Defense and special teams lead ICC to 37-7 win over Holmes

Fulton, Miss. - Two special teams touchdowns and a scoop and score gave Itawamba Community College its second North Division win in as many weeks as the Indians defeated Holmes Community College, 37-7, Thursday night.

The Indians (3-4, 2-2 MACCC North) blocked two punts that Eric Watts (Opelika, Ala.) returned for touchdowns, including the game's first score. Watts' second, which came late in the third quarter, was followed 29 seconds later by a scoop and score from Antonio Thompson (Clinton).

Holmes' triple option offense kept the Indians defense on the field for most of the first half, but ICC's offense was able to score a touchdown just before halftime on an eight-yard run from RJ Wilson (Independence).

The Indians began the second half with a bang as Jamal Brooks (Ripley) caught a short pass from Hunter Jones (Amory) and powered his way 49 yards for a touchdown that started a 20-point third quarter.

Shane Lasher (Olive Branch) finished the Indians' scoring with a 21-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter, and Holmes prevented the shutout with a touchdown run early in the final frame.

The Indians defense held Holmes to only 273 total yards of offense and were led by Corley Hooper (Ecru) with 15 tackles and Darryen Hobbs (Olive Branch) with 11.

Offensively, the Indians had seven different player run the ball while Tylan Carter (Ackerman) and Jones combined for 187 passing yards on 13 completions in 17 attempts.

Next week, the Indians will travel to Senatobia for a North Division showdown with Northwest Mississippi Community College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be available on LetsGoICCTV.com/red.

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