Bouncing back from adversity.
Football players at East Mississippi Community College find themselves in unchartered waters this week.
The Lions will be looking to bounce back from a loss.
After seeing its two-season, 25-game win streak snapped in an overtime loss at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, EMCC returns home to Sullivan-Windham Field to open Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges North Division play against Coahoma Community College.
Kickoff is set for a 7 p.m. Thursday in Scooba.
Sophomore wide receiver Dario Robinson is one Lion looking forward to the challenge.
“This is really something new for all of us,” Robinson said. “I think we are all ready to go out and play another game. There is still a lot of football left to be played.”
EMCC will most likely see its string of 23 straight weeks ranked either Nos. 1 or 2 in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association end when today’s rankings are released.
Against Co-Lin, EMCC scored with 2 minutes, 42 seconds left in regulation to take a 24-17 lead. Co-Lin then scored in the closing seconds to force overtime. In the extra period, Co-Lin scored and then recorded an interception to close out the win.
“This team is made up of a bunch of champions,” Robinson said. “I think we will bounce back and work even harder than we were working before.”
EMCC most likely will need to run the table to have any chance at a third straight national championship. The good news for EMCC is that eight of the nation’s preseason Top 15 lost a game in either of the first two weeks of the season.
For EMCC, the passing game continues to be a work in progress. Wyatt Roberts and John Franklin III are expected to continue to alternate at quarterback, with each running a set of plays designed to showcase their skills.
Robinson, a prep standout at Amory High School, leads EMCC with 10 receptions for 133 yards.
“The offense is a lot of fun here,” Robinson said. “It is designed to get as many players touches as possible. I think that is what makes it fun. You are lining up with talented players all around you.”
Twelve receivers have caught balls already. That is a typical number in the pass-happy offense.
“Dario really stood out during off-season workouts,” EMCC offensive coordinator Marcus Wood said. “You knew that he was ready to step up and become more of a leader this year. It’s a challenge. As a freshman player, you are learning what it takes to play on this level. A year later, you are being asked to lead and to show the new guys the ropes.”
A year ago, Robinson had 20 catches for 204 yards. With several new starters on offense, he knew his leadership would be key.
“It is different when you have to learn two new quarterbacks,” Robinson said. “Both have different styles and different things they do well. The offensive goals remain the same. We try to score within two minutes on every possession. We knew at the beginning of the year, there would have to be more learning than usual. That is why we worked hard during the off-season. The receivers and quarterbacks ran routes all the time trying to get better chemistry with one another.”
Chemistry is an area in which EMCC has always excelled.
“I think all of the quarterbacks work well with the receivers,” Roberts said. “An effective offense is so many moving parts. We know the expectations around here.”
Even after a loss, the expectations have not changed. EMCC has owned MACJC North Division play under Buddy Stephens. The Lions have won six division titles under Stephens and are heavy favorites to snag another.
From there, the path to a state championship would run through Scooba. Even after a loss, the national championship is not out of the picture.
“We have to worry about the basics and not get too far ahead,” Robinson said. “We have to find a way to keep getting better.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.