Two weeks into the season, it seems that East Central Community College head football coach Terry Underwood’s new philosophy is working.

The Warriors entered this season with a new commitment to the running game. Thursday night, that dedication was evident on four rushing touchdowns as the Warriors cruised to a 35-7 win at Mississippi Delta in Moorhead.

Sophomore running back Roosevelt Ross scored three touchdowns and the ECCC defense forced six turnovers to push the Warriors to 2-0 on the season.

Trailing 7-0 early in the second quarter, Ross delivered a 32-yard touchdown jaunt to even the score after Beau Hannah added the extra point.

Later in the quarter, Ross and the ECCC defense would team up to put the game out of reach.

In the last minute of the first half, ECCC forced a pair of Delta fumbles, the first of which led to a Ross two-yard scoring dive. Leading 14-7, the Warriors would find the endzone again just 20 seconds later, as defensive back Josh Lewis pounced on a Delta fumble and returned 80 yards for a score on the final play of the first half.

On the night, the Warriors converted 21 points directly from Delta turnovers.

In the second half, sophomore running back Maurice Langston scored from five yards out and Ross added a 12-yard scoring dash to give the Warriors the 35-7 win.

Now 2-0 on the season, East Central will return to Decatur next week for its first home game of the season. The Warriors will play host to Jones County Thursday night at 6:30.

— Brandon Walker

Southwest 12

EMCC 7

The Lions of East Mississippi Community College failed to get back on the winning track after losing their opener to East Central. Instead, the Lions came up short at Southwest, falling by a score of 12-7.

It was the second straight year Southwest held on for a close victory over EMCC. Last season, the Bears topped the Lions 22-20.

No other details were available.

EMCC will remain on the road next week, traveling to Moorhead to take on Mississippi Delta.

— Brandon Walker