Bulldogs fall in opener, 49-24, to the Wildcats

POPLARVILLE --- The Holmes Community College Bulldogs fell here Thursday to the Pearl River Community College Wildcats, 49-24.

Holmes travels to East Central on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Pearl River took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before the Bulldogs answered when Philip Short found Kerrick Ross on a 5-yard touchdown pass. Will Carter's extra point was good, and the game was tied with 9:31 left in the quarter.

The Bulldogs took a 14-7 lead with 43 seconds left in the first when Deriaun Townsend scored from four yard out. Carter's extra point was good.

Pearl River then added two scores both on running plays before halftime to hold a 21-14 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs brought the score to within four at 21-17 when Carter nailed a 39-yard field goal with 13:09 left in the third.

Pearl River scored on a rushing touchdown to lead 28-18 after three quarters.

The Bulldogs' final score came with 6:25 left in the fourth when Joe Moss scored from four yards out. Luke Moffett's extra point made the score 42-24.

Pearl River scored again with 2:30 to go on a rushing touchdown to end all scoring.

Short ended the game 21-of-41 for 257 yards. Jahiem Shack had eight catches for 109 yards.