No. 5 Gulf Coast faces Holmes option attack

PERKINSTON — Whenever you ask Mississippi Gulf Coast football coach Jack Wright about this week's opponent, the words out of his mouth usually include "hard-nosed" and "tough."

The No. 5 Bulldogs head to Goodman to play another set of Bulldogs, the Holmes variety. That team will be looking for its first win of the year, but don't let the record deceive.

"I think they're a very good team; they've just happened to play two other very good teams. That's why they're 0-2, They've had a really tough schedule. I see a team capable of beating anybody."

Kickoff at Ras Branch Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed by Holmes at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/stream, and you can listen to the MGCCC radio broadcast at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/audio.

Gulf Coast has won seven straight games against Holmes, which provide a challenge every year because of the option offense it runs.

"Versus a regular offense, you can play a little bit of a catch-all defense," Wright said. "Even if you're not really expecting what happens, you have athletes out there who can pursue and minimize the gain when an offense does something really well. Against this offense, you have to defend everybody on every play. If there's one breakdown, it's a touchdown."

Holmes wind grind out first downs until all of the sudden a running back is alone streaking down the field thanks to one of those breakdowns.

Gulf Coast comes into the game seventh in the country in scoring defense (7.5 points per game) and eighth in rush defense (47.5 yards per game).

The Bulldogs offense is second in rushing yards per game (258.5), fourth in yards per game (495.0) and Chance Lovertich (So., Jackson Prep/Brandon) is ninth in the country in quarterback efficiency.

Those things don't happen without a strong offensive line, and Gulf Coast's has been good this year even with four new starters. Cole Freeman (So., West Lauderdale/Collinsville) is the only returning starter from a squad that sent four to FBS teams last year.

"Cole came in here and earned a position as a true freshman and started every game," Wright said. "He was part of a real talented group and was a huge key for our offensive success in 2018. That's carried over now that he's a year old. He's playing that much faster, that much better. He communicates that much better. I'm really excited where he lands after Gulf Coast. I think he deserves some incredible opportunities."

Game #2

WHO: MGCCC (2-0) at Holmes (0-2)

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ras Branch Stadium, Goodman

WATCH: http://mgcccbulldogs.com/stream

LISTEN: SuperTalk Mississippi 103.1 FM or http://mgcccbulldogs.com/audio

The Series

Series record: Gulf Coast leads 35-24-2

First Meeting: 1927

Last Meeting: Sept. 13, 2019, MGCCC 48, Holmes 14

Notes: Gulf Coast has won seven straight in the series, dating back to 2004 … The Bulldogs are averaging 45.2 points in the streak, allowing 15.0 points … Gulf Coast has registered six shutouts in its 35 victories … Holmes has registered seven shutouts in its 24 wins … Gulf Coast won 11 straight in the series between 1967 and 1986 … Gulf Coast beat Holmes 68-0 in 2006, the sixth-most points scored and the third-highest point differential in school history.

For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.