SCOOBA — Entering Thursday’s contest against Jones County Junior College, East Mississippi Community College’s goals were two-pronged: avenge last year’s loss to the Bobcats and make coach Buddy Stephens the all-time career wins leaders in school history.

The Lions accomplished both Thursday night by beating Jones County 47-34 in both teams’ season openers.

The win was Stephens’ 88th in 100 tries since arriving in Scooba, which surpassed legendary EMCC coach Bull Sullivan.

“To say it doesn’t mean anything would be false, and being truthful and honest — it means a lot,” Stephens said. “Bull Sullivan is a great man, and he coached a lot of great people here. And he’s very revered and very loved. If I can do half as much for the guys who play for me that he did for his guys, I’ll be a success.”

The Lions scored 33 second-half points to break a 14-14 halftime tie and swing momentum in their favor.

Quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr., who arrived in Scooba from LSU two weeks ago and hadn’t started a game since 2015, threw for 418 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 54 yards and threw two interceptions. 

Stephens wasn’t the only Lion who was a bit emotional after the win.

“You definitely have to get back in the groove of things since it’s been a while since I’ve played a football game live, and I’ve learned a lot of things on my journey to this field,” Scott Jr. said. “But it feels really good to get back on the field. I told someone else it’s like Christmas morning — I get to wake up and play football. All glory to God. This is really exciting.”

After Jones County quarterback Chris Weaver and receiver Harry Ballard connected for a 51-yard touchdown pass and catch in the third quarter to take a 28-14 lead, EMCC’s offense scored on six second-half drives, while its defense limited Jones County to just one other score during that span.

“The thing that meant the most to me was watching my guys really not breaking, gritting their teeth and getting after it,”Stephens said. “That meant a lot to me.”

Tyrell Price led EMCC in rushing with 64 yards and a touchdown, and receiver Kirk Merritt tallied 180 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Scott Phillips paced the Bobcats with 91 ground yards and a score. Detric Hawthorn led Jones County with 179 passing yards and two touchdowns, and Weaver added an additional two passing scores.

Up next: EMCC hosts Mississippi Gulf Coast on Sept. 7, and Jones County host Mississippi Delta on Sept. 7.