SUMMIT — East Mississippi Community College freshman running back Lakenderic Thomas quickly reviewed his pass catching career Thursday night at Hurst Stadium.
“That was my first receiving touchdown,” said Thomas, a former standout at West Point High School. “Not in high school. Not in junior high. Not in grade school. I didn’t catch passes. But now, I do.”
Thomas ran for 96 yards and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass in top-ranked EMCC’s 59-6 win against Southwest Mississippi C.C.
“I just try to come in and do my job,” Thomas said. “At West Point, we ran our offense out of the traditional I. Here, it is more of a spread offense. It has been more of challenge, but I just try to answer when I get my chance to make plays.”
Sophomore Rodriguez Moore rushed for 1,303 yards last season. This season, Moore has helped take Thomas under his wings. The duo ran for 170 yards on 26 carries Thursday.
“Rodriguez is such a great back,” Thomas said. “I have learned so much from him. He has given me two new offensive moves that have helped me make more plays. He has also taught me to use my hands more. He told me I could be used more if I got better at catching the ball.”
Thomas put those tips to good use. After six carries in the first two games, Thomas had 12 rushes against the Bears. He also had his first two catches for 17 yards, including the touchdown.
“The thing with Lakenderic is he came to us from a championship program,” EMCC fifth-year coach Buddy Stephens said, “so he has had success and he understands success. Yet, he comes in here hungry and ready to do whatever it takes to get on the field. That attitude and that spirit is the backbone of a really strong freshman class for us.”
The attitude and spirit is what has kept Thomas humble and working hard.
“In high school, I used to be able to run people over,” Thomas said. “Up here, you can’t do that nearly as often. Rodriguez has helped me learn the little things to make me quicker and more elusive. With his ability and Quez (Johnson)’s leadership, this offense has a chance to go places this year.
“I won state championships in high school. Here, it is all about national championships. I want to do my part to help this team win another one.”
Tracking the defense
EMCC (3-0) had two takeaways in the victory. The Lions have allowed only four touchdowns and have 11 turnovers.
Christian Russell had another fumble recovery for EMCC, after snagging two in last week’s win against East Central C.C. An interception by Byerson Cockrell was the other takeaway for EMCC. The Lions scored 10 points off the turnovers.
Scoring fast
If the EMCC shoots for two-minute scoring drives, the Lions were on pace for most of the game While racing out to a 38-0 halftime advantage, EMCC had six first-half scoring drives.
Those drives lasted 2 minutes, 21 seconds, 43 seconds, 2:20, 2:43, 1:34, and 1:19. Five of the six first-half scoring drives went 61 yards or greater. In relief, freshman quarterback Dontreal Pruitt led two more scoring drives in four possessions. Pruitt has led the team to scores in five of his eight possessions.
This and that
Stephens faced Southwest for the first time Thursday night. He has now beaten all 13 MACJC opponents at least once. EMCC had last defeated East Central in 1998 and Southwest in 2001. Both of those streaks were stopped this season. … The North Division and South Division have split 14 meetings through the first three weeks of the season. … EMCC freshman lineman Jimmie Gipson blocked the extra point after Southwest broke up the shutout with 7:57 in regulation. The Lions have now had at least one blocked kick in each of their first three games.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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