SCOOBA — For the first time in several years, East Mississippi Community College will host a home football game away from its residential campus in Scooba.

The 6-1 EMCC Lions, sitting atop the MACJC North Division standings and tied for 13th in the nation, will face off against Itawamba Community College Saturday at West Point High School.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

“Way back in the ‘Bull’ Sullivan era, EMCC used to play occasionally in Columbus, and we’ve been working our way back to home football games outside Scooba for awhile," EMCC president Dr. Rick Young said. "We had a game lined up at Columbus High School in 2005 – against Itawamba, in fact. But when Hurricane Katrina struck, everyone’s attention went to more pressing matters."

EMCC re-opened the discussion after head football coach Buddy Stephens was hired in December.

“The timing couldn’t be better. Over the last couple of years, EMCC has renewed its commitment to offer classes at more locations in our six-county district. This community college belongs to the people and we want to bring things to them whenever we can, whether it’s career-technical training or academics or sports,” Young said.

“Hosting a football game in West Point goes hand-in-hand with that idea. It’s a chance for us to share our excitement about this football season with the people who support the college and let them have a look at their team –including student athletes from Clay County and the Golden Triangle area.

“We hope everyone will come out to West Point High School on Saturday. Bring the family, and spend the day with the Lions.”



Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s activities:

• Tailgating: Football fans will gather from 9:30 until 12:30 a.m. for “Tailgating with the Lions,” a new EMCC tradition. The tailgating area will be just north of the football field at West Point High School. Bring your grills, lawn chairs and tents. For more information, call Jenny Box at (662) 476-5032.

• Pre-game: Before kick-off, Col. Jeffery Dunn, vice wing commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, will swear in about 30 new recruits who are making a commitment to serve their country. The Lions’ Pride Marching Band will play the national anthem, which will culminate with a flyover by T-38 jets from CAFB.

• Gridiron action: The Lions of EMCC take on the Indians of Itawamba at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and children. Mississippi State University is sending its cannon … and when the Lions score, the cannon will roar!

• Mossy Oak raffles: EMCC’s match-up in West Point is sponsored in part by Mossy Oak Outdoors, and the team will be wearing Mossy Oak-inspired camouflage jerseys. Mossy Oak hunting apparel will be raffled off every quarter during the game. To qualify for the Mossy Oak raffles, pick up a sports program on your way into the stadium.

• Halftime show: The halftime show will feature performances by the EMCC Lions’ Pride Marching Band, New Hope High School’s Dance Express and the Columbus High School Marching Band. In addition, two EMCC students will compete at halftime in one more event sponsored by Mossy Oak – a field goal-kicking contest.

• Third-quarter raffle: EMCC’s Quality Enhancement Team, which focuses on developing teamwork and problem-solving skills in all students, will raffle off a $500 gift certificate to Best Buy. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the game. To purchase a ticket in advance, call Rachel Ezelle at the Scooba campus at (662) 476-5037 or Dr. Linda Farrar at the Golden Triangle campus at (662) 243-1980.

• Fourth-quarter raffle: EMCC will raffle off one semester of free tuition at any of the college’s locations in West Point, Mayhew, CAFB, Macon, Scooba or Naval Air Station Meridian. The raffle is open to high school juniors and seniors. Tickets will be available at the game. For more information, call Sheila Flurry at (662) 243-1979.

• All afternoon: Visit the EMCC recruiters’ table for more information about the college. And don’t forget to support West Point High School with a trip to the concession stand.

• Did you know?: The West Point game on Saturday follows EMCC’s decision last year to move the golf team to its Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew. In the next two years, EMCC hopes to bring more athletics to the Golden Triangle, establishing a tennis program and beginning a partnership with West Point and Clay County officials in a budding rodeo program at the Scooba campus. For more information about EMCC sports or Saturday’s game, visit www.eastms.edu.