POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Pearl River football team knows what it's like to compete with the best — after all, the Wildcats took down both sides of the 2024 MACCC Championship game a year ago.

With a roster of experience and immense talent, the Wildcats hope to turn a few narrow losses into victories and return Pearl River to the playoffs in 2025.

 

"Not only do we have returners, but we have returners who know what it takes to beat the best," head coach Seth Smith said. "If you tally it up, there were 15 total points that kept us from going to the playoffs last season.

 

"We made strides last year, and I truly believe these guys picked up where we left off. We're hoping to make that same kind of jump like we did from 2023 to 2024. If we do that, it finally gives us a chance to compete for championships."

 

Smith talked about his team's depth in comparison to previous seasons.

 

"I think we're as deep as we've ever been at every position. Lord willing, everybody stays healthy, but if somebody gets banged up, there shouldn't be a drop off because of our depth."

 

The Wildcat quarterback room will be strong in 2025, led by Louisiana-Monroe transfer Reese Mooney (Clinton; Denham Springs) and the returning Ian Gonzalez (Mexico City, Mexico; St. Stanislaus). Mooney didn't see any action at ULM in 2024. Gonzalez passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 471 yards last season. AJ Jones (Beaumont; Perry Central) will provide depth to the group.

 

"Reese is a Division I guy who has been in several systems, so he understands these concepts. He's got elite arm talent — a true power four arm," head coach Seth Smith said. "Then Ian has power four legs. It's the best of both worlds, and both will see some time on the field."

 

The Wildcats return two running backs that helped PRCC finish third in the MACCC in rushing — Keenan Franks (State Line; Greene County) and Jacobi Jefferson (Slidell, La.; Salmen). Franks rumbled for 531 yards and three touchdowns last year, while Jefferson tallied 303 yards and three scores. Kylin Champagne (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) and Moses Cummings (Purvis) could receive some carries.

 

"Jacobi is so quick and fast. He's just hard to get a hand on," Smith said. "Keenan will just wear you out. They do all the little things right. They're truly thunder and lightning."

 

Pearl River's four wide receivers are all out-of-state players, including Henry Lee Jr. (Kenner, La.; East Jefferson), Howard Kinchen (Lafayette, La.; Patterson), Donovan McGowan (Mandeville, La.) and Coffeyville transfer Kedrick Triplett (Florence, Ala.). Kinchen caught 23 passes for 320 yards while Lee Jr. hauled in 11 for 127 and a touchdown. McGowan and Triplett both earned a redshirt in 2024.

 

"Howard and Henry return and are both electric out-of-state guys," Smith said. "We bring back Donovan, who is a redshirt from Louisiana. Then you add Kedrick, who has legitimate 4.3 speed. We've got four receivers that could score on one play."

 

Kobe Pierce (Laurel) and Bishop McGruder (Gulfport) will also have opportunities.

 

Smith feels the offensive line may be the largest he's had during his tenure. It's anchored by Slater Adams (Quitman), who has moved to center. It also includes returners Dondiago Collins (Laurel), Joshua Myers (Oak Grove), Gabe Miller (Hurley; East Central), Loren Howell (Biloxi) and Amare Johnson (Kenner, La.; Destrehan), plus several newcomers that will fight for time.

 

"This is the oldest and deepest we've been at the position," Smith said. "We're expecting play time from a lot of different guys and hopefully they'll do a good job."

Along the defensive line, PRCC returns two of the best in the conference in Jalen Anderson (Slidell, La.) and Travis Bendolph Jr. (Mobile, Ala.; Theodore). Anderson had nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season. Bendolph Jr. led PRCC in tackles with 67, tallying eight TFLs.

 

"There were a couple of games that Jalen just took over. Whether it was forcing a fumble or scoring a defensive touchdown, he always finds the football," Smith said. "Bendolph was another All-Conference guy that we're glad is back."

 

Ryan McVay (Pensacola, Fla.; Escambia) and Tim Williams Jr. (Mobile, Ala.; Theodore) return to aid in the pass rush. Marquaes Lambert (Daphne, Ala.) and Trevontae' Williams (Buras, La.; South Plaquemines) should make an impact in their first year with the program. 

 

Linebacker depth is strong, led by Second Team All-MACCC selection Amarion Tyson (Picayune), who had 53 tackles and 11.5 TFLs as a freshman, and Trace Carter (Ocean Springs), who had 55 tackles last year.

The Wildcats have numerous other returners who can rotate into the game.

 

"Amarion is instinctive and fast," Smith said. "When you play football and are his size, you have to be fearless. When he's on the field, he may be 5-foot-7, but to him, he's 6-foot-5.

"It's a deep group. There are about six of them that coach (Ty) Trahan can start at any moment, and it wouldn't matter because they are all that good."

 

The defensive back group will be led by returners Tradarius Smith (Port Gibson), Jadquist Clark (Macon; Noxubee County), Garrett Orgas (Vicksburg; Warren Central) and redshirt freshman Daniel Pickens (Gautier; Resurrection).

 

"Coach (Ta'Ron) Sims does an incredible job with this group," Smith said. "He gets out there and recruits and develops. This will be another group that is really deep for us."

Pearl River returns its entire special teams unit, which includes long snapper Tyke Smith (Poplarville), kicker Morgan Craft (Picayune) and punter Jake Vick (Philadelphia; Nanih Waiya). PRCC also added MAIS All-State kicker Colton Stringer (State Line; Wayne Academy) and long snapper Canaan Uzel (Picayune) into the mix. Craft was 18-for-22 on extra points and 6-for-12 on field goals while nursing an injury as a freshman. Vick averaged 35.8 yards per punt and downed 16 inside the 20-yard line.

 

"Competition can make or break you, and Morgan didn't let it break him," Smith said. "He's been really good this fall. Jake did a good job for us last year punting the football. Colton has a monster leg. Tyke and Canaan will help each other in the long snapping game."

TICKETS
Tickets are available now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 and tickets purchased on gameday are $13. Chairback tickets are available for $20 and go up to $23 on gameday.

HOW TO WATCH
The Wildcats livestream all games for FREE at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores. 

All games will also be available at WRJWRadio.com.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Wildcat football program has re-launched the Golden Gridiron Club for the 2025 season. The club offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for any organization or fan who wants to support the PRCC football program. For more information, visit PRCCAthletics.com/GoldenGridironClub or email DLSmith@prcc.edu.

For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).