Choctaws Fall to Division II West Alabama, 41-3

LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The Mississippi College football team came up short in a 41-3 loss to Division II West Alabama Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.

The Tigers (2-1) got things going early with two drives of 79 yards or more and took a 14-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Choctaws (1-2) would bow their neck defensively from there, only allowing 13 points in the second quarter to trail 27-0 at halftime.  Juniors Keith Villafranco and Stephen Miner each forced turnovers in the frame.

To open the second half, MC came out of the gate and put points on the board with a 42-yard field goal by senior Chris Campbell.  After the score, Miner picked off his second pass of the season and returned the ball to the West Alabama 21-yard line.  The Tigers stepped up defensively and forced a missed field goal by the Choctaws.

After a solid punt return by Malik Lofton, the Tigers would push the lead to 34-3 to end the 3rd quarter on a run by sophomore quarterback Kyle Caldwell.

The Tigers used their size and strength up front to rush for 353 yards on 51 carries, led by Matt Willis with 101 yards.

Freshman Denzel Dabon led the Choctaws with 47 yards on 17 carries in his collegiate debut.

Miner and Villafranco led MC defensively with 19 combined tackles and four forced turnovers.

The Choctaws will be back in action in two weeks when they travel to Abilene to open conference play at Hardin-Simmons at 6:00 p.m.