Northwest football tops Co-Lin 28-27 in MACCC semifinal thriller, advances to title game
M.J. Johnson scores three touchdowns, Elliott Helps seals win with end-zone interception
WESSON, Miss. – No. 4 Northwest Mississippi Community College punched its ticket to the MACCC championship game Saturday, securing a dramatic 28-27 road victory over No. 5 Copiah-Lincoln Community College with a last-minute touchdown and a game-sealing interception.
The win advances the Rangers (9-1) to host the MACCC title game next Saturday. The win-or-go-home semifinal at H.L. Stone Stadium featured three ties and two lead changes as both teams battled for a potential spot in the national tournament field.
The Wolves (8-2) nearly won in the final seconds, driving to the Rangers’ 7-yard line with 11 seconds remaining. With no timeouts, Co-Lin opted for a pass instead of a potential game-winning field goal. Quarterback Jaylen Pettway’s lob to the end zone was intercepted by sophomore linebacker Elliott Helps, ending the threat and sealing the Northwest victory.
“Co-Lin is really good,” Northwest Head Coach Benji Parker said. “I was proud of our guys, they showed a lot of character tonight.”
Northwest’s game-winning drive began with 4:01 remaining, trailing 27-21. The Rangers converted a crucial fourth-and-seven when M.J. Johnson drew a pass interference penalty. Johnson later caught a 10-yard bubble screen for his third touchdown of the day, and Hayden Wolfe’s extra point provided the 28-27 lead with 1:10 left.
“We preach it day in and day out… never give up until the clock hits zero,” Johnson said.
The game was a back-and-forth battle. Northwest struck first on a 15-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 14-yard pass to Johnson. After Co-Lin tied the game 7-7, Northwest saw a potential touchdown by Johnson reversed when officials ruled he fumbled at the 1-yard line for a touchback.
The Rangers responded immediately on their next possession with an 84-yard halfback pass from Julius Pope to Johnson, making it 14-7.
“MJ can make a play,” Parker said. “He is that guy that wants the ball to make a play in that situation.”
Co-Lin tied the game at 14 just before halftime and took its first lead, 21-14, in the third quarter. Northwest answered when Pope caught a 35-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-three, tying the game 21-21.
The Wolves retook the lead, 27-21, on a 35-yard touchdown reception by Jermarj Bell, but a missed extra point proved critical, setting the stage for the Rangers’ fourth-quarter comeback.
Johnson finished with a career day, posting nine receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Pope was a versatile threat, catching 14 passes for 121 yards and a score while also leading the team with 65 rushing yards. Quarterback Keegan Fann was 30-for-43 for 235 yards and three touchdowns.
Northwest will host No. 7 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which defeated No. 9 East Mississippi Community College 45-24, in the MACCC and Region 23 championship game.
