Lovertich, Freeman, Matthews named All-Region
PERKINSTON — Three Mississippi Gulf Coast players and coach Jack Wright won spots on the All-NJCAA Region 23 Team announced Thursday.
Quarterback Chance Lovertich (So., Jackson Prep/Brandon), center Cole Freeman (So., West Lauderdale/Collinsville) and defensive back Jackie Matthews (So., Pinson Valley/Pinson Ala.) were named for their efforts on the field. Wright was Coach of the Year for leading the Bulldogs to a perfect 11-0 mark.
Lovertich was also named Offensive Most Valuable Player. He helped guide the Bulldogs to an undefeated MACJC championship season and a berth in the NJCAA Football Championship next month. He completed 226 of 341 passes (66.3 percent) for 2,676 yards, throwing 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Matthews has 49 total tackles and led the MACJC with five interceptions. He returned one for a touchdown and also had 2.5 tackles for loss.
Freeman (So., West Lauderdale/Collinsville), a center, graded at 88 percent and had 40 knockdowns. He started all but one game this season.
The players are now eligible for selection to the NJCAA All-American team, which will be announced Dec. 10.
No. 1 Gulf Coast takes on No. 2 Lackawanna on Dec. 5 in the national championship game. Kickoff in Pittsburg, Kan., is set for 5 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.
