SCOOBA — Mario Virges really wanted to win Thursday night.
Not only did the former West Point High School standout want to make a good impressions for the local fans, but he also wanted to play a key role in knocking off the No. 1 team in the nation. A victory would have been especially sweet for Virges, who began his college career at East Mississippi Community College. But Virges, a freshman linebacker at Northeast Community College, didn’t come away with what he wanted as EMCC rolled to a 65-7 victory at Sullivan-Windham Field.
“I was trying to play for revenge because they overlooked me,” Virges said. “But, at the same time, I’m just trying to show them what they miss. … I just really wanted that win.”
Between the teams, 11 Golden Triangle natives were on both sides of the ball. There were few drives in the Lions’ victory that didn’t involve players who spent their Friday nights with local teams. Virges, who knows players from throughout the Greater Golden Triangle area who have gone on to play football in college, said the bonds remain strong between the players despite the competition.
“GTA — we’re family regardless,” Virges said.
Former Columbus High standout Quan Latham is part of that Golden Triangle family, but he was isolated most of the night. The scoreboard showed early Thursday night who was going to win, but junior college football is often an individual game, especially for cornerbacks.
Latham was targeted 11 times. He gave up three receptions, two of them early, made four tackles, defended three passes, and returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.
“The last couple of games, I haven’t been getting a lot of action, so I was a little rusty,” Latham said. “I couldn’t fall asleep, but I was a little rusty and they kept coming at me. Then they found out that I was having a little trouble, until I got the hang of it, got in my groove and made a good play.”
Latham’s interception return was electrifying. He said he knew quickly he could score because his defense loves to block on turnover returns. His family got to see him succeed, too.
“It’s real good playing close to home because my family gets to come see what I’m becoming,” Latham said. ” EMCC, you know, it’s a good program to come to, and they’re making a better person out of me.”
On the offense, former Starkville High standout Preston Baker had five carries for 69 yards for the Lions. While EMCC lost possession on his fumble in the second half, Baker’s other “family” took control Virges recovered the ball and kept the ball in the hands of Golden Triangle natives.
NEMCC wide receiver LaVontis Smith, who is from Maben, also was a part of the action. The athletic slot receiver with a soft voice and a calm demeanor had three catches for 23 yards. He also returned kicks and had a chance to re-live his days at West Oktibbeha County High when he played quarterback in the fourth quarter. Smith is one of seven players from the Golden Triangle at NEMCC. Two others — Johnny and Jacoby Smith, of Starkville High — are his cousins.
Smith said he is comfortable playing many positions, but he wishes he could have given his friends and family a better show.
“Finishing like that, you know, sometimes it hurts more than enjoying seeing them in the stands because you do want to give them something to see,” Smith said.
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