural year with the Tigers. The Grenada native is among the five best tacklers for Northeast with 33 takedowns.
"Our biggest thing is we've just gotta worry about us," Davis said. "We're going into a hostile environment, but if we do our job then everything will be fine."
It is the first meeting between these two squads on the Goodman campus since the Tigers took a 35-20 decision on September 23, 2010. The Bulldogs have the all-time advantage in the series 28-20-1.