MGSC Football Falls to Coppin State in NCFA Title Game

SALEM, Virginia (MGSC RELEASE) –  The Middle Georgia State College Knights fell 38-13 Saturday to Coppin State in the National Club Football Association National Championship Game in Salem, Va.

The team was 11-0 and ranked No. 1 headed into the contest. The Knights started out driving the ball well but a mishandled snap on a field goal attempt ended the drive. The defense stood tall and got the ball back and the Knights were able to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Coppin State Eagles (Baltimore, MD) fought back and took a 16-7 halftime lead after several turnovers by the Knights.

The Knights were able to get another score in the third quarter to make it a 17 point game at 30-13 but could not get closer and the game ended with a 38-13 score.

The Knights finished the season at 11-1 and as the South Atlantic Conference Champions for the second straight year.

Head Coach Dustan Jump was proud of his team’s season and looks forward to coming back next year.

“The loss was disappointing,” Coach Jump said “But each player on this team will learn a good lesson in dealing with adversity and be a better person for it.”

Local players on the Knights:

Crawford County HS
Head Coach Dustan Jump (17-2 in 2 seasons)

Dodge County HS
Marcus Brown (S) – 4 Interceptions

Dublins HS
Brayton Smith (K) – 34/39 PAT, 1/5 FG

Howard HS
Miguel Carmona III (DE) – 7 Sacks
Demetrus McCoy (LB) – 23 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Fumble Return TD
Cartellis Smith (OL/DL) – 2 Tackles

Mary Person HS
Rico Lyons (RB) – 1059 yards rushing, 15 Touchdowns
Reno Lyons (CB) – 26 Tackles, 2 Interceptions
Billy Stephens (C)
Rico Ogletree (CB) – 20 Tackles, 2 Interceptions, 210 Punt Return Yards, 2 TD

Northside-Warner Robins
Miguel Williams (RB) – 136 yards rushing, 1TD, 5 receptions 55 yards
Aaron Lewis (RB) – 15 yards rushing

Peach County HS
Dakavion Washington (RB) – 8 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 3 yards rushing
Bleckley County HS
Ken Hughes (CB/QB) – 7 interceptions, 1 TD, 290 yards passing, 82 rushing, 2 passing TD
Antonio Girtman (T)
Jaquantae Burns (WR)
Dendrell Blash (DE/FB) – 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble

Perry HS
Jatavis Owens (CB) – 2 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 4 Interceptions
Sean Swan (G)

Veterans HS
David Demoe (DL/OL)

West Laurens HS
Jamarious Wright (WR/P) – 13 receptions, 188 yards, 1 TD, 30.7 Punt Average

Westside Macon
Jamal Freeman (DE) – 3 Sacks
Calvin Jones (RB) – 25 yards rushing