After getting East Mississippi Community College started on the right foot Thursday, the Lions’ defense made certain EMCC would get its first win of 2010 late at Itawamba Community College’s Lambert Stadium.

    The Lions took an early lead on a defensive touchdown and EMCC held Itawamba scoreless in the second half for a 37-10 win. The Lions improved to 1-3, 1-1 in the MACJC North Division. It was also EMCC’s fourth straight win against ICC, which fell to 1-3, 0-1 in the North.

    After EMCC was unable to convert following a Perrance Ward interception ICC’s Andy Wilson on the game’s first drive at midfield, the Lions’ defense took matters in its own hands moments later. On the Indians’ ensuing drive, Johnny Cockrell picked off Wilson and returned it 56 yards for a score with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter and EMCC led 6-0.

    Following a 23-yard field goal from ICC’s Will Goodwin late in the first quarter, the two teams traded touchdowns in the second period. The Lions again struck first with former Meridian High standout Hamp Glover snagging his first college touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Brad Henderson to push the lead to 13-3 with 11:50 remaining in the half.

    With less than four minutes left before intermission, Itawamba pulled back within a field goal as DeShawn McGaughy scored from 1 yard out. It would be the Indians’ last score, though.

    In fact, until a late fumble by Floyd Graves gave ICC the ball at the Lions 9, the Indians did not reach EMCC territory in the second half.

    The Lions, meanwhile, put the game away in the third. With 10:25 left in the quarter, Graves, a former Newton County star, found the end zone from 1 yard out. Taylor Walker followed with a 33-yard field go give EMCC a 23-10 lead. Then, with 15 seconds left in the quarter, Andre Taylor returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown.

    Trayshun King tacked on the last score, a 19-yard run, with 4:50 left.

    EMCC hits the road next Thursday for another North Division game as they face Coahoma. The Tigers lost 37-7 to Northwest Mississippi on Thursday.

— Jamie Wachter