FULTON, Miss. - The Northeast Mississippi Community College football program is eager to return to action following an unplanned bye week during its abbreviated 2020 campaign.
The Tigers renew their long-standing rivalry with Itawamba Community College on Thursday, November 12. Kickoff for Northeast's regular season finale is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Eaton Field.
This game was moved back from its original date of Thursday, November 5 due to coronavirus concerns. The Indians have not played since going on the road to beat Coahoma Community College on Saturday, October 24.
Those that cannot attend the contest can watch it live and in high definition on NEMCCTV. Tune in beginning at 6 p.m. for the pregame show by visiting www.nemcctv.com on any computer, smartphone or tablet device.
Amazon and Roku television subscribers can also view each of Northeast's gridiron matchups by searching for "Northeast Mississippi Community College" on each respective app. The NEMCCTV feed will appear on WRMG-TV in Red Bay, Ala., and Tishomingo County as well.
This game will also air on WWMR The Eagle, which is a sister station of Northeast's primary radio affiliate in WOWL Fun 91. An audio simulcast featuring Jody Presley and Carter Smith, the Voices of the Tigers, can be heard on frequency 102.9 FM from Saltillo.
Search and follow @NEMCCTigers on Twitter for live in-game updates and interact throughout the event by using the hashtag #TigerPower across all social media platforms.
This is the 61st all-time meeting between Northeast and Itawamba. It is tied for the longest played series in program history along with its annual meeting with Northwest Mississippi Community College.
The Tigers held on for a thrilling 14-12 triumph versus the Indians one year ago in the City of Hospitality. However, Northeast has not tasted victory in Fulton since 2004 despite several close contests.
"The off week could help you or it could hurt you. We had a rhythm and some momentum going," said Tigers head coach Greg Davis. "But we got a little bit of rest and got some guys that were banged up healthy. So we got back on track in that category."
Kevin Hurley of Walnut was a key factor for Northeast in its win over Itawamba last season with a fumble return for a touchdown while playing on the defensive side of the pigskin.
This year Hurley looks to make an impact on offense. The starting quarterback for the Tigers leads the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) with nine touchdown passes.
This matchup pits two of the best wideouts in the league against each other in Northeast's Andison Coby and Qua Davis for the Indians. Coby tops the MACCC with seven receiving touchdowns while Davis is first in yards per game at 122.7.
Coby of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has a team-high 349 receiving yards, but Dallas Payne from Bay St. Louis guides the Tigers with 17 catches. Hurley paces Northeast on the ground with 256 yards and a pair of scores.
The Tigers (4-1) boast a trio of dynamic linebackers in their starting rotation, including Corinth's Carter Bonds, Tayvius Duckett of Iuka and Jamarcus Smith from Saltillo.
The trio has combined for 143 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and five sacks, through five games. Smith heads that grouping with 53 takedowns, which is second most in the Magnolia State.
Corley Hooper is tied for fourth in the MACCC with 10.7 tackles per outing for Itawamba. The Indians (1-2) have accumulated more than 300 yards of offense in each of its matchups so far, but allow on average 357.3 yards defensively.
"We've got to start out fast with our tempo and energy," Davis said. "We've got to sustain drives and if we don't we've got to punt the ball and pin them deep. Ultimately it's going to come down to mistakes and turnovers."
Northeast rose five spots to No. 23 in the latest JCGridiron Dirty 30 national poll following its victory at Holmes Community College. The Tigers are ranked for a fifth consecutive week.