SCOOBA — East Mississippi Community College freshman wide receiver Sammie Burroughs enjoys catching passes, scoring touchdowns, and winning games.

Burroughs knows he’s in the right spot to do all of that.

The former Aberdeen High School standout is making strides in his initial season on the East Mississippi Community College football team. Top-ranked EMCC will look for a 3-0 start at 7 p.m. Thursday when it plays Coahoma C.C. at James E. Miller Field in Clarksdale.

“Playing in this offense has been a lot of fun,” Burroughs said. “I feel like I have learned so much since the time I got here. It’s just fun being at practice every day and watching this team get better and better.”

With its largest number of freshmen in the past three seasons, EMCC has experienced growing pains. However, the youth hasn’t shown up in convincing victories against Southwest Mississippi C.C. (52-14) and then-No. 3 Copiah-Lincoln C.C. (46-10).

“You can tell (starting quarterback) Chad (Kelly) has all the leadership qualities you want in a quarterback,” Burroughs said. “It has just been a matter of learning the system and making sure everybody is on the same page.”

Burroughs caught his first junior college pass against Co-Lin. Kelly has thrown for 576 yards and seven touchdowns in the wins. Fourteen receivers have caught at least one pass.

“It is scary when you see how many talented players we have,” Burroughs said. “You know you are playing with a bunch of guys who will play at major colleges and some in the NFL. Really as a freshman, you are just trying to fit in and prove you belong.

“The competition has been real good. When you have this many receivers, you are fighting for playing time. You just have to be patient and learn as much as you can from the sophomores.”

EMCC offensive coordinator Marcus Wood likes Burroughs’ combination of speed and hands.

“You can tell why he was a go-to receiver in high school,” Wood said. “He is a tireless worker. We have such high expectations here. He has done his best to work as hard as he can to reach that level of our veteran players.”

Being one of five former Aberdeen High players on the squad has helped ease the transition. Sophomores Justin Lucas (linebacker), Michael Hodges Jr. (wide receiver), Brandon Hodges (offensive lineman), and Zavia Forshee (defensive lineman) also play for the Lions.

“It’s special being down here with all of the other guys,” Burroughs said. “They were real encouraging when it came time to pick my college. EMCC has such a winning tradition that really the decision was a no-brainer. Everything is done the right way around here, and you can tell why the team has had success.”

EMCC will look for its 15th-straight win Thursday night. In the past three seasons, EMCC has won 34 of its last 36 games, including 12-0 marks in 2011 and 2013.

Each of those squads won the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship that season.

“There is so much pressure, but most of the pressure we put on ourselves,” Burroughs said. “We strive for perfection around here. The good news is striving for perfection always gives you something to work on in practice. Each week, we want to finish the week 1-0 and get a little better.”

The game also will be the MACJC North Division opener. The Lions have won five division championships in coach Buddy Stephens’ first six seasons. The Lions have won 19 of their last 20 division games.

“The first goal is a division championship,” Burroughs said. “You can’t take that for granted. Last week was great because we were No. 1 and (Co-Lin) was No. 3. That was a statement game, especially with us playing at home. Still, it is just one game.

“We got to focus on winning the division. That is the first step in winning the state and national championships.

“We are excited about how the season is going. I like my teammates and know how good we can become. We just all have to stay humble and keep working hard. Hard work is what will help put us over the top.”

Follow Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott.

Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.