Published: November 08, 2009 10:59 pm      

Lions make history with championship

SCOOBA — East Mississippi Community College made history Saturday.

In the process, the Lions also made it a happy history by defeating Mississippi Gulf Coast 75-71 at Sullivan-Windham Field to grab their first MACJC state championship.

"We talked before the game about being immortal and a part of history," EMCC coach Buddy Stephens said. "We were going to make history here no matter what, but now we'll be remembered. Because when you look back, the winners are the ones that are remembered."

Also bound to be remembered is the game itself that gave the Lions their gold football. In EMCC's first state championship game appearance, the Lions racked up 602 yards of offense on 75 plays. Gulf Coast, the two-time defending state champs, answered with 590 on 79 plays. EMCC punted once. Gulf Coast twice.

"Not even close," EMCC quarterback Randall Mackey said about prior experiences in 75-71 thrillers. "That was College Gameday Live, ESPN-type stuff."

Added Stephens: "I think I was, back when I was playing basketball in the eighth grade."

It was a fitting end to the historic run the Lions have made in Stephens' two seasons in Scooba.

Last year EMCC made its first appearance in the state playoffs since 1984 — and second overall — and this year was making its first back-to-back state playoff appearances.

The Lions also have posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1987 (5-4-1) and 1988 (7-3). Prior to the 8-2 mark last year, EMCC's last winning season was in 1998 at 6-4.

Still, those previous Lions were on Stephens' mind after EMCC hoisted the gold football Saturday.

"I told the guys before the game that they were playing this game for everybody that came before them and everybody that was coming after them," he said. "They had to play for themselves, but also needed to know the prayers and wishes that went into this title.

"They are all part of history and part of this title."