SCOOBA — The 14th-ranked Lions of East Mississippi Community College opened MACJC North Division play by scoring 41 unanswered points in a 54-10 victory over visiting Northeast Mississippi in their home opener Thursday night at Sullivan-Windham Field.

Coach Buddy Stephens’ EMCC Lions, now 2-1 overall and 1-0 in division play on the year, steadily increased their 19-10 halftime lead by adding three more rushing touchdowns and scoring two times on special teams following intermission.

Totaling 291 passing yards and 235 yards on the ground for the game, the Lions rushed for six touchdowns in the contest – three by freshman running back Tyrell Price, two by Florida State transfer quarterback De’Andre Johnson and a 30-yarder by freshman Ja’Mori Mark to close out the game’s scoring. EMCC’s special teams scores came from Duke Upshaw on a 76-yard return of a blocked field goal attempt and a 3-yard scamper into the end zone by Ja’Moz Mark on a recovered punt snap that was fumbled. 

Freshman Brieton Sykes led the way on the ground with 58 yards on six carries for the winners. Starkville’s Jacquez Horsley added 45 yards on five attempts.

Through the air, EMCC’s Johnson was 23-of-36 passing for 275 yards in addition to his 37 rushing yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. 

The EMCC Lions travel to Fulton to take on the 10th-ranked Itawamba Indians next Thursday.