September 29, 2021
Ross James (Flowood) had a career night last Thursday, Sept. 23, as the Warriors defeated the Southwest Bears 21-13 in Summit. The freshman posted nine punts, averaging nearly 50 yards, with three landing inside the 20-yard line. The impressive play lands James MACCC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, the first MACCC Player of the Week honor for the Warriors this season.
James was busy throughout the game with nine punts totaling 59, 43, 63, 14, 57, 50, 50, 49, and 60 yards for a 49.5 yards per punt average. James' 63-yarder is the fourth-longest ECCC punt on record behind Steven Anderson's 70-yard kick against East Mississippi in 2018, Robens Beauplan's 69-yarder in 2019, and a pair of 68-yard kicks also from Beauplan.
On the year, James has 28 punts with a 43.5-yard average and 12 kicks landing inside the 20-yard line, all of which lead the MACCC. The freshman leads the NJCAA in punts landing inside the 20 and is second in the nation on average distance behind Corry Wilhoit of Dodge City with a 44.9.
The Warriors are back at home this Thursday, Sept. 30 as ECCC plays host to Pearl River Community College. Kickoff at Bailey Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. and the contest will serve as 'Be Our Guest Night.' All students from area high schools will be admitted into the game for free and Neshoba Central's Big Blue Marching will join the Wall o' Sound in their pregame and halftime entertainment. Drawings for a $1,000 scholarship and bookstore vouchers will also take place.
