Wolves Shutout Eagles and Claim Share of South Division Championship

RAYMOND – The Co-Lin Football team wrapped up the 2023 regular season with a road trip to Raymond to face off against the Hinds Eagles. The Wolves had their best defensive effort of the season pitching a shutout en route to a 13-0 win and claimed a share of the 2023 MACCC South Division Championship.

There was no overcoming a slow start for the Wolves as they scored on their opening possession of the game. Brandon Gilliam (Vicksburg) connected on a 29-yard field goal to end a seven play, 30-yard drive giving the Wolves a 3-0 lead with 8:29 left.

The opposing defenses then buckled down and keep the offenses at bay for the remainder of the first quarter and most of the second quarter as the Wolves clung to their 3-0 lead.

The lone touchdown of the game came as Johnnie Daniels broke loose for a career-long 80-yard scoring rush ending a two play, 80-yard drive. The successful PAT gave the Wolves a 10-0 lead with 1:05 left in the first half and the score remained there as the teams entered the locker rooms at halftime.

The Wolves increased their lead midway through the third quarter as Gilliam hit his second field goal of the night, this time from 34 yards out, capping off a five play, 24-yard drive. The Wolves lead stood at 13-0 with 6:25 left in the quarter.

The Eagles looked to respond with a scoring chance after the Wolves field goal with a field goal of their own, but Navarion Benson (Crystal Springs) blocked the attempt keeping the Eagles off the board. The Wolves defense then forced a turnover on downs and two punts on the Eagles final three drives to seal the 13-0 victory and share of the MACCC South Division crown.

DeVon Tott (Mandeville, LA) completed 14 of 24 pass attempts for 120 yards with one interception paired with seven rushes for 18 yards while Will Loy (Wesson) completed both of his pass attempts for two yards.

Johnnie Daniels had 16 rushes for 102 yards with one touchdown while Richard Mays Jr., (Ridgeland) led the receiving corps with five receptions for 29 yards.

The Wolves defense and special teams were the star of the night as they finished with nine tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions. Billy Pullen (Kaufman, TX) led the defense with seven total tackles including three tackles for loss with two sacks. Kevontay Wells (Jackson) and Dedric Hicks (Laurel) had five total tackles each while Wells had 1.5 tackles for loss. Kaden Dukes (Petal) had four total tackles, one pass breakup, and one punt block. In addition to his blocked field goal, Navarion Benson had one interception while Malachi Williams (Brookhaven) had the other interception.

Co-Lin finishes the regular season 8-1 overall, 5-1 in South Division play. The Wolves earned the No. 1 seed from the South Division and will host the No. 2 seed from the North Division, Northwest Mississippi. Kickoff between the No. 15 Rangers and the No. 5 Wolves is set for 2 p.m., on Saturday, November 11, at Stone Stadium in Wesson.