Indians look to build on impressive debut in home opener

Indians look to build on impressive debut in home opener
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com

FULTON, MS – Itawamba Community College will look for their first 2-0 start to the season since 2007 when they play host the Southwest Mississippi Community College Bears at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Eaton Field.

The Indians, ranked No. 21 by JC Gridiron, defeated East Central Community College (0-1, 0-0 MACJC South) 35-15 in a rain-soaked season opener that saw the Indians slosh their way to 485 yards of total offense behind the debut of the Indian's new offense led by MACJC Offensive Player of the Week freshman QB Andrew Goodman (Charlotte, NC).

"I thought considering the conditions Saturday's win was a good way to start the season," said ICC head football coach Jon Williams. "We knew it was going to be a tough game against a good East Central game, but I felt the guys were really focused and did a great job executing our game plan on both sides of the ball."

Goodman passed for 358 yards and five touchdowns on 31-of-37 passing with sophomore wide receiver Rashad Pargo (Aberdeen) hauled in six catches for 108 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday.

While the offense shined, the Indians' defense stood strong forcing five turnovers and holding the Warriors to 284 yards of total offense on Saturday.

"I was proud of our defense," said Williams. "They put a lot of pressure on their offense all game long and did a good job creating scoring opportunities for our offense by forcing turnovers and short offensive possessions."

Brandon Smith (Aberdeen) recorded eight tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, recovered a fumble and returned an interception 40 yards. Fred Ward (Aberdeen) recovered two fumbles and Xavier Walker (Duluth, GA) had an interception.

ICC will face a Southwest (0-0, 0-0 MACJC South) team that will playing their first game of the 2012 season after their season opener against Northwest Mississippi Community College was cancelled due to safety concerns with Hurricane Isaac.

"It's going to be tough preparing for a really good Southwest team," said Williams. "We don't know a whole lot about them and that gives them the upper hand since they're able to prepare for what we did against East Central. We have to treat this game like another season opener by focusing on executing our game plan, minimizing our mistakes and protecting the football."

ICC will present its 2012 Bennie Abram Legacy Award to sophomore wide receiver Demarius Howard (Calhoun City) prior to the game and will have a halftime ceremony presenting members of the 2011 men's and women's tennis teams with their state championship rings.