Bulldogs prepare for rugged Co-Lin in Top-10 showdown

PERKINSTON — It's no secret why this week's opponent will be a tough out for No. 4 Mississippi Gulf Coast. Copiah-Lincoln is ranked 10^th in the country for good reason.

"They're very good at the things that matter, which is running the football, stopping the run, and not turning the ball over," Bulldogs coach Jack Wright said. "The really good football team."

The teams kick off Thursday at 7 p.m. at A.L. May Memorial Stadium. Buy your tickets ahead of time to save money. It costs $10 for adults or $7 for youth online, or $15 and $10 at the gate. Tickets are available at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/tickets, and the game will be streamed at https://mgcccbulldogs.com/watch.

It's University of Southern Mississippi Night and Cancer Support Night, so wear pink.

Gulf Coast won 27-20 last year at Wesson and has won six of the last eight meetings between the teams. Once again, the matchup will have big implications in the standings. The Bulldogs can clinch at least a share of another MACCC South title with a win.

"I think the kids know it," Wright said. "There's no reason to talk about it. Our job as coaches is to make sure they're prepared for the game. They look at the standings, like we can, and they're smart guys. This is a really tight conference. They know a lot of the players at Co-Lin, and Co-Lin's players know us, so it's about playing football."

Co-Lin is the nation's second-ranked rushing attack, piling up 268.7 yards a game.

The Wolves are led by Martavious Boswell, who leads the country in rushing with 126 yards per game. The 5-foot-9 sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas, is averaging a staggering 9.4 yards per carry.

"He can fly," Wright said. "He can do some stuff on his own, but they've got a good line, and they give him a lot of room. He's a big-play running back. He's explosive."

Gulf Coast leads the MACCC in pass defense, allowing just 134 yards a game. One of the reasons is defensive back Shadrick Toodle. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder from Mobile has 15 tackles and an interception.

He committed to Auburn this week and has played at corner and safety this season.

"Toodle is very talented," Wright said. "He's got all the dimensions. He's very long and athletic. He's physical. He can cover. He's a very talented guy. He's been a very good player for us for two years."

Game #7

WHO: Gulf Coast (6-0, 4-0 MACCC South) vs. Copiah-Lincoln (5-1, 3-1)

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.

WHERE: A.L. May Memorial Stadium, Perkinston

WATCH: https://mgcccbulldogs.com/watch

LISTEN: SuperTalk 103.1 FM

TICKETS: http://mgcccbulldogs.com/tickets 

The Series

Series record: Gulf Coast leads 56-32-2 (91^st meeting)

First Meeting: 1928

Last Meeting: Oct. 17, 2024, Gulf Coast 27, Copiah-Lincoln 20

Notes: Gulf Coast has won six of the last eight meetings … Gulf Coast has nine shutouts in its 52 victories … Co-Lin shut out Gulf Coast in the first three meetings between the schools and has four total … Gulf Coast won nine straight games in the series between 1966 and 1974 … Co-Lin won the first five games in the series, its longest win streak … The biggest Gulf Coast win in the series was in 1968 (44-0), while the biggest for Co-Lin was in 1941 (51-6).

For more information on MGCCC's 12 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.