SCOOBA — After last season’s disappointing ending, players and coaches at East Mississippi Community College have talked about the anticipation for a new season.
That excitement rose a notch Monday when the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) ranked EMCC No. 1 in the nation in its preseason poll.
“We take a lot of pride in being ranked the No. 1 team in the nation,” EMCC ninth-year coach Buddy Stephens said. “It is a testament to our program and the success we have had. The kids have worked really hard to get to this point, and they are excited about the opportunity to play the game and to redeem themselves.”
EMCC begins the season as the nation’s top-ranked team for the fourth time in program history — each spread over the last five seasons. After winning NJCAA national championships in 2011, 2013, and 2014, EMCC began No. 1 the next season. The Lions began the 2013 season ranked No. 8.
A year ago, EMCC fell from No. 1 to No. 7 after a 31-24 overtime loss at Copiah-Lincoln C.C. snapped its 25-game winning streak. The Lions fought back to No. 3 before a brawl in the regular-season finale, a 48-0 win at Mississippi Delta C.C.
After the fight, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) banned EMCC from the playoffs. The Lions fell to No. 10 the following week but finished the season No. 7.
“This is a really important season because we felt like last year’s championship was taken away from us,” EMCC sophomore running back Isaiah Wright said. “We had that loss but worked really hard to get back into the championship picture. I think we learned from last season, and it has really motivated us to make the most of this season.”
Under Stephens, EMCC has won seven MACJC North Division titles, four MACJC state titles, and three national titles. The team has won all four bowl games it has played.
“The preseason polls are a little more important in junior college football than in other places,” Stephens said. “Since most teams don’t play each other, it’s hard to fight your way back up the rankings, so if you can start in the top five, it enhances your chances to be able to play in the championship.
“It’s great that the committee looked at the season ahead objectively and ranked the teams based on talent. We are looking forward to going out and playing games.”
EMCC will open the season Sept. 1 at Jones Junior College. The Lions will have approximately 30 players available for the game. Players who left the bench area against Mississippi Delta will serve the final game of a two-game suspension issued by the MACJC. The postseason ban counted as the first game.
“The goal each season is a national championship,” said EMCC sophomore wide receiver Mario Lanier, who played at Aliceville High School. “That is the standard around here. For the new guys, the sophomores are trying to lead. We are trying to show them the way we do things around here.”
Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. (No. 4), Copiah-Lincoln C.C. (No. 7), Northwest Mississippi C.C. (No. 10), and Hinds C.C. (No. 19) also are in the NJCAA rankings.
EMCC will play Sept. 8 at Mississippi Gulf Coast, will play host to Northwest on Oct. 15, and will play host to Hinds in the regular-season finale Oct. 27.
The strength of schedule component was added to the ranking process in 2012. The first five polls are done by human vote of regional directors. In the sixth week, a computer component is included, which ranks teams based on record of opponents.
With EMCC banned from the postseason, Northwest Mississippi took advantage to win its first national title since 1999. The MACJC begins the season with three-straight national titles.
“We really believe in our kids,” Stephens said. “They are hungry after last season. We still have the simple goal of being 1-0 each week. That is how we have always approached things. This year will be no different.
“Even if we are the No. 1 team in the nation, we are the underdog in the season opener. You are not supposed to go on the road and beat somebody with half a team. If we can survive the first two games, we will be fortunate.”
Follow Dispatch Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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