GOODMAN, Miss. — The Pearl River football team made its way to the red zone four times Thursday night but couldn't cash in, falling to Holmes 31-0 at Ras Branch Field.
"Our pass protection wasn't good, which didn't allow our quarterback to get into any rhythm. The most disheartening thing is getting inside the 10 four times and not scoring," head coach Seth Smith said. "If you get that close and you're tough, you should score. We will get ready for next week, and we will respond.
GAME RECAP
Holmes (1-0 overall) opted to receive the opening kickoff, and the Pearl River (0-1) defense picked up right where it left off last season, forcing a turnover on downs to take over at their own 38-yard line.
The Bulldogs picked off a Wildcat pass with 11:45 remaining in the first quarter and capitalized on the miscue with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, 7-0.
Kam Norwood (Hattiesburg) gave the Wildcats a jolt of energy with 3:50 left in the quarter. Holmes was attempting a 44-yard field goal, and Norwood got a hand on the ball to block it. Quandarius Keyes (Laurel) scooped up the loose ball and returned it 25 yards to start the PRCC drive at the Holmes 41-yard line. The drive stalled out after a 37-yard field goal attempt went wide left.
HCC added its second touchdown of the night with a successful 12-play drive that was capped off by the quarterback calling his own number for a 15-yard rushing touchdown, 14-0. The ensuing kickoff saw Jordan Watts (Douglasville, Ga.; Alexander) turn in an electric return, weaving in and out of the defense for 66 yards, setting Pearl River up at the Holmes 34-yard line. Facing a fourth down and five yards-to-go situation, Watts caught a touch pass from Dustin Allison (Pass Christian) and went 13 yards for a new set of downs. PRCC couldn't capitalize, turning the ball over and heading into the break with a 14-0 deficit.
Fresh into the new half, Watts gave PRCC another chance when he returned the opening kickoff for 49 yards. Allison and Watts connected for a 2-yard completion. Allison followed the play up by lofting a pass down the left sideline to Jordan Coleman (Hattiesburg), who leaped high into the air and plucked the ball away for a 31-yard gain. The drive fizzled out shortly after.
PRCC returned to the Bulldog red zone with 8:26 remaining in the third quarter, but a fumble ended the threat. Two plays later, Holmes caught a slant pass and rumbled 98 yards to the endzone, 21-0.
Holmes added its fourth touchdown with 9:40 left in the fourth quarter, using a 60-yard touchdown pass to do it, 28-0. HCC added its final points at the 3:37 mark in the fourth, nailing a 41-yard field goal attempt, 31-0.
BY THE NUMBERS
Allison completed 18 passes for 141 yards. Jordan Coleman (Hattiesburg) hauled in two passes for 59 yards. Watts finished with six receptions for 35 yards.
Tyree Jackson (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) and Ahmad Harmon (Poplarville) tied for the team lead in tackles with six.
NEXT UP
Pearl River will host its first game of the 2023 season next Thursday as Northeast comes to Dobie Holden Stadium. The game will serve as PRCC's sophomore night.
TUNE IN
All Pearl River football games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320 AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.
CASHLESS BOX OFFICE
To help improve traffic flow and fan experience, PRCC athletics box offices will be cashless in 2022-23. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted at the box office. Fans are encouraged to beat the lines and purchase their tickets in advance at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on Twitter (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).